Insulated container for receiving temperature sensitive products

Abstract

To provide a heat insulating container which enables improvement of sealability of the heat insulating container and reduction of heat exchange along a connection surface.SOLUTION: The heat insulating container for receiving a product sensitive to a temperature comprises at least one vacuum heat insulating element. The vacuum heat insulating elements are connected via at least two connection surfaces. Sealing means are arranged on the connection surfaces so as to reduce heat exchange along the connection surfaces by closing and sealing an opening gap formed between the vacuum heat insulating elements. Thus, the sealability of the heat insulating container can be improved, and heat exchange in an area of the connection surfaces can be reduced. Therefore, a heat relief path generated due to fabrication tolerance caused by fabrication of a plate or an irregular surface which brings about the corresponding opening gap on the connection surface is reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an insulated container for receiving a temperature-sensitive product according to the independent claims.

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of insulation of containers for receiving products stored or transported at a particular temperature, and in particular to improving the insulation of said containers. [Background technology]

[0003] Insulating means reducing the passage of thermal energy through the shell to protect a space or contents from being cooled or heated.

[0004] In the prior art it is known to provide an insulated container for receiving a temperature-sensitive product, comprising at least one insulating element, which is connected via at least two connecting surfaces to form the insulated container.

[0005] Insulated containers consist, for example, of flexible material or several plates connected to each other. This type of container provides thermally inert protection for temperature-sensitive valuable products, such as medicines. This is particularly crucial, since the standards for the storage and transportation of, for example, medicines, are very high and must be reliably maintained throughout the entire supply chain. The insulating elements used should have the lowest possible thermal conductivity λ to achieve a good insulating effect. Heat conduction means the transport of heat in a medium without mass transfer (as in the case of convection, for example). Materials with low thermal conductivity are called insulation materials and are used to reduce heat and cold losses.

[0006] However, at the abutment surfaces where the individual plates are connected to each other, heat escapes can occur, resulting in an undesirable exchange of heat between the interior of the insulated container and the environment. Heat escapes occur particularly strongly due to manufacturing tolerances resulting from the manufacture of the plates or uneven surfaces, which for example lead to corresponding open gaps in the connecting surfaces. Heat exchange (or heat transfer) is a natural phenomenon that takes place between at least two media, during which the thermal energy of a medium with a higher temperature is transferred to another medium with a lower temperature. Heat exchange leads to heating or cooling of a substance system, or to evaporation or condensation of a substance, or to freezing or melting. This leads to a deterioration of the insulation of the container and to heating or cooling of temperature-sensitive products placed inside the insulated container. Leaks in the insulation can lead to serious losses of time and resources in the supply chain. The product can then become unusable or only to a limited extent depending on the circumstances. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and in particular to provide an insulating container that can improve the sealing performance of the insulating container and therefore reduce heat exchange along the connecting surfaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by an insulated container for receiving a temperature-sensitive product having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments form the subject of the associated dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention relates to an insulated container for receiving temperature-sensitive products. The insulated container is equipped with at least one vacuum insulation element. The vacuum insulation elements are connected via at least two connecting surfaces. Sealing means are arranged on the connecting surfaces in order to close and seal each open gap formed between the vacuum insulation elements, thereby reducing the heat exchange along the connecting surfaces. This allows to improve the sealing of the insulated container and reduce the heat exchange in the area of ​​the connecting surfaces. In this way, the escape routes for heat created by manufacturing tolerances due to the manufacture of plates or uneven surfaces, which lead to corresponding open gaps in the connecting surfaces, are reduced.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sealing means are arranged between the connection surfaces, respectively, completely or partly along the connection surface, for example the sealing means can be arranged in a narrow strip along the connection surface, extending over only a part of the width of the connection surface.

[0011] Preferably, the sealing means is designed to be flexibly deformable, so as to compensate for any gaps that may exist when the plates are subjected to a certain pressure against each other. Preferably, the thickness of the sealing means is in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, in particular 2 mm to 4 mm, since manufacturing tolerances outside these ranges do not usually occur.

[0012] It has proven to be a good technical alternative if the sealing means is arranged completely or partly transversely along the connecting surfaces at the abutment junction of the connecting surfaces, respectively. For example, a coated (aluminium) foil can be employed as sealing means.

[0013] It is particularly preferred if the sealing means are designed in one piece or in several pieces in each case at the connection surface. Advantageously, the sealing means are designed in one piece so as to fit precisely and precisely into the connection surface. According to a further embodiment, the sealing means are designed in several parts and can therefore be arranged several times in succession in the direction of heat transfer, for example in the form of parallel strips.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing means comprises an adhesive, in particular a sticky tape, a binder, a spray latex, or a combination thereof, which adhesively holds the mating surfaces together, thereby increasing the stability of the insulated container while reducing air passages and thus heat exchange at the mating surfaces.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sealing means comprises a heat transfer minimizing material, in particular an insulating material, a swelling tape, a foam material, or a combination thereof. For example, the insulating material is a thermal insulating foam. The swelling tape can be a thermal insulator and at the same time minimize air passages at the connection surface.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the insulated container further comprises four side insulating elements, a bottom insulating element and a lid insulating element. The four side insulating elements and the bottom insulating element are abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces so as to form a receiving space open on one side for receiving a temperature-sensitive product. The lid insulating element and the four side insulating elements are abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces so as to completely cover the receiving space. Sealing means are arranged at and along each respective connecting surface. In this way, the insulated container in the form of a box can be improved.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the insulated container further comprises four side insulating elements, a bottom insulating element and a lid insulating element, the four side insulating elements and the bottom insulating element being abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces to form a receiving space open on one side for receiving a temperature-sensitive product, the lid insulating element and the four side insulating elements being abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces to completely cover the receiving space, and the sealing means being arranged only at and / or along the connecting surfaces between the lid insulating element and the four side insulating elements and / or the connecting surfaces between the bottom insulating element and the four side insulating elements. As a result of the sealing means arranged in this way, when the box lid is closed, pressure can be applied from above to below on the plates such that the sealing means are squeezed or pressed together at multiple connecting surfaces to achieve improved sealing efficiency.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the vacuum insulation element comprises a vacuum insulation panel, so that if several vacuum insulation panels are used in one insulated container, the connecting surfaces formed at the abutment joints can be sealed in an advantageous manner.

[0019] Vacuum insulation panels of the vacuum insulation element, respectively embodied as single or multiple layers, have proven to be a technically good alternative. If several layers of vacuum insulation panels are used, adjacent connecting butt joints can also be sealed separately.

[0020] Advantageously, the insulating container further comprises a sheath completely or partially surrounding the insulating container, the product or the vacuum insulating elements, for example made of foil, which prevents water vapor and air from reaching between the vacuum insulating elements.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, corner elements (edge ​​protection elements) are arranged at the outer edge of the insulating container formed along a number of connecting surfaces. These corner elements are designed to at least partially surround the outside of the vacuum insulating element. In this way, the insulating container can be protected from impacts and associated damage caused to products placed in the insulating container.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one strap for stabilizing the vacuum insulation element is arranged along the outside of the vacuum insulation element, so that the vacuum insulation elements can be held tightly together, for example due to the elasticity of the strap, a contact pressure can be applied to press the connecting surfaces together.

[0023] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an insulated container according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the insulated container of FIG. 1 in a partially connected state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the insulated container of FIG. 1 in a fully closed state with a sheath. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through a vacuum insulation element with a sheath. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the insulated container of FIG. 1 with corner elements. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the insulated container of FIG. 1 with corner elements and straps for stabilizing the vacuum insulation element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Fig. 1 shows an insulated container 1 for receiving a temperature-sensitive product. The insulated container 1 comprises at least one vacuum insulation element 2, 5, 6 having at least two connection surfaces 7. The two connection surfaces are abutted against one another. A sealing means 4 is arranged between the two connection surfaces 7 in order to reduce the heat exchange along the two connection surfaces 7. This makes it possible to improve the tightness of the insulated container 1 and reduce the heat exchange in the area of ​​the connection surfaces 7 by closing the open gaps formed between the vacuum insulation elements (2, 5, 6).

[0026] Also, Fig. 1 shows the inventive insulated container 1 with a sealing means 4 which extends completely along the connection surface 7. For example, the sealing means can also extend partially along the connection surface 7. The sealing means 4 is designed in one piece at the connection surface 7. For example, the sealing means can also be designed in several pieces. The sealing means 4 consists of an adhesive tape, a binder, a spray latex, a foam material or a combination thereof. It is also possible that the sealing means 4 consists of an adhesive, in particular a thermal insulating material, a swelling tape or a combination thereof.

[0027] 2 shows an insulated container 1 according to the invention, which comprises four side insulating elements 2, a bottom insulating element 5 and a lid insulating element 6. The four side insulating elements 2 and the bottom insulating element 5 are then brought into abutment with one another along their respective connecting faces 7, such that a receiving space 3 is formed which is open on one side for receiving a temperature-sensitive product (not shown). The lid insulating element 6 is arranged on the connecting faces 7 of the four side insulating elements 2, such that the receiving space 3 is completely covered. Sealing means 4 are arranged on each of the connecting faces 7.

[0028] 3 shows a side view of an insulated container 1 of the present invention, comprising vacuum insulation panels 2, 5, 6. The vacuum insulation panels 2, 5, 6 are each embodied as a single layer. Alternatively, the vacuum insulation panels 2, 5, 6 can be embodied as multiple layers.

[0029] 3 shows a complete sheath 9 of the insulated container 1 according to the invention. This sheath 9 can be embodied, for example, as a foil, a foil tube or a foil bag. It is envisaged that this sheath 9 is shrunk onto the insulated container 1 by a heat treatment. It is further envisaged that the sheath 9 is embodied as an additional heat pocket, completely or partially surrounding the product 1. Optionally, an insulating hood can be slid onto the insulated container 1 as the sheath 9.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through the vacuum insulation elements 2,5,6 with a sheath 9 completely surrounding the vacuum insulation elements 2,5,6.

[0031] 5 shows an exploded view of the inventive insulating container 1. The corner elements 8 are arranged along the outer edge of the insulating container 1. The corner elements 8 partially surround the outside of the vacuum insulating elements 2, 5, 6. It is also conceivable that the corner elements 8 completely surround the outside of the vacuum insulating elements 2, 5, 6. In this case, the corner elements 8 protrude over the connection surface 7 and act as an additional lateral cover and thus as additional insulation along the connection surface 7.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an insulated container 1 according to the invention, having three straps 10 arranged along the outside for stabilizing the vacuum insulation elements 2, 5, 6. The present disclosure also includes the following inventions. The first aspect is A thermally insulated container (1) for receiving a temperature-sensitive product, The insulated container (1) comprises at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6), the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) abutting against at least two connecting surfaces (7), and sealing means (4) are arranged on the at least two connecting surfaces (7) to reduce heat exchange along the at least two connecting surfaces (7) by closing open gaps formed between the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6). The second aspect is The insulating container (1) in a first aspect, wherein the sealing means (4) is disposed between the at least two connecting surfaces (7), completely or partially along each of the connecting surfaces (7). The third aspect is The insulating container (1) according to the first embodiment, wherein the sealing means (4) is designed to be flexibly deformable and has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, particularly 2 mm to 4 mm. The fourth aspect is The insulating container (1) in a first embodiment, wherein the sealing means (4) is arranged laterally along each of the connecting surfaces (7) completely or partially at the abutting joints of the at least two connecting surfaces (7). The fifth aspect is The sealing means (4) is an insulated container (1) in any one of the first to third aspects, each of which is designed with one piece or multiple pieces at the at least two connection surfaces (7). The sixth aspect is The insulated container (1) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the sealing means (4) comprises an adhesive, in particular an adhesive tape, a binder, a spray latex, or a combination thereof. The seventh aspect is The insulated container (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the sealing means (4) comprises a heat transfer minimizing material, in particular a thermal insulating material, a swelling tape, a foam material or a combination thereof. The eighth aspect is The insulated container (1) is an insulated container (1) in any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising four side insulation elements (2), a bottom insulation element (5) and a lid insulation element (6), the four side insulation elements (2) and the bottom insulation element (5) being abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces (7) so as to form a receiving space (3) open on one side for receiving the temperature-sensitive product, the lid insulation element (6) and the four side insulation elements (2) being abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces (7) so as to completely cover the receiving space (3), and a sealing means (4) being arranged on and / or along each of the connecting surfaces (7). The ninth aspect is The insulated container (1) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising four side insulating elements (2), a bottom insulating element (5) and a lid insulating element (6), the four side insulating elements (2) and the bottom insulating element (5) being abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces (7) to form a receiving space (3) that is open on one side for receiving a temperature-sensitive product, the lid insulating element (6) and the four side insulating elements (2) being abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces (7) to completely cover the receiving space (3), and a sealing means (4) being arranged only at and / or along the connecting surfaces (7) between the lid insulating element (6) and the four side insulating elements (2) and / or between the bottom insulating element (5) and the four side insulating elements (2). A tenth aspect is The insulated container (1) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) comprises a vacuum insulation panel. An eleventh aspect is The vacuum insulation panel of the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) is embodied as a single layer or multiple layers, respectively, in the insulated container (1) of a tenth embodiment. A twelfth aspect is The insulated container (1) is an insulated container (1) in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising a sheath (9) that completely or partially surrounds the insulated container (1), the product, or the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6). A thirteenth aspect is This is an insulated container (1) in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in which a plurality of corner elements (8) designed to at least partially surround the outside of the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) are arranged at the outer edge of the insulated container (1) formed along the at least two connecting surfaces (7). A fourteenth aspect is This is an insulated container (1) in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein at least one strap (10) for stabilizing the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) is arranged along the outside of the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6).

Claims

1. A thermally insulated container (1) for receiving a temperature-sensitive product, comprising: The insulated container (1) comprises at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6), the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) abutting against at least two connecting surfaces (7), and sealing means (4) are arranged on the at least two connecting surfaces (7) for reducing heat exchange along the at least two connecting surfaces (7) by closing open gaps formed between the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6), said sealing means (4) being arranged at the abutting joints of said at least two connecting surfaces (7) in each case completely or partially transversely along said connecting surfaces (7); The at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) comprises four side insulation elements (2), a bottom insulation element (5) and a lid insulation element (6), the four side insulation elements (2) and the bottom insulation element (5) being abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces (7) to form a receiving space (3) open on one side for receiving the temperature-sensitive product, An insulated container (1) for receiving a temperature-sensitive product, wherein a further sealing means (4) is arranged at the connection surface (7) on the bottom insulating element (5) between the bottom insulating element (5) and the four side insulating elements (2).

2. 2. The insulated container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means (4) are arranged between the at least two connection surfaces (7), in each case completely or partially along said connection surfaces (7).

3. 2. The insulated container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means (4) is designed to be flexibly deformable and has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, in particular 2 mm to 4 mm.

4. The insulated container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing means (4) are designed in one piece or in multiple pieces at each of the at least two connection surfaces (7).

5. The insulated container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing means (4) comprises an adhesive, in particular a sticky tape, a binder, a spray latex or a combination thereof.

6. The insulated container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing means (4) comprises a heat transfer minimising material, in particular a thermal insulating material, a swelling tape, a foam material or a combination thereof.

7. An insulated container (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid insulation element (6) and the four side insulation elements (2) are abutted against each other along their respective connecting surfaces (7) so as to completely cover the receiving space (3), and sealing means (4) are arranged on and / or along each of the connecting surfaces (7).

8. An insulated container (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid insulation element (6) and the four side insulation elements (2) are abutted against each other along their respective connection surfaces (7) so as to completely cover the receiving space (3), and sealing means (4) are arranged only at and / or along the connection surfaces (7) between the lid insulation element (6) and the four side insulation elements (2) and / or the connection surfaces (7) between the bottom insulation element (5) and the four side insulation elements (2).

9. The insulated container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) comprises a vacuum insulation panel.

10. 10. The insulated container (1) according to claim 9, wherein the vacuum insulation panels of the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) are embodied as a single layer or as multiple layers, respectively.

11. The insulating container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a sheath (9) completely or partially surrounding the insulating container (1), the product or the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6).

12. The insulating container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a number of corner elements (8) designed to at least partially surround the outside of the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) are arranged at the outer edge of the insulating container (1) formed along the at least two connecting surfaces (7).

13. The insulated container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one strap (10) for stabilizing the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6) is arranged along the outside of the at least one vacuum insulation element (2, 5, 6).

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