CELL AND METHOD FOR STORING A SET OF PRODUCTS, WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AIR FLOW THROUGH THE SET OF PRODUCTS

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to the storage of a set of products in a storage cell incorporating improved sealing means, with the implementation of an airflow circulating through the set of products, and in particular, but not exclusively, a reversible airflow. It is particularly applicable to the temporary storage of a set of food products, such as, for example and without limitation, dairy or non-dairy food products, such as fermented yogurts, farm-style yogurts, yogurts, dessert creams, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and prepared dishes, with modification or maintenance of the temperature and / or humidity of the products by means of said airflow. Art antérieur

[0002] In the agri-food sector, it is known to use storage cells, such as the one described in international patent application WO99 / 11141 or in French patent application FR2871222, for the temporary storage of a set of food products, and in particular dairy or non-dairy products such as yogurts, cheeses, etc., packaged and positioned on a storage support such as a pallet, rack or trolley, with the implementation of a flow of conditioned air through this set of products in order to adjust the temperature and / or humidity of the products.

[0003] This airflow can, for example, be a cold airflow with a controlled temperature and, where appropriate, a controlled relative humidity level, so as to allow the cooling or low-temperature storage of products, such as, for example, fermented yogurts, yogurts, cheeses, where appropriate with controlled product humidity.

[0004] This airflow can also be a hot airflow with a controlled temperature and, where applicable, a controlled relative humidity level, so as to allow the products to be heated, possibly with controlled humidity. This type of hot airflow is used, for example, to store fermentable products, such as farm-style yogurt, by heating them to ferment them during their time in the chamber with a controlled fermentation period.

[0005] This airflow can also be an airflow at the temperature of the products, where appropriate with a controlled relative humidity level, so as to allow the temperature of the products to be maintained during the storage period in the cell, where appropriate with controlled humidity of the products.

[0006] In international patent application WO99 / 11141, the airflow is created by means of at least one fan positioned at the rear of the storage cell. When operating, this fan blows air from the rear to the front of the cell. To channel and force the airflow through the products stored in the cell, a seal is created on the top and on both sides of the product assembly. This seal is achieved using three sealing tarpaulins, which inflate under the air pressure within the storage cell when the fan is running. As they inflate, they press against the products, creating a seal on the top and on both sides. This sealing mechanism forces the airflow to circulate from the rear to the front of the cell through all the products.

[0007] French patent application FR2871222 describes a storage cell of the same type as that described in international patent application WO99 / 11141, but improved by implementing, for the upper waterproofing cover, a counterweight fixed to the rear end of the upper waterproofing cover, a rotating return bar supporting the rear of the upper waterproofing cover, and a movable bar that is integral with the upper waterproofing cover, more specifically incorporated into a sleeve of the upper waterproofing cover. This movable bar rotates around a fixed horizontal axis. When the upper waterproofing cover inflates, it moves this movable bar forward from its rest position, as illustrated in the figure 1 from this publication, to an active position which is illustrated on the figure 2 of this publication, and in which a fixed stop blocks the bar from rotating. This movable bar has the function, in its active position of the figure 2 to block the upper sealing tarpaulin forward when it is inflated relative to the upper wall. Thus, in the active position, this movable bar exerts a force on the upper sealing tarpaulin that is directed inwards and towards the rear of the storage cell, and which holds the upper tarpaulin in place relative to the upper wall.

[0008] The storage cells described in international patent application WO99 / 11141 and in French patent application FR2871222 most often allow for very good sealing and efficient channeling of the rear / front airflow through a set of products positioned in the storage cell.

[0009] However, a primary drawback is that, since the seal is ensured solely by the inflation of the sealing tarpaulins under the action of the rear / front airflow, there is a risk of significant loss of seal, particularly in the event of fan malfunction, such as an accidental drop in fan airflow or an unexpected fan shutdown. This primary drawback is exacerbated in the case of the storage cells described in French patent application FR2871222, due to the implementation of the counterweight at the rear of the upper sealing tarpaulin.

[0010] The storage cells described in international patent application WO99 / 11141 and French patent application FR2871222 also have the second drawback of being unidirectional, meaning they are designed and can only operate with an airflow in the direction that inflates the sealing tarpaulins—in this case, an airflow within the storage cell from the back to the front. However, in many cases, it is desirable to be able to operate the storage cell also with a reverse airflow from front to back, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to be able to operate the storage cell by alternating an airflow in one direction (for example, from the back to the front of the cell) with an airflow in the opposite direction (for example, from the front to the back of the cell).

[0011] Publications WO 2007 / 129280 A1, FR 2938242 A1 and EP 0273464 A2 disclose storage cells that are also part of the relevant state of the art. Objectif de l'invention

[0012] The main objective of the present invention is to propose a new storage cell, which is of the type described in international patent application WO99 / 11141 or in French patent application FR2871222, and which has been improved in such a way as to overcome the first disadvantage mentioned above and / or the second disadvantage mentioned above. Résumé de l'invention

[0013] According to the invention defined by claim 1, the storage cell for at least one set of products and in particular for a set of products arranged on at least one storage support, and more particularly on at least one storage support of the pallet, trolley or rack type, has the following technical characteristics.

[0014] The storage cell comprises two opposing side walls spaced apart and a top wall delimiting with the two side walls a compartment for the set of products; said compartment has an opening on the front face for the introduction and / or removal of the set of products; said cell also comprises ventilation means which are capable of creating a rear / front airflow (A) circulating in the compartment from the rear to the front of the compartment or which are capable of creating a front / rear airflow (B) circulating in the compartment from the front to the rear of the compartment, and at least one first sealing device comprising a first flexible sealing element which is capable of inflating relative to one of the walls of the cell and towards the interior of the compartment under the effect of an air pressure which is generated in the compartment by said airflow (A or B) created by the ventilation means;said first sealing device includes at least a second sealing element which is actuable between an inactive configuration and an active configuration in which it exerts mechanical pressure on a part of the first flexible sealing element, which is directed towards the interior of the housing and which allows said first flexible sealing element to be moved away from said cell wall relative to which said first flexible sealing element is able to inflate; the cell includes actuating means, which allow the second sealing element to be actuated in its active configuration.

[0015] Unlike the aforementioned movable bar described in French patent application FR2871222, the second sealing element of the invention does not have the function in its active configuration of blocking said first flexible sealing element forward, but on the contrary exerts on a part of the first flexible sealing element a mechanical pressure, which is directed towards the inside of the housing and in the opposite direction to said cell wall with respect to which said first flexible sealing element is able to inflate, and which allows said first flexible sealing element to be moved away from said cell wall with respect to which said first flexible sealing element is able to inflate.This mechanical pressure, which is directed towards a set of products positioned in the cell housing, makes it possible to apply or keep applied at least a part of the corresponding first flexible sealing element, against said set of products.

[0016] More specifically, and optionally, the storage cell of the invention may include the optional features of any one of claims 2 to 18.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method of storing, and more particularly of adjusting the temperature and / or humidity, at least one set of products by means of a storage cell referred to above, said method being defined in claim 19.

[0018] More specifically, and optionally, this process may include the optional features of claim 20. Brève description des figures

[0019] The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of several embodiments according to the invention, which detailed description is given by way of non-limiting and non-exhaustive example of the invention and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 is an isometric overview of a first variant of a storage cell in which a set of palletized products is positioned; the figure 2 represents the cell of the figure 1 during an initial phase of operation; the figure 3 represents the cell of the figure 1 during a second phase of operation; the figure 4 represents the cell of the figure 1 during a third phase of operation; the figure 5 represents a specific example of the implementation of the means for actuation of the pivoting flaps of the three sealing devices of the storage cell of the figure 1 , these flaps being in their inactive configuration positioned against the inner faces respectively of the two side walls and the top wall of the storage cell of the figure 1 and the flexible sealing elements (sealing tarpaulins or equivalent) associated with these shutters have not been shown in this figure; the figure 6 represents the said means of actuation of the figure 5 in a first actuation stage allowing the upper sealing flap to descend to its active position towards the inside of the cell; the figure 7 represents the said means of actuation of the figure 5 in a second actuation stage allowing the upper sealing flap to fully descend into its active position and enabling the two lateral sealing flaps to deploy into their active position towards the interior of the cell; the figure 8 is a schematic front view of the storage cell of the figure 2 loaded with a set of products on a pallet of minimum height and minimum width, with the side and top tarpaulins inflated and the sealing flaps in the active position, the figure 9 is a schematic front view of the storage cell of the figure 2 loaded with a set of products on a pallet of maximum height and width, with the side and top tarpaulins inflated and the sealing flaps in the active position, the figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a cell of the invention, with the side tarpaulins inflated and the sealing elements in the inactive position, the figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cell of the figure 10 with the side tarpaulins inflated and the sealing elements in the active position. figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a cell of the invention, with inflatable sealing elements, the side tarpaulins being inflated and the inflatable sealing elements being deflated, the figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cell's realization figure 12 With the side tarpaulins inflated and the inflatable sealing elements inflated, the figure 14 is an isometric overview of a fourth embodiment of a cell of the invention, with inflatable sealing elements, during an operating phase in which the side and top sealing tarpaulins are inflated by a rear / front airflow and the inflatable sealing elements are deflated, the figure 15 is an isometric overview of the cell of the figure 13 , during another phase of operation in which the airflow has been reversed (front / rear airflow), the side and top sealing tarpaulins are deflated and the inflatable sealing elements are inflated using part of the front / rear airflow. Description détaillée

[0020] We have represented on the figure 1 , a preferred variant of the realization of a storage cell 1 in which is positioned a set 2 of products 20 packaged in packagings and arranged on a pallet-type support 3.

[0021] This storage cell 1 is more particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for the storage of food products (dairy or non-dairy) such as, for example, fermented yogurts, farm yogurts, yogurts, dessert creams, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, prepared dishes, etc... and can be used to adjust the temperature and / or humidity of the products 20.

[0022] This storage unit can also be used with 20 non-food products.

[0023] This set 2 of products 20 can be handled, for example by means of a forklift, for placement in storage cell 1 or for removal from storage cell 1.

[0024] Within the framework of the invention, the set 2 of products 20 can also be arranged on at least one storage support such as a trolley or rack.

[0025] On this figure 1 , this set 2 of products 20 is represented schematically, it being specified that at least the front faces 2a and rear faces 2b of this set 2 of products 20 can allow air to pass through.

[0026] This storage cell 1 has two side walls 10 and 11 opposite each other and spaced apart and a top wall 12 connecting the two side walls 10, 11 and delimiting with the two side walls 10, 11 a housing 14. This housing 14 has on its front face an opening allowing in particular the introduction of the set 2 of products 20 into the storage cell and / or the removal of the set 2 of products 20 from the storage cell.

[0027] On the figure 1 The side wall 10 and the top wall 12 are cut to better visualize the inside of the cell; the upper part of the set 2 of products 20, roughly rectangular in shape, is also cut (see volume of removed products delimited by the dotted lines on the figure 1 ) in order to view products 20.

[0028] In this variant, the storage cell 1 also includes a rear wall 13, it being specified that this rear wall 13 is optional and might not exist in another variant.

[0029] The storage cell has on its rear face ventilation means 4, in the form of at least one fan 40, allowing in operation to create a rear / front airflow A ( figure 2 ) circulating from the rear to the front of housing 14.

[0030] In this preferred embodiment, the ventilation means 4 also allow, in operation, the creation, in a manner not concomitant with the rear / front airflow A, of a front / rear airflow B ( figure 4 ) circulating from the front to the rear of housing 14.

[0031] Preferably, the ventilation means 4 also include means (not shown) for adjusting the temperature and / or humidity content of the rear / front airflow A and, where applicable, the front / rear airflow B, before they pass into the cell.

[0032] This temperature and / or the humidity level of the rear / front airflow A and, where applicable, of the front / rear airflow B will depend on the nature of the products 20 stored in cell 1 and on the action (in particular cooling or heating or maintaining the temperature of the products 20) that we seek to exert on these products 20 by means of the rear / front airflow A and, where applicable, of the front / rear airflow B.

[0033] In one variant, the rear / front airflow A and, where applicable, the front / rear airflow B can, for example, be obtained from the air of the room in which the storage cell is positioned; in this case, the adjustment of the temperature and / or humidity of the rear / front airflow A and, where applicable, of the front / rear airflow B can be achieved by adjusting the temperature and / or humidity of the air inside this room, for example, using air conditioning that implements a refrigeration system or using a heater to heat the inside of the room.

[0034] The temperature and / or humidity of the rear / front airflow A and, where applicable, the front / rear airflow B can also be adjusted using a refrigeration or heating system that directly treats the airflow from the room before it enters the storage cell. Alternatively, the rear / front airflow A and, where applicable, the front / rear airflow B can originate from inside the room where the storage cell is located or from outside that room, and the temperature and / or humidity can be adjusted using a refrigeration or heating system that directly treats the airflow before it enters the storage cell.In certain applications the rear / front airflow A and where appropriate the front / rear airflow B can also be filtered, with a greater or lesser level of filtration, depending on the nature of the products 20 and the normative requirements.

[0035] The storage cell also includes three sealing devices 5, 6, namely two lateral sealing devices 5 (on the figure 1 only the right-hand side sealing device is visible) and a top sealing device 6, the two side sealing devices 5 being identical.

[0036] Each sealing device 5, 6 includes a first flexible sealing element 50, 60 in the form of an airtight flexible sealing skirt which is capable, under the effect of air pressure, of inflating relative to the inner face of the corresponding wall 10, 11 or 12 of the cell and towards the interior of the housing 14.

[0037] This flexible sealing skirt 50, 60 is in the illustrated example made of a blank of flexible and airtight material.

[0038] More specifically, this flexible sealing skirt 50, 60 is for example made up of a single-layer or multi-layer airtight sealing tarpaulin or of an airtight coated canvas.

[0039] The material(s) constituting the flexible sealing skirt, the structure of the flexible sealing skirt and the manufacturing process of this flexible sealing skirt are of no importance to the invention.

[0040] The flexible side sealing skirt 50 of each side sealing device 5 is integral with the corresponding side wall 10 or 11 by being more particularly fixed at its front edge 50a to the front part of the inner face of the corresponding side wall 10 or 11, near the opening on the front face of the housing 14.

[0041] The flexible side sealing skirt 50 of each side sealing device 5 is also fixed at its rear edge 50b to a vertical edge 51. This vertical edge 51 is fixed to the floor in the housing 14, being spaced from the inner face of the side wall 10 or 11 and being positioned laterally as close as possible to the location of the product assembly 20, i.e., as close as possible to the side face 2c or 2d of the product assembly 20 ( figure 1 ).

[0042] Storage cell 1 is designed to receive a set 2 of products 20 on support 3, said set 2 of products 20 having a height Hp between a predefined minimum height Hmin ( figure 8 ) and a predefined maximum height Hmax ( figure 9 ) and having a width Lp between a predefined minimum width Lmin ( figure 8 ) and a predefined maximum width Lmax ( figure 9 ).

[0043] Storage cell 1 is also designed to receive a set 2 of products 20 having a predefined maximum depth Pmax ( figure 1 ).

[0044] In this variant, the spacing between the two edges 51 of the two lateral sealing devices 5 defines the maximum width Lmax and the depth positioning of the edges 51 in the cell relative to the loading or unloading opening on the front face of the cell defines the maximum depth Pmax.

[0045] With reference to figure 8 And 9 , in this particular example of realization, the height and width of housing 14 of cell 1 are referenced respectively as H and L.

[0046] Each flexible side sealing skirt 50 extends lengthwise into the depth of cell 1 over at least 50% of the maximum depth Pmax and preferably over at least the entire maximum depth Pmax.

[0047] Each flexible side sealing skirt 50 extends in height preferably over at least 50% of the height H of the housing 14 of cell 1, and even more preferably over at least 75% of the height H of the housing 14 of the cell.

[0048] In operation, each flexible side sealing skirt 50 extends vertically preferably at least over the entire height Hp of the assembly 2 of products 20.

[0049] The implementation of such a lateral sealing skirt 50 is also already known and described in particular in the applicant's international patent application WO99 / 11141 to which reference may be made.

[0050] The flexible upper sealing skirt 60 of the upper sealing device 6 is integral with the upper wall 12, more specifically being fixed at its front edge 60a to the inner face of the upper wall 12. The rear part of the flexible upper sealing skirt 60 is supported by a horizontal return bar 64, which is mounted between the two side walls 10 and 11, preferably at the same depth in cell 1 as the two vertical edges 51. Preferably, this return bar 64 is a rotating bar mounted to rotate freely. At the free rear edge 60b of this flexible upper sealing skirt 60, a bar 61 is fixed, which forms a counterweight allowing the skirt 60 to return to the waiting position of the figure 1 , when the ventilation means 4 are not working.

[0051] This flexible upper sealing skirt 60 extends lengthwise into the depth of the cell preferably over at least the entire maximum depth Pmax when inflated in the sealing configuration relative to the upper wall 12 ( figure2 ).

[0052] The flexible upper sealing skirt 60 extends in width preferably over at least 50% of the width L of the housing 14 of cell 1, and more preferably over at least 75% of the width L of the housing 14 of the cell.

[0053] In operation, each flexible side sealing skirt 50 extends in width preferably over at least 50% of the width Lp of the set 2 of products 20 and preferably over the entire width Lp of the set 2 of products 20.

[0054] The implementation of such a top sealing skirt with counterweight 61 is also already known and described in particular in the applicant's French patent application FR2871222 to which reference may be made.

[0055] Each lateral sealing device 5 also includes a second sealing element 52, which is movable between an inactive position ( figures 1 And 2 ) and an active position ( figures 3 And 4 ).

[0056] In particular, this second sealing element 52 is not attached to the corresponding lateral sealing skirt 50.

[0057] More particularly this second sealing element 52 is positioned between the side wall 10 or 11 of the cell to which the side sealing skirt 50 is attached and the face of the side sealing skirt 50 which is oriented towards said 10 or 11.

[0058] Preferably, this second sealing element 52 of each lateral sealing device 5 extends vertically over at least 50% of the height of the associated flexible lateral sealing skirt 50, preferably over at least 75% of the height of the associated flexible lateral sealing skirt 50, and more preferably over at least the entire height of the associated flexible lateral sealing skirt 50.

[0059] Preferably, this second sealing element 52 of each lateral sealing device 5 extends vertically over at least 50% of the height H of the housing 14 and preferably over at least 75% of the height H of the housing 14.

[0060] In the particular variant of the attached figures, this second sealing element 52 comprises a vertical flap 520, which is fixed to the inner face of the side wall 10, near the opening on the front face of the housing 14 and which is articulated in rotation relative to the side wall 10 or 11 around a vertical axis of rotation 521. This flap can be equipped with a flexible bead 520a to avoid damaging the flexible lateral sealing skirt 50.

[0061] This shutter 520 is movable in rotation relative to the wall 10 or 11 between: an inactive position, which is illustrated on the figures 1 And 2 , and in which it is positioned against the side wall 10 or 11 and is not in contact with the side sealing skirt 50, and an active position, which is illustrated on the figures 3 And 4, and in which it is moved away from the side wall and exerts on a front part of the side sealing skirt 50 a mechanical pressure which is directed towards the inside of the cell, and which allows the side sealing skirt 50 to be moved away from said corresponding wall 10 or 11 of the cell, so as to keep said front part of the side sealing skirt 50 applied against the side face 2c or 2d of the assembly 2 of products 20.

[0062] The upper sealing device 6 also includes a second sealing element 62, which is rotationally movable relative to the upper wall 12 between an inactive upper position, which is illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 an active low position, which is illustrated on the figures 3 And 4 .

[0063] In particular, this second sealing element 62 is not attached to the upper sealing skirt 60.

[0064] More particularly this second sealing element 62 is positioned between the upper wall 12 of the cell to which the upper sealing skirt 60 is attached and the upper face of the upper sealing skirt 60 which is oriented towards this upper wall 12.

[0065] Preferably this second sealing element 62 of the upper sealing device 6 extends in width over at least 50% of the width of the first flexible upper sealing element 60 (upper sealing skirt 60) which is associated with it and preferably over at least 75% of the width of the first flexible upper sealing element 60 which is associated with it.

[0066] Preferably this second sealing element 62 of the upper sealing device 6 extends in width over at least 50% of the width L of the housing 14 of the cell 1 and preferably over at least 75% of the width L of the housing 14 of the cell.

[0067] In the particular variant shown in the accompanying figures, this second sealing element 62 comprises a flap 620, which is fixed to the inner face of the upper wall 12, near or at the level of the opening on the front face of the housing 14, and which is pivotally articulated relative to the upper wall 12 about a horizontal axis of rotation 621. This flap 620 is movable in rotation relative to the upper wall 12 between an inactive position, illustrated in the figures 1 e 2 , in which it is not in contact with the sealing skirt 60 and an active position, which is illustrated on the figures 3 And 4 , and in which it exerts on a front part of the sealing skirt 60 a mechanical pressure which is directed towards the inside of the cell and downwards, so as to keep said front part of the sealing skirt 60 applied against the upper face 2e of the assembly 2 of products 20.

[0068] This 620 shutter can be equipped at its front with a protective strip (not shown) to prevent damage to the flexible upper sealing skirt 60.

[0069] In order to control the pivoting of the sealing flaps 520, 620 from their inactive position to their active position and vice versa, the storage cell includes actuation means 7 acting on the flaps 520, 620.

[0070] Regardless of the embodiment variant, these actuation means 7 are preferably separate from each flexible sealing element 50 or 60 and therefore do not include each flexible sealing element 50 or 60.

[0071] An example of actuation means 7, not limiting the invention, is schematically represented on the figures 5 à 7 .

[0072] In this particular example of figures 5 à 7 , these actuation means 7 comprise a bidirectional linear actuator 70 whose rod 70a is connected by transmission mechanisms: to the front part of the upper sealing flap 620 ( figure 6 ), so as to exert a vertical traction on this upper flap 62 allowing its descent to be controlled ( figures 6 ) even in its active position ( figure 7 ) by extending the rod 70a of the cylinder 70 or, conversely, a vertical pull allowing the upper flap 620 to return to the inactive position by retracting the rod 70a of the cylinder 70 ( figures 1 And 5 ). at each axis of rotation 521 of the two lateral sealing flaps 520 so as to simultaneously rotate these flaps 520 into their active position ( figures 3 , 4 And 7) by controlling the extension of rod 70a of cylinder 70 or conversely so as to simultaneously rotate these flaps 520 into their inactive position ( figures 1 , 2 And 5 ) by controlling the retraction of the rod 70a of the cylinder 70.

[0073] Specific examples of implementation and operation of the storage cell, which are not limiting to the invention, will now be detailed.

[0074] The storage cell 1 also includes electronic means for automatic control of the cell, which are capable of automatically controlling the ventilation means 4 and the actuation means 7 of the second sealing elements 52, 62. These electronic means for automatic control of the cell are implemented for example in the form of a programmable logic controller which is capable of automatically executing a program stored in memory.

[0075] Specific examples of operating cycles that can be automatically controlled by electronic means of automatic cell control will now be detailed.

[0076] With reference to the figure 1 The ventilation means 4 are stopped and the storage cell is in loading (or unloading) configuration. The side sealing skirts 50 are not inflated and the upper sealing skirt 60 is not inflated and is stretched rearward by the counterweight 61. The rod 70a of the cylinder 70 is retracted ( figure 5 ) so that the lateral sealing flaps 520 are in the inactive position ( figure 1 ) by being positioned respectively against the side walls 10 and 11, and do not apply mechanical pressure on the side sealing skirts 50 and that the upper sealing flap 620 is in the inactive position ( figure 1 ) by being positioned against the upper wall 12 and does not apply mechanical pressure on the upper sealing skirt 60. The set 2 of products 20 packaged on a pallet-type support 3 is positioned in the storage cell.

[0077] With reference to the figure 2 , in a 1st phase, the electronic means of automatic control of the cell activate the ventilation means 4, so that a rear / front airflow A is put into circulation in the cell from the rear to the front of the cell.

[0078] The air pressure generated by this back / forward flow inside the storage cell between each skirt 50, 60 and the corresponding wall 10, 11 or 12 allows the sealing skirts 50, 60 to expand in their sealing configuration relative to their respective walls 10, 11 and 12, such that with reference to the figure 2 : the upper sealing skirt 60 swells inwards towards the cell, partially pressing against the upper face 2e of the assembly 2 of products 20, so as to ensure a seal with respect to the upper wall 12 in the contact area 65 ( figure 2 ) between the upper sealing skirt 60 and the upper face 2e of the assembly 2 of products 20. Each side skirt 50 swells towards the inside of the cell, pressing itself over almost all of its surface against the corresponding side face 2c or 2d of the assembly 2 of products 20, so as to ensure a seal with respect to the side wall 10 or 11, in the contact area 55 between the side sealing skirt 50 and the side face 2c or 2d of the assembly 2 of products 20.

[0079] This creates a seal on the three faces (upper face 2e and lateral faces 2c and 2d) of the assembly 2 of products 20, so that the rear / front airflow A entering the cell is channeled to circulate from rear to front through the products 20 of assembly 2.

[0080] During this first phase of swelling of the sealing skirts 50, 60, the sealing flaps 520 and 620 are preferably, but not necessarily, retracted against the walls 10, 11, and 12 (inactive position), and do not interfere with the swelling of the sealing skirts 50, 60.

[0081] During this first phase, the swelling of the sealing skirts 50, 60 can occur simultaneously or successively, for example, with the upper sealing skirt 60 swelling first, followed by the swelling of the lateral sealing skirts 50. With reference to the figure 3 In a second phase, the electronic means for the automatic control of the cell automatically control the actuation means 7 of the flaps 520 and 620 so as to rotate them into the active position in which: Each lateral flap 520 exerts on a front part of the corresponding lateral sealing skirt 50 a mechanical pressure directed towards the inside of the cell and in a direction opposite to said lateral wall 10 or 11 of the cell relative to which the lateral sealing skirt 50 is able to inflate; this mechanical pressure allows the lateral sealing skirt 50 to be moved away from said wall 10 or 11 of the cell and thus to keep said front part of the sealing skirt 50 applied against the lateral face 2c or 2d of the assembly 2 of products 20.the upper flap 620 exerts on a front part of the upper sealing skirt 60 a mechanical pressure directed towards the inside of the cell and in a direction opposite to the upper wall 12 of the cell (downwards); this mechanical pressure allows the upper sealing skirt 60 to be moved away from said upper wall 12 and keeps said front part of the sealing skirt 60 applied against the upper face 2e of the assembly 2 of products 20. .

[0082] During this 2nd phase, the actuations in active configuration of the flaps 520 and 620 can be done simultaneously or successively, for example with first an actuation of the upper flap 620 and then an actuation of the lateral flaps 520.

[0083] Thanks to these mechanical pressures exerted on the sealing skirts 50 and 60, the sealing is improved, and more particularly in this embodiment example the sealing skirts 50 and 60 are kept in contact with the assembly 2 of products 20 at most towards the front of this assembly 2 of products 20. In addition, advantageously, in the event of an accidental drop in the flow rate of the fan 40 or an untimely more or less long stoppage of the fan 40, each sealing sheet 50, 60 is kept constantly in contact with the assembly 2 of products 20, and in particular in this particular embodiment, the counterweight 61 is not accidentally pulling the upper sealing sheet 62 towards the rear.

[0084] The first and second phases can be carried out successively in any order (first phase then second phase, or vice versa, second phase then first phase) or can possibly be carried out simultaneously. Preferably, however, the second phase is carried out after the first phase.

[0085] At the end of the 1st phase and the 2nd phase, the products 20 in the front part of assembly 2, which are located between the loading opening of the cell and the contact areas 55, 65 of the sealing skirts 50 and 60 with assembly 2 of products 20, may nevertheless exhibit a lack of homogeneity in temperature and / or humidity compared to the other products 20 of assembly 2.

[0086] To address this problem, with reference to the figure 4 , in a 3rd phase, the electronic means of automatic cell control automatically control the ventilation means 4 so as to stop the rear / front airflow A and to create a reverse airflow B, which circulates through set 2 of products 20 from the front to the rear of the cell and whose temperature and / or humidity are preferably adjusted as for the rear / front airflow A.

[0087] This reversal of the airflow direction is made possible by the fact that the sealing skirts are kept in contact with the product assembly 20 by the sealing flaps 520 and 620 in their active position, using the actuation means 7. figures 3 And 4 .

[0088] At the entrance of cell 1, this reverse airflow B is channeled so as to pass through at least all of the products 20 in the front part of assembly 2, which are located between the loading opening of the cell and the contact areas 55, 65 of the sealing skirts 50 and 60 with the assembly 2 of products.

[0089] Where appropriate, this reverse airflow B can improve the homogeneity of temperature and / or humidity of the products 20 of assembly 2, and can allow a reduction in the duration of the cell's operating cycles.

[0090] More specifically, the automatic control means of the cell can also be programmed to automatically control the ventilation means 4 so as to implement at least a 4th phase during which they control the ventilation means 4 so as to stop the front / rear airflow B and create a reverse rear / front airflow A, the sequence of the 3rd and 4th phases possibly being repeated several times.

[0091] Although implementing a reverse airflow B is preferable in a preferred embodiment of the storage cell of the invention, it is not strictly necessary. Indeed, in another variant, the aforementioned third phase could consist of continuing to operate the ventilation means 4 so as to maintain, for a given duration, the rear / front airflow A circulating through the products 20 from the rear to the front of the cell.

[0092] More specifically, in this alternative variant, the automatic control means of the cell can also be programmed to automatically control the ventilation means 4, so as to implement at least a 4th phase in which they control the ventilation means 4 so as to stop the rear / front airflow A and create a reverse front / rear airflow B, and possibly a 5th phase in which they control the ventilation means 4 so as to stop the front / rear airflow B and create a reverse rear / front airflow A, the sequence of the 4th and 5th phases possibly being repeated several times.

[0093] In another embodiment of the process, the second sealing elements 52 and 62 (flaps 520 and 620) can be brought into active configuration only during the operating phase in which a front / rear airflow B, which does not allow the side sealing skirts 50 and top 60 to be inflated, is created in the storage cell.

[0094] Preferably, before unloading the storage cell by removing the set 2 of products 20, the fan 40 is stopped and the actuation means 7 are used to actuate the second sealing elements 52 and 62 in the inactive position so as to facilitate the unloading of the products 20. The invention is not limited to the specific examples of the embodiment and implementation of a storage cell that have been previously described with reference to the accompanying figures, and other embodiments may also be considered within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of non-exhaustive agreement, other embodiments include: The storage cell may include a single sealing device according to the invention, for example, only on the top or on one side of the product assembly 2, with sealing on the other sides being achieved using other conventional and known sealing methods; the storage cell may include only two sealing devices according to the invention to achieve sealing only on the top 2e and on one side 2c or 2d of the product assembly, with sealing on the other side 2d or 2c being achieved using other conventional and known sealing methods; the storage cell may include only two sealing devices according to the invention to achieve sealing only on both sides 2c and 2d of the product assembly, with sealing on the top 2e being achieved using other conventional and known sealing methods.

[0095] Furthermore, the means 7 for actuation of the flaps 520 and 620 are not limited to those shown on the figures 5 à 7 .

[0096] In a non-exhaustive manner, it is also possible to implement 520 or 620 shutters which are equipped with elastic return means, of spring type, allowing in the absence of mechanical stress on the 520 or 620 shutter to return it to the active position or, conversely in another variant, to return it to the inactive position.

[0097] In another variant, a flap 502 or 620 can be replaced by any means that can be controlled to be configured in an active position in which it exerts mechanical pressure on a front portion of the flexible or equivalent sealing skirt 52, 62, directed towards the inside of the cell, independently of the airflow (A or B) circulated within the cell, and an inactive position in which it no longer exerts this mechanical pressure. For example, a rotating sealing flap 520 or 620 can be replaced by a sealing flap that can be moved in translation between its inactive and active positions.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the use of a cylinder for actuating the sealing flaps 520, 620, or equivalent. In another embodiment, the cylinder can be replaced by one or more motors. It is also possible to use magnetically driven rotation axes 521, 621 to actuate the flaps 520, 620. Furthermore, the flap actuating means can be independent of each other, allowing, in particular, simultaneous or sequential actuation of the sealing flaps.

[0099] We have represented on the figures 10 And 11 , another embodiment of a cell 1' in which each lateral sealing device 5 has at the rear an additional sealing element 53, in the form of a rotating flap 530, allowing in active position to exert pressure on a rear part of the corresponding lateral cover 50.

[0100] We have represented on the figures 12 And 13 , another embodiment of a 1" cell in which the 520 and 530 rotating sealing flaps of the variant of figures 10 And 11 have been replaced by inflatable elements 520' and 530', of the inflatable tube type which are interposed between the corresponding flexible sealing skirt 50 and the corresponding wall 10, 11 of the cell, which allow in the inflated state ( figure 13 ) to exert said mechanical pressure on the sealing skirt 50 (active configuration), and which allow in the deflated state ( figure 12 ) to no longer exert mechanical pressure on the sealing skirt 50 (inactive configuration). In this case, the actuation means 7 are means for inflating / deflating this inflatable sealing element.

[0101] In another variant, cell 1" of the figures 12 And 13 might be without the 530' rear inflatable tubes

[0102] The air for inflating the inflatable elements 520' and 530', of the inflatable tube type, can be obtained by means of an air source (fan or air compressor) which is independent of the ventilation means 4 or can be obtained by recycling or diverting part of the airflow produced by the ventilation means 4.

[0103] In another embodiment, the ventilation means 4 can be designed or used so as to create only an airflow (back / front A or front / back B) allowing the inflation of the sealing tarpaulins 50, 60 or equivalent (i.e. no implementation of a reverse airflow).

[0104] The ventilation means 4 are not necessarily positioned at the rear wall 13 of the cell. In other embodiments, these ventilation means 4 can also be positioned at the rear of the cell at the upper wall 12 or at least one of the side walls 10 or 11 of the cell.

[0105] We have represented on the figures 14 And 15 , another variant of the embodiment of a storage cell 1‴, in which the actuation means 7 of the lateral inflatable elements 52 and upper 62 (forming the second sealing elements) include air intake tubes 7a and 7b which allow a portion of the front / rear airflow B to be drawn in ( figure 15 ) towards these inflatable side elements 52 and upper element 62, so as to inflate them when the ventilation means 4 circulate a front / rear airflow B in the cell and to draw the air contained in these inflatable side elements 52 and upper element 62 when the ventilation means 4 circulate a rear / front airflow A in the cell ( figure 14 ) in order to deflate them.

[0106] With reference to the figure 14 During an operating phase, the ventilation means 4 create by blowing into the cell a rear / front airflow A which allows in particular to inflate the lateral sealing skirts 50 and upper 60. The tubing 7a and 7b allow, under the effect of this rear / front flow A, to draw the air contained in the lateral inflatable elements 52 and upper 62 and thus to deflate them or keep them deflated.

[0107] With reference to the figure 15, in another phase of operation, the ventilation means 4 create, by suction, in the cell a reverse front / rear airflow B and the tubes 7a and 7b allow to suction a part of this front / rear airflow B and to blow it into the inflatable lateral elements 52 and upper 62.

[0108] In this variant, the storage cell includes automatic control means which are capable of controlling the ventilation means 4, so as to create the rear / front airflow A or the reverse front / rear airflow B and to automatically implement one or the other of the two aforementioned operating phases.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, these automatic control means are capable of controlling the ventilation means 4, so as to alternately create the rear / front airflow A and the reverse front / rear airflow B, and thus to automatically implement at least the two aforementioned operating phases, the order of these operating phases being unimportant.

Claims

1. Cell (1; 1'; 1"; 1‴) for storing at least one set (2) of products (20), and more particularly a set of products arranged on at least one storage support (3), and more particularly on at least one storage support of the pallet, trolley or rack type, said cell comprising two side walls (10; 11) facing each other and spaced apart from each other and an upper wall (12) delimiting, with the two side walls, a housing (14) for the set of products, said housing (14) comprising, on its front face, an opening for the introduction and / or removal of the set of products, said cell also comprising ventilation means (4), which are capable of creating a rear-to-front air flow (A) circulating in the housing (14) from the rear towards the front of the housing through the set of products (20), or which are capable of creating a front-to-rear air flow (B) circulating in the housing (14) from the front towards the rear of the housing through the set of products, and at least one first sealing device (5 or 6) comprising a first flexible sealing element (50 or 60), which is inflatable in relation to one of the walls (10, 11, 12) of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14) under the effect of an air pressure which is generated in the housing (14) by said air flow (A or B) created by the ventilation means (4), so that it at least partially can bear against a side face (2c, 2d) or top face (2e) of the set of products (20), and provide a seal with respect to said wall (10, 11, or 12) in the contact zone (55 or 65) between each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) and the set (2) of products (20), the cell being characterized by said first sealing device (5 or 6) comprising at least one second sealing element (52 or 62), which is actuatable between an inactive configuration and an active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) and allowing said first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be distanced from said wall (10, 11, 12) of the cell in relation to which said first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) is inflatable, and the cell comprising actuating means (7), for actuating the second sealing element (52 or 62) in its active configuration.

2. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein the second sealing element (52 or 62) is movable between an inactive position and an active position, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14).

3. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein the second sealing element (52 or 62) is an inflatable element which, when inflated, exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14).

4. Storage cell according to claim 1, comprising at least one first side sealing device (5) and one second side sealing device (5), wherein said first side sealing device (5) comprises a first flexible side sealing element (50), which, under the effect of an air pressure, is inflatable in relation to one (10) of the side walls of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14), and at least one second sealing element (52) that can be actuated between an inactive configuration and an active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible side sealing element (50) of the first side sealing device (5), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) and said first flexible side sealing element (50) to be distanced from said wall (10) of the cell in relation to which said first flexible sealing element (50) is inflatable, wherein said second side sealing device (5) comprises a first flexible side sealing element (50), which, under the effect of an air pressure, is inflatable in relation to the other (11) side wall of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14), and at least one second sealing element (52) that can be actuated between an inactive configuration and an active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible side sealing element (50) of the second side sealing device (5), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) and allowing said first flexible side sealing element (50) to be distanced from said side wall (11) of the cell in relation to which said first flexible sealing element (50) is inflatable.

5. Storage cell according to claim 4, comprising an upper sealing device (6) which comprises a first flexible upper sealing element (60) which, under the effect of an air pressure, is inflatable in relation to the upper wall (12) of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14) and a second sealing element (62), which can be actuated between an inactive configuration and an active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on a portion of the first flexible upper sealing element (60), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) and downwards and allowing said first flexible upper sealing element (60) to be distanced from said upper wall (12).

6. Storage cell according to claim 1, comprising at least one side sealing device (5) and an upper sealing device (6), wherein said side sealing device (5) comprises a first flexible side sealing element (50), which, under the effect of an air pressure, is inflatable in relation to one (10 or 11) of the side walls of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14), and at least one second sealing element (52) that can be actuated between an inactive configuration and an active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible side sealing element (50) of the side sealing device (5), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) and allowing said first flexible side sealing element (50) to be distanced from said side wall (10 or 11) of the cell in relation to which said first flexible sealing element (50) is inflatable, and wherein said upper sealing device (6) comprises a first flexible upper sealing element (60), which, under the effect of an air pressure, is inflatable in relation to the upper wall (12) of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14), and a second sealing element (62) that can be actuated between an inactive configuration and an active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible upper sealing element (60) of the upper sealing device (6), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) and downwards and allowing said first flexible upper sealing element (60) to be distanced from said upper wall (12).

7. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation means (4) are configured to create, non-concurrently and preferably one after the other, a rear-to-front air flow (A) circulating from the rear to the front of the housing (14) and a front-to-rear air flow (B) circulating from the front to the rear of the housing (14), or vice versa.

8. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein each second sealing element (52 or 62) is positioned between said wall (10, 11, 12) of the cell in relation to which said first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) is inflatable and the face of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) oriented towards that wall (10, 11, 12).

9. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein each second sealing element (52 or 62) is not integral with the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60).

10. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) is integral with the wall (10, 11, 12) in relation to which it is inflatable.

11. Storage cell according to claim 1, comprising automatic control means which are capable of controlling the ventilation means (4) and the actuation of each second sealing element (52, 62), such that, during at least one phase of operation of the storage cell, each second sealing element (52 or 62) is in its active configuration and the ventilation means (4) generate, in the housing (14), a front-to-rear air flow (B) or a rear-to-front air flow (A) which does not allow each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated.

12. Storage cell according to claim 11, wherein the automatic control means are capable of controlling the ventilation means (4) and the actuation of each second sealing element (52, 62) in such a way that, during at least one further operating phase of the storage cell, the ventilation means (4) generate, in the housing (14), a rear-to-front air flow (A) or a front-to-rear air flow (B) which allows each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated, each second sealing element (52 or 62) possibly, but not necessarily, being in its active configuration.

13. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein each second sealing element (52 or 62) is an inflatable element, which, when inflated by the actuating means (7a; 7b), exerts, on part of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) associated therewith, said mechanical pressure oriented towards the inside of the housing (14), wherein the actuating means (7a, 7b) allow the air contained in each second inflatable sealing element (52 or 62) to be sucked out, thus deflating it or keeping it deflated when the ventilation means (4) circulate a rear-to-front air flow (A) or front-to-rear air flow (B) allowing each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated.

14. Storage cell according to claim 1, wherein each second sealing element (52 or 62) is an inflatable element, which, when inflated by the actuating means (7a); 7b), exerts, on part of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) associated therewith, said mechanical pressure oriented towards the inside of the housing (14), wherein the actuating means (7a, 7b) allow air to be blown into each second inflatable sealing element (52 or 62), thus inflating it or keeping it in an inflated state when the ventilation means (4) circulates a reverse, front-to-rear air flow (B) or rear-to-front air flow (A) not allowing each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated.

15. Storage cell according to claim 1, comprising means for automatically controlling the cell which are configured to automatically control the ventilation means (4) and the actuation of the or each second sealing element (52, 62), according to an automatic operating cycle comprising at least the following phases: - first phase: creation of a rear-to-front air flow (A) or front-to-rear air flow (B), which allows each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated in relation to one (10, 11 or 12) of the cell walls, - second phase: actuation of each second sealing element (52, 62) so as to configure each second sealing element (52, 62) in its active configuration, it being possible to carry out the first and second phases successively in any order or to carry out the first and second phases simultaneously, - third phase: stopping of the rear-to-front air flow (A) or front-to-rear air flow (B) and creation of a reverse, front-to-rear air flow (B) or rear-to-front air flow (A).

16. Storage cell according to claim 15, wherein the automatic cell control means are configured to automatically control the ventilation means (4) to implement at least a fourth phase, during which they control the ventilation means (4) so as to stop the front-to-rear airflow (B) or rear-to-front air flow (A) and to create a reverse, rear-to-front air flow (A) or front-to-rear air flow (B), the sequence of the third phase and fourth phase possibly being repeatable several times.

17. Storage cell according to claim 1, comprising automatic cell control means which are configured to automatically control the ventilation means (4) and the actuation of the or each second sealing element (52, 62), and, so as to implement at least one operating phase during which the ventilation means (4) create a rear-to-front air flow (A) or a front-to-rear air flow (B) allowing each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated in relation to one (10, 11 or 12) of the walls of the cell, each second sealing element (52, 62) being able to be in its active configuration or in its inactive configuration.

18. Storage cell according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , comprising automatic cell control means which are configured to automatically control the ventilation means (4) and the actuation of the or each second sealing element (52, 62 so as to implement at least one operating phase during which the ventilation means (4) create a reverse, front-to-rear air flow (B) or rear-to-front air flow (A) not allowing each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated in relation to one (10, 11 or 12) of the walls of the cell, each second sealing element (52, 62) being in its active configuration.

19. Method for storing, and more particularly for adjusting the temperature and / or humidity of, at least one set (2) of products (20), the method using a storage cell according to claim 1, during which method said set (2) of products (20) is positioned in the housing (14) of the storage cell (1), then a rear-to-front air flow (A) is created, circulating through the set (2) of products (20) from the rear to the front of the storage cell (1), or a front-to-rear air flow (B) is created, circulating through the set (2) of products (20) from the front to the rear of the storage cell (1), so as to inflate each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) in relation to one (10, 11 or 12) of the walls of the cell towards the inside of the housing (14) so that it at least partially bears against a side face (2c, 2d) or top face (2e) of the set (2) of products (20), and provides a seal with respect to said wall (10, 11, or 12) in the contact zone (55 or 65) between each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) and the set (2) of products (20), and each second sealing element (52, 62) being in its inactive configuration or in its active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on the corresponding first flexible sealing element (50 or 60), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) towards the set (2) of products (20), so as to apply or keep applied at least part of the corresponding first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) against the set (2) of products.

20. Method according to claim 19, in which method a reverse, front-to-rear air flow (B) is created, circulating through the set (2) of products (20) from the front to the rear of the storage cell (1), or a reverse, rear-to-front air flow (A) is created, circulating through the set (2) of products (20) from the rear to the front of the storage cell (1), said reverse air flow not allowing each first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) to be inflated, and each second sealing element (52, 62) being in its active configuration, in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on the corresponding first flexible sealing element (50 or 60), said mechanical pressure being oriented towards the inside of the housing (14) towards the set (2) of products (20), so as to apply or keep applied at least part of the corresponding first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) against the set (2) of products.