Panel assembly for hygienic cold rooms

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel assembly for hygienic cold rooms (10), formed by thermal panels (11) and elements for coupling the panels and for joining panel sections (12) of rooms, formed by one or more panels (11), wherein hygienic elements are incorporated at the areas where corners are formed when panel sections (12) are installed and cannot be joined using the male-female coupling system of the panels (11). For this purpose, an external corner piece (50) and an internal corner piece (60) are incorporated for joining panel sections (12), and a hygienic U-shaped channel (41) is incorporated as a base for the panel sections (12).

Description

[0001] Assembly of Panels for Sanitary Cold Storage Chambers

[0002] OBJECT AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention belongs to the technical field of mechanics, particularly to the field of construction by means of panels, specifically, it belongs to the field of systems for building and assembling thermal panels for the construction of refrigerated chambers with foamed thermal insulation, more particularly for sanitary refrigerated chambers that are easy to clean in corners.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Currently, a variety of cold storage chambers are used in industry. These are hermetically sealed, highly thermally insulated sections whose function is to ensure that specific humidity and temperature parameters are maintained through the action of a set of technological control and measurement systems. They are used in a wide range of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and distribution.

[0006] Industrial refrigeration chambers are primarily classified by their operating temperature. The main categories are refrigeration chambers, which maintain a temperature between 0 and 10°C. They are used to store fresh products, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish; freezing chambers, which maintain a temperature between -10 and -30°C. They are used to store frozen products, such as food, medicines, and pharmaceuticals; and ultra-freezing chambers, which maintain a temperature between -30 and -80°C. They are used to store deep-frozen products, such as food, medicines, and pharmaceuticals.

[0007] Industrial cold rooms can also be classified by their construction. There are prefabricated cold rooms, which are built with prefabricated insulated panels and are a quick and economical option for small-scale projects; there are also custom-built cold rooms, which are custom-built according to the client's specific needs and are a more expensive option, but offer greater flexibility and performance. Prefabricated cold rooms are built with prefabricated insulated panels, typically made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or fiberglass. These panels are assembled on-site to form the cold room. This type of prefabricated cold room offers several advantages, including speed of installation, lower manufacturing costs, and ease of maintenance.

[0008] The panels used for the construction and assembly of cold storage rooms are used in all parts of the structure. The structure of any cold storage room consists of its floor, ceiling, and the panels, usually sandwich-type insulating panels, that cover them. An essential function of the panels is their insulating properties for efficient cooling. They usually consist of two mirror-like sheets, like a sandwich, with a high-density polyurethane insulation layer in between. In some applications, the panels are often used on the doors of cold storage rooms and refrigerators.

[0009] In the state of the art, we can find some systems for assembling these mirror panels and various elements and accessories that allow their assembly to meet the appropriate operating conditions for cooling.

[0010] For example, document ES2638835B1, entitled "System for the formation of prefabricated modules" refers to a system for the formation of thermal, watertight and self-supporting prefabricated modules with multiple applications in storage solutions. This system discloses a system that has sandwich-type panels, the perimeter of which is delimited by a thermoplastic panel profile, which are joined together by means of three types of profiles: thermoplastic profiles, composed of a thermoplastic joining profile; aluminum profiles, composed of an aluminum profile and a corner profile; and combined profiles, composed of a combined U profile and a combined T profile; whose combination and assembly provides thermal, watertight and self-supporting modules.However, this system does not disclose an assembly method that includes details of the sandwich panel, internal panel supports, or elements to tightly cover the ends of the panels at their base, sides, and top. It also does not disclose elements to prevent angled corners that could allow dirt to accumulate.

[0011] Likewise, document ES1057224U, called “Covering and / or compartmentalization panel” refers to a Covering and / or compartmentalization panel, which being made of an insulating material with an external finished surface and intended to form compartmentalization partitions and even ceilings in open-plan spaces, such as homes, warehouses, offices and the like, or to form an internal covering of a panel or enclosing wall, is characterized in that it comprises a thick polystyrene or similar material core and a plasterboard plate on one or both sides of the core, with the particularity that it incorporates a flat profile around the perimeter with means for coupling by tongue and groove to other complementary ones, provided in another identical panel to be coupled with the previous one, or in the floor, ceiling or walls between which the panel or panels determining the covering, compartmentalization or ceiling are mounted.However, this system does not disclose an assembly method that includes details of the sandwich panel, internal panel supports, or elements to hermetically seal the ends of the panels at the base, sides, and top. It also does not disclose elements to prevent angled corners that could allow dirt to accumulate.

[0012] Also, document W02012087096A1, called "Modular system of thermoplastic panels and structural elements for prefabricated constructions" refers to a modular system of extruded thermoplastic panels and structural elements in polyvinyl chloride for the construction of prefabricated buildings, which is made up of hollow and elongated thermoplastic panels and elements with a rectilinear cross section with circular side die-cuts strategically distributed in a uniform linear manner to allow internal communication and introduce structural reinforcement elements between panels and the elements, likewise, this document discloses panels that have a tongue and groove system for coupling with adjacent panels and a U-type base for mounting the panels.However, this document does not disclose an assembly method that includes internal and external corners, nor U-type sanitary bases to avoid angled corners that allow the accumulation of dirt, that is, these types of systems have the problem that when used in low-temperature environments where there is humidity, the corners often have hermetic problems due to temperature leaks and moisture accumulation that causes mold growth.

[0013] Likewise, document ES1075681 II, called “Joining profile between panels”, refers to a Joining profile between panels, characterized by its cold forming, in a single piece, by means of a fold, creating two cavities arranged in a fan that includes a range of inclination between, fully reinforced for the insertion of the corresponding sandwich panels; however, this document does not disclose an assembly method that includes internal and external corners, nor U-type sanitary bases to avoid angled corners that allow the accumulation of dirt, that is to say that these types of systems have the problem that when used in low temperature environments where there is humidity, the corners usually have hermetic problems due to temperature leaks and humidity accumulation that causes the proliferation of mold.

[0014] TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[0015] A solution is being sought with an assembly method that includes sanitary elements, such as internal corners, external corners, and U-shaped bases, to prevent angled corners that allow dirt to accumulate. A solution is being sought to address the problem of corners being used in low-temperature, humid environments, preventing airtightness problems due to temperature leaks and also preventing the accumulation of moisture that causes mold growth in interior corners.

[0016] The present invention falls within the technical field of refrigeration systems and, more specifically, addresses improving the efficiency of refrigeration chambers through the use of mirror panels. Mirror panels, as described in this application, are innovatively applied to optimize distribution and improve the cooling capacity of refrigeration chambers.

[0017] Currently, the construction of cold storage chambers involves the use of various materials and methods to ensure an adequate interior temperature for the storage of perishable goods. Conventional systems rely primarily on active cooling, consuming considerable amounts of electrical energy. Furthermore, existing solutions do not efficiently utilize available solar energy, which limits sustainability and increases operating costs.

[0018] The need to reduce energy consumption in refrigeration systems and improve sustainability remains a significant challenge in the industry. The present invention focuses on addressing these unsolved problems by introducing mirror panels specifically designed to maximize solar reflection and improve cooling efficiency in refrigeration chambers. It is notable for the strategic application of mirror panels that optimize the distribution of this energy within the refrigeration chamber, through an innovative design that takes into account factors such as manufacturing materials, the structural geometry of the chamber, and the relative position of the mirror panels.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] Figure 1. Shows a perspective view of a Panel Assembly System for Sanitary Cold Storage Chambers (10).

[0021] Figure 2. Shows a perspective view of a pair of modules (20).

[0022] Figure 3. Shows a top view of a pair of modules (20).

[0023] Figure 4. Shows a perspective view of a union vein (30).

[0024] Figure 5. Shows a perspective view of a panel made up of a pair of modules (20) with connecting veins (30).

[0025] Figure 6. Shows a perspective view of 2 assembled panels.

[0026] Figure 7. Shows an exploded perspective view of 2 assembled panels and a U-Gutter (40).

[0027] Figure 8. Shows a perspective view of 2 assembled panels mounted in the U Channel (40).

[0028] Figure 9. Shows a side view of 2 assembled panels mounted on the U-Gutter (40).

[0029] Figure 10. Shows a perspective view of 2 panels placed at a 90° corner with an exterior corner bead (50), mounted on the U-Channel (40).

[0030] Figure 11. Shows a top view of 2 panels placed at a 90° corner with an outside corner bead (50), mounted on a U-Channel (40).

[0031] Figure 12. Shows a perspective view of 2 panels placed at a 90° corner with an outside corner (50) and inside corner (60), mounted on a U-Gutter (40).

[0032] Figure 13. Shows a top view of 2 panels placed at a 90° corner with an outside corner (50) and inside corner (60), mounted on a U-Channel (40).

[0033] Figure 14. Shows a perspective view of a set of panels (11) assembled for a refrigeration chamber. Figure 15. Shows a top view of 2 panels placed at a 90° corner mounted on a U-channel (40), with a mixed corner (80) partially inserted.

[0034] Figure 16. Shows a perspective view of 2 panels placed at a 90° corner mounted on a U-Gutter (40), with a mixed corner (80) fully inserted.

[0035] Figure 17. Shows a top view of 2 panels placed at a 90° corner, with a mixed corner (80), mounted on a U-Gutter (40).

[0036] Figure 18. Shows an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly with mixed corners (80) and U-channels (40).

[0037] Figure 19. Shows a perspective view of a panel assembly (11) with mixed corners (80) and U-channels (40) for a refrigeration equipment.

[0038] Figure 20. Shows an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a single U-channel (401).

[0039] Figure 21. Shows an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a sanitary U-channel (401).

[0040] Figure 22. Shows an enlarged, cross-sectional view of an assembly sheet (42).

[0041] Figure 23. Shows a cross-sectional view of a sanitary corner (80).

[0042] Figure 24. Shows an enlarged superior view of a union vein (30).

[0043] Figure 25. Shows an exploded view of the post assembly (90).

[0044] Figure 26. Shows a perspective view of a panel assembly (11) with the side walls and the rear of a refrigerated compartment.

[0045] Figure 27. Shows a perspective view of a panel assembly (11) with the side walls, rear and top of a refrigerated compartment.

[0046] Figure 28. Shows a perspective view of a panel assembly (11) with the side walls, rear, top and bottom with U-channels (40) of a refrigerated compartment.

[0047] Figure 29. Shows a perspective view of a panel assembly (11) of a refrigerated compartment with sheet assembly (42). Figure 30. Shows a perspective view of a panel assembly (11) of a refrigerated compartment with sheet assembly (42) and 2 post assemblies (90) disassembled.

[0048] Figure 31. Shows a perspective view of a panel assembly (11) of a refrigerated compartment with assembly sheets (42) and 2 post assemblies (90) mounted.

[0049] Below is a list of the parts indicated in the figures:

[0050] Assembly of Panels for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10).

[0051] Panel (11).

[0052] Panel sections (12).

[0053] Module (20).

[0054] Gutter (21).

[0055] Male connector (22).

[0056] Female connector (23).

[0057] Union vein (30).

[0058] Support wall (31).

[0059] Side wall (32).

[0060] Hollow (33).

[0061] Sanitary U-channel (40).

[0062] Single gutter (401).

[0063] Health curve (41).

[0064] Assembly sheet (42).

[0065] Sheet metal wall (421).

[0066] Connectors (422).

[0067] Outside corner (50).

[0068] Inside corner (60).

[0069] Foamed (70).

[0070] Sanitary corner (80).

[0071] Exterior wall (81).

[0072] Interior wall (82).

[0073] Post assembly (90)

[0074] Post profile (91).

[0075] Post cap (92).

[0076] Post plate (93). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0077] Referring in more detail to the drawings, as shown in Figure 1 through Figure 19, a Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) is described and it is to be expressly understood that this exemplary embodiment is provided for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present inventive concept. Other embodiments and variations of the present invention entitled Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) are contemplated within the present inventive concept as set forth in the claims herein.

[0078] The Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) is a system of panels (11) that are assembled to form temperature conservation compartments or chambers that can be used for the construction of cold rooms and refrigerators.

[0079] The Assembly of Panels for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10) is made up of thermal panels (11) and elements for their coupling, such as bases and corners. The panels (11) are similar to those known in the construction sector that use sandwich type panels with side walls, called modules (20), with perforated internal supports called joining veins (20) and thermal foam (70) inside to isolate the temperatures of each of the walls of the panel (11).

[0080] The Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) has panels (11) that have male connectors (22) and female connectors (23) at the lateral ends of each module, to couple other adjacent panels and form honeycomb sections (12) to create a compartment or cold room of 2 or more panels (11) as required. Likewise, each module (20) has vertical channels (21) for the insertion of union veins (30). Likewise, the male connectors (22) and female connectors (23) can be connected and assembled with assembly sheets (42) at the ends of the panels to close and cover the sides of the panel sections (12). The main function of the assembly sheet is to cover the side of the panel sections (12) and that the foam (70) is contained within the panel sections (12).

[0081] The assembly sheet (42) has a sheet wall (421) where 2 male connectors (422) are projected to be inserted into the female connectors (23) of the panel section (12). The connectors (422) can be of the male or female type, to be inserted into the sides of the panel sections (12) that have a male connector (22) and a female connector (23).

[0082] The assembly sheet (42) has at least one drowning wall (423) projected perpendicularly onto the sheet wall (421), which has the function of being a fixing element of the assembly sheet (42) since said wall will be drowned, fixed and immobilized in the foam (70).

[0083] On the face opposite the connectors (422) and the drowning wall (423), the assembly sheet (42) has a pair of guides (424), which have the function of forming a channel for the insertion of a metallic element, namely, a galvanized sheet to function as a counter magnet for the magnetic seal of the door that will rest on the Assembly of Panels for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10)

[0084] The joining veins (30) are longitudinal elements that have the function of joining the modules (20) of the panel (11) and giving rigidity to the structure of the cold room. The joining veins (30) have a support wall (31) and two side walls (32) that are inserted into the vertical channels (21) of the modules. Likewise, the joining veins (30) have gaps (33) that consist of a plurality of perforations in the support wall (31) so that the thermal foam can be injected and pass freely through the gaps (33) to cover the entire interior of the panel sections (12).

[0085] An outstanding innovation of the Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) is that it has improvements with respect to what is known in the state of the art in the elements and accessories for joining panel sections (12), where hygienic aspects have been incorporated in the areas where corners are formed when panel sections (12) are placed and it is not possible to join them by means of the tongue and groove system of the panels (11). To solve this problem, an exterior corner (50) and an interior corner (60) have been incorporated to join panel sections (12) that form corners and a sanitary U-channel (41) as the base of the panel sections (12) with the surface.

[0086] The outer corner (50), the inner corner and the sanitary U-channel (40) have a sanitary curve (41) in the inner angles formed by the union of 2 sections of honeycombs (12) or by fixing sections of panels with the base of the surface.

[0087] The sanitary U-channel (40) of the Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) has a bottom wall and two side walls that form a U, where the separation between the side walls is such that it allows the insertion of the panel sections (12). Likewise, the sanitary U-channel (40) has on the outside of its side walls a sanitary curve (41) that consists of a rounded molding that joins the surface of the panel section (12) with the base of the cold room. The sanitary U-channel (40) can have a sanitary curve (41) in one of its outer walls or in both.

[0088] In the corners created by the union of 2 sections of panels (12) there is an exterior corner (50) of square type that covers a part of the exterior face of each section of panels (12) and there is also an interior corner (60) with a sanitary curve (41) that, in the same way, consists of a rounded moulding that joins the surface of the interior faces of each section of panels (12), which allows the interior of the cold room to be easy to clean.

[0089] In one embodiment of this invention, there is a combination of corners, called a sanitary corner (80), which has a structure similar to those disclosed and known in the state of the art, however, this embodiment of the sanitary corner (80) has a sanitary curve (41) which consists of a rounded moulding that joins the surface of the inner faces of each section of panels (12).

[0090] The sanitary corner (80) has a pair of exterior walls (81) that provide the same function as the exterior corner (50), and also has a pair of interior walls (82) that provide support for the placement of the sanitary curve (41). The sanitary curve (41) of the sanitary corner (80) is located between the junction of the interior walls (82), which form an internal angle between the panel sections (12), such that the sanitary curve (41) joins the surface of the interior faces of each panel section (12) for easy cleaning.

[0091] With this innovation of the Panel Assembly for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10) there is a system that allows having sanitary curves in rounded square mouldings that join two surfaces of the cold rooms, that is, there are sanitary curves in wall-wall, wall-floor or wall-ceiling, where the walls and ceilings can be sections of panels (12).

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, a simple channel (401) without sanitary curves can be used, designed for Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) where sanitary curves are not required. In another embodiment of the present invention, the Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) has a mode for mounting post assemblies (90) that allow the division of the front part to expand it and place more doors.

[0093] The post assembly (90) comprises a post plate (93) mounted on the lower and upper panel sections (12) of the assembly, on which a post profile (91) and a post cap (93) are assembled to form a post between each door of the refrigerated chamber.

[0094] The Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) will achieve a significant reduction in energy consumption associated with refrigeration, while improving the sustainability of the system. Furthermore, the adaptability of the mirror panels to various environmental conditions and specific cold room requirements offers considerable flexibility in their application.

[0095] The proposed Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) incorporates advanced materials to maximize thermal and energy efficiency. The outer layer employs special coatings that improve solar reflectivity, reduce unwanted heat absorption, and adapt to indoor and outdoor conditions. The inner layer is composed of state-of-the-art insulating materials, such as high-density expanded polyurethane or composite materials specifically designed to minimize heat transfer, made from recycled materials.

[0096] Additionally, surface coating technology is incorporated into the reflective layer to further improve the system's efficiency. This coating can consist of thin films of materials or paints that allow the assembly to adapt to the required indoor and outdoor conditions.

[0097] All materials used in the cooling panels are selected with sustainability and eco-efficiency in mind, which govern the design of this sustainable system. The materials are recyclable and meet environmental standards to minimize environmental impact throughout their life cycle, from manufacturing to eventual system decommissioning. The careful combination of these materials in the cooling panels not only seeks to optimize system performance but also promotes responsible environmental practices in the implementation and maintenance of cooling technologies. The use of recycled materials not only reduces the demand for raw materials but also contributes to the reduction of solid waste.By reincorporating previously used materials into the production chain, these materials are diverted from landfills, reducing waste and promoting a more circular approach to the product lifecycle. The system's energy efficiency is enhanced by the use of recycled materials in the cooling panels. Manufacturing recycled materials often requires less energy compared to producing virgin materials, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with component manufacturing.

[0098] By using recycled materials, the idea of ​​a circular economy is fostered, where products and materials are designed to be reused and recycled. This creates a continuous cycle of efficient resource use, promoting long-term sustainability and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. The integration of recycled materials into the cooling panels not only reinforces the system's sustainability and efficiency but also demonstrates a commitment to responsible practices and environmental preservation, thus consolidating the innovative proposal presented in this patent application.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10) made up of sandwich type panel sections (12) with side walls with male connectors (22) and female connectors (23) at the lateral ends of its modules (20), to couple adjacent panels and create a compartment or cold room of 2 or more panels (11), it also has a U-type base for fixing the module sections (12) characterized in that it has hygienic elements in the areas where corners are formed when panel sections (12) are placed, an exterior corner (50) and an interior corner (60) to join panel sections (12) and a sanitary U-channel (41) as a base for the panel sections (12);the sanitary U-channel (40) has a lower wall and two side walls that form a U, where the separation between the side walls is such that it allows the insertion of the panel sections (12) and on the outside of the side walls it has a sanitary curve (41) that consists of a rounded molding that joins the surface of the panel section (12) with the base of the cold room. in the corners created by the union of 2 panel sections (12) there is an exterior corner (50) type square that covers a part of the exterior face of each panel section (12); it has an interior corner (60) with a sanitary curve (41) that consists of a rounded molding that joins the surface of the interior faces of each panel section (12);and each module (20) has vertical channels (21) for the insertion of union veins (30). The male connectors (22) and female connectors (23) can be connected and assembled with assembly sheets (42) at the ends of the panels to close and cover the sides of the panel sections (12) and so that the foam (70) is contained within the panel sections (12).

2. The Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that in an embodiment of this invention, there is a sanitary corner (80) that has a pair of exterior walls (81) that provide the same function as the exterior corner (50) and a pair of interior walls (82) that provide support for the placement of the sanitary curve (41), which is located between the union of the interior walls (82) that form an internal angle between the panel sections (12), such that the sanitary curve (41) joins the surface of the inner faces of each panel section (12) for easy cleaning.

3. The Sanitary Cold Room Panel Assembly (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the inner corner and the sanitary U-Channel (40) have at least one sanitary curve (41).

4. The Panel Assembly for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the sanitary U-Channel (40) can have a sanitary curve (41) in one of its exterior walls or in both.

5. The Panel Assembly for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the assembly sheet (42) has a sheet wall (421) where 2 male type connectors (422) are projected to be inserted into the female connectors (23) of the panel section (12); in addition, it has at least one drowning wall (423) projected perpendicularly on the sheet wall (421); and on the face opposite the connectors (422) and the drowning wall (423), it has a pair of guides (424), which have the function of forming a channel for the insertion of a metallic element, to function as a counter magnet of the magnetic seal of the door that will rest on the Panel Assembly for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10) 6. The Assembly of Panels for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10), as claimed in claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the connectors (422) can be of the male or female type, to be inserted into the sides of the panel sections (12) that have a male connector (22) and a female connector (23).

7. The Assembly of Panels for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a simple channel (401) without sanitary curves can be used, designed for Assembly of Panels for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10) where sanitary curves are not required.

8. The Panel Assembly for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it has a mode for mounting post assemblies (90) that allow the division of the front part to expand it and place more doors, where the post assembly (90) comprises a post plate (93) mounted on the lower and upper panel sections (12) of the assembly, on which a post profile (91) and a post cap (93) are assembled to form a post between each door of the refrigerated chamber.

9. The Panel Assembly for Sanitary Cold Storage Chambers (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that in the outer layer, special coatings are used that improve solar reflectivity, reduce the absorption of unwanted heat and its adaptation to interiors and exteriors.

10. The Panel Assembly for Sanitary Cold Rooms (10), as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the outer layer additionally incorporates a surface coating technology to further improve the efficiency of the system, which is made up of thin films of materials or paints that allow the assembly to adapt to the necessary interior and exterior conditions.

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