TRANSPORT PACKAGING AND METHOD FOR A TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED TRANSPORT

[0001]The invention relates to a transport packaging for a temperature-controlled transport, which transport packaging is double-walled in that it contains an outer wall and an inner wall arranged at a distance from each other. The invention also relates to a method for a temperature-controlled transport.

[0002]A drawback of known transport packaging is an insufficient insulating capability and in particular physical leakage. These give rise to additional costs and limit the arrangement of transport packaging in a transport means. For example, transport packaging containing certain products must be placed in a certain place and arranged in a certain manner or even transported entirely separately from other products. This results in superfluous transport and it is necessary to use special equipment with a high energy consumption. In addition, in spite of cooling devices, the cold chain is broken too often. Food can spoil as a result and pharmaceuticals, for example, can even become toxic at the wrong temperatures.

[0003]The object of the invention is to provide a novel transport packaging and a novel method for a temperature-controlled transport, by means of which products can be transported safely, with minimal emissions and without breaking the cold chain. The characteristic features of a transport packaging according to the present invention are set out in claim 1 and the characteristic features of a corresponding method are set out in claim 13.

[0004]The invention is illustrated in the following in detail with reference to the attached drawings illustrating embodiments of the invention, wherein

[0005]FIG. 1a shows a sectioned view of a transport packaging according to the invention,

[0006]FIG. 1b shows a partial enlargement of a wall of a first embodiment of a transport packaging according to the invention,

[0007]FIG. 1c shows a partial enlargement of a wall of a second embodiment of a transport packaging according to the invention,

[0008]FIG. 1d shows a partial enlargement of a wall of a third embodiment of a transport packaging according to the invention,

[0009]FIG. 2a shows a first embodiment of a transport packaging according to the invention with an opened lid,

[0010]FIG. 2b shows a second embodiment of a transport packaging according to the invention with a closed lid,

[0011]FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of a transport packaging according to the invention,

[0012]FIG. 4 shows the exploded view of FIG. 3 in cross section,

[0013]FIG. 5 shows an outer wall of a transport packaging according to the invention in cross section,

[0014]FIG. 6a shows a modelled transport packaging according to the invention,

[0015]FIG. 6b shows the transport packaging of FIG. 6a as a black-and-white line drawing,

[0016]FIG. 7a shows a transport packaging according to the invention attached to a scooter,

[0017]FIG. 7b shows a variant of a transport packaging according to the invention,

[0018]FIG. 8a shows a transport packaging according to the invention that can be adapted for use as a piece of furniture in a transport position,

[0019]FIG. 8b shows the piece of furniture of FIG. 8a in a position of use with a mounted transport packaging,

[0020]FIG. 9a shows a special embodiment of a transport packaging according to the invention,

[0021]FIG. 9b shows the transport packaging of FIG. 9a in use.

[0022]FIG. 1a shows a transport packaging 10 for a temperature-controlled transport. The transport packaging 10 is doubled-walled in that it contains an outer wall 11 and an inner wall 12 arranged at a distance from each other. In other words, wall includes an outer wall and an inner wall. According to the invention, an air gap 13 is provided between the outer wall 11 and the inner wall 12. In addition, an inner surface 14 of the outer wall 11 has an insulating layer 15 and/or an outer surface 16 of the inner wall 12 has an insulating layer 17. The air in the air gap 13 between the walls forms an effective thermal insulation. Partial enlargements of a wall of the transport packaging are shown in FIGS. 1b, 1c and 1d in cross section. Later, the transport packaging is more simply called a case. Either the inner surface 14 of the outer wall 11 (FIG. 1c) or the outer surface 16 of the inner wall 12, or both (FIG. 1d), has an insulating layer, which is thin. A thickness of each insulating layer is 1-5 mm. The structure of the case thus stays light. Preferably, each insulating layer is a paint-on insulation that can be applied by, for example, rolling or spraying. This facilitates the manufacture of the case and ensures a uniform insulating layer. Each insulating layer is inside a wall of the case, which prevents a scratching of the thin insulating layers. The insulation thereby remains immaculate throughout the service life of the case. Preferably, a ceramic paint-on insulation is used. One suitable ceramic paint-on insulation is a mixture of a binding agent and ceramic microspheres. Paint-on insulation is elastic, waterproof and wear-resistant. Inside the hollow microspheres, which consist of ceramic material and silicon, there is a vacuum. A diameter of the microspheres can be, for example, 10-80 μm. A layer of paint thereby has a low thermal conductivity of 0.001-0.0015 W/(K*m). An acrylic-based polymer binding agent is preferably used, whereby the paint-on insulation is water soluble and non-toxic. A liquid paint-on insulation is easy to apply and the resulting coat is uniform.

[0023]Even a single layer of insulation achieves a remarkable insulating performance compared to the known art. With the structure illustrated in FIG. 1d, an insulating performance is achieved that is four times that of a case with solid walls. This enables a long use time with minimal heat loss. The resulting case is simultaneously lightweight while the walls and insulating layers are thin. The walls are still close together and mutually supportive, so that a rigid housing structure results. The case is thereby easy to handle and retains its shape even when full. The size of the air gap is 5-20 mm, more preferably 10-15 mm. The internal volume of the case thereby remains as large as possible while the layer of air is large enough to produce an insulating effect. The first insulating layer prevents cold or heat from escaping into the environment and the second insulating layer prevents cold or heat from getting into the case. The internal temperature of the case thus remains at a desired temperature for a long time, regardless of external conditions.

[0024]The case can be made of different materials, which are chosen according to the intended application. For example, the outer wall can be made of polypropylene or some other thermoplastic polymer and the inner wall can be made of polystyrene or some other thermoplastic polymer, or vice versa. It is also possible to use stainless steel and some other material. It is also possible for both walls to be made of the same material. Generally speaking, all materials used in the manufacture of the case are non-toxic and suitable for food applications. In addition, polypropylene is advantageously non-flammable. The material consequently melts without catching fire in hot conditions. The case can also be used to transport food that can spoil easily. In addition, the structure is particularly tight, practically water-tight, SO that the case can be placed in a transport space without limitation and without a risk of leakage. It is thereby possible to transport different types of foodstuffs, both frozen and refrigerated products, in the same transport space. It is thereby even possible to transport fish globally without any risk of spoilage or leakage. On average, 95% of the volume of a product made of expanded polypropylene is air. The product is nevertheless mechanically and chemically durable. In addition, polypropylene is entirely recyclable.

[0025]A cooling element 18 by means of which the maintenance of an internal temperature is ensured even over a long transport time is also arranged in the case (FIGS. 2a and 2b). For example, a cooling mat is used with frozen products and a refrigerated element in refrigerated transports. A gel or a refrigerated element can be used as a cooling agent.

[0026]In addition, the case has monitoring devices 19 by means of which, for example, the internal temperature and humidity of the case are monitored. In addition, the monitoring devices are connected to a cloud service, which allows the transport chain to be monitored continuously and in real time. In other words, the transport packaging includes an independent monitoring device that is wirelessly connected to a monitoring system configured as a cloud service. Each case is thus its own food premises, the properties and location of which can be known at all times. It is also possible, for example, to determine the temperature at any given time without opening the case. An own-check is thus possible and the person who ordered the transport, the recipient of the transport, a forwarding agent and a public official can establish that the cold chain has not been broken. At the same time, the case can be transported in any non-temperature-controlled transport means together with products of different temperature ranges. The case can also consist of a plurality of parts which can be stacked so as to occupy a smaller volume for the return transport. The case can be adapted to, for example, the method and system disclosed in the published application WO2011/051561A1.

[0027]FIG. 1a shows a sectioned view of a case according to the invention, the outer dimensions of which are commensurate with a standard. This facilitates the arrangement of the case in a transport means. In addition, the case is suitable for automated sorting systems and can also be handled by a robot. A shoulder 20 is formed in the inner wall on which a cooling element 18 can be supported. This prevents the cooling element from coming into contact with the product to be transported. It is also possible to use various holders or racks which ensure that products remain in place and which prevent breakage. For example, for pharmaceutical ampoules there can be a crate in which the pharmaceutical ampoules remain in the correct position, so as not to touch one another and so as not to touch the walls of the case and the cooling element. As a result, the pharmaceuticals remain undamaged throughout transport and the ampoules remain intact.

[0028]FIG. 2a shows a case with a removed lid 22. In other words, the transport packaging 10 is a case 21 with a removably attached lid 22. The lid also has the same two-layered insulated structure, so as to maintain the good insulation performance. In addition, the lid has a prolongation 23 that corresponds to an indentation 24 in the case 21. The insulation performance is thus also maintained at the location of the joint without cold bridges. For example, by means of suitable labyrinth structures of the lid, the case can be rendered airtight. It is thus possible to use dry ice in the cooling element, whereby an internal temperature of up to −70 degrees Celsius can be achieved in the case.

[0029]The lid is locked by means of suitable latches. In an inter-national or otherwise protected transport, a double lid is used, wherein the inner lid is locked and sealed to the case. The lid thus consists of two parts (FIG. 2b). The top lid can still be removed or at least partially opened, so that the cooling element can be replaced by a forwarding agent if there are problems with the temperature or if additional transport time is required. The product is thus left un-touched, which obviates the need for it to be accessed by customs. In this solution, the inner lid 25 must allow the effect of the cooling element to spread to the rest of the case and to the product itself. The inner lid is uninsulated and can even contain openings. In any event, the case is energy-tight again when the top lid is closed. In practice, the product can be packed and the case sealed by the customer. The product thus does not need to be taken to a terminal for packaging. On the other hand, no one can open the case except the recipient.

[0030]FIG. 2a shows an intermediate floor 26 on top of which two layers of cardboard packaging 27 are arranged. The intermediate floor allows any condensation to flow under the intermediate floor, so that the products stay dry. In FIG. 2b, the case contains an inner cassette 43 for pharmaceutical ampoules or sample tubes. Generally speaking, the case contains a replaceable inner cassette that is manufactured according to the product to be transported. The inner cassette holds the product so as not to touch one another or the case. Analogously, an intermediate lid 25 retains the cooling element so that it does not come into contact with the products. The inner cassette can also have a top half 44 that functions as a lid.

[0031]In FIGS. 2a and 2b, the monitoring device 19 is arranged inside a cooling element 18, which is configured to be disposed in the transport packaging 10. Thus, once the products have been installed, the monitoring device is certain to be added together with the cooling element. The monitoring device is thereby preserved from damage and is positioned correctly. If necessary, for example, a temperature sensor can stick out of the cooling element, so that a sensor 28 can be arranged among the products (FIG. 2b).

[0032]A refrigerated transport can easily take a transport time of several tens or even hundreds of hours. As a result, even the most sensitive products can be safely transported anywhere around the world. It may be necessary to replace the cooling element, but the maintenance of the cold chain is ensured in any event. Accordingly, the case can be used to transport meals. Without any external energy, the case maintains an internal temperature of 60 degrees for up to 24 hours. Meals can thus be distributed with any transport means, provided that the products are packed in a case according to the invention after preparation and delivered to the customer without being opened.

[0033]FIG. 8a shows a piece of furniture 45 with which it is possible to exploit the characteristics of the case according to the invention. Basically, in the method, the piece of furniture 45 is used after the transport, wherein a transporting packaging 10 is partially inserted in an opening 47 in the piece of furniture 45 while the transport packaging 10 is being emptied. Here, the piece of furniture 45 is a table with folding legs 46. In a transport and storage position, the piece of furniture thus takes up a small volume. The piece of furniture has at least one opening 47 into which the case 21 can be inserted. In other words, the opening is slightly larger than the case. This allows the contents of the case to be established without opening the lid and a serving height is natural. In FIG. 8b, the lid 22 of the case 21 is still in place. The case can be supported in the opening, although the plane can also have folding supports for supporting the case 48. The plane can also have a plurality of openings. In other words, folding legs 46 and supports arranged in connection with an opening 47 for a transport packaging are arranged in the piece of furniture 45.

[0034]FIG. 3 shows the case according to the invention with the lid 22, the inner wall 12 and the outer wall 11 separated from one another. In particular, there is a tongue-and-groove connection 29 between the inner wall 12 and the outer wall 11, which fastens the walls together at the tongue-and-groove connection. Where necessary, separate fasteners or silicone or a sealing glue is used. This prevents an unintended separation of the walls. A sealing also prevents moisture from getting between the walls.

[0035]In FIG. 4, the different parts of the case are cross-sectioned, so that the inner surface 14 of the outer wall 11 and the outer surface 16 of the inner wall 12 are visible. An insulant is then applied to either one or to both of these surfaces according to the invention.

[0036]FIG. 5 shows only the outer wall 11 in cross section. This has vertical ribs 30 as well as protuberances 31 resembling spherical caps on the floor, which support the inner wall and create the air gap between the walls.

[0037]FIGS. 6a and 6b show a transport packaging according to the invention in two different manners. The lid 22 has a window 32 here, so that the contents of the case are visible without opening the lid. This is advantageous, for example, when selling goods at markets or in catering. Thanks to the window, any unnecessary opening of the lid is avoided. In the illustrated embodiment, the window consists of two sheets of acrylic plastic, which are glued spaced apart from each other to the opening arranged in the lid. The insulating capability of the lid thus corresponds to the insulation properties of the walls.

[0038]The shown embodiment further includes an intermediate lid 33 that limits a space in which it is possible to arrange, for example, salads, which are preserved without wilting during transport and storage. A bottom of the case further includes skids 34 here. The bottom of the case is thereby elevated off the ground, which reduces a transmission of heat. In other words, the internal temperature of the case remains invariant for as long as possible. Preferably, grooves 35 corresponding to the skids are formed in the lid 22. The cases can thereby be stacked on top of each other while the skids fitting into the grooves prevent a slipping. In other words, the stack of cases remains in place without tipping over.

[0039]An end of the case further includes a handle 36, which is embedded in a wall. Stacks of cases can thereby be placed side by side. A second recess 37 is provided here, for example for a whiteboard. The contents of the case and an associated quantity can be indicated on the whiteboard. Generally speaking, the outer surfaces of the case are smooth and free of protrusions. The case thus takes up as little space as possible. A snagging of protrusions during handling and transport is simultaneously avoided.

[0040]In FIG. 7a, a transport packaging 10 according to the invention is attached to a scooter. A corresponding transport packaging is shown in FIG. 7b. A variant is shown here in which the transport packaging includes separate compartments 38 and 39 for products of different temperature ranges. There can be more than two compartments. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a warm compartment 38 and a cold compartment 39. A third compartment could be a freezer. Generally speaking, in the method, the transport packaging 10 is arranged as part of a transport means 52, as also in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0041]In FIGS. 7a and 7b, the lid is formed as an access hatch 40, so that an entire side can be opened. In addition, a plurality of gratings is provided inside the transport packaging 41. This allows in particular pizza boxes to be held apart from one another, which stops the cardboard pizza boxes from being squashed and thus the pizzas from being squished. The gratings or the equivalent are detachable, so that other dishes can be stored and transported in the compartment 38. Thanks to the good insulation properties of the transport packaging, the products stay warm without a separate heat source. The second compartment 39 is cold here and thus suitable for storing and transporting, for example, drinks and salads and salad dressings. Preferably, a replaceable cooling element is employed at the bottom of the compartment by means of which it is ensured that the temperature is kept low enough. Even sensitive foods, such as salad dressings and mayonnaise, are thereby preserved without spoiling over the entire duration of the transport. The cold compartment 39 has an overhead access hatch 42, whereby cold is prevented from escaping. Compartment sizes and the arrangement of the access hatches can vary in different embodiments. In FIG. 7b, the access hatch at the end is not illustrated. Different compartments can have different supports and holders for holding products in place during transport.

[0042]Besides or in addition to the handles 36, the transport packaging can include, for example, a carrying handle or strap 49. The transport packaging is thereby easy to handle. As a result, for example, a delivery person can pack portions of food, salads and drinks into a transport packaging in a restaurant and take them to a customer in a well-insulated, yet lightweight and easy-to-move transport packaging. The good insulation properties also prevent a leaking of different temperatures. As a result, the warm compartment stays warm and the cold compartment stays cold.

[0043]The case according to the invention does not require external energy. It is also a self-contained and tight food premises. In addition, units of transport packaging are transported in a non-temperature-controlled transport means while products of different temperature ranges are transported in the same transport means. As a result, even frozen foods, fresh produce and meals can be transported together and in the same transport means. A transport means can thus be any non-temperature-controlled transport means in which there are no separate temperature-control devices. As a result, a transport means can be of a generic type and lightweight. Devices and transport means are preferably used that are based on electricity, gas, hydrogen or other low-emission or zero-emission energy sources. A distribution in residential areas, such as a city, can be carried out with emissions that are as low as possible or even with zero emissions. It is nevertheless possible to guarantee an unbroken cold chain or alternatively a meal at a target temperature. By using the case according to the invention, products can be distributed in one trip to a whole area.

[0044]One example of an application of the transport packaging and method is the organisation of food logistics in the field. First, very hot, cold and even frozen products can be packed in their own cases. Second, the cases can be transported together and in the same transport means without a separate refrigeration or heating. Third, the products are ready to serve for several hours, even days. It is thus not necessary to bring equipment into the field for the storage or preparation of food. At every stage, an enormous amount of energy is saved. Costs are simultaneously reduced due to the reduced need for equipment and the use of simpler equipment. In addition, emissions are significantly reduced. The furniture according to FIGS. 8a and 8b can be used for serving and displaying.

[0045]The case according to the invention can be utilized in a variety of ways. FIG. 9a shows the baggage compartment of a vehicle, which traditionally includes space for a spare tyre. More recently, the spare tyre has been replaced by a repair kit, but the body of the vehicle still has the same space. An extruded plastic tray 50 is often arranged inside the metal body as part of the body. Preferably, the tray or at least a part of the same is manufactured commensurately with the transport packaging according to the invention. The case can thus be the entire tray or a separate part to be placed in the tray. It is thereby possible to utilize the empty space of the vehicle. For example, in FIG. 9b, food 51, on top of which a cooling element 18 has been placed, is arranged in the tray 50. The mat of the baggage compartment closes the space, which is now a food premises without external energy. If necessary, a lid is used under the mat, as with the case. The case can also be designed commensurately with some other recess or cavity of a vehicle.

[0046]In the invention, a unit has unexpectedly been devised with which unprecedented characteristics are achieved in a transport packaging. Instead of a vacuum, air in a closed space, i.e. in a sufficiently large air gap, is used together with, if necessary, a paint-on insulation. The structure is lightweight yet rigid and above all tight. The air in the air gap between the walls provides an effective thermal insulation. Even when loaded, the transport packaging retains its shape while the air gap and consequently the thermal insulation properties are preserved. The air gap is preserved even if the shape of the transport packaging should change slightly when loaded. The basic material is itself non-toxic and can even be steam-washed. The material is also recyclable and resistant to extreme temperatures. In addition to everything set out in the foregoing, the transport packaging according to the invention is a food premises the properties of which, such as temperature, can be continuously monitored and verified. A plurality of self-contained food premisess can be transported in a delivery truck that does not have a refrigeration unit and in which products of different temperatures can even be transported in the same space.