ES2935466T3 - Transport box, in particular for partially prepared meals - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport box (1), in particular for meals and partially prepared foods, comprising a receiving compartment (2) limited by side walls and a base (22), and which can be hermetically closed by means of a lid ( 3). The cover (3) has a coolant compartment (33) for receiving a coolant (200). The lid (3) can be arranged in two different lid positions (13, 23) sealing the receiving compartment (2). Furthermore, in the receiving compartment (2) a channel device (9) is arranged to conduct the refrigerant. The channel device (9) is designed and suitable for conducting the refrigerant in such a way that the temperature in the receiving compartment can be controlled at a deep-freezing temperature below 0 °C in a first position of the lid (13) and at a refrigeration temperature. temperature above 0 °C in a second position of the cover (13). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Transport box, in particular for partially prepared meals

The present invention relates to a transport box, in particular, for meals and partially prepared foods, with at least one receiving space delimited by side walls and at least one base, and with at least one lid, the storage space being able to be closed. receiving via the at least one cover and the cover having at least one refrigerant space for receiving at least one refrigerant and it being possible to connect the receiving space and the refrigerant space via at least one flow connection for the refrigerant, it being possible to arrange the lid in at least two different lid positions closing the receiving space and the flow connection being at least partially open in a first lid position and the flow connection being closed in the second lid position, such that, by selecting the cover position, a release or suppression of the refrigerant flow can be set to thereby moderate the temperature of the receiving space differently and that at least one channeling mechanism for conducting the refrigerant is arranged in the receiving space, and that the channeling mechanism is suitable and shaped for conducting the refrigerant in such a way that, with a defined quantity of refrigerant in the refrigerant space, the temperature of the receiving space can be moderated in the first cover position at a deep-freezing temperature and in a second cover position at a refrigeration temperature, and that the deep-freeze temperature and/or the refrigeration temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time after the refrigerant space is filled with the refrigerant and the lid is attached, the piping mechanism comprising a plurality of inlet slots for receiving the incoming refrigerant, which are in flow connection with the refrigerant space in the first cover position, and being arranged the entry slots are placed only on one side wall of the reception space.

In the state of the art, different transport boxes are known that make it possible to refrigerate the food to be transported. Dry ice is often used in such shipping boxes in order to keep food at temperatures below the freezing point of water during transport. Constant and reliable refrigeration to a deep-freeze level cannot be guaranteed on a regular basis by such boxes. Another drawback is that different foods should not be stored below 0 °C to prevent freezing.

A transport box of the type mentioned at the beginning is known from the document EP 3002232 A1.

GB 2552881 A discloses an apparatus for storing perishable products with a lid as part of or for use with a container for receiving the products, the lid being capable of receiving an amount of refrigerant that is adequate to regulate the temperature in the container for a period of time. predetermined period of time.

From document WO 01/44731 A1, a container for the transport of refrigerated products is known, consisting of a receiving receptacle and a lid, both made of an insulating material. A space with a dividing wall for receiving a refrigerant is arranged in the lid. The projections in the receiving container form channels that guarantee a good distribution of the cold.

In a cooling container according to JP 2015 147578 A, the receiving container is closed by means of an intermediate cover and a top cover. The coolant is distributed in the intermediate cover. In one embodiment, the receiving container is divided into two receiving spaces and an intermediate cover and a top cover are present for each receiving space.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a particularly flexible transport box. This object is achieved by means of a transport box with the characteristic features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Other advantages and characteristic features of the present invention can be deduced from the general description and from the description of the exemplary embodiments.

The transport box according to the invention is used in particular for the transport of meals and partially prepared foods. The transport box comprises at least one reception space delimited by side walls and at least one base. The receiving space can be closed by at least one cover. The lid has at least one refrigerant space for receiving at least one refrigerant. The receiving space and the refrigerant space can be connected via at least one flow connection for the refrigerant. In this sense, the lid can be arranged in at least two different lid positions. The lid positions are suitable and are shaped to close off the receiving space. In this respect, in a first cover position, the flow connection is at least partly open and in particular more open than in a second cover position. In the second cap position, the flow connection is closed or less open than in the first cap position. Thus, by selecting the cover position, a release or suppression of the refrigerant flow can be set to thereby moderate the temperature of the receiving space differently. In the receiving space, at least one conduit mechanism is arranged for conducting the refrigerant, and the conduit mechanism is suitable and shaped for conducting the refrigerant so that, with a defined quantity of refrigerant in the refrigerant space, it can be tempering the temperature of the receiving space in the first lid position at a deep-freeze temperature and in a second lid position at a refrigeration temperature. Furthermore, the temperature of The deep freezing and/or refrigeration temperature can be maintained for a predetermined period of time after the refrigerant space is filled with the refrigerant and the lid is attached.

The channeling mechanism comprises a plurality of inlet slots to receive incoming coolant. In this sense, the entry slots are only arranged in a side wall of the receiving space. This offers particularly advantageous conduction of the coolant. The entry slots are in flow connection with the reception space. In the first cap position, the inlet slots are also in flow connection with the coolant space. Thus, circulation around the food can be achieved and, at the same time, a particularly simple implementation of the lid positions. The conduit mechanism comprises at least two input slots and preferably at least three or at least four input slots and particularly preferably at least five input slots. Six or seven or more input slots are also possible. In connection with the previously described transport box configurations, five inlet slots have proven to be particularly advantageous in order to achieve the most favorable possible coolant flow in the receiving space. The previously mentioned numerals refer to an arrangement of the entry slots in a side wall.

The transport box according to the invention has many advantages. A considerable advantage consists in that, by means of the ducting mechanism, a different cooling of the food is possible in a specific way. In this way, the transport box can be used for many different foods. The lid position, which is optimal for the food to be transported, is easily and conveniently selected. Another advantage is that the transport box offers a structurally simple setting of the temperature moderation and, in addition, it can be used with passive cooling. Thus, the temperature of food, in particular, can be moderated carefully and optimally and can also be transported economically.

In the context of the present invention, a flow of refrigerant is also meant, in particular, a flow of cold air or a mixture of a gaseous refrigerant and air inside the receiving space or in the ducting mechanism.

Reception space is provided by a lower part of the shipping box. The lower part preferably comprises at least the side walls and the base.

The lid can be placed over the bottom to close off the receiving space. The lid can be attached to the bottom. In particular, the lower part comprises, in particular, the channeling mechanism.

The deep-freezing temperature must be less than -12 °C. Preferably it can be -18 °C. Directly after filling the refrigerant space with refrigerant and putting on the lid, the deep-freeze temperature can also be -30 °C.

The refrigeration temperature is between 0 °C and 10 °C and preferably between 1 °C and 6 °C. It is important that the parameters mentioned above are measured so that the refrigeration temperature does not drop below 0 °C. This would lead to spoilage of refrigerated foods.

The default period is between 24 and 30 hours. This period of time is timed so that it is not exceeded when the shipping box is normally shipped to a customer from the food production site.

The refrigerant that can be received in the refrigerant space consists, in particular, of dry ice pellets, ie frozen carbon dioxide in the form of pellets.

In an advantageous embodiment, the coolant consists of 1.5 to 3.5 kg of dry ice pellets in the first lid position. These pellets are easy to handle, the quantity indicated guarantees the maintenance of the deep-freezing temperature during the indicated period.

In another advantageous embodiment, in the second lid position, it consists of 0.7 to 1.3 kg of dry ice pellets. In this case the advantages mentioned above with regard to handling and maintaining the refrigeration temperature apply.

It is particularly advantageous if the mass of the dry ice pellets is dependent on the ambient temperature. In this sense, the quantities can be very difficult to adapt to the ambient temperature. In general, however, it is sufficient if the amount of dry ice pellets in winter is reduced to approximately 1/3 of the amount used in summer.

The conduit mechanism, in particular, is shaped open circumferentially at least in sections and preferably over more than half the length, and particularly preferably over the entire length. It is possible for the conduit mechanism to be formed circumferentially closed in sections. In particular, the conduit mechanism is shaped like a groove or at least comprises one of this type. The channeling mechanism extends along at least two side walls and along the base. As a result, foods can be covered particularly well with the refrigerant.

The coolant space preferably has a receiving volume of between 4 l and 7 l. In particular, the refrigerant space has a receiving volume of between 5 and 6 l. For example, the reception space has a reception volume of 5.5 l. Depending on the size of the reception space, larger or smaller volumes are also possible.

The receiving space, in particular, has a volume of between 8 and 30 l, preferably a volume of between 14 and 20 l. In particular, the reception space has a volume of between 16 l and 18 l. The volume can fluctuate by up to a liter or more due to the interior configuration of the reception space. Such a receiving space, in particular, can be maintained, in particular advantageously, at the deep-freezing temperature or at the refrigeration temperature, by means of the previously described refrigerant. Larger or smaller volumes of the receiving space are also possible. Preferably, the amount and type of refrigerant is adapted to the volume of the receiving space and/or to the desired deep-freezing temperature or refrigeration temperature.

The side wall section is provided, in particular, by a top side or front side of the side wall. In a cover position, the cover is located, in particular, at least in sections in the side wall section.

It is provided that at least two or a plurality of other grooves are arranged in the side walls and in the base. Preferably, the coolant can flow through the inlet slots and the other slots along at least two side walls and along the base. In this sense, the coolant can flow through the inlet slot and the other slots along at least two side walls and along the base. In this way, the goods to be transported are covered, in particular, completely, so that a particularly good cooling effect is achieved.

The other grooves comprise, in particular, at least one exit groove and/or at least one base groove. The other slots comprise, in particular, at least two and preferably a plurality of exit slots and/or base slots. In particular, at least one outlet slot is arranged in at least one of the side walls. It is preferred that the outlet groove runs from below, preferably from the base, upwards, preferably to an upper side of the side wall. Preferably, the outlet groove runs from the base to an upper side of the side wall, and in particular through the entire side wall. In particular, the side wall with the outlet slot is assigned at least one outlet opening through which the coolant can exit the receiving space.

At least one base slot is arranged in the base. In particular, the base groove extends from one side wall to another side wall and preferably to an opposite side wall. In particular preferably, the base slot connects the input slot and the output slot to each other.

In an advantageous configuration, the other slots are provided by at least four output slots and at least eight base slots. Preferably, one part of the base grooves meets an outlet groove and another part of the base grooves meets a side wall. For example, half of the base slots meet an exit slot and the other half meet a side wall. Such a configuration offers particularly advantageous conduction of the coolant. It is also possible for all base slots to meet at least one exit slot. In particular, the other slots are provided by at least one exit slot and/or at least one base slot. It can also be provided at least two outlet slots and/or at least two base slots. Five or six or more output slots may be provided. It is also possible that eight or nine or ten or more base slots are provided.

In particular, the entry slot meets at least two base slots. For this, the entry slot is preferably designed so wide that it covers at least two base slots. By means of such a configuration, particularly favorable convection is achieved in the receiving space. It is possible that a plurality of entry slots are provided. Then, preferably, all entry slots meet at least one base slot and in particular at least two base slots in each case.

In particular, the entry slot and the exit slot are arranged on opposite side walls. It is preferable that, during a 180° rotation of the cover, the passage opening moves from the inlet slot to a side wall section adjacent to the outlet slot or to a side wall section located between at least two output slots. Thus, the connection of the conduit mechanism or the inlet slot to the coolant space is closed by means of the side wall section during a corresponding rotation of the cover.

In a preferred configuration, a plurality of entry and exit slots and base slots are provided. In particular, the entry grooves and the base grooves are only provided respectively in one side wall. However, it is also possible that the entry slots and the exit slots are distributed over two or more side walls. In particular, the entry slots and the exit slots are provided in opposite side walls. Particularly preferably, at least two base slots and/or output slots are assigned to one input slot.

The other grooves preferably at least partly have a depth and/or width of at least 6 mm. Preferably, the other grooves at least partly have a cross-sectional area of at least 36mm2. In particular, the other grooves have at least a depth and/or width of at least 7 mm and/or a cross-sectional area of at least 49 mm2. Particularly preferably, the other grooves have at least partly a depth and/or a width of at least 10 mm. It was possible to show that a particularly favorable convection or heat flux occurs through said grooves so that the food is optimally covered by the coolant. Smaller or larger slots are also possible. In particular, the other grooves have the previously described dimensions over more than half of their length and preferably over their entire length.

In particular, the other slots each have a smaller cross-sectional area than a single entry slot. In particular, the other slot is narrower and/or flatter than the entry slot.

In particular, the entry slot runs from an upper side of the side wall in the direction of the base and preferably up to the base. In particular, the entry slot runs through the entire side wall. In this way, the goods to be transported can circulate in particular favorably.

The entry slot preferably has a width of at least 40 mm. It is also possible that the conduit mechanism comprises a plurality of entry slots and that at least a part of the entry slots are respectively wider than the wall sections lying between them. Preferably, the width of the entry slot is at least 50 mm. In particular, the width of the entry slot is less than 100 mm. A greater or lesser width can also be provided. Preferably, the depth of the entry slot is at least 6 mm and preferably at least 7 mm and particularly preferably at least 10 mm. A greater or lesser depth is also possible. Experiments have shown that inlet slots configured in this way are particularly advantageous for the expected temperature ranges.

The wall sections that lie between the entry slots are designed, in particular, as webs. By means of said webs, the goods to be transported can be separated, in particular advantageously, from the entry slots.

In particular, each entry slot meets at least one base slot and preferably at least two base slots. It is possible that only a portion of the base slots will meet an exit slot. In particular, only a part of the base slots meets an exit slot. In particular, another part of the base grooves directly meets a side wall. It is also possible that all base slots meet one or more exit slots.

Preferably, in the receiving space, at least one outlet opening is assigned to discharge the refrigerant from the receiving space. Particularly preferably, at least two or three or even four or more outlet openings are provided. The outlet opening is arranged in particular in the side wall and in particular in the one that is equipped with the outlet slot.

In all configurations, it is particularly preferred that the lid is turned 180° in the second lid position relative to the first lid position. In particular, the cover is rotated around a Z axis or around a vertical axis. In particular, the cover is not turned over to change the position of the cover. In this way, the underside of the lid always remains the underside. This is a great advantage for a specific configuration of the cooling effect. In particular, during a 180° turn of the cover, the passage opening moves from the inlet slot to an opposite side wall, which presents the wall section for closing the connection between the channeling mechanism and the coolant space. .

It is possible and preferred that the transport box comprises at least two receiving spaces and at least two lids. In this sense, each reception space can preferably be closed by at least one cover. In particular, the reception spaces each have at least one channeling mechanism. Such a configuration has the advantage that, by selecting the lid positions, the temperature of the receiving spaces can be moderated equally or differently. For example, one receiving space can be set to deep-freeze temperature and the other receiving space to refrigerated temperature. Thus, in particular, such a transport box can be used flexibly, since deep-frozen products and refrigerated products can be transported at the same time. If necessary, a lid can be rotated so that the temperature of the two reception spaces can be moderated equally.

In particular, two separate receiving spaces are provided, which are separated by at least one commonly used side wall and/or by at least one dividing wall. The two receiving spaces are housed, in particular, in a common transport box. In particular, the receiving spaces are formed in one piece with the transport box. The transport box preferably has a lower part which is equipped with two receiving spaces. The reception spaces are shaped, in particular, with mirror symmetry.

Particularly preferably, at least one commonly used side wall is arranged between the receiving spaces. In particular, the side wall has a thickness of more than 70 mm and preferably more than 74 mm. In particular, the thickness is between 70 mm and 100 mm. The indication of the thickness refers in particular to a point more weak or thinner lateral wall. By means of such a side wall, unwanted heat exchange between the refrigerated area and the deep-freeze area is reliably prevented. A greater or lesser thickness is also possible.

The at least one entry slot of a respective receiving space is preferably arranged in the commonly used side wall. The at least one outlet slot is arranged in particular in at least one outer wall of the respective receiving space. By such an arrangement of the inlet slot, a particularly advantageous cooling effect is achieved. The entry slot can also be arranged in an outer wall of the receiving space.

The transport box is made, in particular, of a particulate foam and, for example, of expanded polypropylene (PPE) or at least one other suitable material. In particular, the walls delimiting the reception space and preferably also the lid are made of such a material. In particular, the transport box is made of an insulating material.

The coolant space can be closed, in particular, by at least one cover. For example, a sliding cover is provided. The refrigerant space can be divided into two or three or more areas. For example, between the areas, a dividing wall is provided. Thus, the refrigerant can be effectively prevented from slipping. It is also possible that the cover comprises two or more refrigerant spaces.

The transport box is designed in particular for passive cooling. In particular, a passive cooling of the receiving space is provided. In particular, a passive flow of the coolant through the channeling mechanism is provided. In particular, the refrigerant flows due to temperature differences in the receiving space or in the cover. The temperature moderation takes place in the second lid position or at the cooling temperature, preferably via thermal radiation and/or thermal conduction, and in particular not via heat flux or convection. The temperature moderation takes place in the first lid position or at the deep-freeze temperature, preferably also by heat flow or convection.

The receiving space preferably serves to receive at least one and preferably in particular at least two or more overpacks of food. Meals can be arranged in crockery units. Overpacks can also contain beverages or beverage bottles. By means of such overpacks, the receiving space can be optimally filled and the flow properties of the grooves can be used to advantage. It is possible for the transport box to comprise at least one overpack which, preferably alone or in combination with other overpacks, substantially fills the receiving space except for the gripping grooves and/or concavities. In particular, the overpacks are adapted to the length and/or width and/or height of the receiving space. The overpack has, in particular, the shape of a parallelepiped or a cube.

The piping mechanism and the coolant space can be connected via at least one flow connection for the coolant. In this sense, the flow connection is at least partially open in the first cap position. Furthermore, the flow connection is closed in the second cap position. Thus, by selecting the cover position, a release or suppression of the refrigerant flow can be set to thereby moderate the temperature of the receiving space differently.

In a particularly preferred configuration, the flow connection for the coolant comprises at least one through opening arranged in the cover or is configured as such. It is preferable if the through opening is arranged at least partly to overlap the entry slot in the first cover position and in particular to overlap the entry slot additionally than in the second cover position. It is also preferred that, in the second cover position, the passage opening is at least partially closed off by at least one side wall section of the receiving space and, in particular, additionally overlaps the side wall section which is first cap position. In particular, in the second lid position, the passage opening is completely closed by the side wall section. It is possible that in the first cover position the entire passage opening is arranged so as to overlap the entry slot. It is also possible that, in the first lid position, only a part of the through opening is arranged to overlap the inlet slot.

Such a configuration offers many advantages and enables a release or suppression of the coolant flow, in particular, without complications and, at the same time, very reliably depending on the position of the cover. The input slot also offers many advantages. Thus, for example, the flow of the refrigerant is not interrupted even if the receiving space is full of goods to be transported, which are in direct or close contact with the side walls.

The through opening extends in particular between the coolant space and an underside of the cover. The through opening is preferably arranged only along one side edge of the underside of the lid. The passage opening can also extend along two or more side edges. Then, in particular, two or a plurality of through openings are provided.

In an advantageous configuration, the through opening is in the form of an elongated hole or at least includes one of this type. Preferably, a plurality of through openings are arranged in the lid. In this sense, the Through openings are designed in particular as elongated openings with at least two different lengths. In this way, a particularly advantageous coolant flow is achieved. In particular, two longer elongated holes and two shorter elongated holes are provided. The longest elongated holes are in particular at least 40 mm and preferably at least 50 mm and particularly preferably at least 60 mm long. In particular, the longest elongated holes are longer than the width of the entry slot. In particular, the shorter elongated holes have a length of one quarter or less of the length of the longer elongated holes. Other length distributions of the elongated holes are also possible. It is also possible for the through openings to have another shape.

Other advantages and characteristic features of the present invention can be deduced from the exemplary embodiments that are explained below with reference to the attached figures.

Show:

1 is a purely schematic representation of a transport crate according to the invention in a diagonal perspective view from above;

figure 2 the transport box with the lid removed;

figure 3 the transport box with the lid removed in a plan view;

figure 4 the lid in a diagonal perspective view from above;

5 the underside of the lid in a diagonal perspective view from above;

figure 6 a cover for a coolant space of the cover;

7 a partly transparent representation of the transport box in a first lid position in plan view; and

Figure 8 shows a partly transparent representation of the transport box in a second lid position in plan view.

Figure 1 shows a transport box 1 according to the invention with a bottom part 11 and a lid 3 arranged on the bottom part 11. The bottom part 11 here provides two receiving spaces 2. In this sense, each receiving space 2 can be closed by means of a separate cover 3.

The lower part 11 has side walls 12 and a base 22 delimiting the receiving spaces 2. A side wall 8 commonly used by the receiving spaces 2 is arranged between the receiving spaces 2. Next, the transport crate 1 is now described in more detail with respect to figures 1 to 8. The lower part 11 is shown in more detail in figures 2 and 3. Representations of the lid 3 can be found in figures 4 to 6.

Here, the lid 3 can be placed on the bottom 11 in two different lid 13, 23 positions. The lid positions are shown in more detail in figures 7 and 8.

In the lid 3 there is a coolant space 33 for receiving a coolant 200 not shown in more detail here, in particular dry ice pellets of frozen carbon dioxide. In particular, 16 mm dry ice pellets are used. When the dry ice sublimates, gaseous carbon dioxide can be introduced into the receiving space 2 through a flow connection 4 which is described in more detail below. The refrigerant 200 is specifically conducted in the receiving space 2 by means of a channeling mechanism 9 to achieve an optimal heat flux for the desired temperature moderation.

The refrigerant space 33 comprises two refrigerant areas 63 between which a dividing wall extends. To close off the coolant space 33, a cover 53 is provided, which is designed as a sliding cover here. In order to close it, the lid 53 is inserted into the lateral grooves of the lid 3. The lid 53 is preferably additionally locked, so that an inadvertent opening of the coolant space 33 is prevented.

Here, between the covers 3 and the receiving spaces 2, a flow connection 4 is respectively provided which can be opened or closed. The dry ice that has passed into the gas phase can leave the refrigerant space 33 via the flow connection 4 and enter the receiving space 2. The flow connections 4 are provided here by through openings 14. In the In the covers 3 shown here, four through-openings 14 in the form of elongated holes 24 are respectively provided. In this respect, two longer elongated holes 24 and two shorter elongated holes 24 are respectively provided for each cover 3.

Depending on the position of the lid 13, 23, the temperature of the receiving spaces 2 can be moderated differently by the coolant 200 received in the lid 3.

In the first cover position 13, the flow connection 4 is released so that the coolant 200 can enter the receiving space 2. For this purpose, the receiving spaces 2 here each comprise a channeling mechanism 9 with five supply slots. entry 5 respectively. Entry slots 5 are here etched into the commonly used side wall 8. In the first cover position 13, the elongated holes 24 are arranged overlapping the inlet slots 5. The overlapping arrangement can be seen in particular well in FIG. 7. It can be provided that an inlet slot 5 does not overlaps the elongated holes 24.

For the second cover position 23, the cover 3 is rotated 180° from the first cover position 13. In this cover position 23, the elongated holes 24 no longer overlap the inlet slots 5 and the flow connection 4 is closed. This arrangement can be seen particularly well in Figure 8.

On the side wall 12, which is opposite to the side wall 8 with the entry slots 5, side wall sections 32 are provided here. In the second cover position 23, the elongated holes 24 lie above the side wall sections. 32 and are closed by these.

Further grooves 6 are provided so that the coolant 200 that has entered the inlet grooves 5 can be distributed in particular evenly and specifically in the receiving space 2. Like further grooves 6, base grooves 26 arranged in the base 22. Further, on the side wall 12 which is opposite to the inlet slots 5, slots 6 shaped as outlet slots 16 are engraved. Thus, the refrigerant 200 or cold air can flow downward through the slots entrance 5 and from there to the base 22 to the opposite side wall 12. From there, the coolant 200 or cold air rises again and can escape into the environment of the transport box 1 through the outlet openings 7. By means of the slots 5, 6 shown here, a conduction, in particular, is achieved. advantage of refrigerant 200 or cold air.

Here two outlet openings 7 are provided for each receiving space 2 each. The outlet openings 7 are arranged here in the lower part 11. For example, the outlet openings 7 are arranged as slit-like recesses on an upper side of said side wall 12 in which the outlet slots are also arranged. Thus, the refrigerant 200 can escape between the bottom 11 and the cover 3.

With the transport box 1 shown here, the temperature of the receiving space 2 in the first lid position 13 is moderated by means of the refrigerant 200 to a lower deep-freezing temperature of minus 12° and, for example, to minus 18° or minor. For this, eg 2 kg or 3 kg of dry ice pellets are used in the lid 3, depending on the outside temperatures.

Due to the configuration and arrangement of the inlet slots 5 and the other slots 6 shown here, the deep-freeze temperature can be reliably established with such a quantity of dry ice pellets. Thus, for example, a moderation of the temperature of the receiving space 2 is possible for at least 24 hours or even for 30 hours or more.

In order to be able to cover, in particular, either the conveyed food with the refrigerant 200 or with cold air and to reliably maintain the deep-freeze temperature, here the inlet slots 5 and the other slots 6 are specifically matched to one another. For example, the other grooves 6 have a depth of 10 mm and a width of 10 mm. This has turned out to be, in particular, advantageous for optimal convection.

In addition, the entry slots 5 are made correspondingly wide here. For example, the entry slots 5 have a width of more than 40 mm. In addition, the entry slots 5 are made wider here than the wall sections 42 lying between them. Thus, a particularly good convection is achieved. In addition, the wall sections 42 keep the goods to be transported at a certain distance so that the flow paths are not blocked. This is particularly advantageous when the food is transported in overpacks that are parallelepiped-shaped or cube-shaped.

By closing the flow connection 4 shown here, the temperature of the receiving space 2 in the second cover position 23 is moderated by means of the coolant 200 to a cooling temperature of between 0 °C and 10 °C and preferably to from 1 to 6°C. By closing the elongated openings 24 with the respective side wall sections 32, the refrigerant 200 no longer enters the receiving space 2. The temperature moderation takes place in the second cover position 23, therefore no longer more by convection or thermal flow, but only by thermal radiation and thermal conduction. When the cover 3 is in this position 23, the coolant space 33 is filled with 0.8 to 1.2 kg of dry ice pellets, depending on the outside temperature.

The two receiving spaces 2 in the transport box 1 therefore offer four possibilities for moderating the temperature. The two receiving spaces 2 can be set to the refrigeration temperature or the two receiving spaces 2 to the deep-freeze temperature. Either the left receiving space 2 is set to the refrigeration temperature and the right receiving space 2 is set to the deep-freeze temperature or vice versa.

In order to reliably maintain the cooling temperature, the 3 lids are each equipped here with a base with a thickness of 15 mm. In this way, the refrigeration temperature can be reliably maintained with the amount of dry ice described above for at least 12 hours or even up to 24 hours or more.

A particular advantage of the transport box 1 presented here is that the temperature of the two receiving spaces 2 can be moderated easily and without complications. For example, a lid 3 is placed in the first lid position 13, so that the deep-freeze temperature is set. If the other cover 3 is placed in the second cover position 23, the other receiving space 2 is set to the refrigeration temperature. Thus, with the transport box 1 it is possible to transport both deep-frozen and frost-sensitive foods. In order to avoid heat transfer between the receiving spaces 2, the commonly used side wall 8 is here at least 70 mm and eg 74 mm thick.

In order to facilitate the removal of the lid 3, gripping recesses 43 are provided here. For this purpose, recesses are arranged here at two opposite corners of the lid 3. In this way, the fingers can be inserted, in particular, well into the recess. grip 43 to lift the cover 3 from the bottom 11.

In order to facilitate the transport of the transport box 1, the lower part 11 is equipped with two opposite gripping concavities 43 . Grip concavities 43 are also provided inside the receiving spaces 2. Thus, parallelepiped-shaped or cube-shaped overpacks and, for example, boxes can be removed, in particular, well from the receiving space 2 The gripping concavities 43 in the receiving space 2 are arranged here in those side walls 12 which do not have grooves 5, 6.

As can be seen in figures 1 and 5, the lids 3 are respectively marked on one side with the inscription "fresh products" and on the opposite side with the inscription "UC products". Furthermore, two respective block arrows are provided below the headings. As can be seen in figure 1, the lower part 11 of the transport box 1 is also marked with block arrows. In this regard, the inscriptions on the cover 3 are arranged so as to describe the position of the cover 13, 23 when the block arrows on the cover 3 and the bottom 11 align. Thus, it is easily and reliably detected whether the lid 3 is located in the first lid position 13 ("UC products") or in the second lid position 23 for refrigeration ("fresh products").

In order to be able to ensure the integrity of the products and to prevent the lid positions 13, 23 from being changed later, the lid 3 and the bottom part 11 are here equipped with a recessed sealing surface 101. In the example shown here, the sealing surfaces 101 of the lid 3 and the bottom 11 complement each other to form a circle, onto which a corresponding circular seal can then be glued, for example. Opening or twisting the cover 3 then automatically leads to a break in the seal.

Reference list

1 transport box

2 Reception space

3 Lid

4 Flow connection

5 Input slot

6 Slot

7 outlet opening

8 Side wall

9 Channeling mechanism

11 Bottom

12 Side wall

13 lid position

14 passage opening

16 Exit slot

Base

lid position

elongated hole

exit slot

side wall section

refrigerant space

wall section

grip concave

Top

coolant area

sealing surface

Refrigerant

Claims (16)

1. Transport box (1), in particular for meals and partially prepared food, with at least one receiving space (2) delimited by side walls (12) and at least one base (22), and with at least one cover (3), the reception space (2) being able to be closed by the at least one cover (3) and the cover (3) presenting at least one refrigerant space (33) to receive at least one refrigerant (200) and being able to connecting the receiving space (2) and the coolant space (33) via at least one flow connection (4) for the coolant (200), the cover (3) being able to be arranged in at least two cover positions ( 13, 23) differently closing the receiving space (2) and the flow connection (4) being at least partially open in a first position of the cover (13) and the flow connection (4) being closed in the second position cover (23), so that, by selecting the cover position (13, 23), a release or suppression can be established. ion of the refrigerant flow in order, in this way, to moderate the temperature of the reception space (2) in a different way and being arranged, in the reception space (2), at least one channeling mechanism (9) to conduct the refrigerant and that the channeling mechanism (9) is suitable and shaped to conduct the refrigerant so that, with a defined amount of refrigerant (200) in the refrigerant space (33), the temperature of the receiving space ( 2) in the first lid position (13) at a deep-freeze temperature and in a second lid position (13) at a refrigeration temperature, and that the deep-freeze temperature and/or the refrigeration temperature are maintained for a period predetermined time after the refrigerant space (33) has been filled with the refrigerant (200) and the cover (3) has been placed, the channeling mechanism (9) comprising a plurality of inlet slots (5) for receiving r the incoming refrigerant (200), which are in flow connection with the refrigerant space in the first cover position, and the inlet slots (5) being arranged only in one side wall (12) of the receiving space ( 2), characterized by that, in the side walls (12) and in the base (22), other slots (6) of the channeling mechanism (9) are arranged and that the coolant (200) can flow through the inlet slots (5) and the other grooves (6) at least in sections along at least two side walls (12) and along the base (22). 2. Transport box (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the deep-freezing temperature is less than -12 °C. Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling temperature is between 0 °C and 10 °C and preferably between 1 °C and 6 °C. Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined period of time is between 24 and 30 hours. Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coolant in the first lid position (13) consists of 1.5 to 3.5 kg of dry ice pellets. Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coolant in the second lid position (23) consists of 0.7 to 1.3 kg of dry ice pellets. Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further slots (6) are provided by at least four outlet slots (16) and at least eight base slots (26) and that Preferably a part of the base grooves (26) meets an outlet groove (16) and another part of the base grooves (6) meets a side wall (12). Transport box (1) according to the preceding claim 7, characterized in that each input slot (5) meets at least two base slots (16). Transport crate (1) according to one of the two preceding claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the other grooves (6) at least partly have a depth and/or width of at least 6 mm and/or a surface in cross section of at least 36 square millimeters. Transport crate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet grooves (5) run from an upper side of the side wall (12) in the direction of the base (22) and preferably up to the base (22). Transport crate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entry slots (5) have a width of at least 40 mm and that the entry slots (5) are designed to be wider than the wall sections (42) lying between them. Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one outlet opening (7) for discharging the coolant (200) is assigned to the receiving space (2). Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (3) is rotated by 180° in the second lid position (23) relative to the first lid position (13). ). Transport box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least two receiving spaces (2) and at least two covers (3), each receiving space (2) being able to be closed by at least one lid (3) respectively and presenting at least one channeling mechanism (9) respectively, so that, by selecting the lid positions (13, 23), the temperature of the reception spaces (2) can be moderated by the same or differently. Transport crate (1) according to the preceding claim 14, characterized in that a commonly used side wall (8) is arranged between the receiving spaces (2), which preferably has a thickness of more than 70mm. Transport box (1) according to one of the two preceding claims 14 or 15, characterized in that inlet slots (5) of a receiving space ( 2) respective.