EP0968395B1 - Refrigerated trolley - Google Patents

Refrigerated trolley Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0968395B1
EP0968395B1 EP98913852A EP98913852A EP0968395B1 EP 0968395 B1 EP0968395 B1 EP 0968395B1 EP 98913852 A EP98913852 A EP 98913852A EP 98913852 A EP98913852 A EP 98913852A EP 0968395 B1 EP0968395 B1 EP 0968395B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tub
refrigerant
trolley
foodstuffs
compartment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP98913852A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0968395A2 (en
Inventor
Claude Gibot
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Publication of EP0968395A2 publication Critical patent/EP0968395A2/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/12—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using solidified gases, e.g. carbon-dioxide snow
    • F25D3/125—Movable containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B31/00—Service or tea tables, trolleys, or wagons
    • A47B2031/002—Catering trolleys

Definitions

  • the invention relates to trolleys or trolleys used for the preservation and distribution of perishable foodstuffs, especially in aircraft.
  • trolleys used for the distribution of meal trays during air travel are carried out in the form of an aluminum or alloy structure light, insulated, with a front door and delimiting a certain number of rails on which are arranged the trays.
  • a removable tray placed in the upper part of the cart allows the loading of a reserve of a refrigerant or refrigerant intended for keep food at the right temperature transported.
  • a carriage according to the preamble of claim 1 is known of document FR-A-2 188 122.
  • the main purpose sought here is improve the efficiency and consistency of the cooling throughout the volume of the carriage and also improve conditions and costs operating.
  • the invention has for object a cart for the preservation and distribution of foodstuffs, especially for the distribution of meal trays in planes, comprising a metallic structure of general shape rectangular with a door in its wall before and delimiting, on the one hand, a housing in its upper part to receive a suitable removable tray to contain a coolant and, on the other hand, a compartment in which the food is placed food, characterized in that at least both side walls of the metal structure each have two metal sheets separated by a layer of material insulating, gas circulation channels being demarcated between the internal metal sheet and the insulating material, which are open to their parts upper and lower, and open out, respectively, in the upper housing in which is the container containing the refrigerant, and in the lower part of the compartment in which are arranged food.
  • the subject of the invention is also a installation as defined in claim 7.
  • a generally parallelepipedic carriage consists of a metal structure 10 fitted with wheels 12 and the front face 14 of which is equipped with a door.
  • An intermediate partition 16, parallel to the bottom 18 and to the upper face 20 of the carriage divides internal volume in half parts: an upper housing 22 of low height intended to receive a removable tray 24, and a lower compartment 26 representing most of the volume and intended to receive meal trays.
  • This partition 16 separating the housing upper compartment is made of so as to constitute a heat shield.
  • the whole trolley is also made so as to present isothermal qualities and its walls are therefore preferably made of a sandwich material having qualities of thermal insulation.
  • the two side walls 28, 30 of the carriage formed of two metal sheets 31, 32 between which a layer 33 is interposed of a thermal insulating material, are made of so as to delimit vertical channels 34 of gas circulation.
  • the insulating material is shaped or molded so as to define parts protruding or vertical ribs 36, which are glued on the internal metal sheet 31, and which delimit between them the aforementioned channels ( Figure 2).
  • these channels open freely at 35 in the compartment upper 22 of the carriage.
  • the internal metal sheet and the material insulation are interrupted at a distance of the order of a few centimeters from the bottom of the cart, so that the channels open freely in the vicinity of the bottom of this last.
  • metal sheets internal 31 of the side walls have ribs 38 which constitute rails suitable for slide the meal trays.
  • the internal metal sheet extends to a level at a short distance below the lower rail delimited by this sheet.
  • the removable tray 24 intended to contain the refrigerant is in the construction set classic and has a bottom and side walls provided with openings.
  • this bin has in its rear wall an orifice 39 intended to allow its refill with refrigerant.
  • this tray can be arranged in the upper compartment of the trolley so that delimit an interval between its bottom and the partition intermediate 16.
  • This refrigerant is sublimates slowly and is established due to the presence of channels 34 delimited in the walls sides 31, 32 of the carriage natural circulation by convection, inside the double envelope that constitutes each of these side walls, as well than in the lower part of the carriage.
  • the partition 16 forming a heat shield blocks on the other hand the refrigerating radiation.
  • the entire compartment is thus cooled substantially homogeneously over its entire height.
  • the main objective is therefore achieved since all the meal trays arranged in the trolleys are cooled in much the same way, whether placed at the bottom or at the upper part of the compartment.
  • battens separate from the layer 33 of insulating material can be provided for demarcate channels 34
  • FIG. 3 There is shown in Figure 3 a variant in which the carriage 40 is divided vertically in four compartments, at by means of three partitions 41, 42, 43 constituting thermal screens.
  • Two compartments 44, 45, of relatively large dimensions are associated each, as in the embodiment of the figure 1, to a compartment 46, 47 of low height in which is a removable tray containing a reserve refrigerant.
  • a compartment 44 or 45 of receiving trays and a compartment 46 or 47 of receiving the removable tray constitute a subset similar to that described in connection with FIG. 1.
  • Another way to achieve this consists in increasing the height of the compartment the capacity of the container containing the agent refrigerant.
  • the invention also relates to an installation comprising a trolley as described above, a refrigeration tank and an installation for recharging the removable tank with refrigerant and more particularly in dry ice.
  • This installation (FIG. 4) preferably comprises several recharging stations 50 each comprising a distributor 52 connected to a source of liquid CO 2 and the outlet member of which is constituted by an injection nozzle 54, and control means allowing to measure the quantity of product introduced into the tank.
  • Such dispensing and control means are described for example in documents FR-A-94 12 829 and EP-A-631096.
  • This recharging station comprises a frame 56 delimiting an enclosure 57 and on which is provided a receptacle 58 adapted to receive a container to be recharged.
  • the receptacle ensures the positioning of the container so that the liquid CO 2 injection nozzle fits into the orifice 39 formed in the rear wall of the container.
  • a cover 60 hinged along one of its edges 62 on the frame is intended to come to adapt tightly on the upper side of the tank.
  • This cover has a hole tightly connected to a gas exhaust duct 64.
  • This conduit is produced in the form of a tube 66 connected to a end by a flexible elbow 68 to the enclosure 57 which is itself connected to a network 70 for extracting gas.
  • the tube 66 is extended beyond its attachment to the cover to constitute a blocking organ, by cooperation with a tab 72 articulated at one of its ends on a support 74, comprising in its middle part a substantially semi-cylindrical bearing surface 76, intended for cooperate with the end of the tube, and comprising at its other end a notch 78 in which can engage a threaded rod 80, pivotally mounted on the frame and which can cooperate with a nut 82 provided with a knurled button 84.
  • This end of the tube 66 is fine heard shuttered.
  • the tab 72 can be released from the assembly threaded rod 80, nut 82, to allow opening complete of the cover and facilitate operations of cleaning.
  • the amount of refrigerant introduced into each tank can be easily adapted to the duration of the journey, which optimizes CO 2 consumption and operating costs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne les chariots ou trolleys utilisés pour la préservation et la distribution de denrées alimentaires périssables, notamment dans les avions.The invention relates to trolleys or trolleys used for the preservation and distribution of perishable foodstuffs, especially in aircraft.

Ces chariots utilisés pour la distribution de plateaux-repas lors des trajets aériens sont réalisés sous la forme d'une structure en aluminium ou alliage léger, calorifugée, munie d'une porte en façade et délimitant un certain nombre de rails sur lesquels sont disposés les plateaux. Un bac amovible disposé dans la partie supérieure du chariot permet le chargement d'une réserve d'un agent réfrigérant ou frigorigène destiné à assurer le maintien à bonne température des aliments transportés.These trolleys used for the distribution of meal trays during air travel are carried out in the form of an aluminum or alloy structure light, insulated, with a front door and delimiting a certain number of rails on which are arranged the trays. A removable tray placed in the upper part of the cart allows the loading of a reserve of a refrigerant or refrigerant intended for keep food at the right temperature transported.

Or, on constate dans les chariots connus que l'agent réfrigérant manque d'efficacité. Les plateaux-repas situés à la partie supérieure du chariot sont trop refroidis tandis que ceux disposés en partie basse ne le sont pas assez. De plus, dans le cas de longs trajets, la température de l'ensemble des plateaux-repas peut devenir trop élevée.However, we see in known carts that the refrigerant is ineffective. Meal trays located at the top of the cart are too cooled while those arranged in the lower part are not enough. In addition, in the case of long journeys, the temperature of all meal trays may become too high.

Un chariot selon le préambule de la revendication 1 est connu du document FR-A-2 188 122.A carriage according to the preamble of claim 1 is known of document FR-A-2 188 122.

Le but principal recherché ici est d'améliorer l'efficacité et l'homogénéité du refroidissement dans l'ensemble du volume du chariot et d'améliorer aussi les conditions et les coûts d'exploitation.The main purpose sought here is improve the efficiency and consistency of the cooling throughout the volume of the carriage and also improve conditions and costs operating.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un chariot pour la préservation et la distribution de denrées alimentaires, notamment pour la distribution de plateaux-repas dans des avions, comprenant une structure métallique de forme générale parallélépipédique munie d'une porte dans sa paroi avant et délimitant, d'une part, un logement dans sa partie supérieure pour recevoir un bac amovible adapté pour contenir un agent réfrigérant et, d'autre part, un compartiment dans lequel sont disposées les denrées alimentaires, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins les deux parois latérales de la structure métallique comportent chacune deux tôles de métal séparées par une couche de matériau isolant, des canaux de circulation de gaz étant délimités entre la tôle métallique interne et le matériau isolant, qui sont ouverts à leurs parties supérieure et inférieure, et débouchent, respectivement, dans le logement supérieur dans lequel se trouve le bac contenant l'agent réfrigérant, et dans la partie basse du compartiment dans lequel sont disposées les denrées alimentaires.To this end, the invention has for object a cart for the preservation and distribution of foodstuffs, especially for the distribution of meal trays in planes, comprising a metallic structure of general shape rectangular with a door in its wall before and delimiting, on the one hand, a housing in its upper part to receive a suitable removable tray to contain a coolant and, on the other hand, a compartment in which the food is placed food, characterized in that at least both side walls of the metal structure each have two metal sheets separated by a layer of material insulating, gas circulation channels being demarcated between the internal metal sheet and the insulating material, which are open to their parts upper and lower, and open out, respectively, in the upper housing in which is the container containing the refrigerant, and in the lower part of the compartment in which are arranged food.

Suivant des caractéristiques préférentielles:

  • le logement et le compartiment sont séparés par une cloison constituant un écran thermique ;
  • la couche de matériau isolant comporte des nervures qui sont en contact avec la tôle interne et qui délimitent entre elles lesdits canaux ;
  • des tasseaux verticaux sont prévus entre la tôle interne et la couche de matériau isolant ;
  • les bords inférieurs de la tôle interne et de la couche de matériau isolant sont espacés de la paroi de fond du compartiment ;
  • le chariot comporte deux compartiments de réception des denrées alimentaires et deux logements recevant chacun un bac contenant l'agent réfrigérant, ces différents compartiments et logements étant séparés par des cloisons formant écran thermique.
According to preferential characteristics:
  • the housing and the compartment are separated by a partition constituting a heat shield;
  • the layer of insulating material comprises ribs which are in contact with the internal sheet and which delimit between them said channels;
  • vertical battens are provided between the internal sheet and the layer of insulating material;
  • the lower edges of the internal sheet and of the layer of insulating material are spaced from the bottom wall of the compartment;
  • the carriage comprises two compartments for receiving foodstuffs and two housings each receiving a container containing the refrigerant, these various compartments and housings being separated by partitions forming a heat shield.

L'invention a aussi pour objet une installation telle que définie en revendication 7.The subject of the invention is also a installation as defined in claim 7.

L'invention va être décrite plus en détail ci-après en se référant aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un chariot selon l'invention, suivant un plan vertical parallèle à la face frontale de ce chariot ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle en coupe d'une portion de paroi latérale suivant la ligne 2-2 de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une variante de réalisation d'un tel chariot ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une installation de rechargement des bacs en agent réfrigérant.
The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of a carriage according to the invention, along a vertical plane parallel to the front face of this carriage;
  • Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a side wall portion taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of such a carriage;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an installation for recharging the tanks with refrigerant.

On voit sur la figure 1 un chariot tel qu'utilisé pour assurer la préservation et la distribution de plateaux-repas dans les avions.We see in Figure 1 a carriage such that used to ensure the preservation and distribution of meal trays on planes.

On ne décrira de façon plus détaillée que les parties de ce chariot qui sont originales et modifiées conformément à l'invention.We will only describe in more detail the parts of this cart that are original and modified according to the invention.

Un chariot de forme générale parallélépipédique, est constitué par une structure métallique 10 munie de roues 12 et dont la face frontale 14 est équipée d'une porte. Une cloison intermédiaire 16, parallèle au fond 18 et à la face supérieure 20 du chariot divise le volume interne de ce dernier en deux parties : un logement supérieur 22 de faible hauteur destiné à recevoir un bac amovible 24, et un compartiment inférieur 26 représentant l'essentiel du volume et destiné à recevoir les plateaux-repas.A generally parallelepipedic carriage, consists of a metal structure 10 fitted with wheels 12 and the front face 14 of which is equipped with a door. An intermediate partition 16, parallel to the bottom 18 and to the upper face 20 of the carriage divides internal volume in half parts: an upper housing 22 of low height intended to receive a removable tray 24, and a lower compartment 26 representing most of the volume and intended to receive meal trays.

Cette cloison 16 séparant le logement supérieur du compartiment inférieur est réalisée de façon à constituer un écran thermique. L'ensemble du chariot est par ailleurs réalisé de façon à présenter des qualités isothermes et ses parois sont donc de préférence réalisées en un matériau de type sandwich présentant des qualités d'isolation thermique.This partition 16 separating the housing upper compartment is made of so as to constitute a heat shield. The whole trolley is also made so as to present isothermal qualities and its walls are therefore preferably made of a sandwich material having qualities of thermal insulation.

Selon l'invention, les deux parois latérales 28, 30 du chariot, formées de deux tôles métalliques 31, 32 entre lesquelles est interposée une couche 33 d'un matériau isolant thermique, sont réalisées de façon à délimiter des canaux verticaux 34 de circulation de gaz. A cet effet, le matériau isolant est conformé ou moulé de façon à délimiter des parties en saillie ou nervures verticales 36, qui sont collées sur la tôle métallique interne 31, et qui délimitent entre elles les canaux précités (figure 2).According to the invention, the two side walls 28, 30 of the carriage, formed of two metal sheets 31, 32 between which a layer 33 is interposed of a thermal insulating material, are made of so as to delimit vertical channels 34 of gas circulation. For this purpose, the insulating material is shaped or molded so as to define parts protruding or vertical ribs 36, which are glued on the internal metal sheet 31, and which delimit between them the aforementioned channels (Figure 2).

A leurs extrémités supérieures, ces canaux débouchent librement en 35 dans le compartiment supérieur 22 du chariot. A leurs extrémités inférieures, la tôle métallique interne et le matériau isolant sont interrompus à une distance de l'ordre de quelques centimètres du fond du chariot, de sorte que les canaux débouchent librement au voisinage du fond de ce dernier.At their upper ends, these channels open freely at 35 in the compartment upper 22 of the carriage. At their ends lower, the internal metal sheet and the material insulation are interrupted at a distance of the order of a few centimeters from the bottom of the cart, so that the channels open freely in the vicinity of the bottom of this last.

D'une façon connue, les tôle métalliques internes 31 des parois latérales comportent des nervures 38 qui constituent des rails adaptés pour recevoir à coulissement les plateaux-repas.In a known manner, metal sheets internal 31 of the side walls have ribs 38 which constitute rails suitable for slide the meal trays.

De préférence, la tôle métallique interne s'étend jusqu'à un niveau situé à une faible distance au-dessous du rail inférieur délimité par cette tôle.Preferably, the internal metal sheet extends to a level at a short distance below the lower rail delimited by this sheet.

Le bac amovible 24 destiné à contenir le produit réfrigérant est dans l'ensemble de construction classique et comporte un fond et des parois latérales munies d'ouvertures. De plus, ce bac comporte dans sa paroi arrière un orifice 39 destiné à permettre sa recharge en agent réfrigérant.The removable tray 24 intended to contain the refrigerant is in the construction set classic and has a bottom and side walls provided with openings. In addition, this bin has in its rear wall an orifice 39 intended to allow its refill with refrigerant.

De façon connue, ce bac peut être disposé dans le compartiment supérieur du chariot de façon à délimiter un intervalle entre son fond et la cloison intermédiaire 16.In known manner, this tray can be arranged in the upper compartment of the trolley so that delimit an interval between its bottom and the partition intermediate 16.

Le fonctionnement d'un tel chariot est le suivant : le bac amovible 24 contenant un agent réfrigérant constitué de préférence par une quantité de neige ou de glace carbonique, déterminée en fonction de la durée de conservation nécessaire, est disposé dans le compartiment supérieur du chariot. Ce réfrigérant se sublime lentement et il s'établit du fait de la présence des canaux 34 délimités dans les parois latérales 31, 32 du chariot une circulation naturelle par convection, à l'intérieur de la double enveloppe que constitue chacune de ces parois latérales, ainsi que dans la partie inférieure du chariot.The operation of such a cart is the next: the removable tray 24 containing an agent refrigerant preferably consisting of an amount of snow or dry ice, determined based on the required shelf life, is arranged in the upper compartment of the trolley. This refrigerant is sublimates slowly and is established due to the presence of channels 34 delimited in the walls sides 31, 32 of the carriage natural circulation by convection, inside the double envelope that constitutes each of these side walls, as well than in the lower part of the carriage.

La cloison 16 formant écran thermique bloque par contre le rayonnement frigorifique.The partition 16 forming a heat shield blocks on the other hand the refrigerating radiation.

L'ensemble du compartiment est ainsi refroidi de façon sensiblement homogène sur toute sa hauteur. Le principal objectif recherché est donc bien atteint puisque tous les plateaux-repas disposés dans le chariot sont refroidis sensiblement de la même façon, qu'ils soient placés à la partie inférieure ou à la partie supérieure du compartiment.The entire compartment is thus cooled substantially homogeneously over its entire height. The main objective is therefore achieved since all the meal trays arranged in the trolleys are cooled in much the same way, whether placed at the bottom or at the upper part of the compartment.

De plus, en raison des évidements ménagés dans le matériau isolant disposé entre les deux tôles métalliques 31, 32, on réalise un gain de poids, sans pour autant diminuer l'efficacité d'isolation thermique du complexe calorifuge, car le gaz qui circule dans les canaux de la double enveloppe possède des propriétés d'isolation sensiblement équivalentes à celles de la couche isolante.In addition, due to the recesses made in the insulating material placed between the two sheets metal 31, 32, a weight gain is achieved, without however decrease the thermal insulation efficiency of the heat-insulating complex, because the gas which circulates in the double envelope channels has properties insulation substantially equivalent to that of the insulating layer.

En variante, des tasseaux distincts de la couche 33 de matériau isolant peuvent être prévus pour délimiter les canaux 34 Alternatively, battens separate from the layer 33 of insulating material can be provided for demarcate channels 34

On a représenté sur la figure 3 une variante de réalisation dans laquelle le chariot 40 est divisé dans le sens de la hauteur en quatre compartiments, au moyen de trois cloisons 41, 42, 43 constituant des écrans thermiques. Deux compartiments 44, 45, de dimensions relativement importantes sont associés chacun, comme dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 1, à un compartiment 46, 47 de faible hauteur dans lequel se trouve un bac amovible contenant une réserve d'agent réfrigérant. Un compartiment 44 ou 45 de réception des plateaux et un compartiment 46 ou 47 de réception du bac amovible constituent un sous-ensemble analogue à celui décrit à propos de la figure 1.There is shown in Figure 3 a variant in which the carriage 40 is divided vertically in four compartments, at by means of three partitions 41, 42, 43 constituting thermal screens. Two compartments 44, 45, of relatively large dimensions are associated each, as in the embodiment of the figure 1, to a compartment 46, 47 of low height in which is a removable tray containing a reserve refrigerant. A compartment 44 or 45 of receiving trays and a compartment 46 or 47 of receiving the removable tray constitute a subset similar to that described in connection with FIG. 1.

Un tel agencement permet de doubler la quantité d'agent réfrigérant et donc d'augmenter la durée de préservation des produits.Such an arrangement makes it possible to double the amount of coolant and therefore increase the shelf life of products.

Une autre façon d'obtenir ce résultat consiste à augmenter la hauteur du compartiment supérieur et la capacité du bac contenant l'agent réfrigérant.Another way to achieve this consists in increasing the height of the compartment the capacity of the container containing the agent refrigerant.

L'invention a également pour objet une installation comprenant un chariot tel que décrit ci-dessus, un bac de réfrigération et une installation permettant de recharger le bac amovible en agent réfrigérant et plus particulièrement en neige carbonique. Cette installation (figure 4) comprend de préférence plusieurs postes 50 de rechargement comprenant chacun un distributeur 52 relié à une source de CO2 liquide et dont l'organe de sortie est constitué par une buse d'injection 54, et des moyens de commande permettant de doser la quantité de produit introduite dans le bac. De tels moyens distributeurs et de commande sont décrits par exemple dans les documents FR-A-94 12 829 et EP-A-631096.The invention also relates to an installation comprising a trolley as described above, a refrigeration tank and an installation for recharging the removable tank with refrigerant and more particularly in dry ice. This installation (FIG. 4) preferably comprises several recharging stations 50 each comprising a distributor 52 connected to a source of liquid CO 2 and the outlet member of which is constituted by an injection nozzle 54, and control means allowing to measure the quantity of product introduced into the tank. Such dispensing and control means are described for example in documents FR-A-94 12 829 and EP-A-631096.

Ce poste de rechargement comprend un bâti 56 délimitant une enceinte 57 et sur lequel est prévu un réceptacle 58 adapté pour recevoir un bac à recharger. Le réceptacle assure le positionnement du bac de telle façon que la buse d'injection de CO2 liquide s'ajuste dans l'orifice 39 ménagé dans la paroi arrière du bac.This recharging station comprises a frame 56 delimiting an enclosure 57 and on which is provided a receptacle 58 adapted to receive a container to be recharged. The receptacle ensures the positioning of the container so that the liquid CO 2 injection nozzle fits into the orifice 39 formed in the rear wall of the container.

Un couvercle 60 articulé le long de l'un de ses bords 62 sur le bâti est destiné à venir s'adapter de façon étanche sur la face supérieure du bac. Ce couvercle comporte un orifice relié de façon étanche à un conduit 64 d'évacuation des gaz. Ce conduit est réalisé sous la forme d'un tube 66 relié à une extrémité par un coude souple 68 à l'enceinte 57 qui est elle-même reliée à un réseau 70 d'extraction de gaz.A cover 60 hinged along one of its edges 62 on the frame is intended to come to adapt tightly on the upper side of the tank. This cover has a hole tightly connected to a gas exhaust duct 64. This conduit is produced in the form of a tube 66 connected to a end by a flexible elbow 68 to the enclosure 57 which is itself connected to a network 70 for extracting gas.

Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, le tube 66 est prolongé au-delà de sa fixation sur le couvercle pour constituer un organe de blocage, par coopération avec une patte 72 articulée à l'une de ses extrémités sur un support 74, comportant dans sa partie médiane une portée 76 sensiblement semi-cylindrique, destinée à coopérer avec l'extrémité du tube, et comportant à son autre extrémité une échancrure 78 dans laquelle peut s'engager une tige filetée 80, montée basculante sur le bâti et qui peut coopérer avec un écrou 82 muni d'un bouton moleté 84. Cette extrémité du tube 66 est bien entendu obturée. In the embodiment described, the tube 66 is extended beyond its attachment to the cover to constitute a blocking organ, by cooperation with a tab 72 articulated at one of its ends on a support 74, comprising in its middle part a substantially semi-cylindrical bearing surface 76, intended for cooperate with the end of the tube, and comprising at its other end a notch 78 in which can engage a threaded rod 80, pivotally mounted on the frame and which can cooperate with a nut 82 provided with a knurled button 84. This end of the tube 66 is fine heard shuttered.

Il suffit, pour mettre en place un bac à recharger, que l'écrou 82 soit légèrement desserré, le couvercle étant alors suffisamment soulevé pour permettre la mise en place du bac. L'écrou est ensuite serré pour assurer un contact étanche entre le couvercle et le bac à recharger. La quantité de CO2 liquide à injecter ayant été préalablement choisie, il suffit à l'opérateur de déclencher cette injection dont l'arrêt se produit ensuite automatiquement. Le gaz produit lors de la transformation de CO2 liquide sous pression en neige carbonique, est évacué par le tuyau 64, 66 en direction de l'enceinte 57 puis du réseau d'extraction 70.It is sufficient, to set up a tray to be reloaded, that the nut 82 is slightly loosened, the cover then being raised enough to allow the tray to be put in place. The nut is then tightened to ensure tight contact between the cover and the container to be refilled. The quantity of liquid CO 2 to be injected having been chosen beforehand, the operator need only initiate this injection, which then stops automatically. The gas produced during the transformation of liquid CO 2 under pressure into carbon dioxide snow is evacuated through the pipe 64, 66 towards the enclosure 57 and then from the extraction network 70.

La patte 72 peut être dégagée de l'ensemble tige filetée 80, écrou 82, pour permettre l'ouverture complète du couvercle et faciliter des opérations de nettoyage.The tab 72 can be released from the assembly threaded rod 80, nut 82, to allow opening complete of the cover and facilitate operations of cleaning.

La présence de plusieurs unités modulaires de remplissage, analogues à celle que l'on vient de décrire, permet de recharger de façon très efficace les bacs contenant l'agent réfrigérant et cette opération peut être effectuée en temps masqué, ce qui représente un gain tout à fait appréciable.The presence of several modular units of filling, similar to the one just describe, makes it possible to reload very efficiently the tanks containing the refrigerant and this operation can be performed in masked time, which represents a very significant gain.

De plus, la quantité d'agent réfrigérant introduite dans chaque bac peut être aisément adaptée à la durée du trajet, ce qui permet d'optimiser la consommation de CO2 et les coûts d'exploitation.In addition, the amount of refrigerant introduced into each tank can be easily adapted to the duration of the journey, which optimizes CO 2 consumption and operating costs.

Bien entendu, d'autres modes de rechargement peuvent être utilisés, par exemple au moyen de plaquettes de glace carbonique, ou tout autre produit approprié.Of course, other recharging modes can be used, for example by means of dry ice packs, or any other product appropriate.

Claims (13)

  1. Trolley for preserving and distributing foodstuffs, particularly for distributing meal trays in aircraft, comprising a metal structure (10) of parallelepipedal overall shape equipped with a door in its front wall (14) and delimiting, on the one hand, a housing (22) in its upper part for accommodating a removable tub (24) designed to contain a refrigerant and, on the other hand, a compartment (26) in which the foodstuffs are arranged, characterized in that at least the two side walls (28, 30) of the metal structure each comprise two metal sheets (31, 32) separated by a layer (33) of insulation, gas circulation ducts (34) being delimited between the inner metal sheet (31) and the insulation (33), these being open at their tops and bottoms and opening, respectively, into the upper housing (22) in which the tub containing the refrigerant is located and into the bottom part of the compartment (26) in which the foodstuffs are arranged.
  2. Trolley according to Claim 1, characterized in that the housing (22) and the compartment (26) are separated by a partition (16) constituting a thermal barrier.
  3. Trolley according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the layer (33) of insulation has ribs (36) which are in contact with the internal sheet (31) and which delimit the said ducts (34) between them.
  4. Trolley according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that there are vertical strips between the internal sheet (31) and the layer (33) of insulation.
  5. Trolley according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lower edges of the internal sheet (31) and of the layer of insulation (33) are spaced away from the bottom wall of the compartment (26).
  6. Trolley according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises two compartments (44, 45) for accommodating foodstuffs and two housings (46, 47) each accommodating a tub containing the refrigerant, these various compartments and housings being separated by partitions which form thermal barriers.
  7. Installation for preserving and distributing foodstuffs, comprising:
    a trolley for preserving and distributing foodstuffs according to any one of Claims 1 to 6;
    a refrigerating tub (24) designed to be accommodated in the housing (22) of the said trolley;
    an installation for refilling the tub (24) with refrigerant such as dry ice, comprising:
    i) a main structure (56);
    j) a source of liquid refrigerant;
    k) means (52) of distributing this agent, comprising an injection nozzle (54) and control means for metering the amount of refrigerant introduced into the tub;
    l) a receptacle (58) designed to accommodate a tub and to position it with respect to the injection nozzle (54);
    m) a shut-off member (60) for closing the tub during the injection phase; and
    n) a circuit (64, 66, 68, 70) for evacuating the gases given off during this same injection phase.
  8. Installation according to Claim 7, characterized in that the shut-off member is a lid (60) articulated along one of its sides to the main structure (56), and comprising on its opposite side means for locking it in the closed position.
  9. Installation according to Claim 8, characterized in that the locking means comprise a lug (72) articulated at one end to the main structure, collaborating in its middle part with a member (66) secured to the lid and equipped at its other end with removable clamping means (78-84).
  10. Installation according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the means of evacuating the gases comprise a pipe (64) running from the shut-off member (60), and a tube (66) connected to an enclosure (57) itself connected to a gas extraction network (70).
  11. Installation according to Claim 10, characterized in that the tube (66) is fixed to the shut-off member (60) and connected to the main structure by a flexible elbow (68).
  12. Installation according to Claim 11, characterized in that the tube (66) is extended beyond the pipe (64) to constitute a member for retaining and locking the lid in the closed position.
  13. Installation according to any one of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that it comprises several juxtaposed stations for refilling the tubs.
EP98913852A 1997-03-11 1998-03-06 Refrigerated trolley Expired - Lifetime EP0968395B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9702871 1997-03-11
FR9702871A FR2760826B1 (en) 1997-03-11 1997-03-11 REFRIGERATED TROLLEY AND REFRIGERANT RELOADING SYSTEM
PCT/FR1998/000452 WO1998040680A2 (en) 1997-03-11 1998-03-06 Refrigerated catering service trolley and installation for reloading refrigerating agent

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0968395A2 EP0968395A2 (en) 2000-01-05
EP0968395B1 true EP0968395B1 (en) 2002-10-23

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98913852A Expired - Lifetime EP0968395B1 (en) 1997-03-11 1998-03-06 Refrigerated trolley

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US (1) US6295829B1 (en)
EP (1) EP0968395B1 (en)
AU (1) AU6839998A (en)
CA (1) CA2284873A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69808894T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2760826B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1998040680A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2760826A1 (en) 1998-09-18
WO1998040680A3 (en) 1998-12-03
DE69808894D1 (en) 2002-11-28
CA2284873A1 (en) 1998-09-17
US6295829B1 (en) 2001-10-02
WO1998040680A2 (en) 1998-09-17
DE69808894T2 (en) 2003-06-18
AU6839998A (en) 1998-09-29
FR2760826B1 (en) 1999-04-23
EP0968395A2 (en) 2000-01-05

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