Absorption body for a capsule containing a phase-change material

Abstract

An oblong absorption body (1) for a capsule (10) for a refrigeration apparatus for containing a phase-change material. The body has a flexible casing (2) filled with gas at atmospheric pressure, a main portion which is generally cylindrical, a circular cross-section and ends in hemispherical end portions. Also disclosed are capsules provided with such an absorption body.

Claims

1. A capsule for a refrigeration installation comprising a casing of spherical overall shape filled with phase-change material, the capsule comprising an oblong absorption body comprising a flexible gas-filled casing with a main section of cylindrical overall shape and circular cross section and at least one hemispherical end, the absorption body having a length substantially equal to an internal diameter of the casing of the capsule; wherein the capsule further comprises a closure member secured to one end of the absorption body, the closure member removeably sealing an opening of the capsule through which the absorption body is introduced, the closure member being removable together with the absorption body.

2. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing of the capsule comprises an opening having a diameter greater than a diameter of the main section of the absorption body.

3. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing of the capsule is made from a material based on ethylene vinyl acetate.

4. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure member is a capsule closure plug.

5. The capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorption body comprises at one end a pressure sensor configured to measure an internal pressure of the absorption body.

6. A refrigeration installation employing capsules as claimed in claim 1.

7. A method for packaging a capsule according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: introducing the oblong absorption body into the capsule via the opening; filling the capsule with phase-change material via the opening and plugging the capsule with the closure member.

8. A method of packaging a capsule according to claim 1 comprising the steps of: filling the capsule with phase-change material via the opening; introducing into the capsule an assembly comprising the oblong absorption body having on one end a pressure sensor configured to measure an internal pressure of the absorption body, and sealing the capsule.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The invention will be better understood from the description that follows with reference to the figures of the attached drawings among which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oblong absorption body according to the invention;

(3) FIGS. 2a to 2c are schematic figures illustrating the various steps in the packaging of a capsule according to the invention with the absorption body of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the capsule of FIGS. 2a to 2c the phase-change material of which is in the process of solidifying upon contact with the wall of the capsule;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an absorption body according to an alternative form of embodiment of the invention;

(6) FIGS. 5a to 5c are schematic figures illustrating the various steps in the packaging of a capsule according to the invention with the absorption body of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

(7) FIG. 1 illustrates an absorption body 1 according to the invention which comprises a casing 2 made of flexible material. The casing 2 is of oblong shape, with a cylindrical main section 3 of circular cross section ending in hemispherical ends 4. The casing 2 is fluid-tight and contains a gas, for example air at atmospheric pressure. Its material is chosen to prevent osmotic transfers between the inside and the outside of the absorption body 1 and to exhibit good resistance to pinch. It is possible, for example, to use a material based on ethylene vinyl acetate (abbreviated to EVA). Such an absorption body may be produced by blow-molding or by any other suitable method.

(8) Such an absorption body is used in the way illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 2c.

(9) In the first step illustrated in FIG. 2a, the absorption body 1 is introduced into a capsule 10 via an opening 11 the diameter of which is slightly greater than a diameter of the main section 3 of the absorption body 1. Here, the casing 12 comprises reliefs on its external wall, but the overall shape of the casing 12 may exhibit any conceivable shape provided that it is spherical overall.

(10) Next, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, the absorption body 1 is pivoted in the capsule 10 to uncover the opening 11 and make it easier to fill the capsule 10 with a phase-change material in the liquid state (illustrated as small dots) using a pouring spout 13. It will be noted that the absorption body 1 has a length substantially equal to an internal diameter of the capsule 10 so that the absorption body 1 naturally extends along a diametral axis of the capsule 10.

(11) Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 2c, the capsule 10 is then enclosed using a plug 14. The capsule thus packaged is ready to be filled with other capsules into the tank of a cooling installation.

(12) FIG. 3 illustrates the way in which the absorption body 1 becomes compressed as the phase-change material solidifies. Solidification begins upon contact with the casing 12 (the solidified portion is illustrated as more closely-spaced dots) and traps the ends of the absorption body 1. The main section thereof compresses as the volume of phase-change material gradually increases. The internal pressure inside the absorption body increases accordingly. Conversely, as the phase-change material melts, the absorption body applies pressure to the phase-change material and when the latter has melted sufficiently, the absorption body contributes to breaking up the residual crystals thereby increasing the surface area for liquid/solid exchange.

(13) According to an alternative form of embodiment of the invention, which alternative form is illustrated in FIG. 4, the absorption body 101 still comprises a casing of oblong shape as previously. However, one of the ends 114 is open and able to accept a pressure sensor 115 to measure the internal pressure of the absorption body 101, for example a sensor of RFID type which can be interrogated remotely. In this instance, the sensor is arranged in practice borne by the plug 114, the absorption body being secured to said plug to form a unit assembly that can be handled easily.

(14) Such an absorption body is used in the way illustrated in FIGS. 5a to 5c.

(15) As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the capsule 10 is first of all filled with phase-change material in the liquid state.

(16) Then, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, the assembly made up of the absorption body 101, of the plug 114 and of the sensor 115 is fitted onto the capsule, causing a certain quantity of phase-change material to overflow and be collected in a tray 116. FIG. 5c illustrates the capsule fully packaged and ready for use.

(17) Typically, for a capsule with an internal diameter of 130 millimeters, an absorption body will be provided that has a length of 130 millimeters for a main-section diameter of 35 millimeters.

(18) Typically, the diameter of the main section of the absorption body will be chosen so that when the phase-change material contained in the capsule is fully solidified, the pressure inside the absorption body is less than or equal to 3 bar.

(19) The invention is not restricted to that which has been described, but on the contrary encompasses any alternative form that falls within the scope defined by the claims.