Abstract
The invention relates to a modular insulating system for establishing a thermally insulated connection between a first environment and a second environment, said first environment and second environment being mutually separated by an intermediate environment, in particular the open air, the modular insulating system being configured for enabling insulated transport of a product from the first environment to the second environment in particular through the intermediate environment. The invention further relates to a casing segment for use in a modular insulating system according to the invention.
Claims
1. A modular insulating system for establishing a thermally insulated connection between a first environment and a second environment, said first environment and second environment being mutually separated by an intermediate environment, in particular the open air, the modular insulating system being configured for enabling insulated transport of a product from the first environment to the second environment in particular through the intermediate environment, the system comprising: at least one upper casing segment and at least one lower casing segment, wherein said upper casing segment and said lower casing segments are mutually connected or connectable, wherein at least one upper casing segment and at least one lower casing segment are at least partially composed out of a foamed polymer material, wherein, in connected condition, the upper casing segment and lower casing segment form a casing part, wherein said casing part defines an insulated channel having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening of the insulated channel is configured to debouch into the first environment, and wherein the second opening of the insulated channel is configured to debouch into the second environment, such that the insulated channel defines an insulated transport bridge between the first environment and second environment.
2. The modular insulating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one upper casing segment and at least one lower casing segment are provided with complementary coupling profiles configured for mutually connecting said upper casing segment and said lower casing segment.
3. The modular insulating system according to claim 2, wherein at least one upper casing segment and/or at least one lower casing segment comprises two spaced apart edges, wherein a first coupling profile and a second coupling profile are provided on the respective first edge and second edge of the at least one upper casing segment and/or the at least one lower casing segment
4. The modular insulating system according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the complementary coupling profiles extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insulated channel
5. The modular insulating system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the complementary coupling profiles comprises a tongue and/or groove, wherein the groove of a first coupling profile is configured for at least partially receiving a tongue of a connected second coupling profile of another casing segment.
6. The moodular insulating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one upper casing segment and/or at least one lower casing segment comprises at least one locking element, configured for mutually locking the upper casing segment and lower casing segment.
7. The modular insulating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one upper casing segment and at least one lower casing segment are substantially identical and/or wherein the foamed polymer material is a polyurethane foam.
8. (canceled)
9. The modular insulating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one upper casing segment comprises a rigid skin layer and/or wherein at least one lower casing segment comprises a rigid skin layer.
10. The modular insulating system according to claim 9, wherein the rigid skin layer forms integral partat least a part of the upper casing segment and/or of at least a part of the lower casing segment and/or wherein at least one upper casing segment and/or at least one lower casing segment is essentially entirely composed out of a single polymer material, wherein the rigid skin layer at least partially encloses the foamed polymer material.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. The modular insulating system according to claim 9, wherein at least part of the skin layer has a density which is higher than the density of the foamed polymer material.
14. The modular insulating system according to claim 1, wherein the modular insulating system comprises at least two adjacent casing parts which are mutually connected or connectable, wherein each casing part comprises at least one upper casing segment and at least one lower casing segment, wherein the mutually connected adjacent casing parts together define an insulated channel having a first opening and a second opening.
15. The modular insulating system according to claim 14, wherein at least some of the adjacent casing parts are mutually at least partially overlapping and/or wherein at least one upper casing segment and/or at least one lower casing segment comprises a shielding section, for shielding at least a portion of an adjacent casing segment.
16. (canceled)
17. The modular insulating system according to claim 14, wherein the shielding section is formed by a widened part of the upper casing segment and/or lower casing segment.
18. The modular insulating system according to claim 14, wherein the shielding section is configured for at least partially receiving at least a part of an adjacent upper casing segment and/or for at least partially receiving at least a part of an adjacent lower casing segment, such that the adjacent casing segment at least partially overlaps with the shielding section.
19. The modualr insulating system according to claim 14, wherein at least one casing part, or at least one upper casing segment and/or at least one lower casing segment, is provided with at least one coupling element, for coupling the casing part with at least one adjacent casing part.
20. The modular insulating system according to claim 14, wherein, in coupled condition an expansion space is provided between at least two adjacent casing parts, for allowing a thermal expansion and/or compression of the adjacent casing parts.
21. The modualr insulating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one casing part comprises at least one sealing element configured for establishing a sealed connection between adjacent casing parts, wherein at least a part of an exterior surface and/or at least a part of an interior surface of at least one upper casing segment and/or at least a part of an exterior surface and/or at least a part of an interior surface of at least one lower casing segment comprises a sealing element.
22. (canceled)
23. The modular insulating system according to claim 1, comprising at least one support structure, wherein said support structure is attached or attachable to an exterior side of at least one casing part of the upper casing segment or lower casing segment, for supporting one or more casing parts.
24. The modular insulating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one lower casing segment comprises at least one support surface for supporting at least part of a transport device, and/or wherein at least one casing segment comprises at least one drainage hole, for discharging moisture and/or liquid from the insulated channel.
25. (canceled)
26. A casing segment for use in a modular insulating system as defined in claim 1.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0073] The terms FIG., FIGS., Figure, and Figures are used interchangeably in the specification to refer to the corresponding figures in the drawings.
[0074] The present invention will hereinafter be further elucidated based on the following non-limitative figures, wherein:
[0075] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a schematic representation of a first possible embodiment of a modular insulating system according the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a casing part for use in the modular insulating system;
[0077] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the casing part as shown in FIG. 2;
[0078] FIG. 4 shows a cross section in a length direction of a casing part as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;
[0079] FIG. 5 shows a casing segment according to a possible embodiment of the invention;
[0080] FIG. 6 shows a cross section in a width direction of a casing segment; and
[0081] FIG. 7 shows a support structure for use in the modular insulating system according to the present invention.
[0082] Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0083] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the modular insulating system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The modular insulating system 1 as shown in the figure is connected to a first environment 2 and a second environment 3, which are mutually separated by an intermediate environment, for example the open air. In this non-limitative figure, the first environment 2 and second environment 3 may in particular be a poultry house 2 and a hall 2, such as a process hall 2 for processing e.g., eggs from poultry inside the poultry house 2. The intermediate environment may for example be an outdoor environment. The poultry house 2 and hall 3 are mutually separated from each other. However, when delicate consumable products, such as eggs, are to be transported from said poultry house 2 to the hall 3, they are typically subjected to a temperature fluctuation. That is, the poultry house 2 and hall 3 may be at a constant temperature of e.g., 18 degrees Celsius, whereas the outdoor temperature of the outdoor environment could fluctuate between typically 15 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. Especially since the poultry house 2 and hall 3 may be situated more than 20 m away from one another, the temperature fluctuation of the product may be substantial in case it is transported through the outdoor environment at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Celsius. Although this figure describes a poultry house 2 and hall 3, the invention is not limited thereto. It is also conceivable that the first environment 2 is a first manufacturing location 2, and the second environment is a second manufacturing location 3. The product to be transported therefore is also not limited to the present example, but may be any product that is affected negatively when subject to large temperature fluctuations.
[0084] The modular insulating system 1 as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of mutually connected casing parts 40, 40. Said mutually connected casing parts 40, 40, define an insulated channel between the first environment 2 and second environment 3. Said insulated channel defines a first opening 5 and a second opening 6, wherein the first opening 5 in this figure debouches into the first environment 2. The second opening 6 in this embodiment debouches into the second environment 3. As such, an insulated transport bridge is created between said first environment 2 and second environment 3 by the modular insulating system according to the present invention. The insulated transport bridge allows products to be transported while being thermally insulated from the intermediate environment. This allows products to be protected from the potential temperature difference between the first environment 2 and the intermediate environment, and between the second environment 3 and the intermediate environment. In order to enhance insulating properties compared to known solutions even further, the present invention is configured for internally carrying a transport system 4, such as a conveyor 4. Said conveyor 4 may be mounted to and in particular within said casing parts 40, 40. This prevents the need to apply insulating material around a mounting structure of the conveyor 4, and thus may reduce the leaks of air from the intermediate environment into the insulated channel. The casing parts 40, 40, in particular the casing segments forming the casing part 40, 40 are at least partially composed out of a foamed polymer material. In particular foamed polyurethane having a skin layer turned out to be a good insulator, as well as providing the required structural properties for carrying the conveyor 4 internally. The modular insulating system 1 in this particular figure comprises in total six segments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Said segments 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 extend in different directions, in order to form an arbitrary connection between the first environment 2 and second environment 3. As shown, at least one segment 9 is elevated with respect to the other segments. This may for example be of benefit in case the modular insulating system 1 has to pass an obstacle, such as a road between the first environment 2 and second environment 3. In order to achieve this, certain casing parts 40 are cut at an angle, such that the insulated channel forms a bend. As shown in the figure, said bend may be an upwardly directed bend, such as between segment 7 and 8, and between segment 10 and 11. The bend may also be a downward bend, such as between segment 8 and 9, and between segment 9 and 10. However, the bend may also be a left or right bend, such as shown between segment 11 and 12. Hence, the modular insulating system 1 is not only modular in respect of the length of the insulated channel, but also in respect of the shape of said insulated channel. The length of the channel may be arbitrarily adjusted by adding casing parts 40, 40 or removing casing parts 40, 40. The shape of said channel may be adjusted by cutting adjacent casing parts 40, 40 such that they mutually connect at an angle. In order to further insulate the insulated channel from the intermediate environment, the casing parts 40, 40, in particular the casing segments, may be provided with a shielding section 41. Said shielding section 41 allows adjacent casing parts 40, 40 to mutually partially overlap. In particular, one end of a first casing part 40, 40 may be at least partially received in a shielding section 41 of an adjacent casing part. An additional benefit of the shielding section 41 may be to at least partially absorb expansion and/or contraction of the modular insulating system 1. That is, adjacent casing parts 40, 40 may expand and/or contract without a gap between said adjacent casing parts 40, 40 being formed and thus maintaining proper insulating properties. This makes the modular insulating system 1 in particular suitable for large temperature fluctuations.
[0085] FIG. 2 shows a casing part 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The casing part 40 as shown comprises an upper casing segment 30 and a lower casing segment 20. Said upper casing segment 30 and lower casing segment 20 are mutually connected in the shown configuration. The casing part 40 further comprises a locking element 13 which is configured for mutually locking the upper casing segment 30 to the lower casing segment 20. Said locking element 13 is in this example configured to establish a releasable locking connection. In the shown embodiment, the locking element 13 is formed by a latch system 13. One part of the latch system 13 is connected to the upper casing segment 30, such as a locking portion, which may releasably engage with a receiving portion that may be provided to the bottom casing segment 20, such as a hook for receiving a part of the latch 13. The present invention is however not limited to this example of the locking element. It is conceivable that kinematic inverse solutions also may be applied, or different types of latch systems 13, or other locking elements 13. The figure further shows that one end of the casing part 40 comprises a shielding section 41, which is in particular a widened portion with respect to the remainder of the casing part 40. Said shielding section is in this embodiment integrally formed with the remainder of the casing part 40. This is in particular beneficial for the insulating properties of the system. The embodiment of the casing part 40 as shown comprises multiple drainage holes 43. In the shown embodiment, a drainage hole 43 of the upper casing segment 30 is closed by means of a plug. The interior side of the bottom casing segment 20, in particular the area near the drainage hole 43 may be slightly recessed, or form a bowl like shape, such that the drainage hole 43 is located in the lowest point of the lower casing segment 20. Moreover, said slightly recessed, or bowl like shape may contribute to the drainage of any liquid that is inside the casing part 40. On a side of the casing part 40 opposite to the shielding section 41 a sealing element 42 may be located. Said sealing element 42 may be e.g., a rubber element 42. Said sealing element 42 may be in contact with an interior portion of a shielding section 41 of an adjacent casing part 40. As such, the sealing element 42 may contribute to the insulating properties since it seals the overlap between two adjacent casing parts 40 with respect to the intermediate environment, in case multiple casing parts 40 are applied. It is however also conceivable that said sealing element 42 is located on an interior surface of the shielding section 41. The sealing element 42 may be in contact with an exterior portion of an exterior surface of an adjacent casing part 40, in particular an exterior surface of a casing part 40 on a side facing away from said sealing section 41. The casing part 40 may further comprise coupling elements 45, 46, for, preferably releasably, coupling the casing part 40 with at least one adjacent casing part. In the shown embodiment, the coupling elements 45, 46 are formed by holes 45, 46, in the upper casing segment 30 and lower casing segment 20, wherein at least one hole 46 is provided in a part of the shielding section 41. The holes 45, 46 are provided such that, when adjacent casing parts overlap, also the holes 45, 46 at least partially overlap. This allows a co-acting (complementary) coupling element such as a bolt or nut to mutually connect casing parts 40. In order to account for the expansion and/or contraction of casing parts, one of the coupling elements 46 is configured as a slot, or elongated hole 46. Even though the adjacent casing parts 40 can be bolted together, the slot allows movement of said adjacent casing parts 40 relative to one another in longitudinal direction. The figure further shows part of a support structure 14, which is mounted on an exterior side of the lower casing segment 20. In particular the support structure 14 is provided in a recessed channel 44 of the lower casing segment.
[0086] The casing part 40 as shown in this figure is also shown in a side view perspective in FIG. 3. In this figure, the shielding section 41 clearly widens with respect to the overall body of the casing part 40. Also, the sealing element 42 slightly protrudes with respect to the upper casing segment 30 and lower casing segment 20, as can be seen in the figure. The support structure 14 provides support for the casing part 40. It is preferred that the said support structure 14 does not protrude through the casing part 40. A part of the support structure 14, in particular a mounting bracket 16 thereof is configured to fit in the recessed channel 44 of the lower casing segment 20. As such, the support structure 14 remains only on the outside of the lower casing segment 20. As such, the thermal insulating properties are maintained. That is, it is not required to make a hole in the lower casing segment 20 for allowing the support structure 14 to carry a transporting conveyor arranged inside the casing segment 20. This is due to the fact that the mounting bracket 16 is attached only to the outside surface of the lower casing segment 20.
[0087] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the casing part 40 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This figure allows to indicate the function of the shielding section 41. Said shielding section 41, as discussed earlier, is formed by a locally widened end portion of the casing part 40. That is, the shielding section 41 protrudes with respect to the casing part 40. Therefore, the interior diameter Do in a region of the shielding section 41 is larger compared to the interior diameter Di in a region at a distance of the shielding section 41. Preferably, the difference in internal diameter DeltaD, is substantially identical to twice the casing thickness t. As such, this allows an end of a casing part 40 to be received tightly in a shielding section 41 of an adjacent casing part 40.
[0088] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an upper casing segment 30 which can be applied in a system according to the present invention. Although the upper casing segment 30 is shown, the casing segments 20, 30 according to the present invention may be substantially identical, and hence any description with respect to an upper casing segment 30 may be applicable to a corresponding lower casing segment 20 equally. The substantially arched upper casing segment 30 shows a first edge 37 and a second edge 38, wherein said edges 37, 38 may be provided with coupling profiles, for example a first coupling profile, and a second coupling profile respectively, configured for co-action with complementary coupling profiles of a lower casing segment 20. The figure indicates the coupling elements 45, 46, which are formed by holes in the upper casing segment 30. One of said coupling elements 46 is formed by an elongated channel, in order to account for thermal expansion and/or thermal contraction of casing parts 40. At least one side, preferably both sides, of the upper casing segment 30 is provided with a mounting location 15 for mounting thereon a locking element 13, such as a latch. One exterior surface comprises a recessed part 44, which may be configured for receiving at least a part of a support structure 14.
[0089] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of an upper casing part 30, for example as shown in FIG. 5. The upper casing segment 30 shows a first edge 37 and a second edge 38, wherein said edges 37, 38 are provided with a first coupling profile 35, and a second co-acting coupling profile 36 respectively. The first coupling profile 35 is configured for co-acting with a second coupling profile 36 of a lower casing segment 20. The first coupling profile 35 and second co-acting coupling profile 36 respectively which are provided on the first edge 37 and second edge 38 are shown in more detail in the respective circles A and B. In these circles A, B it can be seen that the first coupling profile 35 is formed by a double groove 33 in this embodiment. Said double grooves 33 extend substantially parallel with respect to each other. It can also be seen that the second coupling profile 36 is formed by a double tongue 34 in this embodiment. Said grooves 33 are in particular configured for at least partially receiving a tongue 34 of a lower casing segment 20.
[0090] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a support structure 14 which can be applied in a system according to the present invention. Although the support structure 14 shown in this figure is relatively low, the invention is not limited thereto. The skilled person would realize that said support structure 14 may be applied in different heights, according to the specification of a casing part 40 in the modular insulating system 1. The support structure 14 comprises a base structure 17, for rigidly mounting the support structure 14 to a ground surface. Although the support structure 14 may also be placed on the ground without mounting elements, it is preferred that it is mounted to the ground, to this end a mounting plate 17A is provided. The mounting plate 17A comprises at least one hole, preferably at least two for mounting the support structure 17 to the ground surface. Further, the support structure 14 comprises two support brackets 16, attached via upright parts, to the base structure 17. In said support bracket 16 two mounting holes 18 are provided, for mounting the support bracket, and therewith the support structure 14, to a casing part 40, in particular to a bottom casing segment 20. Since some of the casing parts 40 may be positioned slightly inclined, it is preferred that said support structure 14 may take this into account. To this end the support structure 14 is provided with an adjustment element 19, for adjusting an angle of the support bracket 16 with respect to the base structure 17. Preferably, the angle may be freely adjusted. This allows the support structure 14 to be modular, such that only a single type of support structure 14 may be used for a plurality of casing parts 40.
[0091] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re) combined in order to arrive at a specific application and/or alternative embodiment.
[0092] The ordinal numbers used in this document, like first, second, and third are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of expressions like a second component, does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a first component. By complementary components is meant that these components are configured to co-act with each other. However, to this end, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb comprise and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only comprise, but are also understood to mean the phrases contain, substantially consist of, formed by and conjugations thereof.
[0093] Where product is mentioned in this application, this should be understood broadly. In particular, the wording product should be understood to encompass both consumable products and non-consumable products. Non-consumable products may for example be metal products which may expand or contract when subjected to temperature fluctuations. On the other hand, consumable products may for example be eggs, which are to be transported from a poultry house to a different building separated from the poultry house. Hence, any product which may be subjected to a temperature difference during a transport thereof should be within the scope of this application.
