阅读说明：本技术 生产填充有相变材料的餐具的方法 (Method for producing tableware filled with phase change material ) 是由 K·雷德玖 于 2019-10-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：生产填充有相变材料的餐具的方法,所述方法包括以下步骤：将液体相变材料倒入模具中；使模具中的相变材料固化；将固化的相变材料包在包装中；在填充有固化的相变材料的包装中抽真空；将填装有相变材料的包装抵靠待加热或冷却的餐具第一部件的壁进行设置；将餐具第二部件抵靠餐具第一部件设置,以使填装有相变材料的包装被餐具第一和第二部件封闭；以及用密封剂对设置于彼此上的餐具第一和第二部件进行密封。(A method of producing cutlery filled with a phase change material, the method comprising the steps of: pouring the liquid phase-change material into a mold; solidifying the phase change material in the mold; packaging the solidified phase change material in a package; evacuating the package filled with the solidified phase change material; placing a package filled with a phase change material against a wall of a first part of a piece of cutlery to be heated or cooled; positioning the second part of the cutlery against the first part of the cutlery such that the package filled with the phase change material is closed by the first and second parts of the cutlery; and sealing the first and second parts of the tableware placed on each other with a sealant.)

1. A method of producing cutlery filled with a phase change material, the method comprising the steps of:

-pouring a liquid phase change material into a mould;

-solidifying the phase change material in the mould;

-packaging the solidified phase change material in a package;

-evacuating the package filled with the solidified phase change material;

-arranging the package filled with the phase change material against a wall of a first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled;

-arranging the second part of the cutlery against the first part of the cutlery such that the package filled with the phase change material is closed by the first and second parts of the cutlery; and

-sealing the first and second parts of the cutlery arranged on each other with a sealant.

2. The method of claim 1, the method comprising: preparing a phase change material liquid by melting, and wherein solidifying the phase change material in the mold comprises solidifying the phase change material on a cooling plate.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mold is a separate mold that can be placed on and removed from the cooling plate.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, further comprising: the solidified phase change material is removed from the mold.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the phase change material is a liquid at room temperature, the mold has bottom and vertical sidewalls, and solidifying the phase change material in the mold comprises cooling the phase change material.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the height of the vertical side wall is at least 5mm, preferably at least 10mm, more preferably at least 20 mm.

7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the mould is an aluminium mould.

8. The method of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein cooling the phase change material comprises: cooling to at least 0 ℃, preferably to at least-12 ℃, most preferably to at least-19 ℃.

9. The method of any of claims 5-8, wherein cooling the phase change material comprises: cooled in a freezer or by liquid nitrogen.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein prior to solidifying the phase change material in the mould, the method comprises at least one of:

-adding an antioxidant to the liquid phase change material;

-adding a gelling agent to the liquid phase change material;

-adding a thickener to the liquid phase change material; and

-adding a liquid phase change material having a higher melting point to the liquid phase change material.

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein prior to solidifying the phase change material in the mould, the method comprises at least one of:

-absorbing the liquid phase change material in an organic adsorbent;

-absorbing the liquid phase change material in an inorganic adsorbent; and

-absorbing the liquid phase change material in a plastic matrix.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein packaging the solidified phase change material in a package comprises:

-placing a solidified phase change material on a central portion of the first film;

-placing a second film on the solidified phase change material; and

-attaching the first film and the second film to each other at respective peripheral portions of the two films such that the solidified phase change material is enclosed by the package formed by the first film and the second film.

13. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising: the second film is heated prior to placing the second film over the solidified phase change material.

14. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: the package filled with the phase change material is deformed by at least one forming press.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the phase change material filled package is deformed between two forming platens.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one shaped platen corresponds to a wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled against which the phase change material filled package is disposed.

17. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein disposing the phase change material filled package against a wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled comprises: the package filled with the phase change material is firmly adhered against the wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the adhering is performed with a heat resistant adhesive.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein adhering comprises: at least a central portion of the package is fixedly adhered to at least a central portion of the wall to be heated or cooled.

20. A method as claimed in claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein at least one edge portion of the package is not fixedly adhered to the wall to be heated or cooled.

21. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the providing of the second component comprises: the second component is positioned in a recess provided for this purpose in the first component and is firmly adhered at its edges to edge portions of the recess.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein securely adhering the second component at an edge thereof to an edge portion of the recess comprises: an adhesive is applied to the edge portion of the recess and the second member is pressed thereon.

23. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein sealing comprises: the sealant is determined based on at least one of color, material, shape, and decorative layer of the tableware.

24. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein sealing comprises: the sealing speed is determined.

25. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sealant comprises silicone.

26. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sealant comprises a silicone-carbon mixture.

27. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: the adhesive and/or sealant used is cured.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein curing the used adhesive and/or sealant is performed by UV irradiation.

29. A method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein curing the used adhesive and/or sealant is performed by heating.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of producing double-wall cutlery (crockery) with walls to be heated or cooled, and in particular to double-wall cutlery provided with a phase change material.

Background

The use of phase change materials as heat storage materials in dishware is known, wherein the phase change materials are able to absorb heat in a relatively short time and to release this heat again over a longer period of time. An example of this application is the use of phase change material in a plate containing hot food. By using a phase change material, the plate will cool slower and the food will remain warm for a longer period of time. A cavity filled with a phase change material is typically provided in the tray.

In products intended to contain food products, these products must meet certain consumer quality requirements, standards and/or guidelines. These requirements are indicative of measurable requirements and/or requirements that the product must meet. The known methods for producing double-walled cutlery have the disadvantage that the products produced do not meet the quality requirements, standards and/or guidelines of the consumer. In dishware with phase change materials, these requirements are: durability after prolonged and/or frequent heating or cooling and/or several wash cycles, food safety, protection against breakage and/or crazing of the dishes, release of phase change material, or a combination of the above.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to produce cutlery filled with phase change material that meets the above requirements. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of producing tableware with increased safety of use and extended utility, and thus with improved durability. It is another object of the invention to provide a method of producing cutlery which has an improved heat or cold transfer to the food.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing cutlery filled with a phase change material, the method comprising the steps of: pouring the liquid phase-change material into a mold; solidifying the phase change material in the mold; packaging the solidified phase change material in a package; evacuating the package filled with the solidified phase change material; placing a package filled with a phase change material against a wall of a first part of a piece of cutlery to be heated or cooled; and placing the second part of the cutlery against the first part of the cutlery such that the package filled with the phase change material is closed (enclosed) by the first and second parts of the cutlery; and sealing the first and second parts of the tableware placed on each other with a sealant.

Pouring the liquid phase change material into the mould enables any phase change material to be formed in a simple manner. The cutlery usually has a specific shape, and by forming the liquid phase change material it is possible to achieve a maximum contact surface between the phase change material and the wall of the cutlery to be heated or cooled at the beginning. This has the advantage that the heat transfer between the cutlery and the supplied food can be improved. Hot liquid phase change materials and cold liquid phase change materials may also be used. The advantage of pouring the liquid phase change material into the mould is that the use of solid phase change material is prevented from producing undesirable effects (shrinkage of the phase change material due to melting) and it is difficult to mould the granular material. The method also has the following advantages: the liquid phase change material is viscous, whereby the phase change material can be handled in a simple manner.

By solidifying the phase change material in the mould, the desired shape can be maintained during other production processes. The advantage of solidifying the phase change material is that the solidified phase change material can be handled in a simple manner in further production steps. In other steps, the solidified phase change material can be vacuum packed in an efficient manner and a higher vacuum can be achieved than when using a liquid phase change material. By packaging the solidified phase change material in a package, the method provides the advantage that if the cutlery is cracked and/or torn and/or cracked, the cutlery filled with the phase change material does not leak out. The package also provides the following advantages: i.e. the freedom of movement of the phase change material in the package is limited. Furthermore, the phase change material in the package is protected from possible contaminants during the production process and during use, and the solidified phase change material is protected against possible degradation of the phase change material.

The evacuation in the package containing the solidified or solidified phase change material creates a high vacuum level, preventing the presence of insulating air between the phase change material and the package walls or between different parts of the phase change material. High vacuum is defined as 1x10^-1To 1x10^-7Pascal pressure. Improved heat transfer through the package and between the package and the food product being served is achieved by evacuation. The high vacuum in the package further prevents degradation of the phase change material, since the possibility of oxidative degradation is minimized. Thereby making it possible to produce durable tableware. Also, in terms of safety, the evacuation of the package provides advantages, since the possibility of hazardous mixtures of e.g. alkanes and oxygen is minimized.

Since the package filled with the phase change material is arranged against the wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled, a better heat exchange is achieved between the phase change material and the wall to be heated or cooled than in the known application of phase change material in cutlery (there is a thermal insulation layer, for example an air layer, between the phase change material and the first wall to be heated or cooled). By arranging the second part of the cutlery against the first part of the cutlery such that the package filled with the phase change material is closed by the first and second parts of the cutlery, leakage paths are prevented or reduced by an order of magnitude compared to known applications. The contact and heat exchange between the package filled with the phase change material and the wall to be heated or cooled is further improved, since the vacuum in the package ensures that the package tightly encloses the phase change material. This prevents bending of the phase change material and provides good contact and good heat exchange.

The advantage of sealing the first and second parts of the cutlery arranged on each other with the sealing agent is that no material exchange can take place between the environment outside the cutlery and the closed inner space of the cutlery. Thus, substantially no phase change material, moisture or dust may reach the surrounding area from the cutlery via the seal, and/or vice versa.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: preparing the phase change material liquid by melting, and solidifying the phase change material in the mold includes solidifying the phase change material on a cooling plate. Phase change materials can be formed in an efficient manner by melting the phase change material, and this method provides the advantage that thermal phase change materials (e.g., phase change materials that are substantially solid at room temperature) can be processed in an efficient manner. The phase change material preferably has a melting temperature suitable for tableware applications. Phase change materials having such melting temperatures are well suited for use in dishware intended for hot food and/or hot beverages. Typical phase change materials used are alkanes (or mixtures of alkanes), paraffins (or mixtures of paraffins), salt hydrates, mixtures of propylene glycol-water with thickeners, mixtures of fatty acids, alcohols, esters, fatty acids, alcohols, esters and/or paraffins and/or eutectic materials. The solidification or solidification of the phase change material in the mold on the cooling plate provides the phase change material with a desired shape and shape retention for ease of handling.

In a preferred embodiment, the mold is a separate mold that can be placed on and removed from the cooling plate. Providing separate moulds that can be placed on the cooling plate enables different types of cutlery to be handled. A further advantage is that the solidified phase change material can be removed more easily from the mould and the cooling plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: the solidified phase change material is removed from the mold. The solidified phase change material can thus be further processed.

In a preferred embodiment, the phase change material is a liquid at room temperature, the mold has a bottom wall and vertical side walls, and solidifying the phase change material in the mold comprises cooling the phase change material. Since the phase change material is liquid at room temperature, this method offers the advantage that cold phase change materials (e.g. phase change materials that are substantially liquid at room temperature) can be processed in an efficient manner. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the phase change material has a melting temperature suitable for tableware applications. The melting temperature of the phase change material is preferably 0 ℃ to 14 ℃, more preferably 4 ℃ to 8 ℃. For other applications, the melting point of the phase change material is-20 ℃ to 0 ℃. Phase change materials having this melting temperature are well suited for use in tableware intended to serve cooled food products (e.g., ice cream dishes) or cold beverages. Because solidifying the phase change material in the mold includes: the phase change material is allowed to cool, so that the evacuation of the vacuum in the package is simplified in the subsequent steps of the method.

In a preferred embodiment, the height of the vertical side wall is at least 5mm, preferably at least 10mm, more preferably at least 20 mm. It has been found that cold phase change materials have the following characteristics: during solidification of the phase change material, the phase change material creeps up against the sidewalls. Providing sidewalls with a minimum height prevents the phase change material from creeping out of the mold. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the height may also be greater than 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the mold is an aluminum mold. It has been found that the material properties of the mould also influence said upward creeping behaviour of the phase change material. The advantage of using an aluminium mould is that during solidification of the phase change material, the phase change material crystallizes in a controlled manner. It has been found that an advantage of an aluminium mould over e.g. a stainless steel mould is that the aluminium mould has a smoother surface. The smoother surface prevents upward creep of the phase change material against the wall caused by displacement and adhesion of the phase change material by scratching or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the mould is provided with a teflon coating and/or the mould is provided with a silicone sprayed layer and/or a paraffin layer, e.g. a tetradecane carbon layer.

In a preferred embodiment, cooling the phase change material comprises: cooling to at least 0 ℃, preferably to at least-12 ℃, most preferably to at least-19 ℃. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that cooling may also be carried out at temperatures below-19 ℃. It has been found that at higher temperatures, the phase change material does not solidify sufficiently.

In a preferred embodiment, cooling the phase change material comprises: cooled in a freezer (freezer) or by liquid nitrogen. The low temperature is rapidly reached by liquid nitrogen cooling.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises at least one of the following steps before solidifying or solidifying the phase change material in the mould:

-adding an antioxidant to the liquid phase change material;

-adding a gelling agent to the liquid phase change material;

-adding a thickener to the liquid phase change material; and

-adding a liquid phase change material having a higher melting point to the liquid phase change material.

In this way, on the one hand the phase change material can be protected against oxidative degradation and on the other hand leakage of the phase change material is also prevented. The addition of a gelling or thickening agent increases the rheology, viscosity and internal consistency of the phase change material, so that if the package tears or leaks, the phase change material will escape more slowly or not. By adding a liquid phase change material with a higher melting point to the liquid phase change material, a phase change material that retains its form after solidification or solidification can be obtained without any phase change material retaining a liquid phase, and in other steps the phase change material can be vacuum packed in an efficient manner and a higher vacuum degree can be achieved than with a liquid phase change material.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises at least one of the following steps before solidifying or solidifying the phase change material in the mould:

-absorbing the liquid phase change material in an organic adsorbent;

-absorbing the liquid phase change material in an inorganic adsorbent; and

-absorbing the liquid phase change material in a plastic matrix.

In this way a phase change material is obtained that retains its morphology and in other steps the phase change material in solid form is formed into a solidified phase change material, or a phase change material adsorbed in a (inorganic) organic adsorbent or a plastic matrix, which can be vacuum packed in an efficient manner, allowing for a higher vacuum degree than when using a liquid phase change material.

Preferably, during this method step, a structuring material is added to the phase change material to obtain a mixture that retains morphology. The resulting mixture preferably comprises about 90% to 95% phase change material and 5% to 10% structuring agent.

Examples of such materials are activated carbon, (expanded) graphite, silica, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, packaging the solidified phase change material in a package comprises:

-placing a solidified phase change material on a central portion of the first film;

-placing a second film on the solidified phase change material; and

-attaching the first film and the second film to each other at respective peripheral portions of the two films such that the solidified phase change material is enclosed by the package formed by the first film and the second film.

The film has the following advantages: they can be laminated in an advantageous manner, whereby different material properties can be combined in one film. Depending on the intended use of the package filled with the phase change material, it may be useful for the material properties of the first film to be different from the material properties of the second film. It is therefore advantageous, for example, to provide the film of the package without it being intended to be placed on and thus away from the wall to be heated or cooled, and with an additional layer of insulation. The packaging of the phase change material limits the freedom of movement of the phase change material, thereby preventing the phase change material from escaping when the cutlery is torn, cracked or ruptured. The package also prevents the free movement of the phase change material through the cutlery when the cutlery is moved or displaced. This improves the stability and/or ease of handling of the cutlery.

In one embodiment, packaging the phase change material in solid form in a package comprises: the first film is preformed, preferably thermally, prior to the step of placing the solidified phase change material in the central portion of the first film. In this way, a suitable space for the phase change material may be provided.

In other embodiments, the method further comprises, prior to placing the second film over the solidified phase change material: the second film is heated. Heating the second film makes the film more flexible and easier to form.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises: the package filled with the phase change material is deformed by at least one forming press. Here, the package filled with the phase change material has the shape of a formed platen. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that different shapes can be used for different types of cutlery.

In other preferred embodiments, the phase change material filled package is deformed between two forming platens.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one shaped platen corresponds to a wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled, against which wall the packaging filled with the phase change material is arranged. Since the pressure plate corresponds to the wall to be heated or cooled, the package filled with phase change material will take this shape, and the advantage of this method is that the package filled with phase change material suitably accommodates the limited space between the walls of the first and second parts of the cutlery to be heated or cooled.

In a preferred embodiment, arranging the package filled with the phase change material against a wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled comprises: the package filled with the phase change material is firmly adhered against the wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled. When the packaging filled with the phase change material is placed against the wall of the first component to be heated or cooled, it is advantageous that the film of the packaging disturbs the heat absorption and release of the phase change material as little as possible, thus facilitating heat exchange as sufficiently as possible. Thus, the film may be provided by an aluminum layer or an aluminum oxide layer, or another layer having a microwave receiving (susceptor) function.

In other preferred embodiments, the adhesion is performed with a heat resistant adhesive. The advantage of adhering with a heat-resistant adhesive is that the durability of the produced cutlery is improved.

In a preferred embodiment, adhering comprises: at least a central portion of the package is fixedly adhered to at least a central portion of the wall to be heated or cooled. In phase change, i.e., when a phase change material changes from a liquid to a solid or vice versa, the phase change material typically contracts or expands. This can be compensated by fixedly adhering at least a central portion of the package to at least a central portion of the wall to be heated or cooled. Thus, the package has sufficient freedom of movement at its edge portions when the phase change material expands or contracts. Furthermore, it is common to place the food product substantially in the central part of the wall to be cooled or heated, and the presence of the phase change material in the central part is particularly advantageous. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the expansion of the package depends on the expansion coefficient of the phase change material used. By firmly adhering at least the central part of the packaged cutlery, an improved heat transfer is produced.

In other preferred embodiments, at least one edge portion of the package is not fixedly adhered to the wall to be heated or cooled. At least one edge portion is thus free to move when the phase change material expands.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of the second part comprises: the second component is positioned in a recess provided for this purpose in the first component and is firmly adhered at its edges to edge portions of the recess. In this way, the arrangement and alignment of the second parts in the first part is achieved in a simple manner. This avoids placement errors and ultimately improves the durability of the cutlery. Because placement errors are avoided, the second part is correctly aligned with the first part, whereby the recess between the first and second parts is substantially uniform, e.g. a circle of substantially uniform thickness. Thereby, sealing is made possible in other steps.

In a preferred embodiment, the edge portion at which the second part is firmly adhered to the recess at its edge comprises: an adhesive is applied to the edge portion of the recess and the second member is pressed thereon. The method thus provides an effective means of securely adhering the first and second components.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing comprises: the sealant is determined based on at least one of color, material, shape, and decorative layer of the tableware. It has been found that depending on the above parameters, it may be advantageous to use a defined sealant. The identified sealant may therefore be well suited for a first type of cutlery, but not for a second type of cutlery. By determining the sealant based on the above parameters, improved sealability can be obtained, which improves the durability of the dishware. The determination of the sealant may also be made based on the humidity and/or temperature of the air in the environment in which the sealing is made. Alternatively, the humidity and/or temperature of the air in the environment being sealed may be controlled based on the determined sealant and/or cutlery type.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing comprises: the sealing speed is determined. The sealing of the first component to the second component is typically a chemical reaction of the sealant. A disadvantage of known seals is that they can form bubbles in the seal during curing, such as bubbles of air, acetic acid or other gas occluding gas, which can create leak paths or in which microorganisms can grow. It has been found that for certain sealants, bubble formation is reduced or prevented at a sufficiently low sealing speed, thereby improving the quality of the seal. The sealing speed and bubble formation can be further influenced by controlling the air humidity and/or temperature in the environment where the sealing takes place.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealant comprises silicone. Silicones are characterized by their chemical and thermal resistance. The use of silicone enables the seal to be provided in an effective and durable manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealant comprises a silane. It has been found that silanes lead to better adhesion and more flexible sealants, and here are less likely to tear and crack and/or blister formation.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealant comprises a silicone-carbon mixture. The silicone-carbon mixture has the advantage of reducing or preventing bubble formation. Another advantage is that the bubbles that may have formed are still enclosed by the sealant and do not burst.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: the adhesive and/or sealant used is cured. Curing the used adhesive and/or sealant provides improved rigidity to the dishware.

In a preferred embodiment, curing of the adhesive and/or sealant used is carried out by UV irradiation. Curing the adhesive and/or sealant by UV irradiation has the advantage that a short curing time is obtained, preventing bubble formation. Other rapid processes can also be performed on the tableware, and improved chemical and scratch resistance (scratch resistance) is obtained, which improves the durability of the tableware.

In a preferred embodiment, curing of the adhesive and/or sealant used is carried out by heating. Heating the adhesive and/or sealant used provides a means to cure the adhesive or sealant in an efficient manner. By heating the adhesive and/or sealant prior to applying the adhesive and/or sealant, the adhesive and/or sealant can be further prevented from cooling too quickly, which can adversely affect the adhesion of the adhesive and/or sealant.

Drawings

The above and other advantageous properties and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and the present invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a phase change material filled pouch according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a method for packaging a solidified phase change material in a package;

FIG. 3A shows a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a piece of cutlery, wherein a phase change material is provided on a wall of the piece of cutlery to be heated or cooled;

FIG. 3B shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a piece of cutlery, wherein the phase change material is disposed on a wall of the piece of cutlery to be heated or cooled;

FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 4D illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 4E illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 4F illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 4G illustrates an alternative embodiment method for deforming a phase change material;

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a utensil having first and second components of the utensil disposed on one another;

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an item of cutlery having first and second components of cutlery disposed on one another;

FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an item of cutlery having first and second components of cutlery disposed on one another;

in the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a flow diagram of a method 100 for producing cutlery filled with a phase change material, wherein the method 100 comprises the following steps:

-a step 110: pouring the liquid phase-change material into a mold;

-a step 120: solidifying the phase change material in the mold;

-a step 130: packaging the solidified phase change material in a package;

-a step 140: evacuating the package filled with the solidified phase change material;

-a step 150: the package filled with the phase change material is arranged against a wall of a first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled;

-a step 160: positioning the second part of the cutlery against the first part of the cutlery such that the package filled with the phase change material is closed by the first and second parts of the cutlery; and

-step 170: the first and second parts of the cutlery placed on each other are sealed with a sealant.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the method 100 for producing cutlery filled with a phase change material, step 110 comprises: the liquid phase change material is poured into a mold. In particular, the liquid phase change material may be poured into a mold. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that brushing, spraying, injection molding, foaming, rotational molding, reaction injection molding, investment casting, and the like methods may alternatively be used to dispose the liquid phase change material in the mold. The liquid phase change material may include one or more of the following: pure phase change material, a combination of two or more phase change materials, a combination of a phase change material and a plastic, a combination of a phase change material in an adsorbent, and a combination of a phase change material in a plastic matrix.

Solidifying the phase change material in the mold may be performed in a variety of ways. According to a preferred embodiment, step 120 of method 100 comprises: the phase change material in the mold is solidified. Depending on the intended use of the cutlery, either hot or cold phase change material is used. For example, when the tableware is intended for use in applications for cold food products (such as ice cream dishes) or cold beverages, a cold phase change material will be used. Cold phase change materials are typically in a liquid phase at room temperature and will solidify at lower temperatures. Thermal phase change materials are characterized in that they tend to be substantially solid phase at room temperature. When the temperature rises, the thermal phase change material will change to a liquid phase. This makes the phase change material very suitable for application in dishware intended for hot food and/or hot beverages. Solidification of the phase change material may also be performed in a large mould, thereby obtaining a block of solidified phase change material, which is then processed in a subsequent step to obtain small units of phase change material (e.g. discs (discs)).

In an embodiment, the step 120 of solidifying the phase change material in the mould is performed after the phase change material has been made liquid by melting, and the step 120 comprises: the phase change material in the mold solidifies on the cooling plate. The cooling plate is a cooled surface that absorbs heat from the liquid phase change material in the mold. As the cooling plate absorbs heat from the phase change material in the mould, the phase change material will change from a liquid phase to a solid phase and the phase change material will solidify there.

In an embodiment, the mold is a separate mold that can be placed on and removed from the cooling plate. The mold is preferably a mold without a bottom or lid. These moulds are advantageously used for thermal phase change materials. The hot phase change material is poured into a mold and then solidified due to heat exchange with the cooling plate. Since the mould has no bottom, the solidified phase change material can be removed in a simple manner. Obviously, the mold may be a circular mold, a rectangular mold, a square mold, a mold with multiple cavities, or any other mold depending on the intended purpose of the cutlery.

In an alternative embodiment, the liquid phase-change material is poured into a mold at room temperature, wherein the mold has a bottom and vertical walls, prior to the step 120 of solidifying the phase-change material. These moulds are advantageously used for cold phase change materials. Obviously, the mould may also be a mould in which one or more recesses are provided.

In an embodiment the vertical wall has a minimum height of 5mm, preferably a minimum height of 10mm, most preferably a minimum height of 20 mm.

In an embodiment, the mold is preferably an aluminum mold. Obviously, the mold may also be any of stainless steel molds, metal oxide (metallic oxide) molds, man-made and natural polymer molds, and other natural substance (e.g., glass, wood, sand, rock, etc.) molds. The walls of the mould may comprise different materials as long as the walls keep the phase change material closed.

In an embodiment, the step 120 of solidifying the phase change material comprises: the phase change material is cooled to at least 0 ℃, preferably to at least-12 ℃, most preferably to at least-19 ℃.

In an embodiment, the curing step 120 of the method 100 may include: the phase change material is cooled in a freezer or by liquid nitrogen. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the solidification of the phase change material may also be performed in a cooling chamber, a freezing chamber, a ventilated space, a refrigerator (chiller), etc. It will also be apparent that a coolant other than liquid nitrogen may be used, for example, CO₂Propane, ammonia, (H) CFC, HFC, HFO, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the method 100 for producing cutlery filled with phase change material, the step 130 further comprises: packaging the solidified phase change material in a package.

Fig. 2 shows a detailed method 200 for packaging solidified phase change material in a package.

According to an exemplary embodiment of method 200, step 210 comprises: a solidified phase change material is disposed on a central portion of the first film. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of solidified phase change materials may also be placed on one film, provided that there is sufficient film material to join the first film to the second film in a subsequent step.

According to an exemplary embodiment, step 220 of method 200 includes: a second film is placed over the solidified phase change material.

Step 230 of method 200 comprises: the first film and the second film are attached to each other at respective peripheral portions of the two films such that the solidified phase change material is enclosed by a package formed by the first film and the second film. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the first and second films of the package may be adhered to each other in different ways at the peripheral portion of the first wall, for example by welding, adhesion, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, cold welding, etc. The first film may be welded to the second film, for example by a heated plate with a ring, wherein the shape of the ring and the shape of the peripheral portion of the first wall correspond to each other. The first film and the second film may have the same thickness, but may also have different thicknesses from each other. The first film and the second film may include the same layer, but the first film and the second film may also include layers different from each other. The first and second films may also include different regions having different properties, for example, the films may have an adhesion region characterized by better adhesion between two similar regions. For example, the other area may be an area of aluminium film, through which heat will be better exchanged between the wall of the cutlery to be heated or cooled and the film. For example, the other zone may be an insulated zone with better thermal insulation properties, so that as little heat as possible is lost through the film that cannot be heated or cooled. The first film is preferably gas impermeable to the second film. Preferably at least one connection point is provided for drawing a vacuum in the space between the first film and the second film. The connection point may be an insert to the conduit, or the connection point may be a one-way valve or device.

In an embodiment, step 220 of method 200 is preceded by heating the second film. Obviously, the heating of the film can be carried out in different ways. For example, the film may be heated by hot air, or by a heated roller over which the film travels.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the method 100 for producing cutlery filled with phase change material, step 140 comprises: a vacuum is drawn in the package filled with the solidified phase change material. The evacuation can be performed in different ways, for example by placing the package in a low-pressure space or by placing a vacuum pump at the connection point of the package.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the method 100 for producing cutlery filled with phase change material, step 150 comprises: the package filled with solidified phase change material is placed against the wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled. The arrangement of the filled packages can be done in different ways.

Fig. 3A and 3B show that a package 330 filled with a phase change material is arranged against the wall 310 of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled. The arrangement of the phase change material filled package against the wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled may preferably comprise: the package filled with the phase change material is firmly adhered 320 against the wall of the first part of the cutlery to be heated or cooled. The adhesion may preferably be performed with a heat resistant adhesive 320.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a cutlery item, wherein adhering comprises: at least a central portion of the package is fixedly adhered to at least a central portion of the wall to be heated or cooled. Fig. 3B shows, in a top view, that at least a central portion of the package 330 is adhered 320 to the wall 310 to be heated or cooled. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the package can also be completely adhered to the wall to be heated or cooled.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B, at least one edge portion of the package may not be fixedly adhered to the wall to be heated or cooled. The packaging filled with the phase change material preferably covers at least 70% of the surface area of the wall to be heated or cooled, more preferably at least 80% of the surface area, most preferably at least 90% of the surface area.

For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 3A and 3B show a simple, schematic embodiment of a cutlery piece. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the part 310 to be heated or cooled to which the phase change material filled package will adhere may have different shapes depending on the intended purpose. For example, a soup bowl will have a more concave and deeper cavity in the part to be heated. In the case of a coffee cup, for example, the component 310 to be heated will then take the shape of a typical coffee cup, which is typically a deep chamber with substantially vertical walls. Although fig. 3A and 3B show only simplified schematic views of pieces of tableware (crockery), it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the production method described herein are also applicable to the production of double-walled components of all types of ceramics, glass, crockery (earth ware), plastics, painted plastics, plastic decorated with films, steel, painted steel, etc.

In an embodiment of the method 100, step 150 is preceded by deforming the phase change material filled package by at least one forming platen.

Fig. 4A shows a package 430, which package 430 is filled with a phase change material and deformed against a base 440 by a forming platen 410. In the embodiment of fig. 4A, the package filled with phase change material is deformed by at least one forming platen 410. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the mold may have any shape depending on the intended purpose of the type of cutlery. For example, the mold may have the shape of a baking tray, a cup, a snack plate (desserts plate), a soup bowl, a sweet-spot tray (desserts coupes), a pizza tray, a spoon, and the like.

As shown in fig. 4B, deformation of the phase change material filled package may occur between two forming platens 410, 450. It is clear that a plurality of forming platens 410 may be used for the purpose of deforming the package. For example, these shaped packages filled with phase change material may be used for dinner plates, wherein the wall to be heated or cooled comprises a plurality of tub-shaped parts.

Fig. 4C-F show different embodiments, wherein the phase change material filled package is deformed by a forming platen. Fig. 4C and 4E show alternative forming platens. For example, the platen may be a flat platen or a concave platen. For example, the concave platen may be used for a soup bowl. A base can be formed upon which the package rests. Figure 4D shows that the package can be formed by a plurality of forming platens. In this case, the forming platen is flat. It is however obvious that these pressure plates can also be concave pressure plates. FIG. 4F shows an embodiment wherein the base and platen have different shapes.

Fig. 4G shows an embodiment of the method, wherein the phase change material filled package 430 is processed such that the phase change material changes to a liquid phase 431. Fig. 4G shows that package 430 may be subjected to heat Q, whereby the phase change material changes to a liquid phase. This package 432 filled with liquid phase change material is then placed on the shaped base 440 and will assume the shape of the shaped base in a manner similar to thermoforming. For example, a package filled with a phase change material intended for a coffee cup may be heated such that the phase change material changes to a liquid phase and then solidifies on the coffee cup component 440 to be heated. The package 432 will then assume the shape of the coffee cup component to be heated. After the phase change material filled package has solidified, it may then be disposed in the desired cutlery 460. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the base may be an inverted mould (inverted mould). The base may also be part of a piece of cutlery to be heated or cooled, for example part of an ice cream scoop to be cooled or part of a pasta-stick dish to be heated. In fig. 4G, for example, the base 440 may be a coffee cup or any other type of utensil.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the method 100 for producing cutlery filled with phase change material, step 160 comprises: the second item of cutlery is placed against the first item of cutlery so that the package filled with the phase change material is closed by the first and second items of cutlery.

Fig. 5A and 5B show different embodiments, wherein the cutlery second part 520 is arranged against the cutlery first part 510. The package 550 filled with the phase change material is closed by the first and second parts of the cutlery by placing the first part against the second part of the cutlery in a manner. The second member is disposed against the first member 510 at the recess 560. In fig. 5A and 5B, different embodiments of the recess 560 are shown on one part of the cutlery. It should be noted that the different depressions on one component of the cutlery are illustrative, and it is apparent that the cutlery will have one defined depression 560, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5C. When the first member is disposed on the second member, the adhesive 530 may be applied at the recess 560. Obviously, the first component may also be provided on the second component and, according to this method, the adhesive must be applied to the first or second component. For example, an adhesive may also be applied to the second component. Obviously, the space 540 is created by having the first part placed against the second part. In an embodiment, the space comprises an air layer. Air is a good insulating material and reduces the heat transfer between the phase change material filled package and the unheated or cooled cutlery walls. Obviously, in alternative embodiments, the space may also be filled with a different insulating material.

The enclosure filled with phase change material also has the advantage: the first and second parts can be rapidly sealed in an advantageous manner. This prevents microbubbles through which the phase change material may leak, thereby preventing the propagation of bacteria and microorganisms. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the first and second parts of the item of cutlery may have different thicknesses from each other.

Fig. 5A and 5B show the first part 510 of the cutlery being sealed by a sealant 570 when the second part 520 is provided.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the second member 520 is located in a recess 560 provided in the first member 510 for this purpose, and the second member 520 is fixedly adhered at the first member edge. After the first member 510 is disposed on the second member 520, the space 540 may be sealed by disposing a sealant 570. Fig. 5A shows the sealant 570 in partial contact with the first member 510 and in partial contact with the second member 520 and the adhesive 530. In an alternative embodiment as shown in fig. 5B, the sealant 570 is substantially free from contact with the adhesive 530.

Fig. 5C shows an alternative embodiment in which the wall 580 of the first part 510 of the cutlery extends beyond the second part 520. Here, the first member portion provides a recess in which the second member 520 may be located. It is apparent that the second member 520 fits snugly against the wall 580 in the recess 590. The gap between the second part 520 and the inner side of the wall 580 is preferably at most 5mm, more preferably at most 3mm, most preferably at most 1 mm. Obviously, the gap may also be greater than 5mm, depending on the intended purpose of the cutlery. By providing a narrow gap between the wall 580 and the second member, the second member is aligned in an efficient manner and the seal 570 is quickly disposed in an advantageous and uniform manner. This prevents microbubbles through which the phase change material may leak, thereby preventing the propagation of bacteria and microorganisms.

In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, securely adhering the second member 510 at an edge thereof to an edge portion of the recess 560 may include: the adhesive 530 is applied to the edge portion of the recess 560, and the second member 520 is pressed thereon. Although not critical, it is advantageous to roughen the surface of the recess 560 prior to application of the adhesive for adhesion of the adhesive. Roughening the surface results in an increase in surface area, which results in better adhesion of the adhesive.

In an embodiment, the sealant is determined based on at least one of a color, a material, a shape, and a decorative layer of the tableware. For example, the sealant for white ceramic tableware may be a different sealant than for black plastic tableware.

In an embodiment, a sealing speed in a seal is determined. Obviously, the sealing speed may vary. It is advantageous to seal at a lower rate, which reduces and/or prevents the generation of microbubbles.

In an embodiment, the sealant comprises silicone.

In an embodiment, the encapsulant includes a silicone-carbon mixture. It has been found that microbubble formation can be reduced and/or prevented by using black or colored silicone (silicone).

According to an embodiment of the method 100 for producing cutlery filled with phase change material, the step 170 of sealing the first and second parts of cutlery arranged on each other with a sealant further comprises: the adhesive and/or sealant used is cured.

In an embodiment, the adhesive and/or sealant used is cured by UV radiation.

In embodiments, the adhesive and/or sealant used is cured by heating. Heating can be performed in different ways, e.g. by means of an oven, infrared irradiation, etc. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that curing the adhesive and/or sealant used may also be performed by a combination of UV and heat.

Based on the above description it should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented in different ways and on different principles. The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The foregoing embodiments and drawings are purely exemplary and are merely intended to enhance an understanding of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined by the claims.