WO2025186715A1

WO2025186715A1 - Plant for the production of insulating panels for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials, preferably suitable for the transport of materials at a controlled temperature, process for the production of insulating panels for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials, preferably suitable for the transport of temperature-controlled materials and panels made by said method

Info

Publication number: WO2025186715A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/052327
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco CODISPOTI; Raffaele PALMA
Original assignee: M&s Consulting Sa
Current assignee: M&s Consulting Sa
Priority date: 2024-03-04
Filing date: 2025-03-04
Publication date: 2025-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-04
Also published as: WO2025186715A8

Abstract

A plant for the production of insulating panels for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials, in particular suitable for the transport of materials at a controlled temperature, preferably food transport, said plant (1) comprising: a thermoforming station (100), comprising: a substantially horizontal wall (101), having an upper surface (101a) and a lower surface (101b), said wall (101) also having a through opening (102) and a sealing element (103) positioned on said upper surface (101a) around said opening (102), wherein said opening (102) and said sealing element (103) define an operating position (P2) for a sheet material (2), wherein said material (2) is a plastic material comprising one or more of: Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and similar; a heating member (120), controllable between a distal position (PD) and a proximal position (PP) with respect to said operating position (P2); a motorized mould (130), configured to be brought to said operating position (P2) so as to thermoform said material (2) into a sheet; a first pressure system (140), configured to operate on said operating position (P2) so that at least part of said thermoforming occurs under controlled pressure conditions. Said thermoforming station (100) is configured to supply thermoformed sheets (3) at the output, to obtain an assembly of thermoformed panels (4). The plant also comprises: a foaming station (500), configured to perform a foaming of thermoformed panels (41-43) obtained from said thermoforming station (100), obtaining corresponding foamed thermoformed panels (41'-43'), and to perform a moulding of said foamed thermoformed panels (41'-43').

Description

PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INSULATING PANELS FOR VEHICLES SUITABLE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS, PREFERABLY SUITABLE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS AT A CONTROLLED TEMPERATURE, PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INSULATING PANELS FOR VEHICLES SUITABLE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS, PREFERABLY SUITABLE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED MATERIALS AND PANELS MADE BY SAID METHOD

The present invention relates to a plant for producing insulating panels for vehicles suitable for transporting materials in general, preferably for transporting materials at a controlled temperature (e.g., food transport).

The present invention also relates to a process for producing insulating panels for vehicles suitable for transporting materials in general, preferably for transporting materials at a controlled temperature (e.g., food transport).

The present invention also relates to insulating panels for vehicles suitable for transporting materials in general, preferably for transporting materials at a controlled temperature (e.g., food transport) made by the above method. The present invention further relates to a vehicle adapted for transporting materials in general, preferably for transporting materials at a controlled temperature (e.g., food transport), and to a method of installing insulating panels on a vehicle adapted for transporting materials in general, preferably for transporting materials at a controlled temperature (e.g., food transport).

The production of insulating panels suitable for covering vans or other vehicles suitable for food transport is currently done by initially laying a veil of wax on a negative mould - this veil of wax is then useful at the end of the process, to aid in the release of the panel from the mould.

A veil of gelcoat spray is then deposited on the mould, so as to create a smooth, firm surface layer, protecting the panel while imparting a glossy characteristic. This layer is also intended to make the panel suitable for food transport.

An additional layer, consisting of glass fiber and polymer resin, is then laid down, for example by Spray Lay Up process. Basically, finely chopped glass fiber is sprayed inside the mould together with a resin until the desired thickness is obtained.

After the resin deposition is finished, rollers are used so as to manually even out the thickness in all areas of the panel.

After the polymer cure time has elapsed, the mould is closed with a counter mould to give the desired shape to the back of the panel made of polyurethane. For this purpose, polyurethane in liquid form is injected from a single point and allowed to cure for a predetermined time.

The last step is to open the mould and extract the part.

The Applicant first notes that this type of process includes a considerable number of steps performed manually. This inevitably leads to the possibility of inaccuracies and errors, as well as the inherent non-repeatability of the process itself. From a practical standpoint, one of the consequences is the production of artifacts of inconsistent quality and shape. In addition, by injecting polyurethane at a single point, it is not possible to control the distribution of the polyurethane itself in a timely manner, thus obtaining an inhomogeneous product. To this must be added the fact that the curing temperature is not controlled; in fact, the moulds are not thermoregulated.

The Applicant also notes that the materials used cannot be recycled, with obvious economic and environmental consequences; the materials used usually can also cause health problems for the operators involved if they do not take adequate safety/protection measures.

Finally, returning to the issue of the preponderance of manual type operations, it is evident that by employing the known type methods, a single operator can only work on one panel at a time.

Document EP 3 730 272 A1 describes a method for producing a planar element with a "sandwich” structure.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a plant and method, as well as an insulating panel, that can solve the drawbacks listed above.

In particular, in accordance with a first aspect, the present invention relates to a plant for the production of insulating panels for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials in general, preferably for the transport of materials at a controlled temperature, in particular food transport (for example, perishable and non-perishable foods and foodstuffs).

Preferably, said plant comprises a thermoforming station.

Preferably, said thermoforming station comprises a wall.

Preferably, said wall is substantially horizontal.

Preferably, said wall has an upper surface and a lower surface.

Preferably, said wall has a through opening.

Preferably, said wall has a sealing element.

Preferably, said sealing element is positioned on said upper surface.

Preferably, said sealing element is positioned around said opening.

Preferably, said opening and/or said sealing element define an operating position for a sheet material.

Preferably, said material is a plastic material.

Preferably, said plastic material comprises one or more of: Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and the like.

Preferably, said thermoforming station comprises a heating member.

Preferably, said heating member is controllable between a distal position and a proximal position with respect to said operating position.

Preferably, said thermoforming station comprises a motorized mould.

Preferably, said motorized mould is configured to be brought to said operating position so as to thermoform said sheet material.

Preferably, said thermoforming station comprises a first pressure system.

Preferably, said first pressure system is configured to operate on said operating position so that at least part of said thermoforming occurs under controlled pressure conditions.

Preferably, said thermoforming station is configured to output thermoformed sheets, to obtain an assembly of thermoformed panels.

Preferably, said plant comprises a foaming station.

Preferably, said foaming station is configured to perform foaming of thermoformed panels obtained from said thermoforming station, obtaining corresponding foamed thermoformed panels.

Preferably, said foaming station is configured to perform a moulding of said foamed thermoformed panels.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention relates to a process for the production of insulating panels for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials in general, preferably for the transport of materials at a controlled temperature, in particular food transport (for example, perishable and non-perishable foods and foodstuffs).

Preferably, said process comprises preparing a thermoforming station.

Preferably, said thermoforming station comprises a wall.

Preferably, said wall is substantially horizontal.

Preferably, said wall has an upper surface and a lower surface.

Preferably, said wall has a through opening.

Preferably, said wall has a sealing element.

Preferably, said sealing element is positioned on said upper surface.

Preferably, said sealing element is positioned around said opening.

Preferably, said material is a plastic material.

Preferably, said process comprises positioning a sheet material in said operating position.

Preferably, said process comprises heating said sheet material.

Preferably, said process comprises bringing a motorized mould to said operating position.

Preferably, said process comprises thermoforming said sheet material.

Preferably, said thermoforming is performed under controlled pressure conditions.

Preferably, said thermoforming produces thermoformed sheets for the production of thermoformed panel assemblies.

Preferably, said process comprises foaming thermoformed panels obtained from said thermoforming station, obtaining corresponding foamed thermoformed panels.

Preferably, said process comprises moulding said foamed thermoformed panels.

In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention relates to an insulating panel for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials in general, preferably for the transport of materials at a controlled temperature, in particular food transport (for example, perishable and non-perishable foods and foodstuffs), made with the process in accordance with the aforementioned second aspect. In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle suitable for transporting materials in general, preferably for transporting materials at a controlled temperature, in particular food transport (for example, perishable and non-perishable foods and foodstuffs).

Preferably, said vehicle comprises a chassis.

Preferably, said vehicle comprises movement means.

Preferably, said movement means are associated with said chassis.

Preferably, said vehicle comprises a cargo compartment.

Preferably, said cargo compartment is mounted on said chassis.

Preferably, said cargo compartment is configured to accommodate objects to be transported.

Preferably, said cargo compartment is delimited by one or more walls.

Preferably, said cargo compartment comprises one or more panels in accordance with the aforementioned third aspect. Preferably, each of said one or more panels is fixed to one or more respective walls.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of installing an insulating panel on a vehicle suitable for the transport of materials in general, preferably for the transport of materials at a controlled temperature, in particular food transport (for example, perishable and non-perishable foods and foodstuffs). Preferably, said vehicle comprises a chassis.

Preferably, said vehicle comprises movement means.

Preferably, said movement means are associated with said chassis.

Preferably, said vehicle comprises a cargo compartment.

Preferably, said cargo compartment is mounted on said chassis.

Preferably, said cargo compartment is delimited by one or more walls.

Preferably, at least one of said walls has an opening handle.

Preferably, said handle has an internal portion inside said cargo compartment.

Preferably, said handle has an external portion outside said cargo compartment.

Preferably, said external portion is mechanically associated with said internal portion.

Preferably, said method comprises arranging an insulating panel in accordance with said third aspect.

Preferably, said method comprises removing the internal portion of said handle from said wall.

Preferably, the inner portion of said handle is removed while maintaining said inner portion mechanically associated with the outer portion.

Preferably, said method comprises fixing said panel internally to said cargo compartment.

Preferably, said panel is fixed to the wall on which said handle is located.

Preferably, said method comprises remounting the inner portion of said handle on the respective wall.

Preferably, said inner portion is remounted after fixing said panel.

In accordance with one or more of the aforementioned aspects, the invention may comprise one or more of the following preferred features. Preferably, the operating position is achieved when said sheet material rests on said sealing element and closes said opening.

Preferably, said sheet material in the operating position creates a sealed separation between a region of space above said material and a region of space below said material.

Preferably, said first pressure system is configured to generate, in a first phase, a higher pressure in the space region below said material than in the space region above said material.

Preferably, said motorized mould is configured to move, in a second phase, into contact and seal against the lower surface of said wall, facing said opening.

Preferably, said plant comprises a second pressure system.

Preferably, said second pressure system is associated with said motorized mould.

Preferably, said second pressure system is configured to create, in said second phase, in an internal space area delimited by said material and said motorized mould, a lower pressure than in a space area external to said internal space area.

Preferably, said second pressure system is configured to generate, in a third phase, a flow of pressurized air directed from said motorized mould towards said material.

Preferably, said heating member has distinct areas that can be heated selectively.

Preferably, said plant comprises one or more storage bays.

Preferably, said storage bays are interposed between the thermoforming station and the foaming station. Preferably, each storage bay is equipped with automated movement members to pick up said set of thermoformed panels and supply them to the foaming station.

Preferably, said storage bays comprise a first support that can be moved vertically.

Preferably, said first support is configured to support thermoformed panels coming from said thermoforming station.

Preferably, said storage bays comprise a second support that can be moved at least horizontally.

Preferably, said second support is configured to move below said first support.

Preferably, said first support is configured to lower itself to a lower level than said second support, allowing said thermoformed panels to be supported by the second support without interfering with said second support. Preferably, said foaming station comprises a foaming member.

Preferably, said foaming member is movable above said thermoformed panels.

Preferably, said foaming member is movable according to preset paths in order to perform foaming of said panels. Preferably, said preset paths are selected, for each panel or assembly of panels, based on input data associated with the panels on which foaming is to be performed.

Preferably, said thermoforming station is controlled by a control unit.

Preferably, said control unit is configured to receive input data indicative of panels to be thermoformed. Preferably, said control unit is configured to select, based on said input data, a set of parameters associated with said panels to be thermoformed.

Preferably, said control unit is configured to control said thermoforming station based on said set of selected parameters.

Preferably, by said thermoforming, a seat is formed on at least one thermoformed panel to accommodate a portion of a vehicle handle.

Preferably, said at least one thermoformed panel has a substantially concave shape, defining a concave area and a convex area.

Preferably, said seat is made as a recess towards the concave area of said at least one thermoformed panel. Preferably, said process comprises making a through recess corresponding to said seat.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of examples of embodiments of the invention provided below. The description will refer to the attached figures, which are also purely illustrative and therefore not limiting, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a plant in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a station of the plant of figure 1 ;

- Figures 3a-3d show different operating configurations of the station of figure 2;

- Figures 4a-4b show different configurations of another station of the system of figure 1 ;

- Figure 5a shows a schematic plan view of a detail of a station of the plant of figure 1 ;

- Figure 5b shows a schematic side view of the detail of figure 5a;

- Figure 5c shows a schematic plan view of the detail of figure 5a in an operating condition;

- Figure 5d shows a schematic side view of the detail of figure 5b in an operating condition;

- Figures 6a-6b schematically show operating conditions of a station of the plant of figure 1 ;

- Figure 7 schematically shows a vehicle on which panels made using the plant of figure 1 are used;

- Figure 8a schematically shows a front view of an embodiment of a panel in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 8b shows a schematic section view, along the X-X plane, of the panel of figure 8a;

- Figure 8c shows a schematic side view of a portion of the panel of figure 8a, delimited by the X-X, Y-Y planes, in which some parts have been eliminated to better highlight others;

- Figures 9a-9d show schematic phases of a method of installing an insulating panel in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 9e shows a schematic representation of a solution representative of the state of the art;

- Figure 10 shows a schematic embodiment of a station of the plant of figure 1 ;

- Figure 11 schematically shows an exemplary detail of a station of the plant of figure 1 .

With reference to the attached figures, 1 generally indicates a plant for the production of insulating panels, in particular thermally insulating panels, for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials, preferably for the transport of materials at a controlled temperature (e.g. food transport), in accordance with the present invention.

The plant 1 (figure 1) comprises a thermoforming station 100.

The thermoforming station 100, as will be clearer later, has the task of giving the panels the desired shape.

The thermoforming station 100 (figures 1, 4a-4b, 5a-5d, 6a-6b) comprises an automated loading device 110, configured to pick up a sheet material 2 from a loading position P1 and position such material 2 in an operating position P2.

In greater detail, a plurality of stacked sheets are initially positioned in the loading position P1. This operation can be carried out either manually or automatically. The automated loading device 110, designed for example as a set of automated motorized suction cups, picks up and positions, one at a time, the sheets in the operating position P2, so that they can be subjected to the thermoforming operation.

The material of sheet 2 is a plastic material comprising one or more of: Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and the like.

The thermoforming station 100 comprises a substantially horizontal wall 101 (figures 5a-5d, 6a-6b). The wall 101 has a through opening 102. In short, the wall 101 is made as a frame, in the internal part of which there is the opening 102.

The wall 101 has an upper surface 101 a and a lower surface 101 b.

On the upper surface 101a, around the opening 102, a sealing element 103 is arranged.

The sealing element 103 can be made as a gasket, essentially continuous around the perimeter of the opening 102.

The opening 102 has smaller dimensions than the sheet material 2. In other words, the opening 102 and the sheet material 2 have reciprocal shapes and dimensions such that, when the material 2 is placed on the upper surface 101 a of the wall 101 , it completely closes the opening 102.

The opening 102 and the sealing element 103 define the operating position P2 for the sheet material 2.

In particular, the material 2 is in the operating position P2 when it is placed on the upper surface 101 a, and in particular on the sealing element 103, so as to completely cover the opening 102. Thanks to the adhesion between the material 2 and the sealing element 103 (preferably obtained by means of suitable clamps, which tighten the material 2 on the wall 101), the opening 102 is substantially sealed.

Therefore, the material 2 in the operating position P2 creates a sealed separation between a space region R1 above the material 2 (therefore facing the upper surface 101 a of the wall 101) and a space region R2 below the material 2 (therefore facing the lower surface 101 b of the wall 101).

Preferably, the space region R2 below the material 2 is delimited by a structure 104 with a sealed closure, associated with the wall 101 , schematically represented in figures 6a-6b. In one embodiment, the motorized mould 130 (which will be described below) is located inside this structure 104.

The thermoforming station 100 also comprises a heating member 120, made for example as a pair of heating walls 121 , 122.

For example, a heating wall 121 is positioned at a higher level than the wall 101 (therefore with respect to the sheet material 2 in the operating position P2), and a heating wall 122 is positioned at a lower level than the wall 101 (therefore with respect to the sheet material 2 in the operating position P2).

Each heating wall 121 , 122 can be controlled between a distal position PD and a proximal position PP with respect to the operating position P2. In practice, each heating wall 121 , 122, by means of respective movement members, is brought to the operating position P2 when a sheet must be heated, up to its softening temperature, for thermoforming. For example, the heating walls 121 , 122 are positioned horizontally, substantially parallel to the ground, and are moved horizontally, to be displaced between the distal position PD and the proximal position PP. Figure 4a shows schematically, according to a simplified lateral view, the heating walls 121 , 122 in the proximal position PP, when the sheet material 2 rests on the wall 101 , in the operating position P2; figure 4b shows schematically, according to a simplified lateral view, the heating walls 121 , 122 in the distal position PD, when there is no sheet material in the operating position P2. Preferably, the lower heating wall 122 (together with the respective movement members) is contained within the structure 104; in particular, when it is in the proximal position PP, the lower heating wall 122 is interposed between the motorized mould 130 (which in this case is not operational, and is in the rest position schematically shown in figure 6a) and the horizontal wall 101 - that is, between the motorized mould 130 and the sheet material 2. When the lower heating wall 122 is in the distal position PD, it does not interfere with the vertical movement of the motorized mould 130, so that the latter can reach the operating position schematically shown in figure 6b.

In one embodiment, the heating walls 121 , 122 are composed of quartz resistors, mounted inside reflective parabolas to increase the degree of radiation and to limit heat dispersion.

Preferably, the heating walls 121 , 122 are equipped with an infrared pyrometer, capable of reading the temperature of the sheet so as to allow the processing cycle to proceed once the set temperature has been reached.

The Applicant notes that the pyrometer allows to save time during the machine start-up and to have the sheets always formed at the same temperature.

In one embodiment, the heating member 120 has distinct areas that can be heated selectively. More specifically, it is possible to adjust the power of each individual resistance or of individual groups of resistances that are part of the heating walls 121 , 122. For example, the power of each individual resistance of the upper heating wall 121 can be adjusted, while the adjustment of the resistances of the lower heating wall 122 can be performed in pairs. Advantageously, the use of an energy monitoring technique is envisaged, which allows to reduce the consumption of electrical energy when the heating walls are in the distal position PD.

The heating time can be between 1 min and 20 min, for example between 3 min and 5 min.

Once the thermoforming temperature has been reached (for example between 120° C and 230° C), the heating member 120, and in particular the heating walls 121 , 122, is returned to the distal position PD.

The thermoforming station 100 comprises a first pressure system 140, configured to operate on the operating position P2 so that at least part of the thermoforming occurs under controlled pressure conditions.

Preferably, the first pressure system 140 is configured to operate after the heating member 120 has softened the sheet material 2, in particular after the heating member 120 itself has returned to the distal position PD.

In greater detail, the first pressure system 140 is configured to generate, in a first phase, a higher pressure in the space region R2 below the material than in the space region R1 above the material 2. In particular, the first pressure system 140 is configured to blow pressurized air (with a temperature of approximately 50-80 °C) into the region R2, below the material 2. Due to the seal between the material 2 and the sealing element 103, this flow of air does not pass into the upper region R1 , and tends to swell the material 2.

This prevents the softened sheet 2 material from yielding under its own weight before the mould 130 arrives, and it also causes the material to flow in the lateral areas, eventually resulting in panels of more uniform thickness; as will be clearer later, depending on the number of shapes present on the mould, a corresponding number of bulges will be generated from which respective panels will derive.

Note that the first pressure system 140 operates, preferably, only in the lower region R2, while the upper region R1 remains at ambient pressure.

As mentioned above, the thermoforming station 100 comprises a motorized mould 130 which, at this point in the process, is brought to the operating position P2 in order to thermoform the sheet material 2.

More specifically, the motorized mould 130 is configured to move, in a second phase, into contact and sealed against the lower surface 101 b of the wall 101 , facing the opening 102. The second phase is preferably subsequent to the first phase.

The motorized mould 130, in addition to respective moving members to be able to move to the positions provided by the process, is equipped with one or more shapes, which define the profile to be given to material 2 during thermoforming.

In one embodiment, the motorized mould 130 can be equipped with a single shape; in this case, the material sheet 2 located in the operating position P2 will be used to produce a single panel.

In one embodiment, the motorized mould 130 can be equipped with two or more shapes; in this case, the sheet of material 2 that is in the operating position P2 will be used to produce two or more panels.

In the case of two or more shapes present on the motorized mould 130, it is envisaged that the thermoforming station 100 includes one or more separation bars. These one or more separation bars are associated above the sheet material 2 so that, under the action of the first pressure system 140, a number of bulges is formed equal to the number of shapes present on the motorized mould 130 - therefore equal to the number of panels that must be produced with the sheet of material 2 present in the operating position P2. The Applicant observes that, in these bulges, material flows into the lateral areas.

Preferably, around the perimeter of the area of the motorized mould 130 that carries the shape(s) to be given to material 2, a sealing element, such as a gasket, is arranged.

The area that carries the shape(s) has dimensions smaller than the opening 102, while the perimeter described by the sealing element of the motorized mould is larger than the opening 102; in this way, when the motorized mould 130, in the second phase, is brought into contact with the lower surface 101 b of the wall 101 , the shapes pass through the opening 102 so as to be in position to interact with the material 2, while the sealing element of the motorized mould 130 abuts against the lower surface 101 b of the wall 101 , thus creating a sealed abutment.

In the second phase, the first pressure system 140 is deactivated.

Advantageously, the thermoforming station 100 comprises a second pressure system 141 , associated with the motorized mould 130. The second pressure system 141 is configured to operate in the second phase, i.e. when the motorized mould 130 is in contact with the lower surface 101 b of the wall 101.

The second pressure system 141 is configured to create, in an internal space area, delimited by the material 2 and the motorized mould 130, a lower pressure than in a space area external to said internal space area.

In practice, the sheet material 2 (sealed against the sealing element 103 present on the upper surface 101 a of the wall 101) and the motorized mould 130 (sealed against the lower surface 101b of the wall 101) form an internal space area, delimited above by the bulge (or bulges) of the material 2 and below by the motorized mould 130. The shapes present on the motorized mould 130 are located within this internal space area.

The external area is essentially the one that is above the swollen material 2, and is essentially at ambient pressure. Each of the shapes present on the motorized mould 130 is equipped with a plurality of through holes, arranged in an appropriate manner, connected to the second pressure system 141.

The second system 141 , through such through holes, creates a depression in the aforementioned internal space area, so that the sheet material 2, previously softened and swollen, adheres to the surface of the shapes.

The material 2 then cools and hardens. To facilitate this process (lasting, for example, one minute), a jet of air can also be used.

A third phase is then carried out, in which the material 2 is removed from the motorized mould 130.

For this purpose, it is envisaged that the second pressure system 141 generates a flow of pressurized air directed from the motorized mould 130, and in particular from the shapes present on the same, towards the material 2, through the aforementioned through holes. In this way, the detachment of the thermoformed material 2 from the motorized mould 130 is facilitated.

Advantageously, the thermoforming station 100 is slaved to a control unit (not illustrated) configured to: receive input data indicative of panels to be thermoformed; select, based on such input data, a set of parameters associated with the panels to be thermoformed; control the thermoforming station 100 based on the selected set of parameters. In light of the above, it can be noted that the thermoforming station 100 is configured to output thermoformed sheets 3, from which a set of thermoformed panels 4 are then obtained.

With reference to figure 1, a first non-thermoformed sheet 2 is inserted into the thermoforming station 100 which, by thermoforming the sheet 2, provides a thermoformed sheet 3.

Preferably, the thermoformed sheet 3 is trimmed in a trimming station 200 and turned over and cleaned in a turning and cleaning station 300.

The trimming operation can preferably be performed by a five-axis CNC machine.

In one embodiment, the plane of such a CNC machine is formed by a grid 201 ; for example, the grid 201 comprises a plurality of tubular elements 201 , preferably made of steel (figure 11).

Ideally, the scrap resulting from the trimming operation should be cut into portions small enough to be able to fall into the empty spaces 203 of the grid 201 , so as not to interfere with subsequent operations and to be able to be removed.

However, the scrap is sometimes of significant size and, in order to be reduced to sufficiently small pieces, it would require a time incompatible with the rest of the process, and in particular with the time required for the thermoforming operation performed with the thermoforming station 100.

Therefore, it is advantageously envisaged that, between the thermoforming station 100 and the trimming station 200, a removal device 230 (diagrammed in figure 1), such as a sliding belt, is installed which has the task of transporting the entire scrap out of the production line. In other words, once the trimming operation is completed, the scrap is moved onto the removal device 230; the latter transports the scrap itself until it falls into special collection containers 240.

The thermoformed sheet 3 is a single sheet, through which different panels can be made. The thermoformed sheet 3 having, for example, three panel shapes, is directed to the trimming station 200 and is transformed into three panels 41 , 42 and 43.

The Applicant notes that, in the following, reference will be made to the formation of three panels starting from a thermoformed sheet; however, as mentioned, from each individual sheet it is also possible to obtain a different number of panels. What is described here with respect to the formation of three panels applies, in a similar manner, to the formation of a different number of panels.

The assembly of panels 41 , 42 and 43 forms a package or assembly of panels 4 which is directed towards the tipping and cleaning station 300 where the panels are tipped and cleaned.

Subsequently, the package consisting of three panels 41 , 42 and 43 for example, is directed to the storage bays 400 in stock.

At this point a new sheet (not shown in figure 1) not thermoformed, having the same characteristics as sheet 2, is inserted into the thermoforming station 100 and following all the operations described above it arrives at giving a second package or assembly of panels 7, composed for example of panels 71 , 72 and 73, which is directed into the storage bay 400 in stock.

In figure 1 the assembly of thermoformed panels 4 includes at least a first thermoformed panel 41, a second thermoformed panel 42, and also a third thermoformed panel 43. It is reiterated that the number of panels that make up the assembly is established according to the dimensions of the panels themselves, but in the present context reference is made to assemblies composed, for example, of three panels.

Preferably, as mentioned, downstream of the thermoforming station 100, a trimming station 200 is provided.

The trimming station 200 comprises an automated cutting member 210, to separate the thermoformed panels 41 , 42 and 43 from each other and/or trim the edges of said thermoformed panels 41 , 42 and 43.

It should be noted that each thermoformed sheet may coincide with a thermoformed panel, or comprise a multiplicity of thermoformed panels. In the first case, the trimming station 200 will have the task of trimming the edges; in the second case, the trimming station 200 will also separate the various panels that are part of each thermoformed sheet.

In one embodiment, the trimming station 200 may include a chip suction device 220.

For example, a 5-axis CNC milling machine may be used for trimming.

The waste material is collected automatically, for example by means of a motorized belt arranged under the area where the cutting/trimming operation is carried out, and recycled.

In one embodiment, downstream of the trimming station 200, and more generally downstream of the thermoforming station 100, as mentioned, a tipping and cleaning station 300 is provided.

From a practical point of view, at the end of the trimming performed in the trimming station 200, the thermoformed panels 41 , 42 and 43 may, for example, be turned with the concave surface downwards (in the case of a positive mould in a thermoforming machine) and the shavings from the processing may still be present. It is therefore advisable to carry out a cleaning and tipping operation to facilitate the subsequent storage and foaming operations. A pick-up system picks up the thermoformed panels 41, 42 and 43 from the trimming station 200 and places them in a closed box. The thermoformed panels 41 , 42 and 43 are tipped with the help of a robotic arm equipped with grippers and/or suction cups. During movement, the cleaning element 320 (designed for example as a suction system) removes the residual shavings from the processing and the excess material.

The tipping and cleaning station 300 includes a robotic member 310 to perform a tipping of the thermoformed panels 41 , 42 and 43; in practice, the thermoformed panels 41 , 42 and 43 are rotated 180° around a horizontal axis.

Therefore, while at the end of the thermoforming operation the panels are found with concavity facing downward, as a result of the tilting carried out in station 300 they are found with concavity facing upward - an arrangement which then promotes the subsequent foaming operation. In the case of negative moulding, the panels are already facing with the concavity facing upwards, in the tipping and blowing station the panels will only be blown and tilted to drop the residual shavings before being returned to the original position without therefore being tipped by 180°. The tipping and cleaning station 300 is also advantageously equipped with a cleaning element 320, to suck up waste material from the assembly of thermoformed panels 4 and prevent such waste material (deriving from previous processes) from interfering with the subsequent foaming operation.

Preferably, the tipping and cleaning station 300 is interposed between the trimming station 200 and the foaming station 500 which will be described later.

In one embodiment, the plant 1 comprises one or more storage bays 400, interposed between the thermoforming station 100 and the foaming station 500. More specifically, the storage bays 400 are interposed between the tipping and cleaning station 300 and the foaming station 500.

The storage bays 400 are equipped with automated movement members 410 that allow each bay to move into position to accommodate the set of thermoformed panels 4 that a robotic arm picks up from the tipping station 300. The storage operation is useful because the foaming (which will be described later) requires longer times than the thermoforming/trimming/tipping operations.

For this purpose, at the exit of the tipping and cleaning station 300 the assembly of thermoformed panels 4 is picked up by a pick-up system (for example, a pick-up system is a device that ideally moves in a system of Cartesian axes X and Y with a horizontal and a vertical direction) which places it in the assigned storage bay 400; the bay is automatically brought into position by a translation system on rails. This system also allows the bay to translate vertically also along the vertical axis. The bays preferably translate only horizontally, the mobile bridge on which the pick-up deposits the piece instead translates vertically to bring the panels to the height of the desired drawer. As mentioned above, the plant 1 comprises a station or a foaming area 500.

The station or foaming area 500 is located downstream of the thermoforming station 100 and, more specifically, downstream of the storage bays 400.

The foaming station 500 is made up of one or more presses, for example three presses.

Each of these presses comprises a lower plate 510, an intermediate plate 520 and an upper plate 530. In Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d, for convenience, the operation of a single press is shown. As will be clearer below, the plates accommodate the moulds, having the respective shapes, for the production of the panels.

Each of the plates 510, 520, 530 extends substantially along a horizontal plane.

The intermediate plate 520 is shaped at the top to accommodate the thermoformed panels 41-42-43.

The upper plate 530 is shaped at the bottom to form, in cooperation with the intermediate plate 520, a mould for thermoformed panels 41 , 42, 43 after the latter have been subjected to the foaming operation.

The lower plate 510 is shaped at the top to accommodate thermoformed panels 71 , 72, 73.

The intermediate plate 520 is shaped at the bottom to form, in cooperation with the lower plate 510, a mould for the thermoformed panels 71 , 72, 73 after the latter have been subjected to the foaming operation.

The foaming station 500 comprises a foaming member 540, configured to perform foaming on the thermoformed panels 41 , 42, 43 accommodated in the intermediate plate 520 and on the thermoformed panels 71 , 72, 73 accommodated in the lower plate 510. In this way, foamed thermoformed panels 4T, 42', 43' and foamed thermoformed panels 7T, 72', 73' are obtained, respectively.

In one embodiment, the foaming member 540 is composed of a double-head foaming machine. One of the foaming heads is moved automatically on a Cartesian manipulator, while the other can be moved by an operator via a motorized trolley. The head moved by the Cartesian manipulator is used for open-mould foaming (better described below), while the second is used for closed-mould foaming (if necessary, for example in the case of so-called "sandwich panels”).

Preferably, the foaming member 540 also comprises two or more tanks to contain the substances necessary for the formation of the foam. For example, polyol and isocyanate are stored in special steel tanks. These tanks are thermoregulated; in fact, in the tank jacket there is a resistance that allows heating a specific fluid to maintain the reagents at a controlled temperature. From the tanks, the reagents are injected into a high-pressure dosing unit, using specially designed recipes that are recalled when necessary. The reagents then pass into the high-pressure mixing heads where they are mixed so as to be able to dispense the foam (e.g. polyurethane) onto the thermoformed panel assembly 4 and the thermoformed panel assembly 7.

The foaming station 500 includes, for each press, movement members 550, active on the lower plate 510 and on the intermediate plate 520.

The lower plate 510 is movable horizontally and vertically.

The intermediate plate 520 is movable horizontally and vertically.

The upper plate 530 is preferably fixed (for example mounted on a chassis integral with the ground). In one embodiment, each plate 510, 520, 530 is made of solid perforated steel.

Preferably, each plate 510, 520, 530 is heated with water, at a maximum temperature of approximately 70-80° C and a maximum pressure of approximately 10 bar. The heating water flows inside the plates through special channels created during the manufacturing phase of the plates themselves.

For horizontal movements, for example, trolleys are provided; for the vertical movement of the intermediate plate 520 and the lower plate 510, a piston system is provided.

The foaming station 500 includes a control unit 560, configured to control the movement members 550 to carry out various phases within the foaming operation.

In greater detail, for each of the three presses, the plates 510, 520, 530 are initially aligned vertically, as schematically shown in figure 2. The area in which the plates are located in this configuration is identified as the operating area Z0.

The intermediate plate 520 is moved from the operating area Z0 to a loading area Z1 , where it receives thermoformed panels 41 , 42, 43 (figure 3a°). This movement is preferably rectilinear and horizontal.

The intermediate plate 520, which at this point accommodates the thermoformed panels 41 , 42, 43, is returned to the operating area Z0. During this movement, the foaming member 540 delivers foam onto the thermoformed panels 41 , 42, 43.

When the intermediate plate 520 reaches the operating area Z0, the operation of delivering foam into the thermoformed panels 41, 42, 43 is terminated, and the foamed thermoformed panels 4T, 42', 43' have thus been obtained.

The intermediate plate 520 is then moved vertically, so as to close on the upper plate 530 (figure 3b). Note that figure 3b schematically shows the intermediate plate 520 in contact with the upper plate 530. As better explained below, the intermediate plate 520 is closed on the upper plate 530 by the vertical movement of the lower plate 510, i.e. following the creation of the configuration of figure 3d. In other words, the intermediate plate 520 preferably closes on the upper plate 530 when the intermediate plate 520 itself is coupled with the lower plate 510. As mentioned, the cooperation between the intermediate plate 520 and the upper plate 530 forms a mould for the foamed thermoformed panels 4T, 42', 43'. After a predetermined time, the intermediate plate 520 is moved away from the upper plate 530 and the finished product can be removed.

The lower plate 510 is moved from the operating area Z0 to the loading area Z1 (figure 3b). This movement is preferably rectilinear and horizontal. Preferably, this movement occurs while the intermediate plate 520 is returning from the loading area Z1 to the operating area Z0.

In the loading area Z1 , the thermoformed panels 71 , 72, 73 are loaded onto the lower plate 510.

The lower plate 510 is then returned to the operating area Z0 (figure 3c). During this movement, the foaming member 540 performs the foaming operation on the thermoformed panels 71 , 72, 73. As mentioned, in this way the foamed thermoformed panels 71’, 72', 73' were obtained.

Once the lower plate 510 has returned to the operating area Z0, the foam supply to the thermoformed panels 71 , 72, 73 is terminated. The lower plate 510 can then be moved vertically upwards, until it closes on the intermediate plate 520 and forms, as mentioned, a mould for the foamed thermoformed panels 71', 72', 73' (figure 3d).

After a predetermined time, the lower plate 510 is lowered and brought to the area Z1 and the finished product can be unloaded.

Preferably, the lower plate 510 is also suitable for pushing the intermediate plate 520 against the upper plate 530; in this way, a single movement results in the closing of the mould formed by the intermediate plate 520 and the upper plate 530 (for thermoformed foamed panels 4T, 42', 43'), and the closing of the mould formed by the lower plate 510 and the intermediate plate 520 (for thermoformed foamed panels 7T, 72', 73').

Note that the foaming operation takes place in an open mould; in other words, the foam is deposited over the entire surface of the thermoformed panel assembly 4 and the thermoformed panel assembly 7 by means of a mobile head fixed on a Cartesian manipulator.

The Applicant observes that this solution allows to obtain important advantages compared to the processes belonging to the state of the art; the latter, in fact, typically involve an injection of the foam from a single point in a closed mould, a technique with which however the foam is unable to reach all the areas of the product in a homogeneous manner both because of geometries that may have irregularities, and because as the polyurethane leaves the injector head it begins to cure, increasing its viscosity and making it more difficult to travel to farther areas. Differently, by injecting in an open mould, the foam is deposited in a homogeneous manner over the entire area involved and during polymerization the direction of expansion is mainly in height.

Advantageously, the foaming operation can be entirely automated; the path, the amount of foam to be laid down, and the working parameters are pre-stored and recalled according to the specific operation to be performed. More specifically, the foaming member 540 can be moved above the thermoformed panels to be foamed according to pre-set paths, so as to perform a foaming of such thermoformed panels.

In one embodiment, the preset paths are selected, for each panel or set of panels, based on input data associated with the panels to be foamed.

The input data can be entered by an operator, via a suitable user interface.

In one embodiment (figure 10), it is envisaged that the lower plate 510 and/or the intermediate plate 520 can also be moved in an additional area Z2.

The additional area Z2 is preferably located on the opposite side of the operating area Z0 with respect to the loading area Z1. In other words, the loading area Z1 is preferably interposed between the operating area Z0 and the additional area Z2. In the additional area Z2, it is possible that particular processes are performed on the panels, before or after the foaming operation.

For example, in the case in which a panel must be equipped with a metal insert, to be positioned between the internal surface of the concave area C1 of the panel itself and the foam, such a panel can be brought to the additional area Z2 after being loaded into the area Z1 and before being subjected to the foaming operation.

Through plant 1 and the process carried out by it, it is possible to obtain insulating panels, particularly thermally insulating panels. Such panels can be conveniently used for vehicles suitable for the transport of materials in general, preferably suitable for the transport of temperature-controlled materials, such as food transport. For example, a vehicle 600 suitable for the transport of materials preferably at controlled temperatures is schematized in figure 7.

In a manner known per se, the vehicle 600, for example, can comprise a chassis 610, movement means 620 (engine, transmission, wheels, etc.) associated with the chassis 610 and a cargo compartment 630 mounted on the chassis 610 itself; or, the cargo compartment 630 could be, for example, part of the chassis 610.

The cargo compartment 630 is configured to contain the materials I objects to be transported (e.g. foodstuffs) at a controlled temperature. For this purpose, the vehicle 600 also includes a refrigeration system, associated with the cargo compartment 630, to maintain the same at a controlled temperature.

The cargo compartment 630 is delimited by one or more walls 631 ; such one or more walls may include or be formed by insulating panels made by plant 1 and the process carried out by the same.

In this context, the Applicant observes that, typically, vehicles for the transport of materials, in particular for the transport of temperature-controlled materials, are equipped with a rear door and at least one side door.

In order to be able to adequately insulate the cargo compartment, both the rear door and the side door (or the side doors, if there is more than one) are covered internally with insulating panels. These panels, in the absence of dedicated measures, completely hide the internal opening handles, and therefore prevent the doors from being opened from the inside.

Since it is necessary to guarantee at least one possibility of opening from the inside, the panels associated with the rear door are machined in such a way as to remove the portion of the panel that covers the handle. In this way, the handle itself is made accessible and the rear door can also be opened from the inside. Figure 9e schematically represents this solution.

As regards the side doors, no particular machining is usually carried out and the internal handles of the same remain unusable.

The Applicant observes that the solution adopted for the rear doors is not very effective from the point of view of insulation, since to make the internal handle of the rear door accessible and functional it is necessary to remove a significant portion of the insulating panel. In addition, this solution is often aesthetically unsatisfactory.

In addition, the fact that the side doors cannot be opened from the inside makes the vehicles impractical and functional, as the only option for opening from the inside remains the rear door. This, for example, could make the installation of bulkheads that divide the cargo compartment into several parts (e.g. a front part and a rear part) dangerous since, by creating a closed area from which the rear door cannot be accessed, an opening to the outside from that area would no longer be possible. The Applicant also observes that the risk of a situation similar to this is still present, regardless of the arrangement of the aforementioned bulkheads: imagine, for example, a quantity of material stored in the cargo compartment in such a way as to prevent an operator entering from the side door from accessing the rear door: if the side door were to close, the operator would find himself in great difficulty.

Therefore, the Applicant felt the need to improve the insulation of the rear door and to ensure, in any case, also an opening from the inside of the side door (or side doors), clearly without compromising the insulation of the cargo compartment in this case either.

Through the production technique described and claimed herein, it is possible to achieve this goal by providing panels that, while performing the required insulation function, allow the use of both the internal handle of the rear door and the internal handles of the side doors.

In greater detail, in the thermoforming phase, a seat is created on at least one panel to accommodate a portion of a vehicle handle. The shape of this seat is arranged in the respective shape present on the motorized mould 130. In particular, as mentioned, the thermoformed panel (before foaming) has a substantially concave shape. This shape defines a concave area C1 and a convex area C2; the seat for the portion of the handle is preferably created as a recess towards the concave area of the panel.

It is also envisaged that, at the seat for the handle portion, a through-hole is created - the utility of which will become clearer later.

Figures 8a-8c show a foamed thermoformed panel 80, created using the aforementioned process and/or the aforementioned plant. As can be seen, the panel 80 has the seat 81 for the handle portion, in which a through-hole 82 is created.

In figure 8c, the representation of the foam has been removed, in order to highlight the profile of the thermoformed panel, before the foaming operation. As can be seen, the panel has a substantially concave shape. This substantially concave shape is defined by a generally planar area, and by a side wall, which extends in a substantially orthogonal direction from the perimeter of the generally planar area. The substantially concave shape defines a concave area C1 and a convex area C2; the seat 81 is made as a recess towards the concave area C1 . Figures 9a-9d schematically show the installation phases of the panel 80 on a wall 631 of a vehicle 600 suitable for the transport of materials preferably at controlled temperature (e.g. food transport).

The wall 631 (figure 9a) has an opening handle 640, having a portion 641 inside the cargo compartment 630 and a portion 642 outside the cargo compartment 630 itself.

The external portion 641 is mechanically associated with the internal portion 642, typically via a wire 643 that allows the portion 642 to act on the opening mechanism.

To install the panel 80, the internal portion 641 of the handle 640 is initially removed from the wall 631 , keeping the internal portion 641 itself mechanically associated with the external portion 642 - that is, without detaching the internal portion 641 from the wire 643 (figure 9b).

The panel 80 is then fixed on the wall 631 , inside the cargo compartment 630, so as to cover the internal surface of the wall 631 itself (figure 9c).

In this phase, the internal portion 641 (which, as mentioned, is not detached from the wire 643) is made to pass through the recess 82, possibly orienting it in an appropriate way, so that the panel 80 can come into contact in an appropriate way with the internal surface of the wall 631 .

The panel 80 is positioned on the wall 631 so that the concave area C1 (filled by foaming) faces and is in contact with the wall 631 itself.

After having fixed the panel 80, the internal portion 641 of the handle is reassembled on the respective wall 631 (figure 9d). Preferably, the dowels (or other fastening elements used for the internal portion 641) also intercept the panel portion 80 that surrounds the recess 82.

The internal portion 641 of the handle 643 is therefore now accessible, allowing an opening also from inside the cargo compartment 630 of the side door (represented by the wall 631) of the vehicle 600. The invention achieves important advantages.

First of all, the panels are produced in a precise, accurate and repeatable manner, thanks to the automation of most of the operations performed.

Another advantage consists in the fact that, by virtue of the technical solutions object of the invention, it is possible to process multiple sheets/panels substantially simultaneously thereby significantly increasing production efficiency.

In addition, open-mould foaming allows controlled and homogeneous distribution of the foam, resulting in panels with homogeneous properties along their entire extension.

An additional advantage lies in the fact that the materials used are fully recyclable, with clear positive effects on production costs and environmental impact.

Claims

1. A plant for the production of insulating panels for vehicles suitable for transporting materials, particularly for transporting materials under controlled temperature, said plant (1) comprising: a thermoforming station (100), comprising:

- a wall (101) substantially horizontal, having an upper surface (101 a) and a lower surface (101 b), said wall (101) further presenting a passing through opening (102) and a sealing element (103) positioned on said upper surface (101 a) around said opening (102), wherein said opening (102) and said sealing element (103) define an operating position (P2) for a sheet material (2), wherein said material (2) is a plastic material comprising one or more of: Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and the like;

- a heating member (120), piloted between a distal position (PD) and a proximal position (PP) relative to said operating position (P2);

- a motorized mould (130), configured to be driven to said operating position (P2) in order to thermoform said material (2) into a sheet;

- a first pressure system (140), configured to operate at said operating position (P2) so that at least part of said thermoforming takes place under a controlled pressure condition; wherein said thermoforming station (100) is configured to provide thermoformed sheets (3) as an output, for obtaining a thermoformed panel assembly (4); a foaming station (500), configured to perform a foaming of thermoformed panels (41 -43) obtained from said thermoforming station (100) thus obtaining corresponding foamed thermoformed panels (41 '-43'), and to perform a moulding of said foamed thermoformed panels (4T-43¹).

2. Plant according to claim 1 wherein the operating position (P2) is realized when said sheet material (2) is resting on said sealing element (103) and closes said opening (102).

3. Plant according to claim 2 wherein said sheet material (2) in the operating position (P2) creates a tight separation between a region of space (R1) above said material (2) and a region of space (R2) below said material (2).

4. Plant according to claim 3 wherein said first pressure system (140) is configured to generate, in a first step, a higher pressure in the region of space (R2) below said material (2) than in the region of space (R1) above said material (2).

5. Plant according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said motorized mould (130) is configured to bring itself, in a second step, into contact and tight against the lower surface (101 b) of said wall (101), facing said opening (102).

6. Plant according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a second pressure system (141) associated with said motorized mould (130) configured to create, in said second step, in an inner space area delimited by said material (2) and said motorized mould (130), a lower pressure than in an outer space area of said inner space area.

7. Plant according to claim 6 wherein said second pressure system (141) is configured to generate, in a third phase, a flow of pressurized air directed from said motorized mould (130) to said material (2).

8. Plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said heating member (120) has separate selectively heatable areas.

9. Plant according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more storage bays (400) interposed between the thermoforming station (100) and the foaming station (500), each storage bay (400) being equipped with automated handling members (410) for taking said thermoformed panel assembly (4) and supplying the same to the foaming station (500).

10. Plant according to claim 9, wherein said storage bays comprise: a first vertically movable support, configured to support thermoformed panels (4) from said thermoforming station (100); a second support, movable at least horizontally, configured to come to be positioned below said first support; wherein said first support is further configured to lower to a lower elevation than said second support, allowing said thermoformed panels (4) to be supported by said second support without interfering with said second support.

11 . Plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said foaming station (500) comprises a foaming member (540) movable above said thermoformed panels according to preset paths so as to perform a foaming of said panels.

12. Plant according to claim 11 wherein said preset paths are selected, for each panel or set of panels, according to input data associated with the panels on which the foaming is to be performed.

13. Plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermoforming station (100) is slaved to a control unit, said control unit being configured to:

- receive input data indicative of panels to be thermoformed;

- select, according to said input data, a set of parameters associated with said panels to be thermoformed;

- control said thermoforming station (100) according to said selected set of parameters.

14. A process for producing insulating panels for vehicles suitable for transporting materials, in particular for transporting materials at a controlled temperature, comprising: providing a thermoforming station (100) comprising a substantially horizontal wall (101), having an upper surface (101 a) and a lower surface (101 b), said wall (101) further having a through opening (102) and a sealing element (103) positioned on said upper surface (101 a) around said opening (102), wherein said opening (102) and said sealing element (103) define an operating position (P2) for a sheet material (2), wherein said material (2) is a plastic material comprising one or more of: Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and the like; placing a sheet material (2) in said operating position (2); heating said sheet material (2); bringing a motor-driven mould (130) to said operating position (P2) and perform thermoforming of said sheet material (2), said thermoforming being carried out under controlled pressure, so as to obtain thermoformed sheets (3) for making thermoformed panel assemblies (4), performing a foaming of said thermoformed panels (41-43) obtained from said thermoforming station (100), thereby obtaining corresponding foamed thermoformed panels (41 '-43'), performing a moulding of said thermoformed foamed panels (41 '-43').

15. Process according to claim 14, wherein by means of said thermoforming, a seat (81) is formed on at least one thermoformed panel to accommodate a portion (641) of handle (640) of vehicle (600).

16. Process according to claim 15, wherein said at least one thermoformed panel has a substantially concave conformation, defining a concave area (C1) and a convex area (C2), and said seat (81) is formed as a recess towards the concave area (C2) of said at least one thermoformed panel.

17. Process according to claim 16, comprising making a through recess (82) at said seat (81).

18. An insulating panel for vehicles suitable for transporting materials, in particular suitable for transporting temperature controlled materials, made by the process according to any one of claims 14-17.

19. A vehicle suitable for transporting materials, in particular suitable for transporting materials under controlled temperature conditions, comprising: a chassis (610); movement means (620) associated with said chassis (620); a cargo compartment (630), mounted on said chassis for storing objects to be transported, said cargo compartment (630) being delimited by one or more walls (631); one or more panels according to claim 18, each fixed to one or more respective walls (631).

20. A method of installing an insulating panel on a vehicle suitable for the transport of materials, in particular suitable for the transport of materials under controlled temperature conditions, in particular for foodstuffs transport, wherein said vehicle (600) comprises; a chassis (610); movement means (620) associated with said chassis (610); a cargo compartment (630), mounted on said chassis (610) for storing objects to be transported, said cargo compartment (630) being delimited by one or more walls (631); wherein at least one of said walls (631) has an opening handle (640) having a portion (641) internal to said cargo compartment (630) and a portion (642) external to said cargo compartment (630), wherein said external portion (641) is mechanically associated with said internal portion (642); wherein said method comprises: arranging an insulating panel (80) according to claim 18; removing the inner portion (641) of said handle (640) from said wall (631), said inner portion (641) being mechanically associated with said outer portion (642); fixing said panel (80) internally to said recess (630) on the wall (631) on which said handle (640) is placed; after having fixed said panel (80), refit the internal portion (641) of said handle on the respective wall (631).