FR3063422A3 - CLOSED VERTICAL VENTILATED REFRIGERATED FURNITURE FURNITURE - Google Patents

Abstract

A closed vertical ventilated refrigerated presentation cabinet (1) comprises a support frame (2) which comprises at least one support base (2a), a back (2b) and a roof (2c) and which internally defines a loading space (3) at least one vertical door (10) for closing the loading space (3), one or more spokes (4) which divide the space (3) into two or more horizontal compartments (5), means (20, 21) for generating a refrigerated air stream, one or more risers (30) of the air stream, which extend from the base (2a) to the roof (2c) ) and which are arranged between the back (2b) and a rear wall (6) of the space (3), means (31) for distributing the flow of air inside the compartments (5), at least an upper conduit (40) for piping refrigerated air which extends below the roof (2c), which is fed by the ducts (30) and which opens at the top of the space (3) by one or several outlets (41), so as to generate a flow of air that goes from the rear wall (6) to the door (10). The outlets (41) are disposed at a distance (D) between 380 mm and 420 mm from the wall (6) along a horizontal direction which extends into the depth of the furniture (1).

Description

Application domain

The present invention relates to a closed vertical ventilated refrigerated display cabinet.

In particular, the closed vertical ventilated refrigerated display cabinet according to the invention can be used to display for sale perishable food products.

State of the art

As is known, closed vertical refrigerated display cabinets are prevalent in supermarkets.

"Closed" furniture means a piece of furniture provided with closure doors for the loading space.

"Loading space" means the volume within the structure of the refrigerated cabinet for the display and storage of goods for sale.

In vertical furniture, the cargo space a. a predominant extension in the vertical direction with respect to the depth, and is subdivided in height into different compartments by means of horizontal shelves (shelves).

The benefits of enclosed refrigerated display cabinets with doors compared to the corresponding open display cabinets are associated with lower energy consumption for refrigeration of the furniture loading space, as well as reduced sensitivity to variations in external ambient conditions.

Closed ventilated refrigerated cabinets are provided with fans capable of distributing evaporated air inside the loading space, generally disposed at the base of the furniture itself.

In general, in vertical refrigerated display cabinets of the ventilated type, in order to guarantee the correct storage temperature of the products arranged on the different shelves, the rear wall of the cabinet (back) is used to channel the cooled air from the different compartments. of the evaporator. The cooled air comes out of appropriate slots made at different heights on the back wall and is forced to flow horizontally, so as to scan the products placed on the shelves.

As will be explained later, the furniture roof can also be used to direct refrigerated air from top to bottom, in order to significantly improve the performance of the furniture.

The difficulties in ensuring the correct speed, distribution and direction of the refrigerated air flow inside a vertical cabinet are considerable.

As it is known, an inadequate distribution of cold air inside the cargo space results in the generation of thermal gradients between products, high energy consumption, as well as the possible formation of steam surface on the outside of the windows, on the doors or on the shelves.

In this context, it should be emphasized that the closing doors and the lighting systems (themselves also integrated inside the cabinet frame) constitute one of the main sources of (thermal radiation) products kept inside a closed refrigerated cabinet. At present, the most common solutions for the distribution of air in a closed vertical cabinet are essentially two, both by a rear duct air on the back of the furniture.

A first solution provides that any refrigerated pair is brought to enter the various compartments through openings made on the rear wall of the cabinet, excluding any pipe in correspondence with the roof of the furniture. The cooling of the doors and any auxiliary lighting systems is left to the refrigerated air flow at the outlet of the compartments.

This first solution has the following disadvantages: - an imbalance of refrigerated air flow rates on the lower compartments, with the formation of vertical thermal gradients between the products; in particular, the last compartment may have a refrigerated air flow excessively reduced; - lower cooling of exposed products in the front of the shelves, and therefore closer to the doors; - the absence of a refrigerated airflow specially designed for cooling the doors and any auxiliary lighting systems.

All this determines an increase in cooling energy consumption

A second solution provides that a portion of the refrigerated air is channeled below the roof of the cabinet without crossing the last compartment, to open near the front door. This airflow strikes the doors directly, and is deflected downwards, generating a vertical airflow that sweeps the doors vertically, so as to cool them.

The second solution has disadvantages opposite to those of the first solution: - excessive cooling of the doors, with an increase in the risk of fogging on the outside of the doors and an increase in the heat exchange between the interior and the outside of the furniture; - An imbalance of refrigerated air flows on the upper compartments, with the formation of vertical thermal gradients between the products; in particular, the lower compartments may have excessively reduced refrigerated air flow.

If one adopts the second solution mentioned above, it therefore makes it necessary to install doors with higher thermal insulation. In addition, to ensure proper cooling of the lower compartments, it is necessary to achieve a lowering of the temperature of the refrigerated air, resulting in an increase in energy consumption.

Accordingly, there is a requirement in the field to improve the distribution of refrigerated air within enclosed vertical refrigerated display cabinets.

Presentation of the invention

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to eliminate, or at least mitigate, the drawbacks of the above-mentioned existing technique, by providing a closed vertical ventilated refrigerated display cabinet which allows improve the distribution of cold air inside the cargo area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerated display cabinet closed closed which is simple and economical.

These objects are achieved by a closed vertical ventilated refrigerated presentation cabinet, comprising: - a support frame which comprises at least a support base, a back and a roof and which internally defines a loading space; at least one vertical door for closing the loading space associated with the frame in a position opposite to the back; - one or more spokes which are fixed to said frame and which subdivide the inner load space into two or more horizontal compartments; means for generating a refrigerated air flow inside the loading space; one or more riser ducts of said refrigerated air flow which extend from the base to the roof and which are arranged between the back of the frame and a rear wall of the loading space parallel to said back; means for distributing the flow of refrigerated air from the riser pipes to the interior of the compartments mentioned above, so as to generate refrigerated air flows which pass through said compartments in a substantially predominant flow direction; horizontal which goes from the posterior wall towards said door; at least one upper duct for piping refrigerated air that extends below the roof of the cabinet, fed by said riser ducts, and that opens at the top of the loading space through one or more outlets , so as to generate a flow of air that goes from the rear wall to said door.

According to the invention, said one or more outlet openings are arranged at a distance of between 380 mm and 420 mm from the posterior wall along a horizontal direction of extension in the depth of the furniture. .

Preferably, each of said outlet mouths is defined by a perforated grid inclined downwardly so as to direct the flow of air at the outlet.

Preferably, the angle of inclination of said perforated grid with respect to a horizontal reference plane is between 45 ° and 75 °.

Preferably, the solid / void ratio of said perforated grid is between 0.48 and 0.68.

Advantageously, said distribution means are constituted by a plurality of openings which are formed on the rear wall of the loading space in correspondence with said horizontal compartments, and put in communication said riser pipes to the number of one or several with said horizontal compartments.

Advantageously, when the means for generating a refrigerated air flow are activated, a flow of refrigerated air parallel to said vertical door, having a speed of between 0, occurs inside the loading space. 40 and 0.55 m / s along the entire height of the door.

Advantageously, when the means for generating a refrigerated air flow are activated, the refrigerated air flows in correspondence with the horizontal compartments have a speed of between 0.35 m / s and 0.65 m / s in the vicinity. the end of the radius concerned near the door.

Preferably, said display cabinet comprises a refrigerated air collection mouth, which is arranged at the base of said door and which communicates with respect to the fluids the loading space with the means of generating the refrigerated air flow, the speed of the air flow in correspondence with said recovery mouth being a speed of about 0.8 m / s.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical features of the invention, according to the purposes mentioned above, appear clearly from the content of the claims appended hereto, and the advantages thereof will become particularly evident in the detailed description which follows, made in Referring to the accompanying drawings, which show an embodiment merely illustrative, and not limiting, in which: - Figures 1 and 2 show, respectively, a front view and an earlier perspective view of a piece of furniture closed vertical ventilated refrigerated display according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 represents a side sectional view of the furniture illustrated in FIG. 1 along the line I-1 indicated therein, with, indicated, the main air flows coming from the evaporator; - Figure 4 shows an enlarged detail of the upper part of the furniture illustrated in Figure 3, to better highlight the presence of a pipe duct refrigerated air located below the roof of the furniture; and FIG. 5 represents an anterior perspective view of the upper part of the cabinet illustrated in the preceding figures, in which the air outlet mouth of the duct for the refrigerated air duct located below the roof of the cabinet is particularly visible. .

detailed description

Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is indicated in its entirety in 1 a refrigerated display cabinet vertical ventilated closed.

The expression "refrigerated furniture" means either furniture capable of preserving inside them products cooled to temperatures above zero, or furniture likely to be kept inside those products. products cooled to temperatures below zero.

Here and in the rest of the description and the claims, reference will be made to the refrigerated cabinet under conditions of use. References to a lower or upper position, or a vertical or horizontal orientation, should therefore be understood in this sense.

According to a general embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 1 comprises: - a support frame 2 which comprises at least one support base 2a, a back 2b and a roof 2c and which defines a loading space 3 internally; ; - At least one vertical door 10 closing the loading space 3 associated with the frame 2 in a position opposite the back 2b; and - one or more spokes 4 which are fixed to the frame 4 and which subdivide the inner load space 3 into two or more horizontal compartments 5.

Advantageously, the number and the distribution in height of the rays can vary according to the functional requirements and the dimensions of the presentation furniture 1.

The closing doors 10 may be of the hinged type or of the sliding type. The frame 2 is provided with amounts for supporting the doors 10. Advantageously, the uprights or the doors 10 themselves may be provided with lighting systems capable of illuminating the products exposed inside the space loading 3.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the display unit 1 is provided with two side panels or sides 7. In the case where the piece of furniture 1 is arranged laterally side by side with other refrigerated furniture so as to create a complex structure, the sides 7 may also possibly not be present. The sides 7 may be made using insulated metal panels, or with the aid of glass or plastic plates, particularly in the case where the sides act as separating elements between two pieces of furniture 1 arranged side by side.

In the rest of the description and in the claims, references to the "longitudinal direction X" of the furniture 1 will be understood as being the direction defined by the side-side orientation of the furniture 1 (or, in other words, the direction of the furniture length), while the references to the "transverse direction Y" will be understood as being the direction defined by the front-bitter orientation of the piece of furniture (or, in other words, the depth of the piece of furniture), as represented graphically in FIG. .

The display cabinet 1 further comprises means 20, 21 for generating a refrigerated air flow inside the loading space 3.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 3, these generating means comprise at least one refrigeration circuit, provided with at least one evaporator 20, and at least one fan 21. These means 20, 21 are arranged at the bottom of the cabinet 1, near the base 2a of the frame 2,

The display cabinet 1 further comprises one or more riser ducts 30 of the refrigerated air flow mentioned above.

These riser ducts 1 or more 30 extend from the base 2a to the roof 2c of the frame 2 and are arranged between the back 2b of the frame and a rear wall 6 of the space of loading 3, which is parallel to said back 2b.

The display unit 1 comprises means 31 for distributing inside the aforementioned compartments 5 the flow of refrigerated air coming from said riser pipes 30.

Functionally, these distribution means 31 are capable of generating refrigerated air flows which pass through the compartments 5 in a predominantly horizontal predominant flow direction, which goes from the rear wall 6 to the vertical door 10.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the distribution means 31 mentioned above are constituted by a plurality of openings 31 which are formed on the rear wall 6 of the loading space 3 in correspondence with the horizontal compartments 5, and port one or more of the vertical riser conduits mentioned above with the horizontal compartments 5.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the cabinet 1 comprises a refrigerated air collection mouth 50, which is arranged at the base of the vertical door 10 and which communicates the space with respect to the fluids. loading 3 with the means 20, 21 for generating the refrigerated air flow.

As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the presentation unit 1 comprises at least one upper duct 40 for channeling the refrigerated air that extends below the roof 2c of the cabinet 1, supplied by the ducts of FIG. vertical pipe 30, and which opens at the top of the loading space by one or more outlets 41, so as to generate a flow of air which goes from the rear wall 6 to the door 10.

In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outlet mouths 41 are aligned along the longitudinal direction X of the cabinet 1.

Functionally, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the refrigerated air A from the generating means 20, 21 is channeled into the riser ducts of one or more of the above mentioned numbers, and, by way of intermediate of the distribution means 31 mentioned above, is conveyed in the horizontal compartments 5. The refrigerated air A is conveyed to the vicinity of the roof 2c, and, via the upper conduit duct to the number of at least one 40 mentioned above, it is introduced at the top of the loading space 3 of the furniture via the outlet mouths 41 mentioned above.

According to the invention, the above-mentioned upper duct 40 is provided with one or more outlet mouths 41, which are disposed at a distance D between 380 mm and 420 mm from the rear wall 6. along a transverse direction Y of extension in the depth of the piece of furniture 1.

Surprisingly, it can be verified that the above-mentioned positioning of the outlet mouths 41 makes it possible to obtain a ratio of the refrigerated air flow rates between the upper duct 40 and the flows in the horizontal compartments 5 which is capable of reducing the vertical thermal gradients between the products, and likely to produce at the same time a speed and a temperature of the refrigerated air near the doors. As a result, the risk of misting is reduced, and it is ensured that the temperature of the food is always within the expected values.

In addition, thanks to the invention, the energy exchange between the load space 3 of the cabinet and the outside is reduced, so as to ensure the minimization of energy consumption.

As has already been highlighted in this. above, when the means 20, 21 for generating a refrigerated air flow are activated, a flow of refrigerated air A3 parallel to the vertical door 10 is produced inside the loading space. In particular, thanks to the present invention, this flow of refrigerated air parallel to the vertical door 10 has a speed between 0.40 and 0.55 m / s along the entire height of the door itself.

Otherwise, in the first conventional furniture solution identified in the introductory part (without roof ducting), the speed of the refrigerated air flow near the vertical door is estimated at approximately 0.2 m / s in the upper part and approximately 0.7 m / s in the lower part. In the second conventional furniture solution identified in the introductory part (with a pipe on the roof), the speed of the refrigerated air fiow near the vertical door is estimated at approximately 0.9 m / s in the part higher and approximately 0.6 m / s in the lower part.

In other words, thanks to the invention, a vertical air flow is obtained with a substantially constant speed, without generating a vertical thermal gradient, while at the same time minimizing the risk of fogging.

Preferably, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, each of the outlet mouths 41 mentioned above is defined by a perforated grid, inclined downwardly so as to direct the flow of air downwards. exit.

In particular, the angle of inclination α of the perforated grid mentioned above with respect to a horizontal reference plane is between 45 ° and 75 °.

With this inclination, it is possible to direct the air so as to minimize the risk of misting in the upper part of the door, in that it is reached, particularly in the first 15 centimeters from the top of the door. the door 10, a speed of the air flow of between 0.4 and 0.45 m / s.

Preferably, the solid / void ratio of the perforated grid mentioned above is between 0.48 and 0.68. In this way, the ratio of flow rates between the refrigerated air A1 leaving the upper pipe 40 and the refrigerated air A2 leaving the distribution means 31 in the different compartments 5 is such that it allows the flow of refrigerated air A2 in correspondence with the horizontal compartments 5 to have a speed of between 0.35 m / s and 0.65 m / s near the end of the radius concerned 4 near the door. In particular, the speed of the air flow in correspondence with the recovery mouth 50 is a speed of about 0.8 m / s.

Otherwise, in the solutions according to the existing technique, the refrigerated air flows in correspondence with the horizontal compartments generally have a speed of about 0.2 m / s near the end of the radius concerned near the door.

The present invention offers various advantages, some of which have already been discussed.

The closed vertical ventilated refrigerated presentation cabinet according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a better distribution of the refrigerated air inside the loading space.

In particular, the invention makes it possible to reduce the vertical thermal gradients between the products, and at the same time to obtain a speed and a temperature of the refrigerated air close to the doors making it possible to reduce the risk of fogging and to guarantee that the food temperature is always within the expected values.

In addition, thanks to the invention, the energy exchange between the load space of the furniture and the outside is reduced, so as to ensure the minimization of energy consumption.

The closed vertical ventilated refrigerated presentation cabinet according to the invention is more simple and economical realization, not requiring the adoption of complex construction processes. The invention thus conceived therefore achieves the goals previously established.

Obviously, it may also take, in its practical embodiment, shapes and configurations different from that illustrated above, without departing from the scope of the present protection.

In addition, all the elements may be replaced by technically equivalent elements, and the dimensions, shapes and materials used may be any depending on the needs.

Claims (8)

A closed vertical ventilated refrigerated presentation cabinet (1) comprising: a support frame (2) which comprises at least one support base (2a), a back (2b) and a roof (2c) and which defines inwardly a loading space (3); at least one vertical door (10) for closing the loading space (3) associated with the frame (2) in a position opposite to the back (2b); - one or more spokes (4) which are fixed to said frame (2) and which subdivide the inner load space (3) into two or more horizontal compartments (5); means (20, 21) for generating a refrigerated air flow inside the loading space (3); one or more riser ducts (30) of said refrigerated air flow, which extend from the base (2a) to the roof (2c) and which are arranged between the back (2b) of the frame ( 2) and a rear wall (6) of the loading space (3) parallel to said back (2b); means (31) for distributing the flow of refrigerated air from said riser ducts (30) to the interior of the compartments (5) mentioned above, so as to generate refrigerated air flows which flow through said compartments (5) in a predominantly horizontal predominant flow direction from the rear wall (6) to said door (10); at least one upper conduit (40) for channeling refrigerated air that extends below the roof (2c) of the cabinet (1), fed by said riser ducts (30), and which opens at the top of the loading space (3) by one or more outlets (41), so as to generate a flow of air which goes from the rear wall (6) to said door (10), characterized in that said mouths one or more output devices (41) are disposed at a distance (D) of between 380 mm and 420 mm from the rear wall (6) along a horizontal extension direction (X). in the depth of the furniture (1). 2. display cabinet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said outlet mouths (41) is defined by a perforated grid, inclined downwardly so as to direct down the flow of air output . 3. Presentation cabinet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle of inclination (a) of said perforated grid relative to a horizontal reference plane is between 45 ° and 75 °. 4. Presentation cabinet (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the solid / empty ratio of said perforated grid is between 0.48 and 0.68. 5. Presentation cabinet (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (31) for dispensing are constituted by a plurality of openings (31) which are formed on the rear wall (6) the loading space (3) in correspondence with said horizontal compartments (5), and put in communication said riser pipes to the number of one or more (30) with said horizontal compartments (5). Display cabinet (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the means (20, 21) for generating a refrigerated air flow are activated, it occurs within the cargo space (3) a refrigerated air flow parallel to said vertical door (10), having a speed of between 0.40 and 0.55 m / s along the entire height of the door (10) . 7. Display cabinet (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the means (20, 21) for generating a refrigerated air flow are activated, the refrigerated air flows in correspondence with the horizontal compartments (5) have a velocity of between 0.35 m / s and 0.65 m / s near the end of the radius concerned (4) near the door (10). 8. Presentation cabinet (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a refrigerated air recovery mouth (50), which is arranged at the base of said door (10) and which communicates with the fluids the loading space (3) with the means (20, 21) for generating the refrigerated air flow, and in that the speed of the air flow in correspondence with said recovery mouth (50) is a speed of about 0.8 m / s.