US20060207280A1 - Bottom deck assembly for refrigerated merchandiser - Google Patents
Bottom deck assembly for refrigerated merchandiser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060207280A1 US20060207280A1 US11/358,813 US35881306A US2006207280A1 US 20060207280 A1 US20060207280 A1 US 20060207280A1 US 35881306 A US35881306 A US 35881306A US 2006207280 A1 US2006207280 A1 US 2006207280A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air
- lower wall
- return inlet
- refrigerated
- product display
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
- A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
- A47F3/0408—Cases or cabinets of the closed type with forced air circulation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F7/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials
- A47F7/28—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials for containers, e.g. flasks, bottles, tins, milk packs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
- F25D21/14—Collecting or removing condensed and defrost water; Drip trays
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/065—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return
- F25D2317/0651—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return through the bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
- F25D2317/0661—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/067—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by air ducts
- F25D2317/0671—Inlet ducts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0026—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow
- F25D2323/00264—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow through the front bottom part
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0027—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air
- F25D2323/00276—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air from the bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
- F25D2331/803—Bottles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to refrigerated merchandisers in general and, more particularly, to refrigerated display cabinets including modular cassette refrigeration units stowed in a compartment beneath the product display zone of the refrigerated cabinet.
- Refrigerated merchandisers have a refrigeration system associated therewith for providing the cooled environment within a refrigerated interior product space defined within the cabinet of the refrigerated merchandiser.
- the refrigeration systems of such refrigerated merchandisers commonly employ a conventional refrigeration cycle and include an evaporator and an evaporator fan operatively associated with the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet, as well as a condenser, a condenser fan, and compressor.
- the compressor, condenser and condenser fan are housed in an equipment compartment separate from and insulated from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet.
- Refrigerant lines connect the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator in a conventional manner to form a closed circuit.
- a refrigerant is circulated by the compressor through the condenser and the evaporator before returning to the compressor.
- Air within the insulated refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet is circulated by the evaporator fan through the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant so as to cool the air.
- the evaporator and evaporator fan may be disposed within the cooled interior of the refrigerated cabinet, for example in the upper region thereof.
- the evaporator and evaporator fan may also be housed in the equipment compartment in a section of the equipment compartment insulated from the compressor, condenser and condenser fan.
- refrigerated merchandisers of this type may be used as product display cabinets for refrigerated or frozen foods, as vending machines, and as cold beverage merchandisers in supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail establishments.
- cold beverages such as soft drinks, beer, wine coolers, etc. are commonly displayed in refrigerated merchandisers for self-service purchase by customers.
- beverage merchandisers of this type include an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerated interior product display space having one or more glass doors that provide access to that product display space.
- the beverage product typically in cans or bottles, single or in six-packs, is stored on shelves within the refrigerated display space of the cabinet.
- the customer opens one of the doors and reaches into the refrigerated cabinet to retrieve the desired product from the shelf.
- Refrigerated merchandisers equipped with refrigeration units disposed beneath the refrigerated cabinet are disclosed, for example, by Rudick et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,827; 5,402,654; 5,417,079; and 5,417,081.
- the refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit flows up from the equipment compartment through a flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet, along the top wall of the cabinet toward the front of the cabinet and down the front of the cabinet to the floor of the product display zone.
- Refrigerated air may also enter the product display zone from the rear flow duct through a plurality of openings in the panel separating the flow duct from the product display zone.
- the refrigerated air from the product display zone returns to the equipment compartment, entering thereto upstream of the evaporative refrigerant unit through an air return inlet opening through the cabinet floor.
- Maynard et al. disclose a modular refrigeration unit housed in a compartment beneath the interior product display area of a refrigerated merchandiser.
- refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit enters the product display zone through a central rear flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet and returns to the refrigeration from the product display zone through a pair of lateral rear flow ducts along the back of the cabinets.
- no air return inlet opening is provided in the floor of the cabinet.
- a drainage hole is provided in the floor through which any liquids or condensation within the product display zone may pass into a drainage tube to drain to the condensate tray beneath the condenser of the refrigeration unit.
- a refrigerated merchandiser having a cabinet having a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining an interior space housing a product in a refrigerated environment intended for selection by consumers.
- a refrigeration unit is disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment beneath the lower wall.
- An opening in the lower wall provides an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space to the compartment beneath the lower wall.
- a cover is disposed atop the lower deck superadjacent the air return inlet.
- the cover includes at least one air intake port lying in a generally vertical plane.
- the lower wall may be provided with a recessed upper surface facing the product display area for collecting liquid spills and condensation.
- a grille plate having a plurality of air flow openings therethrough may be disposed beneath the cover to extend atop and across the air return inlet to block wrappers, paper and other litter from passing through the air return inlet.
- the refrigerated merchandiser includes a cover including a generally horizontally disposed top plate member having a periphery, a peripheral side flange extending generally vertically downwardly from the periphery of the top plate member to the lower deck thereby supporting the top plate member in space relationship over the air return inlet, and a plurality of air intake ports formed in the peripheral flange at spaced intervals thereabout, each of the plurality of air intake ports providing an air flow path from the interior space to the air return inlet in the lower deck.
- the cover may also include a base peripheral flange extending generally horizontally outwardly from the peripheral side flange adjacent the lower deck.
- the cover may further include an outwardly protruding flange extending about the periphery of each of the plurality of air intake ports in the peripheral side flange.
- a refrigerated merchandiser having a cabinet having a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining an interior space housing a product in a refrigerated environment intended for selection by consumers.
- a refrigeration unit is disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment beneath the lower wall.
- the lower wall has a recessed upper surface providing a volume for collecting liquid spills and condensation.
- An opening in the recessed upper surface of the lower wall provides an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space to the compartment beneath the lower wall.
- the refrigerated merchandiser includes a cabinet having a plurality of walls defining an interior space.
- a refrigeration unit is disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment separated from the interior space by a common wall.
- An opening in the common wall provides an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space through into the compartment.
- a grille plate having a plurality of air flow openings therethrough extends across the air return inlet.
- FIG. 1 is a sectioned side elevation view of a refrigerated merchandiser in accord with the invention
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view, partly in section, taken along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the lower portion of the product display zone of the refrigerated merchandiser of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a plan view, partly in section, taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of the lower deck of the refrigerated merchandiser.
- a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser designated generally by the reference numeral 10 , including an interior product display space 100 for holding product 110 to be purchased, such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages.
- product 110 such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages.
- refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser for displaying perishable and frozen comestibles and beverages, including for example meats, poultry, fish, diary products, prepackaged frozen foods, and other products that need to be maintained in a controlled environment.
- the beverage merchandiser 10 includes a cabinet 20 defining a refrigerated interior product display space 100 and a separate equipment compartment 55 disposed separate from, and may be heat transfer insulated from, the refrigerated interior product display space 100 .
- the cabinet 20 has a top wall 22 and a surrounding side wall structure including a rear wall 34 , a front wall 32 , and opposed generally vertically extending side walls 36 and 38 .
- the cabinet also includes a lower wall 24 disposed between the refrigerated interior product display space 100 located there above and the equipment compartment located there beneath.
- the interior product display space 100 may be accessed from exteriorly of the cabinet 20 through an access opening, which in the depicted embodiment is an open area at the front of the cabinet.
- This open area may be open to the environment or may be covered, as in the depicted embodiment, by at least one door 40 mounted to the cabinet 20 .
- the door 40 extends across the open area and has a transparent viewing area, for example a glass panel, through which at least a portion of the interior product display space 100 can be viewed.
- the door 40 is selectively positionable between a closed position covering the open area and an open position in which consumers may access the interior product display space 100 to remove a product for purchase.
- the embodiment of the display merchandiser 10 depicted in the drawing has only one door 40 , it is to be understood that the display merchandiser may have one, two, three or more doors that collectively cover the open area when in the closed position.
- the door or doors 40 may be mounted to the cabinet 20 in a conventional manner, for example on hinges for pivotal movement or on a tract for sliding movement between an open and closed position.
- the top wall 22 , the lower wall 24 , rear wall 34 and the side walls 36 and 38 are heat transfer insulated for insulating the refrigerated interior product display space 100 , from the environment exterior of the interior product display space 100 .
- a plurality of shelves 112 are disposed within the interior product display space 100 .
- the shelves 112 are adapted as appropriate to support the particular product 100 being displayed for purchase.
- the specific number, arrangement and configuration of the shelves 112 is not germane to the invention and is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select for the particular product 100 being displayed.
- a rear panel 134 is provided spaced inwardly of the rear side wall 34 to establish, in part, a refrigerated air supply duct 104 between the rear side wall 34 and a rear panel 134 .
- the interior product display space 100 within the refrigerated interior of the display cabinet 20 is bounded by the top wall 22 , the lower wall 24 , the side walls 36 , 38 , and in part by each of the rear wall 34 and the rear panel 134 .
- refrigerated air enters into the product display space 100 to cool product displayed therein in part through an air outlet 109 at the upper end of the air supply duct 104 and in part through a plurality of openings 135 provided in the rear panel 134 .
- Refrigerated air exits the product display space 100 through an opening 102 provided in the lower wall 24 .
- the equipment compartment 55 is located within the cabinet 20 beneath the lower wall 24 and is separated by the lower wall 24 from the refrigerated interior product display space 100 of the cabinet 20 .
- the lower wall forms a common wall separating the refrigerated interior display space and the equipment compartment.
- the lower wall has a top surface that forms the floor or deck of the interior product display space 100 and has an under surface that faces the refrigeration cassette unit 50 of the refrigeration unit 15 housed within the equipment compartment.
- the refrigeration unit 15 includes an evaporator module, including an evaporator coil 60 disposed within a housing and at least one associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 , a condenser module including a condenser coil 70 and at least one associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 , and a compressor 74 .
- the evaporator coil 60 and its associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 are housed within a first section 53 of the refrigeration unit 50 which is separated by division wall 68 from a second section 57 of the refrigeration unit 50 wherein the condenser coil 70 , its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 and the compressor 74 are housed.
- the cassette refrigeration unit 50 comprises a generally rectangular box-like structure having a top flange 52 , a base plate 54 , and a surrounding structure of side plates 56 extending generally vertically between the top flange 52 and the base plate 54 .
- the division wall 68 extends between the opposed side plates from an upper, forward region of the cassette 50 to the back plate to separate the interior of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 into the aforementioned first section 53 and second section 57 .
- the condenser coil 70 , its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 , and the compressor 74 are mounted to a common support plate, which is adapted to be mounted to the base plate 54 , thereby forming the condenser module.
- the base plate 54 is slidably mounted within the compartment 55 to facilitate disposition of the cassette 50 into and out of the compartment 55 in order to facilitate servicing of the refrigeration equipment therein, including removal and replacement of the evaporator module and the condenser module as distinct units.
- a condensate tray 76 may be provided to collect condensate dripping from the evaporator coil 60 .
- the condensate tray 76 serves as a condensate evaporation tray wherein condensate collecting therein is evaporated by hot air exhausted from the condenser as the hot air passes over the condensate tray 76 .
- the evaporator coil 60 , the condenser coil 70 and the compressor 74 are coupled in a closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) in a conventional manner for refrigerating air from the interior product display space 100 .
- the condenser fan/motor assembly 72 typically a single fan and motor, is operative, typically only when the compressor 74 is in operation, to draw air from outside the refrigerated merchandiser 10 , such as for example from the ambient environment external thereof through the front grille 12 provided in the lower front wall 32 of the cabinet 20 , through an opening 59 provided in the front plate 56 A of the cassette 50 and through the condenser 70 .
- the condenser coil 70 As the external air passes over the condenser coil 70 in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant being passed therethrough by the compressor 74 , the refrigerant is cooled and the air heated. Having traversed the condenser coil 70 , this air is exhausted out of the compartment 55 to return to the external environment through exhaust channel 77 formed beneath the first section 53 in the aft portion of the second section 57 of the cassette 50 . A portion of the air drawn through the cassette 50 by the condenser fan passes over the compressor 74 to assist in cooling the compressor.
- the cooled refrigerant is circulated from the condenser coil 70 through the closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) to the evaporator coil 60 .
- An evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 or a plurality of evaporator fan/motor assemblies 62 operate to draw air into the first section 53 of the refrigeration cassette 50 , also referred to as the evaporator compartment, from the interior product display space 100 through air inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 and thence pass the air over the evaporator coil 60 to and through the refrigerated air supply duct 104 to return to the product display space 100 .
- the air As the circulating air passes over the evaporator coil 60 , the air is cooled as it passes in heat exchange relationship with the chilled refrigerant passed through the evaporator coil 60 by the compressor 74 and the refrigerant is heated and evaporated.
- the evaporator fan 62 circulates refrigerated air having traversed the evaporator coil 60 from the evaporator compartment 53 back into the refrigerated interior product display space 100 through a return air outlet 108 located in the aft portion of the lower wall 24 at the rear of the compartment and opening into refrigerated air supply duct 104 .
- a sealing system including a sealing member 58 positioned between the lower wall 24 and the refrigeration cassette 50 and a positioning apparatus 150 for placing the refrigeration unit cassette 50 into sealing relationship with the lower wall 24 that separates the refrigerated interior product display space 100 from the equipment compartment 55 .
- the sealing system prevents refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 from the product display space 100 from bypassing the evaporator 60 and instead flowing directly into the inlet 108 to the air supply duct 104 from the air return inlet 102 .
- the sealing system also prevents ambient air from externally of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 , such as the ambient air that has been drawn through the front grille 12 to pass through the condenser 70 , from being drawn into the refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 through the air return inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 .
- the sealing member 58 may be mounted to the under surface of the lower wall 24 about the opening 102 in the lower wall 24 , or may be mounted or simply carried upon to the upper surface of the top flange 52 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- the sealing member 58 may comprise one or more compressible seals provided on the refrigeration unit cassette 50 which are compressed against the lower wall 24 when the cassette refrigeration unit 50 is raised within the compartment 55 by operation of the positioning apparatus 150 .
- the sealing member 58 may also comprise one or more non-compressible seals, such as contact seals, that coact with the respective opposing surfaces of the refrigeration unit cassette and of the common wall separating the refrigerated interior space from the equipment compartment and surrounding the respective openings therein to provide the desired sealing arrangement therebetween when the cassette refrigeration unit 50 is positioned by operation of the lifting apparatus 150 to sandwich the sealing member 58 therebetween.
- non-compressible seals such as contact seals
- the refrigerated air within the interior product display space 100 is drawn generally downwardly through the product 110 disposed on the shelves 112 through the return air inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 and into the evaporator compartment 53 by the evaporator fan assembly 62 .
- a top cover 120 is mounted to the lower wall 24 superadjacent the return air inlet 102 .
- the top cover 120 includes a generally horizontal top plate member 122 having a generally vertical peripheral side flange 124 extending about the periphery of the top plate member 122 and downwardly therefrom to the lower wall 24 thereby supporting the top plate member 122 in spaced relationship over the air inlet 102 .
- the top plate member 122 is rectangular; therefore the peripheral side flange is four sided. It is to be understood that the top plate member 122 may be of other shapes, including without limitation, for example, circular or ovate. In such cases, the peripheral side flange 124 would simply extend continuously around the periphery thereof.
- a plurality of intake ports 125 are provided in the peripheral side flange 124 to provide a corresponding plurality of open flow passages between the product display area 100 and the return air inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 .
- the top cover 120 causes the downwardly directed refrigerated air to flow through product in the lower region of the product display space 100 in order to pass through the ports 125 , which are in a generally vertical plane, to enter the return air inlet 102 , which is in a generally horizontal plane. In doing so, the refrigerated air is blocked from funneling downwardly directly into the return air inlet 102 and provides for more even cooling of product in the lower region of the product display zone 100 .
- the ports 125 are sized as appropriate to collectively provide a desired flow area for the air passing from the product display area 100 through the air return inlet 102 .
- a peripheral flange 126 may be provided about the periphery of each slot 125 to channel liquid away from the open ports 125 . Therefore, liquid from spills or condensation collecting on the top plate member 122 will be prevented by the peripheral flange from dripping into an open port 125 .
- a peripheral base flange 128 may be provided about the periphery of the base of the peripheral flange 124 of the top cover 120 so as to extend generally horizontally outwardly from the peripheral side flange 124 adjacent the lower deck. The base flange 128 may be formed integrally with the top cover.
- a grille plate 130 may be provided to extend horizontally beneath and in space relationship to the top plate 122 and across the opening 102 in the lower wall 24 .
- the grille plate 130 which may be a 24 gauge galvanized steel plate, is provided with a plurality of spaced openings 133 therein to provide air flow passages therethrough.
- the openings 133 are appropriately sized and spaced, for example about 1 inch by about 0.40 inch openings arranged in columns on about 0.6 inch centers and in rows on about 1.16 inch centers, so that the lattice structure 130 A of the grille plate 130 will provided adequate air flow passages, but block debris, such as wrappers, paper and other litter that may be entrained in the air being drawn from the product display space 100 through the air return inlet 102 , thereby ensuring that such debris does not block the air from passing over the evaporator coil 60 .
- the top cover 120 may be a single-piece molded member and may be made from the same material as the top skin of the deck 24 .
- the deck 24 may comprise a top skin 24 A mounted atop a structural base member 24 B.
- the base member 24 B is mounted along its lateral and rear sidewalls to the respective side walls 36 and 38 and the rear wall 34 of the cabinet 20 and extends generally horizontally across the cabinet interior.
- the base member 24 B separates the product display zone 100 from the refrigeration unit compartment 55 and the top skin 24 A mounted atop the base member 24 B forms the floor of the product display space 100 .
- the top skin 24 A and the base member 24 B are provided with respective openings 102 A and 102 B which comprise the return air inlet 102 .
- the top skin 24 A and the base member 24 B are also provided with respective openings 108 A and 108 B along their respective rear portions which comprise the air inlet 108 to the refrigerated air duct 104 at the rear of the cabinet.
- the top skin 24 A of the deck 24 has a recessed surface 24 C which extends across that portion of the top skin 24 A that lies beneath the product display zone 100 .
- the recessed surface 24 C provides a region lower than the intake ports 125 in the top cover 120 . Liquid from any spills and/or condensation within the product display zone 100 will collect in this recessed surface 24 C and drain away from the intake ports 125 , thereby ensuring that the liquid does not pass into through the intake ports and into the evaporator compartment 53 .
Abstract
A refrigerated merchandiser (10) includes a cabinet (20) defining an interior product display space (100) and a refrigeration unit (50) is disposed in operative association with the interior product display space in a compartment (55) beneath the lower deck (24). An opening in the lower deck provides an air return inlet (102) establishing a flow passage from the interior product display space (100) to the compartment (55) beneath the lower deck. A cover (120) includes a top plate member (122) disposed superadjacent the return air inlet and a downwardly extending peripheral side flange (124) disposed about the periphery of the top plate member (122). A plurality of air intake ports (125) are provided in the peripheral side flange (124). The lower deck (24) has a recessed upper surface (124C) facing the product display space (100). A grille plate (130) extends across the air return inlet.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/663,388, filed Mar. 18, 2005, and entitled SPILL PREVENTION FORMED FEATRUE ON BOTTOM DECK AND SPILL PROFF DISCHARGE GRILL COVER TO BE USED IN COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION UNITS THAT CONTAIN CASSETTE REFRIGERATIION SYSTEMS, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
- This application is related to the following applications subject to assignment to the common assignee of this application and filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the same date as this application:
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. (Attorney Docket No. 210—817NP), entitled “REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. (Attorney Docket No. 210—816NP), entitled “SEALING SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. (Attorney Docket No. 210—820NP), entitled “MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. (Attorney Docket No. 210—879NP), entitled “MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE WITH CONDENSATE EVAPORATIVE TRAY”; and
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. (Attorney Docket No. 210—819NP), entitled “EVAPORATOR FAN/MOTOR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BRACKET”.
- Each of the afore-listed patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to refrigerated merchandisers in general and, more particularly, to refrigerated display cabinets including modular cassette refrigeration units stowed in a compartment beneath the product display zone of the refrigerated cabinet.
- Refrigerated merchandisers have a refrigeration system associated therewith for providing the cooled environment within a refrigerated interior product space defined within the cabinet of the refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigeration systems of such refrigerated merchandisers commonly employ a conventional refrigeration cycle and include an evaporator and an evaporator fan operatively associated with the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet, as well as a condenser, a condenser fan, and compressor. In stand alone cabinets, the compressor, condenser and condenser fan are housed in an equipment compartment separate from and insulated from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet. Refrigerant lines connect the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator in a conventional manner to form a closed circuit. A refrigerant is circulated by the compressor through the condenser and the evaporator before returning to the compressor. Air within the insulated refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet is circulated by the evaporator fan through the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant so as to cool the air. The evaporator and evaporator fan may be disposed within the cooled interior of the refrigerated cabinet, for example in the upper region thereof.
- However, it is well-known that the evaporator and evaporator fan may also be housed in the equipment compartment in a section of the equipment compartment insulated from the compressor, condenser and condenser fan. Among other uses, refrigerated merchandisers of this type may be used as product display cabinets for refrigerated or frozen foods, as vending machines, and as cold beverage merchandisers in supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail establishments. For example, cold beverages, such as soft drinks, beer, wine coolers, etc. are commonly displayed in refrigerated merchandisers for self-service purchase by customers. Conventional beverage merchandisers of this type include an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerated interior product display space having one or more glass doors that provide access to that product display space. The beverage product, typically in cans or bottles, single or in six-packs, is stored on shelves within the refrigerated display space of the cabinet. To purchase a beverage, the customer opens one of the doors and reaches into the refrigerated cabinet to retrieve the desired product from the shelf.
- Refrigerated merchandisers equipped with refrigeration units disposed beneath the refrigerated cabinet are disclosed, for example, by Rudick et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,827; 5,402,654; 5,417,079; and 5,417,081. In these refrigerated merchandisers, the refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit flows up from the equipment compartment through a flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet, along the top wall of the cabinet toward the front of the cabinet and down the front of the cabinet to the floor of the product display zone. Refrigerated air may also enter the product display zone from the rear flow duct through a plurality of openings in the panel separating the flow duct from the product display zone. The refrigerated air from the product display zone returns to the equipment compartment, entering thereto upstream of the evaporative refrigerant unit through an air return inlet opening through the cabinet floor.
- Therefore, a relatively large opening exists in the floor of the cabinet through which undesireable spill liquids and other contaminants may enter the refrigeration unit during operation, service or transportation. Spilled liquids draining into the refrigeration unit from the product display zone through the air inlet opening may foul or otherwise damage refrigerant unit components such as the evaporator heat exchanger coils, motors and fans. Liquid spills could originate from product breakage within the product display zone, cleaning and maintenance operations, or condensation. Further, loosen bottle wrappers, paper and other litter may be entrained in the air stream passing from the product display zone through the air inlet and be carried into the evaporator and clog part of the flow area through the evaporator.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,421, Maynard et al. disclose a modular refrigeration unit housed in a compartment beneath the interior product display area of a refrigerated merchandiser. In the merchandiser disclosed therein, refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit enters the product display zone through a central rear flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet and returns to the refrigeration from the product display zone through a pair of lateral rear flow ducts along the back of the cabinets. Thus, no air return inlet opening is provided in the floor of the cabinet. However, a drainage hole is provided in the floor through which any liquids or condensation within the product display zone may pass into a drainage tube to drain to the condensate tray beneath the condenser of the refrigeration unit.
- It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a refrigerated merchandiser wherein a refrigeration unit disposed beneath the product display space is protected from liquid spills and condensation from the product display zone.
- It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a refrigerated merchandiser having a cover superadjacent an air return inlet in the floor of the display cabinet of the merchandiser for preventing liquid spills or condensation from draining through the air return inlet.
- It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a refrigerated merchandiser having a floor having a recessed surface thereon for collecting liquid spills and condensation.
- It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a refrigerated merchandiser having a grille plate superadjacent an air return inlet for preventing bottle wrappers and other litter from passing through the air return inlet
- A refrigerated merchandiser is provided having a cabinet having a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining an interior space housing a product in a refrigerated environment intended for selection by consumers. A refrigeration unit is disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment beneath the lower wall. An opening in the lower wall provides an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space to the compartment beneath the lower wall. A cover is disposed atop the lower deck superadjacent the air return inlet. The cover includes at least one air intake port lying in a generally vertical plane. The lower wall may be provided with a recessed upper surface facing the product display area for collecting liquid spills and condensation. A grille plate having a plurality of air flow openings therethrough may be disposed beneath the cover to extend atop and across the air return inlet to block wrappers, paper and other litter from passing through the air return inlet.
- In a particular embodiment, the refrigerated merchandiser includes a cover including a generally horizontally disposed top plate member having a periphery, a peripheral side flange extending generally vertically downwardly from the periphery of the top plate member to the lower deck thereby supporting the top plate member in space relationship over the air return inlet, and a plurality of air intake ports formed in the peripheral flange at spaced intervals thereabout, each of the plurality of air intake ports providing an air flow path from the interior space to the air return inlet in the lower deck. The cover may also include a base peripheral flange extending generally horizontally outwardly from the peripheral side flange adjacent the lower deck. The cover may further include an outwardly protruding flange extending about the periphery of each of the plurality of air intake ports in the peripheral side flange.
- In another aspect of the invention, a refrigerated merchandiser is provided having a cabinet having a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining an interior space housing a product in a refrigerated environment intended for selection by consumers. A refrigeration unit is disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment beneath the lower wall. The lower wall has a recessed upper surface providing a volume for collecting liquid spills and condensation. An opening in the recessed upper surface of the lower wall provides an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space to the compartment beneath the lower wall.
- In one aspect of the invention, the refrigerated merchandiser includes a cabinet having a plurality of walls defining an interior space. A refrigeration unit is disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment separated from the interior space by a common wall. An opening in the common wall provides an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space through into the compartment. A grille plate having a plurality of air flow openings therethrough extends across the air return inlet.
- For a further understanding of these and objects of the invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing, where:
-
FIG. 1 is a sectioned side elevation view of a refrigerated merchandiser in accord with the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view, partly in section, taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the lower portion of the product display zone of the refrigerated merchandiser ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view, partly in section, taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ; and -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of the lower deck of the refrigerated merchandiser. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, there is depicted a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser, designated generally by thereference numeral 10, including an interiorproduct display space 100 for holdingproduct 110 to be purchased, such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages. Although the invention will be described herein with reference to the depicted embodiment of a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser, it is to be understood that that invention may be applied to other refrigerated display merchandisers for displaying perishable and frozen comestibles and beverages, including for example meats, poultry, fish, diary products, prepackaged frozen foods, and other products that need to be maintained in a controlled environment. - The
beverage merchandiser 10 includes acabinet 20 defining a refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 and aseparate equipment compartment 55 disposed separate from, and may be heat transfer insulated from, the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100. Thecabinet 20 has atop wall 22 and a surrounding side wall structure including arear wall 34, afront wall 32, and opposed generally vertically extendingside walls lower wall 24 disposed between the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 located there above and the equipment compartment located there beneath. The interiorproduct display space 100 may be accessed from exteriorly of thecabinet 20 through an access opening, which in the depicted embodiment is an open area at the front of the cabinet. This open area may be open to the environment or may be covered, as in the depicted embodiment, by at least onedoor 40 mounted to thecabinet 20. Thedoor 40 extends across the open area and has a transparent viewing area, for example a glass panel, through which at least a portion of the interiorproduct display space 100 can be viewed. Thedoor 40 is selectively positionable between a closed position covering the open area and an open position in which consumers may access the interiorproduct display space 100 to remove a product for purchase. Although the embodiment of thedisplay merchandiser 10 depicted in the drawing has only onedoor 40, it is to be understood that the display merchandiser may have one, two, three or more doors that collectively cover the open area when in the closed position. The door ordoors 40 may be mounted to thecabinet 20 in a conventional manner, for example on hinges for pivotal movement or on a tract for sliding movement between an open and closed position. - In the depicted embodiment, the
top wall 22, thelower wall 24,rear wall 34 and theside walls product display space 100, from the environment exterior of the interiorproduct display space 100. A plurality ofshelves 112 are disposed within the interiorproduct display space 100. Theshelves 112 are adapted as appropriate to support theparticular product 100 being displayed for purchase. The specific number, arrangement and configuration of theshelves 112 is not germane to the invention and is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select for theparticular product 100 being displayed. - A
rear panel 134 is provided spaced inwardly of therear side wall 34 to establish, in part, a refrigeratedair supply duct 104 between therear side wall 34 and arear panel 134. The interiorproduct display space 100 within the refrigerated interior of thedisplay cabinet 20 is bounded by thetop wall 22, thelower wall 24, theside walls rear wall 34 and therear panel 134. In the depicted embodiment, refrigerated air enters into theproduct display space 100 to cool product displayed therein in part through anair outlet 109 at the upper end of theair supply duct 104 and in part through a plurality ofopenings 135 provided in therear panel 134. Refrigerated air exits theproduct display space 100 through anopening 102 provided in thelower wall 24. - The
equipment compartment 55 is located within thecabinet 20 beneath thelower wall 24 and is separated by thelower wall 24 from the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 of thecabinet 20. The lower wall forms a common wall separating the refrigerated interior display space and the equipment compartment. The lower wall has a top surface that forms the floor or deck of the interiorproduct display space 100 and has an under surface that faces therefrigeration cassette unit 50 of the refrigeration unit 15 housed within the equipment compartment. The refrigeration unit 15 includes an evaporator module, including anevaporator coil 60 disposed within a housing and at least one associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62, a condenser module including acondenser coil 70 and at least one associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72, and acompressor 74. Theevaporator coil 60 and its associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 are housed within afirst section 53 of therefrigeration unit 50 which is separated bydivision wall 68 from asecond section 57 of therefrigeration unit 50 wherein thecondenser coil 70, its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 and thecompressor 74 are housed. - The
cassette refrigeration unit 50 comprises a generally rectangular box-like structure having atop flange 52, abase plate 54, and a surrounding structure ofside plates 56 extending generally vertically between thetop flange 52 and thebase plate 54. Thedivision wall 68 extends between the opposed side plates from an upper, forward region of thecassette 50 to the back plate to separate the interior of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 into the aforementionedfirst section 53 andsecond section 57. Thecondenser coil 70, its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72, and thecompressor 74 are mounted to a common support plate, which is adapted to be mounted to thebase plate 54, thereby forming the condenser module. Thebase plate 54 is slidably mounted within thecompartment 55 to facilitate disposition of thecassette 50 into and out of thecompartment 55 in order to facilitate servicing of the refrigeration equipment therein, including removal and replacement of the evaporator module and the condenser module as distinct units. Acondensate tray 76 may be provided to collect condensate dripping from theevaporator coil 60. Thecondensate tray 76 serves as a condensate evaporation tray wherein condensate collecting therein is evaporated by hot air exhausted from the condenser as the hot air passes over thecondensate tray 76. - The
evaporator coil 60, thecondenser coil 70 and thecompressor 74 are coupled in a closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) in a conventional manner for refrigerating air from the interiorproduct display space 100. The condenser fan/motor assembly 72, typically a single fan and motor, is operative, typically only when thecompressor 74 is in operation, to draw air from outside therefrigerated merchandiser 10, such as for example from the ambient environment external thereof through thefront grille 12 provided in thelower front wall 32 of thecabinet 20, through an opening 59 provided in the front plate 56A of thecassette 50 and through thecondenser 70. As the external air passes over thecondenser coil 70 in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant being passed therethrough by thecompressor 74, the refrigerant is cooled and the air heated. Having traversed thecondenser coil 70, this air is exhausted out of thecompartment 55 to return to the external environment throughexhaust channel 77 formed beneath thefirst section 53 in the aft portion of thesecond section 57 of thecassette 50. A portion of the air drawn through thecassette 50 by the condenser fan passes over thecompressor 74 to assist in cooling the compressor. - The cooled refrigerant is circulated from the
condenser coil 70 through the closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) to theevaporator coil 60. An evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 or a plurality of evaporator fan/motor assemblies 62, operate to draw air into thefirst section 53 of therefrigeration cassette 50, also referred to as the evaporator compartment, from the interiorproduct display space 100 throughair inlet 102 in thelower wall 24 and thence pass the air over theevaporator coil 60 to and through the refrigeratedair supply duct 104 to return to theproduct display space 100. As the circulating air passes over theevaporator coil 60, the air is cooled as it passes in heat exchange relationship with the chilled refrigerant passed through theevaporator coil 60 by thecompressor 74 and the refrigerant is heated and evaporated. Theevaporator fan 62 circulates refrigerated air having traversed theevaporator coil 60 from theevaporator compartment 53 back into the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 through areturn air outlet 108 located in the aft portion of thelower wall 24 at the rear of the compartment and opening into refrigeratedair supply duct 104. - A sealing system is provided including a sealing
member 58 positioned between thelower wall 24 and therefrigeration cassette 50 and apositioning apparatus 150 for placing therefrigeration unit cassette 50 into sealing relationship with thelower wall 24 that separates the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 from theequipment compartment 55. The sealing system prevents refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 from theproduct display space 100 from bypassing theevaporator 60 and instead flowing directly into theinlet 108 to theair supply duct 104 from theair return inlet 102. The sealing system also prevents ambient air from externally of therefrigeration unit cassette 50, such as the ambient air that has been drawn through thefront grille 12 to pass through thecondenser 70, from being drawn into the refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 through theair return inlet 102 in thelower wall 24. - The sealing
member 58 may be mounted to the under surface of thelower wall 24 about theopening 102 in thelower wall 24, or may be mounted or simply carried upon to the upper surface of thetop flange 52 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50. The sealingmember 58 may comprise one or more compressible seals provided on therefrigeration unit cassette 50 which are compressed against thelower wall 24 when thecassette refrigeration unit 50 is raised within thecompartment 55 by operation of thepositioning apparatus 150. However, the sealingmember 58 may also comprise one or more non-compressible seals, such as contact seals, that coact with the respective opposing surfaces of the refrigeration unit cassette and of the common wall separating the refrigerated interior space from the equipment compartment and surrounding the respective openings therein to provide the desired sealing arrangement therebetween when thecassette refrigeration unit 50 is positioned by operation of thelifting apparatus 150 to sandwich the sealingmember 58 therebetween. - The refrigerated air within the interior
product display space 100 is drawn generally downwardly through theproduct 110 disposed on theshelves 112 through thereturn air inlet 102 in thelower wall 24 and into theevaporator compartment 53 by theevaporator fan assembly 62. Referring also now toFIG. 3 , atop cover 120 is mounted to thelower wall 24 superadjacent thereturn air inlet 102. Thetop cover 120 includes a generally horizontaltop plate member 122 having a generally verticalperipheral side flange 124 extending about the periphery of thetop plate member 122 and downwardly therefrom to thelower wall 24 thereby supporting thetop plate member 122 in spaced relationship over theair inlet 102. In the depicted embodiment, thetop plate member 122 is rectangular; therefore the peripheral side flange is four sided. It is to be understood that thetop plate member 122 may be of other shapes, including without limitation, for example, circular or ovate. In such cases, theperipheral side flange 124 would simply extend continuously around the periphery thereof. A plurality ofintake ports 125 are provided in theperipheral side flange 124 to provide a corresponding plurality of open flow passages between theproduct display area 100 and thereturn air inlet 102 in thelower wall 24. Thetop cover 120 causes the downwardly directed refrigerated air to flow through product in the lower region of theproduct display space 100 in order to pass through theports 125, which are in a generally vertical plane, to enter thereturn air inlet 102, which is in a generally horizontal plane. In doing so, the refrigerated air is blocked from funneling downwardly directly into thereturn air inlet 102 and provides for more even cooling of product in the lower region of theproduct display zone 100. Theports 125 are sized as appropriate to collectively provide a desired flow area for the air passing from theproduct display area 100 through theair return inlet 102. - A
peripheral flange 126 may be provided about the periphery of eachslot 125 to channel liquid away from theopen ports 125. Therefore, liquid from spills or condensation collecting on thetop plate member 122 will be prevented by the peripheral flange from dripping into anopen port 125. Additionally, aperipheral base flange 128 may be provided about the periphery of the base of theperipheral flange 124 of thetop cover 120 so as to extend generally horizontally outwardly from theperipheral side flange 124 adjacent the lower deck. Thebase flange 128 may be formed integrally with the top cover. - Additionally, a
grille plate 130 may be provided to extend horizontally beneath and in space relationship to thetop plate 122 and across theopening 102 in thelower wall 24. Referring now toFIG. 4 , thegrille plate 130, which may be a 24 gauge galvanized steel plate, is provided with a plurality of spacedopenings 133 therein to provide air flow passages therethrough. Theopenings 133 are appropriately sized and spaced, for example about 1 inch by about 0.40 inch openings arranged in columns on about 0.6 inch centers and in rows on about 1.16 inch centers, so that the lattice structure 130A of thegrille plate 130 will provided adequate air flow passages, but block debris, such as wrappers, paper and other litter that may be entrained in the air being drawn from theproduct display space 100 through theair return inlet 102, thereby ensuring that such debris does not block the air from passing over theevaporator coil 60. Thetop cover 120 may be a single-piece molded member and may be made from the same material as the top skin of thedeck 24. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , thedeck 24 may comprise a top skin 24A mounted atop astructural base member 24B. Thebase member 24B is mounted along its lateral and rear sidewalls to therespective side walls rear wall 34 of thecabinet 20 and extends generally horizontally across the cabinet interior. Thebase member 24B separates theproduct display zone 100 from therefrigeration unit compartment 55 and the top skin 24A mounted atop thebase member 24B forms the floor of theproduct display space 100. - The top skin 24A and the
base member 24B are provided withrespective openings return air inlet 102. The top skin 24A and thebase member 24B are also provided withrespective openings air inlet 108 to therefrigerated air duct 104 at the rear of the cabinet. As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 , the top skin 24A of thedeck 24 has a recessedsurface 24C which extends across that portion of the top skin 24A that lies beneath theproduct display zone 100. The recessedsurface 24C provides a region lower than theintake ports 125 in thetop cover 120. Liquid from any spills and/or condensation within theproduct display zone 100 will collect in this recessedsurface 24C and drain away from theintake ports 125, thereby ensuring that the liquid does not pass into through the intake ports and into theevaporator compartment 53. - While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in the drawing, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
Claims (14)
1. A refrigerated merchandiser having a refrigerated interior product display space, comprising:
a cabinet having a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining the interior product display space;
a refrigeration unit disposed in operative association with the interior product display space in a compartment beneath the lower wall;
an opening in the lower wall providing an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior product display space to the compartment beneath the lower wall; and
a cover disposed atop the lower wall superadjacent the air return inlet, the cover including an air flow opening lying in a generally vertical plane.
2. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 1 wherein said an air flow opening comprises a plurality of air inlet ports disposed in a generally vertical peripheral wall of the cover.
3. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 1 further comprising a recessed upper surface provided in the lower wall, the recessed upper surface facing the interior product display space, the air return inlet disposed within the recessed upper surface.
4. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 1 further comprising a grille plate disposed beneath the cover and atop the air return inlet, the grille plate extending generally horizontally across the air return inlet and having a plurality of air flow openings therethrough.
5. A refrigerated merchandiser having a refrigerated interior product display space, comprising:
a cabinet having a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining the interior product display space;
a refrigeration unit disposed in operative association with the interior product display space in a compartment beneath the lower wall;
an opening in the lower wall providing an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior product display space to the compartment beneath the lower wall; and
a cover disposed atop the lower deck superadjacent the air return inlet, the cover including a generally horizontally disposed top plate member having a periphery, a peripheral side flange extending generally vertically downwardly from the periphery of the top plate member to the lower deck thereby supporting the top plate member in space relationship over the air return inlet, and a plurality of air intake ports formed in the peripheral flange at spaced intervals thereabout, each of the plurality of air intake ports providing an air flow path from the interior space to the air return inlet in the lower deck.
6. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 5 further comprising a recessed upper surface provided in the lower wall, the recessed upper surface facing the product display space, the air return inlet disposed within the recessed upper surface.
7. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 5 wherein the cover further includes a base peripheral flange extending generally horizontally outwardly from the peripheral side flange adjacent the lower wall.
8. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 7 wherein the cover further includes an outwardly protruding flange extending about the periphery of each of the plurality of air intake ports in the peripheral side flange.
9. A refrigerated merchandiser having an interior space housing a product in a refrigerated environment intended for selection by consumers, comprising:
a cabinet having a top wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining the interior space, the lower deck having a recessed upper surface facing the interior space;
a refrigeration unit disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment beneath the lower wall; and
an opening disposed in the recessed upper surface in the lower wall and providing an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space to the compartment beneath the lower wall.
10. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 9 further comprising a grille plate disposed the cover and atop the air return inlet, the grille plate extending generally horizontally across the air return inlet and having a plurality of air flow openings therethrough.
11. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 9 further comprising:
a cover disposed atop the lower wall superadjacent the air return inlet, the cover including a generally horizontally disposed top plate member having a periphery, a peripheral side flange extending generally vertically downwardly from the periphery of the top plate member to the lower deck thereby supporting the top plate member in space relationship over the air return inlet, and a plurality of air intake ports formed in the peripheral flange at spaced intervals thereabout, each of the plurality of air intake ports providing an air flow path from the interior space to the air return inlet in the lower wall.
12. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 11 wherein the cover further includes a base peripheral flange extending generally horizontally outwardly from the peripheral side flange adjacent the lower wall.
13. A refrigerated merchandiser as recited in claim 11 wherein the cover further includes an outwardly protruding flange extending about the periphery of each of the plurality of air intake ports in the peripheral side flange.
14. A refrigerated merchandiser having a refrigerated interior space, comprising:
a cabinet having a plurality of walls defining the interior space;
a refrigeration unit disposed in operative association with the interior space in a compartment separated from the interior space by one of the plurality of cabinet walls as a common wall;
an opening in the common wall providing an air return inlet establishing a flow passage from the interior space through said common wall into the compartment; and
a grille plate extending across the air return inlet and having a plurality of air flow openings therethrough.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/358,813 US20060207280A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Bottom deck assembly for refrigerated merchandiser |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US66338805P | 2005-03-18 | 2005-03-18 | |
US11/358,813 US20060207280A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Bottom deck assembly for refrigerated merchandiser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060207280A1 true US20060207280A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
Family
ID=37024094
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/358,813 Abandoned US20060207280A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Bottom deck assembly for refrigerated merchandiser |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060207280A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1858377A4 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20070113276A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101179965A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005329418A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2007138608A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006101516A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070214826A1 (en) * | 2006-03-14 | 2007-09-20 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US20100300127A1 (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2010-12-02 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigerated Case |
US20100319379A1 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2010-12-23 | Hussmann Corporation | Heat exchanger coil with wing tube profile for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US20110179817A1 (en) * | 2008-05-23 | 2011-07-28 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Cold appliance |
US8011201B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-09-06 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system mounted within a deck |
US20140061221A1 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2014-03-06 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Vending machine with temperature control system |
WO2015050478A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-09 | Виталий Викторович СИНИЦЫН | Multifunctional door |
US20150206373A1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2015-07-23 | Supercooler, Inc. | Beverage vending machine and method for controlling temperature of vending machine |
US20160184828A1 (en) * | 2014-12-16 | 2016-06-30 | Binder Gmbh | Simulation Cabinet |
USD803602S1 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2017-11-28 | Foxwood Wine Cellars | Wine cabinet |
US20180252457A1 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2018-09-06 | PAN-DUR Holding GmbH & Co. KG | Refrigerator Cabinet with Door Defogger |
DE102020103843A1 (en) | 2020-02-13 | 2021-08-19 | Ake Ausseer Kälte- Und Edelstahltechnik Gmbh | Temperature control process for temperature control of goods in a convection furniture and convection furniture |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2010152643A (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2012-06-27 | Актиеболагет Электролюкс (Se) | REFRIGERATOR |
GB201308437D0 (en) * | 2013-05-10 | 2013-06-19 | Applied Design & Eng Ltd | Shelves for open-fronted display units |
EP3430332B1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2020-01-01 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigerated sales cabinet |
Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3230733A (en) * | 1962-04-10 | 1966-01-25 | Emhart Corp | Refrigeration system and elements thereof |
US3712078A (en) * | 1971-11-22 | 1973-01-23 | Krispin Eng Ltd | Refrigeration unit |
US3847135A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1974-11-12 | Gen Electric | Hinged adapter duct for oven vent |
US3888091A (en) * | 1974-04-04 | 1975-06-10 | Clark Equipment Co | Air distribution means for a refrigerated meat case |
US4457140A (en) * | 1982-05-21 | 1984-07-03 | Leitner Corporation | Modular refrigeration unit and cabinet systems therewith |
US4608776A (en) * | 1982-07-29 | 1986-09-02 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4680942A (en) * | 1982-06-16 | 1987-07-21 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4845957A (en) * | 1988-04-15 | 1989-07-11 | Richardson James E | In-store refrigerated display system |
US5086627A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-02-11 | Margaret Platt Borgen | Removable cooling unit for display case and method for using same |
US5347827A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1994-09-20 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5502979A (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1996-04-02 | Renard; Andre | Collapsible refrigerated cabinets |
US5678421A (en) * | 1995-12-26 | 1997-10-21 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Refrigeration unit for cold space merchandiser |
US5953929A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 1999-09-21 | Bauman; Jeffrey E. | Modular refrigeration unit |
US5968958A (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1999-10-19 | Merck Frosst Canada, Inc. | 5-Methanesulfonamido-3H-isobenzofuran-1-ones as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 |
US6234894B1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2001-05-22 | Mark A. Goracke | Forced air vent register |
US6701739B2 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-03-09 | Tecumseh Products Company | Modular refrigeration system for refrigeration appliance |
US6701736B1 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2004-03-09 | Gamon Plus, Inc. | Refrigerated merchandising apparatus |
US20040134221A1 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-07-15 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Modular refrigeration unit and refrigerator |
US6948324B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-09-27 | Fortune Resources Enterprise, Inc. | Refrigerator cooler and housing cabinet and an improved method of insertion of the refrigerator compressor unit |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3834177A (en) * | 1972-12-07 | 1974-09-10 | Philco Ford Corp | Refrigerator cabinet structure and its manufacture |
FR2855871B1 (en) * | 2003-06-06 | 2005-11-18 | Tecumseh Europe Sa | REGRIGERATION DEVICE |
-
2005
- 2005-09-16 WO PCT/US2005/033152 patent/WO2006101516A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-09-16 EP EP05797539A patent/EP1858377A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-09-16 RU RU2007138608/12A patent/RU2007138608A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-09-16 KR KR1020077022647A patent/KR20070113276A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-09-16 AU AU2005329418A patent/AU2005329418A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-09-16 CN CNA2005800498177A patent/CN101179965A/en active Pending
-
2006
- 2006-02-21 US US11/358,813 patent/US20060207280A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3230733A (en) * | 1962-04-10 | 1966-01-25 | Emhart Corp | Refrigeration system and elements thereof |
US3712078A (en) * | 1971-11-22 | 1973-01-23 | Krispin Eng Ltd | Refrigeration unit |
US3847135A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1974-11-12 | Gen Electric | Hinged adapter duct for oven vent |
US3888091A (en) * | 1974-04-04 | 1975-06-10 | Clark Equipment Co | Air distribution means for a refrigerated meat case |
US4457140A (en) * | 1982-05-21 | 1984-07-03 | Leitner Corporation | Modular refrigeration unit and cabinet systems therewith |
US4680942A (en) * | 1982-06-16 | 1987-07-21 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4608776A (en) * | 1982-07-29 | 1986-09-02 | Hermen Kooy | Cabinet for cut-off flowers |
US4845957A (en) * | 1988-04-15 | 1989-07-11 | Richardson James E | In-store refrigerated display system |
US5086627A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-02-11 | Margaret Platt Borgen | Removable cooling unit for display case and method for using same |
US5402654A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1995-04-04 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5347827A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1994-09-20 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5417079A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1995-05-23 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5417081A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1995-05-23 | The Coca-Cola Company | Modular refrigeration apparatus |
US5502979A (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1996-04-02 | Renard; Andre | Collapsible refrigerated cabinets |
US5968958A (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1999-10-19 | Merck Frosst Canada, Inc. | 5-Methanesulfonamido-3H-isobenzofuran-1-ones as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 |
US5678421A (en) * | 1995-12-26 | 1997-10-21 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Refrigeration unit for cold space merchandiser |
US5953929A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 1999-09-21 | Bauman; Jeffrey E. | Modular refrigeration unit |
US6070424A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 2000-06-06 | Victory Refrigeration Company, L.L.C. | Modular refrigeration unit |
US6234894B1 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2001-05-22 | Mark A. Goracke | Forced air vent register |
US6701739B2 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-03-09 | Tecumseh Products Company | Modular refrigeration system for refrigeration appliance |
US20040134221A1 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-07-15 | Habco Beverage Systems Inc. | Modular refrigeration unit and refrigerator |
US6701736B1 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2004-03-09 | Gamon Plus, Inc. | Refrigerated merchandising apparatus |
US6948324B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-09-27 | Fortune Resources Enterprise, Inc. | Refrigerator cooler and housing cabinet and an improved method of insertion of the refrigerator compressor unit |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070214826A1 (en) * | 2006-03-14 | 2007-09-20 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US20100300127A1 (en) * | 2007-10-17 | 2010-12-02 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigerated Case |
US20110179817A1 (en) * | 2008-05-23 | 2011-07-28 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Cold appliance |
US9528743B2 (en) * | 2008-05-23 | 2016-12-27 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Cold appliance |
US20100319379A1 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2010-12-23 | Hussmann Corporation | Heat exchanger coil with wing tube profile for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US8261567B2 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2012-09-11 | Hussmann Corporation | Heat exchanger coil with wing tube profile for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US8011201B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-09-06 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | Refrigeration system mounted within a deck |
US20150206373A1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2015-07-23 | Supercooler, Inc. | Beverage vending machine and method for controlling temperature of vending machine |
US20140061221A1 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2014-03-06 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Vending machine with temperature control system |
WO2015050478A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-09 | Виталий Викторович СИНИЦЫН | Multifunctional door |
US20160184828A1 (en) * | 2014-12-16 | 2016-06-30 | Binder Gmbh | Simulation Cabinet |
US10688496B2 (en) * | 2014-12-16 | 2020-06-23 | Binder Gmbh | Simulation cabinet |
USD803602S1 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2017-11-28 | Foxwood Wine Cellars | Wine cabinet |
US20180252457A1 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2018-09-06 | PAN-DUR Holding GmbH & Co. KG | Refrigerator Cabinet with Door Defogger |
DE102020103843A1 (en) | 2020-02-13 | 2021-08-19 | Ake Ausseer Kälte- Und Edelstahltechnik Gmbh | Temperature control process for temperature control of goods in a convection furniture and convection furniture |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
RU2007138608A (en) | 2009-04-27 |
EP1858377A4 (en) | 2009-06-03 |
KR20070113276A (en) | 2007-11-28 |
WO2006101516A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
AU2005329418A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
CN101179965A (en) | 2008-05-14 |
EP1858377A1 (en) | 2007-11-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060207280A1 (en) | Bottom deck assembly for refrigerated merchandiser | |
US20060207277A1 (en) | Modular refrigeration cassette | |
US20060207279A1 (en) | Refrigerated merchandiser | |
US20060207276A1 (en) | Sealing system for refrigeration cassette | |
US6851271B2 (en) | Refrigerated merchandiser with foul-resistant condenser | |
US20060210396A1 (en) | Evaporator fan/motor assembly support bracket | |
US20080307815A1 (en) | Foul-Resistant Finned Tube Condenser | |
US20060196208A1 (en) | Modular refrigeration unit | |
KR20070022047A (en) | Sealing system for refrigeration cassette |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CARRIER CORPORATION, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:AVILA, LUIS F.;KENNEY, STEPHEN;REEL/FRAME:017903/0323 Effective date: 20060419 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |