AU2022306497A1 - Open vertical refrigerated display case comprising improved nebulizing means - Google Patents

Abstract

This display case (I) comprises a lower wall (1), a back wall (2), an upper wall (3) and an open front face (4), means (52, 54) for generating an air curtain (200) in the vicinity of this front face, which comprise a main blowing orifice, and nebulizing means (8) provided in the vicinity of the ceiling, so as to be able to diffuse a mist into at least a part of the storage volume. According to the invention, the nebulizing means comprise a diffusion member (82), defining at least one diffusion orifice (84) for the mist, which is separate from the main blowing orifice (53) while being offset towards the back wall (2) with respect to this main blowing orifice. This arrangement makes it possible to ensure humidification, not only in a sufficient quantity but also with a good level of uniformity. The invention thus makes it possible to control the way in which the mist spreads and circulates within the storage volume, and the interaction between the mist and the air curtain. It also makes it possible to prevent the mist from condensing significantly along its functional path.

Description

OPEN VERTICAL REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CABINET COMPRISING IMPROVED NEBULISATION MEANS

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of refrigerated display

cabinets (abridged RDC), intended to display and preserve

products at a reduced temperature which prolongs their good

state of conservation; for the presentation and sale of many

food products this temperature is imposed by regulations.

The present invention relates more particularly to

refrigerated cabinets which are open on a substantially

vertical face. More precisely, it concerns a so-called "vertical open" refrigerated display cabinet, that is to say

having a substantially vertical face which remains open so

that the products displayed for sale can be apprehended. In

this type of cabinet, the thermal confinement of the space

where the products displayed for sale are located is achieved

by a curtain of cold air extending from the top of the open

face to the bottom of said open face. For this purpose, means

are provided for blowing air as well as means for suction of

this air, which are placed substantially directly above each

other. Furthermore, the display cabinet is hollow, so as to

form an air vein, that is to say a circulation conduit for air

which allows the latter to be returned from the suction means

towards the blowing means.

The invention relates to a new display cabinet of this type

which presents a means of humidification by nebulization.

State of the art

The technological background is represented by the article by

G. Rigot "Meubles frigorifiques de vente", published in 2002

in the collection "Techniques de l'Ing6nieur" (chapter BE

9780) .

The state of the art includes in particular different types of

refrigerated display cabinets which are commercially

available, and which are the subject of standard NF EN ISO

23953 (2015) "Refrigerated display cabinets" in two parts

("Part 1 Vocabulary" and "Part 2: Classification,

requirements and test methods").

Refrigerated display cabinets are typically made up of a

thermally insulated structure, elements ensuring the

production and distribution (local or remote) of cold, and

shelves allowing the presentation and storage of foodstuffs,

as illustrated in Figure 1.

They can be vertical or horizontal, closed by glass doors or

open, with positive cold or negative cold.

Cooling of foodstuffs of plant or animal origin in

refrigerated enclosures is generally achieved by forced air

convection due to its relatively low cost and its adaptability

to all kinds of products compared to other cooling techniques.

However, this air is generally dry, because humidity condenses

on the cold walls as well as at the evaporator. Forced

convection of dry air exacerbates the drying out of products,

at least on the surface, leading to an irreversible alteration

of their organoleptic properties and a non-optimal shelf life.

The evaporation of very fine water droplets on the surface of

products of plant or animal origin is known to increase heat

transfer and to reduce water loss during the refrigeration

process; this allows to increase the shelf life of products and to avoid the deterioration of their quality. "Very fine droplets" refer here to droplets with a diameter typically between 1 pm and 10 pm. In a known manner, such droplets can be produced by piezoelectric elements which are also called "nebulisators"; such a device is described for example in EP 0

691 162 (IMRA Europe). This results in a sheet of fog that

does not wet surrounding surfaces.

We note here that for those skilled in the art the term "mister" designates a wetting type mist generator, composed of

larger droplets which evaporate less quickly. It is generally

not desirable to wet dry or moist food products intended for

sale.

Displays with nebulizer diffusers have been used in stores for

around thirty years.

For example, WO 2014/023 907 (ARECO) describes a display with

a substantially horizontal exhibition surface, provided with

nebulizer nozzles which spread a sheet of fog over the surface

where the products are displayed; in such a device, the sheet

of fog floats in the air, envelops the products displayed for

sale, but evaporates before falling to the ground. As

described in the cited document, this fog layer can be

suctioned close to the exposure surface to avoid any overflow

of the fog layer.

RDCs having an open upper horizontal face are known; they

typically take the form of a box open on their upper side,

which can be closed by a glass door. In such a system, thermal

confinement can be achieved naturally by means of cold air,

heavier than hot air, which remains confined by the side walls

of the box. In particular, this confined cold air does not

tend to escape significantly through the upper opening. Such a

cabinet is described in FR 2 434 601 (Bosshard).

The situation is more complex in the case of cabinets open on

a vertical face. The geometry of such a refrigerated cabinet

represents a technical challenge. In fact, the aforementioned

vertical face defines an opening which is certainly

advantageous, because it allows immediate apprehension of the

products by the consumer. On the other hand, unlike the

cabinet with a top opening, in this case the cold air

necessarily tends to escape, in particular by gravity, through

this front opening. Consequently, unless additional means are

provided, the temperature in the display cabinet tends to

increase undesirably.

In order to remedy this drawback, the cold air can be confined

in the interior volume of the open display cabinet described

above. This confinement of the cold air is typically done by a

vertical flow of air (also called "air curtain"), which exits

from a nozzle or blowing slot placed at the top of the open

face, which extends vertically in the form of a curtain on the

open face, and which is sucked in by a mouth or suction slot

located at the bottom of the open face. This descending and

continuous flow of air is optically transparent and can be

crossed by the hand of the customer who wants to apprehend a

product displayed on a shelf of the cabinet. Different types

of air curtains are known, which can notably be single,

double, triple, symmetrical, asymmetrical; they are sized

according to the length of the opening to be covered, and

according to the temperature difference to be maintained

between the interior volume of the cabinet and the external

environment.

The state of the art has already proposed adding a

nebulization system to an open vertical refrigerated display

cabinet of the type targeted by the invention. In particular,

US 4,612,777 (Sanyo Electric) will be cited here for this

purpose, which describes a refrigerated display cabinet

equipped with different oblique shelves. A nebulization system

is also provided, placed above the ceiling of the cabinet,

which creates a fog flowing into the air stream of this

cabinet.

This known solution, however, has certain drawbacks. In fact,

the nebulization system fitted to this display cabinet is

found to be relatively ineffective. In particular, it does not

allow sufficient humidification of the stored products.

Furthermore, this humidification is not of good quality,

particularly in that it is not uniform across the entire

storage volume.

JP 55 69 676, which describes a refrigerated display cabinet,

equipped with a sprinkler, will also be cited here. The

latter, which is very different from a nebulization system, is

also located near the rear of the cabinet.

Furthermore JP 55 59 277 discloses a refrigerated display

cabinet, which is provided with different nozzles. These are

placed on different levels at the rear of the cabinet.

Eventually, JP 63 65 277 describes a refrigerated display

cabinet, which includes a plurality of flexible tubes allowing

the diffusion of liquid. These flexible tubes penetrate the

upper wall of the display cabinet, which makes the structure

of the latter complex.

That being said, the invention aims to remedy the

disadvantages of the prior art presented above.

It aims in particular to provide an open vertical refrigerated

display cabinet equipped with nebulization means which, while

preserving the proper functioning of the air curtain of this

display cabinet, ensure satisfactory humidification of the

stored products.

It also aims to provide such a display cabinet, the

nebulization means of which guarantee homogeneous

humidification over the entire storage volume.

Finally, it aims to provide such a display cabinet, the

nebulization means of which have a simple structure and can be

conveniently installed on this display cabinet.

Objects of the invention

At least one of the above objectives is achieved through an

open vertical refrigerated display cabinet (I), comprising

a lower wall (1) or base, a rear wall (2), an upper wall (3)

or ceiling, as well as a front face (4) opposite the rear

wall, this open front face defining access to a volume (V) for

storing products,

generation means (52, 54), capable of generating an air

curtain (200) in the vicinity of this front face, circulating

in service in a manner substantially parallel to this front

face, the generation means comprising blowing means (52)

defining a main blowing orifice (53), as well as suction means

(54) located substantially vertical with respect to the

blowing means,

this display cabinet further comprising nebulization means (8)

which are provided in the vicinity of said ceiling, so as to

be able to diffuse a fog in at least part of said storage

volume, said display cabinet possibly comprising means (100)

for producing cold, in particular of the evaporator type, this display cabinet being characterized in that that the nebulization means comprise a diffusion member (82; 382), defining at least one diffusion orifice (84; 840, 841, 842) of said fog, the or each diffusion orifice (84; 840, 841, 842) being distinct from said main blowing orifice (53), while being offset towards the rear wall (2), relative to this main blowing orifice.

According to other characteristics of this display cabinet,

which can be taken in separately or in any technically

compatible combination for those skilled in the art:

- the diffusion member (82) has a main axis (Y82) which is

parallel to the axis (YY) representative of the width of the

cabinet;

- the distance (X84) between the center of the or each

diffusion orifice (84; 840, 841, 842) and the facing edge

(53') of the main blowing orifice (53), along the axis (XX)

representative of the depth of the cabinet, is between 2 and

cm, in particular between 20 and 35 cm;

- the diffusion member is a diffusion tube (82; 82'; 382)

provided with a plurality of diffusion orifices (84; 84', 84";

840, 841, 842);

- the diffusion orifices (84; 84', 84"; 840, 841, 842) are

provided next to each other along the main axis of this tube,

these diffusion orifices (84; 840, 841, 842) being able to be

aligned parallel to this main axis, or else these diffusion

orifices (84', 84") can be arranged in staggered rows along

this main axis;

- the diameter (d82) of the diffusion member is between 10 mm

and 100 mm, in particular between 30 and 65 mm;

- the diameter (d84) of each diffusion orifice is between 5 mm

and 30 mm, in particular between 8 mm and 15 mm;

- the distance (184) between the centers of adjacent orifices,

along the main axis of the diffusion member, is between 50 mm

and 500 mm, in particular between 100 and 200 mm;

- the angle (a84) between the vertical and the straight line

(D84) connecting the center (C82) of the diffusion member and

the center (C84) of each diffusion orifice, is between 0 and

degrees, in particular between 30 and 50 degrees;

- this display cabinet further comprises at least one shelf

(60 - 63) extending from the rear wall towards the front face,

so as to define compartments (70 - 74) of said display

cabinet;

- the nebulization means further comprise a nebulization

member (80; 180; 280; 380), in particular of the piezoelectric

type, this nebulization member comprising at least one air

inlet (90; 190; 290; 390) and at least one fog outlet (92;

192; 292; 391, 392), this fog outlet being capable of

supplying the diffusion member;

- this display cabinet further comprises at least one

intermediate conduit (81; 810, 811; 181; 281) extending at

least in part immediately below the ceiling, the or each

intermediate conduit connecting the diffusion member with the

or each fog outlet (92; 192; 292; 391, 392) of the diffusion

member; - this display cabinet comprises two intermediate conduits

(810, 811) extending in a mutually parallel manner, the

distance (L810) separating the centers of these conduits being

in particular between 50 and 200 mm; - this display cabinet comprises at least one additional

orifice (840, 841) provided on the diffusion member (82), a

single additional orifice being provided facing the outlet of

the single intermediate conduit (81), or each additional

orifice being provided facing the outlet (d810, d811) of a

respective intermediate conduit (810, 811);

- this display cabinet includes a complementary orifice (842),

provided on the diffusion tube between the two additional

orifices, in particular in the middle of the latter;

- the nebulization member (80) is mounted above the ceiling

(3), the inlet (90) being capable of sucking air into an air

circulation duct (5) provided in the cabinet, for example via

a tube (81) passing through the upper plate of the ceiling;

- the nebulization member (180) is housed in the storage

volume (V), the inlet (190) being capable of directly sucking

in air in said storage volume;

-the nebulization member (280) is housed in the air

circulation duct (5), the inlet (290) being capable of

directly sucking air into said duct.

Figures

Different embodiments of the invention will be given below,

for information only and in no way limiting, with reference to

the appended drawings in which:

[Fig. 1] is a front view, illustrating a display cabinet

conforming to a first embodiment of the invention.

[Fig. 2] is a cross-sectional view, illustrating this display

cabinet according to the invention, which is equipped with

horizontal shelves.

[Fig. 3] is a top view illustrating, partially and on a much

larger scale, a diffusion tube fitted to the display cabinet

of the previous figures.

[Fig. 4] is a side view, also illustrating on a large scale

the mounting of this diffusion tube on the ceiling of the

display cabinet.

[Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 2,

illustrating the display cabinet according to the invention in

operation.

[Fig. 6] is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 2 but on

a larger scale, illustrating the assembly of the nebulization

means equipping the display cabinet according to the

invention, this display cabinet being equipped with oblique

shelves.

[Fig. 71 is a perspective view, illustrating the nebulization

means of Figure 6, the diffusion tube of Figure 4 as well as

the various equipment associated with them.

[Fig. 8] is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 6,

illustrating a first variant of mounting the nebulization

means.

[Fig. 91 is a perspective view, illustrating this first

assembly variant from another angle.

[Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 6,

illustrating a second variant of the mounting of the

nebulization means.

[Fig. 111 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 7,

illustrating the nebulization means of Figure 10, the

diffusion tube as well as the associated equipment.

[Fig. 12] is a front view, according to arrow XII in Figure 4,

illustrating the diffusion tube also shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[Fig. 13] is a front view, similar to Figure 12, illustrating

an alternative embodiment of this diffusion tube.

[Fig. 14] is a perspective view, similar to Figure 7,

illustrating an alternative embodiment in which the diffusion

tube is supplied by two intermediate conduits.

[Fig. 15] is a top view, illustrating the diffusion tube and

the intermediate conduits of Figure 14.

[Fig. 16] is a top view, similar to Figure 15, illustrating

another variant of Figures 14 and 15, in which the diffusion

tube is equipped with additional orifices.

[Fig. 17] is a top view, similar to Figure 15, illustrating

yet another variant of Figures 14 and 15, in which the

diffusion tube is equipped with a greater number of additional

orifices.

[Fig. 18] is a perspective view, illustrating a display

cabinet conforming to a second embodiment of the invention,

which is equipped with a diffusion tube as illustrated in

Figure 16.

[Fig. 19] is a perspective view, illustrating on a larger

scale the detail XIX of Figure 18.

[Fig. 20] is a perspective view, illustrating the cabinet of

Figures 18 and 19 from another angle.

[Fig. 21] is a perspective view, illustrating on a larger

scale detail XXI in Figure 20.

[Fig. 22] is a front view, illustrating the cabinet of Figures

18 to 21.

[Fig. 23] is a side view, illustrating the cabinet of Figures

18 to 22.

Detailed description

The refrigerated display cabinet according to a first

embodiment of the invention, which is designated as a whole by

the reference I, is of general parallelepiped shape. In what

follows, we assume that this cabinet rests on a horizontal

floor. It firstly comprises a lower wall 1, forming a hollow

base. The latter consists of two parallel plates, namely a

lower plate 10 intended to rest on the ground, as well as an

upper plate 12.

The display cabinet I further comprises rear wall 2, forming a

hollow rear. The latter consists of 2 parallel plates, namely

a rear plate 20 extending the lower plate 10 above, as well as

a front plate 22 extending the upper plate 12 above. In a

manner known as such, this plate 22 is pierced with

perforations 28, the function of which will be detailed below.

An upper wall 3 is also provided, forming a ceiling. The

latter also consists of 2 parallel plates, namely an upper

plate 30 extending the rear plate 20 above, as well as a lower

plate 32 extending the front plate 22 above.

Finally, the front face 4 of the display cabinet is open, so

as to delimit a volume V called storage volume for products

intended for sale. These can be arranged on shelves, which

will be described in more detail below. As shown in particular in Figure 1, this volume V is bordered by side walls 40 and 42 which, unlike walls 1 to 3 above, are not hollow.

By convention we note:

- the longitudinal axis XX, connecting the rear and the front

face, which is by convention relative to the depth of the

cabinet,

- the transverse axis YY, connecting the opposite side walls,

which is by convention relative to the width of the cabinet,

- the vertical axis ZZ, which is by convention relative to the

height of the cabinet.

In what follows, for each element constituting the cabinet,

the initials X, Y and Z will be used to designate the

different characteristic axes of this element, which are

parallel to the respective axes XX, YY and ZZ above.

Each of the base 1, the rear 2 and the ceiling 3, which are

hollow as seen above, delimit the respective spaces 14, 24 and

34. These spaces are placed in mutual communication, so as to

define an air circulation duct 5, connecting the base and the

ceiling. Means are also provided, of a type known as such,

allowing the air to circulate along this duct 5. In the

figure, fans 50 and 51 are schematically illustrated, provided

respectively in the upper part and lower part of the display

cabinet.

Furthermore, the cabinet includes means, also conventional,

allowing the generation of an air curtain at the level of the

front face 4 of the cabinet. Figure 2 first illustrates,

schematically, an air blowing mouth 52. This mouth 52 is

provided on the lower plate 32 of the ceiling 3, near the

front edge of this plate, namely that located on the front

face 4. We have illustrated, again schematically, a suction mouth 54 for this air, also provided on the front edge of the upper ceiling plate. Typically, the mouths 52 54 are substantially vertical to each other.

In a manner known as such, each mouth 52,54 has for example a

"honeycomb" type structure.

More precisely, it is formed by a plurality of channels 52'

and 54' parallel to each other. The mouth 52 defines an

orifice 53, called the main air blowing orifice. This term "main" is used in opposition to the perforations 28, which

constitute secondary air blowing orifices. Furthermore, the

mouth 54 delimits an air suction orifice 55.

Generally speaking, the display cabinets according to the

invention can have a total width LI of between approximately

cm and approximately 2000 cm, preferably between

approximately 100 cm and approximately 1000 cm. This total

width is defined as the distance, along the YY axis, between

the opposite side walls. Smaller widths are not of significant

practical interest. For larger widths, the capacity and size

of the peripheral elements (refrigeration units, nebulizers,

fans) as well as the length of the air ducts become limiting

factors. Thus, to create cabinets of greater width, its is

preferred to line up several separate cabinets of the same

type.

The internal height HI of the box, defined as the distance

along the axis ZZ between the opposite walls 12 and 32, is

limited above all by practical considerations to allow the

buyer to easily understand the products on display. Typically,

this height HI is between 100 cm and 250 cm, preferably

between 120 cm and 200 cm, and even more preferably between

150 cm and 190 cm.

The internal depth PI of the box, defined as the distance

along the axis XX between the plate 22 and the furthest front

edge 16 or 36, is typically between 50 cm and 120 cm, and

preferably between 60 cm and 100 cm. Greater depth makes

access to products difficult. A shallower depth, apart from

the little practical interest it presents, complicates the

control of aeraulic flow conditions.

As indicated above, the display cabinet according to the

invention is equipped with several shelves, which are capable

of receiving products intended for sale. Typically, each of

these shelves connects opposite side walls of the display

cabinet. In the example illustrated, four shelves referenced

to 63 are provided. It must however be understood that a

different number of shelves can equip the display cabinet,

typically between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 5. These

shelves delimit compartments, namely an upper compartment 70

delimited by the ceiling and the upper shelf, three

intermediate compartments 71 to 73, each of which is delimited

by two adjacent shelves, as well as a lower compartment 74

delimited by the lower shelf and the base.

The shelves, integrated into the display cabinet according to

the invention, are substantially horizontal in the illustrated

embodiment. This means that each angle, formed by the

horizontal and the main axis of each shelf, is less than, for

example, 100. Furthermore, still in the example illustrated,

these shelves have substantially identical depths X60 to X63,

each depth corresponding to the distance between the plate 22

and the front edge of the shelf considered. This means that

the ratio between the greatest depth and the smallest depth

is, for example, less than 1.2. Typically the greatest depth

of a shelf is less than the depth of the box, each of the depths X60 to X63 typically being between 50 and 80% of this depth PI.

We note h70 to h74 the height of the different compartments 70

to 74, namely the distance, along the vertical axis, between

the walls bordering each of these compartments. This height

is, by definition, a function of the overall height of the box

and the number of compartments. In the example illustrated,

the compartments have approximately identical heights.

The invention is however not limited to the arrangement of the

shelves, as described with reference to the appended figures.

One can first of all imagine a display cabinet according to

the invention which has oblique shelves, as will be described

in more detail with reference to Figure 6, or which is devoid

of shelves. One can also imagine a cabinet whose layout is

mixed, namely that part of its height is occupied by shelves,

but that another part of its height is arranged in a different

way: in this spirit one can for example provide displays in

the form of tiers, or in the shape of a half-moon.

The display cabinet according to the invention further

comprises nebulization means, which are designated as a whole

by the reference 8. These nebulization means firstly comprise

a nebulization member 80 which is of a type known as such, for

example comprising a piezoelectric type member. In Figure 2,

this member 80 is illustrated schematically. On the other

hand, Figures 6 and 7 represent, in more detail, the

integration of this member in the cabinet.

This member 80, which conventionally has an air inlet 90 and a

fog outlet 92, is placed on a mounting bracket 95. The latter

is fixed, by any appropriate means, above the cabinet, namely

on the upper plate 30. In the example illustrated, the nebulization member 80 is placed substantially directly above the rear wall 2, it being understood that it can be arranged in a different location, along the axis XX.

The inlet 90 is connected to a pipe 91, which extends through

the ceiling 3. In this way, nebulization can be carried out by

suction of the air circulating in duct 5. Furthermore, the

outlet 92 is connected to a pipe 81 passing through the

perforated plate 32, so as to extend into the volume V,

immediately below the ceiling 3. Advantageously, the pipe 81

is equipped with a line 94, allowing the discharge of waste

water in the direction of the evacuation of the cabinet, for

example thtough a flexible hose which is not shown.

The diffusion means 8 further comprise a diffusion tube 82,

provided at the front end of the pipe conduit. This tube 82

extends along the width of the cabinet, and can be parallel to

the axis YY above. Preferably, this tube has a cross section

of cylindrical shape, in circular section. We note d82 the

diameter of this tube, as well as Y82 its main axis, which is

parallel to YY. As shown in Figure 6, this tube 82 is fixed on

the lower face of the plate 32 using brackets 96. According to

an advantageous variant, not shown, means of conventional type

can be provided making it possible to rotate this tube around

its main axis, this possibility being materialized by the

double arrow F82 in Figures 3 and 4.

With particular reference to Figure 3, the tube 82 is pierced

with a series of orifices 84, provided next to each other

along the axis Y82. According to an advantageous embodiment,

which is not shown in the figures, it is possible to adjust

the number of so-called useful orifices 84, that is to say

through which the droplets can be extracted. On a structural

level, in a manner known as such, it is provided means to close certain orifices by means of covers or plugs. In this way the area of the cabinet which located to the right of the orifices thus closed, does not receive any nebulization.

We note d84 the diameter of each orifice 84, as well as 184

the distance between 2 adjacent orifices, along this same axis

Y82. We also note, in cross section, D84 the straight line

connecting the respective centers C82 and C84. Finally, we

note a84 the angle formed, according to this same cross

section, between the vertical and the line D84.

Referring now to Figure 4, we first note X84 the distance,

along the axis XX, between the center of each orifice 84 and

the facing edge 53' of the main blowing orifice 53.

We also note H82 the distance, along the ZZ axis, between the

facing walls of tube 82 and plate 32. Advantageous values of

the different parameters, defined above, will be given in the

following.

Finally, it should be noted that in the embodiment of Figure 6

the shelves are not horizontal as in Figure 2. Indeed, in this

Figure 6, there is shown an upper shelf 60 which is oblique, that is to say that it is inclined downwards towards the front

face of the cabinet. It can be provided that all of the

shelves, fitted to the display cabinet in Figure 6, have a

similar oblique profile. Furthermore, this figure 6 represents

the upper shelf 60 supporting products P which are food

products.

In service, as shown in Figure 5, an air curtain 200 is

generated which flows substantially vertically, from top to

bottom, from the blowing mouth to the suction mouth.

Simultaneously, fog is diffused via the various orifices 84

provided on the diffusion tube. This fog forms a sheet 300 which flows downwards by gravity, while extending into all or part of the different compartments.

It can be seen that the invention ensures improved

nebulization quality compared to the prior art described

above, which is embodied by the American patent of Sanyo. It

will be noted first of all that it is to the merit of the

Applicant to have identified the disadvantages linked to the

refrigerated display cabinet described in this American

patent. In essence, in the Sanyo solution, the fog is diffused

through the same orifice as the air curtain. There is

therefore a high risk that fog droplets condense

unintentionally, particularly against walls. In this way, the

stored products ultimately receive a relatively small quantity

of nebulization liquid. Furthermore, there is great

heterogeneity: certain products will certainly be humidified

satisfactorily, but on the other hand other products will

receive a significantly lower, or even negligible, quantity of

liquid.

On the contrary, the invention provides for diffusing the fog

through specific orifices, which are distinct from the blowing

orifice while being offset towards the bottom of the cabinet.

This arrangement ensures humidification, not only in

sufficient quantity, but also with good homogeneity. The

invention thus makes it possible to control the way in which

the fog spreads and circulates in the storage volume, as well

as the interaction between the fog and the air curtain. It

also prevents the fog from condensing significantly along its

functional path.

Furthermore, the fact of providing a diffusion tube, provided

with several diffusion orifices, presents specific advantages.

This makes it possible to simplify the overall structure of the display cabinet, the diffusion tube being able to be mounted simply on the body of the display cabinet.

Furthermore, the different diffusion orifices can be

conveniently arranged at a large distance from each other.

In the example described and shown, the display cabinet is

equipped with an evaporator 100, which forms a means of

producing cold. However, the invention can be applied to a

display cabinet which is devoid of such a means. In fact,

thanks to the good quality of humidification of the products,

evaporation occurs during use which leads to lowering of the

temperature. The invention therefore makes it possible to

provide a "refrigerated" type display cabinet, without

necessarily providing a means of producing cold.

Very particularly advantageously, the distance X84 defined

above is comprised between 2 and 50 cm, in particular between

and 35 cm. These ranges of values contribute significantly

to the technical effects of the invention.

Furthermore, also advantageously, the following combination of

values is provided for the parameters d82, d84 and 184 defined

above:

- the diameter d82 is comprised between 10 mm and 100 mm, in

particular between 30 and 65 mm; and

- the diameter d84 is comprised between 5 mm and 30 mm, in

particular between 8 mm and 15mm; and

- the distance 184 is comprised between 50 mm and 500 mm, in

particular between 100 and 200 mm.

Also advantageously, the angle a84 is comprised between 0 and

degrees, in particular between 30 and 50 degrees. As seen

above, this angle can be modified according to arrow F82.

Finally, typically, the height H82 is between 1 cm and 10 cm,

in particular between 1 cm and 5 cm. In the embodiment of

Figures 3 and 4, which corresponds to the front view of Figure

12, the orifices 84 are aligned parallel to the main axis Y82.

This means that the different angles a84 are identical for

each of these orifices.

On the other hand, in the variant of Figure 13, the orifices

are arranged in staggered rows along the main axis Y82'. More

precisely, certain orifices 84' are placed close to this axis,

while other orifices 84" are further away from this axis.

Therefore, angles a84' are greater than angles a84". The

alternative embodiment, shown in this figure 13, has specific

advantages. Indeed, this staggered distribution makes it

possible to balance and homogenize the injection of the

droplets at the level of the diffuser.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate an alternative embodiment, in

which the diffusion tube 82 is not supplied through a single

intermediate conduit 81 as in Figure 7, but by two conduits

810 and 811. The latter extend from the nebulization member 80

which, in a manner known as such, is for example equipped with

two outlets similar to that 92 of Figure 7. With reference to

Figure 15, we note X810 and X811 the respective main axes of

the conduits 810 and 811. These main axes are mutually

parallel, while being perpendicular to the main axis Y82 of

the diffusion tube 82.

The distance L810, separating these main axes X810 and X811,

is for example comprised between 50 and 200 mm. Furthermore,

the diameters D810 and D811 of the conduits 810 and 811 are

for example mutually equal. Typically, each of these diameters

D810 and D811 is comprised between 20 and 120 mm. Furthermore,

the diffusion tube 82 is provided with diffusion orifices 84 similar to those in Figure 7, which are distributed regularly along this tube.

The fact of providing two intermediate conduits 810 and 811

presents specific advantages with respect to the solution, for

example illustrated in Figure 7, using a single conduit.

Indeed, this solution allows easier and more discreet

integration into a piece of furniture where the space

requirement is significant. For example, it may prove more

advantageous to drill, in this piece of furniture, two small

diameter orifices for each intermediate conduit 810 and 811,

than a single orifice of larger diameter.

Figure 16 illustrates a variant of the arrangement of Figures

14 and 15 above, in which additional diffusion orifices are

provided. According to this variant, two orifices 840 and 841

are provided on the diffusion tube 82, facing the outlets d810

and d811 of the conduits 810 and 811. These additional

orifices 840 and 841 are for example identical to the other

orifices 84, both with regard to their dimension and their

angular orientation. In this variant the orifices are present

in greater number than in the first embodiment, in the

junction zone between the tube 82 and the conduits 810 and

811. Thus each distance 1840 and 1841, separating each

additional orifice and the adjacent orifices 845 and 846, is

much less than the distance 184 between the orifices 84, as

illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 17 illustrates yet another variant of the arrangement

described immediately above, with reference to Figure 16. Thus

Figure 17 provides a so-called complementary orifice 842,

provided in the diffusion tube 82 between the orifices 840 and

841. Typically, this orifice 842 is provided approximately

equidistant from the orifices 840 and 841.

The variants in Figures 16 and 17 have specific advantages,

compared to the arrangement shown in Figures 14 and 15. In

fact, the applicant has noted that the fact of providing

additional orifices 840 841, as well as where appropriate 842,

makes it possible to significantly reduce the so-called dead

zones. The latter correspond to regions of the cabinet in

which the nebulization density is insufficient. It will be

noted, with particular reference to Figures 2 and 3 above,

that it is also advantageous to provide an orifice opposite

the outlet of the single diffusion conduit 81. It should also

be noted that the applicant has also obseeved that this

reduction in dead zones is not proportional to the number of

additional orifices made in the diffusion tube. Indeed, if

further orifices compared to those in Figure 17 are added, it

is observed that the volume of these dead zones on the

contrary tends to increase again.

Figures 8 and 9 represent a first constructive variant, with

regard to the integration of the nebulization member 180. In

this variant this member is not mounted above the ceiling, as

in the first embodiment. On the contrary, it is mounted

directly in the storage volume V of the display cabinet. For

this purpose, an angle bracket 195 is provided which is fixed

against the front plate of the rear wall 2, by any appropriate

means.

Under these conditions, the inlet 190 of the nebulization

member 180 is not associated with a tube, as in the first

mode. Indeed, this inlet is capable of directly sucking in the

air present in volume V, so as to be able to carry out

nebulization. Furthermore, the outlet 192 is connected to an

intermediate conduit 181, which does not pass through the wall

of the cabinet, as in the first embodiment. In other words, this intermediate conduit 181 extends entirely in volume V, immediately below ceiling 3. At its downstream end, conduit

181 opens into diffusion tube 182, which is similar to that 82

described above.

This embodiment according to Figures 8 and 9 has specific

advantages. Indeed, given that the nebulization unit is

integrated into the volume of the display cabinet, it is

placed at the same temperature as this display cabinet.

Consequently, the liquid can be nebulized at a low

temperature, without adding additional frigories, which is

advantageous in terms of energy.

Figures 10 and 11 represent a second constructive variant with

regard to the integration of the nebulization member 280. For

this purpose, an angle bracket 295 is provided, visible in

Figure 11, which is fixed against a wall of this conduit, by

any appropriate means. Inlet 290 is therefore capable of

directly sucking in the air present in the circulation duct,

so as to be able to carry out nebulization. Furthermore, the

outlet 292 is connected to an intermediate conduit 281, which

passes through a wall of the cabinet as in the first

embodiment. The downstream end of this conduit 281 extends

below the ceiling, then opens into the diffusion conduit 282,

in a manner similar to conduit 81 and tube 82 of the first

embodiment.

Figures 18 to 23 illustrate a second embodiment of a display

cabinet II according to the invention, which integrates the

double intermediate conduits 810 and 811 described with

reference to Figures 14 to 17. In these Figures 18 to 23 the

mechanical elements, similar to those of the first regulation

mode, are assigned the same reference numbers increased by the

number 300.

The nebulization member 380, fitted to the display cabinet II,

is mounted above the ceiling 303, like the member 80 above. On

the other hand, this member 380 differs from that 80, in that

it is equipped with two fog outlets 391 and 392. Such a

constructive arrangement is of a type known as such. As shown

more particularly in Figure 19, each outlet 391, 392 is

connected to a respective intermediate conduit 810, 811 via a

connection 393, 394 shown in phantom.

With reference to Figure 20 and, more particularly, to Figure

21, each intermediate conduit 810 811, illustrated in dotted

lines, extends through the upper plate 332. These intermediate

conduits then open into the diffusion tube 382, which is

similar to that 82 of figure 16. It should be noted that

Figure 21 shows the orifices 840 and 841, making it possible

to reduce the dead zones as explained above. As a variant, it

can be provided that this diffusion tube 382 conforms to the

arrangement shown either in Figures 14 and 15 or in Figure 17.

As is more particularly illustrated in Figure 23, the display

cabinet II is provided with four shelves 360 to 363, making it

possible to delimit five compartments 370 to 374. Unlike the

first embodiment, the shelves 360 to 363 are slightly inclined

downwards, towards the open end of the display cabinet. In the

different Figures 18, 20 as well as 22 and 23, food products

stored in the different aforementioned compartments are shown.

We thus find, for example, leeks PR in the lower compartment,

peppers PV in the two upper compartments, as well as salads SA

in the two intermediate compartments.

According to another variant not shown, one or more additional

diffusers can be provided in lower parts of the box, for

example at the level of the rear plate of the box, or at the level of the shelves (for example at the rear of the shelves)

However, these embodiments are less preferred, for different

reasons. They are only effective when said additional

diffusers are not obstructed by products; if they are

obstructed they can give rise to the uncontrolled formation of

ice. Their presence considerably complicates the aeraulic

nebulization distribution system. And finally, a complex

aeraulic system will be more difficult to maintain,

particularly with a view to guaranteeing its perfect

cleanliness.

Claims (18)

1. Open vertical refrigerated display cabinet (I), comprising

a lower wall (1) or base, a rear wall (2), an upper wall (3)

or ceiling, as well as a front face (4) opposite the rear

wall, this open face front defining access to a volume (V) for

storing products,

generation means (52, 54), capable of generating an air

curtain (200) in the vicinity of this front face, circulating

in service substantially parallel to this front face, the

generation means comprising blowing means (52) defining a main

blowing orifice (53), as well as suction means (54) located

substantially directly above the blowing means,

this display cabinet further comprising nebulization means (8)

which are provided in the vicinity of said ceiling, so as to

be able to diffuse a fog in at least part of said storage

volume, said display cabinet possibly comprising means (100)

for producing cold, in particular of the evaporator type,

this display cabinet being characterized in that the

nebulization means comprise a diffusion member (82; 382),

defining at least one diffusion orifice (84; 840, 841, 842) of

said fog,

the or each diffusion orifice (84; 840, 841, 842) being

distinct from said main blowing orifice (53), while being

offset towards the rear wall (2), relative to this main

blowing orifice.

2. Display cabinet according to the preceding claim, in which

the diffusion member (82) has a main axis (Y82) which is

parallel to the axis (YY) representative of the width of the

display cabinet.

3. Display cabinet according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the distance (X84) between the center of the or each diffusion orifice (84; 840, 841, 842) and the facing edge

(53') of the main blowing orifice (53), along the axis (XX)

representative of the depth of the display cabinet, is

comprised between 2 and 50 cm, in particular between 20 and 35

cm.

4. Display cabinet according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which

the diffusion member is a diffusion tube (82; 82'; 382)

provided with a plurality of diffusion orifices (84; 84', 84";

840, 841, 842).

5. Display cabinet according to the preceding claim, in which

the diffusion orifices are provided next to each other along

the main axis of this tube, these diffusion orifices (84; 840,

841, 842) being able to be aligned parallel to this main axis,

or these diffusion orifices (84', 84") being able to be

arranged in staggered rows along this main axis.

6. Display cabinet according to one of claims 2 to 5, in

which:

the diameter (d82) of the diffusion member is comprised

between 10 mm and 100 mm, in particular between 30 and 65 mm.

7. Display cabinet according to one of claims 2 to 6, in

which:

the diameter (d84) of each diffusion orifice is comprised

between 5 mm and 30 mm, in particular between 8 mm and 15 mm.

8. Display cabinet according to one of claims 2 to 7, in

which:

the distance (184) between the centers of adjacent orifices,

along the main axis of the diffusion member, is comprised

between 50 mm and 500 mm, in particular between 100 and 200

mm.

9. Display cabinet according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the angle (a84) between the vertical and the straight

line (D84) connecting the center (C82) of the diffusion member

and the center (C84) of each diffusion orifice, is comprised

between 0 and 90 degrees, in particular between 30 and 50

degrees.

10. Display cabinet according to one of the preceding claims,

further comprising at least one shelf (60 - 63) extending from

the rear wall towards the front face, so as to define

compartments (70 - 74) of said cabinet.

11. Display cabinet according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the nebulization means further comprise a

nebulization member (80; 180; 280; 380), in particular of the

piezoelectric type, this nebulization member comprising at

least one air inlet ( 90; 190; 290; 390) and at least one fog

outlet (92; 192; 292; 391, 392), this fog outlet being capable

of supplying the diffusion member.

12. Display cabinet according to the preceding claim, further

comprising at least one intermediate conduit (81; 810, 811;

181; 281) extending at least in part immediately below the

ceiling, the or each intermediate conduit connecting the

diffusion member with the or each fog outlet (92; 192; 292;

391, 392) of the nebulization member.

13. Display cabinet according to the preceding claim,

comprising two intermediate conduits (810, 811) extending in a

mutually parallel manner, the distance (L810) separating the

centers of these conduits being in particular comprised

between 50 and 200 mm.

14. Display cabinet according to claim 12 or 13, comprising at

least one additional orifice (840, 841) provided on the

diffusion member (82), a single additional orifice being

provided facing the outlet of the single intermediate conduit

(81), or else each additional orifice being provided opposite

the outlet (d810, d811) of a respective intermediate conduit

(810, 811).

15. Display cabinet according to the preceding claim,

comprising a complementary orifice (842), provided on the

diffusion tube between the two additional orifices, in

particular in the middle of the latter.

16. Display cabinet according to one of claims 11 to 15, in

which the nebulization member (80) is mounted above the

ceiling (3), the inlet (90) being capable of sucking air into

a duct for the circulation of air (5) provided in the window,

via a tube (81) passing through the upper ceiling plate.

17. Display cabinet according to one of claims 11 to 15, in

which the nebulization member (180) is housed in the storage

volume (V), the inlet (190) being capable of directly sucking

air into said storage volume.

18. Display cabinet according to one of claims 11 to 15, in

which the nebulization member (280) is housed in the air

circulation duct (5), the inlet (290) being capable of

directly sucking in air in said conduct.