EP3922104B1 - Refrigerating apparatus with a single-piece static heat removal device - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance and in particular a cold room.

The present invention relates most particularly to the assembly and shaping of the sheath and of the refrigerant supply tube of the evaporator of the device for removing heat by heat pump.

The present invention is applicable for a cadaver chamber for animals.

Prior technique

Cold rooms equipped with a heat pump heat removal device already exist. These refrigeration devices comprise a stirred heat exchange device.

To illustrate the state of the art, the following patent applications can be cited in particular: WO2010/003938 ; FR2786 855 ; FR2712774 ; EP0769669 ; JP03099193 ; FR2689222 ; US5491979 ; US4432650 ; US1993171 ; EP0073584 , US3100970 . FR 2786 855 discloses the preamble of claim 1 below.

Operation is ensured by forced air conditioning via an electric ventilation device on a compact and inaccessible metal evaporator. The removal of heat is mainly obtained by increasing the head losses squared with the speed of movement of the air thus conditioned.

However, the presence of electrical equipment directly in the atmosphere of the refrigeration enclosure imposes a negative refrigeration temperature in order to eliminate any chemical aggression from any decomposing corpses.

Furthermore, this negative temperature set point and the use of a circulation fan generate additional electricity consumption.

The cleaning of this type of heat removal device is carried out by moderate water jet in order to avoid the deterioration of the evaporator and the fan.

However, air conditioning has the drawback of requiring an electrical circuit supplying the ventilation element to prevent the formation of ice around the evaporator and the malfunctioning of the heat removal device.

Furthermore, these heat removal devices are disinfected without high pressure cleaners and without detergents so as not to damage the electrical components and the metal evaporator which is in direct contact with the atmosphere.

Consequently, obtaining such heat removal devices is costly and complex to implement. Many assembly operations are to be carried out during the manufacture of refrigeration appliances and the number of parts is high.

In addition, the quality of the cold generated is a stirred cold resulting in the movement of aerosols.

In addition, the use of an electric ventilation element increases the consumption of electric energy necessary for the operation of refrigeration appliances.

Finally, simple cleaning with clear water cannot guarantee perfect disinfection and the achievement of a satisfactory level of hygiene.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention is described in independent claim 1. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

To this end, the present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance comprising a structure formed by insulating walls and at least one refrigeration enclosure comprising an opening in the front face closed by a door, said refrigeration appliance comprising a device for removing heat by heat pump installed on a movable insulating plate built into the upper part of the refrigeration appliance.

According to the invention, the built-in insulating plate is built-in by a system of flanges applied to the insulating walls, said insulating plate carrying on its upper part the device for removing heat by heat pump and on its underside a cooling device of the static evaporator type consisting of a tubular metal evaporator covered with at least one plastic-coated sheath, forming a one-piece structure, the plastic-coated sheath makes the tubular metal evaporator totally hermetic to the air of the refrigeration enclosure.

In one embodiment, the at least sheath(s) passing through the recessed insulating plate comprise(s) spacings between each sheath of between 5 and 100 mm, preferably over a range of 10 to 50 mm, with a range of realization from 15 to 35 mm and a spacing of 25mm in a preferential mode.

Thus, this allows the maintenance of the air included in these spaces as close as possible to 4°C and access to the entire evaporator.

The plastic coated sheath makes the metal tubular evaporator completely hermetic to the air in the refrigeration enclosure.

In one embodiment, the connection between the recessed insulating plate and the insulating walls is made by simple temporary gluing.

In one embodiment, the spaces between the sleeves are arranged to allow easy access to the entire external surface of the evaporator and to maintain the air at a temperature around 4°C. The deterioration of the evaporator by high-pressure washing, by chemical and mechanical attacks and by detergents is thus avoided, the disinfection inside the refrigeration enclosure is thus simplified.

The space left between the plastic sleeves containing the refrigerant pipes in the refrigeration enclosure makes it possible to protect the refrigerant pipes, to preferably maintain a temperature of around 4°C between the tubes and to facilitate cleaning the entire evaporator.

The heat removal device according to the invention makes it possible to avoid deterioration and fouling of the evaporator without supplying kinetic energy by expensive and energy-consuming electrical means. It also makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the device for removing heat from the refrigeration enclosure.

In practice, the spacing of the evaporator ducts makes it possible to obtain and maintain an air temperature of 4°C and full access to the entire evaporator.

In one embodiment, the plasticized sleeve comprises a coating resistant to mechanical and chemical abrasion in the space of the refrigeration enclosure.

In one embodiment, the plasticized sheath travels by forming spiral loops so as to produce concentric layers in declination from the outside to the inside of the spiral at an angle (α) between 5° and 75° °, and preferably at least 15°.

According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the evaporator is composed of a refrigerant supply pipe of a certain length, of a certain diameter, in a high position, spaced apart, horizontal, and in a certain direction. of fluid circulation. The refrigerant pipes are coated in a plastic sheath of a certain thickness.

The high position triggers in the refrigerated enclosure a mixing by convection between the cooled air at the level of the evaporator and the warmer air under the evaporator. The spaced and horizontal positions favor the homogeneous and slow mixing of the volume of air in the refrigeration enclosure and the absence of icing up of the evaporator, of its fouling by aerosol as well as its access. The thickness of the plastic sleeve determines the degree of protection of the refrigerant supply line against friction and chemical reactions. The length and diameter of the refrigerant line determines the heat removal power.

The cold generated is static and homogeneous allowing the limitation of the movement of aerosols.

The applicant was able to observe during the experiments that the temperature between the top and the bottom of the air volume of the refrigerated enclosure could vary by stratification phenomenon, this being negatively influenced by the absence of air mixing. between the top of the refrigeration enclosure and the bottom of the refrigeration enclosure heated by the mass heat input of the elements contained in this volume.

In one embodiment, the plasticized sheath carries out a path specially designed to create air circulation by thermosiphon in the refrigeration enclosure.

The recessing device makes it possible to adapt the device to most existing structures.

The entire heat-removal device assembled on a recessed tray allows for easy and quick installation.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an easily cleaned and disinfected animal cadaver chamber comprised of a refrigerating container formed by the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7.

Brief description of figures

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description below.

• [Fig 1] la figure 1 est une première vue schématique illustrant un appareil de réfrigération de type chambre froide et congélation, comprenant au moins une enceinte de réfrigération obturée par une porte ouverte, suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig 2] la figure 2 est une seconde vue schématique illustrant un appareil de réfrigération similaire à la figure 1, comprenant un condenseur s'étendant sur la face arrière, suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig 3] la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective du dispositif de retrait de chaleur.
• [Fig 4] la figure 4 est une vue schématique du dessus de l'évaporateur d'un appareil de réfrigération comprenant un dispositif de retrait de chaleur suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig 5] la figure 5 est une vue schématique d'une canalisation d'amenée de fluide frigorigène dans l'évaporateur d'un appareil de réfrigération comprenant un dispositif de retrait de chaleur suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig 6] la figure 6 est une vue schématique du plateau encastrable de fixation de la pompe à chaleur et de l'évaporateur en partie supérieure d'un appareil de réfrigération comprenant un dispositif de retrait de chaleur suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig 7] la figure 7 est une vue schématique du dessus du plateau encastrable de fixation de la pompe à chaleur et de l'évaporateur en partie supérieure d'un appareil de réfrigération comprenant un dispositif de retrait de chaleur suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig 8] la figure 8 est une vue schématique de face de l'évaporateur tubulaire métallique d'un appareil de réfrigération montrant le déplacement de l'air chaud et froid au travers de l'évaporateur, suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• [Fig 9] la figure 9 montre une vue schématique de face de l'évaporateur tubulaire métallique (8) d'un appareil de réfrigération indiquant la distance (10b) entre les fourreaux plastifiés (10a).

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example:

• [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 is a first schematic view illustrating a refrigeration appliance of the cold and freezer room type, comprising at least one refrigeration enclosure closed by an open door, according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 is a second schematic view illustrating a refrigeration appliance similar to the figure 1 , comprising a condenser extending over the rear face, according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig.3 ] there picture 3 is a schematic perspective view of the heat removal device.
• [ Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is a schematic top view of the evaporator of a refrigeration appliance comprising a heat removal device according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig.5 ] there figure 5 is a schematic view of a pipe for supplying refrigerant to the evaporator of a refrigeration appliance comprising a heat removal device according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig 6 ] there figure 6 is a schematic view of the recessed mounting plate for the heat pump and the evaporator in the upper part of a refrigeration appliance comprising a heat removal device according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig 7 ] there figure 7 is a schematic view from above of the recessed mounting plate for the heat pump and the evaporator in the upper part of a refrigeration appliance comprising a heat removal device according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig.8 ] there figure 8 is a schematic front view of the tubular metal evaporator of a refrigeration appliance showing the movement of hot and cold air through the evaporator, according to one embodiment of the invention.
• [ Fig.9 ] there figure 9 shows a schematic front view of the metal tubular evaporator (8) of a refrigeration appliance indicating the distance (10b) between the plastic sleeves (10a).

Description of embodiments

All embodiments of the present invention disclose all the technical features of independent claim 1.

We will first describe with reference to the figure 1 And 2 a cold room type refrigeration appliance according to the invention.

This refrigeration appliance (1) of the cold room type comprises a refrigeration enclosure (3).

This refrigeration appliance comprises insulating walls (2) forming the refrigeration enclosure (3). The insulating walls comprise an internal surface (4a) defining the space of the refrigeration enclosure (3).

This inner surface (4a) is contained in an outer casing (4b).

An insulation layer can be provided between the inner surface (4a) and the outer casing (4b) of the refrigeration enclosure (3).

This layer of insulation can be produced by foam and/or air vacuum.

The refrigeration appliance (1) comprises at least one evaporator (8).

An evaporator is arranged in the refrigeration enclosure (3) facing the internal surface (4a).

The refrigeration appliance (1) comprises a refrigeration enclosure (3) closed by a door (6).

The refrigeration enclosure (3) of the refrigeration appliance provided with thermal insulation material and an integrated evaporator and/or contact with the internal surface(s) forms the part of the refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration appliance (1).

The refrigeration enclosure (3) of the refrigeration appliance (1) comprising an evaporator (8) is adapted to maintain a temperature within a predetermined range of values. The regulation of the refrigeration enclosure (3) is guaranteed by control means (not shown) of the refrigeration circuit and for measuring the temperature.

The refrigeration circuit also includes a condenser (12), shown in picture 2 , positioned on the movable recessed insulating plate (9) positioned on top of the refrigeration appliance (1) and constituting the body of the refrigeration enclosure (3).

The refrigeration circuit comprises all the conventional elements constituting such a device and well known to those skilled in the art. These elements are not shown in the figures.

We will now describe, with reference to the figures 1 to 8 , a heat pump heat removal device according to the invention.

A refrigeration appliance (1), in particular a cold room, comprises a structure formed by insulating walls (2) comprising an opening (4) in the front face (5).

The temperature of the air in a refrigeration enclosure is as close as possible to 4°C.

The refrigeration appliance (1) also includes a heat removal device positioned above the refrigerating appliance on a mobile recessed insulating plate (9).

The heat removal device comprises a condenser (12) and a refrigerating system (7) (7a) (7b) fixed on a movable insulating plate embedded (9) in the ceiling of the refrigerating enclosure (3) and an evaporator of refrigerant (8).

Preferably, the recessed mobile insulating plate (9) comprises at its periphery a rim (9a) of sufficient width and greater than 15 mm to rest against the insulating walls (2) of the refrigeration enclosure (3).

The connection between the recessed insulating plate by a system of applied edges (9) and the insulating walls (2) is made by a system of applied edges (9a).

The connection between the insertable insulating plate (9) and the insulating walls (2) is provided with means for sealing against the air outside the refrigeration enclosure (3).

The connection between the recessed insulating plate (9) and the insulating walls (2) is, by simple provisional gluing, not final (9b).

The evaporator-type refrigerant supply pipe (10) consists of a semi-rigid tube, made of a metallic material (Fig 5 - 10). The refrigerant supply pipe (10) is completely hermetically isolated from the atmosphere of the refrigeration enclosure (3) by a plasticized sheath-type protection (Fig 5 - 10a) preferably made of a material such as polyethylene.

The evaporator-type refrigerant supply pipe (10) is guided in such a way as to form a network of structured pipes ( Fig 4 ).

Preferably, the arrival of refrigerant in the evaporator takes place at the periphery of the network of evaporator pipes and circulates in a helical movement closer and closer to its center to achieve a spiral path ( Fig 4 ). Preferably, the plasticized sheath (10a) travels by forming spiral loops so as to produce concentric layers in declination from the outside towards the inside of the spiral by an angle (α) comprised between 5° and 75°, and preferably at least 15°.

A space (10b) is provided between the sheaths (10a) containing the refrigerant supply tubes (10) of the evaporator (8) so as to obtain and maintain an air temperature preferably at 4°C. .

This space allows optimal mixing of the ambient air of the refrigeration enclosure (3) in order to reach the desired temperature setpoint. The plasticized sheath (10a) carries out a path specially designed to create air circulation by thermosiphon in the refrigeration enclosure (3).

In this way, the formation of ice on the tubes of the periphery of the evaporator and in its center is avoided and the ambient temperature of the refrigeration enclosure is homogeneous without mechanical ventilation.

The sheath (10a) preferably made of a material such as polyethylene has a thickness chosen to resist mechanical and chemical wear associated with the cleaning process without thermally insulating the semi-rigid tube (10) from the refrigeration enclosure ( 3).

In this way, the deterioration of the evaporator is avoided in contact with a cleaning based on abrasive actions and chemical detergent and in contact with gaseous emanations and physical projections of the elements stored in the refrigeration enclosure.

The evaporator (8) is preferably arranged in one or more horizontal layers ( Fig 4 ).

In this way, all of the external surfaces of the evaporator (8) in contact with the air of the refrigeration enclosure (3) are easily accessible for optimal cleaning.

There figure 8 shows a schematic front view of the tubular metal evaporator of a refrigeration appliance showing the movement of hot and cold air through the evaporator

The static cold generated, represented by downward arrows, according to the reading direction of the figure, results from the cooling by the evaporator (8) of the rising hot air, represented by upward arrows. The cold air then remains at the bottom of the refrigeration enclosure (3) while the hot air rises in order to be cooled.

The plastic sleeves (10a) spaced apart by a distance, are arranged in such a way as to form spiral loops forming concentric layers allowing the passage of the refrigerant fluid by a helical movement.

• Facilité de nettoyage à la haute pression et avec des produits antibactérien grâce à sa construction monobloc et l'absence de zone de rétention propice au développement de bactéries ;
• Résistance chimique aux agents détergents et produits éventuels des corps en décomposition.
• Facilité et rapidité d'installation avec sa conception monobloc. Il suffit de créer une ouverture de la taille requise sur toit de l'enceinte et d'y insérer le système en finalisant par une passe d'étanchéité.
• Réduction de la colonisation bactérienne au sein de l'enceinte due au brassage limité de l'air à l'intérieur.
• Diminution du risque de contamination de l'animal vers l'humain par l'absence de bactéries en suspensions dans l'enceinte.
• Perception atténuée des odeurs lors de manipulation du contenu.

The present invention has the following advantages:

• Easy to clean with high pressure and with antibacterial products thanks to its one-piece construction and the absence of a retention zone conducive to the development of bacteria;
• Chemical resistance to detergent agents and possible products of decomposing bodies.
• Ease and speed of installation with its one-piece design. Simply create an opening of the required size on the roof of the enclosure and insert the system there, finalizing with a sealing pass.
• Reduction of bacterial colonization within the enclosure due to the limited mixing of the air inside.
• Reduced risk of contamination from animals to humans due to the absence of bacteria in suspension in the enclosure.
• Reduced perception of odors when handling the contents.

One application of the invention relates to a cadaver chamber for animals, easy to clean and disinfect, characterized in that it consists of a refrigerating container formed by the refrigerating apparatus conforming to the aforementioned characteristics.

There figure 9 shows the distance (10b) between the plastic sleeves (10a) comprising a space containing air and being measured between each outer end of the sleeves.

This arrangement makes it possible to maintain an optimum temperature of 4°C.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[Table 1] References Designations 1 refrigeration appliance 2 insulating walls 3 refrigeration chamber 4a internal surface of the refrigeration enclosure 4b external box of the refrigeration enclosure 5 front opening 6 door 7 refrigeration system 8 evaporator 9 built-in insulating tray 9a ledge 10a plasticized sheath 10b space between sleeves 12 condenser 13 heat removal device

Claims (8)

1. A refrigerating apparatus (1) comprising a structure formed by insulating walls (2) and at least one refrigeration enclosure (3), said refrigerating apparatus (1) comprising a device (13) for heat removal by heat pump (7) installed on an insertable movable insulating tray (9) in the upper portion of the refrigerating apparatus (1), wherein the insertable insulating tray (9) is insertable by a system of surface-mounted flanges (9a) on the insulating walls (2), said insulating tray (9) carrying on its upper portion the device (13) for heat removal by heat pump (7) and on its underside a static evaporator type cooling device (8) consisting of a metallic tubular evaporator (8) covered with at least one plasticised sleeve (10a), characterised in that:

   said at least one plasticised sleeve forms a one-piece structure,

   the refrigeration enclosure comprises an opening in the front face sealed by a door, and

   the plasticised sleeve (10a) renders the metallic tubular evaporator (8) completely hermetic to the air of the refrigeration enclosure (3).
2. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least sleeve(s) (10a) passing through the insertable insulating tray include(s) spacings (10b) between each sleeve comprised between 5 and 100 mm, preferably over a range from 10 to 50 mm, with an implementation range from 15 to 35 mm and a spacing of 25 mm in a preferred mode.
3. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection between the insertable insulating tray (9) and the insulating walls (2) is made by mere temporary gluing.
4. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the spacings (10b) between the sleeves (10a) are arranged to enable easy access to the entirety of the outer surface of the evaporator and keeping the air inside at a temperature around 4°C.
5. The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, characterised in that the plasticised sleeve (10a) comprises a coating resistant to mechanical and chemical abrasion in the space of the refrigeration enclosure (3).
6. The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, characterised in that the plasticised sleeve (10a) runs while forming spiral loops so as to form concentric layers in declination from the outside towards the inside of the spiral at an angle (α) comprised between 5° and 75°, and preferably at least 15°.
7. The refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, characterised in that the plasticised sleeve (10a) forms a pathway specially designed to create air circulation by thermosiphon in the refrigeration enclosure (3).
8. A corpse chamber for animals, easy to clean and disinfect, characterised in that it consists of a refrigerating container formed by the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.

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