IT202300003267A1 - REFRIGERANT CONTAINER - Google Patents

Description

Title: ?Refrigerating container?.

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention develops in the technical field of refrigerated containers equipped with a transparent wall to see the contents, for example for food use in commercial establishments, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention finds use in refrigerated cabinets and/or freezer cabinets used for the temperature-controlled conservation of the products stored therein.

State of the art

Refrigerated containers such as refrigerated display cases (also called fridges) and/or freezers (also called freezers) are common in commercial establishments to store food or other products at controlled temperatures, such as medicines, which shoppers or store staff can then view and remove.

The products to be refrigerated are contained in a compartment, usually closed by at least one door in order to prevent the entry of heat, thus preserving low internal temperatures and reducing the consumption of the refrigeration system.

Typically, at least one wall of the compartment, which is often identified by the door itself, is transparent to allow viewing and selection of products before opening the door. This minimizes the time the door remains open to remove the product.

It is known that the transparent wall transmits more heat than the other walls of the envelope. Therefore, it is usually made as a double glazing unit with two or more parallel glass panels, which delimit one or more cavities.

It is common to apply low-emissivity coatings to one or more panels, and fill the gap with insulating gases, such as Argon or Krypton.

In order to further improve the insulation of the space, it is also known to apply insulating elements on the external side of the transparent wall. These can be panels to be applied manually or roller elements, which can be moved manually or motorized. The insulating element creates an additional cavity and barrier that reduces heat loss.

Such external insulations are usually opaque, and therefore cannot be permanently maintained as a transparent wall covering. For example, they can be applied during closing hours of the business and removed during opening hours. Therefore, the effect of increased insulation is only effective at certain times, so that the refrigeration system can be activated with reduced power or intermittently.

Problem of the prior art

However, the solutions adopted up to now are not free from criticism, among which it is possible to mention that transparent panels with particularly low emissivity coatings do provide an energy benefit but distort the colours, reducing the chromatic fidelity of the vision of the products in the container.

This problem can be overcome by applying external insulation that allows to reduce the heat loss due to transparent panels, and therefore to restore the color fidelity, but it introduces other problems. In fact, insulating panels must be applied and removed manually, which determines a cost as it takes up the working time of the staff of the establishment, the same can be said for the manually operated roller systems.

This problem can be solved by using external motorized roller shutter elements. In order for these to achieve optimum thermal performance, it would be desirable to also apply low-emissivity coatings to them. However, such coatings are quickly deteriorated due to exposure to external agents. Therefore, thermal performance is reduced and the roller shutter element must be regularly replaced or subjected to maintenance.

In addition, external insulation elements cause the formation of fog or frost on the external surface of the transparent wall. In fact, the external environment is generally humid, and the external insulation causes a lowering of the temperature of the outermost transparent panel. Therefore, when the external insulation is removed, it takes some time before the wall becomes transparent and usable by users again, or it is necessary for the staff of the establishment to take care of its cleaning.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems set forth above with reference to the prior art.

These and other objects are achieved by a refrigeration container according to any of the appended claims.

Advantages of the invention

Thanks to this invention it is possible to improve the insulating performance of the transparent wall without worsening the visibility of the products inside due to chromatic distortions, fogging or frost.

In particular, thanks to the use of a mobile insulating element inside the cavity between the panels of the transparent wall, i.e. thanks to its positioning inside the double glazing, with the same insulating effect, the external panel of the transparent wall remains warmer than known solutions, and therefore the formation of condensation or frost is prevented.

Furthermore, thanks to the present invention, all other things being equal, it is possible to obtain energy savings since the use of the mobile insulating element inside the cavity between the panels of the transparent wall allows for less dispersion when this element is deployed.

It should also be noted that the positioning of the mobile insulating element inside the cavity between the transparent wall panels means that the wall panels themselves protect the insulating element from any deteriorating agent, internal or external to the container, and therefore it is possible to apply low-emissivity coatings on the insulating element in a long-lasting manner.

Advantageously, the insulating element placed inside the cavity between the panels of the transparent wall can be moved from the outside, manually or motorized.

Brief description of the figures

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

For a better understanding of the following detailed description, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

- figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a vertical type refrigeration container, according to an embodiment of the invention,

- figure 2 shows schematically a section of a horizontal refrigeration container, according to an embodiment of the invention, - figures 3, 4 and 5 show schematically a section of a transparent wall of the container, with different insulating elements and in different positions, and - figure 6 shows schematically a perspective view of a transparent wall of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures show a refrigeration container indicated overall with the number 1.

In known manner, the container 1 comprises a casing having a plurality of walls 2, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35.

The casing 1 defines a compartment 4 suitable for containing products to be cooled. The compartment 4 is delimited by the walls 2, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35.

Compartment 4 can optionally include shelves or be divided into compartments for product storage.

The walls 2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 include at least one movable door 2, while the remaining walls 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 may be fixed. The movable door 2 is movable between an open position and a closed position, and may be provided with a handle.

In the open position, the movable door 2 frees an access opening 41 to the compartment 4 while in the closed position the movable door 2 closes, and preferably seals, this opening 41.

When the movable door 2 is in the open condition, i.e. the compartment 4 is freely accessible through the opening 41, this compartment 4 is delimited by the walls 31, 32, 33, 34. Clearly, when the movable door 2 is in the open condition, i.e. the compartment 4 is freely accessible through the opening 41, the opening 41 is such as to allow the removal of the products stored inside the compartment 4.

In various embodiments, the movable door 2, when closed, can identify a substantially vertical side wall or a substantially horizontal upper wall of the casing, as in figures 1 and 2.

Furthermore, the movable door 2 can be a sliding door, or a revolving door, or a removable door.

In addition, the movable door 2, as well as each other wall 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, can be substantially planar or curved, or can have other conformations known to technicians in the sector.

In some embodiments, the casing may comprise several movable doors 2, for example two or more movable doors 2 that are substantially parallel to each other and slide along each other in a sliding direction, so that they are placed side by side in the sliding direction when in the closed position and face each other in one or more distinct opening positions.

Here and in the following, the designation of a spatial orientation, such as top, bottom, lateral, horizontal or vertical, refers to the intended use positioning of the cooling container 1.

In more detail, the casing 1 comprises a support portion, for example identified by a back wall 31, optionally provided with support feet external to the compartment 4 (not illustrated). The support portion is configured for the stable support of the casing on a floor in an upright position suitable for use.

Also known as container 1, it comprises a refrigeration system 5, arranged in the casing and shown only schematically in figure 2.

The refrigeration system 5 is configured to lower an internal temperature of the compartment 4 with respect to an external temperature of the casing 1, that is, it is configured to condition the internal temperature of the compartment 4 to a value that is generally lower than the external temperature of the casing 1.

In the compartment 4 thus refrigerated, when the opening 41 is closed by the movable door 2, it is possible to store and maintain the products stored therein at a controlled temperature.

Any refrigeration system 5 known in the art can be used for the purposes of the invention.

In general, the refrigeration system may include a hydraulic circuit, in which air, water or other refrigerant fluids may circulate, and in which known components such as compressors, turbines, heat exchangers and evaporators may be provided.

The refrigeration system 5 in particular is configured to maintain a preset temperature inside the compartment 4, when closed. The preset temperature can be adjusted within a range selected based on the intended use of the container 1, or the type of products to be cooled and then stored at a low temperature inside it.

For example, in the case of a refrigerator container 1, the temperature can be adjusted below 10?C, preferably below 6?C, but in any case at least 0?C.

In the case of a 1 freezer container, as the preferred example of a freezer cabinet, the temperature can be adjusted below 0?C, preferably below -10?C, optionally below -18?C.

Among the plurality of walls 2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, one will be referred to below as a transparent wall as it is equipped with at least one transparent portion that allows the compartment 4 and the products inside it to be observed from outside the casing.

In some embodiments, the transparent wall is identified in the mobile door 2, and therefore it too will be indicated (in a non-limiting way) with the same reference 2.

However, containers 1 are admissible in which the transparent wall is fixed, and the movable door 2 identifies, when closed, an opaque wall 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. In addition, some embodiments may include several transparent walls, some of which are fixed, and others movable.

What is described below for a transparent wall 2 is to be understood as applicable to each of them.

The transparent wall 2 comprises two, three or more transparent panels 21, for example made of glass.

The transparent panels 21 are substantially parallel and facing each other. Each pair of adjacent transparent panels 21 delimits an interspace 22 between them.

What is described below for a cavity 22 is to be understood as also applicable to any additional cavity 22.

The transparent wall 2 then comprises a frame 23 which connects the panels 21 to each other and surrounds the cavity 22. Preferably, the panels 21 and the frame 23 seal the cavity 22 airtight.

Furthermore, the cavity 22 is preferably filled with one or more thermally insulating, optionally inert, gases, which in preferred embodiments are noble gases such as Argon or Krypton.

In addition, one or more panels 21 of the transparent wall 2 may have a low-emissivity coating in the infrared spectrum, particularly the long infrared.

Similar coatings are known to those skilled in the art, and are usually applied in the form of one or more film layers, including at least one reflective layer in the desired spectrum, preferably comprising a metal such as silver or aluminum.

According to one aspect of the invention, the container 1 comprises an insulating device 6.

The insulating device 6 comprises at least one insulating element 61 configured to be thermally insulating, positioned inside the cavity 22, for example in an intermediate position between the panels 21, spaced from the panels 21.

In the presence of multiple cavities 22 in the same transparent wall 2, one or more insulating elements 61 may be provided in a single cavity 22, or multiple insulating elements 61 distributed in separate cavities 22.

However, one or more interspaces 22 may be free of the insulating elements 61 described.

In the following, where characteristics of an insulating element 61 are described, these shall be understood as applicable to each insulating element 61, in the same or different cavities 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the insulating element 61 is made in the form of a flexible sheet such as a film or a cloth, made of textile or non-textile material, in particular a polymeric film, smooth or corrugated.

In other embodiments, the insulating element 61 may comprise a pleated fabric (as in Figure 5), a non-woven fabric, or a honeycomb fabric.

The insulating element 61 may be opaque, or it may itself be transparent.

Optionally, the insulating element 61 has on one or both faces a low-emissivity coating similar to that already described for the panels 21.

Thanks to the placement of the insulating element 61, the low-emissivity coating is protected from deteriorating agents.

Additionally, the insulating element 61 may be configured to protect from sunlight, if the container 1 is intended for use in locations exposed to it.

The insulating element 61 is movable in the gap 22 between an insulating position, as in figures 2, 3 and 6 and an observation position, as in figure 4, while in figures 1 and 5 it is shown in intermediate positions.

In the insulating position, the insulating element 61 is deployed so as to cover a predetermined area of the cavity 22, forming a barrier to the passage of heat through the transparent wall 2.

Preferably, the insulating element 61 in the insulating position covers a prevalent area of the cavity 22, for example its entire surface area. In some embodiments, several insulating elements 61 in the same cavity are arranged in such a way that, in the insulating position, even if a single insulating element 61 alone covers a relatively small area of the cavity 22, the insulating elements 61 together cover a prevalent area of the cavity 22.

In the observation position, the insulating element 61 is collected or oriented in such a way as to free the predetermined area that it covered in the insulating position, or at least a portion thereof.

In this way, the view of compartment 4 is permitted through the freed portion of transparent wall 2.

In particular, the insulating element 61 can be collected in a pre-established accumulation area of the cavity 22 or of the frame 23.

For example, the insulating device 6 may comprise a roller support 62 configured for winding the insulating element 6. The roller support 62 may have a circular, triangular cross-section or other technically convenient geometries.

Alternatively, multiple fold portions of a pleated insulating element 61 may be placed close together.

In another embodiment, multiple insulating elements 61 can be reoriented transversely to panels 21, or collected in one or more common areas so as to cover the same area rather than distinct areas, for example by overlapping one or more groups of insulating elements 61.

The insulating device 6 includes driving means, connected to each insulating element 61 and operable to move the insulating element 61 between the insulating position and the observation position.

In the preferred embodiment, the driving means comprise an electric motor 63 (figure 6) connected to the roller support 62, which in turn is connected to an edge of the insulating element 61. Even in the absence of roller supports 62, but for example if one or more portions of one or more insulating elements 61 are connected to further driving means, such as one or more support cords, a motor 63 may still be provided to move the cords.

In the preferred embodiment, the motor 63 is positioned inside the cavity 22. Therefore, no mechanical transmissions passing through the panels 21 or the frame 23 are necessary, and the airtightness of the cavity 22 can be preserved.

In order to power the motor 63, power conductors and optionally signal conductors may extend through the frame 23 without compromising its sealing, for example in known ways using a cable gland. The motor 63 may be controllable and operable from outside the gap 22, for example via the aforementioned signal conductors or by remote control.

In other embodiments, the insulating element 61 can be moved manually or automatically even in the absence of motors 63 inside the casing.

For this purpose, the driving means preferably comprise, in a known manner, a pair of magnets 64 which achieve a transmission through a panel 21, without holes passing through the panel 21, as shown schematically in figure 3.

In particular, the magnets 64 are magnetically coupled to each other and are positioned on opposite sides of the panel 21, with one magnet 64 internal and one magnet 64 external to the gap 22.

In this way, the internal magnet 64 is movable by being dragged by the external magnet 64. In turn, the external magnet 64 can be manually movable, or it can be mechanically connected to a manually activated manipulation member (not illustrated), or it can be mechanically connected to a motor (not illustrated) external to the cavity. Instead, the internal magnet 64 is mechanically connected to the insulating element 61, directly or through a suitable mechanical transmission, optionally comprising support cords for the insulating element 61.

In various embodiments, the magnets 64 may be slidable along respective predetermined paths, along the panel 21 between them, or may be rotatable about respective rotation axes.

Preferably, the driving means comprise supports (not illustrated) fixed on opposite sides of the panel 21 between the magnets 64, the supports being configured to constrain the respective magnets to slide along the aforementioned pre-established paths, or to rotate about their respective axes. The structure of the supports and of the possible mechanical transmission is generally known to those skilled in the art and can be chosen based on the type of movement desired for the magnets 64 and for the insulating element 61.

Obviously, a technician in the field may make numerous modifications equivalent to the variants set out above, without thereby departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims (9)

1. Cooling container (1), comprising: - a casing having a plurality of walls (2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) which delimit a compartment (4) to contain products to be cooled, - a refrigeration system (5) configured to lower a temperature inside the compartment (4) with respect to a temperature outside the casing, wherein said plurality of walls (2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) comprises a transparent wall (2), to observe the compartment (4) from outside the casing, where the transparent wall (2) comprises two or more parallel transparent panels (21), which delimit at least one cavity (22) between them, where the cavity (22) is sealed airtight and contains a thermally insulating gas, characterized by the fact that it includes: - an insulating device (6), comprising at least one thermally insulating element (61) positioned inside the cavity (22), the insulating element (61) being movable between an insulating position, in which it covers a pre-established area of the cavity (22) and forms a barrier to the passage of heat through the transparent wall (2), and an observation position, in which it frees at least a portion of the pre-established area to allow the compartment (4) to be viewed through the transparent wall (2). 2. Refrigerant container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insulating element (61) is a flexible sheet. 3. Refrigerant container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insulating element (61) comprises a polymeric film, a pleated fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a honeycomb fabric, preferably a polymeric film. 4. Refrigerant container (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulating element (61) is transparent or opaque. 5. Refrigeration container (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insulating element (61) and/or at least one transparent wall panel (2) has a low-emissivity coating in the infrared spectrum. 6. Refrigerated container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of walls (2, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) comprises a movable door (2) for opening and closing an access opening (41) to the compartment (4), wherein the transparent wall (2) is identified in said door (2). 7. Refrigeration container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insulating device (6) comprises driving means, connected to the insulating element (61) and operable to move the insulating element (61) between the insulating position and the observation position. 8. Refrigerated container (1) according to claim 7, wherein the driving means comprise an electric motor (63), internal to the interspace (22) and operable from outside the interspace (22), 9. Refrigerated container (1) according to claim 7, wherein the driving means comprise a pair of magnets (64), positioned on opposite sides of a panel (21) of the transparent wall (2) and magnetically coupled to each other.