JP3943349B2 - Open showcase - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an open showcase having an opening on the front surface and an air curtain formed in the opening. This open showcase is suitable for displaying, storing and preserving food such as bread and sandwiches in an exposed state.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional example of an open showcase provided with this type of air curtain is shown in FIG. The air outlet 72 is connected to the front upper end of the product display chamber 71, the air inlet 73 is connected to the lower end of the front, and the air inlet 73 and the air outlet 72 are connected to the back of the product display chamber 71. A duct 74 is provided. A fan 75 is provided in the duct 74, and air blown out from the air outlet 72 is sucked in by the air inlet 73 and sent again to the air outlet 72 through the duct 74.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The problem with the circulation type open showcase as described above is that a part of the air blown out from the air outlet 72 flows into the product display chamber 4 without being sucked into the air suction port 73, and the product display chamber 4. It is to cause convection inside. Then, the air around the food moves and the food is easy to cool and dry. Such a problem is prominent in an open showcase for a bakery shop that displays, stores and preserves bread, and in the conventional form, preserves freshly baked or fresh bread as it is. Was difficult.
[0004]
Therefore, the object of the present invention is that no convection occurs in the interior of the display room, the food is not cooled or dried, and the display, storage, There is an open showcase suitable for storage.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention includes an air outlet 23 provided at the front upper end of the commodity display chamber 4, and an air inlet 24 opened at the top or back of the showcase body 1. And a fan 25 that sucks air from the air inlet 24 and blows the air toward the air outlet 23, and an air curtain is formed in the front opening of the product display chamber 4 by the air blown out from the air outlet 23. Target open showcases. Air is blown out from the air outlet 23 toward the front lower side. And angle (theta) prescribed | regulated by the virtual line L1 which connected the air blower outlet 23 and the front-end part of the goods display room 4 and the virtual line L2 which shows the blowing direction of the air from the air blower outlet 23 is 0-40 degrees. It is characterized by being in the range of
[0006]
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the top portion 20 that defines the upper part of the commodity display chamber 4 is divided into a lower plate 18 and an upper step provided above the lower plate 18 at a predetermined interval. The plate 19 is included. An opening portion that is partitioned vertically by the front ends of the upper and lower step plates 19 and 18 is referred to as the air outlet 23. An air gap portion that is partitioned vertically by the center portions of the upper and lower step plates 19 and 18 is defined as an air duct 27 that allows the air outlet 23 and the fan 25 to communicate with each other. The front portions of the upper and lower step plates 19 and 18 are refracted to the front lower side so that the air sent from the fan 25 is blown out toward the front lower side. Features.
[0007]
In the above open showcase, the upper plate 19 is preferably configured to be detachable from the lower plate 18.
[0008]
Steam-type humidifying means 40 for supplying humid air into the product display chamber 4 and electronic-type dehumidifying means 41 for dehumidifying the inside of the product display chamber 4 may be provided.
[0009]
This open showcase shall be provided with the lighting fixture 3 which illuminates the inside of the commodity display room 4. In this case, it is preferable to cover the light emitting part of the lighting fixture 3 with an ultraviolet cut film.
[0010]
[Effects of the invention]
An imaginary line L1 that connects the air outlet 23 and the front end of the product display chamber 4 so that air is blown out to the front lower side from the air outlet 23, and the air blowing direction from the air outlet 23 When the angle θ defined by the imaginary line L2 shown is in the range of 0 to 40 ° (over 0 ° and 40 ° or less), the air blown out from the air outlet 23 enters the product display room 4 Inflow can be prevented. Therefore, convection can be prevented from occurring inside the product display chamber 4 and the flow of air around the food can be suppressed, so that there is no problem such as cooling or drying of the food placed in an exposed state. Since the air inlet 24 is provided in Ten'oku portion or back portion of the showcase body 1, as compared with the circulation type of open showcase, it is also advantageous in that unlikely to occur convection on the commodity display chamber 4.
[0011]
The reason why the angle θ exceeds 0 ° and is 40 ° or less is that when the angle θ is 0 °, the air blown from the air outlet 23 hits the front end of the product display chamber 4. , A part thereof flows into the commodity display chamber 4 and causes convection. If it exceeds 40 °, it will not be used as an air curtain. In particular, the angle θ is preferably in the range of 20 to 30 °.
[0012]
The top portion 20 includes a lower step plate 18 and an upper step plate 19 provided above the lower step plate 18 at a predetermined interval. The front portions of the upper and lower step plates 19 and 18 are directed to the front lower side. If the air sent from the fan 25 is refracted and blown out toward the front lower side, the air blown from the air outlet 23 has directivity in that direction (front lower side). You can have it.
[0013]
In addition, when the upright piece 31 is erected in the front end portion of the bottom plate 17 that divides the bottom of the product display chamber 4 toward the left-right width direction of the product display chamber 4, The air flowing into the product display chamber 4 can be blocked by reliably blocking the air flowing into the product display chamber 4.
[0014]
When the upper plate 19 is configured to be detachable from the lower plate 18, the air duct 27 can be easily cleaned by removing the upper plate 19.
[0015]
The steam-type humidifying means 40 for supplying humid air into the product display room 4 and the electronic-type dehumidifying means 41 for dehumidifying the inside of the product display room 4 are humidified by a vibratory humidifier or a fan. Since the air flow in the commodity display chamber 4 can be made smaller than that for forcibly supplying air, this also makes it difficult for the food to cool or dry.
[0016]
Insects such as flies tend to come to the ultraviolet rays. Therefore, as in the present invention, when the light emitting part of the lighting fixture 3 is covered with the ultraviolet cut film, it is possible to prevent insects from coming to the open showcase.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 6 show an embodiment of an open showcase according to the present invention. This open showcase is installed in a bakery shop that sells bread and sandwiches, for example, and the showcase body 1 includes a shelf 2, a lighting fixture 3, and the like as shown in FIGS. A product display room 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as a display room) is provided. The shelf 2 is placed on the upper surface of the support 5 that supports the shelf 2. Three pillars 6 are erected at the center and the left and right ends of the rear end of the display chamber 4. Each column 6 is formed with a minute recess 6a, and the support 5 is fixed by hooking the minute projection 5a provided at the rear end thereof to the minute recess 6a on the column 6 side. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 7 denotes an on / off switch for controlling the lighting fixture 3 and the like.
[0018]
The surface of the light emitting part of each lighting fixture 3 is covered with an ultraviolet cut film. This is because insects such as flies tend to approach ultraviolet light, and if such ultraviolet light is cut off, it becomes difficult for the insects to approach the open showcase. The display room 4 is provided with a pest control machine (not shown) that transmits ultrasonic waves and electromagnetic waves. In this way, if the light emitting part of the luminaire 3 is covered with an ultraviolet cut film, and a pest control machine is provided in the display room 4, it reacts not only to insects that respond to light but also to the smell of food. It is possible to get rid of insects that come close. Therefore, coupled with the air curtain formed in the front opening of the display chamber 4, the food in the display chamber 4 can be reliably protected in the open state.
[0019]
In the lower part of the display chamber 4, in addition to the storage box 9, a machine room 10 in which a steam humidifier 40 and the like which will be described in detail later are stored is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, a tray placing plate 12 for placing a tray 11 when a product purchaser selects a product is installed in front of the display chamber 4 in the left-right direction. An auxiliary plate 13 is also extended from the bottom of the tray mounting plate 12 in the left-right direction. The left and right width of the tray mounting plate 12 is shorter than the left and right width of the showcase main body 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the tray 11 is placed with the unused tray 11 stacked on the auxiliary plate 13, or a tong holder 14. Can be placed.
[0020]
The left and right side surfaces of the display chamber 4 are partitioned by glass plates 16 and 16 supported by the support bases 15 and 15, and the bottom is partitioned by a bottom plate 17 that is inclined upward in the rear direction. Further, the upper portion of the display chamber 4 is partitioned by a ceiling-shaped portion 20 including a lower plate 18 and an upper plate 19 provided above the lower plate 18 at a predetermined interval. These upper and lower plates 19 and 18 are made of transparent acrylic plates. The rear part of the display chamber 4 is partitioned by four glass plates 22 configured to be slidable between the columns 6.
[0021]
The front surface of the display chamber 4 is open, and an air curtain is formed in the opening by air blown from an air outlet 23 provided at the front upper end of the top portion 20. The air curtain has an effect of blocking the inside of the display chamber 4 from the outside air, as well as insect repellent such as flies and an invasion prevention effect of falling bacteria. As such an air curtain, in addition to the previous air outlet 23, air is sucked in from the air inlet 24 opened in the top of the showcase body 1 and the air inlet 24, and this is taken from the air outlet 23. It has a fan 25 for discharging. A filter 26 for removing dust is provided between the air inlet 24 and the fan 25. Specifically, the air outlet 23 is an opening portion that is vertically divided by the front ends of the upper and lower step plates 19 and 18. In addition, a gap formed by the upper and lower step plates 19 and 18 being vertically divided by the central portion serves as a blower duct 27 communicating with the fan 25 and the air outlet 23. The vertical distance between the center portions of the upper and lower steps 19 and 18 is larger than the distance between the front ends. That is, the vertical dimension of the air duct 27 is larger than the vertical dimension of the air outlet 23. Thereby, the air sent from the fan 25 can be blown out from the air blower outlet 23 vigorously.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the front end portions of the upper and lower step plates 19, 18 are inclined forward and downward, and the air blown from the air outlet 23 does not go to the display chamber 4, The air is blown out with directivity in the front outer direction, that is, the front lower side. This is because when the air blown from the air outlet 23 hits the front end of the shelf 2 or the bottom plate 17, the air flows into the display chamber 4 and convection occurs in the air in the display chamber 4. This is because the air in the chamber 4 moves and a lot of air comes into contact with the surface of the bread 30, and the surface of the bread 30 is dried or the bread 30 is easily cooled. In the present invention, in order to avoid such a problem, the virtual line L1 that connects the air outlet 23 and the front end of the display chamber 4 and the virtual line L2 that indicates the blowing direction of air from the air outlet 23 are defined. The air blown out from the air outlet 23 is prevented from flowing into the display chamber 4 so that the angle θ is in the range of 0 to 40 ° (exceeding 0 ° and not more than 40 °). It is. Specifically, the imaginary line L1 that connects the front end portion of the upright piece 31 that is formed in the front end portion of the bottom plate 17 in the left-right width direction and the air outlet 23, and the air from the air outlet 23 The angle θ defined by the virtual line L2 indicating the blowing direction is set to be in the range of 0 to 40 °, more preferably 20 to 30 °. Further, when the upright pieces 31 are provided in this way, the air flowing in the direction of the display chamber 4 can be completely blocked by hitting the tray mounting plate 12 and the like, so that the air inflow prevention effect can be improved. .
[0023]
The upper plate 19 is configured to be detachable from the lower plate 18. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower surface of the upper plate 19 is provided with a first latching piece 19a having a recessed portion opened in the rearward direction, corresponding to the first latching piece 19a. In addition, a second hooking piece 18 a having a recess opening in the front direction is provided on the upper surface of the lower plate 18. Further, a U-shaped concave portion 34 that opens in the front direction and allows the rear end portion of the upper plate 19 to enter is provided on the front side of the air blowing chamber 33 that houses the fan 25, the filter 26, and the like. Thus, the upper plate 19 can be fixed by allowing the rear end of the upper plate 19 to enter the recess 34 and engaging the first and second hooking pieces 19a and 18a, and in the reverse order. The upper plate 19 can be removed. When the upper plate 19 is configured to be detachable from the lower plate 18 as described above, there is an advantage that the air duct 27 can be easily cleaned. Further, an opening 35 is provided in the front side of the blower chamber 33 in the left-right width direction, and the filter 26 is accommodated in the blower chamber 33 through the opening 35. Therefore, the filter 26 is removed and cleaned. Easy.
[0024]
A vertical piece 36 is provided on the front upper surface of the upper plate 19. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the tray 32 on which the pan 30 and the like are placed can be placed on the upper plate 19. In addition, since the upper and lower plate 19 and 18 are formed of a transparent acrylic plate, the product purchaser can see the product in the back of the display room 4 while standing without bending. .
[0025]
The open showcase has a control system as shown in FIG. 6 as means for controlling the humidity and temperature in the display chamber 4. In addition to the fan 25, the control system includes a humidity sensor 38 that outputs a signal indicating the humidity in the display chamber 4, a temperature sensor 39 that outputs a signal indicating the temperature in the display chamber 4, and the display chamber 4 A steam humidifier 40 that supplies humidified air to the display, an electronic dehumidifier 41 that dehumidifies the internal air of the display chamber 4, a RAM 42 that stores a predetermined standard humidity and a standard temperature, and a ROM 43 that stores a control program And a control device 44 for controlling the entire open showcase. Here, in addition to the on / off switch 7 of the lighting fixture 3, the setting switch for setting the standard humidity and the standard temperature, and the display device for displaying the current temperature, the current humidity, etc. of the display room 4 are shown. The switch panel 46 is included. These setting switches and the display device are provided on the rear side of the showcase body 1. Furthermore, the standard humidity etc. are preset at the time of shipment by the manufacturer, and may not be changed at all in the store. In this case, the setting switch and the display device are abolished and the standard humidity etc. Can be stored in the ROM 43.
[0026]
In the machine room 10 provided in the lower part of the display room 4, the previous control device 44 (see FIG. 6) and the steam humidifier 40 are accommodated. The humidified air generated by the steam humidifier 40 is sent to a humidified air supply pipe 49 disposed in the horizontal direction at the rear bottom of the display chamber via a pipe 48 extending in the vertical direction. It is supplied into the display chamber 4 from a humidified air outlet 50 established on the upper surface of 49. The humidified air supply pipe 49 is long disposed in the left-right width direction of the display chamber 4 so that the humidified air reaches all corners of the display chamber 4. When the seller opens the glass plate 22 and displays the product, or when the product buyer picks up the product, if the product is accidentally touched the humidified air supply tube 49, there is a risk of burns. It is covered with a U-shaped enclosure 51. An opening 51a is provided on the upper surface of the enclosure 51, and the humidified air flowing out from the humidified air outlet 50 is supplied into the display chamber 4 through the opening 51a.
[0027]
It should be noted here that the steam humidifier 40 supplies humidified air into the display chamber 4 without using a blower such as a fan. That is, if humidified air is forcibly supplied by using a vibration type humidifier or a blower such as a fan, the humidified air causes convection to the internal air of the display chamber 4, and The surface of 30 is dry or the bread 30 is easy to cool. In this regard, if the humidifying means is configured only by the steam humidifier 40 as in the present invention, the humidified air can be gently supplied, so that the internal air in the display chamber 4 is not moved, as described above. No trouble occurs, and the bread 30 can be stored in a freshly baked or fresh state.
[0028]
Two square box-type electronic dehumidifiers 41 are installed on the pillar 6 in the center of the display chamber 4. The electronic dehumidifier 41 includes a natural convection Peltier element, and dehumidifies the display chamber 4 without moving the air around the food. Note that the dehumidifier 41 may perform dehumidification by forced convection such as a fan, but in this case, the fan blowing power is set to be small so that air around the food does not move. There is a need. A humidity sensor 38 and a temperature sensor 39 are provided on the lower surface of one of the dehumidifiers 41, and detection results by the humidity sensor 38 and the temperature sensor 39 are sent to the previous control device 44. The dehumidified water generated by the electronic dehumidifier 41 is drained to the outside through the drain pipe 53 (see FIG. 6).
[0029]
Output signals from the sensors 38 and 39 are input to the control device 44. Upon receiving these signals, the control device 44 compares the standard humidity stored in the RAM 42 with the detection results from the sensors 38 and 39, and if the humidity in the display chamber 4 exceeds the standard humidity, When the electronic dehumidifier 41 is driven so that the humidity in the display room 4 matches the set value, and the humidity in the display room 4 is lower than the standard humidity, the humidity in the display room 4 is set to this value. The steam humidifier 40 is driven so as to match the value. In addition, the control device 44 compares the temperature in the display chamber 4 detected by the temperature sensor 39 with the standard temperature stored in the RAM 42, and if the temperature in the display chamber 4 is lower than the standard temperature, When the steam humidifier 40 is driven so that the temperature in the display room 4 matches the set value, and the temperature in the display room 4 exceeds the standard temperature, the temperature in the display room 4 is set to the set value. The electronic dehumidifier 41 is driven so as to match.
[0030]
Next, the control method by the control apparatus 44 is demonstrated in detail using FIG. 7 and FIG. FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the outside air environment where the open showcase is installed and the humidity and temperature conditions in the display room 4. The humidity and temperature in the store where the open showcase is installed vary greatly depending on the season. For example, in spring, the average humidity is 60% and the average temperature is about 24 ° C. In summer, the average humidity is about 70% and the average temperature is about 27 ° C. In autumn, the average humidity is 60% and the average temperature is about 22 ° C. In winter, the average humidity is 50% and the average temperature is about 20 °. In the drying period, the average humidity is 20% and the average temperature is about 18 ° C. Further, in the dew season, the average humidity is 80% and the average temperature is about 23 ° C. Even in view of these outside air environments, the annual store outside air conditions (humidity and temperature conditions in the store where the open showcase is installed) are in the range of 20 to 80% humidity and 16 to 30 ° C. I think.
[0031]
As a result of earnest tests and examinations on the humidity and temperature conditions suitable for keeping the bread in a freshly baked or freshly made state, the present inventors have determined that the humidity is 30% or more and 70% or less. It was found that the temperature was preferably in the range of 24 ° C. or higher and 27 ° C. or lower. In other words, suitable humidity and temperature conditions vary depending on the type of bread, but if the inside of the display chamber 4 is maintained under the above humidity and temperature conditions, almost all types of bread are baked or immediately after being freshly made. It turns out that it can be kept in a state.
[0032]
When the humidity is less than 30%, especially bread like a sandwich tends to dry. On the other hand, when the humidity exceeds 70%, the bread contains a lot of moisture, and its quality is significantly deteriorated. On the other hand, when the temperature is lower than 24 ° C., the bread is easy to cool and the state immediately after being baked cannot be kept good. When the temperature exceeds 27 ° C., the surface of the bread tends to dry, and in this case as well, the state immediately after being baked cannot be maintained. Based on the above findings, the standard humidity was 30 to 70% and the standard temperature was 24 to 27 ° C.
[0033]
In maintaining the inside of the display room 4 under such humidity and temperature conditions, the control device 44 performs control as shown in FIG. That is, when the outdoor air condition in the store is high (A), the electronic dehumidifier 41 is driven to dehumidify the display room 4 until it falls below the standard humidity (70% here). When the humidity in the display chamber 4 falls below the standard humidity, the steam humidifier 40 is driven to supply humidified air into the display chamber 4. When the outdoor air condition in the store is low (B), the steam humidifier 40 is intermittently driven to humidify until the humidity in the display room 4 exceeds the standard humidity, and the inside of the display room 4 When the humidity exceeds the standard humidity, the electronic dehumidifier 41 is driven to perform dehumidification. As described above, by driving the steam humidifier 40 and the electronic dehumidifier 41, the inside of the display chamber 4 can be maintained at the standard humidity.
[0034]
When the temperature in the display chamber 4 is lower than the standard temperature, the steam humidifier 40 is driven. When the temperature is higher than the standard temperature, the electronic dehumidifier 41 is driven, and the above-described humidity is obtained. Similarly, the inside of the display chamber 4 can be kept at a standard temperature.
[0035]
In the above embodiment, the air suction port 24 is provided in the sky, but it may be provided on the back side of the showcase body. In short, the air in the display chamber 4 is at a position where the internal air does not move. The suction port 24 should just be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an open showcase according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an open showcase.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of an open showcase.
FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining a configuration of a ceiling portion.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a usage pattern of an open showcase.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an open showcase control system.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between an outside air environment in which an open showcase is installed and suitable humidity and temperature conditions in the display room.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a control method of the steam humidifier and the electronic dehumidifier.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a conventional open showcase.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Lighting fixture 4 Commodity display room 18 Upper plate 19 Lower plate 20 Ceiling part 27 Air duct 23 Air outlet 24 Air inlet 25 Fan 40 Steam-type humidification means (steam humidifier)
41 Electronic dehumidifying means (electronic dehumidifier)
L1 Virtual line connecting the air outlet and the front end of the product display room L2 Virtual line indicating the blowing direction of air from the air outlet

Claims (6)

The air outlet (23) provided on the upper end side of the front opening of the product display room (4) and the back or back part of the showcase body (1) away from the front opening of the product display room (4) Created air inlet (24), the air inlet (24) sucks in the showcase body (1) outside air, and a fan for blowing toward the air to the air outlet (23) (25) The air curtain is formed along the front opening of the product display chamber (4) by the air blown downward from the air outlet (23) , while the inside of the product display chamber (4) and the product display chamber In the vicinity of the front opening of (4), there is an open showcase that does not have an air inlet for sucking air ,
The top part (20) that defines the upper part of the product display room (4) includes a lower plate (18) and an upper plate (19) provided above the lower plate (18) at a predetermined interval. Including
The opening part divided up and down by the front end of the lower plate (18) and the upper plate (19) is an air outlet (23),
The air gap portion partitioned vertically by the lower plate (18) and the upper plate (19) is an air duct (27) that communicates the air outlet (23) and the fan (25),
Front portions of the lower plate (18) and the upper plate (19) are refracted downward, and the air outlet (23) has directivity forward and downward from the front opening of the product display chamber (4). To blow out the air,
An imaginary line (L1) connecting the air outlet (23) and the lower end of the front opening of the commodity display room (4), and an imaginary line (L2) indicating the blowing direction of air from the air outlet (23) An open showcase characterized in that the angle (θ) defined by is in the range of 0 to 40 °. The air blown out from the air outlet (23) passes outside the lower end of the front opening of the commodity display chamber (4) without being circulated again to the air outlet (23), and the showcase body (1) The open showcase according to claim 1, wherein the open showcase is configured to flow toward the outside . The open showcase according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a vertical piece (31) is erected on the front end portion of the bottom plate (17) that divides the bottom of the product display room (4) across the width direction of the product display room (4). . On the lower surface of the upper plate (19), there is provided a first latching piece (19a) having a recess opened in the rearward direction, and the lower plate (18) of the lower plate (18) corresponding to the first latching piece (19a). On the upper surface, a second latching piece (18a) having a recess opening in the forward direction is provided,
The first latching piece (19a) of the upper plate (19) and the second latching piece (18a) of the lower plate (18) are meshed so that the upper plate (19) is relative to the lower plate (18). The open showcase according to claim 1, 2, or 3 configured to be detachable . Steam-type humidifying means (40) for generating humidified air with moisture evaporated by heating and supplying the humidified air into the product display room (4), and cooling the air in the product display room (4) An electronic dehumidifying means (41) for condensing and dehumidifying moisture in the air, a humidity sensor (38) for outputting a signal indicating the humidity in the product display room (4), and the product display room (4) A temperature sensor (39) for outputting a signal indicating the temperature of the gas, and a control for controlling the driving of the humidifying means (40) and the dehumidifying means (41) in response to an output signal from the humidity sensor (38) or the temperature sensor (39). A device (44),
The control device (44) controls driving of the humidifying means (40) and the dehumidifying means (41) so as to keep the inside of the display room (4) under predetermined humidity and temperature conditions. Open showcase as described. It is equipped with lighting equipment (3) that illuminates the interior of the product display room (4).
The open showcase according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the light emitting portion of the lighting device (3) is covered with an ultraviolet cut film.

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