MX2013008876A

MX2013008876A - Door for a refrigerated merchandiser.

Info

Publication number: MX2013008876A
Application number: MX2013008876A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Rick M Lamontagne; John M Rasch
Original assignee: Hussmann Corp
Priority date: 2013-03-12
Filing date: 2013-07-31
Publication date: 2014-09-16
Also published as: US20140265756A1

Abstract

A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area and a door coupled to the case to provide access to the product display area. The door includes a glass panel assembly including a glass panel, and a conductive coating applied to the glass panel and defining a serpentine conductive path on the glass panel. The merchandiser also includes a power supply in electrical communication with the conductive coating to heat the glass panel along the serpentine conductive path.

Description

DOOR FOR A REFRIGERATED EXHIBITOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to doors for refrigerated displays and, more particularly, to a conductive coating applied to doors.

In general, refrigerated displays include a box that defines a display area for products to support and display food products and that are visible and accessible through an opening in front of the box. Typically, refrigerated displays are used in retail store applications such as grocery or convenience stores or other locations where food products are displayed in a refrigerated condition. Some refrigerated displays include doors to close the product display area of the box and reduce the amount of cold air released into the surrounding environment. Normally, the doors include a glass panel, which allows the consumer to see the food products stored inside the box.

Refrigerated displays may be susceptible to condensation on the glass panel of the door, which obstructs viewing food products placed inside the box. In particular, condensation is more likely to form in the colder portion of the glass panel, which is usually the bottom of the glass panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one construction, the invention provides a refrigerated display that includes a box defining a display area: of products and a door that is coupled to the box to provide access to the product display area. The door includes a glass panel assembly that includes a glass panel and a conductive coating applied to the glass panel and defining a serpentine conductor path in the glass panel. The display also includes a power supply in electrical communication with the conductive coating to heat the glass panel along the serpentine conductor path.

In another construction, the invention provides a door including a glass panel and a conductive coating applied to the glass panel and defining a serpentine conductive path in the glass panel.

In still another construction, the invention provides a pouch for a refrigerated display. The door includes a glass panel and a conductive coating that is applied to the glass panel. The conductive coating has a first defined space in the coating along a periphery of the conductive coating, a second space connected to and extending inwardly from the first space disposed adjacent a first side of the glass panel towards a central area of the glass panel, and a third space connected to and extending into the first space disposed adjacent to a second side of the glass panel towards the central area of the glass panel.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerated display that includes doors embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerated display case.

Before explaining in detail any construction of the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention can have other constructions and can be practiced or performed in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a construction of a refrigerated display 10 that can be located at a supermarket or at a convenience store or other retail setting (not shown) to present fresh food, beverages and other food products (not shown) to consumers. The refrigerated display 10 includes a box 14 and a plurality of doors 18 which are coupled to the box 14. The illustrated box 14 has a base 19, a rear wall 20 and a canopy 21 which together define a product display area 22 that supports food products 26 (for example, on shelves 30). The product display area 22 can be accessed adjacent the front of the box 14 through the doors 18. Although the refrigerated display 10 includes four doors 18 that provide access to the product display area 22, it will be appreciated that the refrigerated display 10 may include less than or more than four doors 18.

The refrigerated display 10 also includes at least one portion of a refrigeration system (not shown) that provides a flow of refrigerated air to the product display area 22 (e.g., through openings in the rear wall 20, an outlet of discharge in canopy 21, etc.). Generally, the refrigeration system includes an evaporator located within an air passage internal to the box and which is fluidly connected between a condenser (not shown) and one or more compressors. Such arrangements of the refrigeration system are well known in the art, and as such, these features will not be described in detail.

Figure 2 is a door 18 of the refrigerated display 10.: The door 18 includes a frame 38 that surrounds the perimeter of an assembly of the glass panel 42 and a handle 46 to facilitate moving the door 18 between the open and closed positions. On one side of the frame 38 is placed a hinge 50 for coupling the door 18 to the box 14 so that the door 18 can pivot about the hinge 50 to allow access to the interior of the box 14. The door 18 can, on the contrary, be slidably coupled with the a portion of the base 20 in a frame to allow access to the food products 26. The assembly of the glass panel 42 allows the food products 26 to be viewed from outside the box 16 and may include one or more glass panels 52 (eg example, formed with low emissivity glass) that are separated from each other (for example, by separators).

As shown in Figure 2, a transparent or conductive resistant coating (eg, a metallic pyrolytic coating, a magnetic dew vacuum deposition coating, etc.) is applied to a surface of a glass panel 52 to heat the gate 18 for inhibiting fog and condensation formation of the glass panel assembly 42 (e.g., in an exterior glass panel 52, an interior glass panel 52 or both). The coating is electrically connected to a power supply 54 by aluminum foil strips or conductive bars (not shown) that can be placed between the frame 38 and the glass panel 52, although other power connections can be used. A film or protective layer can be applied over the coating to protect the direct contact coating.

With reference to Figure 2, the portions of the coating are removed or recorded (e.g., by laser deletion) as along one or more lines 56 in the glass panel 52 to form one or more paths 58 of heat or conduction along a surface of the assembly of the glass panel 42. That is, non-conductive spaces (represented by engraved lines 56). ) are formed in the coating to form one or more conductive paths along the glass panel 52 between the engraved lines 56 so that different areas or sections of the glass panel 52 have different levels of conduction and therefore different levels of hot. The conductive path (s) are relatively narrow or small in areas of the glass panel 52 (e.g., the central and lower areas of the glass panel 52) that are colder (i.e., highly susceptible to haze and condensation), while the conductive path (s) are relatively broad or long in areas of the glass panel 52 (e.g., the upper area of the glass panel 52) that are naturally warmer (i.e., less susceptible to haze and condensation). As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, narrow trees have a relatively high watt density and broad areas have a relatively low watt density.

The illustrated coating is etched on the glass panel 52 to define a serpentine or labyrinth 58 conducting path (illustrated by arrows in FIG. 2) on the glass panel 52 along which the current flows. As shown in Figure 2, an outer peripheral space 56a is etched into the coating adjacent to the frame 38 to define a conductive boundary in the glass panel 52. In addition, several spaces are branched. 56b, 56c of the outer peripheral space 56a so that the spaces 56a-56c when considered together, define a pattern or conductive profile in the glass panel 52 that concentrates the thermal energy in one or more areas of the glass panel assembly 42 They need to be clear of fog or condensation.

With reference to the orientation of the door 18 illustrated in Figure 2, the branching spaces 56b extend inwardly from a left lateral segment 62 of the outer peripheral space 56a laterally through a substantial portion of the width of the glass panel 52. As illustrated, the three lowermost branching spaces 56b extend horizontally through the glass panel 52 from the adjacent left side of the glass panel 52 and terminate or stop almost on the right side of the glass panel 52 and a segment right side 66 of the outer peripheral space 56. The uppermost branching space 56b extends generally downwardly and through the glass panel 52 at an angle 64 relative to the left side of the glass panel 52 and terminates in a central area of the glass panel 52.

The branching space 56c has a first space segment 70 extending from the left side segment 62 of the outer peripheral space 56a (as seen in Figure 2) laterally through a substantial portion of the panel width of glass 52 below the lowermost branching space 56b. Branching space 56c also has a segment of second space 74 extending to up (generally vertically) between the finished or free ends of the branching spaces 56b and the right side segment 66 of the outer peripheral space 56a. That is, the segment of the second illustrated space 74 extends through (eg, bisects) the area of the coating between the terminated ends of the branch spaces 56b and the right-side segment 66 of the peripheral space 56a. A lower portion of the segment of the second space 74 extends generally parallel to the right side segment 66 and, at a location approximately halfway up the glass panel 52, the segment of the second space 74 extends upwardly and inwardly. from the right-side segment 66 to a non-zero angle 76 relative to the right-side segment 66 (ie, at an angle relative to a horizontal axis and a vertical axis). The segment of the second space 74 terminates below the upper part of the glass panel 52 (ie, the segment of the second illustrated space 74 terminates in an upper central area of the glass panel 52) and does not cross the peripheral space 56a.; A plurality of third space segments 78 extends horizontally from the segment of the second space 74 to the left side of the glass panel 52. As illustrated, the two segments of the lowermost third space 78 extend horizontally between the three spaces of lower branch 56b and pass through (eg, bisect) the coating in the area between branch spaces 56b. The uppermost third space segment 78 extends horizontally and laterally through the glass panel 52 above the three branching spaces lowermost 56b, and also extends to a non-zero angle relative to horizontal and vertical axes to the left-side segment 62 of the peripheral space 56a. Each of the segments of the third space 78 terminates in a location that is short (ie, does not cross) of the left-side segment 62. In general, the terminated ends of the branch spaces 56b and the branch space 56c define free ends of the branching spaces 56b, 56c that do not cross another recorded space. In this way, the conductive path 58 is defined between adjacent spaces 56a-56c.

As illustrated, the path 58 extends horizontally from the power supply 54 along the bottom of the glass panel: 52 between the peripheral space 56a and the segment of the first space 70 of the branch space 56c. In general, the path extends more vertically along the right side of the glass panel 52 between the peripheral space 56a and the segment of the second space 74 of the branched space 56c. In this area, the conductive path 58 is continuously widened from the point where the segment of the second space 74 is angled away from the right-side segment 66. The conductive path 58 is also wrapped around the end of the segment of the second space 74 and is extends substantially vertically between the uppermost branched space 56b and the segment of the second space 74. In addition, the path 58 is wrapped around the free end and the uppermost branching space 56b and extends substantially horizontally through the panel crystal 52 before wrapping around the free end of the segment of the uppermost third space. In addition, the path 58 moves in a zigzag between the three lowermost branch spaces 56b and the segments of the third space back to the power supply 54.

Although the illustrated conductive path 58 is shown as coming from the power supply 54 along the right and bottom side portions of the glass panel 52 and then through the section! in zigzag before returning to the power supply, it should be understood that the path 58 can be reversed. Also, it will be appreciated that the spaces can be etched into the coating in any convenient orientation and arrangement to define serpentine profiles for the conductive path 58 (e.g., a substantially vertically oriented conductive path, etc.) as high density is still provided. of watts in desired areas of the glass panel assembly 42. In addition, the conductive path 58 may be defined by substantially arranged spaces; uniformly or randomly arranged spaces or any combination of uniformly and randomly arranged spaces.

Continuing with reference to Figure 2, the illustrated driving path 58 is relatively narrow between the peripheral space 56a, the segment of the first space 70 and the lower portion of the second space segment 74 and between the three lowermost branched spaces 56b, the segments of the third space 78, the segment of the first space 70 and the lower portion of the segment of the second space 74. On the other hand, the conductive path is relatively wide along the uppermost space 56b and the uppermost portion of the segment of the second space 74, with a narrower neck or section 82 between the free end of the uppermost branching space 56b and the adjacent portion of the segment of the second space 74. In other words, the three lowermost spaces 56b, the space segments 70, 74, 78 and the section 82 disposed in the central and lower areas of the assembly of the glass panel 42 are separated in close proximity to each other. another for the heat density to be relatively high to inhibit or rapidly remove haze or condensation from these areas, while the uppermost space 56b and the space segments 74, 78 arranged in the upper area of the glass panel assembly 42 are separated relatively far from each other so that the heat density is relatively low. Since the assembly of the glass panel 42 is more susceptible to fog and condensation adjacent to the central and lower areas, concentrating the heat density in these areas will quickly remove any fogging or condensation that may be formed in comparison with conventional panel coatings. crystal.

As illustrated, the coating is applied to the entire surface of the glass panel 52 and laser deletion or other convenient techniques are used (e.g., by omitting cover sections on the glass panel 52) to remove or burn the spaces 56a-56c. The serpentine conductive path 58 has areas of high resistance (and thus a high density of watts) and areas of low resistance (and thus a low density; watts) that together define a conductivity path (or resistance) that is longer than the width or length of the glass panel 52 and that is longer than the distance separating the positive and negative conductor bars 54a, 54b. As such, less conductive bar material is needed to lead to the upper and lower part of the glass panel 52.

The serpentine nature of the conductive path 58 also allows the use of a conductive coating having an increased thickness and a low emissivity value (E <0.026), which results in a higher conductivity (i.e., low resistance) while an increase in the voltage necessary to heat the door 18 is avoided. It is known that the equation for the voltage is: For example, by applying a standard 120V power supply (VEntrada) to a conductive coating having a resistance of 3 ohms per 2.54 cm2 (Resistance) and a conductive path 58 having a general distance of approximately 787.1 cm ( D), only about 7 Watts is needed for every 2.54 cm2 to clear the condensation and fog from the door 18. The voltage is slightly higher in: the narrower sections of path 58 and slightly lower in the lower sections . By arranging the narrower sections in the area of the glass panel 52 where fogging is most likely to occur and the condensation, any fogging or condensation that forms can be removed quickly without using too much energy. Although not shown, a controller and a sensor (e.g., temperature) can be used to control when energy is applied to the conductive coating to prevent or remove fogging or condensation. Also, some or all of the doors 18 in the display 10 can be electrically connected to a common power supply so that a clearing interval in the doors 18 can be initiated simultaneously.

In the following claims several features and advantages of the invention are set forth.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A refrigerated display comprising: a box defining a product display area; a door coupled to the box to provide access to the product display area, the door includes: an assembly of the glass panel that includes a glass panel; a conductive coating for the glass panel and defining a serpentine conductive path in the glass panel; and power supply in electrical communication with the conductive coating to heat the glass panel along the serpentine conductive path. 1

2. The merchandiser according to claim 1, further characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of spaces formed in the coating and defining the serpentine conductive path between adjacent spaces, and wherein a distance between adjacent spaces in the glass panel varies throughout of the glass panel to vary the amount of heat applied to different areas of the glass panel.

3. The display according to claim 1; 2, further characterized in that the spaces extend horizontally and vertically along the glass panel.

4. The display according to claim 1; 2, further characterized in that a portion of the conductive path Serpentine has a zigzag profile adjacent to the bottom area of the panel! of Cristal.

5. The display according to claim! 2, further characterized in that the distance between two adjacent spaces located in a lower area of the glass panel is relatively narrow, and wherein the distance between two adjacent spaces located in the upper area of the glass panel is relatively wide.

6. The merchandiser according to claim 1, further characterized in that the serpentine conductive path extends a distance that is greater than a length of the glass panel.

7. The merchandiser according to claim 1, further characterized in that the assembly of the glass panel has an inner glass panel and an outer glass panel and the conductive coating is applied to one of the inner glass panel and the outer glass panel.

8. A door for a refrigerated display, the door comprises: a glass panel; a conductive coating applied to the glass panel and defining a serpentine conductive path in the glass panel.

9. The merchandiser according to claim 8, further characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of spaces formed in the coating and defining the serpentine conductive path between adjacent spaces, and wherein a distance between Adjacent spaces in the glass panel vary along the glass panel to vary the amount of heat applied to different areas of the glass panel.

10. The merchandiser according to claim 9, further characterized in that the spaces extend horizontally and vertically along the cnstal panel.

11. The merchandiser according to claim 9, further characterized in that a portion of the serpentine conductive path has a zigzag profile adjacent to the lower area of the glass panel.

12. The merchandiser according to claim 9, further characterized in that the distance between two adjacent spaces located in a lower area of the glass panel is relatively narrow, and wherein the distance between two adjacent spaces located in the upper area of the glass panel is relatively wide.

13. The merchandiser according to claim 8, further characterized in that the serpentine conductive path extends a distance that is greater than a length of the glass panel.

14. A door for a refrigerated display, the door comprises: a glass panel; a conductive coating applied to the glass panel having a first defined space in the coating along a periphery of the conductive coating, a second space connected to and extending into the first space disposed adjacent to a first side of the panel of glass to a central area of the panel of glass, and a third space connected to and extending into the first space disposed adjacent a second side of the glass panel to a central area of the glass panel.

15. The door according to claim 14, further characterized in that the second space extends from the first side of the glass panel without crossing the first space arranged adjacent to the second side of the glass panel.

16. The door according to claim 15, further characterized in that the third space extends from the second side of the glass panel without crossing the first space arranged adjacent to the first side of the glass panel to direct a current in a profile! of zigzag along the glass panel ..

17. The door according to claim 14, further characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of second spaces and a plurality of third spaces.

18. The door according to claim 14, further characterized in that at least one of the second space and the third space extends at a non-zero angle relative to a vertical axis y; a horizontal axis.

19. The door according to claim 14, further characterized in that at least one of the second space and the third space extends substantially horizontally through the glass panel.

20. The door according to the claim further characterized in that it also comprises a fourth space extending substantially vertically along the glass panel.