NL2011668C2

NL2011668C2 - Modular merchandising display device.

Info

Publication number: NL2011668C2
Application number: NL2011668A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Rolf Simon Gerardus Leemeijer
Original assignee: Fri Jado Bv
Priority date: 2013-10-24
Filing date: 2013-10-24
Publication date: 2015-04-29

Description

Title: Modular merchandising display device.

The present invention relates to a merchandising display device which has a modular mounting structure of pre-assembled modules. The pre-assembled modules of the merchandising display device are individually transported to a store. At the location of the store, the pre-assemble modules are assembled together to form the merchandising display device. The modular mounting structure provides a flexibility to a merchandiser and increases a variety of arrangements of the merchandising display device at the location of the merchandiser. For example, a desired width dimension of the display device can be obtained by selecting a number of modules of a specific width and coupling the selected modules together. Advantageously, the modular mounting structure allows a merchandiser to carry out a makeover of his store, in which the display device is resized and positioned at another location in the store. Further, the invention relates to a method of installing such a merchandising display device.

From DE10.2006.020.717 such a modular merchandising display device is known. The device comprises a display compartment including a plurality of racks for presenting cooled food, like dairy, greens and meat to customers in a store. The device is modular, such that the device can be build up at a location in a store. The device has pre-assembled main modules. The main modules are always packed in separated packages and transported in compact pieces to the location of a merchandiser. In stead of delivering a complete plug and play assembled device to a store, the device is delivered in separate parts of the pre-assembled main modules. The pre-assembled main modules are build together at the location of the store. A set of main modules which form the device include four main-modules which are formed by a bottom module, a back panel module, a cover module and an upright module. The bottom module includes an insulated bottom panel. A heat exchange unit, a group of fans, and an air guidance are mounted to the insulated bottom panel. The back panel module is an insulated back panel portion including an air guidance panel with air outlets. The cover module consists from an insulated cover with an air guidance and air outlets. The upright module is provided for fastening the plurality of racks. A drawback of this known merchandising display device is that possible arrangements of the display device are still limited. In particular, the known display device cannot be used in a back loading arrangement. Back loading means that products, like meat and dairy are loaded from a back region of the display device. In a back loading arrangement, the display device is positioned in front of a cold room, also called a cool cell.

Cooled air may be deducted from the cold room I for cooling the products on the racks. The presence of the back panel module in the known display device prohibits a back loading arrangement. The back panel prohibits a loading of products from behind and a deduction of cooled air. The back panel of the known display device cannot be removed, because this will cause a cancellation of a circulation of cooled air in the display compartment.

The general object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks and/or to provide a useable alternative. More specific, it is an object of the invention to provide a modular merchandising display device which can be used in a back loading arrangement.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a merchandising display device according to claim 1.

According to the invention a merchandising display device is provided for displaying consumer-products like dairy products and greens. The merchandising display device comprises at least one display compartment for presenting the products. The display compartment is accessible from the front region of the display device for taking out a product. The display device further comprises an circulation system for conditioning the display compartment by generating an air flow. The air circulation system comprises an air conditioning unit for cooling or heating passing air. At least one fan is provided for forcing the airflow. The display device comprises an air guidance for guiding the airflow into a circulation, such that an air curtain is formed at the front inner region of the display device. The air curtain is a downwardly extending air flow which is flowing in a substantial vertical plane at the front inner region of the display device. The air curtain delimits the display compartment from a front side.

The display device according to the invention has a modular mounting structure. The modular mounting structure comprises preassembled modules. The modular mounting structure allows a compact transport and an assembly of the display device at a location of a merchandising store out of pre-assembled modules. The modular mounting structure allows a variety of configurations and arrangements of the display device according to the invention.

The pre-assembled modules include at least one top module for enclosing the display compartment from above. The top module has a hollow structure. The hollow structure forms a passageway for a generated airflow. The hollow structure of the top module includes a top inner space for guiding the airflow from a back region to the front region of the display device. The top inner space comprises a top outlet at the front region for discharging air into the display compartment and to generate the air curtain. The top inner space further comprises a top inlet at the back region of the top module for supplying air into the top inner space.

The pre-assembled modules further include at least one bottom module for supporting the display device to a floor area. The bottom module has a hollow structure. The hollow structure forms a passageway for the generated airflow. The hollow structure includes a bottom inner space for guiding the airflow from the front region to the back region of the display device. The bottom inner space comprises a bottom inlet at the front region for deducting air from the display compartment and to generate the air curtain. The bottom inner space has a bottom outlet at the back region for discharging air away from the bottom inner space to obtain the circulation of air.

The pre-assembled modules further include at least one upright module for connecting the top module to the bottom module. The upright module comprises a framework which includes at least one strut for strutting the top module with respect to the bottom module.

The display device according to the invention provides an improvement in that the pre-assembled top module comprises further the at least one fan for forcing the airflow. The least one fan is positioned in fluid communication with the top inner space for forcing the airflow from the back region to the front region of the display device. Preferably, the at least one fan positioned at the top inlet of the back region of the top module. In an embodiment, the at least one fan is positioned in the top inner space.

The display device according to the invention may provide several advantages.

The modular structure of the merchandising display device in pre-assembled modules allows a shipment of the display device in a compact manner. The pre-assembled modules can be separately delivered at the merchandising location. At the merchandising location, the pre-assembled modules are assembled to each other to build the display device.

It is a further advantage of the modular character that a size of the display device can be tuned to a particular situation in the store. One or more sets of modules having different dimension can be used to implement a display device with a particular width or height. The modular character of the display device allows several configurations of the display device. The modular display device can be sized in correspondence with an occurring situation in a store. A great advantage of the display device according to the invention is that the display device is also usable in a back loading arrangement. The display device can be installed in front of a cold room. The back side of the display device may remain open for loading products, like dairy bottles from the cold room through the open back side into the display compartment. The at least one fan of the display device is positioned in the top module of the display device. The fans cause an air flow in the display compartment and generate an air curtain in front of the display compartment. The air flow is originates from the top module.

This allows an arrangement in which the back side is kept open during operation of the display unit, and wherein cooled air is deducted from the cool cell. The open back side of the display unit does not disturb the air circulation and the generation of the air curtain. So, the positioning of the fans in the top module assure also in a back loading arrangement a generation of the air curtain in front of the display device.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the top module further comprises the air conditioning unit. In particular, the top module comprises an evaporator for cooling a passing airflow. The evaporator is installed inside the top inner space. The evaporator is positioned in the top inner space in between the air inlet and air outlet. Advantageously, the presence of the air conditioning unit in the top inner space of the top module allows an improved temperature control. The temperature control has less fluctuations in time.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the display device comprises a drain conduit. Preferably, the top module comprises a drain conduit for discharging a liquid from the top inner space. The drain conduit is in fluid communication with the inner space of the top module for discharging condense water. The presence of the drain conduit in a top region of the display device is advantageous, because the drain conduit is less vulnerable from getting contaminated or clogged by dirt originating from products in the display compartment.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the drain conduit comprises an auxiliary drain connector for fluidly connecting a first drain conduit to a second drain conduit of a neighbouring module. Neighbouring drain conduits of neighbouring modules can be fluidly coupled to form one single common drain conduit. Advantageously, a bundle of parallel extending drain conduits is prevented.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the display device comprises multiple sets of top, upright and bottom modules. After installation the sets are arranged side-by-side. The set of modules are provided with one single air-conditioning unit in common for conditioning several air flows which circulate in said neighbouring modules. One single air-conditioning unit is used in common. In particular, the air-conditioning unit is a heat exchanger for cooling a passing airflow. The heat exchanger is preferably mountable in neighbouring top modules. After mounting, the heat exchanger extends along a plurality of top modules. For example, three top modules may be arranged side-by-side at a location in a store about a width of 2m, wherein only one single heat exchanger is installed in said three modules, wherein the one single heat exchanger extends about said 2 m. Advantageously, installing a single air-conditioning unit for multiple sets of modules is cost reducing and reduces a necessary installation time for installing the display device at the location in a store.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the display device comprises after installation multiple side-by-side sets of top, upright and bottom modules and one single connector box in common for electrically connecting the multiple sets. The connector box may be used to electrical connect electrical components like sensors, fans, lighting etc. to a control unit. Preferably, the electrical components of the display device are provided with an electrical socket to plug the electrical components to the connector box.

The plurality of electrical sockets allow a quick assembly of the pre-assembled modules. The connector box may be electrically connected to one single control unit for controlling the display device which is built up by a plurality of side-by-side positioned sets of modules. Advantageously, one single control unit can be used to control side-by-side positioned display devices along a wall of a store.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the display compartment is closable by a display door. In particular, the display door is a glass door. At the front region, the display device comprises at least one display door. The display compartment is accessible by the display door. The display door contributes to the temperature control within the display compartment. The presence of the display door allows a generation of a single air curtain even in applications like displaying meat which require high cooling. The display door prevents a disturbance of the air curtain which is generated in the front region of the display compartment and flowing from the top module to the bottom module.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the top module is box-shaped. The box-shaped top module comprises a plurality of panels. The box-shaped top module comprises a ceiling panel which forms in a assembled condition of the display device a ceiling of the display compartment. The ceiling panel encloses the top inner space from underneath. The box-shaped top module further comprises a front panel which is positioned in a front region of the display device. Further, the box-shaped top module comprises a roof panel which is spaced from and positioned substantially in parallel with the ceiling panel and encloses the top inner space of the top module from above. The top inner space of the top module has a top inlet at the back region to let the air flow enter the top inner space and a top outlet at the front region to let the air flow leave the inner space.

Preferably, the roof panel is releasable from the ceiling panel for installing the air conditioning unit inside the top inner space. The roof panel may be mechanically connectable by e.g. screws or quick fasteners to the ceiling panel to allow an easy installation of the air-conditioning unit. Mechanically connecting means that the connection is releasable without damage. The top module can be re-assembled after releasing the roof panel. Advantageously, the roof panel is releasable which allows a quick installation of an air-conditioning unit at the location of the store. Furthermore, at the location in the store, it may be decided to install one single air-conditioning unit for a plurality of side-by-side positioned top modules instead of one individual air-conditioning unit for each individual top module.

Preferably, the roof panel and front panel are integrated into a one piece item. The roof and front panel may be formed by a folded plate. The front panel may be provided with a support member, in particular a support rail, for supporting an accessory like a plate shaped commercial panel. Preferably, the support rail is integrated in the front panel by forming the support member by folding an edge region of the front panel.

Preferably, the top module further comprises an insulating member. The insulating member may be plate shaped and mounted to the roof and/or ceiling panel. Preferably, the insulating member is positioned inside the top inner space.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the bottom module is box-shaped. The bottom module comprises a floor panel which forms a floor of the display compartment. Preferably, the floor panel comprises an open, in particular a perforated, front region. The perforated front region provides an air inlet for letting air flowing into the bottom inner space of the bottom module. The bottom module further comprises a bottom panel which is spaced apart from the floor panel. The respective floor and bottom panel are delivered in a pre-assembled condition, to the location of the store. The floor and bottom panel enclose the bottom inner space. At the back region, the bottom inner space is at least partially open which provides a bottom outlet for discharging air. Preferably, the bottom inner space is thermally insulated.

In an embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the upright module comprises an air guidance for guiding the airflow from a lower region to an upper region of the display device. A bottom end of the air guidance of the upright module is in fluid communication connectable to the bottom outlet of the bottom module. The top end of the air guidance of the upright module is in fluid communication connectable to the top inlet of the top module. The air guidance may be formed by a tubular member, e.g. an elongated folded around plate. Preferably, the air guidance of the upright module is formed by a double wall. The double wall may include a first and second back panel, wherein the first back panel is spaced apart from the second back panel. A space in between the first and second back panel serves as the air guidance for guiding the airflow from the bottom module to the top module. Preferably, the back panel is a closed panel, which means that no through flows to the display compartment are provided in the panel. The panel has no apertures, like holes or grooves for discharging an air flow. The absence of through flows in the back panel is advantageous, because this makes the air guidance less vulnerable to contamination. Advantageously, a cleaning operation of the display compartment can be carried out more efficient. No cleaning liquid can enter into the air guidance of the upright module.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the upright module comprises a left upright sub-module and a right upright sub-module. The left and right upright modules are pillar-shaped. The left and right upright sub-module are l-shaped. The upright module comprises a pair of pillar-shaped sub-modules. By assembling the upright module to the top and bottom module, a C-shaped framework may be created. In an assembled condition, the display device has a C-shaped framework including C-legs which are initially part of the preassembled top and bottom module. The C-shape framework has a C-stander which is formed by the upright module. The C-legs are mechanically connected to the C-stander. During assembly in a store, a back panel may be positioned in between the left and right upright modules. Preferably, the back panel is a double wall. The back panel may serve to close the display compartment from the back side. In some situations, e.g. in a back loading arrangement, it may be preferred and it is according to the invention technically possible to leave the back panel out of the upright module.

Further, in an embodiment according to the invention, the upright module may comprise a rack support for mounting a plurality of racks.

Further, in an embodiment according to invention, the upright module may comprises a cable guidance which extends along the strut.

Further, the invention relates to a method for installing a merchandising display device at a location in a store. The method comprises a step of providing a merchandising display device according to the invention. At the location of a store, a set of pre-assembled modules is delivered. The pre-assembled modules include at least one top, bottom and upright module. In a step of the method, the least one upright module is assembled in connection with the at least one bottom module. In a step of the method, the at least one upright module is assembled in connection with the at least one top module. In a step of the method, an air conditioning unit, in particular an heat exchanger, also called an evaporator, is connected in fluid communication with an air guidance of the air circulation system for obtaining a heat exchange in between passing air and a heat exchange fluid. In a step of the method, at least one connector box is electrically connected with the assembled modules. In particular, the method comprises a step of plugging sockets of electrical components into the connector box. By assembling the pre-assembled modules, a modular mounting structure of the display unit is assembled. After assembly of the pre-assembled modules, the display device is in the assembled condition.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises a step of positioning the air conditioning unit in an air conditioned space, in particular a cold room so called a cool cell. The method further comprises a step of positioning the display device in front of the air conditioned space, such that in operation an air conditioned air flow is deducted from the air conditioned space to a display compartment of the display device. Alternatively, it is also possible to supply an air conditioned airflow from the display compartment of the display device to the air conditioning space. Advantageously, herewith a back loading arrangement of the display device is achieved.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises a step of assembling a back panel to the upright module for closing the backside of the display device. Preferably, the back panel is a double wall. Herewith a front loading arrangement is achieved, in which the products are loaded from a front region of the display device into the display compartment.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises a step of positioning the air conditioning unit in at least one top inner space of the at least one top module. The positioning of the air conditioning unit in the top inner space may provide several advantages. In comparison with a placement of the air conditioning unit in a lower region of the display device, an advantage is that the air condition is less vulnerable to contamination. Additionally, the air conditioning unit can be reached easily by a service operator in case of an interference. The consumer-products on the racks may remain in the display compartment during servicing.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises a step of assembling at least two sets of a top, bottom and upright module and positioning the at least two sets side-by-side. The method further comprises a step of positioning one single air conditioning unit in the at least two top inner spaces of the side-by-side positioned top modules, such that said single air conditioning unit extends across neighbouring inner spaces and is usable in common for conditioning an air flow through the side-by-side positioned inner spaces. Advantageously, just a single or a few air conditioning units can be used to operate the display device.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises a step of electrically connecting one single connector box for the at least two sets of side-by-side modules. In stead of several connector boxes for each individual set of modules, just one or a few connector boxes can be used to install the display device.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises a step of connecting a drain conduit of a module in fluid communication to a drain conduit of a neighbouring module. A common drain conduit may be fluidly connected to the drain conduit, of individual top modules to enable a central drain.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. The drawings show a practical embodiment according to the invention, which may not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, in which:

Fig. 1A shows a side view of an embodiment of a display device according to the invention;

Fig. 1B shows a front view of the display device as shown in Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 2A shows an exploded perspective view of a display device according to the invention;

Fig. 2B shows the display device as shown in Fig. 2A in a partly assembled condition; Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a display device according to the invention including pre-assembled modules; and

Fig. 4 shows in a perspective view two side-by-side arranged sets of modules including a single air conditioning unit in common.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the display device is denoted overall by reference numeral 1. Identical reference signs are used in the drawings to indicate identical or functionally similar components. To facilitate comprehension of the description and of the claims the words vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, cross-sectional are to be interpreted with reference to the gravity and are used in a non-limiting way.

Fig. 1A shows a side view of the display device 1. The display device is arranged to cool and display customer products like dairy packages and meat packages in a retail-store. The display device 1 has dimensions which correspond to a wall dimension in a store. The display device 1 has a height of about 2m and a depth of about 1m. The display device has a modular mounting structure which is build up by assembling a pre-assembled bottom module 20, upright module 10 and top module 30. The assembled bottom, upright and top module form a set of modules. A set of modules may have a width of e.g. 500, 625,1000 or 1250mm. A plurality of sets can be assembled and positioned side-by-side to obtain the mounting structure of the display device. Due to the available variety of width dimensions, a merchandiser is able to assemble a desired total width of the display device for each occurring store arrangement.

Each set of assembled modules enclose a display compartment DC inside the display device. The display compartment DC may be equipped with a plurality of racks to dispose consumer products.

The bottom module 20 is arranged for supporting the display device to a floor area. The bottom module 20 is shown in further detail in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. The bottom module 20 is shown in a pre-assembled condition in Fig. 3. The bottom module 20 has at least one supporting member 21 which is adjustable to level the display device in a vertical and horizontal orientation. The at least one supporting member is enclosed by an insulation body 211. The bottom module 20 comprises a bottom inner space BIS which is formed by a hollow structure. The bottom inner space BIS is formed by a box-shaped body 22. The bottom inner space BIS forms an air guidance for guiding an air flow in a direction from a front region F of the display device to a back region B of the display device. In a front region of the bottom module, the box-shaped body 22 is open. The box-shaped body 22 is formed by panels. The box-shaped body 22 comprises a bottom panel 221, a floor panel 222 and a bumper 223.

The bottom panel 221 is a folded metal plate. The bottom panel 221 has at its side regions at least one upstanding panel section. The upstanding panel sections include two opposite side panel sections which form respectively a left and right upstanding panel section 221L, 221R. The opposite side panel sections 221 L, 221 include inwardly directed panel sections 221L’, 221R’ which provide further rigidity to the bottom module. The upstanding side panel sections 221L, 221R and inwardly directed panel sections 221L’, 221R’ together form a rigid lightweight framework of the bottom module. The side panel sections 221L, 221R comprise at a back region B a mechanical connection point 2210. The mechanical connection point 2210 is arranged for mechanically connecting the upright module 10. By connecting the bottom module 20 to the upright module 10 at the mechanical connection point 2210 a L-shaped framework is provided. The upright module 10 includes a post of the framework and the bottom module 20 includes a cantilever of the framework. The post of the upright module 10 is fully incorporated in the upright module 10 and the cantilever of the framework is fully incorporated in the bottom module 20. The post of the upright module 10 is mechanically connected, for example by bolts, to the cantilever of the bottom module 20. The mechanical connection is releasable, such that the upright module 10 can be loosened from the bottom module 20 to transport the modules or to provide another arrangement of the display device at the store. The structure of the L-shaped framework including a split at the mechanical connection point 2210 provides a compact configuration of the upright and bottom module 10,20.

The bottom panel 221 has a front upstanding panel section 221F at the front region and a back upstanding panel section 221B at the back region. The floor panel 222 fits on top of the bottom panel 221. The floor panel 222 is supported by the inwardly directed panel sections 221L’, 221R’. The floor panel 222 rests on the inwardly directed panel sections.

The floor panel 222 is a preferably a metal plate. A front region of the floor panel 222 is open, in particular perforated, to provide a fluid communication of the display compartment DC with the hollow structure BIS of the bottom module. The floor panel 222 has perforations which form an air inlet for conducting an air flow into the box-shaped body 22.

The bumper 223 is mounted to a front side of the assembled floor and bottom panel. The bumper 223 is arranged to protect the bottom module 20 for damages caused by collisions.

In operation, the bottom inner space BIS of the bottom module is inherently vulnerable to contaminations falling from products in the display compartment. Also cleaning liquids may affect the hollow structure of the bottom module. Cleaning liquids may enter the hollow structure via the air inlet. As illustrated in this embodiment, the bottom module may advantageously remain free from electrical components which reduces a risk on interferences of the display device 1 after cleaning. Additionally, the bottom module 20 is advantageously free from an evaporator which evaporator would in particular be vulnerable to contaminations and due to its large evaporator surface would be hard to clean.

The upright module 10 is connected with the bottom module 20. As shown in Fig. 1B, the upright module 10 comprises a left and right submodule 11, 12. The left and right upright submodule 11 and 12 are pillar-shaped which allows a compact transport. The submodule 11,12 comprises a framework including a strut 16 for supporting the top module 30. Here, the strut 16 is provided with a rack rail 15 for connecting a plurality of racks. After an assembly of the bottom and upright module 10, 20, the modules together form the L-shape structure. The submodule 11,12 has a lower end which is mechanically connected at a back region of the bottom module 20. The submodule 11,12 has a top end which is in a same manner mechanically connected at a back region of the top module 30.

As shown in further detail in Fig. 2A, the upright module 10 may comprise a back panel 13. The back panel 13 is connectable to the left and right upright submodules 11,12. The back panel 13 may be provided to connect the submodules 11, 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the pre-assembled upright module 10 comprises a back panel 13 which is connected with the submodules 11, 12. The back panel 13 encloses the display compartment DC from behind. Here, the back panel 13 is a double wall and comprises a first back panel 131 and a second back panel 132. Preferably, the second back panel 132 is insulated. The second back panel 132 is spaced apart from the first back panel and forms a rear inner space RIS. The rear inner space RIS of the hollow double wall provides an air guidance for guiding air from the bottom module 20 to the top module 30.

The top module 30 is mechanically connected to the upright module 10. The top module 30 comprises a top framework including a left and right beam 31,32 for providing rigidity to the top module. Here, the left and right beam are out of folded plate which results in a lightweight structure. The left and right beam 31, 32 of the top module comprise a back end which include a mechanical connection point for mechanically connecting the top module 30 to the upright module 10. After assembling the top module 30 to the upright module 10 and bottom module 20, the display device comprises a C-shaped framework. The C-legs are incorporated in the top and bottom module. The upstanding post of the C-shaped framework is incorporated in the upright module 10. Herewith, the C-shaped framework of the display device include two splits at the intersection points of the C-legs with the C-post. The mechanical connection points at the two splits allow a compact configuration of the preassembled modules. The C-shaped framework of the display device is further reinforced by a headboard 90. At a side region, the headboard 90 is connectable to a set of modules. A first set of modules is at a side connectable to a neighbouring second set of modules to obtain a desired size of the display device 1. The display device 1 is provided with a left and right headboard 91, 92 at the side regions. The headboards 91, 92 are connected to the sides of the display device. The headboards 91, 92 provide rigidity to the display device.

The top module 30 comprises a ceiling panel 33 for forming a ceiling of the display compartment. The ceiling panel 33 encloses the display compartment DC from above. The ceiling panel 33 is mounted to the underside of the left and right beam 31,32. The top module 30 further comprises a mounting panel 341. The mounting panel 341 is arranged for mounting components of an air circulation system. The mounting panel 341 is mounted to the upperside of the left and right beam 31,32. At least one fan 34 of the air circulation system for generating an air flow is mounted to the air conditioning panel 341. Here, the top module comprises two fans.

The top module further comprises a roof panel 38 and a front panel 39. Here, the roof and front panel 38,39 are incorporated into a one piece item and manufactured by folding a metal plate. The ceiling panel 33 and the roof panel 38 are spaced apart from each other and define a top inner space TIS. The roof and front panel 38, 39 are releasable mounted to the top framework of the top module which allows an easy access to the top inner space TIS for servicing components of the air circulation system. As shown in Fig. 3, the top module 30 comprises in particular a first pre-assembled top submodule 30a which comprises the ceiling panel 33 and a second pre-assembled top submodule 30b which comprises the roof panel 38. The top submodule 30a is mechanically connectable to the upright module 10. The top submodule 30b is mechanically connectable to the top submodule 30a. The roof and front panel are insulated and provided with an insulation body 381, 391. Advantageously, the insulation bodies of the top module, the upright module and the bottom module provide an enclosing insulation of the display compartment.

The front panel 39 includes a folded panel section at a bottom region. The folded panel section serves as a support member 391 for supporting an accessory like a display board. The support member is gutter shaped. Advantageously, the support member is incorporated in the front panel 39 which simplifies the configuration of the top module.

The fan 34 propels the air flow from a back region of the top module through the top inner space TIS to a front region of the top module. At the front region, the top module comprises a top outlet TO for discharging the airflow into the display compartment DC.

As shown in Fig. 1 and 4, the top module 30 further comprises an evaporator 35 which is in the shown embodiment arranged for cooling a passing air flow. The evaporator 35 is situated inside the top inner space TIS. The evaporator is a heat exchange unit. A leakage bin 342 is connected to the underside of the mounting panel 341 to collect condense water from the evaporator 35. A drain conduit is connected to the leakage bin for discharging collected water. The drain conduit extends from the leakage bin 342 to the backside of the top module 30. At the backside of the top module 30, a common drain conduit may be provided to connect a plurality of drain conduits of a plurality of side-by-side positioned top modules. A T-shaped auxiliary connector may be used to connect the drain conduit 343 to the common drain conduit.

In operation, the airflow flows from top outlet of the top module to the bottom inlet of the bottom module and generates an air curtain which encloses the display compartment from the front. The air curtain is indicated by a dashed-line. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the display compartment DC is preferably further enclosed by a display door 80 which may be connected to the front side of the display device.

Fig. 3 shows in an exploded perspective view, an assembly method of the display device 1 according to the invention. The display device comprises three pre-assembled modules 10,20,30.

In a step of the method, the pre-assembled bottom module 20 is assembled to the upright module 10. The L-shaped framework as elucidated above is obtained. The upright module 10 may comprise the two stand alone upright submodules 11, 12. Here, the upright submodules 11, 12 are connected with the double wall 13. The double wall 13 is preferably connected to be submodules 11, 12 at the location of store. The panels 131, 132 are preferably transported separate from the pillar-shaped submodules 11, 12.

In a step of the methods, the top module 30 is assembled to the upright module 10. By assembling the three modules 10,20,30, the C-shaped framework is obtained. The assembly of the top module 30 may comprise a step of assembling the top submodule 30a to the upright module 10 and a step of assembling the top submodule 30b to the top submodule 30a.

After an assembly of the three modules 10, 20, 30 which form a set of modules, two headboards 91 and 92 are fastened to the side faces of the set.

After the assembly of the three modules 10, 20, 13, the assembly of the display device may be completed by a step of assembling at least one display door 80 to the front side of the set of modules. The assembly of the display door 80 increases in operation of the display device the stability of an air curtain at the front of the display compartment DC.

Fig. 4 shows in an exploded perspective view an assembly of two sets of modules 1.1, 1.2 in a side-by-side arrangement. A first set of modules 1.1 is positioned beside a second set of modules 1.2. Fig. 4 illustrates a great advantage of the modular mounting structure in that the air conditioning unit 35 extends along multiple side-by-side arranged sets of modules. One single air conditioning unit 35 is arranged to condition several airflows in multiple side-by-side arranged modules. The air conditioning unit 35 is commonly used in multiple sets. The common air conditioning unit 35 allows a quick installation of the display device 1 and simplifies the air temperature control. The air conditioning unit 35 is accessible for servicing by removing the releasable top submodule 30b.

It is noted that the term “comprising” (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including”, and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of”.

Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, from reading this description those of skilled in the art may appreciate a change or modification that may be possible from a technical point of view but which do not depart from the scope of the invention as described above and claimed hereafter. Features and aspects described for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with features and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Modifications may be made to adapt a particular configuration, situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. It will be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.

Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Further, it is remarked that any feature of the method for assembly and the modular display device according to the invention which is described in the embodiments and/or mentioned in the dependent claims is in itself considered patentable without any dependency to another presented feature. In particular, any measure presented in a dependent claim is also considered patentable without dependency of the independent claim. In particular, the lightweight configuration of the C-shaped framework provided by the pre-assembled modules mounted at the mechanical connection points as described above and illustrated in the drawings is considered patentable as such.

Thus, the invention provides a merchandising display device which can be assembled in a variety of configurations and arrangements by assembling a set of preassembled modules. The display device according to the invention has an improved design of the air circulation system, such that the display device is applicable in even more arrangements. The modular display device according to the invention can even be operational in a back loading arrangement.

Claims

A merchandising display device (1) for displaying consumer products, the display device (1) comprising - at least one display compartment (DC) for presenting the products, the display compartment being accessible from a front area (F) of the display device for taking out a product, and - an air circulation system for conditioning the tonal compartment by generating an air flow, wherein the air circulation system comprises an air conditioning unit (35) for cooling or heating passing air, at least one fan (34) for forcing the air flow, and comprising an air guide (TIS, BIS, RIS) for guiding the air flow in a circulation, such that an air curtain is generated in a front area (F) of the display device, characterized in that the display device (1) further comprising: a modular mounting structure for forming the display compartment (DC) comprising pre-mounted the modules comprising: o at least one top module (30) for enclosing the tone compartment (DC) from above, the top module (30) having a hollow structure and having a top interior space (TIS) for guiding the air flow from a rear area (B) to the front area (F) of the display device, the top interior space (TIS) having a top outlet (TO) in the front area (F) for outputting air to the display compartment (DC) around the air curtain and generate a top inlet (T1) in the rear area (B) of the top module (30) for supplying air to the top interior space (TIS); o at least one bottom module (20) for supporting the display device (1) on a floor area, the bottom module having a hollow structure and including a bottom inner space (BIS) for guiding the air flow from the front (F) to the rear area (B) of the display device, wherein the bottom interior space (BIS) includes a bottom inlet (B1) in the front area for extracting air from the display compartment (DC) to create the air curtain and a bottom outlet (BO) in the rear area of the bottom module for discharging air from the lower interior space (BIS); and o at least one upright module (10) for connecting the top module (30) to the bottom module (20), the upright module (10) comprising a frame comprising at least one strut (16) for propping up the top module ( 30) relative to the bottom module (20); wherein the top module (30) further comprises at least one fan (34) for forcing the air flow, wherein the at least one fan (34) is positioned in flow communication with the top inner space (TIS) for forcing the air flow into a direction from the rear area (B) to the front area (F) of the display device.

The merchandising display device (1) of claim 1, wherein the top module comprises a drain line (343) for draining a liquid from the top interior space.

A merchandising display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display device comprises a drain line (343) which comprises an auxiliary drain connection for connecting a drain line of a neighboring top module in a flow connection.

Merchandising display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after installation the display device comprises several side-by-side combinations of top, upright and bottom modules and a single common air conditioning unit (35), in particular a single heat exchanger, for conditioning various air flows generated by the at least one fan (34) circulating in said side-by-side combinations.

A merchandising display device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device comprises a plurality of combinations of top, upright and bottom modules and has a single common connection box for electronically connecting the plurality of combinations.

Merchandising display device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a front area of the display compartment is accessible via a display door, in particular a glass door (80).

A merchandising display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the top module comprises a ceiling panel (33) which forms a ceiling of the display compartment, a top front panel (39) positioned in a front area of the display device, and a roof panel (38). ) which is spaced apart and substantially parallel to the ceiling panel (33), the roof, front and ceiling panels respectively enclosing the top interior space (TIS) of the top module, the roof panel (38) being releasably connectable is on the ceiling panel (33).

A merchandising display device according to claim 7, wherein the top front panel (39) comprises an integrated support member (391), in particular a support rule, for supporting an accessory such as a display board.

A merchandising display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upright module (10) comprises an air guide (RIS) for guiding the air flow from a lower area to an upper area of the display device.

A merchandising display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upright module comprises a pair of pillar-shaped sub-modules (11, 12).

A merchandising display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device in a assembled state has a C-shaped frame comprising a frame part (31, 32) forming an upper C-leg that is incorporated in the top module (30) and that includes a frame member that forms a lower C-leg (221L, 221R) that is incorporated into the bottom module (20) and a frame member that forms a C-post (11, 12) that is incorporated into the upright module (10).

A method for installing a merchandising display device (1) at a location in a store comprising the steps of: • providing a merchandising display device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least a pre-mounted top, bottom and upright module (10, 20, 30); • assembling the at least one upright module (10) in connection with the at least one bottom module (20); • assembling the at least one upright module (10) in connection with the at least one top module (30); • connecting an air conditioning unit (35) to an air duct (TIS) of the air circulation system in flow connection; • electrically connecting at least one connection box with the assembled modules (10, 20, 30).

A method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises a step of positioning the air conditioning unit (35) in an air conditioned room, in particular a cooling cell, and wherein the method comprises a step of positioning the display device (1) ) comprises air-conditioned room such that in operation a conditioned air flow can be conducted from the air-conditioned room to a display compartment (DC) of the display device or vice versa.

The method of claim 12, wherein the method comprises a step of mounting a rear panel (13) against the upright module to close the rear of the display device.

The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the method comprises a step of positioning the air conditioning unit (35) in at least one top interior space (TIS) of the at least one top module (30).

A method according to any of claims 12-15, wherein the method comprises a step of assembling at least two combinations (1.1, 1.2) of a top, bottom and upright module and positioning the at least two combinations next to each other and wherein the method further comprises a step of positioning a single air conditioning unit (35) in the at least two top interior spaces of the adjacent top modules such that said single air conditioning unit extends over adjacent interior spaces (TIS) and is jointly usable for conditioning an air flow through the adjacent interior spaces (TIS).

The method of any one of claims 12-16, wherein the method comprises a step of electrically connecting a single terminal box to at least two combinations of adjacent modules (1.1, 1.2).

A method according to any of claims 12-17, wherein the method comprises a step of connecting a drain line (343) of a module with a drain line of a neighboring module in flow connection.