US20060207277A1 - Modular refrigeration cassette - Google Patents
Modular refrigeration cassette Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060207277A1 US20060207277A1 US11/358,833 US35883306A US2006207277A1 US 20060207277 A1 US20060207277 A1 US 20060207277A1 US 35883306 A US35883306 A US 35883306A US 2006207277 A1 US2006207277 A1 US 2006207277A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- evaporator
- condenser
- refrigeration
- section
- refrigerated
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 99
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 59
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 235000020965 cold beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
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- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013611 frozen food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
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- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
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- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000078 germane Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B19/00—Machines, plants or systems, using evaporation of a refrigerant but without recovery of the vapour
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
- A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
- A47F3/0408—Cases or cabinets of the closed type with forced air circulation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
- A47F3/0482—Details common to both closed and open types
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
- F25D19/02—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors plug-in type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
- F25D21/14—Collecting or removing condensed and defrost water; Drip trays
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/065—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return
- F25D2317/0651—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return through the bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
- F25D2317/0661—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0026—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow
- F25D2323/00264—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow through the front bottom part
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0027—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air
- F25D2323/00271—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air from the back bottom
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
- F25D2331/803—Bottles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to refrigerated merchandisers in general and, more particularly, to a refrigerated merchandiser including a refrigeration unit stowed in a compartment separate from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet.
- Refrigerated merchandisers have a refrigeration system associated therewith for providing the cooled environment within a refrigerated interior product space defined within the cabinet of the refrigerated merchandiser.
- the refrigeration systems of such refrigerated merchandisers commonly employ a conventional refrigeration cycle and include an evaporator and an evaporator fan operatively associated with the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet, as well as a condenser, a condenser fan, and compressor.
- the compressor, condenser and condenser fan are housed in an equipment compartment separate from and insulated from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet.
- Refrigerant lines connect the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator in a conventional manner to form a closed circuit.
- a refrigerant is circulated by the compressor through the condenser and the evaporator before returning to the compressor.
- Air within the insulated refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet is circulated by the evaporator fan through the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant so as to cool the air.
- the evaporator and evaporator fan may be disposed within the cooled interior of the refrigerated cabinet, for example in the upper region thereof.
- the evaporator and evaporator fan may also be housed in the equipment compartment in a section of the equipment compartment insulated from the compressor, condenser and condenser fan.
- refrigerated merchandisers of this type may be used as product display cabinets for refrigerated or frozen foods, as vending machines, and as cold beverage merchandisers in supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail establishments.
- cold beverages such as soft drinks, beer, wine coolers, etc. are commonly displayed in refrigerated merchandisers for self-service purchase by customers.
- beverage merchandisers of this type include an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerated interior product display space having one or more glass doors that provide access to that product display space.
- the beverage product typically in cans or bottles, single or in six-packs, is stored on shelves within the refrigerated display space of the cabinet.
- the customer opens one of the doors and reaches into the refrigerated cabinet to retrieve the desired product from the shelf.
- Refrigerated merchandisers equipped with refrigeration units disposed beneath the refrigerated cabinet are disclosed, for example, by Rudick et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,827; 5,402,654; 5,417,079; and 5,417,081.
- the refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit flows up from the equipment compartment through a flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet, along the top wall of the cabinet toward the front of the cabinet and down the front of the cabinet to the floor of the product display zone.
- Refrigerated air may also enter the product display zone from the rear flow duct through a plurality of openings in the panel separating the flow duct from the product display zone.
- the refrigerated air from the product display zone returns to the equipment compartment, entering thereto upstream of the evaporator refrigeration unit through an air return inlet opening through the cabinet floor.
- the refrigeration unit disclosed therein includes an evaporator, condenser and compressor collectively arranged on a base supported on a plurality of skids affixed to the bottom of the base.
- the compressor and condenser are positioned on the front portion of the base, and are separated from the evaporator by an insulated vertical partition disposed therebetween.
- the evaporator is disposed atop an evaporator pan which collects water condensed from the air passing through the evaporator. The collected water drains out of the evaporator pan into a shallow condenser pan located on the floor of the base in the exhaust path of the condenser fan whereby hot air exhausting from the condenser passes over the condenser pan and evaporates the water collected therein.
- the refrigeration cassette should also accommodate and facilitate the use of modular refrigeration unit components.
- a modular refrigeration cassette is provided for a refrigerated merchandiser having a cabinet having a refrigerated interior space for housing a product in a refrigerated environment intended for selection by consumers.
- the refrigeration cassette is disposed in operative association with the interior space in an equipment compartment separated from the refrigerated interior space by a common wall.
- the common wall has a first opening therein providing air flow communication between the refrigerated interior space and the equipment compartment.
- the refrigeration cassette includes a generally box-like structure defining an interior space having a first section in air flow communication with said first opening, and a second section isolated from said first section and in fluid flow communication with the environment exterior of the cabinet. In an embodiment.
- the box-like structure includes a front plate, a back plate, a pair of side plates and a base plate collectively defining an interior space, and a division wall extending between the respective side plates divide the interior space within said box-like structure into the respective first and second sections.
- An evaporator module disposed within the first section.
- a condenser module and a compressor are disposed within the second section. The compressor is connected in refrigerant flow communication with the evaporator module and the condenser module for circulating refrigeration through the evaporator module and the condenser module.
- the box-like structure is selectively insertable in to and out of the equipment compartment.
- the evaporator module may include a housing, an evaporator coil disposed within the housing, and an evaporator fan/motor assembly operatively associated with the evaporator coil and mounted to the housing.
- the condenser module may include a condenser coil and a condenser fan/motor assembly operatively associated with the condenser coil.
- a liner may be disposed within the first section of the interior space of the refrigeration cassette, the liner including a bowl-like depression adapted to receive the evaporator module.
- the liner may have contoured surfaces to reduce airflow losses and may be made of plastic or other material having a relatively high chemical resistance.
- FIG. 1 is a sectioned side elevation view of a refrigerated merchandiser equipped with a modular refrigeration cassette
- FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view taken along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular refrigeration cassette in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a sectioned side elevation view of the modular refrigeration cassette depicted in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view taken along section 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a liner for the modular refrigeration cassette depicted in FIG. 3 .
- a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser designated generally by the reference numeral 10 , including an interior product display space 100 for holding product 110 to be purchased, such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages.
- product 110 such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages.
- refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser for displaying perishable and frozen comestibles and beverages, including for example meats, poultry, fish, diary products, prepackaged frozen foods, and other products that need to be maintained in a controlled environment.
- the beverage merchandiser 10 includes a cabinet 20 housing a refrigerated interior product display space 100 and a separate equipment compartment 55 disposed separate from, and may be heat transfer insulated from, the refrigerated interior product display space 100 .
- the cabinet 20 has a top wall 22 and a surrounding side wall structure including a rear wall 34 , a front wall 32 , and opposed generally vertically extending side walls 36 and 38 .
- the cabinet also includes a lower wall 24 disposed between the refrigerated interior product display space 100 located thereabove and the equipment compartment 55 located there beneath.
- the interior product display space 100 may be accessed from exteriorly of the cabinet 20 through an access opening, which in the depicted embodiment is an open area at the front of the cabinet.
- This open area may be open to the environment or may be covered, as in the depicted embodiment, by at least one door 40 mounted to the cabinet 20 .
- the door 40 extends across the open area and has a transparent viewing area, for example a glass panel, through which at least a portion of the interior product display space 100 can be viewed.
- the door 40 is selectively positionable between a closed position covering the open area and an open position in which consumers may access the interior product display space 100 to remove a product for purchase.
- the embodiment of the display merchandiser 10 depicted in the drawing has only one door 40 , it is to be understood that the display merchandiser may have one, two, three or more doors that collectively cover the open area when in the closed position.
- the door or doors 40 may be mounted to the cabinet 20 in a conventional manner, for example on hinges for pivotal movement or on a track for sliding movement between an open and closed position.
- the top wall 22 , the lower wall 24 , rear wall 34 and the side walls 36 and 38 are heat transfer insulated for insulating the refrigerated interior product display space 100 , from the environment exterior of the interior product display space 100 .
- a plurality of shelves 112 are disposed within the interior product display space 100 .
- the shelves 112 are adapted as appropriate to support the particular product being displayed for purchase.
- the specific number, arrangement and configuration of the shelves 112 is not germane to the invention and is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select for the particular product being displayed.
- a rear panel 134 is provided spaced inwardly of the rear side wall 34 to establish, in part, a refrigerated air supply duct 104 between the rear side wall 34 and a rear panel 134 .
- the interior product display space 100 within the refrigerated interior of the display cabinet 20 is bounded by the top wall 22 , the lower wall 24 , the side walls 36 , 38 , and in part by each of the rear wall 34 and the rear panel 134 .
- refrigerated air enters into the product display space 100 to cool product displayed therein in part through an air outlet 109 at the upper end of the air supply duct 104 and in part through a plurality of openings 135 provided in the rear panel 134 .
- Refrigerated air exits the product display space 100 through an opening 102 provided in the lower wall 24 .
- the equipment compartment 55 is located within the cabinet 20 beneath the lower wall 24 and is separated by the lower wall 24 from the refrigerated interior product display space 100 of the cabinet 20 .
- the lower wall 24 forms a common wall separating the refrigerated interior space and the equipment compartment.
- the lower wall has a top surface that forms the floor or deck of the interior product display space and has an under surface that faces the refrigeration unit cassette 50 of the refrigeration unit 15 housed within the equipment compartment.
- the refrigeration unit 15 includes an evaporator module 160 , including an evaporator coil 60 disposed within a housing 61 and at least one associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 , a condenser module 170 including a condenser coil 70 and at least one associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 , and a compressor 74 .
- the evaporator coil 60 and its associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 are housed within a first section 53 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 which is separated by division wall 68 from a second section 57 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 wherein the condenser 70 , its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 and the compressor 74 are housed.
- the first section 53 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 is sized to accommodate a range of evaporator modules 160 having different capacities and the second section 57 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 is sized to accommodate a range of condenser modules 170 of different capacities, thereby ensuring that a given cassette design may be used over a relatively wide range of refrigeration capacities.
- the refrigeration cassette 50 comprises a generally rectangular box-like structure defining an interior space having a top flange 52 , a base plate 54 , and a surrounding wall structure 56 extending generally vertically between the top flange 52 and the base plate 54 formed of a front plate 56 A, a back plate 56 B, and opposed side plates 56 C.
- the division wall 68 extends between the opposed side plates 56 C from an upper, forward region of the cassette 50 to the back plate 56 B to separate the interior of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 into the aforementioned first section 53 and second section 57 .
- the condenser coil 70 , its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 , and the compressor 74 are mounted to the base plate 54 which forms the floor of the cassette refrigeration unit 50 .
- the condenser coil 70 and its associated condenser fan/motor assembly may be mounted to a common support plate, which is adapted to be mounted to the base plate 54 , thereby forming the condenser module 170 .
- the base plate 54 is slidably mounted within the compartment 55 to facilitate disposition of the cassette 50 into and out of the compartment 55 in order to facilitate servicing of the refrigeration equipment therein, including removal and replacement of the evaporator module 160 and the condenser module 170 as distinct units.
- a condensate tray 76 may be provided to collect condensate dripping from the evaporator coil 60 .
- the condensate tray 76 serves as a condensate evaporation tray wherein condensate collecting therein is evaporated by hot air exhausted from the condenser as the hot air passes over the condensate tray 76 .
- the evaporator coil 60 , the condenser coil 70 and the compressor 74 are coupled in a closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) in a conventional manner for refrigerating air from the interior product display space 100 .
- the condenser fan/motor assembly 72 typically a single fan and motor, is operative, typically only when the compressor 74 is in operation, to draw air from outside the refrigerated merchandiser 10 , such as for example from the ambient environment external thereof through the front grille 12 provided in the lower front wall 32 of the cabinet 20 , through an opening 59 provided in the front plate 56 A of the cassette 50 and over the condenser coil 70 .
- the condenser coil 70 As the external air passes over the condenser coil 70 in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant being passed therethrough by the compressor 74 , the refrigerant is cooled and the air heated. Having traversed the condenser coil 70 , the hot air is exhausted out of the compartment 55 to return to the external environment through exhaust channel 77 formed beneath the first section 53 in the aft portion of the second section 57 of the cassette 50 . A portion of the air drawn through the cassette 50 by the condenser fan passes over the compressor 74 to assist in cooling the compressor.
- the cooled refrigerant is circulated from the condenser coil 70 through the closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) to the evaporator coil 60 .
- the evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 which may be a single fan and motor or a plurality of fans with associated motors, is operative to draw air into the first section 53 of the refrigeration unit 50 , also referred to as the evaporator compartment, from the interior product display space 100 through the air return inlet opening 102 in the lower wall 24 and thence pass the air over the evaporator coil 60 to and through the refrigerated air supply duct 104 to return to the product display space 100 .
- the air As the circulating air passes over the evaporator coil 60 , the air is cooled as it passes in heat exchange relationship with the chilled refrigerant circulated through the evaporator coil 60 by the compressor 74 and the refrigerant is heated and evaporated.
- the evaporator fan 62 circulates refrigerated air having traversed the evaporator coil 60 from the evaporator compartment 53 back into the refrigerated interior product display space 100 through a return air outlet 108 located in the lower wall 24 aft of rear panel 134 and into refrigerated air supply duct 104 .
- a cover plate 120 may be disposed over the return air inlet 102 in spaced relationship with and superadjacent the base wall 24 thereby forming flow passage between the cover plate 120 and the base wall 24 through which refrigerated air returning from the product display space 100 flows into the air return inlet 102 .
- the cover plate 120 covers the air return inlet 102 , thereby causing the downwardly directed refrigerated air to flow outwardly toward the surrounding walls of the cabinet as the refrigerated air approaches the lower region of the product display space 100 in order to pass beneath the cover plate 120 into the air return inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 .
- the refrigerated air passes through the product on the lower shelves to more evenly cool that product and to block the refrigerated air from funneling downwardly directly into the return air return inlet 102 .
- the cover plate 120 also restricts the flow of spills or leaks from product in the product display space 100 from flowing directly into the evaporator compartment 53 and fouling the evaporator and/or evaporator fan assembly.
- the cover plate 120 includes a peripheral flange 126 extending generally vertically therefrom to the base wall 24 for supporting the cover plate 120 over the air return inlet 102 in the base wall 24 .
- a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 125 are provided in the circumferential flange 126 to form the air flow passage connecting the refrigerated interior space 100 in flow communication with the air return inlet 102 to the evaporator compartment 53 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- the division plate 68 has a forward portion 68 A and an aft portion 68 B.
- the aft portion 68 B of the division plate 68 extends generally horizontally beneath the evaporator assembly in spaced relationship with and above the base plate 54 to form a channel 77 in the aft portion of the condenser compartment 57 .
- the channel 77 constitutes an exhaust channel through which hot air exiting the condenser coil 70 passes out of the equipment compartment 55 to the environment external of the refrigerated merchandiser 10 through an opening at the back of the cabinet 20 .
- the condenser coil 70 , its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 , and the compressor 74 are mounted to the forward portion of the base plate 54 .
- the forward portion 68 A of the division plate 68 slopes downwardly from an upper, forward region of the condenser compartment 57 to the meet the aft portion 68 B of the division plate 68 .
- a converging channel 73 is defined between the base plate 54 and the forward portion 68 A of the division plate extending form the outlet of the condenser 70 to open to the exhaust channel 77 .
- the converging channel 73 in effect defines a nozzle for accelerating the condenser exhaust airflow passing therethrough to a relative higher velocity, that is a velocity substantially higher than the velocity of the condenser exhaust airflow exiting the condenser module 170 .
- the forward section 68 A of the division plate 68 is depicted as having two sections of different slope. It is to be understood, however, that the forward section 68 A of the division plate 68 may have a constant slope or even a curvilinear slope, as desired.
- the condensate dripping from the evaporator coil 60 which is disposed in the aft portion of the evaporator compartment 53 , drains therefrom through a drain tube 89 passing through the division wall 68 into the condensate tray 76 disposed in the exhaust channel 77 beneath the evaporator compartment 53 to collect condensate dripping from the evaporator 60 .
- the condensate tray 76 may be integrally formed in the base plate 54 .
- the condensate tray 76 may be defined by a raised brim 78 stamped in the base plate 54 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the condensate tray 76 could be a separate structure secured to the base plate 54 .
- the condensate tray 76 may be defined by a raised brim 78 stamped or otherwise formed in the base plate 54 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the condensate tray 76 could be a separate insert secured to the base plate 54 .
- the condensate tray could be formed of a different material than the base plate, such as a non-metallic material, for example ABS plastic, or stamped or otherwise formed from aluminum or other metallic material.
- the condenser fan 72 draws ambient air through the condenser coil 70 to absorb heat from the refrigerant passing through the condenser coil as in conventional practice to condense the refrigerant.
- the hot air exiting the condenser 70 accelerates in velocity as it passes through the converging channel 73 and into the exhaust channel 77 .
- the high velocity, hot air passing through the exhaust channel 77 passes over the surface of the condensate collected in the condensate tray 76 .
- the high velocity characteristic of the hot air passing through the exhaust channel 77 enhances the evaporation of condensate collected in the condensate tray 76 as the rate of evaporation of the condensate is increased due to increased air to condensate contact.
- a plastic liner 80 may be inserted within the evaporator compartment 53 to protect the surfaces of the metal plates forming the structure of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 from chemical attack by liquids that might spill or flow into the cassette from the product display region 100 .
- the plastic liner 80 constitutes a formed body having a flange 82 extending circumferentially thereabout, a downwardly slopping floor 84 at its forward end and bowl-like depression 86 at its aft end.
- the plastic liner 80 is formed to fit within the compartment 53 superadjacent the division wall 68 with the flange 82 supported on the top flange 52 of the cassette 50 .
- the bowl-like depression 86 is adapted to receive the evaporator module 160 , which constitutes the evaporator 60 , its housing 64 , and one or more evaporator fan/motor assemblies 62 mounted to the evaporator housing 64 , each by means of a support bracket 66 .
- the evaporator module 160 is releaseably secured, for example by bolts or screws, to the sides of liner 80 and or the side walls 56 C of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- the bowl-like depression 86 are sized to accommodate a range of evaporator modules of different capacity, thereby enabling a given refrigeration cassette to be used over a wide range of refrigeration capacities.
- the liner 80 may be formed from a non-plastic, formable material being more chemically resistant than the metal walls of the refrigeration cassette 50 and sufficient strength to support the evaporator module, such as for example fiberglass.
- the plastic liner 80 is contoured to have generous radii in order to minimize airflow losses as the refrigerated air passes from the product display region 100 through the evaporator 60 and into the refrigerated air supply duct 104 . Additionally, a trough 88 may be formed in the slopping floor 84 of the liner 80 to collect and direct any liquid that may spill or flow into the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- a sealing system including a sealing member 58 positioned between the lower wall 24 and the refrigeration cassette 50 and a positioning apparatus 150 for placing the refrigeration unit cassette 50 into sealing relationship with the common wall, which in the depicted embodiment is the lower wall 24 that separates the refrigerated interior product display space 100 from the equipment compartment 55 .
- the sealing system prevents refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 from the product display space 100 from bypassing the evaporator 60 and instead flowing directly into the inlet 108 to the air supply duct 104 from the air return inlet 102 .
- the sealing system also prevents ambient air from externally of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 , such as the ambient air that has been drawn through the front grille 12 to pass through the condenser 70 , from being drawn into the refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 through the air return inlet 102 in the lower wall 24 .
- the sealing member 58 may be mounted to the under surface of the lower wall 24 about the opening 102 in the lower wall 24 , or may be mounted or simply carried upon to the upper surface of the top flange 52 of the refrigeration unit cassette 50 .
- the sealing member 58 extends at least about the opening 51 A to the refrigeration cassette 50 , as illustrated in FIG. 3 , which is substantially commensurate with and is in flow communication with the opening 102 in the lower wall 24 .
- the sealing member 58 also may extend about the opening 51 B provided rearward of the opening 51 A, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , which opens in flow communication with opening 108 in the lower wall 24 .
- the sealing member 58 takes the form of a rectangular frame extending along the top flange 52 with a cross member 58 A extending along the top of the housing 64 of the evaporator module 60 .
- the sealing member 58 may comprise one or more compressible seals provided on the refrigeration unit cassette 50 which are compressed against the lower wall 24 when the cassette refrigeration unit 50 is raised within the compartment 55 by operation of the positioning apparatus 150 .
- the sealing member 58 may also comprise one or more non-compressible seals, such as contact seals, that coact with the respective opposing surfaces of the refrigeration unit cassette and of the common wall separating the refrigerated interior space from the equipment compartment and surrounding the respective openings therein to provide the desired sealing arrangement therebetween when the cassette refrigeration unit 50 is positioned by operation of the lifting apparatus 150 to sandwich the sealing member 58 therebetween.
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
- Freezers Or Refrigerated Showcases (AREA)
- Removal Of Water From Condensation And Defrosting (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/663,112, filed Mar. 18, 2005, and entitled MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE DESIGN FOR USE IN REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
- This application is related to the following applications subject to assignment to the common assignee of this application and filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the same date as this application:
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—817NP), entitled “REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—816NP), entitled “SEALING SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—879NP), entitled “MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE WITH CONDENSATE EVAPORATIVE TRAY”;
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—818NP), entitled “BOTTOM DECK ASSEMBLY FOR REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER”; and
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—819NP), entitled “EVAPORATOR FAN/MOTOR ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BRACKET”. Each of the afore-listed patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to refrigerated merchandisers in general and, more particularly, to a refrigerated merchandiser including a refrigeration unit stowed in a compartment separate from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet.
- Refrigerated merchandisers have a refrigeration system associated therewith for providing the cooled environment within a refrigerated interior product space defined within the cabinet of the refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigeration systems of such refrigerated merchandisers commonly employ a conventional refrigeration cycle and include an evaporator and an evaporator fan operatively associated with the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet, as well as a condenser, a condenser fan, and compressor. In stand alone cabinets, the compressor, condenser and condenser fan are housed in an equipment compartment separate from and insulated from the refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet. Refrigerant lines connect the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator in a conventional manner to form a closed circuit. A refrigerant is circulated by the compressor through the condenser and the evaporator before returning to the compressor. Air within the insulated refrigerated interior product space of the refrigerated cabinet is circulated by the evaporator fan through the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant so as to cool the air. The evaporator and evaporator fan may be disposed within the cooled interior of the refrigerated cabinet, for example in the upper region thereof.
- However, it is well-known that the evaporator and evaporator fan may also be housed in the equipment compartment in a section of the equipment compartment insulated from the compressor, condenser and condenser fan. Among other uses, refrigerated merchandisers of this type may be used as product display cabinets for refrigerated or frozen foods, as vending machines, and as cold beverage merchandisers in supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retail establishments. For example, cold beverages, such as soft drinks, beer, wine coolers, etc. are commonly displayed in refrigerated merchandisers for self-service purchase by customers. Conventional beverage merchandisers of this type include an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerated interior product display space having one or more glass doors that provide access to that product display space. The beverage product, typically in cans or bottles, single or in six-packs, is stored on shelves within the refrigerated display space of the cabinet. To purchase a beverage, the customer opens one of the doors and reaches into the refrigerated cabinet to retrieve the desired product from the shelf.
- Refrigerated merchandisers equipped with refrigeration units disposed beneath the refrigerated cabinet are disclosed, for example, by Rudick et al. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,347,827; 5,402,654; 5,417,079; and 5,417,081. In these refrigerated merchandisers, the refrigerated air from the refrigeration unit flows up from the equipment compartment through a flow duct along the back wall of the cabinet, along the top wall of the cabinet toward the front of the cabinet and down the front of the cabinet to the floor of the product display zone. Refrigerated air may also enter the product display zone from the rear flow duct through a plurality of openings in the panel separating the flow duct from the product display zone. The refrigerated air from the product display zone returns to the equipment compartment, entering thereto upstream of the evaporator refrigeration unit through an air return inlet opening through the cabinet floor.
- The refrigeration unit disclosed therein includes an evaporator, condenser and compressor collectively arranged on a base supported on a plurality of skids affixed to the bottom of the base. The compressor and condenser are positioned on the front portion of the base, and are separated from the evaporator by an insulated vertical partition disposed therebetween. The evaporator is disposed atop an evaporator pan which collects water condensed from the air passing through the evaporator. The collected water drains out of the evaporator pan into a shallow condenser pan located on the floor of the base in the exhaust path of the condenser fan whereby hot air exhausting from the condenser passes over the condenser pan and evaporates the water collected therein.
- In refrigerated merchandisers having air passageways in the wall separating the refrigerated interior product space from the equipment compartment, undesired spill liquids and other contaminants may enter the refrigeration unit during operation, service or transportation. Spilled liquids draining into the refrigeration unit from the product display zone through the air inlet opening may foul or otherwise damage refrigerant unit components such as the evaporator heat exchanger coils, motors and fans. Spilled liquids could also damage surfaces bounding the airflow path through the refrigeration unit. Liquid spills could originate from product breakage within the product display zone, cleaning and maintenance operations, or condensation.
- The need exists for a refrigeration cassette wherein the cassette is adapted to handle spilled liquids and condensate without damage to refrigeration unit components or surfaces. The refrigeration cassette should also accommodate and facilitate the use of modular refrigeration unit components.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette having improved reliability and serviceability.
- It is an object of an aspect of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette adapted to drain liquid spills away from damage susceptible refrigeration unit components.
- It is an object of an aspect of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette incorporating a liner with contoured surfaces for improved airflow.
- It is an object of an aspect of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette incorporating a liner formed of a material with improved chemical resistance.
- It is an object of an aspect of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette adapted to accommodate and facilitate the use of modular refrigeration unit components.
- A modular refrigeration cassette is provided for a refrigerated merchandiser having a cabinet having a refrigerated interior space for housing a product in a refrigerated environment intended for selection by consumers. The refrigeration cassette is disposed in operative association with the interior space in an equipment compartment separated from the refrigerated interior space by a common wall. The common wall has a first opening therein providing air flow communication between the refrigerated interior space and the equipment compartment. The refrigeration cassette includes a generally box-like structure defining an interior space having a first section in air flow communication with said first opening, and a second section isolated from said first section and in fluid flow communication with the environment exterior of the cabinet. In an embodiment. The box-like structure includes a front plate, a back plate, a pair of side plates and a base plate collectively defining an interior space, and a division wall extending between the respective side plates divide the interior space within said box-like structure into the respective first and second sections. An evaporator module disposed within the first section. A condenser module and a compressor are disposed within the second section. The compressor is connected in refrigerant flow communication with the evaporator module and the condenser module for circulating refrigeration through the evaporator module and the condenser module. The box-like structure is selectively insertable in to and out of the equipment compartment.
- The evaporator module may include a housing, an evaporator coil disposed within the housing, and an evaporator fan/motor assembly operatively associated with the evaporator coil and mounted to the housing. The condenser module may include a condenser coil and a condenser fan/motor assembly operatively associated with the condenser coil.
- A liner may be disposed within the first section of the interior space of the refrigeration cassette, the liner including a bowl-like depression adapted to receive the evaporator module. The liner may have contoured surfaces to reduce airflow losses and may be made of plastic or other material having a relatively high chemical resistance.
- For a further understanding of these and objects of the invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing, where:
-
FIG. 1 is a sectioned side elevation view of a refrigerated merchandiser equipped with a modular refrigeration cassette; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular refrigeration cassette in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a sectioned side elevation view of the modular refrigeration cassette depicted inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a plan view taken along section 5-5 ofFIG. 4 ; and -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a liner for the modular refrigeration cassette depicted inFIG. 3 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, there is depicted a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser, designated generally by thereference numeral 10, including an interiorproduct display space 100 for holdingproduct 110 to be purchased, such as for example bottled or canned soda, milk, water, juices, fruit drinks, beer and other beverages. Although the invention will be described herein with reference to the depicted embodiment of a refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser, it is to be understood that that invention may be applied to other refrigerated display merchandisers for displaying perishable and frozen comestibles and beverages, including for example meats, poultry, fish, diary products, prepackaged frozen foods, and other products that need to be maintained in a controlled environment. - The
beverage merchandiser 10 includes acabinet 20 housing a refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 and aseparate equipment compartment 55 disposed separate from, and may be heat transfer insulated from, the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100. Thecabinet 20 has atop wall 22 and a surrounding side wall structure including arear wall 34, afront wall 32, and opposed generally vertically extendingside walls lower wall 24 disposed between the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 located thereabove and theequipment compartment 55 located there beneath. The interiorproduct display space 100 may be accessed from exteriorly of thecabinet 20 through an access opening, which in the depicted embodiment is an open area at the front of the cabinet. This open area may be open to the environment or may be covered, as in the depicted embodiment, by at least onedoor 40 mounted to thecabinet 20. Thedoor 40 extends across the open area and has a transparent viewing area, for example a glass panel, through which at least a portion of the interiorproduct display space 100 can be viewed. Thedoor 40 is selectively positionable between a closed position covering the open area and an open position in which consumers may access the interiorproduct display space 100 to remove a product for purchase. Although the embodiment of thedisplay merchandiser 10 depicted in the drawing has only onedoor 40, it is to be understood that the display merchandiser may have one, two, three or more doors that collectively cover the open area when in the closed position. The door ordoors 40 may be mounted to thecabinet 20 in a conventional manner, for example on hinges for pivotal movement or on a track for sliding movement between an open and closed position. - In the depicted embodiment, the
top wall 22, thelower wall 24,rear wall 34 and theside walls product display space 100, from the environment exterior of the interiorproduct display space 100. A plurality ofshelves 112 are disposed within the interiorproduct display space 100. Theshelves 112 are adapted as appropriate to support the particular product being displayed for purchase. The specific number, arrangement and configuration of theshelves 112 is not germane to the invention and is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to select for the particular product being displayed. - A
rear panel 134 is provided spaced inwardly of therear side wall 34 to establish, in part, a refrigeratedair supply duct 104 between therear side wall 34 and arear panel 134. The interiorproduct display space 100 within the refrigerated interior of thedisplay cabinet 20 is bounded by thetop wall 22, thelower wall 24, theside walls rear wall 34 and therear panel 134. In the depicted embodiment, refrigerated air enters into theproduct display space 100 to cool product displayed therein in part through anair outlet 109 at the upper end of theair supply duct 104 and in part through a plurality ofopenings 135 provided in therear panel 134. Refrigerated air exits theproduct display space 100 through anopening 102 provided in thelower wall 24. - The
equipment compartment 55 is located within thecabinet 20 beneath thelower wall 24 and is separated by thelower wall 24 from the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 of thecabinet 20. Thelower wall 24 forms a common wall separating the refrigerated interior space and the equipment compartment. The lower wall has a top surface that forms the floor or deck of the interior product display space and has an under surface that faces therefrigeration unit cassette 50 of the refrigeration unit 15 housed within the equipment compartment. The refrigeration unit 15 includes anevaporator module 160, including anevaporator coil 60 disposed within a housing 61 and at least one associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62, acondenser module 170 including acondenser coil 70 and at least one associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72, and acompressor 74. Theevaporator coil 60 and its associated evaporator fan/motor assembly 62 are housed within afirst section 53 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 which is separated bydivision wall 68 from asecond section 57 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 wherein thecondenser 70, its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72 and thecompressor 74 are housed. Thefirst section 53 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 is sized to accommodate a range ofevaporator modules 160 having different capacities and thesecond section 57 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 is sized to accommodate a range ofcondenser modules 170 of different capacities, thereby ensuring that a given cassette design may be used over a relatively wide range of refrigeration capacities. - Referring now also to
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, therefrigeration cassette 50 comprises a generally rectangular box-like structure defining an interior space having atop flange 52, abase plate 54, and a surroundingwall structure 56 extending generally vertically between thetop flange 52 and thebase plate 54 formed of afront plate 56A, aback plate 56B, and opposedside plates 56C. Thedivision wall 68 extends between theopposed side plates 56C from an upper, forward region of thecassette 50 to theback plate 56B to separate the interior of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 into the aforementionedfirst section 53 andsecond section 57. Thecondenser coil 70, its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72, and thecompressor 74 are mounted to thebase plate 54 which forms the floor of thecassette refrigeration unit 50. Thecondenser coil 70 and its associated condenser fan/motor assembly may be mounted to a common support plate, which is adapted to be mounted to thebase plate 54, thereby forming thecondenser module 170. Thebase plate 54 is slidably mounted within thecompartment 55 to facilitate disposition of thecassette 50 into and out of thecompartment 55 in order to facilitate servicing of the refrigeration equipment therein, including removal and replacement of theevaporator module 160 and thecondenser module 170 as distinct units. Acondensate tray 76 may be provided to collect condensate dripping from theevaporator coil 60. Thecondensate tray 76 serves as a condensate evaporation tray wherein condensate collecting therein is evaporated by hot air exhausted from the condenser as the hot air passes over thecondensate tray 76. - The
evaporator coil 60, thecondenser coil 70 and thecompressor 74 are coupled in a closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) in a conventional manner for refrigerating air from the interiorproduct display space 100. The condenser fan/motor assembly 72, typically a single fan and motor, is operative, typically only when thecompressor 74 is in operation, to draw air from outside therefrigerated merchandiser 10, such as for example from the ambient environment external thereof through thefront grille 12 provided in thelower front wall 32 of thecabinet 20, through anopening 59 provided in thefront plate 56A of thecassette 50 and over thecondenser coil 70. As the external air passes over thecondenser coil 70 in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant being passed therethrough by thecompressor 74, the refrigerant is cooled and the air heated. Having traversed thecondenser coil 70, the hot air is exhausted out of thecompartment 55 to return to the external environment throughexhaust channel 77 formed beneath thefirst section 53 in the aft portion of thesecond section 57 of thecassette 50. A portion of the air drawn through thecassette 50 by the condenser fan passes over thecompressor 74 to assist in cooling the compressor. - The cooled refrigerant is circulated from the
condenser coil 70 through the closed-loop refrigerant circulation circuit (not shown) to theevaporator coil 60. The evaporator fan/motor assembly 62, which may be a single fan and motor or a plurality of fans with associated motors, is operative to draw air into thefirst section 53 of therefrigeration unit 50, also referred to as the evaporator compartment, from the interiorproduct display space 100 through the air return inlet opening 102 in thelower wall 24 and thence pass the air over theevaporator coil 60 to and through the refrigeratedair supply duct 104 to return to theproduct display space 100. As the circulating air passes over theevaporator coil 60, the air is cooled as it passes in heat exchange relationship with the chilled refrigerant circulated through theevaporator coil 60 by thecompressor 74 and the refrigerant is heated and evaporated. Theevaporator fan 62 circulates refrigerated air having traversed theevaporator coil 60 from theevaporator compartment 53 back into the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 through areturn air outlet 108 located in thelower wall 24 aft ofrear panel 134 and into refrigeratedair supply duct 104. - A
cover plate 120 may be disposed over thereturn air inlet 102 in spaced relationship with and superadjacent thebase wall 24 thereby forming flow passage between thecover plate 120 and thebase wall 24 through which refrigerated air returning from theproduct display space 100 flows into theair return inlet 102. Thecover plate 120 covers theair return inlet 102, thereby causing the downwardly directed refrigerated air to flow outwardly toward the surrounding walls of the cabinet as the refrigerated air approaches the lower region of theproduct display space 100 in order to pass beneath thecover plate 120 into theair return inlet 102 in thelower wall 24. In doing so, the refrigerated air passes through the product on the lower shelves to more evenly cool that product and to block the refrigerated air from funneling downwardly directly into the returnair return inlet 102. Thecover plate 120 also restricts the flow of spills or leaks from product in theproduct display space 100 from flowing directly into theevaporator compartment 53 and fouling the evaporator and/or evaporator fan assembly. - In one embodiment, the
cover plate 120 includes a peripheral flange 126 extending generally vertically therefrom to thebase wall 24 for supporting thecover plate 120 over theair return inlet 102 in thebase wall 24. A plurality of circumferentially spacedopenings 125 are provided in the circumferential flange 126 to form the air flow passage connecting the refrigeratedinterior space 100 in flow communication with theair return inlet 102 to theevaporator compartment 53 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50. - The
division plate 68 has aforward portion 68A and anaft portion 68B. Theaft portion 68B of thedivision plate 68 extends generally horizontally beneath the evaporator assembly in spaced relationship with and above thebase plate 54 to form achannel 77 in the aft portion of thecondenser compartment 57. Thechannel 77 constitutes an exhaust channel through which hot air exiting thecondenser coil 70 passes out of theequipment compartment 55 to the environment external of therefrigerated merchandiser 10 through an opening at the back of thecabinet 20. Thecondenser coil 70, its associated condenser fan/motor assembly 72, and thecompressor 74 are mounted to the forward portion of thebase plate 54. Theforward portion 68A of thedivision plate 68 slopes downwardly from an upper, forward region of thecondenser compartment 57 to the meet theaft portion 68B of thedivision plate 68. In doing so, a convergingchannel 73 is defined between thebase plate 54 and theforward portion 68A of the division plate extending form the outlet of thecondenser 70 to open to theexhaust channel 77. The convergingchannel 73 in effect defines a nozzle for accelerating the condenser exhaust airflow passing therethrough to a relative higher velocity, that is a velocity substantially higher than the velocity of the condenser exhaust airflow exiting thecondenser module 170. Theforward section 68A of thedivision plate 68 is depicted as having two sections of different slope. It is to be understood, however, that theforward section 68A of thedivision plate 68 may have a constant slope or even a curvilinear slope, as desired. - The condensate dripping from the
evaporator coil 60, which is disposed in the aft portion of theevaporator compartment 53, drains therefrom through adrain tube 89 passing through thedivision wall 68 into thecondensate tray 76 disposed in theexhaust channel 77 beneath theevaporator compartment 53 to collect condensate dripping from theevaporator 60. Thecondensate tray 76 may be integrally formed in thebase plate 54. For example, thecondensate tray 76 may be defined by a raisedbrim 78 stamped in thebase plate 54 as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5 . Alternatively, thecondensate tray 76 could be a separate structure secured to thebase plate 54. For example, thecondensate tray 76 may be defined by a raisedbrim 78 stamped or otherwise formed in thebase plate 54 as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5 . Alternatively, thecondensate tray 76 could be a separate insert secured to thebase plate 54. In such case, the condensate tray could be formed of a different material than the base plate, such as a non-metallic material, for example ABS plastic, or stamped or otherwise formed from aluminum or other metallic material. - The
condenser fan 72 draws ambient air through thecondenser coil 70 to absorb heat from the refrigerant passing through the condenser coil as in conventional practice to condense the refrigerant. The hot air exiting thecondenser 70 accelerates in velocity as it passes through the convergingchannel 73 and into theexhaust channel 77. The high velocity, hot air passing through theexhaust channel 77 passes over the surface of the condensate collected in thecondensate tray 76. The high velocity characteristic of the hot air passing through theexhaust channel 77 enhances the evaporation of condensate collected in thecondensate tray 76 as the rate of evaporation of the condensate is increased due to increased air to condensate contact. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 in particular, aplastic liner 80 may be inserted within theevaporator compartment 53 to protect the surfaces of the metal plates forming the structure of therefrigeration unit cassette 50 from chemical attack by liquids that might spill or flow into the cassette from theproduct display region 100. Theplastic liner 80 constitutes a formed body having aflange 82 extending circumferentially thereabout, a downwardly sloppingfloor 84 at its forward end and bowl-like depression 86 at its aft end. Theplastic liner 80 is formed to fit within thecompartment 53 superadjacent thedivision wall 68 with theflange 82 supported on thetop flange 52 of thecassette 50. The bowl-like depression 86 is adapted to receive theevaporator module 160, which constitutes theevaporator 60, its housing 64, and one or more evaporator fan/motor assemblies 62 mounted to the evaporator housing 64, each by means of asupport bracket 66. Theevaporator module 160 is releaseably secured, for example by bolts or screws, to the sides ofliner 80 and or theside walls 56C of therefrigeration unit cassette 50. The bowl-like depression 86 are sized to accommodate a range of evaporator modules of different capacity, thereby enabling a given refrigeration cassette to be used over a wide range of refrigeration capacities. It is to be understood that theliner 80 may be formed from a non-plastic, formable material being more chemically resistant than the metal walls of therefrigeration cassette 50 and sufficient strength to support the evaporator module, such as for example fiberglass. - The
plastic liner 80 is contoured to have generous radii in order to minimize airflow losses as the refrigerated air passes from theproduct display region 100 through theevaporator 60 and into the refrigeratedair supply duct 104. Additionally, atrough 88 may be formed in the sloppingfloor 84 of theliner 80 to collect and direct any liquid that may spill or flow into therefrigeration unit cassette 50. - A sealing system is provided including a sealing
member 58 positioned between thelower wall 24 and therefrigeration cassette 50 and apositioning apparatus 150 for placing therefrigeration unit cassette 50 into sealing relationship with the common wall, which in the depicted embodiment is thelower wall 24 that separates the refrigerated interiorproduct display space 100 from theequipment compartment 55. The sealing system prevents refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 from theproduct display space 100 from bypassing theevaporator 60 and instead flowing directly into theinlet 108 to theair supply duct 104 from theair return inlet 102. The sealing system also prevents ambient air from externally of therefrigeration unit cassette 50, such as the ambient air that has been drawn through thefront grille 12 to pass through thecondenser 70, from being drawn into the refrigerated air returning to the refrigeration unit 15 through theair return inlet 102 in thelower wall 24. - The sealing
member 58 may be mounted to the under surface of thelower wall 24 about theopening 102 in thelower wall 24, or may be mounted or simply carried upon to the upper surface of thetop flange 52 of therefrigeration unit cassette 50. The sealingmember 58 extends at least about theopening 51A to therefrigeration cassette 50, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , which is substantially commensurate with and is in flow communication with theopening 102 in thelower wall 24. The sealingmember 58 also may extend about theopening 51B provided rearward of theopening 51A, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , which opens in flow communication withopening 108 in thelower wall 24. In the depicted embodiment the sealingmember 58 takes the form of a rectangular frame extending along thetop flange 52 with a cross member 58A extending along the top of the housing 64 of theevaporator module 60. - The sealing
member 58 may comprise one or more compressible seals provided on therefrigeration unit cassette 50 which are compressed against thelower wall 24 when thecassette refrigeration unit 50 is raised within thecompartment 55 by operation of thepositioning apparatus 150. However, the sealingmember 58 may also comprise one or more non-compressible seals, such as contact seals, that coact with the respective opposing surfaces of the refrigeration unit cassette and of the common wall separating the refrigerated interior space from the equipment compartment and surrounding the respective openings therein to provide the desired sealing arrangement therebetween when thecassette refrigeration unit 50 is positioned by operation of thelifting apparatus 150 to sandwich the sealingmember 58 therebetween. - The refrigeration cassette of the present invention has been described herein with reference to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings for purposes of illustration and to facilitate understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that modifications, some of which may have been alluded to hereinbefore, may be made to the depicted embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/358,833 US20060207277A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Modular refrigeration cassette |
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US66311205P | 2005-03-18 | 2005-03-18 | |
US11/358,833 US20060207277A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Modular refrigeration cassette |
Publications (1)
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US20060207277A1 true US20060207277A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
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US11/358,833 Abandoned US20060207277A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Modular refrigeration cassette |
US11/358,834 Abandoned US20060207278A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Modular refrigeration cassette with condensate evaporative tray |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/358,834 Abandoned US20060207278A1 (en) | 2005-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Modular refrigeration cassette with condensate evaporative tray |
Country Status (10)
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US (2) | US20060207277A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1858376A4 (en) |
KR (2) | KR20070111530A (en) |
CN (2) | CN101160078A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2005329416A1 (en) |
BR (2) | BRPI0520158A2 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2565526A1 (en) |
MX (2) | MXPA06013427A (en) |
RU (2) | RU2007138619A (en) |
WO (2) | WO2006101514A1 (en) |
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US20090255141A1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2009-10-15 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes treating apparatus |
US20100319379A1 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2010-12-23 | Hussmann Corporation | Heat exchanger coil with wing tube profile for a refrigerated merchandiser |
DE102009050541A1 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2011-05-05 | Danfoss A/S | Cooling cartridge for use as exchangeable component in e.g. vending machine, has upper insulating part and lower insulating part clamped between cover and plate, and channel designed between upper insulating part and lower insulating part |
US8522565B1 (en) * | 2009-10-20 | 2013-09-03 | The Veracity Group, Inc. | Refrigerator with removable cooling unit |
US20170172317A1 (en) * | 2015-12-18 | 2017-06-22 | Ronny Hay | Multi-purpose retail display merchandising cabinet with detachable cooling system |
DE102017124409A1 (en) * | 2017-08-21 | 2019-02-21 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH | Fridge and / or freezer |
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Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2449408A (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2008-11-26 | Icwl Ltd | Refrigeration systems |
US20090255141A1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2009-10-15 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes treating apparatus |
US8522450B2 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2013-09-03 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes treating apparatus |
US20100319379A1 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2010-12-23 | Hussmann Corporation | Heat exchanger coil with wing tube profile for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US8261567B2 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2012-09-11 | Hussmann Corporation | Heat exchanger coil with wing tube profile for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US8522565B1 (en) * | 2009-10-20 | 2013-09-03 | The Veracity Group, Inc. | Refrigerator with removable cooling unit |
DE102009050541A1 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2011-05-05 | Danfoss A/S | Cooling cartridge for use as exchangeable component in e.g. vending machine, has upper insulating part and lower insulating part clamped between cover and plate, and channel designed between upper insulating part and lower insulating part |
US20170172317A1 (en) * | 2015-12-18 | 2017-06-22 | Ronny Hay | Multi-purpose retail display merchandising cabinet with detachable cooling system |
DE102017124409A1 (en) * | 2017-08-21 | 2019-02-21 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH | Fridge and / or freezer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20070032655A (en) | 2007-03-22 |
CA2565526A1 (en) | 2005-09-28 |
EP1858376A1 (en) | 2007-11-28 |
BRPI0511247A (en) | 2007-11-27 |
RU2007138616A (en) | 2009-04-27 |
WO2006101514A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
KR20070111530A (en) | 2007-11-21 |
EP1858376A4 (en) | 2009-05-06 |
CA2600943A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
US20060207278A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
CN1954182A (en) | 2007-04-25 |
KR100841526B1 (en) | 2008-06-25 |
CN101160078A (en) | 2008-04-09 |
RU2007138619A (en) | 2009-04-27 |
MX2007011446A (en) | 2007-10-15 |
EP1859210A1 (en) | 2007-11-28 |
MXPA06013427A (en) | 2007-06-19 |
EP1859210A4 (en) | 2009-05-06 |
AU2005329417A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
AU2005329416A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
WO2006101515A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
BRPI0520158A2 (en) | 2009-09-15 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CARRIER CORPORATION, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MEAD, BRIAN J.;DANIELS, MARK A.;DADDIS, EUGENE D. JR.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017903/0380;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060419 TO 20060427 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BA ACQUISITION, INC., SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: LICENSE;ASSIGNORS:CARRIER CORPORATION;CARRIER COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021085/0345 Effective date: 20080515 |
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Owner name: BEVERAGE-AIR CORPORATION, SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BA ACQUISITION, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021423/0992 Effective date: 20080516 |
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