WO2020109808A1 - Réfrigérateurs - Google Patents

Réfrigérateurs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020109808A1
WO2020109808A1 PCT/GB2019/053374 GB2019053374W WO2020109808A1 WO 2020109808 A1 WO2020109808 A1 WO 2020109808A1 GB 2019053374 W GB2019053374 W GB 2019053374W WO 2020109808 A1 WO2020109808 A1 WO 2020109808A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
outlet
guide
curtain
air guide
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2019/053374
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul McAndrew
Original Assignee
Aerofoil Energy Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB1819495.1A external-priority patent/GB2574687B/en
Priority claimed from GB1906935.0A external-priority patent/GB2584613B/en
Application filed by Aerofoil Energy Limited filed Critical Aerofoil Energy Limited
Publication of WO2020109808A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020109808A1/fr
Priority to US17/334,137 priority Critical patent/US20220015556A1/en

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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
    • A47F3/0439—Cases or cabinets of the open type
    • A47F3/0443—Cases or cabinets of the open type with forced air circulation
    • A47F3/0447—Cases or cabinets of the open type with forced air circulation with air curtains
    • 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
    • A47F3/0426—Details
    • 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
    • A47F3/0439—Cases or cabinets of the open type
    • A47F3/0469—Details, e.g. night covers
    • 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
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
    • F25D17/08—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation using ducts
    • 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
    • F25D21/04—Preventing the formation of frost or condensate
    • 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
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
    • F25D23/023—Air curtain closures
    • 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
    • A47F3/0439—Cases or cabinets of the open type
    • A47F3/0443—Cases or cabinets of the open type with forced air circulation
    • A47F2003/046—Cases or cabinets of the open type with forced air circulation with shelves having air ducts
    • 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
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/34—Temperature balancing devices
    • 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
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
    • F25D2700/123—Sensors measuring the inside temperature more than one sensor measuring the inside temperature in a compartment

Definitions

  • the invention relates to open display refrigerators, and to cooling units (refrigerators or freezers) which have doors comprising transparent windows.
  • the invention also relates to methods of modifying such open display refrigerators and cooling units.
  • Open display refrigerators are commonly used in retail environments, such as supermarkets, to store and display products, such as meat and dairy products, which must be kept at lower than ambient temperatures.
  • the open front of such a refrigerator makes it easy for customers to view the products being displayed and to retrieve products they wish to purchase from the refrigerator.
  • This type of refrigerator has an air curtain, which is established by blowing cold air across the front of the refrigerator.
  • the air curtain issues from an air outlet at the top of the refrigerator towards an air inlet at the bottom of the refrigerator.
  • the air inlet recovers air from the air curtain and recirculates it to the air outlet via a cooling heat exchanger and fan.
  • the air curtain follows a broadly linear path from the air outlet to the air inlet thereby preventing cold air in the refrigerator from mixing with warm air exterior to the refrigerator.
  • some configurations include a sizeable void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet into which air from the air curtain tends to rush. This causes the air curtain to deviate from the intended generally linear path and move towards the interior of the refrigerator.
  • the air flow of the air curtain is broken up and becomes more turbulent when compared to an air curtain that follows a generally linear path.
  • the breaking up of the air curtain and the turbulence causes the air curtain to be less efficient at preventing cold air in the refrigerator from mixing with warm air exterior to the refrigerator and hence causes the interior of the refrigerator to be warmer than a refrigerator with a generally linear air curtain.
  • a further inefficiency arises where warm air (i.e. air that is warmer than the refrigerated interior) proximate the top exterior surface of the refrigerator is drawn around the front uppermost edge of the refrigerator by the flowing air of the air curtain and impinges on the air curtain as the air curtain leaves the air outlet.
  • warm air i.e. air that is warmer than the refrigerated interior
  • the air curtain is drawn around the front uppermost edge of the refrigerator by the flowing air of the air curtain and impinges on the air curtain as the air curtain leaves the air outlet.
  • This causes warm air to become entrained in the air curtain and also breaks the smooth flow of the air curtain.
  • this causes the interior of the refrigerator to be warmer than a refrigerator with a generally linear air curtain.
  • the void between the angled uppermost shelf and the air outlet is larger than with a refrigerator comprising a flat uppermost shelf that is not installed at an angle.
  • the issue of the air curtain deviating from a generally linear path when an angled shelf is used is even more pronounced.
  • these angled shelves do not have any additional air guides or aerofoils for guiding the air curtain, because they can be cumbersome to fit to angled shelves and generally retailers are unwilling to fit them to angled shelves.
  • an open display refrigerator comprising: a refrigerated storage space, air in the refrigerated storage space being separated from air exterior to the open display refrigerator by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet, air in the air curtain being recovered by an air inlet which recirculates the air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet, and an air guide coupled to the air outlet or air duct and extending from the air outlet such that it bypasses a portion of a void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet, whereby the air curtain is established between an extremity of the portion of the void proximal to the air inlet and the air inlet.
  • the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the refrigerator, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is furthest from a rear interior wall of the refrigerator, meets the air exterior to the open display refrigerator.
  • a cooling unit comprising an interior space and a door; wherein the door comprises a transparent window and separates the interior space from air external to the cooling unit; and wherein the interior space comprises (i) a refrigerated storage space and (ii) an access space; wherein air in the refrigerated storage space is separated from air in the access space by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet, air in the air curtain being recovered by an air inlet which recirculates the air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet, and an air guide coupled to the air outlet or air duct and extending from the air outlet such that it bypasses a portion of a void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet, whereby the air curtain is established between an extremity of the portion of the void proximal to the air inlet and the air inlet.
  • interface between the air curtain and the access space it is meant the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the cooling unit, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is further from a rear interior wall of the cooling unit, meets the access space.
  • the air guide bypasses a portion of the void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet, the effect of the void on the path of the air curtain is reduced and hence the air curtain follows a more linear path. Further, as the air guide extends from the air outlet, the air guide helps prevent warm air proximate the top exterior surface of the refrigerator from being drawn around the front uppermost edge of the refrigerator and impinging on the air curtain as the air curtain leaves the air outlet, because the air guide forms a barrier that extends from the air outlet.
  • An advantage of using the air guide is that any honeycomb structure that is present in the air outlet may be removed. This reduces the resistance to the air flowing through the air outlet and enhances the performance of the air curtain, as the velocity of the air curtain is increased. An increase in velocity makes the air curtain more resistant to being drawn into the void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet as well as being more resistant to breaking up when warm air impinges on the air curtain.
  • an uppermost shelf is at an angle to the horizontal, such that an edge of the shelf that is proximate a rear wall of the refrigerated storage space is higher than an edge of the shelf that is distal to the rear wall of the refrigerated storage space.
  • the air guide comprises an air guide inlet through which the air enters and an air guide outlet at which the air curtain is established, and wherein the air guide outlet is offset relative to the air guide inlet.
  • the air guide outlet may be offset away from, or be offset distal to, the rear wall of the refrigerated storage space, with respect to the air guide inlet.
  • the body of the air guide may have a chicane shape or an "S" shape.
  • the chicane shape or the "S" shape may be made up of a curve in a first direction and a curve in a second direction.
  • the body of the air guide may comprise a single curve.
  • a part of the air guide may extend into the duct.
  • an outermost side or a distal side (with respect to the refrigerated interior) of the air guide may extend into the duct.
  • the air guide comprises an air guide inlet through which the air enters and an air guide outlet at which the air curtain is established, and wherein the air guide outlet is aligned with the air guide inlet.
  • a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is larger than a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet, thereby causing the velocity of the air to increase as it passes through the air guide.
  • a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is smaller than a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet.
  • a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is the same, or is substantially the same, as a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet.
  • the refrigerator or cooling unit includes a honeycomb structure positioned in the air outlet, the honeycomb structure being a cellular matrix of channels which extend in a longitudinal direction parallel to the air flow.
  • the refrigerator or cooling unit include a honeycomb structure positioned in the air guide outlet, the honeycomb structure being a cellular matrix of channels which extend in a longitudinal direction parallel to the air flow of the air curtain.
  • the cooling unit is a refrigerator. In some embodiments, the cooling unit is a freezer.
  • a method of selecting an air guide from a plurality of air guides for use with an open display refrigerator wherein the open display refrigerator comprises a refrigerated storage space, air in the refrigerated storage space being separated from air exterior to the open display refrigerator by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet, air in the air curtain being recovered by an air inlet which recirculates the air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet and wherein the method comprises: a) providing an array of temperature sensors within an interior of the open display refrigerator; b) measuring an initial temperature difference between the warmest temperature recorded by the array of temperature sensors and the coldest temperature recorded by the array of temperature sensors; c) coupling one or more air guides to the air outlet or air duct such that the or each air guide extends from the air outlet and bypasses a portion of a void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet, whereby the air curtain is established between an extremity of the portion of the void
  • the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the refrigerator, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is furthest from a rear interior wall of the refrigerator, meets the air exterior to the open display refrigerator.
  • a method of selecting an air guide from a plurality of air guides for use with a cooling unit wherein the cooling unit comprises an interior space and a door; wherein the door comprises a transparent window and separates the interior space from air external to the cooling unit; wherein the interior space comprises (i) a refrigerated storage space and (ii) an access space; wherein air in the refrigerated storage space is separated from air in the access space by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet for recovery by a corresponding air inlet which recirculates air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet and wherein the method comprises: a) providing an array of temperature sensors within an interior of the cooling unit; b) measuring an initial temperature difference between the warmest temperature recorded by the array of temperature sensors and the coldest temperature recorded by the array of temperature sensors; c) coupling one or more air guides to the air outlet or air duct such that the or each air guide extends from the
  • interface between the air curtain and the access space it is meant the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the cooling unit, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is furthers from a rear interior wall of the cooling unit, meets the access space.
  • the temperature may be measured by placing numerous jelly-bricks (examples of jelly-bricks known in the art are Tylose packs or M-Packs) on the shelves of the refrigerator. Each jelly-brick has its own temperature probe, each of which makes up the array of temperature probes, so that the temperature at different points in the fridge can be tracked. As the location of the warmest jelly-brick and the location of the coolest jelly-brick may change with the addition of the air guide and/or adjustments made to the air guide, the difference between the warmest jelly-brick and the coolest jelly brick is measured.
  • numerous jelly-bricks examples of jelly-bricks known in the art are Tylose packs or M-Packs
  • the pre-determined threshold may be any meaningful temperature difference and will depend on the size and the geometry of the refrigerator. Meaningful temperature differences may be any number, at increments of 0.1°C, in the range of 0.1°C-10°C. In practice, it is likely that values that are multiples of 0.5°C and 1°C would be chosen.
  • the temperature difference may be optimised by selecting an air guide with dimensions (including length, diameter, change in cross- section, amount of offset) that gives the biggest reduction in temperature difference.
  • the array of temperature sensors are provided within the refrigerated storage space.
  • a temperature sensor of the array of temperature sensors is provided proximate the air inlet.
  • the air guide and hence the path of the air curtain, is adjusted such that the temperature difference is further reduced.
  • adjusting the air guide include positioning where the air guide is coupled to the air outlet or duct, adjusting an adjustable part joint on the air guide, such that the air guide inlet remains static and the air guide outlet is moveable or adjusting a plastic part of the air guide, such that a cross-section of the air guide is reduced or increased.
  • a kit for retrofitting an air guide to an open display refrigerator wherein the open display refrigerator comprises a refrigerated storage space, air in the refrigerated storage space being separated from air exterior to the open display refrigerator by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet, air in the air curtain being recovered by an air inlet which recirculates the air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet and wherein the kit comprises: an air guide for coupling to the air outlet or air duct; and an attachment for fastening the air guide to the air outlet or air duct.
  • the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the refrigerator, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is furthest from a rear interior wall of the refrigerator, meets the air exterior to the open display refrigerator.
  • a kit for retrofitting an air guide to a cooling unit wherein the cooling unit comprises an interior space and a door;
  • the door comprises a transparent window and separates the interior space from air external to the cooling unit; and wherein the interior space comprises (i) a refrigerated storage space and (ii) an access space; wherein air in the refrigerated storage space is separated from air in the access space by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet, air in the air curtain being recovered by an air inlet which recirculates the air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet, and wherein the kit comprises: an air guide for coupling to the air outlet or air duct; and an attachment for fastening the air guide to the air outlet or air duct.
  • interface between the air curtain and the access space it is meant the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the cooling unit, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is furthers from a rear interior wall of the cooling unit, meets the access space.
  • the attachment comprises clips integral to the air guide, which are received in the open air refrigerator or the cooling unit proximate the air outlet or the air duct.
  • the attachment comprises screws or rivets.
  • the attachment comprises mastic or adhesive.
  • a method of modifying an open display refrigerator wherein the open display refrigerator comprises a refrigerated storage space, air in the refrigerated storage space being separated from air exterior to the open display refrigerator by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet, air in the air curtain being recovered by an air inlet which recirculates the air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet, the method comprising: coupling an air guide to the air outlet or air duct, wherein the air guide has an air guiding surface which causes the air to bypass a portion of a void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet or air duct prior to it leaving an air guide outlet, such that an air curtain is established between an extremity of the portion of the void proximal to the air inlet and the air inlet.
  • the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the refrigerator, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is furthest from a rear interior wall of the refrigerator, meets the air exterior to the open display refrigerator.
  • a method of modifying a cooling unit wherein the cooling unit comprises an interior space and a door; wherein the door comprises a transparent window and separates the interior space from air external to the cooling unit; wherein the interior space comprises (i) a refrigerated storage space and (ii) an access space; wherein air in the refrigerated storage space is separated from air in the access space by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet for recovery by a corresponding air inlet which recirculates air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet and wherein the method comprises: coupling an air guide to the air outlet or air duct, wherein the air guide has an air guiding surface which causes the air to bypass a portion of a void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet or air duct prior to it leaving an air guide outlet, such that an air curtain is established between an extremity of the portion of the void proximal to the air inlet and the air inlet
  • interface between the air curtain and the access space it is meant the boundary where the air at a distal edge of the air curtain (which may be cooled by a heat exchanger of the cooling unit, and is blown through the air outlet by the fan), i.e. the edge of the air curtain which is furthers from a rear interior wall of the cooling unit, meets the access space.
  • the air guide is coupled to the air outlet or air duct by clips integral to the air guide, which are received in the open air refrigerator or the cooling unit proximate the air outlet or the air duct. In some embodiments, the air guide is coupled to the air outlet or air duct with screws or rivets.
  • the air guide is coupled to the air outlet or air duct with mastic or adhesive.
  • the air guide comprises an air guide inlet through which the air enters and an air guide outlet at which the air curtain is established, and wherein the air guide outlet is offset relative to the air guide inlet.
  • the air guide outlet may be offset away from, or be offset distal to, the rear wall of the refrigerated storage space, with respect to the air guide inlet.
  • the body of the air guide may have a chicane shape or an "S" shape.
  • the chicane shape or the "S" shape may be made up of a curve in a first direction and a curve in a second direction.
  • the body of the air guide may comprise a single curve.
  • a part of the air guide may extend into the duct.
  • an outermost side or a distal side (with respect to the refrigerated interior) of the air guide may extend into the duct.
  • the air guide comprises an air guide inlet through which the air enters and an air guide outlet at which the air curtain is established, and wherein the air guide outlet is aligned with the air guide inlet.
  • a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is larger than a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet, thereby causing the velocity of the air to increase as it passes through the air guide.
  • a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is smaller than a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet.
  • a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is the same, or is substantially the same, as a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet.
  • the method further comprises removing a honeycomb structure from the air guide outlet or air duct, the honeycomb structure being a cellular matrix of channels which extend in a longitudinal direction parallel to the air flow of the air curtain.
  • Figure 1 shows an open display refrigerator in which the shelves are angled and a void is formed between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet.
  • Figure 2 shows the difference between the intended line of the air curtain of the open display refrigerator of Figure 1 and the actual path of the air curtain due to the void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet and the warm air which is drawn from the top of the refrigerator.
  • Figure 3 shows an open air refrigerator with an air guide coupled to the air outlet.
  • Figure 4 shows method steps for selecting an air guide from a plurality of air guides for use with a refrigerator.
  • Figure 1 shows a cross-section through an open display refrigerator 1.
  • the refrigerator has a storage space 2 that is maintained at a lower than ambient temperature.
  • Within the storage space 2 there are four angled storages shelves 3a-3d.
  • Different embodiments may have one, two, three, five or any number of storage shelves which may be flat, may be at an angle or may be a mix of angled and flat shelves.
  • a typical angle for the angled storage shelves is 20°, however shelves at other angles may be used, as long as the product being refrigerated does not slide off of the shelves.
  • a void 6 is formed between the uppermost storage shelf 3a and the air outlet 4.
  • the refrigerator 1 establishes an air curtain (not shown) by a fan (not shown) which blows cold air towards an air outlet 4, out of the air outlet 4 and towards an air inlet 5.
  • Air inlet 5 recovers air from the air curtain and a fan (not shown) within the refrigerator 1 recirculates the air to the air outlet 4.
  • a cooling unit or heat exchanger (not shown) within the refrigerator 1 maintains the recirculated air (and hence the air blown through the air outlet 4 to form the air curtain) at a desired temperature.
  • the desired temperature is chosen to be lower than ambient and acts to prevent cold air in the storage space 2 from mixing with warm air exterior to the refrigerator.
  • FIG 2 the impact of the void 6 and the impact of warm air being drawn around the top of the refrigerator on the intended path of the air curtain is shown.
  • the path of the warm air is indicated by the curved arrow 7.
  • the intended path of the air curtain is indicated by the dotted line 8 and the deflected path of the air curtain is indicated by the dashed line 9.
  • the air curtain moves towards the interior of the refrigerator in an unintended manner, which leads to increased temperatures at the bottom of the refrigerated storage space 2, when compared to a refrigerator that has a generally linear air curtain.
  • FIG 3 shows a solution as provided by the present invention to the problem associated with the void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet and also the problem associated with warm air being drawn from the top of the refrigerator and impinging on the air curtain.
  • a cross- section through the open display refrigerator 1 is shown.
  • the refrigerator 1 comprises a refrigerated storage space 2. Air in the refrigerated storage space 2 is separated from air exterior to the open display refrigerator 1 by an air curtain, indicated by the dashed line 10, established by a fan (not shown) which blows air towards an air outlet 4 and through an air guide 12 coupled to the air outlet 4 towards a corresponding air inlet, which recovers air from the air curtain for recirculation through an air duct 11 to the air guide 12.
  • the air guide extends from the air outlet 4 such that it bypasses a portion of the void 6 formed between the uppermost shelf 3a and the air outlet 4.
  • the air guide outlet may be offset away from, or be offset distal to, the rear wall of the refrigerated storage space with respect to the air guide inlet. This results in an air curtain that follows a more linear path, as the effect of the void on the air curtain is reduced.
  • the air guide bypasses a portion of the void between the uppermost shelf and the air outlet and prevents air from rushing into the void, hence the effect of the void on the path of the air curtain is reduced and the air curtain follows a more linear path.
  • the air guide helps prevent warm air proximate the top exterior surface of the refrigerator from being drawn around the front uppermost edge of the refrigerator and impinging on the air curtain as the air curtain leaves the air outlet, because the air guide forms a barrier that extends from the air outlet and the air curtain is no longer proximal to the warm air.
  • An advantage of the air guide only bypassing a portion of the void is that the air curtain follows the intended path more closely and users can easily see and access items on the top angled shelf.
  • the air guide 12 shown in Fig. 3 shows an air guide wherein the air guide outlet is offset away from, or is offset distal to, the rear wall of the refrigerated storage space with respect to the air guide inlet
  • other air guides may be used to achieve the same technical effect.
  • an air guide comprising an air guide inlet through which the air enters and an air guide outlet at which the air curtain is established, wherein the air guide outlet is aligned, or is substantially aligned, with the air guide inlet, may be used.
  • the body of the air guide may have a chicane shape or an "S" shape.
  • the chicane shape or the "S" shape may be made up of a curve in a first direction and a curve in a second direction.
  • the body of the air guide may comprise a single curve.
  • a part of the air guide may extend into the duct.
  • an outermost side or a distal side (with respect to the refrigerated interior) of the air guide may extend into the duct.
  • a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet of the air guide 12 shown in Fig. 3 is substantially the same as a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet.
  • Air guides with different cross-sectional areas may also be used, for example an air guide wherein a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is larger than a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet may be used.
  • an air guide wherein a cross sectional area of the air guide inlet is smaller than a cross sectional area of an air guide outlet may also be used.
  • the air guide 12 may be coupled to the refrigerator using any of screws, rivets, mastic, adhesive or any other way of attachment known to the person skilled in the art.
  • Figure 4 shows a method of selecting an air guide from a plurality of air guides for use with an open display refrigerator, wherein the open display refrigerator comprises a refrigerated storage space, air in the refrigerated storage space being separated from air exterior to the open display refrigerator by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air towards an air outlet, air in the air curtain being recovered by an air inlet which recirculates the air from the air curtain into an air duct coupled to the air outlet and wherein the method comprises: providing an array of temperature sensors within an interior of the open display refrigerator 100;
  • the array of temperature sensors are provided within the refrigerated storage space. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor of the array of temperature sensors is provided proximate the air inlet. In some embodiments the air guide, and hence the path of the air curtain, is adjusted such that the temperature difference is further reduced.
  • the method may include steps that comprise measuring the temperature by placing numerous jelly-bricks (examples of jelly-bricks known in the art are Tylose packs or M-Packs) on the shelves of the refrigerator, wherein each jelly-brick has its own temperature probe, each of which makes up the array of temperature probes, so that the temperature at different points in the fridge can be tracked.
  • each jelly-brick has its own temperature probe, each of which makes up the array of temperature probes, so that the temperature at different points in the fridge can be tracked.
  • the location of the warmest jelly-brick and the location of the coolest jelly-brick may change with the addition of the air guide and/or adjustments made to the air guide, the difference between the warmest jelly-brick and the coolest jelly brick may be measured as opposed to measuring the same jelly-bricks before and after adding or adjusting the air guide.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)

Abstract

Le réfrigérateur comprend un espace de stockage réfrigéré, de l'air dans l'espace de stockage réfrigéré étant séparé de l'extérieur de l'air au réfrigérateur à affichage ouvert (ou de l'air dans un espace d'accès) par un rideau d'air établi par un ventilateur qui souffle de l'air vers une sortie d'air, de l'air dans le rideau d'air étant récupéré par une entrée d'air qui fait recirculer l'air du rideau d'air dans un conduit d'air couplé à la sortie d'air, et un guide d'air couplé à la sortie d'air ou à la conduite d'air et s'étendant à partir de la sortie d'air de telle sorte qu'il contourne une partie d'un vide entre l'étagère supérieure et la sortie d'air, le rideau d'air étant établi entre une extrémité de la partie du vide proximale à l'entrée d'air et l'entrée d'air.
PCT/GB2019/053374 2018-11-29 2019-11-28 Réfrigérateurs WO2020109808A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/334,137 US20220015556A1 (en) 2018-11-29 2021-05-28 Air curtain system for open display refrigerators

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1819495.1 2018-11-29
GB1819495.1A GB2574687B (en) 2018-11-29 2018-11-29 Improvements to open display refrigerators
GB1906935.0 2019-05-16
GB1906935.0A GB2584613B (en) 2019-05-16 2019-05-16 Process for optimising the position of refrigerator air guides in order to achieve increased energy efficiency of the refrigerator

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WO2020109808A1 true WO2020109808A1 (fr) 2020-06-04

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JPS62162569U (fr) * 1986-04-02 1987-10-15
EP0403459A1 (fr) * 1989-06-12 1990-12-19 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Vitrine réfrigérée de présentation
JPH08320176A (ja) * 1995-05-25 1996-12-03 Fuji Electric Co Ltd オープンショーケース
DE29605097U1 (de) * 1995-12-24 1996-08-01 Weber, Axel, 39118 Magdeburg Einrichtung zur Abschirmung eines Frischwarenverkaufsstandes
JP2011188889A (ja) * 2010-03-11 2011-09-29 Fuji Electric Co Ltd ショーケース
DE102010013977A1 (de) * 2010-04-06 2011-10-06 Kmw Kühlmöbelwerk Limburg Gmbh Kühlmöbel, Vorrichtung zum Regeln und/oder Steuern der Kühlung eines Kühlmöbels sowie Bausatz zum Umrüsten eines Kühlmöbels
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