[0001] The present invention relates to an ice-cream display cabinet. In particular, the
invention relates to an ice cream display cabinet for an ice cream parlour, of the
type suitable for holding and serving loose bulk ice-cream in tubs, for example a
handmade ice-cream.
[0002] Two main types of display cabinets or counters for ice-creams are known in the art.
One type is represented by the ice counters of the well type, in which the ice-cream
is held into cylindrical containers with vertical development, placed in a refrigerated
counter and provided with a lid. Another type is represented by the display windows
of the "visible ice-cream" type, in which the ice-cream is contained in ice-cream
tubs without a lid, arranged side by side in a refrigerated counter provided with
a transparent display cabinet, in such a way that the consumer is attracted by the
sight of the ice-cream. A display cabinet of the visible "ice cream" type is known
from
WO 2004/107928 A1.
[0003] Compared to well counters, the ice-cream display cabinets allow ice-cream to be served
more quickly, both because the gelato flavours are clearly visible and attractive
to the consumer, and because the operator does not need to open and close the tub
lid, as in the case of the well. However, the ice-cream contained in the display cabinets
provided with tubs without a lid is more subjected to temperature changes and is not
stored in an optimal manner, as is the case in well counters. Moreover, since the
tubs are arranged next to each other, it often happens that ice-cream residues infiltrate
in the spaces between the counter and the tub and between each tub, thus causing mould
and bacteria to proliferate.
[0004] In an inconvenient manner, moreover, in both types of ice-cream counter/display cabinet,
the operator is forced to bend down several times to access the ice-cream well or
tub to take ice-cream, assuming uncomfortable positions and working in a poorly ergonomic
environment.
[0005] It is clear, therefore, that each of the aforementioned types ice-cream counter/display
cabinet suffers from drawbacks linked to the reasons listed above.
[0006] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an ice-cream display cabinet
that is able to overcome the drawbacks of the ice-cream counters and display cabinets
of the prior art, in such a way as to ensure an adequate preservation of the ice-cream
and at the same time improve the ergonomics of the operator when serving the ice-cream,
while maintaining the advantages of the ice-cream display cabinets of the prior art.
[0007] This object is achieved by an ice-cream display cabinet and an ice-cream drawer according
to the appended independent claims. The dependent claims describe embodiment variations.
[0008] The features and the advantages of present invention will appear more clearly from
the following description, made by way of an indicative and non-limiting example with
reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
- figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of [0009] the ice-cream display cabinet according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 2 is a front view of the
ice-cream display cabinet in figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 3 is a sectional view along
the vertical plane A-A in figure 1 of the ice-cream display cabinet according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 4 is a sectional view along
the vertical plane A-A in figure 1 of the ice-cream display cabinet according to an
embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration with the ice-cream drawer
removed;
- figure 5 is a sectional view along
the vertical plane A-A in figure 1 of the ice-cream display cabinet according to an
embodiment of the present invention, in which the ice-cream drawer is shown in an
exploded form;
- figure 6 is a sectional view along
the vertical plane A-A in figure 1 of the ice-cream display cabinet according to an
embodiment of the present invention, in an open display cabinet configuration;
- figure 7 is a sectional view along
the vertical plane A-A in figure 1 of the ice-cream display cabinet according to an
embodiment of the present invention, in an open display cabinet configuration, in
which an expositive wall is inclined to allow the extraction of a condensate collection
pan shown in the extracted configuration;
- figure 8 is a sectional view of the
ice-cream display cabinet according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] According to the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 indicates an ice-cream
display cabinet for ice-cream parlours for preserving and displaying bulk ice-cream
in tubs. The ice-cream display cabinet 1 comprises a technical counter 10, suitable
to be placed on a horizontal floor O and to contain refrigeration means 11. The refrigerating
means comprise any means known to the person skilled in the art for refrigerating
a compartment of an ice-cream counter, for example a refrigeration system comprising
a compressor, a refrigerant fluid and the related refrigerant fluid circulating circuits.
[0010] The ice-cream display cabinet 1 further comprises a refrigerable display cabinet
20 placed above the technical counter 10 and comprising structural walls 21 that define
an inner compartment 22 refrigerable by the refrigeration means 11. The refrigerable
display cabinet 20 extends in a vertical Y direction perpendicular to the horizontal
floor O and houses ice-cream tubs 200 suitable to hold bulk ice-cream.
[0011] When contained in the inner compartment, the ice-cream tubs 200 are placed on parallel
floors P1, P2, P3 mutually spaced along the vertical direction Y.
[0012] Moreover, the ice-cream tubs 200 are removable from the inner compartment 22 in an
extraction direction Z to reach the extracted configuration in which the ice-cream
tubs 200 are supported cantilevered by the refrigerable display cabinet 20.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerable display cabinet 20 has a box-like shape,
in which the structural walls 21 of the display cabinet are arranged in a configuration
equivalent to the walls of a box.
[0014] Preferably, each ice-cream tub 200 comprises a refrigerable element 201 arranged
around and in contact with the ice-cream tub 200. This refrigerable element 201 is
made at least partially in a heat-storing material, having a thermal capacity suitable
to accumulate refrigerant thermal energy when the ice-cream tub 201 is inserted in
the inner compartment 22 and to yield refrigerant thermal energy (heat exchange) to
the ice-cream when the ice-cream tub is extracted from the inner compartment 22, to
reduce the melting time of the ice-cream.
[0015] Preferably, in the case of an ice-cream tub formed by a bottom wall 200a and side
walls 200b, the refrigerable element 201 is arranged around the tub in such a way
as to leave at least one 200b' of the side walls 200b of the tub free.
[0016] Preferably, the refrigerable element is a container having an inner chamber containing
a refrigerable liquid or a eutectic mixture, so as to maintain the ideal temperature
of the ice-cream for as long as possible, when the ice-cream tub 200 is extracted
from the refrigerable display cabinet 20.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the ice-cream display cabinet 1 comprises sliding ice-cream
drawers slidably supported by the refrigerable display cabinet 20. Each of these sliding
ice-cream drawers 30 contains one or a plurality of ice-cream tubs 200.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, each ice-cream tub 30 contains a single ice-cream tub
200.
[0019] Preferably, the ice-cream drawers 30 are extractable in the extraction direction
Z and in a direction suitable as to allow access to the ice-cream tub by an operator.
[0020] The refrigerable element 201 is directly fixed and supported by the ice-cream tub
200 or, in the embodiment in which the ice-cream tub is inserted in an ice-cream tub
30, this refrigerable element 201 is supported by the ice-cream drawer 30 or is integrally
formed with the ice-cream drawer.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the ice-cream tubs 200 are also arranged alongside each
other along a longitudinal direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Y to
form longitudinal rows 210, 211, 212 of tubs. In this way, the ice-cream tubs 200
are arranged in a matrix configuration, for example as shown in figure 1 and in figure
2. In this matrix configuration, the rows of the matrix are represented by the longitudinal
rows 210, 211, 212 and the columns 220, 221, 222, 223 are represented by the tubs
stacked on the planes P1, P2, P3 parallel and spaced from one another along the vertical
direction Y.
[0022] Preferably, between one longitudinal row 210 of tubs and an adjacent row 211 in the
vertical direction Y, at least one evaporator 40, 41, 22 is placed to refrigerate
the inner compartment 22.
[0023] In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), between a column 220 of trays and
an adjacent column 221, at least one evaporator is interposed for cooling the inner
compartment 22, arranged along a vertical plane parallel to the vertical direction
Y.
[0024] In a further embodiment, the evaporators are in contact with or buried in the structural
walls 21 of the refrigerable display cabinet 20.
[0025] Each evaporator is operatively connected to the refrigeration means 11 by suitable
connecting means, for example by means of pipes.
[0026] In the embodiment variant in which the inner compartment is cooled by at least one
evaporator 40, 41, 42, between a longitudinal row 210, 211 of tubs and an adjacent
row 211, 212 in the vertical direction Y, a condensate collection pan 50, 51, 52 is
interposed, arranged below the evaporator 40, 41, 42, so as to prevent the condensate
from falling into the underlying ice-cream tubs 200 or from the sliding ice-cream
drawer 30. Preferably, the condensate collection pan is extractably supported by the
refrigerable display cabinet 20.
[0027] Preferably, the refrigerable display cabinet 20 comprises a display wall 23, made
at least partially from transparent material and suitable to be placed on a display
side for a consumer customer. In other words, the display wall is suitable for facing
the consumer when the ice-cream display cabinet 1 is installed in an ice-cream parlour.
In front of the display wall 23, the refrigerable display cabinet 20 comprises an
operating side 24, adapted to be accessible by an operator for taking the ice-cream
from the ice-cream tubs 200. In other words, the operating side 24 is suitable for
being directed towards the operator serving the ice-cream to the consumer when the
ice-cream display cabinet 1 is installed in an ice-cream parlour. On the operating
side 24, on the sliding ice-cream drawers 30, gripping means 31 are fixed, for example
a handle or a groove, for the extraction of the sliding ice-cream drawers 30 from
the operating side 24 towards the operator. Preferably, in the vicinity of the gripping
means 31, each ice-cream drawer comprises a label seat, suitable for receiving a taste
marker, such as a taste label or a taste label support.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, when the refrigerable element 201 is arranged around the
tub in such a way as to leave at least one 200b' of the side walls 200b of the tub
free, this free wall 200b' is arranged in front of the display wall 23, in such a
way that the ice-cream contained in the ice-cream container 200 is visible through
such a free wall 200b' and through the display wall 23.
[0029] Preferably, the ice-cream tub 200 is made at least partially in a transparent material,
even more preferably a transparent plastic material (such as a polycarbonate). More
particularly, at least one of the side walls 200b of the ice- cream tub 200 is made
of a transparent material.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the ice-cream tub 200 is totally made of a transparent
material.
[0031] Preferably, the display wall 23, at a perimeter side 23' thereof, is connected to
the refrigerable display cabinet 20 in a manner rotatable about an axis of rotation
X', preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction X, so as to be rotated by an
operator to open the refrigerable display cabinet and allow access to the inner compartment
22 from the display side, i.e. from the side of the display wall 23.
[0032] Preferably, the display wall 23 comprises a peripheral frame and a double glass or
a triple glass, preferably translucent or transparent, contained in the peripheral
frame, for example like a window. This allows the consumer to see the ice-cream contained
inside the ice-cream tubs through the display wall 23.
[0033] Preferably, moreover, the display wall 23 is fixed to the refrigerable display cabinet
20 by means of a hinge mechanism 230.
[0034] In one embodiment, the refrigerable display cabinet 20 comprises supporting and accompanying
means 231 of the display wall 23 during movement of the display wall. Said supporting
and accompanying means 231, such as a gas spring, are suitable for supporting at least
partially the display wall to accompany it during the rotation movement for opening
the refrigerable display cabinet 20. This facilitates the operation of opening the
display case by an operator to allow cleaning of the display wall 23 (in double or
triple glass), on the side facing the inner compartment 22 or for changing taste labels
53 arranged between the display wall 23 and the inner compartment 22 when the display
wall 23 is closed.
[0035] Preferably, the supporting and accompanying means 231 are suitable for accompanying
the display wall 23 up to a first end-of-travel position, wherein the display wall
23 is inclined by a predefined angle α1 with respect to the vertical. Furthermore,
the supporting and accompanying means 231 are preferably adapted to allow further
rotation of the display wall, beyond the first end-of-travel position, for example
as shown in figure 7, in which the gas spring is unhooked to allow a larger rotation
of the display wall 23, until it reaches a second end-of-travel position, in which
the display wall 23 is constrained in a position inclined with respect to the vertical
by an angle α2 greater than α1.
[0036] Preferably, the refrigerable display cabinet 20 comprises at least one lighting device
suitable for illuminating the display wall 23 from the side facing the inner compartment
22, so that the ice-cream tubs and/or the taste labels are illuminated. In one embodiment,
the lighting device is a led bar arranged in the longitudinal direction X above each
row of ice-cream tubs.
[0037] It is clear that it is also an object of the ice-cream display cabinet, an ice-cream
drawer 30 being inserted in the ice-cream display cabinet, the ice-cream drawer comprising
the refrigerable element 201. The refrigerable element 201 comprises a tub seat 210
suitable for receiving the ice-cream tub 200 according to a shape coupling.
[0038] According to an embodiment, the ice-cream drawer 30, in addition to the refrigerable
element 201, comprises a drawer frame 301 which supports the refrigerable element
(for example, is fixed by fastening means to the refrigerable element) and which is
suitable for sliding in the refrigerable display cabinet on sliding guides 260.
[0039] Preferably, the refrigerable element 201 is a container element having structural
container walls 201' which define an inner chamber 202 containing a refrigerable liquid
or a eutectic mixture.
[0040] The structural container walls 201' are in contact on one side with the inner chamber
202 and on the other side are suitable for receiving in contact the ice-cream tub
200.
[0041] In a further variant embodiment, the structural container walls 201' are integrally
made with the drawer frame 301.
[0042] The ice-cream drawer 30 further comprises a drawer front 302, fixed to the drawer
frame 301 and comprising the handle 31 for extracting the drawer. Preferably, on the
drawer front, a seal 303 is fixed which is adapted to be in contact with an abutment
wall 240 of the refrigerable display cabinet 20.
[0043] According to an embodiment, the ice-cream drawer further comprises a scoop interlocking
310, suitable for receiving a handle 60 of a scoop 61 for collecting ice-cream to
support the scoop integrally with the ice-cream drawer and above the ice-cream tub
200, preferably in such a way that the scoop 61 is arranged parallel to the bottom
wall 200a of the ice-cream tub.
[0044] Innovatively, the ice-cream display cabinet according to the present invention, due
to a vertical arrangement of the product and the presence of removable ice-cream tubs,
eliminates the drawbacks of the ice-cream counters and cabinets of the prior art.
In particular, the ice-cream display cabinet ensures an adequate preservation of the
ice-cream and at the same time improves the ergonomics of the operator during the
ice-cream service operation.
[0045] Advantageously, the vertical display of the product allows optimising the space and
creating a greater visual communication with the consumer. The consumer is visually
attracted by the view of the ice-cream which is shown vertically on horizontal and
vertical rows, through the transparent display wall and tub. Moreover, the vertical
arrangement of the tubs allows limiting the depth of the ice-cream display cabinet,
allowing the installation thereof even in small places.
[0046] In an embodiment that is particularly advantageous and attractive for the consumer,
the display wall 23 is transparent only in some regions (such as windows), at the
ice-cream tubs 200, so as to focus attention.
[0047] Advantageously, the independent opening of individual ice-cream drawers facilitates
the use of ice-cream, making it neat, clean and simple. Moreover, the vertical arrangement
of the tubs and their convenient extractability inside and outside the refrigerable
display cabinet allows the operator to serve the ice-cream in a more ergonomic manner,
maintaining an upright position, without tiring and uncomfortable body movements.
[0048] Advantageously, due to the presence of an inner compartment of the cabinet that is
completely closed, the ice-cream is preserved in an optimal manner. Moreover, the
further presence of seals on the drawers and also on the display wall ensures the
permanence of a refrigerated environment as much as possible controlled, limiting
the dispersion of refrigerated air (and therefore energy consumption).
[0049] Furthermore, during the service step, when the ice-cream tub is taken from the inner
compartment, the ice-cream tub is kept refrigerated by the refrigerable element arranged
around the tub, which acts as a cold accumulator.
[0050] In an even more advantageous manner, the eutectic mixture contained in the refrigerable
element ensures a better maintenance of the optimal temperature of the ice-cream when
the ice-cream tub is taken.
[0051] Furthermore, the possibility of opening the refrigerable display cabinet on the side
of the display wall by a simple rotation makes the inspection of the inner compartment
for maintenance and cleaning easy.
[0052] It is clear that a man skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described
above in order to meet incidental needs, all falling within the scope of protection
defined in the following claims.
1. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) for storing and displaying bulk ice-cream in tubs, comprising:
- a technical counter (10), suitable to be placed on a horizontal floor (O) and to
contain refrigeration means (11) ;
- a refrigerable display cabinet (20) placed above the technical counter (10) and
comprising structural walls (21) that define an inner compartment (22) refrigerable
by the refrigeration means (11);
said refrigerable display cabinet (20) extending in a vertical (Y) direction perpendicular
to the horizontal floor (O) and housing ice-cream tubs (200) suitable to hold bulk
ice-cream,
wherein said ice-cream tubs (200) are placed on parallel floors (P1, P2, P3) spaced
in a vertical direction (Y) when contained in the inner compartment (22),
said ice-cream tubs (200) being removable from the inner compartment (22) in an extraction
direction (Z) to reach the extracted configuration in which said ice-cream tubs (200)
are supported cantilevered by the refrigerable display cabinet (20).
2. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of said ice-cream
tubs (200) comprises a refrigerable element (201) placed at least partially around
and in contact with the ice-cream tub (200), said refrigerable element (201) being
made at least partially in a heat-storing material, suitable to accumulate refrigerant
thermal energy when the ice-cream tub (200) is inserted in the inner compartment (22)
and to give off refrigerant thermal energy (heat exchange) to the ice-cream when the
ice-cream tub (200) is extracted from the inner compartment (22).
3. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising sliding ice-cream
drawers (30) slidingly supported by the refrigerable display cabinet (20), wherein
said tubs (200) are contained in said sliding drawers (30).
4. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 3, wherein the sliding ice-cream
drawers (30) are extractable in the extraction direction (Z) and so as to allow access
to the ice-cream tub by an operator.
5. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to the claims 2 or 3 and 4 in which the refrigerable
element (201) is a container having an inner chamber (202) containing a refrigerable
liquid.
6. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to the claims 2 or 3 and 4 in which the refrigerable
element (201) is a container having an inner chamber (202) containing a eutectic mixture.
7. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
ice-cream tubs (200) are also arranged juxtaposed with each other in a longitudinal
direction (X) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Y) to form longitudinal rows
(210, 211, 212) of tubs, so that said tubs are arranged in a matrix configuration,
in which the rows of the matrix are represented by longitudinal rows (210 , 211, 212)
and the columns of the matrix are represented by tubs of ice-cream stacked on said
planes (P1, P2, P3) parallel and spaced in the vertical direction (Y).
8. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 7, wherein between one (210) of said
longitudinal rows (210, 211, 212) of ice-cream tubs and an adjacent row (211) in the
vertical direction (Y) at least one evaporator (40, 41, 22) is placed to refrigerate
the inner compartment (22).
9. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 8, wherein between one of said longitudinal
rows of tubs and an adjacent row in the vertical direction (Y) a condensate collection
pan (50, 51, 52) is interposed, placed under the evaporator (40, 41, 42).
10. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to any of the claims from 3 to 9, wherein
the refrigerable display cabinet (20) comprises
- a display wall (23), made at least partially from transparent material and suitable
to be placed on a display side for a consumer customer,
- and an operating side (24), placed opposite the display wall (23) and accessible
by an operator to take the ice-cream from the ice-cream tubs (200),
and wherein on said sliding ice-cream drawers (30), on the operating side (24), handles
(31) are fixed for the extraction of the sliding ice-cream drawers (30) from the operating
side (24) toward the operator.
11. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 10, wherein the display wall (23),
at a perimeter side (23'), thereof is connected to the refrigerable display cabinet
(20) in a manner rotatable about an axis of rotation (X'), so as to be rotated to
allow access to the inner compartment (22) from the display side, by an operator.
12. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to any the preceding claims comprising an
ice-cream drawer (30) to be inserted and extracted from the ice-cream display cabinet
for the sale of bulk ice-cream, the ice-cream drawer (30) comprising a refrigerable
element (201) made at least partially in a heat-storing material, suitable to accumulate
refrigerant thermal energy when the drawer is inserted in the ice-cream display cabinet
and to give off refrigerant thermal energy (heat exchange) to the ice-cream when the
drawer is extracted from the ice-cream display cabinet, said refrigerable element
(201) comprising a tub seat (210) suitable to house a tub of ice-cream (200).
13. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 12, in which the refrigerable element
(201) is a container having an inner chamber (202) containing a refrigerable liquid
or eutectic mixture.
14. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a drawer frame
(301) which supports the refrigerable element (201) and which is suitable to slide
in the refrigerable display cabinet on runners (260).
15. Ice-cream display cabinet (1) according to claim 13 and 14, in which the refrigerable
element (201) comprises structural container walls (201') in contact on one side with
the inner chamber (202) and on the other side suitable to receive in contact the ice-cream
tub (200) by means of a shaped coupling.
1. Eiscremevitrine bzw. -schaukasten (1) zum Lagern und Ausstellen von Eiscrememasse
in Wannen, umfassend:
- eine technische Theke (10), die geeignet ist, auf einem horizontalen Boden (O) platziert
zu werden und Kühlmittel (11) zu enthalten;
- eine kühlbare Vitrine bzw. Schaukasten (20), die bzw. der über der technischen Theke
(10) platziert ist und Strukturwände (21) umfasst, die ein Innenfach (22) definieren,
das durch die Kühlmittel (11) kühlbar ist,
wobei sich die kühlbare Vitrine (20) in einer vertikalen (Y) Richtung senkrecht zu
dem horizontalen Boden (O) erstreckt und Eiscremewannen (200) aufnimmt bzw. beherbergt,
die geeignet sind, Eiscrememasse zu halten,
wobei die Eiscremewannen (200) auf parallelen Böden (P1, P2, P3) platziert sind, die
in einer vertikalen Richtung (Y) beabstandet sind, wenn sie in dem Innenfach (22)
enthalten sind,
wobei die Eiscremewannen (200) in einer Entnahmerichtung (Z) aus dem Innenfach (22)
entfernbar sind, um die entnommene Konfiguration zu erreichen, in der die Eiscremewannen
(200) freitragend von der kühlbaren Vitrine (20) getragen sind.
2. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jede der Eiscremewannen (200) ein kühlbares
Element (201) umfasst, das zumindest teilweise um die Eiscremewanne (200) herum platziert
und mit dieser in Kontakt ist, wobei das kühlbare Element (201) zumindest teilweise
aus einem Wärmespeichermaterial besteht, das geeignet ist, Kältemittelwärmeenergie
anzusammeln bzw. zu speichern, wenn die Eiscremewanne (200) in das Innenfach (22)
eingesetzt ist, und Kältemittelwärmeenergie an die Eiscreme abzugeben (Wärmeaustausch),
wenn die Eiscremewanne (200) aus dem Innenfach (22) entnommen wird.
3. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, umfassend gleitende Eiscremeschubladen
(30), die gleitend durch die kühlbare Vitrine (20) gelagerten sind, wobei die Wannen
(200) in den Gleitschubladen (30) enthalten sind.
4. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 3, wobei die gleitenden Eiscremeschubladen (30)
in der Entnahmerichtung (Z) entnehmbar sind, um einer Bedienperson den Zugriff auf
die Eiscremewanne zu ermöglichen.
5. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach den Ansprüchen 2 oder 3 und 4, wobei das kühlbare Element
(201) ein Behälter mit einer Innenkammer (202) ist, die eine kühlbare Flüssigkeit
enthält.
6. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach den Ansprüchen 2 oder 3 und 4, wobei das kühlbare Element
(201) ein Behälter mit einer Innenkammer (202) ist, die ein eutektisches Gemisch enthält.
7. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Eiscremewannen
(200) auch in einer Längsrichtung (X) senkrecht zu der vertikalen Richtung (Y) nebeneinander
angeordnet sind, um Längsreihen (210, 211, 212) von Wannen zu bilden, so dass die
Wannen in einer Matrixkonfiguration angeordnet sind, in der die Reihen der Matrix
durch Längsreihen (210, 211, 212) und die Spalten der Matrix durch Eiscremewannen
dargestellt sind, die auf den Ebenen (P1, P2, P3) parallel und in vertikaler Richtung
(Y) beabstandet gestapelt sind.
8. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 7, wobei zwischen einer (210) der Längsreihen (210,
211, 212) von Eiscremewannen und einer benachbarten bzw. angrenzenden Reihe (211)
in vertikaler Richtung (Y) zumindest ein Verdampfer (40, 41, 22) platziert ist, um
das Innenfach (22) zu kühlen.
9. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 8, wobei zwischen einer der Längsreihen von Wannen
und einer benachbarten bzw. angrenzenden Reihe in vertikaler Richtung (Y) ein Kondensatauffangtopf
(50, 51, 52) angeordnet ist, der unter dem Verdampfer (40, 41, 42) platziert ist.
10. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 9, wobei die kühlbare Vitrine (20)
umfasst
- eine Präsentationswand (23), die zumindest teilweise aus transparentem Material
besteht und geeignet ist, auf einer Präsentationsseite für einen Verbraucherkunden
platziert zu werden;
- und eine Bedienseite (24), die gegenüber der Präsentationswand (23) platziert und
für eine Bedienungsperson zugänglich ist, um die Eiscreme aus den Eiscremewannen (200)
zu entnehmen,
und wobei an diesen gleitenden Eiscremeschubladen (30) auf der Bedienseite (24) Griffe
(31) zum Entnehmen der gleitenden Eiscremeschubladen (30) von der Bedienseite (24)
zu der Bedienperson hin angebracht sind.
11. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Präsentationswand (23) an einer Umfangsseite
(23') davon mit der kühlbaren Vitrine (20) auf eine um eine Drehachse (X') drehbare
Weise verbunden ist, um einen Zugriff auf Innenfach (22) durch eine Bedienungsperson
von der Präsentationsseite her zu ermöglichen.
12. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend eine Eiscremeschublade
(30), die in eine Eiscremevitrine für den Verkauf von Eiscrememasse einzusetzen und
herauszunehmen ist, wobei die Eiscremeschublade (30) und ein kühlbares Element (201)
umfasst, das zumindest teilweise aus einem Wärmespeichermaterial besteht, das geeignet
ist, Kältemittelwärmeenergie anzusammeln bzw. zu speichern, wenn die Schublade in
die Eiscremevitrine eingesetzt ist, und Kältemittelwärmeenergie an die Eiscreme abzugeben
(Wärmeaustausch), wenn die Schublade aus der Eiscremevitrine entnommen wird, wobei
das kühlbare Element (201) einen Wannensitz (210) umfasst, der geeignet ist, eine
Eiscremewanne (200) aufzunehmen bzw. zu beherbergen.
13. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 12, wobei das kühlbare Element (201) ein Behälter
mit einer inneren Kammer (202) ist, die eine kühlbare Flüssigkeit oder ein eutektisches
Gemisch enthält.
14. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, umfassend einen Schubladenrahmen (301),
der das kühlbare Element (201) stützt bzw. trägt und geeignet ist, in der kühlbaren
Vitrine auf Schienen (260) zu gleiten.
15. Eiscremevitrine (1) nach Anspruch 13 und 14, wobei das kühlbare Element (201) Behälterstrukturwände
(201') umfasst, die auf einer Seite mit der Innenkammer (202) in Kontakt sind und
auf der anderen Seite geeignet sind, in Kontakt die Eiscremewanne (200) mittels einer
geformten Kupplung bzw. Formkupplung aufzunehmen.
1. Vitrine à glace (1) pour entreposer et présenter de la glace en vrac dans des bacs,
comprenant :
- un comptoir technique (10), approprié pour être placé sur un sol horizontal (O)
et pour contenir un moyen de réfrigération (11) ;
- une vitrine apte à être réfrigérée (20) placée au-dessus du comptoir technique (10)
et comprenant des parois structurales (21) qui définissent un compartiment interne
(22) apte à être réfrigéré par le moyen de réfrigération (11) ;
ladite vitrine apte à être réfrigérée (20) s'étendant dans une direction verticale
(Y) perpendiculaire au sol horizontal (O) et logeant des bacs à glace (200) appropriés
pour contenir de la glace en vrac,
dans laquelle lesdits bacs à glace (200) sont placés sur des étages parallèles (P1,
P2, P3) espacés dans une direction verticale (Y) lorsqu'ils sont contenus dans le
compartiment interne (22),
lesdits bacs à glace (200) pouvant être retirés du compartiment interne (22) dans
une direction d'extraction (Z) pour atteindre la configuration extraite dans laquelle
lesdits bacs à glace (200) sont supportés en porte-à-faux par la vitrine à glace apte
à être réfrigérée (20).
2. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle chacun desdits bacs à
glace (200) comprend un élément apte à être réfrigéré (201) placé au moins partiellement
autour de et en contact avec le bac à glace (200), ledit élément apte à être réfrigéré
(201) étant fait au moins partiellement d'un matériau accumulateur de chaleur approprié
pour accumuler de l'énergie thermique de fluide frigorigène lorsque le bac à glace
(200) est inséré dans le compartiment interne (22) et pour dégager de l'énergie thermique
de fluide frigorigène (échange de chaleur) vers la glace lorsque le bac à glace (200)
est extrait du compartiment interne (22).
3. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, comprenant des tiroirs à glace
coulissants (30) supportés en coulissement par la vitrine à glace apte à être réfrigérée
(20), dans laquelle lesdits bacs (200) sont contenus dans lesdits tiroirs coulissants
(30).
4. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle les tiroirs à glace coulissants
(30) sont aptes à être extraits dans la direction d'extraction (Z) de façon à permettre
l'accès au bac à glace par un opérateur.
5. Vitrine à glace (1) selon les revendications 2 ou 3 et 4, dans laquelle l'élément
apte à être réfrigéré (201) est un contenant ayant une chambre interne (202) qui contient
un liquide apte à être réfrigéré.
6. Vitrine à glace (1) selon les revendications 2 ou 3 et 4, dans laquelle l'élément
apte à être réfrigéré (201) est un contenant ayant une chambre interne (202) contenant
un mélange eutectique.
7. Vitrine à glace (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
les bacs à glace (200) sont de plus agencés de manière juxtaposée les uns par rapport
aux autres dans une direction longitudinale (X) perpendiculaire à la direction verticale
(Y) pour former des rangées longitudinales (210, 211, 212) de bacs, de sorte que lesdits
bacs sont agencés selon une configuration de grille, dans laquelle les rangées de
la grille sont représentées par des rangées longitudinales (210, 211, 212) et les
colonnes de la grille sont représentées par des bacs de glace empilés sur lesdits
plans (P1, P2, P3) parallèles et espacés dans la direction verticale (Y).
8. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle, entre une (210) desdites
rangées longitudinales (210, 211, 212) de bacs à glace et une rangée adjacente (211)
dans la direction verticale (Y), est placé au moins un évaporateur (40, 41, 22) pour
réfrigérer le compartiment interne (22).
9. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle, entre une desdites rangées
longitudinales de bacs et une rangée adjacente dans la direction verticale (Y), est
interposé un plateau de collecte de condensat (50, 51, 52) placé sous l'évaporateur
(40, 41, 42).
10. Vitrine à glace (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 9, dans laquelle
la vitrine apte à être réfrigérée (20) comprend
- une paroi de présentation (23), faite au moins partiellement de matériau transparent
et appropriée pour être placée sur un côté présentation pour un client consommateur,
- et un côté opérationnel (24), placé à l'opposé de la paroi de présentation (23)
et accessible par un opérateur pour prendre la glace dans des bacs à glace (200),
et dans lequel sur lesdits tiroirs à glace coulissants (30), sur le côté opérationnel
(24), des poignées (31) sont fixées pour l'extraction des tiroirs à glace coulissants
(30) depuis le côté opérationnel (24) vers l'opérateur.
11. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle la paroi de présentation
(23), au niveau d'un côté périphérique (23') de celle-ci, est reliée à la vitrine
apte à être réfrigérée (20) de façon à pouvoir tourner autour d'un axe de rotation
(X') de façon à être entraînée en rotation pour permettre l'accès au compartiment
interne (22) depuis le côté présentation, par un opérateur.
12. Vitrine à glace (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes comprenant
un tiroir à glace (30) à insérer dans et à extraire de la vitrine à glace pour la
vente de glace en vrac, le tiroir à glace (30) comprenant un élément apte à être réfrigéré
(201) fait au moins partiellement d'un matériau accumulateur de chaleur, approprié
pour accumuler de l'énergie thermique de fluide frigorigène lorsque le tiroir est
inséré dans la vitrine à glace et pour dégager de l'énergie thermique de fluide frigorigène
(échange de chaleur) vers la glace lorsque le tiroir est extrait de la vitrine à glace,
ledit élément apte à être réfrigéré (201) comprenant un siège de bac (210) approprié
pour loger un bac de glace (200).
13. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 12, dans laquelle l'élément apte à être
réfrigéré (201) est un contenant ayant une chambre interne (202) qui contient un liquide
apte à être réfrigéré ou un mélange eutectique.
14. Vitrine à glace (1) selon la revendication 12 ou 13, comprenant un cadre de tiroir
(301) qui supporte l'élément apte à être réfrigéré (201) et qui est approprié pour
coulisser dans la vitrine à glace sur des glissières (260).
15. Vitrine à glace (1) selon les revendications 13 et 14, dans laquelle l'élément apte
à être réfrigéré (201) comprend des parois structurales de contenant (201') en contact
sur un premier côté avec la chambre interne (202) et appropriées sur l'autre côté
pour recevoir en contact le bac à glace (200) au moyen d'un accouplement profilé.