REFRIGERATED COUNTER WITH MOVABLE TOP

Abstract

 A refrigerated counter (1) comprises an actuation mechanism (M) that connects a top (4) to the frame (2) of the refrigerated counter, in such a way that the top (4) can go from an open position, wherein the top (4) is at the same level as an upper edge (22) of a back wall (24) of the frame, to a closed position, wherein the top (4) is in contact with a back edge (31) of an upper wall (30) of the refrigerated counter.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerated counter for food products, particularly confectionery products in general, and more particularly ice cream.

[0002] Refrigerated counters for the preservation, display and sale of confectionery products, such as ice cream, are known on the market.

[0003] Fig. 1 shows a typical refrigerated counter (100). The refrigerated counter (100) comprises a frame (2) that defines a compartment (20) wherein the products to be displayed are arranged.

[0004] A refrigeration system is mounted in the frame (2) to refrigerate the compartment (20).

[0005] Walls (3) are mounted on the frame (2) to partially close the compartment (20). Said walls (3) are at least partially transparent in order to let the consumer see the products in the compartment (20).

[0006] The refrigerated counter (100) has a front side (1a) suitable for facing the consumers, and a back side (1b) suitable for facing the operator who is to serve the products contained in the compartment (20) of the refrigerated counter.

[0007] An opening (21) in communication with the compartment (20) faces the back side (1b) of the refrigerated counter in such a way that the operator can access the compartment (20) in order to pick the products.

[0008] The frame (2) generally comprises a top (122) disposed in horizontal position on the back side (1b) of the refrigerated counter, under the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter. In view of the above, the operator can lay various types of objects on the top (122), in particular the products picked from the compartment (20) of the refrigerated counter, for example when the products are to be packed.

[0009] Evidently, the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter causes a dispersion of the refrigeration generated in the compartment (20). Consequently, the power of the refrigeration system must be increased in order to maintain a constant refrigeration level, thus increasing the energy consumption of the refrigerated counter.

[0010] In order to avoid such a drawback, when the operator is not busy picking the products from the compartment of the refrigerated counter, covering panels (123) are applied on the refrigerated counter in such a way to close the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter.

[0011] For illustrative purposes, said covering panels (123) are inclined relative to a horizontal plane and are slidingly mounted between the top (122) and a back edge of an upper wall of the refrigerated counter.

[0012] The refrigerated counter (100) is impaired by drawbacks caused by the presence of the covering panels (123). In fact, said covering panels (123) do not provide a good thermal insulation of the compartment (20) of the refrigerated counter, are uncomfortable for the operator and have a very negative effect on the aesthetics of the refrigerated counter.

[0013] DE9309085 discloses a refrigerated counter according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art by disclosing a refrigerated counter that is capable of guaranteeing an excellent insulation of the compartment.

[0015] Another purpose is to disclose such a refrigerated counter that is versatile, easy to use for the operator and provided with a pleasant aesthetics.

[0016] These purposes are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics of the independent claim 1.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims.

[0018] The refrigerated counter of the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0019] Additional features of the invention will be manifest from the following description, which refers to a merely illustrative, not limiting embodiment, as shown in the appended figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerated counter according to the prior art;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerated counter according to the invention, with a top in open position;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the refrigerated counter of Fig. 2;

Fig. 3A is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 3, with the top in open position;

Fig. 3B is the same view as Fig. 3A, except for it shows the top in an intermediate position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerated counter according to the invention, with the top in closed position;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the refrigerated counter of Fig. 4;

Fig. 5A is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 5, with the top in closed position;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an actuation mechanism of the top, in open position;

Fig. 6A is a view of the actuation device of Fig. 6 rotated by 180°;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the actuation mechanism of the top, in closed position, and

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the parts of the actuation mechanism of the top.

[0020] With reference to Figs. 2 to 8, the refrigerated counter according to the invention is disclosed, which is generally indicated with reference numeral 1.

[0021] In the following description, elements that are identical or correspond to the ones described above are indicated with the same numerals, omitting a detailed description.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 3, for illustrative purposes, tubs (25) suitable for containing ice cream are arranged in the compartment (20). A refrigeration system (26) is disposed in the frame (2) to refrigerate the compartment (20). The refrigeration system (26) is of known type and therefore it is not described in detail.

[0023] With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the refrigerated counter (1) comprises an upper wall (30) with a back edge (31) that overlooks the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter. The frame (2) comprises a back wall (24) with an upper edge (22) overlooking the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter. In view of the above, the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter is defined between the upper edge (22) of the back wall (24) of the frame and the back edge (31) of the upper wall (30). It must be noted that the back edge (31) of the upper wall (30) is disposed above the upper edge (22) of the back wall (24) of the frame (2).

[0024] A top (4) is disposed in horizontal position at the same height as the upper edge (22) of the back wall (24) of the frame. In view of the above, the operator can lay objects on the top (4) that acts as worktop.

[0025] The top (4) is mounted with possibility of moving with respect to the frame (2) by means of an actuation mechanism (M) that connects the top (4) to the frame (2). In such a way, the top (4) can go from an open position (shown in Figs. 2, 3, 3A) wherein the top (4) is at the same height as the upper edge (22) of the back wall (24) of the frame, to a closed position (shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 5A) wherein the top (4) is in contact with the back edge (31) of the upper wall (30) of the refrigerated counter.

[0026] When the top (4) is in open position, the top (4) is under the opening (21) of the compartment. When the top (4) is in closed position, the top (4) is above the opening (21) of the compartment.

[0027] The back wall (24) of the frame has an intermediate edge (24a) disposed under the upper edge (22).

[0028] The actuation mechanism (M) supports a covering panel (40) disposed in vertical position under the top (4). Otherwise said, the covering panel (40) is orthogonal to the top (4).

[0029] A connection wall (41) is disposed between the covering panel (40) and the top (4) in such a way to define a longitudinal groove suitable for receiving the fingers of the user in order to move the top (4).

[0030] The covering panel (40) has a lower edge (42). With reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 5A, when the top (4) is in closed position, the lower edge (42) of the covering panel (40) is in contact with the intermediate edge (24a) of the back wall of the frame, in such a way to tightly close the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter.

[0031] Advantageously, the intermediate edge (24a) of the back wall of the frame and the lower edge (42) of the covering panel have an oblique profile relative to a horizontal plane.

[0032] In order to guarantee a tight closure, a first seal (G1) is disposed between the intermediate edge (24a) of the back wall of the frame and the lower edge (42) of the covering panel, and a second seal (G2) is disposed between the top (4) and the back edge (31) of the upper wall of the refrigerated counter. Advantageously, the first seal (G1) is mounted on the intermediate edge (24a) of the back wall of the frame and the second seal (G2) is mounted on a front edge of the top (4).

[0033] Advantageously, the top (4) and the covering panel (40) are thermal-insulating panels.

[0034] The actuation mechanism (M) is an articulated quadrilateral mechanism. Advantageously, two actuation mechanisms can be provided at two opposite ends of the top (4). Evidently, the number of actuation mechanisms varies according to the length of the top (4).

[0035] With reference to Figs. 6 and 8, the actuation mechanism (M) comprises:

• a first support (5) fixed to the back wall (24) of the frame, between the intermediate edge (24a) and the upper edge (22),
• a second support (6) fixed to the top (4) and to the covering panel (40),
• a first connection element (7) hinged to the first support and to the second support, and
• a second connection element (8) hinged to the first support and to the second support.

[0036] The first support (5) has an H-shape with a central body (50), a first housing (51) and a second housing (52).

[0037] A first end of the first connection element (7) is hinged in the first housing (51) of the first support by means of a first pivoting pin (P1).

[0038] A first end of the second connection element (8) is hinged in the second housing (52) of the first support by means of a second pivoting pin (P2).

[0039] Holes (53) are provided in the central body (50) of the first support to receive screw means for fixing the first support to the back wall (24) of the frame.

[0040] The second support (6) is shaped like a step with a central body (65) that defines a step (65), a first housing (61) and a second housing (62).

[0041] A second end of the first connection element (7) is hinged in the first housing (61) of the second support by means of a third pivoting pin (P3).

[0042] A second end of the second connection element (8) is hinged in the second housing (62) of the second support by means of a fourth pivoting pin (P4).

[0043] Holes (63) are provided in the central body (60) of the second support to receive screw means for fixing the second support to the covering panel (40). The covering panel (40) has an upper edge that is disposed at the same level as the step (65) of the second support.

[0044] The first housing (61) of the second support has a rectangular shape and is defined by an upper wall (66). Holes (67) are provided in the upper wall (66) of the second support to receive screw means for fixing the top (4) on the upper wall (66) of the second support.

[0045] Advantageously, the actuation mechanism (M) comprises shock-absorbing means (9) for guiding and absorbing the movement of the actuation mechanism from the open position (Fig. 6) to the closed position (Fig. 7).

[0046] Advantageously, the shock-absorbing means (9) comprise at least one cylinder-piston assembly of air, gas or oil type.

[0047] Advantageously, a first cylinder-piston assembly (9a) and a second cylinder-piston assembly (9b) are provided on both sides of the actuation mechanism (M).

[0048] Each cylinder-piston assembly (9a, 9b) comprises a piston (90) that is slidingly mounted in a cylinder (91).

[0049] One end (92) of the piston (90) is hinged to a first hinge (93) with orthogonal axis relative to the axis of the piston.

[0050] One end (95) of the cylinder (91) is hinged to a second hinge (96) with orthogonal axis relative to the axis of the piston.

[0051] The first hinge (93) of the first cylinder-piston assembly is connected to the second support (6) of the actuation mechanism near the fourth pivoting pin (P4).

[0052] The second hinge (96) of the first cylinder-piston assembly (9a) is connected to the second connection element (8) of the actuation mechanism near the second pivoting pin (P2).

[0053] The first hinge (93) of the second cylinder-piston assembly (9b) is connected to the first support (5) of the actuation mechanism near the first pivoting pin (P1).

[0054] The second hinge (96) of the second cylinder-piston assembly is connected to the second support (6) of the actuation mechanism near the third pivoting pin (P3).

[0055] The cylinder-piston assemblies (9a, 9b) assist the closing/opening movement of the actuation mechanism (M), slowing down the movement at the end of the travel in order to avoid a sudden contact of the top (4) against the upper wall (30) and of the closing panel (40) against the back wall (24) of the frame. The cylinder-piston assemblies (9a, 9b) help to pass a dead point beyond which the cylinder-piston assemblies (9a, 9b) tend to close/open the actuation mechanism.

[0056] Linear actuators can be provided instead of the shock-absorbing means (9) or in addition to the shock-absorbing means (9). Said linear actuators are connected to the actuation mechanism to actuate the actuation mechanism from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. Said linear actuators can be cylinder-piston assemblies of pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic type or can also be female screw assemblies actuated by an electric motor.

[0057] Fig. 3B shows the top (4) in an intermediate position between the upper edge (22) of the back wall of the frame and the back edge (31) of the upper wall of the refrigerated counter. A bellows-like element (B) is disposed in front of the actuation mechanism (M). The bellows-like element is connected to the top (4) and to the back wall (24) of the frame near the upper edge (22) of the back wall of the frame.

[0058] The bellows-like element (B) comprises mutually hinged sheet metals or a sheet material that is folded like a bellows. The bellows-like element (B) protects the actuation mechanism (M) from dirt and prevents the customer from seeing the actuation mechanism (M) when the top (4) is in closing position (Figs. 4, 5 and 5A). Moreover, the bellows-like element (B) is an additional thermal insulation barrier.

[0059] Numerous equivalent variations and modifications within the reach of an expert of the field, which fall in any case within the scope of the invention as disclosed by the appended claims, can be made to the present embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. Refrigerated counter (1) comprising

- a front side (1a) suitable for facing the users,

- a back side (1) suitable for facing an operator,

- a frame (2) that defines a compartment (20) for food products to be displayed,

- an opening (21) in communication with the compartment (20) and facing said back side (1b) of the refrigerated counter to let the operator access the compartment (20),

- a refrigeration system (26) mounted in the frame (2) to refrigerate the compartment (20),

- walls (3) disposed on the frame (2); said walls being at least partially made of transparent material in order to let a user see the products contained in the compartment (20); said walls comprising an upper wall (30) with a back edge (31) that overlooks said opening (21) of the compartment,

- a back wall (24) of the frame, which is provided with an upper edge (22) overlooking said opening (21) of the compartment (20), in such a way that the opening (21) of the compartment is defined between the upper edge (22) of the back wall (24) of the frame and the back edge (31) of the upper wall of the refrigerated counter,

- a top (4) disposed in horizontal position in correspondence of the upper edge (22) of the back wall (24) of the frame in order to support objects disposed by the operator on said top (4), and

- an actuation mechanism (M) that connects the top (4) to the frame (2), in such a way that the top (4) can go from an open position, wherein the top (4) is at the same level as the upper edge (22) of the back wall (24) of the frame, to a closed position, wherein the top (4) is in contact with the back edge (31) of the upper wall (30) of the refrigerated counter;
characterized in that
the back wall (24) of the frame has an intermediate edge (24a) disposed under the upper edge (22) and
the refrigerated counter (1) also comprises a covering panel (40) supported by the actuation mechanism (M) and disposed in vertical position under the top (4); said covering panel (40) being provided with a lower edge (42) that is in contact with the intermediate edge (24a) of the back wall of the frame, when the top (4) is in closed position, in such a way to tightly close the opening (21) of the compartment of the refrigerated counter.

2. The refrigerated counter (1) of claim 1, also comprising:

- a first seal (G1) disposed between the intermediate edge (24a) of the back wall of the frame and the lower edge (42) of the covering panel, and

- a second seal (G2) disposed between the top (4) and the back edge (31) of the upper wall of the refrigerated counter.

3. The refrigerated counter (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top (4) and the covering panel (40) are thermal insulating panels.

4. The refrigerated counter (1) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connection wall (41) disposed between the covering panel (40) and the top (4) in such a way to define a longitudinal groove suitable for receiving the fingers of the user in order to move the top (4).

5. The refrigerated counter (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuation mechanism (M) is an articulated quadrilateral mechanism.

6. The refrigerated counter (1) of claim 5, wherein said actuation mechanism (M) comprises:

- a first support (5) fixed to the back wall (24) of the frame between an intermediate edge (24a) and the upper edge (22),

- a second support (6) fixed to the top (4) and to the covering panel (40),

- a first connection element (7) hinged to the first support and to the second support, and

- a second connection element (8) hinged to the first support and to the second support.

7. The refrigerated counter (1) of claim 5 or 6, wherein said actuation mechanism (M) also comprises shock-absorbing means (9) for guiding and absorbing the movement of the actuation mechanism from an open position to a closed position.

8. The refrigerated counter (1) of any one of the preceding claims, also comprising linear actuators connected to said actuation mechanism (M) to move the actuation mechanism from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

9. The refrigerated counter (1) of any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a bellows-like element (B) disposed in front of the actuation mechanism (M); said bellows-like element being connected to the top (4) and to the back wall (24) of the frame near the upper edge (22) of the back wall of the frame, in such a way to cover the actuation mechanism (M).

Drawing