DISPLAY CABINET FOR REFRIGERATED PRODUCTS

Abstract

 Display cabinet for refrigerated products comprising a support structure (2) which internally delimits a refrigeration chamber (21) extended between a first access side (21') and an opposite second access side (21") at which it is provided, respectively, with at least one first access opening (A) and with at least one second access opening (B).
The support structure (2) also delimits at least one first technical compartment (22), placed above said refrigeration chamber (21) and air connected to the latter by means of at least two delivery mouths (211), placed at separate access sides (21) in order to introduce a corresponding delivery air flow (Fm) towards said refrigeration chamber (21), and by means of at least one recovery mouth (212), in order to pick up a recovery air flow (Fr) coming from said refrigeration chamber (21). The display cabinet (1) also comprises a first series of display shelves (31), and a second series of display shelves (32), which are spaced from each other and between them delimiting a central suction channel (30), air connected to the recovery mouth (212). The display cabinet (1) also comprises ventilation means (4) and cooling means (5), placed within the first technical compartment (22) in order to intercept, cool and force the recovery air flow (Fr) recovered by the recovery mouth (212). The shelves of each series of shelves (31, 32) are vertically spaced and between them define conveyance openings (300) air connected to the central suction channel (30) in order to flow at least part of the delivery air flows (Fm) coming from the delivery mouths (211) towards the central suction channel (30).

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a display cabinet for refrigerated products according to the preamble of the independent claim 1.

[0002] The present display cabinet for refrigerated products is advantageously intended to be employed in stores, supermarkets or other business premises for the display and sales of perishable and non-perishable foodstuffs. The display cabinet, object of the present invention, is intended to be used for the display of products which require a controlled temperature, which is maintained within the relative regulations.

[0003] The present display cabinet for refrigerated products is therefore inserted in the industrial field of production of display cabinets for foodstuffs, in particular in the field of production of refrigerator counters and display cabinets for small, medium and large scale mass distribution.

State of the art

[0004] The display cabinets for refrigerated products are used for the display of foodstuffs at a controlled temperature, so as to maintain unchanged over time the characteristics of the displayed food product. Known on the market are various display cabinets which are distinguished by shape and by mode of display of the products to be preserved.

[0005] In particular, the display cabinets of known type can be of vertical type, e.g. with column or walls, or horizontal, of the type with counter, with tank or with well.

[0006] The display cabinets of known type usually comprise a metallic support structure and an insulating structure, made of thermal insulation material, fixed to the support structure and adapted to define therewith a containment volume for the foods to be preserved. More in detail, with particular reference to the vertical display cabinets, the support structure is of cabin type and internally delimits a cooled chamber, accessible to users in order to allow the latter to take the product displayed within the display cabinet.

[0007] The support structure of the display cabinets of known type comprises a base wall, susceptible of being placed substantially in abutment against the ground, an opposite top wall, known in the technical jargon of the field with the term "top", two lateral shoulders, termed "flanks", and a rear wall, termed "back", opposite with respect to the access opening for the cooled chamber.

[0008] The back of the display cabinets of known type is usually blind and is susceptible of being placed in abutment against a perimeter wall of the business location where the display cabinet is placed (hence the term "wall" indicates the type of display cabinet). The display cabinets of known type also comprise a thermal cooling unit, which comprises an evaporator, usually placed below the cooled chamber and hydraulically connected to a cooling station placed outside the sales location, and ventilation means, in order to force the convection of air and allow the recirculation within the cooled chamber.

[0009] More in detail, the aforesaid recirculation of the air is attained by forcing the air, through the aforesaid ventilation means, to traverse the cooled chamber in order to induce a closed circuit movement of the air within the same cooled chamber, in order to allow cooling the interior of the chamber.

[0010] For such purpose, the recirculation circuit provides for a first passage opening, through which the refrigerated air enters within the cooled chamber. Such first passage opening is usually placed below the cooled chamber (usually being placed below the ventilation means).

[0011] Also known are display cabinets in which the first passage opening is placed above the cooled chamber. In this case, a conveyance channel is provided, usually made in a technical compartment placed behind the back of the display cabinet, arranged in order to convey the cooled air from the ventilation means to the upper access opening.

[0012] The display cabinets of known type described up to now have in practice shown that they do not lack drawbacks. A first drawback lies in the fact that they do not allow preserving foodstuffs which require different preservation temperatures within the same display cabinet.

[0013] A further drawback lies in the fact that such wall display cabinets, in the event in which they are employed for forming aisles that are not supported by a wall, are usually placed in pairs with the respective backs facing.

[0014] This causes the loss of a large amount of business space and, consequently, involves considerable display space.

[0015] Also known are column display cabinets, e.g. like that described in the document US 3769805, which is provided with a central column, to which the display shelves are fixed, and such central column has a plurality of recovery holes in order to allow the recirculation of the air between the refrigeration chamber and a technical compartment within which the cooling means are placed.

[0016] In order to at least partly remedy the aforesaid problems, display cabinets for refrigerated products have been developed, for example of the type described in the patent US 3392543 or in the document US2001/0047660, which are provided with a central dividing wall that divides the cooled chamber into a first half-chamber, accessible from a first door, and a second half-chamber, accessible from a second door. Also fixed on the central dividing wall are two series of display shelves, one for each half-chamber. For such reason, the latter display cabinets take the name "bifacial" in the technical jargon.

[0017] The support structure also comprises a technical compartment, placed above the cooled chamber and within which two separate cooling units are placed. More particularly, a first cooling unit is placed above the first half-chamber, and a second cooling unit is placed above the second half-chamber.

[0018] The aforesaid display cabinet provides that the two half-chambers be air-isolated from the central wall and in particular provides for two recirculation circuits, each of which intercepted by a corresponding cooling unit intended to cool the air flow passing into such recirculation circuit.

[0019] More in detail, for each half-chamber, the corresponding recirculation circuit provides for a first delivery section, parallel to the first (or second) door and along which the air exiting from the cooling unit flows, and a recovery section, passing into the central wall, which at its interior defines a return channel. Each circuit also provides for a connection section passing through a lower technical compartment, placed under the cooled chamber. Therefore, the two recirculation circuits are at most joined with the aforesaid recovery section passing within the central wall. In addition, the air is forced into the recovery section by ventilation means placed in the return channel, i.e. within the central wall, at the lower technical compartment.

[0020] In addition, each recirculation circuit comprises a second delivery section, passing through a corresponding lateral channel defined by the same central wall and placed side-by-side and parallel to the central channel. In such case, on the central wall, openings are made for collecting the lateral channel and the corresponding half-chamber. In this manner, the products are cooled on both sides, both by the air flow conveyed into the first delivery section and by that conveyed into the second delivery section.

[0021] Otherwise, in the event in which the central wall is blind, the air that flows along the first (single) delivery section follows a substantially sinusoidal path within spaces defined by the display shelves, in order to reach the various displayed products to be refrigerated.

[0022] Also the latter solution has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

[0023] The main drawback lies in the fact that such solution has proven structurally complex to attain, since it requires a high number of components, in particular for making the central wall and the corresponding channels at its interior.

[0024] A further drawback lies in the fact that such solution has proven to be poorly efficient in ensuring a constant temperature within the cooled chamber, in particular following a frequent opening of the doors. Indeed, the configuration of the recirculation circuits determines that part of the air flow is directed towards the doors and hence, following the opening thereof, part of the air flow exits outward, with a consequent suction of warm air from outside. The latter drawback is accentuated by the placement of the ventilation means in proximity to the lower technical compartment, which causes a greater pressure reduction in proximity to the doors.

[0025] A further drawback lies in the fact that such solution has proven to be economically expensive, also regarding assembly, comprising two separate cooling units and providing for the placement of the ventilation means within the central wall. In addition, such placement makes it difficult to access the same ventilation means in order to carry out the necessary maintenance thereof.

[0026] A further drawback lies in the fact that such solution has proven to be costly with regard to energy, since not only is it necessary to power supply two separate thermal units for the operation of the display cabinet, but there is also low thermal efficiency to confront. Refrigerator cells of walk-in type are also known, for example described in the document DE 202017103728, which are provided with two series of display shelves that between them delimit a work zone adapted to allow an operator to enter within the cell in order to load the food products to be stored.

[0027] Such refrigerator cells comprise an air recirculation system with channels, which is provided with two recirculation circuits, each of which provided with a recovery mouth, placed at an evaporator, and with respective recirculation ducts, provided with a plurality of outlet openings, made in proximity to the sides on which the display shelves are placed.

Presentation of the invention

[0028] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of overcoming the drawbacks manifested by the abovementioned solutions of known type, by providing a display cabinet, which is simple and easy to attain.

[0029] A further object of the present finding is to provide a display cabinet which has a high thermal efficiency.

[0030] A further object of the present finding is to provide a display cabinet whose maintenance is simple to carry out.

[0031] A further object of the present finding is to provide a display cabinet which requires reduced energy consumption.

[0032] A further object of the present finding is to provide a display cabinet which is inexpensive and entirely reliable in operation.

Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen from the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent several merely non-limiting and exemplifying embodiments of the invention in which:

• figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a display cabinet, object of the present invention;
• figure 2 shows a side section view of the display cabinet of figure 1;
• figure 3 shows a detail of the display cabinet of figure 2, relative to a first technical compartment;
• figures 4 and 5 show a detail of the display cabinet of figure 1, relative to coupling means.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0034] With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 indicates the display cabinet for refrigerated products, object of the present invention.

[0035] The display cabinet 1 according to the present invention is intended to be employed for preserving different foodstuffs at a controlled temperature, and simultaneously allow a display thereof, for example for sales purposes.

[0036] In particular, the present display cabinet 1 can be of the type employable for preserving foodstuffs at temperatures higher than that of freezing of the foodstuffs, and at temperatures lower than the freezing temperatures.

[0037] Hereinbelow, reference will be made to a display cabinet of wall type, in particular bifacial; nevertheless it is intended that, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the display cabinet can also be of another type such as for example of vertical type with column, of semi-vertical type, or horizontal type with counter, with tank or with well.

[0038] In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention the display cabinet 1 for refrigerated products comprises a support structure 2, preferably made of metal material.

[0039] Advantageously, the support structure 2 has substantially box-like form and is extended between a base wall, susceptible of being placed in abutment against the ground, and an opposite top wall.

[0040] The support structure 2 internally delimits a refrigeration chamber 20, which is extended, along a first extension direction X, preferably without interruption, between a first side 21' and a second side 21", at each which the refrigeration chamber 20 is respectively provided with a first access opening A and with a second access opening B. In particular, the support structure 2 internally delimits a single refrigeration chamber 20.

[0041] Advantageously, the aforesaid access openings A, B are closeable, e.g. by doors, which can be of swinging type, i.e. hinged to the support structure, as illustrated in the enclosed figure 1, or of slidable type, in order to insulate refrigeration chamber 20 from the outside environment and maintain a substantially constant temperature within the refrigeration chamber 20.

[0042] Of course, it is possible to not close the access openings A, B, in this case providing that the refrigeration chamber 20 be in direct contact with the external environment of the business premises where the display cabinet 1 is installed. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the closure of only one of the two access openings A, B, leaving the opposite opening A, B open.

[0043] The support structure 2 also delimits at least one first technical compartment 22, which is placed above the refrigeration chamber 20. Preferably, the support structure 2 comprises a first separation wall 200, placed substantially parallel to the base wall and to the top wall and interposed between the latter.

[0044] In particular, the first separation wall 200 is placed as a separation between the refrigeration chamber 20 and the first technical compartment 22.

[0045] The first technical compartment 22 is air connected to the refrigeration chamber 20 by means of at least two delivery mouths 211, each of which placed at a separate first and second access side 21 in order to introduce a corresponding delivery air flow Fm into the refrigeration chamber 20.

[0046] In particular, the display cabinet 1 comprises a first delivery mouth 211' placed at the first access side 21' and a second delivery mouth 211", placed at the second access side 21".

[0047] Advantageously, the display cabinet 1 is extended depthwise along a depth direction Z, preferably horizontal, substantially orthogonal to the first extension direction X. Preferably, the display cabinet 1 is extended mainly along the aforesaid depth direction Z.

[0048] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures, the display cabinet 1 comprises at least two first delivery mouths 211' and at least two second delivery mouths 211 ", which are preferably aligned with each other spaced along the depth direction Z, substantially orthogonal to the first extension direction X. Alternatively, in accordance with an embodiment variant that is not illustrated, the display cabinet 1 comprises a single first delivery mouth 211' and a single second delivery mouth 21", which are preferably provided with an elongated extension along the aforesaid depth direction Z.

[0049] Advantageously, the delivery mouths 211 are made on the first separation wall 200 and are for example obtained by means of the attainment of corresponding through holes on the latter.

[0050] Advantageously, each delivery mouth 211 is preferably shaped in a manner such to direct the delivery air flow Fm exiting from the same delivery mouth 211 parallel to the corresponding access opening A, B.

[0051] In particular, the delivery air flow Fm is preferably substantially vertical, from the corresponding delivery mouth 211 towards the base wall of the support structure 2 of the display cabinet 1, generating an air blade adjacent to the access opening, so as to allow insulating the internal environment of the refrigeration chamber 20 both from a thermal standpoint (obstructing the entrance of warm air from outside) and from the hygienic standpoint (obstructing the entrance of microbes and bacteria). Advantageously, the display cabinet 1 comprises two flow straightener elements, each placed at a delivery mouth 211 in order to reduce possible turbulence in the delivery air flow Fm. Such straightener elements, such as for example honeycomb or grid structures, are in particular of the type very well known to the man skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail hereinbelow.

[0052] The first technical compartment 22 is also air connected to the refrigeration chamber 20 by means of at least one recovery mouth 212, placed between the delivery mouths 211, adapted to recover a recovery air flow Fr coming from the refrigeration chamber 20. Advantageously, the recovery mouth 212 is placed in a central position equidistant from the delivery mouths 211. Advantageously, the delivery mouths 211 of the two separate access sides A, B are equidistant from the recovery mouth 212 in a manner such to make uniform the air flows that reach the two sides of the display cabinet. Preferably, all the first delivery mouths 211' are equidistant from the recovery mouth 212 in a manner such to make uniform the air flows that reach the separate first delivery mouths 211'.

[0053] Preferably, all the second delivery mouths 211" are equidistant from the recovery mouth 212 so as to make uniform the air flows that reach the separate second delivery mouths 211".

[0054] In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the display cabinet 1 comprises a recovery mouth 212, preferably single, which has an elongated extension along the depth direction Z of the display cabinet 1 and is extended for the entire depth of the display cabinet 1 along the aforesaid depth direction Z.

[0055] Advantageously, the recovery mouth 212 is formed by a single opening which is extended without interruptions along the aforesaid depth direction Z, preferably for the entire depth of the display cabinet 1.

[0056] Advantageously, the recovery mouth 212 is made on the first separation wall 200, for example being obtained by means of attaining a through hole on the latter. Preferably, the display cabinet 1 is provided with a first grid placed at the recovery mouth 212 and extended along the depth direction Z, preferably for the entire depth of the display cabinet 1.

[0057] The display cabinet 1 also comprises a first series of display shelves 31, mechanically mounted on the support structure 2 and accessible from the first access opening A, and a second series of display shelves 32, mechanically mounted on the support structure 2 and accessible from the second access opening B.

[0058] In particular, each series of display shelves 31, 32 comprises multiple shelves placed parallel to and vertically spaced from each other.

[0059] The first series of shelves 31 and the second series of shelves 32 are spaced from each other along the first extension direction X and between them delimit a central suction channel 30, air connected to the recovery mouth 212. The central suction channel 30 is exclusively delimited by the first series of shelves 31 and by the second series of shelves 32.

[0060] More in detail, hereinbelow with the expression "suction channel" it will be intended a channel in which the air can flow towards the recovery mouth 212 in order to be suctioned from the refrigeration chamber 20 to the first technical compartment 22.

[0061] The display cabinet 1 comprises ventilation means 4, placed within the first technical compartment 22, which are extended along the depth direction Z, and are arranged for forcing the recovery air flow Fr towards the refrigeration chamber 20, attaining the delivery air flows Fm through the delivery mouths 211.

[0062] Advantageously, the ventilation means 4 are intended to generate a pressure reduction in the central suction channel 30 in order to suction the recovery air flow Fr through the recovery mouth 212.

[0063] In other words, the suction channel 30 is not delimited towards the two access sides A, B, by separation walls, neither blind nor perforated, and is substantially an open suction channel 30, in which the air can flow by means of only the pressure reduction due to the suction means 4, not being physically enclosed within the suction channel 30. Advantageously, the suction channel 30 has a width-wise extension, measured along the first extension direction X, which is smaller than the width-wise extension of the recovery mouth 212 measured along the same first extension direction X. In this manner it is possible to increase the air flow rate which can enter into the suction mouth 212 and thus improve the recirculation of the air inside the display cabinet 1.

[0064] In particular, the arrangement of a suction channel 30 that is delimited exclusively by the first series of shelves 31 and by the second series of shelves 32, and not by dividing walls, allows narrowing the width of the suction channel 30 without having to reduce the width of the recovery mouth 212 as well. In such a manner, it is possible to obtain a display cabinet 1 that has an efficient recirculation, simultaneously reducing the ground size thereof and hence resulting extremely convenient to use within business premises. Advantageously, the ventilation means 4 comprise at least one fan 40, preferably only one, placed centrally for example, i.e. substantially at the recovery mouth 212. In particular, the fan 40 is arranged in order to suction the air from the recovery mouth 212 and divide the suctioned air into two delivery flows Fm, forcing them towards the corresponding delivery mouths 211.

[0065] Of course, it is also possible to provide for two separate fans 40, each placed in proximity to a corresponding delivery mouth 211. Advantageously, the ventilation means 4 comprise multiple fans 40, preferably six separate fans 40, which are placed aligned along the depth direction Z. Preferably, the fans 40 are placed equidistant from each other along the entire extension of the recovery mouth 212, so as to ensure a uniform and sufficient suction of the air from the cooled chamber 20 towards the first technical compartment 22.

[0066] Advantageously, each fan 40 is arranged in order to suction part of the air arriving from the recovery mouth 212 and simultaneously introduce such part of the air with a delivery flow Fm through the corresponding delivery mouth 211.

[0067] The display cabinet also comprises cooling means 5, placed within the first technical compartment 22 in order to intercept and cool the recovery air flow Fr recovered by the recovery mouth 212.

[0068] The display cabinet also comprises cooling means 5, which are placed within the first technical compartment 22, have an elongated extension along the depth direction Z for the entire depth of the display cabinet 1 and are arranged in order to intercept and cool the recovery air flow Fr recovered by the recovery mouth 212.

[0069] Advantageously, the cooling means 5 comprise only one evaporator 50, which is placed within the first technical compartment 22 and is arranged for cooling both delivery air flows Fm intended to traverse the respective delivery mouths 211. The evaporator 50 is extended preferably for the entire depth of the display cabinet 1 along the aforesaid depth direction Z.

[0070] The arrangement of cooling means 5 with extension along the depth direction Z, in particular by means of a single evaporator 50, and of a single recovery mouth 212 that is also extended along the aforesaid depth direction Z for the entire extension of the display cabinet 1, allows making uniform the cooling and the distribution of the air towards the delivery mouths 211.

[0071] In this manner it is possible to obtain a delivery air flow Fm that has a high uniformity along the entire depth of the display cabinet along the depth direction Z, allowing to maintain food products all at a same temperature. Preferably, the ventilation means 4 are interposed between the recovery mouth 212 and the cooling means 5. More in detail, the ventilation means 4 are placed at the recovery mouth 212, within the first technical compartment 22, and the cooling means 5 are placed above the ventilation means 4, along the vertical extension direction Y.

[0072] Advantageously, the air passes through the outlet mouth 212 suctioned by the ventilation means 4 and, once it has gone beyond the ventilation means 4, it reaches the cooling means 5 placed above, in order to then be divided into two sections (right and left) towards the delivery mouths 211. The two right and left sections are in particular descending sections, in which the air flows from the cooling means 5 that are placed raised (being placed above the ventilation means 4) towards the delivery mouths 211 that are instead placed placed at the first separation wall 200 of the first technical compartment 22. In this manner, it is possible to reduce the dimensions of the display cabinet along the first extension direction X by simply slightly increasing the height elevation (along the vertical extension direction Y), simultaneously maintaining a high uniformity of the air flow arriving at all the delivery mouths 211.

[0073] The shelves of each series of shelves 31, 32 are spaced along a second vertical extension direction Y, transverse to the first extension direction X, between them defining conveyance openings 300 air connected to the central suction channel 30 in order to flow at least part of the air flows coming from the delivery mouths 211 towards the central suction channel 30.

[0074] In this manner, part of the air of each delivery flow Fm, as better described hereinbelow, transversely deflects with respect to the vertical direction of the delivery flow Fm and comes to hit the display shelves, transferring its own heat to the displayed products above them, cooling them. Subsequently, the air reaches the central suction channel 30, traverses the recovery mouth 212, is suctioned by the ventilation means 4, is newly cooled by the cooling means 5 and finally is reintroduced into circulation.

[0075] Of course, based on different above-described variants, the air can be first cooled by the cooling means 5 and then reintroduced in circulation by the ventilation means 4, in particular if the latter are placed at the delivery mouths 211.

[0076] Advantageously, the display cabinet 1 comprises two air recirculation circuits 6, each of which placed to traverse a corresponding delivery mouth 211 and the recovery mouth 212.

[0077] In particular, hereinbelow with the expression "recirculation circuit" it will be intended the path that the air follows within the display cabinet 1. As better described hereinbelow, the two recirculation circuits 6 are not circuits independent from each other, rather they preferably comprise at least one section in common. Therefore, the air that travels along one of the two recirculation circuits 6 can of course be reintroduced in circulation through the other of the two recirculation circuits 6.

[0078] More in detail, each recirculation circuit 6 comprises a delivery section 61, which is extended adjacent to the corresponding access side 21 and preferably is extended substantially vertically, in air blade form, parallel to a corresponding access side 21. Advantageously, each recirculation circuit 6 also comprises a recovery section 62, which is preferably in common with the recovery section 62 of the other recirculation circuit 6. In particular, the recovery section 62 is extended along at least the central suction channel 30.

[0079] In this manner the recovery air flow Fr can re-ascend towards the first technical compartment 22 along the central suction channel up to the recovery mouth 212 in order to be newly cooled by the cooling means 5. In particular, having transferred part of its heat, the air that enters into the central suction channel 30 will of course be warmer and thus lighter, facilitating its natural ascent along the aforesaid central suction channel 30. Advantageously, each recirculation circuit 6 also comprises a plurality of conveyance sections 63, placed as an air connection between the delivery section 61 and the recovery section 62 in order to convey at least of the delivery air flow Fm coming from the corresponding delivery mouth 211 towards the central suction channel 30.

[0080] As set forth above, the ventilation means 4 are intended to generate a pressure reduction in the central suction channel 30. More in detail, the pressure present in the suction channel 30 is preferably lower than the pressure present in the rest of the refrigeration chamber 20, and in particular with respect to the delivery section 61.

[0081] In this manner, part of the delivery air flow Fm is naturally suctioned towards the central suction channel 30 along the conveyance sections 63.

[0082] Advantageously, each conveyance section 63 on the upper part hits the corresponding display shelf and traverses the corresponding conveyance opening 300 so as to enter into the central suction channel 30.

[0083] Advantageously, each delivery air flow Fm has a flow rate decreasing along the corresponding delivery section 61 starting from the corresponding delivery mouth 211. Indeed, part of the delivery air Fm advantageously travels along the conveyance sections 63, determining a lower air flow rate as the delivery air flow Fm progressively reaches the base wall of the display cabinet 1.

[0084] Advantageously, the recovery air flow Fr has a flow rate increasing along the recovery section 62 towards the recovery mouth 212.

[0085] Indeed, the part of the delivery air Fm that has traveled along the conveyance sections 63 and flows into the recovery section 62 increases the air flow rate as the recovery air flow Fr progressively reaches the recovery mouth 212.

[0086] Advantageously, the display cabinet 1 comprises a second technical compartment 22', which is placed below the refrigeration chamber 20 and is air connected to the central suction channel 30 and to the refrigeration chamber 20.

[0087] Preferably, the support structure 2 comprises a second separation wall 200', placed substantially parallel to the base wall and to the top wall and interposed between the latter.

[0088] In particular, the second separation wall 200' is placed as a separation between the refrigeration chamber 20 and the second technical compartment 22.

[0089] More in detail, the second separation wall 200' is advantageously provided with at least two inlet mouths, not represented, which are placed on opposite sides of the second separation wall 200', in proximity to the access sides 21.

[0090] In operation, the inlet mouths are arranged in order to air connect the refrigeration chamber 20, and in particular the delivery section 61 of the latter, with the second technical compartment 22'.

[0091] Preferably, the inlet mouths of the second separation wall 20' are substantially aligned with the delivery mouths 211.

[0092] Advantageously, the second separation wall 200' is also provided with an outlet mouth, not represented, which is interposed between the two inlet mouths and is arranged in order to air connect the second technical compartment 22' to the central suction channel 30.

[0093] Preferably, the outlet mouth of the second separation wall 200' is substantially aligned with the recovery mouth 212.

[0094] Advantageously, each recirculation circuit of the air 6 comprises a lower conveyance section 64, which air connects the delivery section 61 and the recovery section 62 and is extended inside the second technical compartment 22'.

[0095] The second technical compartment 22' advantageously allows ensuring a conveyance channel between the delivery section 61 and the recovery section 62 even in the event in which the display shelves are excessively filled with the products to be displayed, obstructing or impeding the correct passage of the air into the conveyance sections 63 between the delivery section 61 and the recovery section 62.

[0096] Preferably, the second technical compartment 22' defines a channel free of any impediment of the air flow circulation and in particular it does not contain ventilation means 4 and/or cooling means 5 at its interior.

[0097] Advantageously, the display shelves of the first and of the second series of display shelves 31, 32 comprise a horizontal abutment shelf 33, intended to support a product to be displayed, which is extended between a front edge 33' directed towards the corresponding access opening A, B and an opposite rear edge 33" directed towards the central suction channel 30.

[0098] Preferably, the front edge 33' is placed spaced from the corresponding access opening A, B so as to delimit, with the corresponding access side 21, a passage interspace in which the delivery air flow Fm can flow along the delivery section 61.

[0099] The shelves also comprise a vertical closure wall 34, which is extended projectingly from the rear edge 33" of the abutment level 33, preferably integrally with the latter, and the vertical closure walls 34 of the display shelves partially close, laterally, the central suction channel 30.

[0100] The vertical closure walls 34 also advantageously allow containing, at the rear part, the products displayed on the shelves, preventing the products from falling back within the central suction channel.

[0101] The central suction channel 30 is therefore advantageously partially closed laterally, towards the opposite access openings A, B, so as to modulate the air flow that travels along the conveyance sections 63.

[0102] More in detail, each conveyance opening 300 is delimited by an upper edge 34' of the vertical closure wall 34 of a corresponding display shelf and by a lower face of the abutment level 33 of an upper display shelf.

[0103] Of course, the conveyance openings 300 have a vertical extension, measured along the second extension direction Y, which depends on the distance left between two shelves. Preferably, each conveyance opening 300 has a vertical extension comprised between 10 and 1500 mm and still more preferably comprised between 500 and 1000 mm. Such extension in particular allows ensuring the sufficient flow of air through the conveyance sections 63 such to sufficiently cool the products displayed on the shelves. Advantageously, the central suction channel 30 is extended between an upper end 30', placed at the recovery mouth 212, and an opposite lower end 30".

[0104] Advantageously, in the event in which, as stated above, the support structure 2 delimits a second technical compartment 22', the lower end 30" of the central suction channel 30 is placed at the outlet mouth of the second technical compartment 22'.

[0105] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the display shelves of each series of shelves 31, 32 are mechanically mounted at a respective access side 21 of the support structure 2.

[0106] More in detail, the support structure 2 advantageously comprises at least two pairs of uprights 23, which are extended along the second extension direction Y and laterally delimit the corresponding access opening A, B.

[0107] Suitably, in the case of display cabinets 1 with high widthwise extensions, the display cabinet 1 is advantageously provided with central uprights, placed to separate two access sections of the corresponding access opening A, B.

[0108] Advantageously, the display shelves of each series of shelves 31, 32 are mechanically mounted on the two uprights 23 of the respective pair of uprights and are extended from these towards the interior of the refrigeration chamber 20.

[0109] Advantageously, each shelf comprises at least two brackets 310, each of which mechanically fixed to at least one corresponding upright 20 and extended projectingly from the corresponding upright 20, parallel to the first extension direction X. Advantageously, the abutment level 33 is slidably engaged on the brackets 310 in order to vary the position of the level itself 33 with respect to the brackets 310. Advantageously, each bracket 310 is extended between a first end 310', placed in proximity to the corresponding access opening A, B and fixed to a corresponding upright 23 and a free second end 310", opposite the first end 310' and placed within the refrigeration chamber 20.

[0110] Advantageously, the shelves are removably mountable on the uprights 23 so they can be easily dismounted and remounted both in case of maintenance operations and in case of operations of reorganization of the display cabinet 1.

[0111] More in detail, the display cabinet 1 comprises coupling means 7 placed as a mechanical connection between the first end 310' of each bracket 310 and a corresponding upright 23 and comprise at least one first coupling element 71 fixed to the bracket 310 and a plurality of coupling seats 72 made on the uprights 23 and engageable by the first coupling element 71 in order to fix the shelf to the support structure 2.

[0112] In this manner it is possible to prevent the use of screws or other elements for fixing the shelves to the uprights 23 which would require considerable time for the installation or dismounting of the shelves themselves.

[0113] Advantageously, the uprights 23 are made of metal material, are preferably provided with an internally hollow tubular body, e.g. provided with a rectangular section and they can be made both from a metallic extrusion and via bending of a metallic sheet. Advantageously the uprights 23 are provided with a first wall 230, which is placed substantially parallel to the corresponding access opening A, B.

[0114] Advantageously, the first wall 230 is extended between an internal surface, directed towards the interior of the upright 23, and an opposite external surface directed towards the interior of the display cabinet 1 and preferably the coupling seats 72 are made on the aforesaid first wall 230 of each upright 23, in particular they pass through between the internal surface and the external face of the first wall 230 itself. Preferably, the coupling seats 72 have substantially rectangular shape and are provided with a greater extension, heightwise or widthwise, than the extension of the first coupling element 71, in a manner such to allow the insertion of the latter within the aforesaid coupling seats 72. Advantageously in addition, the central uprights comprise two rows of coupling seats 72, placed parallel to each other along the second extension direction Y, in a manner such to allow the coupling of two rows of shelves side-by-side along the widthwise extension of the display cabinet 1.

[0115] Advantageously the coupling means 4 comprise multiple first coupling elements 71, placed spaced along a direction substantially parallel to the second extension direction Y, and each of such first coupling elements 71 is placed to engage a separate coupling seat 72.

[0116] Preferably, the first coupling elements 71 are made integrally with the bracket 310, allowing to avoid the use of elements for fixing to the bracket 310, which would lengthen the installation times for the display cabinet 1. In addition, the use of multiple coupling elements 71, preferably two, for each bracket 310 allows increasing the load supportable by the shelf. In particular, the foods displayed above the abutment level 33 of the shelf generate a bending moment thereon, which is compensated by the constraint exerted by the coupling elements 71, which discharge the load of the shelf on the uprights 23 of the support structure 2.

[0117] Advantageously, the coupling seats 72 are delimited by a grip edge 720 and the first coupling elements 71 comprise a tab 710, projecting from the first end 310' of the bracket 310 and provided at least with a grip notch 711, preferably two grip notches 711, which is adapted to collaborate with the grip edge 720 in order to constrain the corresponding bracket 310 to the corresponding upright 23.

[0118] Advantageously, the grip edge 720 is defined by the thickness of the first wall 230 of the upright 23 and each grip notch 711 is intended to be placed astride the aforesaid grip edge 720 so as to constrain the bracket 310 to the corresponding upright 23 with respect to a bending moment due to the load of the abutment level 33 and of the products supported by this.

[0119] Advantageously, each tab 710 is extended parallel to the first extension direction X between a free rounded end and a connection end coinciding with the first end 310' of the bracket 310.

[0120] More in detail, each tab 710 is delimited between an upper side 710' and a lower side 710", and preferably has grip notches 711, defined starting from the lower edge 710" and spaced along the first extension direction X. The grip notches 711 are preferably provided with a substantially overturned U form. In this manner a first portion of the tab 710 is placed in abutment against the internal surface of the first wall 230, a second portion of the tab 710 is placed in abutment against the external face of the first wall 230.

[0121] The presence of multiple grip notches 711 allows an operator to selectively move the abutment level 33 more or less within the refrigeration chamber 20 parallel to the first extension direction X.

[0122] The display cabinet 1 of refrigerated products therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Claims

1. Display cabinet for refrigerated products comprising

- a support structure (2) which internally delimits:

- a refrigeration chamber (21) extended along a first extension direction (X) between a first access side (21') and an opposite second access side (21"), wherein, at said first and second access side (21', 21"), said chamber (21) is respectively provided with at least one first access opening (A) and with at least one second access opening (B);

- at least one first technical compartment (22), placed above said refrigeration chamber (21) and air connected to the latter by means of at least two delivery mouths (211), each of which is placed at a separate said first and second access side (21) in order to introduce a corresponding delivery air flow (Fm) towards said refrigeration chamber (21), and by means of a recovery mouth (212), which has an elongated extension along a depth direction (Z) of said display cabinet (1), orthogonal to said first extension direction (X), is extended substantially for the entire depth of said display cabinet (1) along said depth direction (Z), and is placed between said delivery mouths (211) in order to pick up a recovery air flow (Fr) coming from said refrigeration chamber (21);

- a first series of display shelves (31), mounted on said support structure (2) and accessible from said first access opening (A); and

- a second series of display shelves (32), mounted on said support structure (2) and accessible from said second access opening (B);

said first series of shelves (31) and said second series of shelves (32) being spaced from each other along said first extension direction (X) and between them delimiting a central suction channel (30), which is delimited laterally exclusively by said first series of shelves (31) and said second series of shelves (32) and is air connected to said recovery mouth (212);

the shelves of each said series of shelves (31, 32) being spaced along a second extension direction (Y), vertical and transverse to said first extension direction (X), between them defining conveyance openings (300) air connected to said central suction channel (30) in order to flow at least part of the delivery air flows (Fm) coming from said delivery mouths (211) towards said central suction channel (30);

said display cabinet also comprising:

- ventilation means (4), which are placed within said first technical compartment (22), are extended along said depth direction (Z) substantially for the entire depth of said display cabinet (1) along said depth direction (Z), and are arranged for forcing said recovery air flow (Fr) towards said refrigeration chamber (21), attaining said delivery air flows (Fm) through said delivery mouths (211);

- cooling means (5), which are placed within said first technical compartment (22), are distributed for the entire depth of said display cabinet (1) along said depth direction (Z), and are arranged for intercepting and cooling the recovery air flow (Fr) recovered by said recovery mouth (212).

2. Display cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two air recirculation circuits (6), each of which is placed to traverse a corresponding said delivery mouth (211) and said recovery mouth (212);
each said air recirculation circuit (6) comprising a delivery section (61), which is extended adjacent to the corresponding said access side (21), a recovery section (62), which is extended along at least part of said central suction channel (30), and a plurality of conveyance sections (63), placed as an air connection between said delivery section (61) and said recovery section (62) in order to convey at least part of the delivery air flow (Fm) coming from the corresponding said delivery mouth (211) towards said central suction channel (30).

3. Display cabinet according to claim 2, characterized in that each delivery air flow (Fm) has a flow rate decreasing along the corresponding said delivery section (61) starting from the corresponding said delivery mouth (211).

4. Display cabinet according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said recovery air flow (Fr) has a flow rate increasing along said recovery section (62) towards said recovery mouth (212).

5. Display cabinet according to any one of the claims from 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a second technical compartment (22'), placed below said refrigeration chamber (21) and air connected to said central suction channel (30) and to said refrigeration chamber (21);
said air recirculation circuit (6) comprising a lower conveyance section (64), which air connects said delivery section (61) and said recovery section (62) and is extended inside said second technical compartment (22').

6. Display cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cooling means (5) comprise only one evaporator (50), which is placed within the first technical compartment (22) and is arranged for cooling both the delivery air flows (Fm) intended to traverse the respective delivery mouths (211).

7. Display cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said display shelves comprise:

- a horizontal abutment shelf (33), intended to support a product to be displayed, which is extended between a front edge (33') directed towards the corresponding access opening (A, B) and an opposite rear edge (33") directed towards the central suction channel (30);

- a vertical closure wall (34), which is extended projecting from the rear edge (33") of said abutment shelf (33);

the vertical closure walls (34) of said display shelves partially laterally closing said central suction channel (30).

8. Display cabinet according to claim 7, characterized in that each of said conveyance openings (300) is delimited by an upper edge (34') of the vertical closure wall (34) of a corresponding said display shelf and by a lower face of the abutment shelf (33) of a said upper display shelf.

9. Display cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said central suction channel (30) is extended between an upper end (30'), placed at said recovery mouth (212), and an opposite lower end (30");
said ventilation means (4) being intended to generate a pressure reduction in said central suction channel (30) in order to suction said recovery air flow (Fr) through said recovery mouth (212).

10. Display cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display shelves of each said series of display shelves (31, 32) are mechanically mounted at a respective access side (21) of said support structure (2).

11. Display cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ventilation means (4) are placed adjacent to said cooling means (5) and are positioned aligned with said cooling means (5) along said vertical extension direction (Y).

12. Display cabinet according to claim 11, characterized in that said ventilation means (4) are interposed between said recovery mouth (212) and said cooling means (5).

13. Display cabinet according to claim 12, characterized in that said ventilation means (4) are placed at said recovery mouth (212), and said cooling means (5) are placed above the ventilation means (4), along said vertical extension direction (Y).

14. Display cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said ventilation means (4) comprise multiple fans (40), which are placed aligned, preferably equidistant, along said depth direction (Z), for the entire extension of said recovery mouth (212) along said depth direction (Z).

15. Display cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said suction channel (30) has a width-wise extension, measured along said first extension direction (X), said extension being smaller than the width-wise extension of said recovery mouth (212) measured along said first extension direction (X).

Drawing