REFRIGERATOR SYSTEM

Abstract

 Refrigerator system (1) which comprises at least one refrigeration station (2), provided with at least one compressor (21), a plurality of refrigerated displays (3), and each of which comprises at least one evaporator (31) and a refrigerated chamber (32), susceptible of containing products to be preserved. The refrigerator system (1) also comprises a refrigeration circuit (4), selectively placed to connect between the compressor (21) and the evaporators (31), at least one logic control unit (5), connected to the compressor (21) in order to cool a corresponding refrigerated display (3) for a predetermined cooling time period. The refrigerator system (1) also comprises two or more sensors (6), configured for detecting corresponding operative parameters and sending a plurality of signals to the logic control unit (5) corresponding to the operative parameters, and such sensors (6) are selected from among: a contact sensor (61), a temperature sensor (62), a pressure sensor (63), a movement sensor (64), a volumetric sensor (65), a thermal camera (66), a people-counted sensor (67).
The logic control unit (5) is placed in communication with the plurality of sensors (6) in order to receive the signals from the sensors (6) and comprises at least one calculation unit (51), configured for calculating, on the basis of the aforesaid signals, an additional time beyond the cooling time.

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a refrigerator system according to the preamble of the independent claim 1.

[0002] The present refrigerator system is advantageously intended to be employed within stores, supermarkets or other business premises for the display and sales of perishable foods and otherwise, and in particular it is advantageously intended to be employed in all those contexts where it is necessary to optimize the operation of a plurality of refrigerated displays.

[0003] The present refrigerator system is therefore inserted in the industrial field of production of refrigerating systems, e.g. for food products, and in particular in the field of production of cooling systems for the small, medium and large-scale retail channels.

State of the art

[0004] The refrigerator systems are employed in supermarkets, food stores and in general in all those business premises which display foods that require maintenance at a controlled temperature.

[0005] The refrigerator systems comprise multiple refrigerated displays, and each of which comprises at least one evaporator and one refrigerated chamber, susceptible of containing products to be preserved in order to allow the display of foods at a controlled temperature, so as to maintain unchanged over time the characteristics of the displayed food product.

[0006] The aforesaid refrigerated displays are usually provided with at least one internal temperature sensor, in order to control the internal temperature of the corresponding refrigerated display, ensuring the preservation of the foods within the temperature interval specific for that specific food.

[0007] The refrigerator systems also comprise a refrigeration station, which is usually placed outside the business premises, in particular in the event in which the business premises are provided with a plurality of refrigerated displays.

[0008] The refrigeration station is connected to the refrigerated displays and comprises one or more compressors arranged for cooling a cooling fluid.

[0009] More in detail, the refrigerator systems of known type comprise a refrigeration circuit, selectively placed to connect between the compressor and the evaporators, and at least one logic control unit, connected to the compressor in order to cool a corresponding refrigerated display for a predetermined cooling time period.

[0010] More in detail, the logic control unit is connected to the temperature sensors and to the compressor in order to enable and disable the latter to feed with the cooling fluid a corresponding refrigerated display on the basis of the internal temperature detected by the corresponding temperature sensor.

[0011] More in detail, the present refrigerator systems provide for setting multiple operating temperature intervals, within which the refrigerated displays must be maintained, and which depend on the foods preserved therein, and a maximum threshold temperature, also known as hysteresis temperature, which defines the temperature at which the logic control unit enables the compressor to cool a specific refrigerated display in order to prevent that it is excessively heated.

[0012] As set forth above, the control is presently carried out by means of a temperature sensor, which is mounted on each refrigerated display and which communicates the detected temperatures to the logic control unit which in turn, in an independent manner for each refrigerated display, enables or disables the cooling of the refrigerated displays, for example by closing and opening solenoid valves placed to intercept the cooling circuit between refrigeration unit and refrigerated displays.

[0013] Therefore, each refrigerated display is always cooled upon reaching the maximum threshold temperature (hysteresis) thereof up to a preset objective temperature thereof, therefore defining an operating cycle (for cooling and turning off) that is constant and independent of other operative parameters.

[0014] Such refrigerator system has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

[0015] The main drawback lies in the fact that such solution involves high energy consumption, and consequently high costs for the operation of the refrigerator system.

[0016] More in detail, such control method provides that the logic control unit drives each cooling unit on the basis of independent signals arriving from the various internal temperature sensors. This ensures that the compressors are continuously subjected to turning on and off operations, even close to each other, in order to meet the needs of the various refrigerated displays. The turning on (or pickup) of each compressor significantly affects the energy consumptions, and therefore also the cost to be sustained by the owner of the business premises, since a compressor in turning-on step absorbs a quantity of energy that is much greater than that necessary for its normal operation.

[0017] A further drawback lies in the fact that, still due to the repeated operations of turning on and off the compressors, such method negatively affects the wear of the electronic and mechanical components of the compressors themselves.

[0018] A further drawback lies in the fact that, due to the high absorptions from the operations of turning on and off the compressors, the business premises must be equipped with an electrical system suitably for meeting such absorptions, thus it must provide for very heavy components that allow avoiding black-out when multiple compressors are turned on simultaneously.

[0019] A further drawback lies in the fact that, in particular in case of limit situations, such as for example a high number of people suddenly within the premises, a frequent opening/closing of the refrigerated display, high external temperatures and/or humidity etc., the refrigerator system of known type is not able to ensure the constant and precise maintenance of the internal temperature of each refrigerated display within the aforesaid operating interval.

[0020] In order to partly overcome such drawbacks, several solutions have been implemented in order to reduce energy consumptions.

[0021] For example, the patent JP H11175832 describes a multi-column drink dispenser, provided with two refrigerated columns and three heated columns, and such dispenser is provided with a contact sensor placed on the door and adapted to communicate the open or closed state to a control unit so as to turn off the operation of the air circulation fan when the door is open for the supply operations. In addition, the control unit implements a predictive logic which allows adapting the operation of the cooling means, being based on the historical record of the sales of products in the preceding days and hours.

[0022] Also known from patent US 2004050075 is a cooled drink dispenser, which is provided with a contact sensor and with a movement sensor adapted to detect the open and closed state of the business premises in which it is installed, so as to allow the dispenser to pass from a normal operating mode to an energy saving mode when the business premises is closed and the sensors do not detect activity.

[0023] The patent WO 2013172936 describes a refrigerator system for containers containing multiple refrigerated cargos. Such system comprises multiple surface temperature sensors, adapted to detect the surface temperature of each cargo such that the logic control unit can drive the cooling means on the basis of the actual thermal requirements of the various cargos.

[0024] Also known from patent JP 2009228996 is to use multiple temperature sensors placed within the refrigerated chamber of each display and in proximity to the evaporator, so as to control the cooling means in a more efficient manner on the basis of the energy requirements of each display.

[0025] Also known from patent JP 2001208421 is to use a refrigerator system comprising multiple refrigerated displays and an air cooling unit, which is adapted to deliver a flow of cooled air towards the refrigerated displays in order to cool them and reduce the heat exchange between these and the outside environment.

[0026] Such prior art solutions nevertheless do not allow completely resolving the above-reported drawbacks and, in particular, do not allow optimizing the operation of a refrigerator system provided with multiple refrigerated displays since they are unable to meet, in real time, sudden request peaks. In addition, such prior art solutions do not allow controlling the operation (neither performance nor energy) of the refrigerator system with extreme precision.

Presentation of the invention

[0027] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of overcoming the drawbacks manifested by the above-described solution of known type, by providing a refrigerator system, which allows optimizing the operation of the refrigeration station, and in particular of the compressor.

[0028] A further object of the present finding is to provide a refrigerator system, which allows reducing the operations of turning on and off the compressor.

[0029] A further object of the present finding is to provide a refrigerator system, which allows reducing the energy consumption of the business premises in which it is installed.

[0030] A further object of the present finding is to provide a refrigerator system, which allows an energy savings.

[0031] A further object of the present finding is to provide a refrigerator system, which allows reducing the wear of the cooling unit.

[0032] A further object of the present finding is to provide a refrigerator system, which allows maintaining the internal temperature of the refrigerated displays within a preset operating interval, also in the case of limit situations.

[0033] A further object of the present finding is to provide a refrigerator system, which allows reducing the maximum power absorbed by the system.

Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, are clearly seen in 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 exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

• figure 1 shows a block diagram of a refrigerator system according to the present invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0035] The refrigerator system 1 is advantageously employable in business premises, preferably large-size, in which a plurality of refrigerated displays 3 are necessary in order to contain different types of foods to be preserved and in which it is therefore necessary to optimize the operation thereof.

[0036] In accordance with the invention the refrigerator system 1 comprises at least one refrigeration station 2, provided with at least one compressor 21.

[0037] Advantageously the refrigeration station 2 also comprises a condenser, at least one thermal expansion valve and other members necessary for attaining a cooling cycle, which are well known to a man skilled in the art and for this reason not described in detail hereinbelow.

[0038] The refrigerator system 1 also comprises a plurality of refrigerated displays 3, and each of which comprises at least one evaporator 31 and a refrigerated chamber 32, susceptible of containing products to be preserved.

[0039] More in detail, each refrigerated display 3 advantageously comprises at least one technical space, within which the evaporator 31 is placed, which is in fluid communication with the refrigerated chamber 32 and can be placed above or below the refrigerated chamber 32.

[0040] Advantageously, each refrigerated display 3 comprises ventilation means, placed within the technical space and arranged for forcing a cooled air flow from the evaporator 31 to flow within the refrigerated chamber 32 in order to cool the products contained therein. Preferably, each refrigerated display 3 comprises a containment structure provided with a lower base intended to be abutted against the ground. In particular, the containment structure delimits, at its interior, the aforesaid refrigerated chamber 32 and the technical space, separated from each other by at least one dividing wall, advantageously provided with aeration openings adapted to allow the passage of the air flow generated by the ventilation means.

[0041] One or more of the refrigerated displays 3 are placed in a position remote from the refrigeration station 2 (in which the compressor 21 is present). For example, the refrigerated displays 3 are intended to be positioned at different points of a premises or of a building (e.g. in the different sections of a supermarket), while the refrigeration station 2 is intended to be placed in a suitable premises set for the climate-control systems.

[0042] The refrigerator system 1 also comprises a refrigeration circuit 4, within which a cooling fluid is susceptible of flowing and which selective connects the at least one compressor 21 to the evaporators 31 of the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 by means of connection means.

[0043] More in detail, the refrigeration circuit 4 advantageously comprises a main section, from which multiple secondary sections are extended branched, each of which hydraulically connected to an evaporator 31 of a corresponding refrigerated display 3 in order to cool it.

[0044] Advantageously the connection means comprise multiple enabling members, each of which placed to intercept a secondary section of the refrigeration circuit 4 in order to enable the passage of the cooling fluid and cool the corresponding refrigerated display 3. Preferably the aforesaid enabling members comprise a valve, such as for example a solenoid valve.

[0045] In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention the refrigerator system 1 comprises at least one logic control unit 5, connected to the at least one compressor 21 in order to actuate the cooling fluid to circulate in the refrigeration circuit 4, feeding at least one of the evaporators 31 in order to cool a corresponding refrigerated display 3 of the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 for a predetermined cooling time period.

[0046] In particular, the aforesaid predetermined cooling time is a function of the type of refrigerated display 3 that one must cool and of the preset temperature interval within which the aforesaid refrigerated display 3 must be maintained.

[0047] More in detail, each refrigerated display 3 is intended, during use, to be maintained within a corresponding preset temperature interval, which depends on the foods that the same refrigerated display 3 is intended to contain.

[0048] For example, in the case of a refrigerated display 3 of class M2, the preset temperature interval (for example in accordance with the UNI EN ISO 23953-2 2016 standard) is comprised between +7°C and -1°C.

[0049] Therefore, the predetermined cooling time is advantageously to be intended the time necessary for bringing the corresponding refrigerated display 3 from the maximum threshold temperature, free of possible thermal hysteresis deltas, up to an objective temperature, comprised within the aforesaid temperature interval.

[0050] The refrigerator system 1 also comprises two or more sensors 6, configured for detecting corresponding operative parameters and sending a plurality of signals to the logic control unit 5 corresponding to the aforesaid operative parameters.

[0051] The sensors 6 are selected from among: a contact sensor 61, a temperature sensor 62, a humidity sensor 63, a movement sensor 64, a volumetric sensor 65, a thermal camera 66, a people-counted sensor 67.

[0052] The logic control unit 5 is connected in communication with the plurality of sensors 6 in order to receive the signals from the sensors 6 and comprises at least one calculation unit 51, configured for calculating, on the basis of the signals, an additional circulation time of the cooling fluid beyond the preset cooling time.

[0053] More in detail, the logic control unit 5 is configured for extending the preset cooling time of the aforesaid additional time, which can for example be added directly to the preset cooling time, actually slowing the turning off of the refrigeration station 2. Otherwise, it is also possible that the logic control unit 5 modifies one or more process parameters which are correlated to the cooling time, and which are for example selected from among the maximum threshold temperature, the objective temperature, the cooling power.

[0054] For example, by reducing the cooling power it is possible to extend the cooling time, as in the event in which a lower objective temperature is set.

[0055] In this manner, the cooling time of each refrigerated display 3 is determined on the basis of external parameters detected by the aforesaid sensors 6 and allows reducing the energy consumption and simultaneously optimizing the operation of the refrigerator system 1.

[0056] Advantageously therefore the additional time can be added to the preset cooling time in order to bring forward the cooling of the refrigerated display 3 or, alternatively, in order to delay the cooling of the refrigerated display 3.

[0057] In this manner, it is therefore possible to extend the operation of the compressors 21 so as to exploit the turning on thereof and hence limiting the continuous turning on/off cycles which - in addition to being costly in terms of energy and expense - also determine an early wear of the electronic and mechanical components of the refrigeration station 2.

[0058] Advantageously at least one of the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 comprises at least one door, placed to close the refrigerated chamber 32 in order to isolate it from the outside environment, and at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is a contact sensor 61, mounted on the door and configured for detecting an open/closed condition of the door and sending, to the logic control unit 5, an opening signal of the plurality of signals, corresponding to the open/closed condition.

[0059] Advantageously, the contact sensor 61 is a magnetic contact sensor, comprising two magnetic bodies including a first body mounted on the shutter of the door of the refrigerated display, and a second body mounted on an element (e.g. the containment frame) of the refrigerated display, which remains fixed when the door is opened and closed. More in detail, the first and the second magnetic body are positioned such to be placed close to each other, preferably in contact, when the door is in closed position, and on the contrary in order to be mutually away from each other when the door is opened. Advantageously, when the two magnetic bodies are placed close to each other or in contact, they determine the closure of an electric circuit, while when they are spaced they determine the opening of the same electric circuit. The contact sensor 61 is configured for detecting such opening/closing of the electric circuit and sending a corresponding signal to the logic control unit 5, which is therefore configured for detecting from such received signal if the door of the display is open or closed.

[0060] Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, the contact sensor can be of different type, e.g. a sensor of inductive, capacitive or ultrasound type, which are well-known to the man skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail hereinbelow.

[0061] The calculation unit 51 of the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for calculating an opening frequency of the door on the basis of the opening signal and calculating the additional time at least on the basis of the opening frequency.

[0062] More in detail, with the expression "opening frequency" it is intended the number of openings of the door in a specific time interval, which is preferably 300 seconds.

[0063] Advantageously, the logic control unit 5 is configured for comparing the opening frequency of the door with a first threshold frequency, preferably comprised between 10 and 30 and, if the calculated opening frequency of the door exceeds the aforesaid first threshold frequency, it sets an additional time, preferably comprised between 60 and 300 seconds to the preset cooling time.

[0064] In this manner it is possible to provide for the heating of the refrigerated chamber 32 of the refrigerated display 3 due to frequent openings of the doors and it is also possible to provide for the future need to cool the same refrigerated display 3, therefore avoiding possibly turning off the compressor or compressors 21 just before the arrival of the cooling fluid feed request.

[0065] In addition, advantageously the logic control unit 5 is configured for driving the ventilation means, and in particular preferably for reducing a quantity of moved air in order to reduce the thermal exchange between the refrigerated chamber 32 and the outside environment, at least on the basis of the detected opening signal.

[0066] Preferably the logic control unit 5 is configured for disabling the ventilation means on the basis of the detected opening signal.

[0067] Advantageously at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is a people-counted sensor 67, configured for detecting a number of clients within a premises in which the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 is placed and sending, to the logic control unit 5, a count signal of the plurality of signals corresponding to the number of detected clients. The calculation unit 51 of the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for calculating the additional time at least on the basis of the count signal.

[0068] Advantageously, the logic control unit 5 is configured for comparing the number of clients with a threshold number, and if the number of clients calculated exceeds the aforesaid threshold number, it sets an additional time, preferably comprised between 60 and 300 seconds to the preset cooling time.

[0069] Of course, the threshold number of clients is advantageously strictly correlated to the size of the business premises in which the refrigerator system 1, object of the present invention, is situated.

[0070] In this manner, it is possible to provide for the heating of the refrigerated chamber 32 of the refrigerated display 3, for example for the frequent openings of the doors due to the high number of clients and it is possible to provide for the need to cool the same refrigerated display 3, therefore allowing the precooling of the same refrigerated display 3, reducing the time that the latter will have to remain outside the preset temperature interval.

[0071] Advantageously at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is a temperature sensor 62, placed within the refrigerated chamber 32 of one of the plurality of refrigerated displays 3, arranged for detecting multiple measurements of internal temperature of the refrigerated display 3 and sending, to the logic control unit 5, multiple internal temperature signals of the plurality of signals corresponding to the measurements of internal temperature. The calculation unit 51 of the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for calculating a thermal variation speed at least on the basis of the internal temperature signals and calculating the additional time at least on the basis of the thermal variation speed.

[0072] Advantageously, the logic control unit 5 is configured for comparing the thermal variation speed with a threshold speed, preferably comprised between 0.5°C/min and 1.5°C/min and, if the calculated thermal variation speed exceeds the aforesaid threshold speed, it sets an additional time, preferably comprised between 60 and 300 seconds to the preset cooling time.

[0073] In this manner it is possible to provide for heating the refrigerated chamber 32 of the refrigerated display 3 and ahead of time provide for future needs before possibly turning off the compressor or compressors 21.

[0074] Advantageously at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is a movement sensor 64 (movement detector), preferably a photocell, mounted on one of the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 and configured for detecting a movement, e.g. correlated to the extraction of a product preserved in said refrigerated chamber 32, and sending, to the logic control unit 5, a movement signal of the plurality of signals corresponding to the detected movement. Preferably, the movement sensor 64 is an infrared sensor.

[0075] The calculation unit 51 of the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for calculating a frequency of extraction of products on the basis of the movement signal and calculating the additional time at least on the basis of the extraction frequency. More in detail, with the expression "extraction frequency" it is intended the number of movements detected in a specific time interval, which is preferably 300 seconds. Advantageously, the logic control unit 5 is configured for comparing the extraction frequency with a second threshold frequency, preferably comprised between 10 and 30 and, if the calculated number of clients exceeds the aforesaid threshold frequency, it sets an additional time, preferably comprised between 60 and 300 to the preset cooling time. In this manner it is possible to provide for heating the refrigerated chamber 32 of the refrigerated display 3, for example for the high thermal exchange due to the high number of extraction of the products preserved within the refrigerated chamber 32 and it is also possible to provide for the future need to cool the same display 3, hence preventing possibly turning off the compressor or compressors 21 right before the arrival of the cooling fluid supply request.

[0076] In addition, advantageously the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for driving the ventilation means, and in particular preferably for reducing a quantity of moved air in order to reduce the thermal exchange between the refrigerated chamber 32 and the outside environment, at least on the basis of the detected movement signal. Preferably the logic control unit 5 is configured for disabling the ventilation means on the basis of the detected movement signal.

[0077] Advantageously at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is a volumetric sensor 65 (e.g. infrared or microwave), mounted on a corresponding refrigerated display 3 of the plurality and arranged for detecting a fill state of the refrigerated display 3 and sending, to the logic control unit 5, a fill signal of the plurality of signals corresponding to the detected fill state. The calculation unit 51 of the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for calculating the additional time at least on the basis of the aforesaid fill signal.

[0078] Advantageously at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is a thermal camera 66, mounted on a corresponding refrigerated display 3 of the plurality and arranged for detecting a surface temperature of at least one product preserved within the refrigerated chamber 32 and sending, to the logic control unit 5, a surface temperature signal of the plurality of signals corresponding to the detected surface temperature. The calculation unit 51 of the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for calculating the additional time at least on the basis of the aforesaid surface temperature signal.

[0079] Advantageously, the logic control unit 5 is configured for comparing the surface temperature with a threshold surface temperature, and if the measured surface temperature exceeds the aforesaid threshold surface temperature by a value preferably comprised between 0.5°C and 1.5°C, it sets an additional time, preferably comprised between 60 and 300 seconds to the preset cooling time.

[0080] In this manner it is possible to provide for the heating of the refrigerated chamber 32 of the refrigerated display 3, for example due to the insertion of products at a non-ideal temperature and it is possible therefore to provide for the future need to cool the same display 3 and also control possible interruptions of the cold chain of the products preserved within the refrigerated display 3.

[0081] Advantageously at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is an external humidity sensor and at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 6 is an external temperature sensor 62, arranged for respectively measuring a value of humidity outside the refrigerated displays 3 and of temperature outside the refrigerated displays 3 and sending, to the logic control unit 5, an external humidity signal and an external temperature signal of the plurality of signals corresponding respectively to the measured external humidity and to the measured external temperature. The calculation unit 51 of the logic control unit 5 is advantageously configured for calculating the additional time at least on the basis of the aforesaid external humidity and external temperature signals.

[0082] Advantageously, the logic control unit 5 is configured for comparing the external humidity and the external temperature respectively measured with a threshold humidity and with a threshold temperature, preferably respectively comprised between 40 % and 80 % and between 16 °C and 40 °C, if at least one between the measured external humidity and measured external temperature exceeds the corresponding threshold value, it sets an additional time, preferably comprised between 60 and 300 seconds to the preset cooling time.

[0083] Of course, the aforesaid threshold temperature and humidity intervals advantageously depend on the climate class of the refrigerated display 3, in accordance with the UNI EN ISO 23953-2 2016 standard.

[0084] In addition, advantageously, the calculation unit 51 is configured for combining multiple values arriving from the sensors 6 and calculating an additional time on the basis of the aforesaid values.

[0085] More in detail, the calculation unit 51 is configured for attributing a corresponding ponderal coefficient to each signal received by the sensors 6 and for calculating a total additional time on the basis of the aforesaid ponderal coefficients.

[0086] Advantageously the refrigerator system 1 comprises illumination means, associated with a refrigerated display 3 of the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 and arranged for illuminating the refrigerated chamber 32 of the corresponding refrigerated display 3, and at least one twilight sensor, arranged for detecting a quantity of light within a premises in which the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 is placed and sending a brightness signal corresponding to the detected light quantity to the logic control unit 5. The refrigerator system 1 also advantageously comprises at least one proximity sensor, arranged for detecting a movement, preferably corresponding to the approach of a person to the refrigerated display 3 and sending a proximity signal corresponding to the detected person to the logic control unit 5.

[0087] Advantageously, the logic control unit 5 is configured for driving the illumination means to illuminate the refrigerated chamber 32 of the plurality of refrigerated displays 3 at least on the basis of the brightness signal and on the basis of the proximity signals. Advantageously the logic control unit 5 comprises at least one archiving unit, configured for receiving the plurality of signals and archiving the corresponding operative parameters detected by the plurality of sensors 6 according to at least one historical parameter selected from among: the measurement time range and the day of the week of the measurement. Advantageously the logic control unit 5 is configured for driving the actuation of the refrigeration station 2 on the basis of the operative parameters archived in the archiving unit, in order to maintain substantially constant the internal temperature of the refrigerated displays 3.

[0088] For example, in such a manner, it is possible to provide for the cooling requirements corresponding to a particular time range of a specific day of the week, such that the logic control unit 5 can drive the refrigeration station 2 on the basis of such need, provided for expected request peaks ahead of time.

[0089] The refrigerator system 1 thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Claims

1. Refrigerator system which comprises:

- at least one refrigeration station (2), provided with at least one compressor (21);

- a plurality of refrigerated displays (3) at least one of which is placed in a position remote from said refrigeration station (2), and each of such refrigerated displays (3) comprises at least one evaporator (31) and a refrigerated chamber (32), susceptible of containing products to be preserved, and at least one of said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) comprises at least one door, placed to close said refrigerated chamber (32) in order to isolate it from the outside environment;

- a refrigeration circuit (4), within which a cooling fluid is susceptible of flowing, which selectively connects said at least one compressor (21) to the evaporators (31) of said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) by means of connection means;

- at least one logic control unit (5), connected to said compressor (21) in order to actuate said cooling fluid to circulate in said refrigeration circuit (4), feeding at least one of said evaporators (31) in order to cool a corresponding refrigerated display (3) of said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) for a predetermined cooling time period;

- two or more sensors (6), which are configured for detecting corresponding operative parameters and sending a plurality of signals to said logic control unit (5), corresponding to said operative parameters; said sensors (6) comprising:

- a contact sensor (61), mounted on said door and configured for detecting an open/closed condition of said door and sending, to said logic control unit (5), an opening signal of said plurality of signals, corresponding to said open/closed condition; and

- at least one from among: a temperature sensor (62), a humidity sensor (63), a movement sensor (64) configured for detecting a movement within the refrigerated chamber (32) of said refrigerated display (3), a volumetric sensor (65) arranged for detecting a fill state of said refrigerated display (3), a thermal camera (66), a people-counted sensor (67);

said refrigerator system (1) being characterized in that said logic control unit (5) is connected in data communication with said plurality of sensors (6) in order to receive the signals from said sensors (6) and comprises at least one calculation unit (51) configured for calculating, on the basis of said signals, an additional circulation time of said cooling fluid beyond said cooling time;
in addition, the calculation unit (51) of said logic control unit (5) being configured for calculating an opening frequency of said door on the basis of said opening signal and calculating said additional time at least on the basis of said opening frequency.

2. Refrigerator system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one sensor of said plurality of sensors (6) is a people-counter sensor (67), configured for detecting a number of clients within a premises where said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) is placed and sending, to said logic control unit (5), a count signal of said plurality of signals corresponding to said number of detected clients;
the calculation unit (51) of said logic control unit (5) being configured for calculating said additional time at least on the basis of said count signal.

3. Refrigerator system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one sensor of said plurality of sensors (6) is a temperature sensor (62), placed within the refrigerated chamber (32) of one of said plurality of refrigerated displays (3), arranged for detecting multiple measurements of internal temperature of said refrigerated display (3) and sending, to said logic control unit (5), multiple signals of internal temperature of said plurality of signals corresponding to said measurements of internal temperature; the calculation unit (51) of said logic control unit (5) being configured for calculating a thermal variation speed at least on the basis of said signals of internal temperature and calculating said additional time at least on the basis of said thermal variation speed.

4. Refrigerator system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor of said plurality of sensors (6) is a movement sensor (64), mounted on one of said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) and configured for detecting a movement in said refrigerated chamber (32) and sending, to said logic control unit (5), a movement signal of said plurality of signals corresponding to said detected movement;
the calculation unit (51) of said logic control unit (5) being configured for calculating a frequency of extraction of the products on the basis of said movement signal in order to calculate said additional time at least on the basis of said extraction frequency.

5. Refrigerator system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor of said plurality of sensors (6) is a volumetric sensor (65), mounted on a corresponding refrigerated display (3) of said plurality and arranged for detecting a fill state of said refrigerated display (3) and sending, to said logic control unit (5), a fill signal of said plurality of signals corresponding to said detected fill state; the calculation unit (51) of said logic control unit (5) being configured for calculating said additional time at least on the basis of said fill signal.

6. Refrigerator system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor of said plurality of sensors (6) is a thermal camera (66), mounted on a corresponding refrigerated display (3) of said plurality and arranged for detecting a surface temperature of at least one product preserved within said refrigerated chamber (32) and sending, to said logic control unit (5), a surface temperature signal of said plurality of signals corresponding to said detected surface temperature;
the calculation unit (51) of said logic control unit (5) being configured for calculating said additional time at least on the basis of said surface temperature signal.

7. Refrigerator system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor of said plurality of sensors (6) is an external humidity sensor and at least one sensor of said plurality of sensors (6) is an external temperature sensor (62), arranged for respectively measuring a value of humidity outside said refrigerated displays (3) and of temperature outside said refrigerated displays (3) and sending, to said logic control unit (5), an external humidity signal and an external temperature signal of said plurality of signals corresponding respectively to said measured external humidity and said measured external temperature;
the calculation unit (51) of said logic control unit (5) being configured for calculating said additional time at least on the basis of said external humidity and external temperature signals.

8. Refrigerator system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

- illumination means, associated with a refrigerated display (3) of said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) and arranged for illuminating the refrigerated chamber (32) of the corresponding said refrigerated display (3), and

- at least one twilight sensor, arranged for detecting a quantity of light within a premises where said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) is placed and sending, to said logic control unit (5), a brightness signal corresponding to said detected light quantity;

- at least one proximity sensor, arranged for detecting when a person approaches said refrigerated display (3) and sending, to said logic control unit (5), a proximity signal corresponding to said detected person;

said logic control unit (5) being configured for driving said illumination means to illuminate the refrigerated chamber (32) of said plurality of refrigerated displays (3) at least on the basis of said brightness signal and on the basis of said proximity signal.

9. Refrigerator system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said logic control unit (5) comprises at least one archiving unit, configured for receiving said plurality of signals and archiving the corresponding operative parameters detected by said plurality of sensors (6) according to at least one historical parameter selected from among: the measurement time range and the day of the week of the measurement;
said logic control unit (5) being configured for driving the actuation of said refrigeration station (2) on the basis of said operative parameters archived in said archiving unit, in order to maintain substantially constant the internal temperature of said refrigerated displays (3).

Drawing