Pan Chiller with Improved Heat Transfer and Temperature Control

Abstract

A pan chiller system eschews traditional methods of strapping refrigeration tubing upon an inner liner and obtaining temperature readings from a suction line. The disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the related art by, inter alia, by artfully using a thermal retention assembly that retains refrigeration tubing in the middle of an inner liner. An inner liner may be filled with glycerin or similar products with the glycerin filling a temperature control bulb to obtain accurate temperature readings and avoiding the use of a suction line for such purposes. The disclosed embodiments may also include an air movement system moving cold air at the bottom of the pan and moving air upon the outer sides of the glycerin well and over the top of the well.

Claims

1. A pan chiller system (900) comprising: a) an outer shell (910); b) the outer shell containing an outer tank liner (950); c) the outer shell comprising four vertical walls and the outer tank liner comprising four vertical walls, with the four vertical walls of the outer shell and four vertical walls of the outer tank defining an outer air chamber (930); d) the outer shell containing an inner tank liner (990) with the inner tank liner having four vertical walls; e) the vertical walls of the outer shell and inner tank liner defining a coolant tank (1000); f) the walls of the inner tank liner having outside surfaces defining an air chamber (970) the air chamber in fluid connection with a fan (1400); g) the air chamber further defined by a plurality of lower angled boundaries (992) h) the walls of the inner tank liner having inside surfaces defining a food well (1800); i) the fan in fluid connection with the food well drawing air from the food well an into the air chamber, with the air passing through voids (991) defined within the inner tank liner.

2. The system of claim 1 further including a plurality of clamp assemblies disposed within the coolant tank with the clamp assemblies securing a coolant line and the coolant tank containing a coolant such as glycerin with the glycerin cooled by the coolant line.

3. A temperature control well disposed within the coolant tank with the temperature control well in electronic connection with a cooling system cooling coolant within the coolant line.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the coolant system comprises a multiple directional blow unit cooler comprising: a) a front plate; b) the front plate comprising a side wall with the side wall defining a plurality of voids; c) the front plate further comprising a top ledge attached to and normal to the sidewall, with the top ledge defining a plurality of voids; d) the front plate further comprising two sides, with each side comprising a lateral edge piece with each later lateral edge piece comprising a transition junction; e) a backplate comprising a vertical wall with the vertical wall comprising a plurality of voids, the backplate further comprising a left side wall, a right side wall; f) a drip pan; g) a first and a second support structures attached to the back plate for further attachment with the wall or the ceiling, thereby allowing the front plate to be removed without having to dismount the multiple directional blow unit cooler from the wall or the ceiling, the first and the second support structures being any one of first and second back support angles and first and second mullion mount brackets; and h) an evaporation coil arranged laterally within a lower section of the back plate with air being drawn from a bottom of the evaporation coil, thereby allowing the voids of the back plate to be covered or filled with fans without disturbing the evaporation coil; wherein the front plate is fastened to the back plate and the drip pan is attached below the front plate and back plate in a manner that defines a circulation void for drawing air over the evaporation coil, with the circulation void being defined by top edges of the pan and lower edges of the front plate and lower edges of the back plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 exploded view of housing assembly

[0039] FIG. 2 perspective view of a wall mount configuration

[0040] FIG. 3 perspective view of a mullion mount configuration

[0041] FIG. 4 top view in a wall mount configuration

[0042] FIG. 5 front view in a wall mount configuration

[0043] FIG. 6 end view in a wall mount configuration

[0044] FIG. 7 rear view in a mullion mount configuration

[0045] FIG. 8 perspective vie of front plate

[0046] FIG. 9 side edge assembly of front plate from FIG. 8

[0047] FIG. 10 expanded view of fastener detail from FIG. 9

[0048] FIG. 11 perspective view of a mullion mount bracket

[0049] FIG. 12 perspective view with front plate removed

[0050] FIG. 13 back plate with coil installed

[0051] FIG. 14 various internal components

[0052] FIG. 15 back plate and front plate of a horizontal embodiment

[0053] FIG. 16 front view with front fans installed and top fan voids covered

[0054] FIG. 17 perspective view of a cooling side of a horizontal embodiment

[0055] FIG. 18 perspective view of a drainage end of a horizontal embodiment

[0056] FIG. 19 inner side of a front plate for a horizontal embodiment

[0057] FIG. 20 outer side of a front plate for a horizontal embodiment

[0058] FIG. 21 top view of a pan chiller configuration

[0059] FIG. 22 sectional side view of a pan chiller configuration

[0060] FIG. 23 sectional end view of a pan chiller configuration

[0061] FIG. 24 top view of a pan chiller configuration showing directions of thermal flow

[0062] FIG. 25 sectional view of a pan chiller configuration showing directions of thermal flow

[0063] FIG. 26 sectional view of a pan chiller configuration

[0064] FIG. 27 top sectional view of a pan chiller configuration

[0065] FIG. 28 side sectional view of a pan chiller configuration

[0066] FIG. 29 sectional end view of a pan chiller configuration with optional fan

[0067] FIG. 30 sectional end view of a pan chiller configuration

[0068] FIG. 31 sectional end view of a pan chiller configuration

[0069] FIG. 32 sectional end view of a pan chiller configuration with freon lines or coolant lines shown

[0070] FIG. 33 center sectional view of a pan chiller

[0071] FIG. 34 sectional side view of a pan chiller

[0072] FIG. 35 sectional view of a thermal retention assembly

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0073] 100 housing assembly

[0074] 200 front plate of housing assembly

[0075] 203 front plate of a horizontal embodiment

[0076] 204 drainage wall of front plate 203 for horizontal embodiment

[0077] 205 drainage creases for front plate of a horizontal embodiment

[0078] 207 a horizontal embodiment in general

[0079] 210 top ledge of front plate 200

[0080] 212 first top void defined within top ledge 210

[0081] 215 second top void defined within top ledge 210

[0082] 217 third top void defined within top ledge 210

[0083] 250 side wall of front plate 200

[0084] 260 first side void defined within side wall 250

[0085] 265 second side void defined within side wall 250

[0086] 267 third side void defined within side wall 250

[0087] 280 lateral edge piece

[0088] 285 tig weld at transition junctions of lateral edge pieces

[0089] 290 instrument reading void defined within the side wall or front wall of the front plate

[0090] 293 lower edge or lower edges of front plate

[0091] 300 back plate of housing assembly

[0092] 310 vertical wall of backplate

[0093] 320 first void defined within vertical wall of backplate

[0094] 325 second void defined within vertical wall of backplate

[0095] 360 left side wall of back plate

[0096] 370 right side wall of back plate

[0097] 380 lower edge or lower edges of back plate

[0098] 400 first mullion mount bracket

[0099] 410 top horizontal plate of mullion mount bracket 400

[0100] 421 vertical extension section of mullion mount bracket

[0101] 425 transition jog between vertical extension section 421 and lower mount plate 430

[0102] 430 lower mount plate of mullion mount bracket 400

[0103] 450 second mullion mount bracket

[0104] 470 housing in a mullion mount configuration

[0105] 500 back support angle

[0106] 520 fastener such as a button rivet

[0107] 550 housing in a wall mount configuration 720

[0108] 600 drip pan

[0109] 620 drain tube of drip pan

[0110] 630 air circulation void defined by upper edges of drain pan and lower edges of front plate and back plate

[0111] 635 upper edge or upper edges of drip pan 600

[0112] 700 fan

[0113] 720 protective cage for fan

[0114] 730 void cover, in area sometimes used for a fan 300

[0115] 800 evaporation coil

[0116] 900 pan chiller in general

[0117] 910 outer shell

[0118] 930 outer air chamber

[0119] 950 outer tank liner

[0120] 970 air chamber

[0121] 990 inner tank liner

[0122] 991 air flow void to cool food, void defined within inner tank liner 990

[0123] 992 lower angled boundary of inner tank liner

[0124] 995 inner air chamber

[0125] 1000 coolant tank, glycerin/glycol tank or void defined between the outer tank liner 950 and inner tank liner 990

[0126] 1020 food storage tray

[0127] 1030 void for food storage trays

[0128] 1050 directional arrow of air flow

[0129] 1200 beauty ring

[0130] 1210 outer edge of beauty ring

[0131] 1300 thermal retention assembly to retain coolant line 1350

[0132] 1310 thermal breaker strip

[0133] 1320 clamp assembly

[0134] 1322 flat or planar section of clamp assembly 1320

[0135] 1325 clamp fastener, sometimes used to retain a coolant line

[0136] 1330 mounting stud

[0137] 1350 coolant line or refrigeration line

[0138] 1400 fan motor

[0139] 1500 insulation or void for insulation

[0140] 1600 fill tube

[0141] 1620 drain line

[0142] 1650 overflow tube

[0143] 1700 temperature control well

[0144] 1800 food well

[0145] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the associated drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0146] The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

[0147] Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

[0148] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 1, a housing assembly 100 may include a front plate 200, a back plate 300, a drip pan 600. At least two mounting options are easily configured without breaching the inside of the housing. For a back mount application, a first and second back support angle 500 may be attached to the back plate. The back support angle may then be attached to a wall or other environmental element. An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that a unit may be sold with both a set of mullion mount brackets 400 and back support angles 500 at little additional cost. Such a configuration allows an end user or installer to make an onsite decision as to a mounting position without having to open the housing.

[0150] A further advantage over the prior art is that the disclosed embodiments may include a plurality of fan voids with the fan voids being defined within three different surfaces with each surface disposed on a different plane. Each fan void may be filled with a fan or a void cover. Each fan void may be filled or equipped with a fan with such installation not requiring a movement or reinstallation of a coil. A coil, as shown in FIG. 13, a coil is disposed within a lower section of a back plate, allowing the fan voids of the back plate to be covered or filled with fans without disturbing the installed coil. Since there are few or no parts installed upon the front plate, the voids of the front plate are easily covered or filled with fans. Due in part, to the combination of housing assembly elements, the front and back plates may be removed or attached to one another with ease, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 1, a front plate 200 may comprise a top ledge 210 with the top ledge defining a first top void 212, a second top void 215 and a third top void 217. A front plate may also comprise a side wall 250 or front wall, with the side wall sometimes defining a first side void 250, a second side void 265 and a third side void 267. The sides or lateral edges of the front plate may comprise a bent lip or lateral edge pieces, as shown in FIG. 9 in reference number 280.

[0152] A backplate 300 may comprise two side walls such as a left side wall 360 and a right sidewall 370 with the terms “left” and “right” being interchangeable. A backplate may further comprise a vertical wall or back wall which may define a first void 320 and a second void 325. An advantage of the disclosed configurations is that both the back support angles 500 and mullion mount brackets 400 may be attached to the back plate only, allowing the front plate to be removed for unit servicing without having to dismount the unit from the wall or ceiling.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an assembled embodiment is illustrated with fans disposed in three voids of the side wall 250 or front wall of the front plate and three voids of the top ledge of the front plate are used to secure fans as well. In this illustrated configuration, air is blown in both front and upward directions.

[0154] Disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the related art by use of air circulation voids 630 which may be defined by upper edges 635 of the drain pan and front plate lower edges 293 and back plate lower edges 380. The circulation void or circulation voids are artfully created by using the native edges of the back plate, front plate and drain pan so as to not require any modifications to the housing components. Superior intake air flow is achieved by the circulation void(s) in that the circulation voids are distal from the fan voids and fans so as to draw air over the internal coil.

[0155] FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except a wall mount configuration 550 is shown wherein a pair of mullion mount brackets are disposed on the superior section of the embodiment, allowing for ceiling installation.

[0156] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a top ledge 210 of a front plate or a top end component. The fans are shown to be installed for the upward movement of air.

[0157] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a disclosed embodiment with three fans installed for a front movement of air.

[0158] FIG. 6 depicts a side of a disclosed embodiment, or a view of a left side wall 360 of a backplate. A back support angle 500 is attached to the back plate.

[0159] FIG. 7 depicts a back side of a disclosed embodiment with a fan disposed within or upon each of the voids defined with in the vertical wall 310 or back wall of the backplate. Such a fan configuration will result in a rearward flow of air.

[0160] FIG. 8 depicts a front plate 200 or front cover comprising a lateral edge piece 280 or edge surface disposed at either lateral side of the front plate.

[0161] FIG. 9 more clearly shows lateral edge piece components 280.

[0162] FIG. 10 depicts a joint or transition area of FIG. 9 and shows a tig weld 285 at said transition point.

[0163] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a mullion mount bracket 400 that may comprise a lower mount plate 430 attached at an inward angle to a transition jog 425 with the transition jog attached to a vertical extension section 421 with the vertical extension section attached to top horizontal plate 410. Said features of the mullion mount bracket overcome shortfalls in the related art by increasing ease of installation as the top horizontal plates 410 are disposed inwardly from the lateral sides of the backplate, allowing working room for insertion of fasteners through voids of the top horizontal plates. Thus, an embedment may be installed tightly at an interior corner and an installer will have room to access the top horizontal plate by virtue of the inward distance gained by use of the transition jog 425.

[0164] FIG. 12 depicts a front plate 200 being attached to a backplate 300 with fans 700 disposed within voids of the front plate and back plate. A coil 800 is disposed within the lower confines of the backplate so as to not interfere with the installation of either fans or void covers upon voids of the backplate. In this configuration, air will blow from both the front and back sides of the embodiment.

[0165] FIG. 13 depicts and evaporator coil disposed within a backplate.

[0166] FIG. 14 depicts further components disposed within a backplate.

[0167] FIG. 15 depicts a front plate 203 of a horizontal embodiment in wired connection with a backplate 300.

[0168] FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment ready for either mullion mounting or vertical surface mounting. Void covers 730 block fan voids in both the backplate and front plate.

[0169] FIG. 17 depicts a horizontal embodiment 207 and the use of back support angles 500.

[0170] FIG. 18 depicts a horizontal embodiment with a horizontally disposed drain tube 620.

[0171] FIG. 19 depicts inside components or features of a front plate 203 for a horizontal embodiment, with the front plate 203 comprising drainage creases 205 or drainage valleys that provide guidance and slope for fluid drainage to the drain tube 620.

[0172] FIG. 20 depicts an outside surface of front plate 203.

[0173] FIG. 21 depicts a top view of a disclosed pan chiller.

[0174] FIG. 22 depicts side sectional view of a disclosed pan chiller.

[0175] FIG. 23 depicts an end view of a disclosed pan chiller.

[0176] FIG. 24 depicts a top sectional view of a disclosed pan chiller and highlights the flow of air. Air flow may originate from a fan or fan motor 1400 with air drawn from a food well 1800. Air may then flow over and or upon the outer sides of an inner tank liner 990 with the inner tank liner having an interior side partially defining a coolant tank. Air is cooled by contact with the coolant tank and may be blown over the coolant tank and back into the food well.

[0177] FIG. 25 depicts air flow from the fan motor or fan 1400 and flowing through the air chamber 970 the with the air chamber narrowing by use of the angled lower boundary 992. The air flowing through voids 991 defined by the inner tank liner 990. The air chamber 970 may be defined by the outer side of the inner tank liner 990, portions of an angled lower boundary 992 and the inner side of the outer tank liner 950. Portions of the air chamber may extend over and above the coolant tank The coolant tank 1000 may be defined between portions of the outer tank liner 950 and inner tank liner 990.

[0178] FIG. 26 depicts an end sectional view showing the close proximity of the air chamber 970 to the coolant tank 1000. The air chamber 970 may be disposed to the outside of the coolant tank or outer tank liner 950. The coolant tank may be optionally enclosed by a top cover, with air flow voids 991 passing air flow over the coolant tank and into the food well.

[0179] The coolant tank may contain a free flowing coolant and the coolant tank may contain refrigeration lines 1350 used to cool the coolant in the coolant tank. The refrigeration lines 135 may be artfully disposed within the coolant tank so as to avoid or minimize thermal transfer from the coolant lines directly into either boundary of the coolant tank so as to maximize the wanted thermal transfer from the refrigeration lines to the coolant in the coolant tank. A few locations of the disclosed thermal retention assembly 1300 are shown in FIG. 26 and elsewhere. The details of the thermal retention system are shown in FIG. 35.

[0180] FIG. 27 depicts a side sectional view of a pan chiller

[0181] FIG. 29 depicts further details of the relationship between the air chamber 970 and coolant tank.

[0182] FIG. 35 depicts the components of the disclosed thermal retention assembly 1300 used to retain and keep a refrigeration line 1350 away from direct contact with a wall of the coolant tank 1000. In general, a thermal breaker strip 1310 may be attached to an outer shell 910 by use of a mounting stud 1330, the mounting stud welded or otherwise attached to the outer shell. A clamp assembly 1320 may also have a center void that is used for attachment to the mounting stud. To increase thermal insulation, the clamp assembly may comprise a flat section 1322 to provide distance between the mounting stud 1220 and the clamp fastener 1325. The clamp fastener keeps the refrigeration line away from the wall of the coolant tank.

[0183] The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

[0184] All the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0185] These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims, should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses the disclosed embodiments and all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

[0186] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms.