CONVERTIBLE HEATED/REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER SYSTEM

Abstract

A merchandiser system and method for providing a product for display and/or sale. The merchandiser system includes a selectable temperature mode that provides controlled heating or cooling to the same product space. The product space is selectively heated or cooled by a heating subsystem and a cooling subsystem. The method includes providing a product in a temperature configurable product space and selectively heating or cooling the product in the product space in response to a control input.

Claims

1. A merchandiser system comprising: a product space; a cooling subsystem arranged and disposed to selectively cool the product space; a heating subsystem arranged and disposed to selectively heat the product space; and a controller configured to selectively activate either the cooling subsystem or the heating subsystem to heat or cool the product space.

2. The merchandiser system of claim 1, wherein the cooling subsystem includes an evaporator, condenser and a compressor operably connected in a refrigerant loop.

3. The merchandiser system of claim 1, wherein the heating subsystem includes one or more heated surfaces.

4. The merchandiser system of claim 3, wherein the one or more heated surfaces include a heated shelf.

5. The merchandiser system of claim 3, wherein the one or more heated surfaces are heated with resistive heating elements.

6. The merchandiser system of claim 3, wherein the one or more heated surfaces are heated with radiant heating elements.

7. The merchandiser system of claim 1, wherein the cooling subsystem and the heating subsystem include one or more shared components.

8. The merchandiser system of claim 6, wherein the cooling subsystem and the heating subsystem include a heat pump system including an evaporator, condenser and a compressor operably connected in a refrigerant loop.

9. The merchandiser system of claim 1, wherein the product space is a unitary space for heating or cooling.

10. The merchandiser system of claim 1, wherein the product space is a zoned space for zoned heating or cooling.

11. A method for providing a cooled or heated product comprising: a merchandiser system is provided having a product space, a cooling subsystem, a heating subsystem, and a controller, the controller having a configuration that includes a first operational mode to activate the cooling subsystem and a second operational mode to activate the heating subsystem; cooling the product space with the cooling subsystem when the controller is in the first operational mode; and heating the product space with the heating subsystem when the controller is in the second operational mode.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the cooling subsystem includes an evaporator, condenser and a compressor operably connected in a refrigerant loop to cool air to be directed into the product space.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the heating includes heating on one or more heated surfaces.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more heated surfaces includes a heated shelf.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more heated surfaces are heated with resistive heating elements.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more heated surfaces are heated with radiant heating elements.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the cooling subsystem and the heating subsystem include one or more shared components.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cooling subsystem and the heating subsystem include a heat pump system including an evaporator, condenser and a compressor operably connected in a refrigerant loop.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the product space is a unitary space for heating or cooling.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the product space is a zoned space for zoned heating or cooling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a merchandiser system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a merchandiser system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a merchandiser system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows cutaway view of a merchandiser system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5A shows a side view of the merchandiser system of FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 5B shows a front view of the merchandiser system of FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the merchandiser system of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary control panel for a merchandiser system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a merchandiser system that is capable of converting from Hot to Cold, Cold to Hot and Hot or Cold to Ambient for proper time/temperature conversion and filling of specific hot/cold/ambient food products.

[0019] An aspect of the invention according to the present disclosure includes design and commercialization requirements for Heated/Cooled combination merchandisers to provide additional features and enhancements as compared to known merchandisers. Other embodiments include a logic to control and stabilize the change in temperature of the hot/cold/ambient modes with ability to have fast changeover time including dehumidification of the interior space.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a merchandiser system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The merchandiser system 100 includes product space 101, cooling subsystem 105 and heating subsystem 103. Product space 101 includes structures for displaying product, such as food. Product space 101 may include a cabinet or enclosure having a surface or space to store and/or display product, such as a food product. The surface or space is preferably configured to allow viewing and selection of the product by the consumer. Product space 101 may be a single unitary space having heating and cooling in the same space or may be a zoned space allowing different conditions and/or control in the cooled or heated areas. In other embodiments, the product space 101 may include multiple areas that can be independently switched between heating or cooling, which may utilize the same heating subsystem 103 and cooling subsystem 105 or independent heating subsystems 103 and cooling subsystems 103. In certain, particularly suitable embodiments, product space 101 includes shelving or tiers to hold product. The shelving or tiers may be arranged and disposed to maximize visibility of product. Shelves may include, for example, independently controlled heated shelves and deck, which may be a geometry and configuration that permit easy servicing, cleaning and/or replacement. For example, in one embodiment, product space 101 may include removable trays or shelves that may be removed for servicing, cleaning or replacement. Suitable materials for fabrication of the shelves may include stainless steel, glass or polymer. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the shelves are fabricated from stainless steel. Other embodiments according to the present disclosure may include adjustable tiers and/or adjustable shelves. The shelves may be flat or may be configured at an angle (e.g., slanted downward). In still other embodiments, the shelves may include wire baskets or similar structures suitable for holding product. In other embodiments, the shelves include molding or machining to provide surfaces suitable for application of price tags or other indicia.

[0021] In one embodiment, merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may include a product space 101 that is open to the atmosphere allowing free access to the product. In other embodiments, the merchandiser system 100 may include barriers, for example, doors, sliding panels, lift-up fronts, curtains or other barriers which open access points for customer access. These barriers preferably allow visibility of the product in product space 101 and may be made of transparent material, such as glass or polymer. In one embodiment, the barrier may include a night curtain, which may be transparent or opaque and may include material that insulates and provides energy savings, for example, when the retail space is closed or at night. In another embodiment, product space 101 may include a barrier having clear or reflective glass, sliding rear doors, such as solid hinged doors. In still another embodiment, a roll-down locking security cover barrier may be utilized.

[0022] The merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may include any suitable casing material or configuration for housing the product space 101, heating subsystem 103 and the cooling subsystem 105. For example, the merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may include interior liners to provide surfaces for easy cleaning and/or sanitation. For example, interior liners, such as surfaces of the product space 101 may include stainless steel or food-safe polymer walls. In addition, other surfaces and/or casing materials may be fabricated from corrosion resistant materials, such as stainless steel or polymer. For example, the merchandiser system 100 includes a corrosion resistant base frame. In other embodiments, the external and/or internal components may be fabricated from moisture resistant materials. For example, the merchandiser system 100 may include moisture resistant lower end panels. Surfaces of merchandiser system 100 may also include corrosion resistant finishes, such as paint or other suitable coating material. The merchandiser system 100 may also include transparent materials, for example, to provide better merchandising and/or visibility of product in the product space. Suitable materials may include tempered glass end panels. Alternatively, or additionally, the merchandiser system 100 may include reflective end glass and/or mirrored right/left end panels. Suitable exterior surfaces may include laminate finishes, stainless steel exterior finishes and may include graphics or other indicia, such as logos advertising or other information.

[0023] In addition to the structural elements discussed above, merchandiser system 100 may include additional supporting components, such as legs or casters to support and/or lift the body of the merchandiser system 100 off the ground and/or render the system easily moveable. In certain embodiments, the merchandiser system 100 may include adjustable leg levelers or adjustable height casters. In other embodiment, the adjustable height caster may include locks to prevent movement when in position. The size of the additional supporting components are not particularly limited and may include sizes and dimensions that are suitable for use with conventional merchandiser systems. Other features may be provided, such as seismic legs, skirts (with legs or casters).

[0024] Power may be provided to the system utilizing any suitable power source including external power provided by a cord a plug. In other embodiments, the merchandiser system 100 may be powered by batteries or other portable power source. In other embodiments, the merchandiser system 100 may include a combination of external power and portable power.

[0025] The heating subsystem 103 shown in FIG. 1 includes heating elements 109 and an optional heat exchanger 111 to provide heat to the product space 101. The heating elements 109 may be, for example, resistance heaters. The heating elements 109 may be provided to provide conductive heating, such as by providing heat directly into shelves within product space 101. In addition, or alternatively, the heating elements 109 may include radiant heating, such as by heat lamps (e.g., infrared elements) or similar heating elements, that are directed toward the shelves, other surfaces and/or the product in the product space 101. The heating elements 109 may be independently controlled and may allow independently controlled heated shelves and deck, that are easily adjusted or replaced. Deck, as utilized herein is intended to mean any surface within product space 101, other than the shelves, that may support or otherwise receive product. Heat exchanger 111 may be any suitable heat exchanger that is configured to exchange heat with air. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 111 is arranged such that a fan 117 directs air over the heat exchanger 111 to heat the air and provide the heated air to product space 101. The heat exchanger 111 may include a resistance heater, a heated fluid or any other suitable heat providing device. While the heating subsystem 103 of FIG. 1 includes both heating elements 109 and heat exchanger 111, the heating subsystem 103 is not so limited. For example, the heating subsystem 103 may include only heating elements 109 or only heat exchanger 111. In addition, the number of elements within the heating elements 109 and heat exchanger 111 are not limited to the number of heating elements 109 and heat exchanger 111 shown in FIG. 1. Any suitable number of heating elements 109 and heat exchanger 111 may be provided, depending upon the size and heating needs of the particular merchandiser system 100.

[0026] The cooling subsystem 105 shown in FIG. 1 includes an evaporator 119, a condenser 121 and a compressor 123 operably connected in a refrigerant loop 125. The cooling subsystem 105 shown in FIG. 1 is a closed refrigerant loop 125 charged with a refrigerant. The refrigerant enters the compressor 123 as a low-pressure gas and the compressor 123 compresses the gas into a higher-pressure, higher-temperature gas, adding energy and providing a circulating force for the refrigerant through the cooling subsystem 105. The gas from the compressor 123 is fed to the condenser 121. A fan 117 directs air across condenser 121, wherein heat exchange between air and refrigerant takes place causing the refrigerant to release heat and condense into a high-pressure liquid. The heated air is removed from the cooling subsystem 105 and expelled into the surrounding air. The higher-pressure liquid refrigerant from condenser 121 passes through an expansion device 120, which reduces its pressure suddenly. The expansion device 120 is any suitable device for reducing refrigerant pressure, such as an expansion valve or capillary tube. After passing through the expansion device 120, the refrigerant is provided as a lower-pressure, cooler liquid refrigerant. This refrigerant passes to evaporator 119. The cold, lower-pressure liquid enters evaporator 119, which is positioned in a location within or near product space 101 to provide cooled air. A fan 117 directs air over evaporator 119. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air passing over the evaporator 119, the refrigerant evaporates into a gas, cooling the air. The air passing over evaporator 119 is then directed into product space 101 to cool the product. The now low-pressure gas returns to the compressor 123, and the cycle repeats.

[0027] Suitable refrigerants for use in the merchandiser system 100 may include any suitable refrigerant. For example, hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as R-290 (propane), and/or R-600a (isobutane); hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), such as R-1234yf and/or R-1234ze; hydrofluorcarbons (HFCs), such as R-134a, R-404A, R-454C and/or R-507A.

[0028] The merchandiser system 100 further includes an electronic programmable logic controller 107 that provides control to the system. Control lines 127 extending from controller 107 to the various components provide control for those components. Although FIG. 1 is shown with control lines 127, the control may also be provided wirelessly. Programmable controller 107 provides selective activation and control of the heating subsystem 103 and the cooling subsystem 105. Controller 107 may include a thermostat and/or a temperature control panel that allows setting and monitoring of internal temperature. For example, the temperature within the product space 101 may be measured and utilized in the controller 107 to determine status and/or provide control. Controls may sense temperature via, for example, thermistor, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector (RTD), or infrared sensors. An exemplary control panel is shown in FIG. 6. While not so limited to this arrangement, the control panel may include easy front access microprocessor digital temperature controls. In certain embodiments, the controller 107 provides electronic temperature control to maintain customer desired conditions within the product space 107. The controller 107 provides control to the operational modes of the heating subsystem 103 and the cooling subsystem 105. In one embodiment, the controller 107 has a configuration that includes a first operational mode to activate the cooling subsystem 105 to cool the product space 101 and a second operational mode to activate the heating subsystem 103 to heat the product space 101. Other settings and configurations, such as specific temperatures, may be included within these operational modes. Other operational modes may also be provided. For example, controller 107 may include a defrost mode that may activate a heater or other similar component to defrost the evaporator. Each of the operational modes may be adjusted to provide greater or less heating or cooling, respectively. For example, temperature controls in each of the operational modes may be utilized to provide the desired cooling or heating, which may be needed for various types of product. For example, the merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may cool or heat various types of food requiring specific temperature ranges in either of the cooling or heating operational modes. In another embodiment, controller 107 may optionally include an ambient display mode. In the ambient display mode, lighting within the merchandiser system 100 may be operated and/or controlled. For example, a physical light switch (e.g., light switch 607) may be incorporated into control panel 600 to operate lighting (see for example, FIG. 6).

[0029] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the controller 107 provides control phases or operational modes controlling the heating subsystem 103 and the cooling subsystem 105 to provide the desired temperature control.

[0030] In one embodiment, controller 107 includes the following control logic: [0031] Phase 1Refrigeration and conduction heating with mode changeover controls. [0032] Phase 1.1Controller logic.

[0033] One or more programmable controllers 107. Where using multiple controls, the controls are selectable between refrigerated and heated modes via a switch or other through controls themselves (see for example, FIG. 6). Refrigerated controller logic may start and stop the compressor 123 based on temperature on the unit's evaporator leaving air, the evaporator 119 entering air, the evaporator temperature or any a combination of the aforementioned temperatures. In addition to temperature, timer logic exists in the control to turn on or off the compressor. In a heated mode, the compressor 123 is left off and one or more heated zones via heating elements 109 are cycled based on surface temperature. The condenser fan 117 may run during heated mode. During any startup of refrigerated or heated mode, temperatures are initially checked to ensure the case is cool enough to start (in refrigerated mode) or warm enough to start (heated mode). [0034] Phase 2Refrigeration and convection/conduction heating with mode changeover controls.

[0035] Same as phase 1.1, but no external selector device is needed.

[0036] Refrigerated control monitors analog or digital output of heated control to determine if the unit's heated mode is running. If the heated mode is not running, refrigerated mode is allowed to start. The reverse of this logic may also be used. Remote monitoring and control configuration may be added in this phase. [0037] Phase 3Refrigeration/heat pump and supplemental convection/conduction heating with mode changeover controls.

[0038] Same as phase 2, but during heated mode the refrigerated controller uses the unit's evaporator 119 as a condenser 123 to assist with heating mode. The unit's evaporator fans run to transfer heat from the evaporator 119 to the product in product space 101. [0039] Phase 4Multi-zone Convertible Heated/Refrigerated combination case.

[0040] Same as phase 3, but the unit has additional zones that each may be selected for refrigeration mode or heated mode. One to two controls are used for each zone.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment including a merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the merchandiser system 100 includes a switchable heating/cooling subsystem 201. The switchable heating/cooling subsystem 201 is an integrated heating subsystem 103 and cooling subsystem 105. Specifically, the switchable heating/cooling subsystem 201 may operate as a heat pump. The operation of the switchable heating/cooling subsystem 201 in cooling mode is as shown and described above with respect to FIG. 1. In this embodiment first heat exchanger 203 operates as evaporator 119 and second heat exchanger 205 operates as condenser 121. The switchable heating/cooling subsystem 201 further includes a reversing valve 207, which directs the refrigerant in the opposite direction when the heating mode is selected and the heating subsystem 103 is activated. That is, when the switchable heating/cooling subsystem 201 is in a heating operational mode, the first heat exchanger 203 operates as condenser 121 (as described in FIG. 1) and second heat exchanger 205 operates as evaporator 119 (as described in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the air directed into product space 101 is heated by air passing over the first heat exchanger 203. In addition, like shown and described in FIG. 1, heating elements 109 are provided to produce heat when the controller is in the heating operational mode. The heating elements 109 may be incorporated into shelving or otherwise arranged to heat food placed within the product space 101. In other embodiments, the heating elements 109 may be omitted. Although not shown in FIG. 2, one more heat exchangers 111, such as those shown and described in FIG. 1, may be incorporated into the merchandiser system 100 to provide additional heating.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment including a merchandiser system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the merchandiser system 100 includes a cooling subsystem 105 and a heating subsystem 103 generally arranged as shown and described in FIG. 1. However, in FIG. 3, the heating subsystem 103 is made up of only heating elements 109, such as heating elements 109 that may be incorporated into shelving or otherwise arranged to heat food placed within the product space 101.

[0043] FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C shows an embodiment of a merchandiser system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 includes a cutaway wherein the internal view of product space 101 is visible including shelves 401. FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show various views of the merchandiser system 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0044] Merchandise system 100 shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C, includes a heating subsystem 103 and a cooling subsystem 105 and operate as shown and described above with respect to FIG. 1. As is best visible in FIG. 4, the evaporator 119 provides cool air moved by fan 117, when in cooling mode, to the product space 101 via first duct 604. During a cooling operational mode, cool air is discharged via a first duct 604 positioned at the upper end of the product space 101 and returned via a second duct 605 positioned at a lower end of the product space 101, which is directed back over evaporator 119 and the cycle is repeated. During heating mode, heated air is heat via heat exchanger 111 (not visible) and is discharged via second duct 605 positioned at the lower end of the product space 101 and returned via first duct 604, which is positioned at the upper end of the product space 101. In addition, heating elements 109 (e.g., heat shelves 601) and deck 603 to provide conductive heating to product placed on the surface of heat shelves 601 and deck 603. in heating mode.

[0045] The merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may include lighting arranged and disposed to illuminate product in the product space 101. The lighting may be provided by any suitable source, such as, but not limited to light emitting diodes (LED), fluorescent or incandescent lighting. Lighting preferably is provided at a color and intensity that enhances product visibility and/or appeal. Lighting may be positioned in any suitable location. Particularly suitable locations for lighting may include, for example, at the top or within each shelf or tier. Suitable lighting may include, for example, light emitting diode (LED) lighting, LED lighting below shelves or LED lighting incorporated into the shelves.

[0046] The merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may include fans 117 or other air moving devices to distribute heated or cooled air to heat or cool product. In addition, the merchandiser system 100 may include an air curtain, formed by air movers, such as fans 117, that may distribute air evenly across product space 101 to maintain temperature, particularly at the open front in the embodiment wherein product space 101 is open to the atmosphere.

[0047] The merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may include other components, for example, components useful for managing water formed from condensation, defrost or other water sources. Suitable components for this purpose may include, for example, drain pans, water trays or other collection vessels arranged and disposed to collect water, such as water from defrost cycles or condensation.

[0048] The merchandiser system 100 according to the present disclosure may also include external components to protect the system from damage or may provide a desirable aesthetic. For example, in one embodiment, the merchandiser 100 may include bumpers or guards at or near the floor of the system to protect the system from shopping carts, foot traffic or other hazards that may damage the system.

[0049] Other embodiments of merchandiser systems 100 according to the present disclosure includes a configuration that splits the display section for hot and cold with the ability to switch modes based on the need. This may, for example, include the option to change the configuration for various directions of intake and discharge of the air from the condenser 121 or evaporator 119. Merchandiser systems 100 according to the present disclosure can be self-contained or split/remote systems.

[0050] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method and control logic to provide the selective temperature control for the temperature configurable compartment or compartments. For example, although not so limited, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may have the controller input shown in FIG. 6. The control panel 600, as shown in FIG. 6 includes refrigeration control 609, which may include, for example, temperature controls and/or specific controls for the cooling subsystem 105. For example, the refrigerant control 609 may include temperature for the product space 101 to cool product and/or selective activation or systems or fans 117 to provide the desired cooling. Likewise, control panel 600 includes heat control 611, which may include, for example, temperature controls and/or specific controls for the heating subsystem 103. For example, the heat control 611 may include temperature for the product space 101 and/or activation of fans 117 and/or specific shelves or specific spaces inside the product space 101 for heating. The control panel 600 further includes a selector switch 612 for switching the operational mode for the merchandiser system 100 between cooling (i.e., activation of the cooling subsystem 105) and heating (i.e., activation of the heating subsystem 103). In addition, the control panel 600 may include control of other elements, such as lighting, as exemplified by the light switch 607, which controls lighting within the merchandiser system 100.

[0051] While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present application is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any processes or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

[0052] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application.