EP3513136A1

EP3513136A1 - Flexible rail system for refrigeration cabinet

Info

Publication number: EP3513136A1
Application number: EP17768628.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Warren CLOUGH; Ciara POOLMAN
Original assignee: Carrier Corp
Current assignee: Carrier Corp
Priority date: 2016-09-14
Filing date: 2017-09-08
Publication date: 2019-07-24
Also published as: WO2018052803A1; CN109690214A

Abstract

A storage apparatus includes a shelf for supporting goods requiring refrigeration. The shelf includes an engagement member. A support structure is configured to cooperate with the engagement member such that the shelf is configured to couple to the support structure and is movable between a plurality of locations relative to the support structure. Power is provided from a power source to the shelf when the shelf is coupled to the support structure.

Description

FLEXIBLE RAIL SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATION CABINET

BACKGROUND

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to refrigerated display cabinets and, more particularly, to the shelves and structure for supporting the shelves within the refrigerated interior of the display cabinet.

[0002] Refrigeration cabinets typically provide consumers with access to a refrigerated storage space in which chilled, perishable products are contained. To cool the goods, the cabinet usually has at least one air outlet for directing cooling air towards the goods to be cooled into the storage space. The refrigeration system generally employed in such display cabinets comprises a fan motor to move air across an evaporator. The fan motor distributes cold air to the cooled chamber or display space in which the goods are displayed and stored.

[0003] Refrigeration cabinets often include shelves for supporting the goods which require refrigeration. In conventional systems, the shelves are mechanically fastened to the rear panel and a plurality of openings or outlets formed in the rear panel of the cabinet may provide a horizontal flow of cold air along the shelves. However, in conventional systems, the shelves are heavy and cumbersome, requiring multiple people to reposition the shelf within the cabinet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] According to an embodiment, a storage apparatus includes a shelf for supporting goods. The shelf includes an engagement member. A support structure is configured to cooperate with the engagement member such that the shelf is configured to couple to the support structure and is movable between a plurality of locations relative to the support structure. Power is provided from a power source to the shelf when the shelf is coupled to the support structure.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support structure is operably coupled to the power source.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support structure is the power source.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the engagement member includes a first contactor and the support structure includes a second contactor. When the first contactor and the second contactor are coupled, a circuit is created allowing power to conduct from the support structure to shelf. [0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the shelf includes a feature operable via power from the power source.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the feature includes a light emitting device.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support structure includes a plurality of notches. Each of the plurality of notches is configured to receive the engagement member to define one of the plurality of positions of the shelf.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments when the engagement member is received within a corresponding notch on the support structure. The shelf is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the shelf translates along an axis between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the shelf pivots about an axis between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments an orientation of the shelf remains substantially constant as the shelf moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support structure is configured to support a plurality of shelves simultaneously.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support structure is configured to support the shelf in a cantilevered configuration.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the shelf and the support structure are components of a refrigeration cabinet.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment, a method of supplying power to individual shelves of a refrigerated cabinet includes providing a support structure including a first contactor and providing a shelf having an engagement member including a second contactor. The engagement member is movably coupled to the support structure such that power is transmitted from the support structure to the shelf.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the support structure includes a plurality of notches and installing the engagement member within one of the plurality of notches includes arranging the second contactor and the first contactor in contact.

[0020] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0021] The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration cabinet according to an embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a refrigeration cabinet according to an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a refrigeration cabinet as one or more shelves are being installed according to an embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of a refrigeration cabinet according to an embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a side view of a shelf engaged with a support structure according to an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 5a is a side view of an example of a shelf according to an embodiment; and

[0028] FIG. 5b is a front side view of an example of a support structure according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] With reference to the FIGS., an example of a refrigeration cabinet 20 according to an embodiment is illustrated. As shown, the refrigeration cabinet 20 includes a cabinet body 22 having a left side panel 24, a right side panel 26, a door frame 28, and one or more doors 30. The cabinet body 22 comprises a bottom plate 32, a roof plate 34, a rear wall 36. The left side panel 24 and the right side panel 26 are installed on the left and right hand sides of the cabinet body 22, respectively. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the left side panel 24 and the right side panel 26 are formed from a transparent material, such as glass for example. However, the left side panel 24 and the right side panel 26 may be formed from any suitable material. Together, the cabinet body 22, the left side panel 24, the right side panel 26, the door frame 28, and the cabinet doors 30 define an interior chamber or presentation space 40 for storage of refrigerated goods.

[0030] The one or more doors 30 are typically installed on the front side of the door frame 28. Each door 30 of the cabinet 20 is movable between a closed position and an open position, such as via rotation about a hinge or via translation of the door 30 about an axis for example. The doors 30 provide a user with access to the interior chamber 40 of the cabinet 20, and therefore to the goods located therein. The one or more doors 30 may be formed at least partially from a transparent material. This transparency allows a user to visualize the contents within the chamber 40 without having to operate the door 30.

[0031] A complete refrigeration circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator may be installed within the cabinet body 22, in order to provide a standalone refrigerated cabinet which only needs to be connected to an electric power supply for operation. Alternatively, one or more evaporators may be installed within the cabinet body 22 in fluid communication with an external refrigeration circuit provided in the building within which the cabinet 20 is to be installed.

[0032] The refrigerated cabinet 20 may be a cooling cabinet configured to cool the goods within the interior chamber or presentation space 40 to a cooling temperature above 0° C. In another embodiment, the refrigerated cabinet 20 is configured as a freezer for cooling the goods located within the interior chamber 40 to a temperature below 0° C, and in particular to temperatures below -15° C in order to store and present frozen goods to potential customers.

[0033] Positioned within the interior chamber 40 of the refrigeration cabinet 20 is a plurality of shelves 42 arranged in columns 44 and/or rows 46. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the refrigeration cabinet 20 is sized to include two substantially identical columns 44 of shelves 42, and each column 44 of shelves 42 includes two or more shelves 42 arranged at each various heights within the refrigeration chamber 40. In embodiments including multiple columns 44 of shelves 42, the refrigeration cabinet 20 may- include one or more distinct doors 30 associated with each column 44 of shelves 42 to provide efficient access to those shelves 42. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the cabinet 20 including only a single column 44 of shelves 42, or alternatively embodiments of the cabinet 20 including more than two columns 44 of shelves 42 are also contemplated herein.

[0034] A support structure 50 (best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5b) is arranged within the interior chamber 40 of the refrigeration cabinet 20. The support structure 50 is configured to support the one or more shelves 42 located within the interior chamber 40 in a generally horizontal or slightly angled orientation. In an embodiment, the support structure 50 includes a brace or track 52 that extends vertically between the top and bottom surfaces 32, 34 of the chamber 40. Multiple slots or notches 54 are formed in the brace 52 at intervals to define various positions at which a shelf 42 may be mounted within the interior chamber 40 of the refrigeration cabinet 20. The spacing between adjacent notches 54 may be equidistant, or alternatively, may vary.

[0035] The support structure 50 may be directly coupled to a portion of the cabinet body 20, such as the rear wall 36 for example, via any suitable means including but not limited to bolts, screws, or other types of removable fasteners. One or more support structures 50 are associated with each column 44 of shelves 42. In an embodiment, a support structure 50 is disposed adjacent an end of each shelf, the end being oriented generally parallel to the left hand panel 24 and/or the right hand panel 26 of the cabinet 20. In embodiments where the refrigeration cabinet 20 includes a plurality of columns 44 of shelves 42, the first support structure 50 associated with a first column 44 of shelves 42 and the second support structure 50 associated with a second column 44 of shelves 42 may both be located in the gap defined between the first and second columns 44 of shelves 42. However, embodiments where the support structures 50 are positioned adjacent opposing distal ends of the columns 44 of shelves 42 are also contemplated herein.

[0036] Each shelf 42 is generally rectangular or square and includes a solid base 60 having an upper surface 62 on which goods 64 may be supported. One or more edges of the shelf 42 may be raised to prevent the goods 64 stored thereon from spilling or sliding relative to the shelf 42. The plurality of shelves 42 within a column 44 or row 46 may be substantially identical, or alternatively, may vary in at least one of size and shape.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 5a, each shelf 42 is illustrated as including one or more engagement members 66 configured to selectively couple to the support structure 50. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the engagement members 66 are brackets such that the shelf 42 is cantilevered from the support structure 50. The brackets 66 may be generally complementary to the notches 54 formed in the support structure 50. In an embodiment, the bracket 66 may be tapered such that the end of the bracket 66 inserted into a corresponding opening 54 in the support structure 50 is smaller than the portion of the bracket 66 directly adjacent the shelf 42. Further, the bracket 66 may include a notch 68 configured to receive a portion of the material of the support structure 50. This interface is configured to prevent unwanted motion of the shelf 42 relative to the support structure 50. It should be understood that the engagement member 66 illustrated herein is intended as an example only. Other engagement members 66 and mechanisms for coupling the shelf 42 to the support structure 50 are also contemplated herein.

[0038] The interface between the engagement member 66 and the support structure 50 allows for the shelf 42 to be easily moved between various horizontal positions relative to the support structure 50 by only a single person. In other embodiments, the interface between the engagement member 66 and the support structure 50 may allow the shelf to transition without the weight of the shelf being supported by a person. For example, the engagement member 66 may be self-adjusting such that the shelf 42 is capable of transitioning between a plurality of horizontal positions relative to the support structure 50 automatically.

[0039] In an embodiment, each shelf 42 is configured to selectively move between a first retracted position and a second extended position (see FIG. 4). This movement of the shelf 42 may occur via translation along an axis, or alternatively, via rotation about a pivot for example. In an embodiment, an end of the shelf 42 may be associated with a channel or track and the shelf 42 may be configured to maintain a constant orientation relative to the interior of the cabinet 20 as it transforms between the retracted and extended positions. In addition, the shelf may be selectively retained or locked in each of the extended and retracted positions. This movement of each individual shelf 42 makes restocking the goods 64 on the shelves 42 easier because a user can easily access the backside of the shelf 42 when in the extended position. As a result, newer goods, for example those having an expiration date later than the existing goods within the refrigeration cabinet 20, may be installed at the back of the shelf 42 without having to remove and then replace the existing goods.

[0040] The support structure 50 may be configured to transmit power to the one or more shelves 42 operably coupled thereto. The support structure 50 may be connected to a power source, or alternatively, may be configured as a power source. The bracket or engagement member 66 of the shelf 42 may include a first contactor 70 and a corresponding contactor 72 may be formed adjacent each notch in the support structure. As a result, when the at least one bracket 66 of a shelf 42 engages, and is therefore in direct contact with the material of the support structure 50, the two contactors 70, 72 are coupled and a circuit is created causing electricity to conduct from the support structure 50 to shelf 42. In an embodiment, the shelf 42 may include one or more features 74 selectively operable in response to this electricity. For example, the shelf 42 may include a light emitting device configured to illuminate the upper surface 62 of the shelf 42 or an adjacent shelf 42.

[0041] While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A storage apparatus comprising:

a shelf for supporting goods, the shelf including an engagement member; and a support structure configured to cooperate with the engagement member such that the shelf is configured to couple to the support structure and is movable between a plurality of positions relative to the support structure, wherein power is provided from a power source to the shelf when the shelf is coupled to the support structure.

2. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is operably coupled to the power source.

3. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is the power source.

4. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engagement member includes a first contactor and the support structure includes a second contactor and when the first contactor and the second contactor are coupled, a circuit is created allowing power to conduct from the support structure to shelf.

5. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shelf includes a feature operable via power from the power source.

6. The storage apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the feature includes a light emitting device.

7. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of notches, each of which is configured to receive the engagement member to define one of the plurality of positions of the shelf.

8. The storage apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the engagement member is received within a corresponding notch on the support structure, the shelf is movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

9. The storage apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the shelf translates along an axis between the retracted position and the extended position.

10. The storage apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the shelf pivots about an axis between the retracted position and the extended position.

11. The storage apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an orientation of the shelf remains substantially constant as the shelf moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

12. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to support a plurality of shelves simultaneously.

13. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to support the shelf in a cantilevered configuration.

14. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shelf and the support structure are components of a refrigeration cabinet.

15. A method of supplying power to individual shelves of a refrigerated cabinet comprising:

providing a support structure including a first contactor;

providing a shelf having an engagement member including a second contactor; and

movably coupling the engagement member to the support structure such that power is transmitted from the support structure to the shelf.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of notches and installing the engagement member within one of the plurality of notches includes arranging the second contactor and the first contactor in contact.