DE102005043210B3 - Cooling unit has air cooling assembly and circulating unit shelf holder with air exit walls and containers openable and closable to circulating air - Google Patents

Abstract

Starting from a cooling device (1), having a cooling space (2), an assembly (5, 6) for generating cooling air, an air conveying device (3) for conveying the cooling air and a shelf storage (7) with an air outlet wall ( 19, 20), with at least one opening cross-section (23) of the air outlet wall (19, 20) being assigned to a storage space (8) of the shelf storage (7) through which the cooling air passes through the air outlet wall (19, 20) to the storage space (8) can be fed and a tray (9), which can be equipped with items (11) to be cooled, can be stored on each of the storage locations (8), it is proposed according to the invention that the trays (9) can be stored in such a way that at least one of the opening cross-sections (23) is closed by means of a tray (9) in a closed position V of the tray (9) and is open in an open position O of the tray (9).

Description

The The invention relates to a cooling device comprising a fridge, an aggregate for generating cooling air, an air conveyor to promote the cooling air and a shelf storage with a laterally adjoining air outlet wall, wherein a storage space of the shelf storage at least one opening cross-section the air outlet wall is assigned, through which the cooling air through the air outlet wall can be fed through to the storage location, and two methods for operating the cooling device.

Such cooling devices are for example from the DE 103 10 983 A1 known, where there pallets are used for storage. With the aid of such a cooling device, it is possible to cool products, in particular food products, with different cooling times individually and in a time-optimized manner. This distinguishes the described cooling devices about spiral coolers, with which the material to be cooled can be driven with only one transport speed, so that the cooling time is the same for different products. Compared to other known cooling systems, such as a cooling storage, the advantage is that the material to be cooled can not only be driven or stored block-shaped and therefore more accessible.

Around unpalatable or difficult to palletize products, such as. soft butter or cheese blocks, to cool known Trays used. The trays can be cooled with Well loaded and in the for provided storage bins store the shelf warehouse. It is also known, the trays using an automatic conveyor on the one for it abandon the intended storage space or to be taken from it. The Use of a conveyor, also from the above-mentioned German patent application is known, allows automation in the product cooling and thereby reduces the otherwise required manual effort.

at the described cooling device passes the cooling air mostly over an air distribution channel through the located in the air outlet wall opening cross-sections to be cooled Good and can this um-, über- and / or underflow and thereby cool. The comparatively large one Air speed allows a high convective heat transfer between the cooling air and to be cooled Well. The Luftverteilkanal is incidentally mostly from the walls of the cooling chamber and one side of a shelf of the shelf warehouse. The named Side is defined in this context as an air outlet wall. Of course but the air outlet wall can also be an additional part of the cooling device be.

By the use of trays can be the food to be cooled in a gentle way be transported and stored. Damage caused by the direct Contact of the to be cooled Good with elements of the cooler can be caused are effectively prevented by the use of the trays. Also let yourself through the use of the trays reach that good to be cooled in terms of quantity and quantity smaller quantities divisible, which is due to the resulting increased surface per quantity an advantageous shortened cooling entails.

From the DE 20 2005 000 167 U1 it is known to close the opening cross-sections of the air outlet wall. In particular, there is provided for a pallet parking space to achieve the closure in that by means of a Luftbeaufschlagungseinrichtung in the form of shutter valves, a cladding element, a docking system, a perforated plate and an electrical system in the form of a motor for operating the jalousie opened a pallet parking space associated opening cross-section or can be closed. With the use of Luftbeaufschlagungseinrichtung is to be achieved that can be dispensed with a storage of the products to be cooled in a cooling tunnel, since the products for each pallet individually either a part of a cooling air flow can be supplied or the products by closing the opening cross section with no longer the cooling air flow are acted upon. This is especially provided when the products have previously been sufficiently cooled by active onflow and have reached their storage temperature.

The Use of the aforementioned Luftbeaufschlagungseinrichtung is, however relatively susceptible to interference The necessities electrical installations. In addition, there is a disadvantage in that the electrical system and in particular the louvres relatively expensive too are clean. After all are the jalousie flaps by the comparatively complex mechanics another possible Source for disorders in operation. A disadvantage of the above-mentioned Luftbeaufschlagungseinrichtung not least is her big Building volume, the optimal space utilization of the refrigerator opposes.

outgoing From the prior art, it is the object of the invention, a cooling device to propose a mechanically simplified opening and closing of the opening cross-sections of air passage walls and also mechanically uncomplicated and easy to clean is.

The object is achieved by a cooling device with the features of claim 1 and with methods according to the dependent claims 9 and 10. In this case, a tray that can be equipped with material to be cooled can be stored in such a way that at least one of the opening cross-sections can be closed by means of an associated tray in a closed position of the tray and opened in an open position of the tray.

The Using a tray to open and close of the opening cross-section allowed opposite the prior art is an extremely simple and doing cheap, interference and space-saving option efficient cooling of the To reach products. The use of special electrical systems or fixed additional components is in the cooling device according to the invention unnecessary. In particular, the cooling device according to the invention in the said development, even with ongoing production modular expandable, what about coolers extremely difficult according to the state of the art or even impossible is.

When Advantage of the cooling device according to the invention It is also to be considered that the tray and the thereon Good while the cooling process resting, which is especially important for sensitive products is to damage to avoid.

By the said storage alternative of the tray either in the open position or in the closed position, it has a valve function in the Kind, that in the closed position of the storage space of the shelf warehouse across from the air distribution channel is closed and no more cooling air through the opening cross-section can be blown. In loaded condition, however, the airway is over the opening cross-section open and the cooling air can, in particular, over the to be cooled Good to be introduced to the storage area of the warehouse. The tray is as a valve body used, brought this in at least two different positions can be.

On surprising easy way lets the opening cross-section only by a change of position open the tray assigned to it or close. In this context, it is understood that an opening or close of the opening cross-section not only the complete one Release of the opening cross-section for one Air passage or the absolute closure of the opening cross-section includes. Likewise, a release of over 50% of the opening cross-sectional area of Open position can be assigned while a shutter or a Shut off over 50% of the opening area of the cross section Lock position is assigned. In particular, it is envisaged that unpopulated Trays in the closed position, equipped trays in the opposite Open position are stored. This makes it possible, the cooling device also to be energy-optimized in partial load cases.

advantageous Embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

A Training of the invention provides that the tray is a level Floor space, in particular of sheet steel, with a vertically extending to it Sidewall, in particular made of sheet steel, forms. It forms the mentioned side surface the closure element for closing the parallel thereto aligned opening cross-section.

The the latter training leaves thereby further improving that opposite to the side wall another side wall is formed. The side walls are preferably aligned parallel to each other. Both side walls form closure elements for closing the opening cross-section as soon as the tray is stored in the closed position. In the open position serve the two side walls also as guiding elements for the inflowing Cooling air.

A Further training provides that the tray to order from the closing position in the open position and vice versa, about an axis rotatable is, which is perpendicular to the plane formed by the base, wherein the rotation takes place in particular by a right angle. Preferably forms the flat storage area of the tray made a rectangle, so that by rotation of the tray within the footprint forming level by 90 ° from the closed position is reached from the open position or vice versa. The rotation is preferably outside the storage bin and is from the conveyor executed before the tray is placed again on the storage yard.

When very cheap has, by the way, turned out if the tray has a U-profile and is integrally formed. The described training allows a very simple Cleaning, which is especially high in the food industry Importance is.

The invention can be further improved by the fact that the opening cross-section is covered by a perforated plate. Preferably, the perforated plate extends over the entire air distribution channel facing side of the shelf storage and is bolted to the shelves forming profiles or welded to them. The inventive use of the perforated plate is achieved that even to be cooled Good that does not reach the height of the opening cross-section, concentrated and systematically applied to the entering through the opening cross-section cooling air, since the perforated plate as a kind of series resistor for the incoming Cooling air acts and makes the cooling air flow uniform.

Especially It is also advantageous if the invention is developed further is that at the storage area facing side of the opening cross-section a sealant, in particular in the form of a soft foam profile or a (profiled) rubber seal, that is arranged with the sidewalls of the tray is brought into contact. With the use of the sealant is ensured in a particularly simple manner that to cool the estate needed cooling air not through unwanted openings between the side walls acting as a closure element of the Tablars and the air outlet wall can escape into the refrigerator.

A Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is that of the the air shaft facing away from the shelf storage shelves of the storage areas can be removed or placed on this. The named arrangement is therefore particularly advantageous, because thereby filling or a removal with or from good from one side of the shelf warehouse allows and generally good accessibility granted to all components is.

Especially Advantageously, it has also been proven that the operation of a cooling device a method is used in which by means of a parking space management software which supplied to the air distributor Quantity of cooling air V and / or the cooling air temperature T the ratio N is adapted by M, where N is the number of unsealed and M is the number of at least partially closed opening cross sections, wherein the closing an opening cross-section done by rotation of a tray. In particular, it is possible to Products in the refrigerator accurate position by means of suitable software to capture.

alternative can be arranged in the fan chamber, a pressure transducer and the fan motor over a frequency converter should be controlled so that regardless of the parking space occupancy always the same form on the print page of the fan prevails.

Especially finally has a method proved to be advantageous in which the tray in a Closing position is stored when it is empty and / or the goods to be cooled has reached a minimum temperature (setpoint temperature) and / or itself a fixed residence time is located in the cooling device.

By The method is achieved in particular that the cooling device partially as a cold storage for long-term storage of good is used and partially as a cooling tunnel, i.e. Process equipment is used, which allows to be cooled Good to cool down to a desired temperature within a short time. By the method makes it possible in particular, the cooling of different Products individually and at any time to the respective product requirements customizable to provide. In particular, the invention also allows a upgrade existing rack warehouse. Each product may be in the cooling device according to the invention with an individual cooling time chilled become. Unused storage bins are preferably closed on the air side by a respective tray. By the degree of filling adjustable airflow to achieve a significant energy saving. The invention can in particular be formed by that cost-effective conveyor technology in the form of a stacker crane or the cross carriage is provided.

The The invention will be described with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings explained in more detail. It demonstrate

1 a cross section through a cooling device according to the invention,

2 a plan view of a cooling device within ei Nes cooling system

3 an assembly example of three shelf storage of the cooling device according to the invention,

4 a front view of a shelf storage according to 2 .

5 a section through a shelf storage according to 4 .

6 an enlarged section of the 5 ,

1 shows a cooling device 1 with a fridge 2 and an air conveyor arranged centrally and close to the ceiling 3 in the shape of one of a motor 4 powered fan for distributing the cooling air, two units 5 . 6 in the form of two cooling registers, a shelf warehouse 7 , consisting of two shelves shown in a side view, as well as in storage areas 8th stored or storable trays 9 ,

The air flow generated by the fan, indicated by arrows 10 is illustrated, to be cooled or to be kept Good 11 eg in the form of packaged butter or other packaged milk products in the following way: The air flows starting from the outlet side 12 of the fan, to the two aggregates 5 . 6 , is cooled there and continues to flow through two Luftverteilkanäle 13 . 14 first in the direction of the floor area 15 of the refrigerator 2 , The air distribution channels 13 . 14 be from the sidewalls 16 . 17 and the ceiling 18 of the refrigerator 2 , And their respective associated air outlet wall 19 . 20 designed and limited in the form of a perforated plate. Through the respective perforated plate, the cooling air flows in dependence on the storage position of the trays 9 either between the of the screwed to the respective perforated plate shelf profiles 21 . 22 the shelves and the seals made of soft foam opening cross-sections 23 to the storage areas and thus to the goods 11 loaded trays 9 or is of these at the passage through the opening cross-section 23 prevented. This is achieved by having each tray 9 which has a square base 24 with two upturned side walls 25 . 26 owns, in his campsite 8th either in a first storage position, called closure position V or in a second storage position, called open position O, is stored.

To change from the closed position V to the open position O and vice versa, the tray is 9 outside the campsite 8th or even outside the refrigerator 2 around one perpendicular to the plane of the base 24 extending axis rotated 90 degrees. In the closed position V comes a side wall 25 of the tray 9 in contact with the soft foam seal of the opening cross section 23 and excludes air to the storage bin 8th can flow, in particular that an undesirable air distribution occurs, such as when the tray 9 not with good 11 is loaded and therefore there would be a low flow resistance. Every storage place 8th is only an opening cross-section 23 assigned, which is completed by a seal made of soft foam. From the storage bins 8th The shelves finally move the air to the transport corridor located between the shelves 27 from there towards the ceiling 18 to the suction side 28 to flow the fan.

Next shows the 1 a movable and rotatable conveyor 29 in the form of a transverse carriage, the rotation being outside the cold room 2 he follows. However, it is also possible to design the plane of rotation above the shelves, such as the opening and closing of the cold room 2 at every turning process outside the cold room 2 to avoid.

In the 2 shown cooling device 1 in the form of a tableted cooling tunnel 30 is part of a cooling system 2 , which also has a loading area 3 ' and a swap area 4 which are on both sides of the cooling device 1 are arranged.

The discontinuous cooling process is made possible by the use of the trays 9 a separate cooling for each individual storage bin 8th without causing high energy costs. The shelves 9 have a dual function as a carrier of good 11 on the one hand and on the other hand as a "valve" with respect to the air outlet wall 19 . 20 ,

3 shows two product groups 31 . 32 consisting of on a shelf, from six storage levels 33 and three shelf sections 34 , are stored. Three of the 18 storage bins 8th contain trays 9 , which are shown in a closed position V. In the closed position V is not shown in the drawing side wall of the respective three trays 9 aligned parallel to the perforated plate, while a second of the first opposite, also to the perforated plate parallel side wall 26 facing the removal area. The remaining 15 shelves 9 are shown in the open position O, wherein the side walls 25 . 26 each serve as air guiding means to the cooling air flow in an efficient manner on the trays 9 stored good 11 supply. In the embodiment shown can be dispensed shelves, as the base area 24 of the shelves 9 has a corresponding function. The shelves 9 are supported only by these customized shelf rails or are stored on this. For this reason, it is also possible good 11 , which is higher than the height of a single storage bin 8th , omitting a tray 9 to store in the shelf and to cool.

The 4 shows a shelf in a front view, wherein the shelves holding the shelves are not shown. Good to see are pieces of soft foam, the opening between them cross sections 23 release to a perforated plate connected to the shelf.

The in 5 The section shown illustrates the position of a tray 9 in the closed position V. A side wall 25 of the tray 9 closes the opening cross-section formed by the gasket and perforated plate 23 from. The perforated plate is in this case connected to the shelf. In the 6 is a part of the 5 shown enlarged, in which again the mentioned closure position V of the tray can be seen.

1

cooler

2

refrigerator

3

Air conveyor

3 '

loading area

4

engine

5

aggregate

6

aggregate

7

bay warehouse

8th

campsite

9

shelf

10

arrow

11

Well

12

output side

13

air distribution duct

14

air distribution duct

15

floor area

16

Side wall

17

Side wall

18

blanket

19

Air outlet wall

20

Air outlet wall

21

Regal profile

22

Regal profile

23

Opening cross-section

24

Floor space

25

Side wall

26

Side wall

27

transportation gear

28

suction side

29

Conveyor

30

Tablarkühltunnel

31

product group

32

product group

33

storage level

34

shelf section

O

open position

V

closed position

Claims (10)

Cooling device ( 1 ), comprising - a cold room ( 2 ), - an aggregate ( 5 . 6 ) for generating cooling air, - an air conveying device ( 3 ) for conveying the cooling air and - a shelf storage ( 7 ) with a laterally adjoining air outlet wall ( 19 . 20 ), whereby a storage bin ( 8th ) of the shelf warehouse ( 7 ) at least one opening cross-section ( 23 ) of the air outlet wall ( 19 . 20 ) is assigned, through which the cooling air through the air outlet wall ( 19 . 20 ) through the storage bin ( 8th ) can be fed, characterized in that on the storage bins ( 8th ) one tray each ( 9 ), with the goods to be cooled ( 11 ) can be fitted, is storable such that at least one of the opening cross sections ( 23 ) by means of the tray ( 9 ) in a closed position V of the tray ( 9 ) and in an open position O of the tray ( 9 ) is open. Cooling device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tray ( 9 ) a flat base ( 24 ), in particular made of sheet steel, with a perpendicularly extending side wall ( 25 ), in particular of sheet steel, forms. Cooling device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that opposite to the first side wall ( 25 ) another side wall ( 26 ) is trained. Cooling device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tray ( 9 ) in order to change from the closed position V to the open position O and vice versa, about an axis which is perpendicular to that of the base surface (FIG. 24 ), wherein the rotation is in particular at a right angle. Cooling device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the air outlet wall ( 19 . 20 ) immediately next to the trays ( 9 ) or subsequently arranged on it. Cooling device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the opening cross-section ( 23 ) is covered by a perforated plate. Cooling device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at the storage place ( 8th ) facing side of the opening cross section ( 23 ) a sealing means, in particular in the form of a soft foam profile, is arranged, which with the side wall ( 25 . 26 ) of the tray ( 9 ) is brought into contact. Cooling device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that from the one air distribution channel ( 13 . 14 ) opposite side of the shelf storage ( 7 ) the shelves ( 9 ) from the storage bins ( 8th ) are removable or aufbar on this. Method for operating a cooling device ( 1 ) according to claim 8, wherein by means of a parking space management software that the air distribution channel ( 13 . 14 ) and / or the cooling air temperature is adapted to the ratio N / M, where N is the number of unlocked and M the number of at least partially closed opening cross sections (FIG. 23 ) in the air outlet wall ( 19 . 20 ), characterized in that the closing of an opening cross-section ( 23 ) by turning a tray ( 9 ) he follows. Method for operating a cooling device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tray ( 9 ) is stored in the closed position V when it is empty or the product to be cooled ( 11 ) has reached a target temperature and / or the good to be cooled ( 11 ) is a fixed residence time in the cooling device.