WO2024175373A1 - Crossmember, connection tower and installation for connecting a cooling device to a waterloop system, and retail space having such an installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a crossmember (1) for connecting a cooling device (4) to a waterloop system for circulating heat-absorbing liquid (16a, 16b) for absorbing waste heat from the cooling device (4), comprising a first inlet pipe (12a) and a first outlet pipe (12b) which form a circuit along with the waterloop system, wherein inlet ports and outlet ports are distributed in pairs (121a, 121b) along the first pipe (12a, 12b) at predetermined distances, wherein a first connector unit (1c) is provided which includes an intermediate inlet piece (122a) for connecting the inlet port of one of the pairs to an inlet of the cooling device and an intermediate outlet piece (122b) for connecting the outlet port of the pair to an outlet of the cooling device. The invention also relates to a connection tower comprising a second connector unit (2c) for connecting the connection tower to the first connector unit (1c). The invention also concerns an installation comprising crossmembers and connection towers. The invention also relates to a cooling device, and finally to a retail space having such an installation and such cooling devices.

Description

Traverse, connection column and system for connecting a cooling device to a Waterloop system and sales room with such a system

Reference to related documents

This document claims the priority of Swiss patent application No. CH000167/2023 , filed on February 21, 2023, and Swiss patent application No. CH000189/2023, filed on February 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Background

The invention relates to a traverse, a connecting column, a system with a traverse and a connecting column, a cooling device and a sales room with a system and cooling devices according to the respective independent claim.

State of the art

Refrigeration devices or refrigeration units in grocery stores are well known. There are a wide variety of different designs of these devices, which are mostly designed as freezers or refrigerators. Such refrigeration devices can be open or closed and can be equipped with an opening accessible from above or, as a refrigerator, with an opening accessible from the side. These designs are self-service refrigeration devices. Refrigeration shelves or refrigerated counters are also used, which are closed on the customer side and where only a salesperson has access to the goods and serves the customer. Self-service refrigeration devices are typically intended for packaged goods. Refrigerated counters with salespersons are used for open goods, especially when the purchase quantity varies and the goods have to be weighed.

Due to the wide range of options in terms of intended use, sizes, etc. for refrigeration equipment and the immense variety of food that needs to be refrigerated, there are high demands when planning sales areas. One complicating aspect of planning is that refrigeration equipment generates a lot of heat that cannot remain in the sales area and must be dissipated.

Refrigeration circuits, so-called remote systems, are generally provided for this purpose. Conventional refrigeration circuits for refrigerated cabinets or freezer cells have for many years been built with a single circuit. Refrigerant then circulates in a circuit from the refrigeration system through long copper pipes into the refrigerated cabinets and from there back again. Their job is to remove the heat. This is the only way to keep fresh and frozen products constantly cool and not spoil due to the heat in the sales room. In such a single-circuit system, the refrigerant fill quantities are large and can amount to several hundred kilos. One disadvantage is that such a circuit is subject to leakage. Despite all efforts, a single-circuit supermarket refrigeration system is never completely leak-proof. On average, between 3 and 15 percent of refrigerant escapes into the atmosphere each year, depending on the size and complexity of the system. Renovations in the sales area always result in losses, and are also time-consuming and expensive, as the entire circuit must be evacuated, which only a refrigeration specialist is authorized to do. The same applies to the re-laying of refrigerant lines, filling and commissioning.

An alternative that is increasingly finding its way into supermarkets are plug-in systems that are connected to a so-called water loop system. Plug-in refrigeration units are designed to be equipped with air condensers or water heat exchangers. Equipped with water heat exchangers, they can be connected to a Waterloop system. Waterloop describes a closed water circuit that transports the waste heat from the refrigeration units. This heat can then be fed into a heat recovery system.

Refrigeration units with air condensers release the waste heat produced by the refrigeration units into the room in an uncontrolled manner, which means that air conditioning systems in the sales room have to equalize the temperature, which in turn results in more energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, both systems are not flexible and can only be operated and installed by a specialist. Finally, lengthy technical and piping plans are necessary when planning the sales room, usually two years before the store opens, and the positioning of the furniture is already determined when the sales room is set up and is therefore inflexible.

Description of the invention

The object of the invention is to minimize or completely avoid at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the invention is intended to enable a flexible design of a sales room with regard to the location of refrigeration devices, whereby a later redesign of the sales room can be easily carried out.

The object is achieved in a first aspect of the invention with a cross member for connecting at least one cooling device to a water loop system for circulating a heat absorption liquid for absorbing waste heat from the cooling device. The cross member comprises a first feed line and a first drain line for the heat absorption liquid. The first feed line and the first drain line are each connected at a first end to a circulation unit of the water loop system. connectable, so that when the first feed line and the first drain line are connected to the cooling device in a liquid-conducting manner, a heat absorption liquid circuit can be formed. The first feed line comprises a plurality of feed connections for feeding fresh heat absorption liquid into the cooling device and the first drain line comprises a plurality of drain connections for discharging heat-loaded heat absorption liquid from the cooling device. One feed connection and one drain connection are distributed as a pair along the respective first line at predetermined intervals. The cross member further comprises an elongated holding profile in which at least the first feed line and the first drain line can be accommodated. Finally, the cross member is provided with at least one first connector unit with a connection configuration comprising a feed intermediate piece for connecting the feed connection of one of the pairs to an inlet of the cooling device and a drain intermediate piece for connecting the drain connection of the pair to an outlet of the cooling device.

The object is achieved in a second aspect of the invention with a connection column for connecting at least one cooling device to a water loop system for circulating a heat absorption liquid for absorbing waste heat from the cooling device. The connection column comprises a housing with a base which is designed in such a way that the connection column can be repositioned, furthermore as part of the housing a connection field for connecting cables and/or liquid-carrying lines of the cooling device and a column attached to the connection field. A second connector unit for connecting the connection column to a first connector unit of a crossbar according to the first aspect of the invention is attached to a free end of the column. A connection configuration of the second connector unit corresponds to the connection configuration of the first connector unit. Finally, the connection column comprises at least one intermediate feed line running in the column and at least one intermediate discharge line running in the column, which intermediate lines connect the second connector unit to the connection field in a liquid-conducting manner when the cooling device is connected to the connection field.

The object is achieved in a third aspect of the invention with a system for connecting at least one cooling device to a water loop system for circulating a heat absorption liquid for absorbing waste heat from the cooling device. The system comprises at least one cross member according to the first aspect of the invention and at least one connection column according to the second aspect of the invention.

The object is achieved in a fourth aspect of the invention with a cooling device for cooling food. The cooling device comprises a space for accommodating the food, a cooling unit for cooling the food and a circuit that can be connected to a water loop system for dissipating the waste heat generated due to the cooling function. The circuit comprises a first inlet line and a first outlet line for circulating heat absorption liquid, wherein the first inlet line and the first outlet line each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece at their free end for connection to the water loop system.

The object is achieved in a fifth aspect of the invention with a sales room comprising a system according to the third aspect of the invention. The sales room comprises a number of cooling devices, several cross members of the system, which are attached to a ceiling or a wall of the sales room at predetermined distances from one another. and at least one connection column. The at least one connection column is adjustable and can be connected to any first connector unit of any crossbeam, so that at least one of the cooling devices can be connected to the connection column on one of the crossbeams. The distribution of cooling devices can be configured differently in the sales area by assigning a different first connector unit, possibly a different crossbeam and/or a different connection column to each individual cooling device.

In the sales area according to the invention, it is preferred if several connecting columns are provided and even more preferred if one connecting column is provided per crossbeam. This results in the greatest flexibility when relocating a cooling device, by changing the configuration of the other cooling devices as little as possible.

The invention offers several advantages over the prior art. By providing the crossbar according to the invention, it is possible to connect several cooling devices to the Waterloop system due to several connection positions distributed along the extension of the crossbar and to change the position of a cooling device by connecting it to a different first connector unit or, for example, to swap the position of two differently designed cooling devices. The provision of the connection column according to the invention enables, on the one hand, due to the design of the connection column with a column provided as an extension, an easy positioning of a cooling device even for connections of the Waterloop system that are not located in the customer's access area, which is desirable for safety reasons. In addition, the connection column as an intermediate piece between the cooling device and the crossbar also offers an increase in flexibility because it can be repositioned as required and a change in the position of a cooling device is simplified or it can be repositioned as required in order to deactivate one cooling device and activate another. The above-mentioned advantages also arise for the system according to the invention, which in other words represents a combination of the first two aspects of the invention. The advantages are particularly clear when considering the sales room according to the invention, in which several crossbeams and several connecting columns are provided. Almost any configuration of the position of the cooling devices can advantageously be achieved here, since the cooling devices can not only be positioned along the extension of a crossbeam or within reach of the connection option of a connecting column, but they can also be connected to other crossbeams. In other words, a two-dimensional movement of a cooling device is possible. Due to the arrangement of the crossbeams on the ceiling of the room, the sales room also has a tidy impression and the cables and/or the cables are far away from the customers' access radius.

The simplification in the redesign of the sales area is not only achieved by the provision of many connection points for the Waterloop system, but is also advantageously supplemented by the fact that the connection of the refrigeration units to these many connection points is simplified and accelerated by equipping the connection lines of the refrigeration units with plug-in coupling intermediate pieces that can be quickly connected to a connection column or directly to a connection point on a traverse or to a connection point of the Waterloop system provided on a wall of the sales area.

Short description of the drawings Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and from the following description based on the figures. In this figure:

Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a traverse according to the invention with an exemplary line and cable configuration,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a crossbar according to the invention, in which the first connector unit is visible,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the traverse according to the invention,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a connection column according to the invention with a connected cooling device,

Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the second connector unit of the connection column from Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the connection column according to the invention,

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a distributor intermediate piece for a connection column according to the invention,

Fig. 8 is a detailed view of the distributor intermediate piece from Fig. 7, and

Fig. 9 is a perspective, highly simplified representation of a sales room according to the invention.

Way(s) of carrying out the invention

Definitions:

In the present context, a traverse (lat. transversus "crosswise (lying)") is a mechanical support that serves to stabilize, fasten or connect. It is used in constructions or as a load-handling device when loads have to be suspended over a certain width.

In the present context, a distinction is made between cables and wires in that wires carry liquids and cables carry current.

The term "heated" in connection with a heat absorption fluid means in the present context that the heat absorption fluid has been passed through a heat-generating device and has absorbed this heat from the device for dissipation.

The terms "refrigeration cabinet" and "refrigeration appliance" are to be regarded as synonyms in the present context and include all applicable types of cooling equipment suitable for cooling food. In particular, they include cooling and freezing equipment equally. The term "refrigeration unit" refers to an element of a cooling appliance which actually carries out the cooling function.

The term “water” or “water-bearing” always refers to the Waterloop system.

Fig. 1 shows a cross section of a crossbeam 1 according to the invention with an exemplary line and cable configuration. The crossbeam 1 comprises an elongated holding profile la. In this embodiment, the holding profile is a closed profile with passages for receiving the intended lines and cables. Each passage carries exactly one line or exactly one cable. It is preferred if each passage, with the exception of profile recesses for receiving first connector units, completely encloses the line or cable (hereinafter referred to collectively as elements), so that the elements are well protected from external influences. In the illustration shown, the holding profile has a width b and a height h, which depends on the dimensions and number of elements to be guided. In the present exemplary embodiment, the traverse carries the elements explained below.

For the central purpose of the traverse (water loop connection), a first feed line 12a and a first drain line 12b with a radius dl for guiding a heat absorption fluid 16a, 16b are provided.

In the lower part of the profile, at least one multi-purpose data cable 14 is provided for data transmission and/or remote monitoring and/or for connection to the Internet or an intranet. The data cable comprises several data connections along its extension.

In the middle, two second feed lines 13 with a radius d2 are provided for conducting service water. The second feed lines each comprise an inlet that can be connected to an external water supply for receiving service water and several discharge connections for discharging service water (not shown). They are used, for example, for cleaning food counters at the end of a sales day. The discharge connections are distributed along the second feed line.

In an upper part 11 of the profile la, power supply cables 15 are provided for supplying the cooling device and/or other consumers with power. Such other consumers could be, for example, light connections. The power supply cable comprises several power supply connections along its length.

Recesses or rails 18 are provided on the sides of the profile, which are preferably intended for holding or hanging graphic elements or other objects.

Of course, the arrangement of the elements could be completely different. The first feed line 12a and the first drain line 12b can each be connected at a first end to a circulation unit of the water loop system, so that when the first feed line and the first drain line are connected to the cooling device in a liquid-conducting manner, a heat absorption liquid circuit is formed. For better understanding, the heat absorption liquid is divided here into fresh heat absorption liquid 16a and heat-treated heat absorption liquid 16b. The water loop system comprises means for dissipating the heat from the heat-treated heat absorption liquid so that it can be fed back into the circuit as fresh heat absorption liquid. It is preferable to use water, which can dissipate heat very well. In this case, a heat exchanger can be provided as the means for dissipating the heat from the heat-treated water. However, a mixture of water and glycol could also be used. This alternative is preferred if, for example. In the cold season or in colder latitudes, instead of a heat exchanger, the heated water is led outside to release the heat, thus saving energy. In this case, the glycol prevents the water from freezing. Another heat absorption fluid with the desired property of effective heat absorption could also be used. The connection of the first feed line and the first discharge line 12b to the Waterloop system is not shown for the sake of simplicity.

The radii of the pipes can vary and are dimensioned to maintain a certain flow and fluid pressure during operation. For example, the radius dl is dimensioned depending on the maximum number of cooling devices that can be supplied with water at the same time. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cross member according to the invention, in which the above-mentioned first connector unit 1c is visible. The first feed line has a feed connection 121a for feeding fresh water into the cooling device and the first drain line has a drain connection 121b for discharging heat-treated water from the cooling device into the first drain line. The feed connection and the drain connection form a feed connection-drain connection pair. Such pairs are distributed along the respective first line 12a, 12b at predetermined intervals. The figure also shows a first connector unit 1c with a connection configuration comprising a feed intermediate piece 122a for connecting the feed connection of the pair to an inlet of the cooling device and a drain intermediate piece 122b for connecting the drain connection of the pair to an outlet of the cooling device.

This figure also shows the mentioned profile recesses from which the feed connection 121a and the drain connection 121b are led out.

A power supply connection is preferably also present on each feed connection/drain connection pair. A power connection intermediate piece 122c is provided for connecting the power supply connection to the cooling device. Here, the intermediate piece 122c is led out independently of the first connector unit 1c. In another embodiment (not shown), the power connection intermediate piece is included in the connection configuration of the first connector unit 1c. The first connector unit can have a housing (not shown) which includes all connections and which is equipped with locking elements in order to enable a quick coupling with a counterpart (e.g. second connector unit from Fig. 5), in which all existing connections are coupled essentially simultaneously. It is preferred if at least the feed intermediate piece 122a and the drain intermediate piece 122b are provided with plug-in coupling intermediate pieces 17 in order to quickly connect them to corresponding water-carrying lines of the cooling device. In Fig. 2, this is shown in such a way that the plug-in coupling intermediate pieces 17 connect the feed intermediate piece 122a and the drain intermediate piece 122b to a first extension line 214a and a second extension line 214b, respectively, which are shown in the context of Fig. 6.

Each feed connection/drain connection pair preferably also has a discharge connection for domestic water. In one embodiment, the first connector unit 1c in the connection configuration comprises a discharge intermediate piece by means of which domestic water can be taken from the second feed line (not shown).

Preferably, a data connection is also provided on each feed connection-drain connection pair. In one embodiment, the first connector unit in the connection configuration comprises a data connection intermediate piece for connecting a data supply connection to an external device and/or to the cooling device (not shown).

Combining all the intermediate pieces in the first connector unit is advantageous because it allows all the required components to be connected quickly in one step. This measure is particularly useful for the present invention, where the flexibility of the design of a sales area is paramount, as it makes it easy to reposition refrigeration units.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the traverse according to the invention. Here, the holding profile is designed as a U-shaped cable duct 1b that is open at the top. The first feed line 12a and the first drain line lie together on the profile and, unlike in the previous figures, are arranged next to one another. Openings are provided in the base of the holding profile to accommodate the first connector units, as in Fig. 2. As an example, the connection configuration of the first connector unit is comparatively simple, as it only contains the main functionality of the traverse, i.e. the connection to the Waterloop system. This embodiment is characterized by its simplicity, as no complexly manufactured profile with passages is used here. Of course, all of the elements mentioned in the context of Fig. 1 can also be provided in this case, and the first connector unit can be designed accordingly.

It is preferred if the support profile of the crossbar can be assembled from several segments 12d so that its length can be varied. The segments can preferably be easily inserted into one another, which also applies to the more complicated profile according to Fig. 1. This means that each crossbar can be tailored to the length or width of a part of the sales area. Preferably, each segment has means for fastening to a wall or ceiling of a sales area.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a connection column 2 according to the invention with a connected cooling device 4. The connection column comprises a housing with a base 2a. The housing further comprises a connection panel 2b, in the manner of a switch box, for connecting cables and/or liquid-carrying lines of the cooling device. The housing further comprises a column 2d attached to the connection panel.

The base 2a is designed in such a way that the connecting column can be repositioned, e.g. with at least two wheels. The connecting column can advantageously can therefore be easily assigned to one or more new cooling devices.

An intermediate feed line 212a and an intermediate discharge line 212b run in the column 2d. A second connector unit 2c for connecting the connection column to a first connector unit 1c (see Fig. 2) of a crossbeam according to the invention is attached to a free end of the column. The intermediate lines connect the second connector unit 2c to the connection field 2b in a liquid-conducting manner when the cooling device is connected to the connection field. This creates the connection between the first feed line 12a and the first discharge line 12b to the cooling device 4 when a connection column 2 is used.

For this purpose, the connection panel further comprises an output connection 213a for the feed-in intermediate line and an input connection 213b for the output intermediate line. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the connection panel also has other connectors which are intended for other elements which were described in connection with Fig. 1, e.g. for the power supply of the cooling device.

Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of detail E of the second connector unit of the connection column from Fig. 4. In one embodiment, the connection configuration of the second connector unit 2c corresponds to the connection configuration of the first connector unit 1c. The simplest connection configuration corresponds to the configuration of the arrangement from Fig. 3 in which only the main functionality of the connection to the Waterloop system is provided. However, the detailed view according to Fig. 5 also shows data connections 14a and power supply connections 15a. In addition to the Waterloop connections 212a, 212b, the second connector unit can have any combination of the other connections. In particular, it can be in a In this embodiment, it can be provided that the second connector unit always has a maximum configuration with connections for all of the elements mentioned. In this way, it can be manufactured as standard and does not have to be adapted for each application. In this case, if the first connector unit 1c does not have the maximum configuration, this is not a problem because the corresponding connection ends of the second connector unit that are missing from the first connector unit simply run into the void within it.

The second connector unit has a housing 2e which, in one embodiment, can comprise locking elements which can cooperate with corresponding locking elements of a housing (not shown) of the first connector unit in order to be able to connect all connections in one step. This will be explained in more detail in the description of the system according to the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connection column according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 4 in that the connection column comprises a first extension line 214a and a second extension line 214b, which are connected between the second connector unit 2c and the feed intermediate line 212a and the output intermediate line 212b, respectively. The

Extension lines are made of a flexible material. It is preferred if they are made of a rubber that is suitable for carrying the heat absorption fluid at a pressure between 10 bar and 20 bar and a temperature of up to 50 °C. These basic data are sufficient for use in a water loop system and at the same time a rubber material can be used that is still sufficiently flexible for easy installation. In addition, lines 6a, 6b (Fig. 4) for connecting the cooling device to the connection panel, preferably made of the same material (rubber).

The use of extension cables between the (rigid) intermediate cables in the column 2d and the second connector unit allows an even more flexible positioning of the connection column, which is explained in more detail in connection with Fig. 9.

It should be noted that although in Fig. 6 the second connector unit 2c is shown as a part according to Fig. 5, it could also be simplified and only comprise the extension lines, which in this case would be individually connected to the cross member as shown in Fig. 2. In other words, the first and second connector units can be designed as a connector block with a housing 2e, but they can also have a simpler design and consist of independently movable connection ends which would be connected individually. For example, the feed intermediate piece 122a and the drain intermediate piece 122b could be individually connected to the extension lines with plug-in coupling intermediate pieces 17, as shown in Fig. 2. However, plug-in coupling intermediate pieces 17 can also be provided in the embodiment as a connector block, which is preferred for this embodiment because it enables the water-carrying connections and other cables or

lines is simplified.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a distributor intermediate piece for a connection column according to the invention and Fig. 8 shows a detailed view F of the distributor intermediate piece from Fig. 7.

In connection with Fig. 4, the connection field 2b was described with an output connection 213a for the feed-in intermediate line and an input connection 213b for the output intermediate line. Alternatively, an integrated Distributor intermediate piece 3 can be interposed. On one side, this is connected to the feed intermediate line 212a and the discharge intermediate line 212b in a liquid-conducting manner. On the other side, the distributor intermediate piece comprises several distribution connections 215a and 215b, which are assigned in pairs to the inlet and outlet of exactly one cooling device or to the lines 6a, 6b (Fig. 4) for connecting the cooling device. This allows fresh water 16a from the feed intermediate line 212a to be distributed to several cooling devices and heated water 16b from the several cooling devices to be delivered to the discharge intermediate line 212b. This advantageously allows several cooling devices to be operated with one connection column.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective, highly simplified representation of a sales room 5 according to the invention. In this context, a system according to the third aspect of the invention, which is installed in the sales room according to the invention, is also described.

The system comprises two traverses 1, which are designated A and B in the figure to distinguish them. It also comprises two connecting columns 2 per traverse. The traverses are attached to a ceiling 7 of the sales room, preferably along the entire length of the ceiling. In this illustration, the traverses are parallel, but they could also not be parallel. The number of traverses and connecting columns is purely exemplary and can vary.

In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one mobile distribution box 8 for several cooling devices.

The figure shows various types of connection of the system, which are intended to illustrate the previously explained features of the traverse and the connecting column. The crossbeams each have two connection points C at a predetermined distance from one another. At a rear connection point of the crossbeam A, a connection column is provided which connects a cooling device to the first feed line 12a and the first drain line 12b of this crossbeam. The connection field of this connection column has exactly one connection point for a cooling device which is connected by means of the line 6a, 6b.

At a front connection point of the crossbeam A, a connection column is provided which connects a cooling device to the first feed line 12a and the first discharge line 12b of this crossbeam. The connection field of this connection column has exactly one connection point for a cooling device. In this configuration, however, a mobile distribution box 8 is interposed, by means of which further cooling devices could be connected, although the connection column is only designed for the direct connection of a single cooling device.

In contrast, at a rear connection point of the crossbeam B, a connection column is provided which is equipped with a distributor intermediate piece 3 built into the connection field of the connection column, so that two cooling devices can be connected to the first feed line 12a and the first drain line 12b of this crossbeam.

At a front connection point of the crossbeam B, a connection column is provided which is equipped with a first extension line 214a and a second extension line 214b, which connects the second connector unit 2c with the first feed line 12a and the first drain line 12b of this crossbeam. It can be seen that the cooling device connected to it and the connection column are not directly above the associated connection point C, so that the Extension is advantageous in this case. It should be noted in this context that the cables 6a, 6b are shown as long here only for illustrative purposes. In practice, it is desirable for these cables to be kept as short as possible, since they could otherwise cause interference due to their arrangement on the ground. Therefore, compensation or replacement of the extension cables by the cables 6a, 6b is only possible to a limited extent.

In the system, it is preferred if the first connector unit 1c of the crossbeam and the second connector unit 2c of the connection column, which cooperate with one another, are designed as quick-release couplings. The quick-release couplings are designed in such a way that existing corresponding cables and/or existing corresponding lines of the respective connection configuration connect automatically when a locking element of one connector unit and a corresponding locking element of the other connector unit lock into one another, and separate automatically when the locking element of one connector unit and the locking element of the other connector unit are released from one another. It is preferred if the flow of water is interrupted when the connection is released. Such locking elements could be provided on the respective housing 2e of the first and second connector units. With regard to Fig. 5, the representation of the elements protruding from the housing of the second connector unit is not only intended to serve as an illustration, but is also intended to make it clear that the connection ends for the respective elements connect to their respective mating connections before the locking elements on the housing of the connector units interact with each other.

It is generally preferred if all water-carrying connections between pipes of the system are made by means of plug-in couplings 17 (see Fig. 2). are implemented. This is advantageous because, in preferred embodiments, such plug-in couplings allow two or more fluid-carrying lines to be connected without the need for tools. Generally speaking, according to Wikipedia, plug-in couplings are defined as being used for the quick, detachable connection of components, in particular pipelines. In the present context, plug-in couplings are closed by a straight, axial movement and lock automatically. The plug-in couplings used in the present invention can be designed so that they are detachable, such as solutions from TECE GmbH, Emsdetten, Germany, or they can be non-detachable, as described, for example, in EP 1 150 056 B1. Of course, only watertight plug-in couplings are suitable for the present invention. They can also take various shapes, e.g. T-pieces, angle pieces or straight pieces as in Fig. 2. All ends of the intermediate pieces are equipped with plug-in couplings. In the present invention, such intermediate pieces can be pre-attached, for example, to the feed intermediate piece 122a and the drain intermediate piece 122b of the cross member and each have a free end to which the feed intermediate line 212a and the discharge intermediate line 212b of the connection column can be plugged in quickly and easily without tools, or vice versa. The same also applies to the first extension line 214a and the second extension line 214b of the connection column. Furthermore, the distribution connections 215a, 215b of the distribution intermediate piece 3 can each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece 17 for a plug-in connection, in particular without tools, to the inlet and the outlet for heat absorption liquid of a cooling device. Alternatively, the output connection 213a and the input connection 213b of the connection field may each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece 17. However, plug-in coupling intermediate pieces could be used instead for the first Inlet line 6a and the first outlet line 6b of the cooling device 4 are provided. All lines are made of non-metallic pipes and are connected to one another by quick connectors.

For a clear distinction, it is noted that the term "quick coupling" refers to the embodiment of the first or second connector unit, in which these are designed as connector blocks for locking into one another, and the term "plug-in coupling" or "plug-in coupling intermediate piece" refers to connector pieces for the quick connection of individual fluid-carrying lines.

As already noted, the illustration in Fig. 9 is greatly simplified. The sales area can include other devices not shown. For example, the water loop system itself can be included for circulating water to absorb the waste heat from the cooling devices. The water loop system can be connected to the two cross members A and B in a liquid-conducting manner to create a circulation circuit. The water loop system includes at least one pump for conveying the water through the circulation circuit and a heat exchanger arrangement for extracting heat from the heat-treated water. A buffer tank can also be provided for absorbing heat from the heat-treated water so that the heat can be used elsewhere.

The invention is preferably directed to use in freezer chests and deep freezer cabinets in the food sector.

The invention can be used in various configurations and can therefore be tailored very flexibly to external circumstances. When using the traverse, electricity, domestic water, water loop, data & lighting can be supplied through the traverse in the sales room as Media carriers can be used, thus providing flexible connectivity in many places in the sales room; even with conventional cables or lines. The media can also be brought directly to the cooling devices using the connection column using the connection column’s own plug-in. The interaction of traverses and connection columns in a corresponding system maximizes flexibility and is particularly advantageous when adjusting the layout in the sales room thanks to easy relocation. As the system’s connector units are equipped with quick couplings, assembly or conversion can be carried out considerably quickly and the staff can operate them safely, eliminating the need for a refrigeration specialist. This means cost savings in assembly and manual services. Last but not least, it is also possible to equip small refrigeration counters in the middle of the shop with the Waterloop system, which means sustainability, as the heat dissipated can also be used for other purposes, e.g. for building and/or water heating. Refrigeration units thus become heat carriers and energy consumption is reduced through heat recovery.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Traverse (1) for connecting at least one cooling device (4) to a water loop system for circulating a heat absorption liquid (16a, 16b) for absorbing waste heat from the cooling device (4), comprising - a first feed line (12a) and a first drain line (12b) for the heat absorption liquid (16a, 16b), wherein the first feed line (12a) and the first drain line (12b) can each be connected at a first end to a circulation unit of the water loop system, so that when the first feed line and the first drain line are connected to the cooling device in a liquid-conducting manner, a heat absorption liquid circuit can be formed, - wherein the first feed line has a plurality of feed connections (121a) for feeding fresh heat absorption liquid (16a) into the cooling device and the first drain line has a plurality of drain connections (121b) for discharging heat-loaded heat absorption liquid (16b) from the cooling device, wherein a feed connection and a drain connection are distributed as a pair (121a, 121b) along the respective first line (12a, 12b) at predetermined intervals, further comprising - an elongated holding profile (la; 1b) in which at least the first feed line and the first drain line can be accommodated, - at least a first connector unit (1c) with a connection configuration comprising an inlet intermediate piece (122a) for connecting the inlet connection of one of the pairs to an inlet of the cooling device and an outlet intermediate piece (122b) for connecting the outlet connection of the pair to an outlet of the cooling device. 2. Traverse according to claim 1, further comprising at least one second feed line (13) for conducting service water, wherein the second feed line comprises an inlet connectable to an external water supply for receiving service water, wherein the second feed line comprises a plurality of discharge connections for discharging service water, wherein the discharge connections are distributed along the second feed line in such a way that a discharge connection is also present on each feed connection-drain connection pair (121a, 121b), wherein the first connector unit (1c) in the connection configuration comprises a discharge intermediate piece by means of which service water can be removed from the second feed line, wherein the holding profile is designed to receive the second feed line. 3. Traverse according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one power supply cable (15) for supplying the cooling device and/or other consumers with power, wherein the power supply cable comprises a plurality of power supply connections along its extension, so that a power supply connection is also present on each feed connection-drain connection pair, in particular wherein the first connector unit in the connection configuration comprises a power connection intermediate piece (122c) for connecting a power supply connection to the cooling device. 4 . Traverse according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one multi-purpose data cable ( 14 ) for data transmission and / or remote monitoring and / or for a connection to the Internet or an intranet, wherein the data cable comprises several data connections along its extension, so that at each feed connection Drain connection pair also has a data connection, in particular wherein the first connector unit in the connection configuration comprises a data connection intermediate piece for connecting a data supply connection to an external device and/or to the cooling device. 5. Traverse according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding profile consists of several segments (12d) can be assembled so that its length is variable, each segment comprising means for fastening to a wall or ceiling of a sales room, either the holding profile being a closed profile (la) with passages for receiving intended lines and cables, each passage carrying exactly one line or exactly one cable and completely enclosing the line or cable with the exception of profile recesses for receiving first connector units, or the holding profile being designed as a cable duct (1b) which is open at the top, in particular U-shaped and open at the top, so that intended lines and cables rest together on the profile, openings being provided in the base of the holding profile for receiving first connector units. 6. Traverse according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed intermediate piece (122a) and the discharge intermediate piece (122b) each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece (17) at their free end, in particular wherein the plug-in coupling intermediate pieces are designed to form a tool-free plug connection. 7. Connection column (2) for connecting at least one cooling device to a Waterloop system for Circulating a heat absorption fluid for absorbing waste heat from the cooling device, comprising - a housing with a base (2a) which is designed such that the connection column can be repositioned, - as part of the housing, a connection panel (2b) for connecting cables and/or liquid-carrying lines of the cooling device, - a column (2d) attached to the connection panel, - a second connector unit (2c) attached to a free end of the column for connecting the connection column to a first connector unit (1c) of a traverse according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a connection configuration of the second connector unit corresponds to the connection configuration of the first connector unit, - at least one intermediate feed line (212a) running in the column and at least one intermediate discharge line (212b) running in the column, which intermediate lines connect the second connector unit to the connection panel in a liquid-conducting manner when the cooling device is connected to the connection panel. 8. Connection column according to claim 7, wherein the connection configuration of the second connector unit (2c) corresponds to the connection configuration of the first connector unit (1c) of a crossbeam according to claim 2 and/or of a crossbeam according to claim 3 and/or of a crossbeam according to claim 4. 9. Connection column according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the feed intermediate line (212a) and the output intermediate line (212b) each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece (17) at one end or at both ends, in particular wherein the Plug-in coupling intermediate pieces are designed to form a tool-free plug-in connection. 10. Connection column according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the connection field either comprises a distributor intermediate piece (3) which is designed such that it can distribute fresh heat absorption liquid (16a) from the feed intermediate line (212a) to several cooling devices, and can deliver heat-loaded heat absorption liquid (16b) from the several cooling devices to the delivery intermediate line (212b), or comprises exactly one output connection (213a) for the feed intermediate line and exactly one input connection (213b) for the delivery intermediate line for connecting a single cooling device or an external distribution box for several cooling devices. 11. Connection column according to claim 10, wherein the distributor intermediate piece is connected at one end to the feed intermediate line (212a) with the discharge intermediate line (212b) and at the other end comprises a plurality of distribution connections (215a) and (215b), which are each assigned in pairs to an inlet and an outlet for heat absorption liquid of a cooling device (4), in particular wherein the distribution connections (215a, 215b) each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece (17) for a plug-in connection with the inlet and the outlet for heat absorption liquid of a cooling device, in particular wherein the plug-in coupling intermediate pieces are designed to form a tool-free plug-in connection. 12. Connection column according to one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a first extension line (214a) and a second extension line (214b) which are connected between the second connector unit (2c) and the feed intermediate line (212a) or the output intermediate line (212b), wherein the extension lines are made of a flexible material, in particular of a rubber which is suitable for guiding the heat absorption liquid at a pressure between 10 bar and 20 bar and a temperature of up to 50 °C. 13. Installation for connecting at least one cooling device to a water loop system for circulating a heat absorption liquid for absorbing waste heat from the cooling device, comprising at least one cross member (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and at least one connection column (2) according to one of claims 7 to 12. 14. System according to claim 13, wherein a first connector unit (1c) of the cross member and a second connector unit (2c) of the connection column are designed as quick couplings, such that existing corresponding cables and/or existing corresponding lines of the respective connection configuration automatically connect when a locking element of one connector unit and a corresponding locking element of the other connector unit lock into one another, and automatically separate when the locking element of one connector unit and the locking element of the other connector unit are released from one another, in particular such that a flow of the heat absorption fluid is interrupted when the connection is released. 15. System according to claim 13 or 14, wherein for connecting the heat absorption fluid-carrying lines of the first connector unit with those of the second connector unit either the The feed intermediate piece (122a) and the discharge intermediate piece (122b) of the first connector unit (1c) of the crossbeam each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece (17) at the corresponding end, or the feed intermediate line (212a) and the discharge intermediate line (212b) of the second connector unit (2c) of the connection column each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece at the corresponding end, in particular wherein the plug-in coupling intermediate pieces are designed to form a tool-free plug connection. 16. Cooling device (4) for cooling food, comprising a space for receiving the food, a cooling unit for cooling the food and a circuit connectable to a water loop system for dissipating the waste heat generated due to the cooling function, wherein the circuit comprises a first inlet line (6a) and a first outlet line (6b) for circulating heat absorption liquid, wherein the first inlet line (6a) and the first outlet line (6b) each comprise a plug-in coupling intermediate piece (17) at their free end for connection to the water loop system, in particular wherein the plug-in coupling intermediate pieces are designed as a tool-free plug connection. 17. Sales room (5) comprising a system according to claim 13 to 15, comprising - a number of cooling devices according to claim 16, - several traverses of the system, which are attached to a ceiling or a wall of the sales room at predetermined distances from each other, - at least one connecting column of the system, preferably several connecting columns, even more preferably one connecting column per traverse, wherein the at least a connection column is adjustable and can be connected to any first connector unit of any crossbeam, so that at least one of the cooling devices can be connected to the connection column on one of the crossbeams, wherein a distribution of the cooling devices in the sales room can be configured differently by assigning a different first connector unit, possibly a different crossbeam and/or a different connection column to each individual cooling device. 18. Sales area according to claim 17, further comprising a water loop system for circulating a heat absorption liquid for absorbing the waste heat of the cooling devices, wherein the water loop system can be connected to the one cross member in a liquid-conducting manner to generate a circulation circuit, wherein the water loop system comprises at least one pump for conveying the heat absorption liquid through the circulation circuit and a heat exchanger arrangement for extracting heat from the heat-loaded heat absorption liquid.