Modular refrigeration cassette

Abstract

The interior space within a refrigeration unit cassette (50) associated with a refrigerated merchandiser (10) is divided by a division wall (68) into a first section in air flow communication with the interior product display space of the cabinet (20), and a second section isolated from said first section and in fluid flow communication with the environment exterior of the cabinet. An evaporator module (160) disposed within the first section, and a condenser module (170) and a compressor are disposed within the second section. The refrigeration cassette (50) is selectively insertable in to and out of the equipment compartment to facilitate servicing of the refrigeration equipment therein, including removal and replacement of the evaporator module (160) and the condenser module (170).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 663,112, filed Mar. 18, 2005, and entitled MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE DESIGN FOR USE IN REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. [0002] This application is related to the following applications subject to assignment to the common assignee of this application and filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the same date as this application: [0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—817NP), entitled “REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER”; [0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—816NP), entitled “SEALING SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE”; [0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 210—879NP), entitled “MODULAR REFRIGERATION CASSETTE WITH CONDENSATE EVAPORATIVE TRAY”; [0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ___...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette having improved reliability and serviceability.

[0017] It is an object of an aspect of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette incorporating a liner with contoured surfaces for improved airflow.

[0018] It is an object of an aspect of the invention to provide a refrigeration cassette incorporating a liner formed of a material with improved chemical resistance.

[0022] A liner may be disposed within the first section of the interior space of the refrigeration cassette, the liner including a bowl-like depression adapted to receive the evaporator module. The liner may have contoured surfaces to reduce airflow losses and may be made of plastic or other material having a relatively high chemical resistance.

Problems solved by technology

In refrigerated merchandisers having air passageways in the wall separating the refrigerated interior product space from the equipment compartment, undesired spill liquids and other contaminants may enter the refrigeration unit during operation, service or transportation.

Spilled liquids draining into the refrigeration unit from the product display zone through the air inlet opening may foul or otherwise damage refrigerant unit components such as the evaporator heat exchanger coils, motors and fans.

Spilled liquids could also damage surfaces bounding the airflow path through the refrigeration unit.

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