A commercial salad bar with an evaporator box in the middle structure

Abstract

This application discloses a commercial salad bar with a centrally located evaporator box, relating to the field of refrigeration equipment technology. It includes a salad bar body and a cabinet for storing salads and other foods. An air duct baffle is fixed to the lower inner wall of the cabinet. A fixed column is symmetrically arranged at the top center of the air duct baffle. A refrigeration system for rapidly reducing the internal temperature of the cabinet is fixed to the center of one of the fixed columns. The refrigeration system blows cold air a short distance to the surface of the food, directly cooling it. The refrigeration system includes an evaporation mechanism and a compressor movably mounted at the bottom of one side of the evaporation mechanism. A water collection tray is movably mounted on one side of the compressor, and a condenser is movably mounted on the side of the compressor adjacent to the water collection tray. This application rapidly delivers cold air to all corners inside the salad bar, achieving direct and efficient refrigeration, facilitating rapid temperature reduction of the items inside the cabinet, improving cooling efficiency, and reducing energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator box. Background Technology

[0002] Commercial refrigerators are refrigeration appliances designed for the commercial sector. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including upright refrigerators, platform refrigerators, salad bar refrigerators, cake display cases, and more. Their refrigeration systems are also diverse, employing methods such as plate-tube evaporators attached to the back of the inner wall, integrated units to generate an effective cold source, or air-cooled evaporators placed at the rear or top of the interior. Salad bars, as commercial refrigeration appliances for restaurants, primarily use internal refrigeration to preserve perishable foods placed on the upper countertop. Their lower compartments also provide food storage, making them highly sought after in the current restaurant market and a target of intense competition among manufacturers.

[0003] Currently, common refrigeration methods for salad bar systems include side-mounted units for side-discharge cooling, plate-tube evaporators attached to the back of the unit, and finned evaporators arranged on the back. However, these refrigeration systems all have certain drawbacks: side-mounted units limit the area on the upper part of the salad bar that can be used to place food storage containers; attached direct cooling systems have problems such as large temperature differences and slow cooling speed; and finned evaporator systems arranged on the back result in poor temperature uniformity within the unit. Utility Model Content

[0004] To improve the problems of slow cooling speed and uneven temperature, this application provides a commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside the evaporator box.

[0005] This application provides a commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator box, employing the following technical solution:

[0006] A commercial salad bar with a centrally located evaporator box includes a salad bar body and a box for storing salads and other foods. An air duct baffle is fixed to the lower inner wall of the box. A fixed column is symmetrically arranged at the top center of the air duct baffle. A refrigeration system for rapidly reducing the internal temperature of the box is fixed to the center of one of the fixed columns. The refrigeration system blows cold air to the surface of the food over a short distance, directly cooling the food. The refrigeration system includes an evaporation mechanism and a compressor movably mounted at the bottom of one side of the evaporation mechanism. A water collection tray is movably mounted on one side of the compressor, and a condenser is movably mounted on the side of the compressor adjacent to the water collection tray.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, a refrigeration system is fixed on the air duct partition at the lower end of the main body of the salad bar, providing a foundation for food refrigeration. Because the cold air delivery path is short, the refrigeration system can directly act on the food, quickly reduce the temperature inside the box, improve refrigeration efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.

[0008] Preferably, the evaporation mechanism includes a housing and a fan guard fixed to one side of the upper end of the housing, and an evaporation fan is fixed to the upper end of the housing away from the fan guard.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the operation of the evaporator fan facilitates the delivery of the cold air generated inside the casing to achieve a cooling effect.

[0010] Preferably, an evaporator is fixedly installed at the lower interior end of the housing.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the evaporator generates cold air by absorbing heat through evaporation, providing a source of cooling for the refrigeration process.

[0012] Preferably, a return gas pipe that communicates with the internal pipes of the evaporator is fixedly provided on one side of the bottom end of the housing.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the return pipe is used to return the refrigerant gas after heat exchange in the refrigeration system to the compressor in order to maintain the refrigeration cycle.

[0014] Preferably, the end of the return pipe away from the housing is fixedly connected to the upper side of the compressor.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the end of the return pipe away from the casing is fixedly connected to the upper side of the compressor, realizing the return flow of refrigerant gas from the evaporator to the compressor.

[0016] Preferably, an evaporator coil is fixedly installed through the middle of the outer side of the compressor, and the end of the evaporator coil away from the compressor is fixedly connected to the air inlet at the upper end of the condenser side. The middle section of the evaporator coil is laid horizontally and fixed inside the water receiving pan.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the design of the evaporator coil facilitates the delivery of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor to the condenser for heat exchange. At the same time, its placement on the water collection pan allows for the use of the water collection pan space or the surrounding environment to assist in heat dissipation.

[0018] Preferably, a condenser fan is fixedly installed on one side of the middle section of the condenser.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the design of the condenser fan facilitates the acceleration of airflow around the condenser, promoting the heat dissipation and condensation of refrigerant gas.

[0020] Preferably, the compressor, the water tray, and the bottom of the condenser are all fixed to a base plate, and the outer side of the base plate is fixed to the inner side of the lower end of the housing.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the compressor, water tray and condenser bottom are fixed together on the base plate, and the outside of the base plate is then fixed to the inside of the lower end of the housing, so as to achieve stable installation of components and integration of the overall structure.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0023] 1. By powering on the entire system, the evaporator enters the refrigeration working state. At the same time, the evaporation fan starts running, quickly delivering the cold air generated inside the shell to every corner of the salad bar. Since the air velocity can reach 3-5m / s when the cold air delivery path is ≤50mm from the food surface (compared to the traditional assembly method of placing the evaporator at the back or top, the path is shortened by at least 50%), direct and efficient refrigeration can be achieved, which facilitates the rapid reduction of the temperature of the items inside the box, improves the cooling efficiency, and reduces energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is an overall isometric schematic diagram of the salad bar body of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the salad bar body of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration system of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the evaporator of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the evaporator of this application.

[0029] Attached reference numerals: 1. Salad bar main body; 2. Cabinet; 3. Refrigeration system; 4. Door panel; 5. Spring pin;

[0030] 6. Ventilation holes; 7. Cover plate; 8. Adjustable bracket; 9. Shelf rack; 10. Air duct partition; 11. Fixing column;

[0031] 30. Drainage pipe; 31. Evaporation mechanism; 32. Compressor; 33. Evaporator coil; 34. Drain tray;

[0032] 35. Condenser; 36. Condenser fan; 37. Base plate; 38. Return air pipe; 39. Capillary tube;

[0033] 311. Fan guard; 312. Housing; 313. Evaporator fan; 314. Evaporator; 315. Air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to Figures 1-5.

[0035] This application discloses a commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator box.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator box includes a salad bar body.

[0037] 1 and 2. The salad bar body 1 is the basic framework of the entire device, providing space for the installation and support of various internal components. The box 2 is used to store salads and other foods. The lower middle inner wall of the box 2 is fixed with an air duct baffle 10. The air duct baffle 10 is used to guide and distribute the cold air generated by the refrigeration system 3. The top middle of the air duct baffle 10 is symmetrically provided with fixed columns 11. The refrigeration system 3 is fixed in the middle of one of the fixed columns 11. The refrigeration system 3 is the core component of the entire device. It is used to reduce the temperature inside the box 2, provide a low-temperature storage environment for salads and other foods, inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, and extend the shelf life of the food.

[0038] Before use, the device is fixed to the lower middle inner wall of the box 2 inside the main body 1 of the salad bar by fixing the air duct baffle 10. Fixing columns 11 are symmetrically installed at the top center of the air duct baffle 10, with one of the fixing columns 11...

[0039] A refrigeration system 3 is fixed in the middle. The refrigeration system 3 is installed in the lower end of the box 2 inside the main body 1 of the salad bar. The compressor 32, condenser 35 and other components are fixed to the inner side of the lower end of the box 2 through the base plate 37, and their installation direction should ensure that the condenser fan 36 can normally draw in and exhaust air.

[0040] A door panel 4 is hinged to the upper side of one side of the box body 2. The door panel 4 is made of transparent material such as glass with a metal frame, which makes it easy to observe the food inside the box body 2. An insertion hole is opened at the top of the door panel 4. A spring pin 5 is set on the inner top surface of the box body 2 at the door panel 4, which is inserted into the insertion hole when the door panel 4 is closed. Adjustment brackets 8 are fixed in the middle of the opposite side of the two fixed columns 11 on both sides of the inner wall of the box body 2 (as shown in Figure 2). Multiple slots are opened on the surface of the adjustment brackets 8, one pair of which are used to hold the shelf rack 9, so that the position of the shelf rack 9 can be adjusted and fixed at will. A cover plate 7 is fixed at the lower end of the box body 2 on the same side as the door panel 4. Multiple heat dissipation holes 6 are opened on the surface of the cover plate 7. The heat dissipation holes 6 are used to exhaust the heat generated by the equipment at the lower end of the box body 2.

[0041] The door panel 4 is fixed to one side of the cabinet 2. An insertion hole is made at the top of the door panel 4. A spring pin 5 is set on the inner top surface of the cabinet 2 at the door panel 4. When the door panel 4 is closed, the spring pin 5 is inserted into the insertion hole to achieve the sealing and fixation of the door panel 4 and reduce cold air leakage. An adjustment bracket 8 and a shelf 9 are fixed in the middle of the side opposite to the two fixing columns 11 on both sides of the inner wall of the cabinet 2. The position of the shelf 9 can be adjusted and locked at will according to the food storage needs. A cover plate 7 is installed at the lower end of the cabinet 2 on the same side as the door panel 4. Multiple heat dissipation holes 6 are made on the surface of the cover plate 7.

[0042] Referring to Figures 2-5, the refrigeration system 3 includes an evaporation mechanism 31 and a compressor 32 movably mounted at the bottom of one side of the evaporation mechanism 31. The evaporation mechanism 31 absorbs heat from the upper part of the casing 2, lowering the temperature inside the casing 2. A water collection tray 34 is movably mounted on one side of the compressor 32 to collect condensate generated during the operation of the refrigeration system 3. A condenser 35 is movably mounted on the side of the compressor 32 adjacent to the water collection tray 34 to cool and liquefy the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 32. A capillary tube 39 is fixedly connected to the liquid outlet of the condenser 35 facing the evaporation mechanism 31. The evaporation mechanism 31 includes a housing 312 and a fan guard 311 fixed to one side of the upper end of the housing 312. The fan guard 311 protects the evaporation fan 313, reducing the risk of injury to operators due to accidental contact with the fan. A drain pipe 30 is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the housing 312, away from the housing 312. One end is fixedly connected to one side of the water receiving tray 34.

[0043] When the device starts operating, the compressor 32 is activated to draw in refrigerant gas and compress it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This refrigerant is then transported to the condenser 35 via the evaporator coil 33. The condenser fan 36 is then activated to operate at high speed, accelerating the airflow around the condenser 35. This allows the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas to exchange heat with the outside air within the condenser 35, dissipating heat and thus cooling and liquefying the gas.

[0044] The refrigerant is converted into a high-pressure liquid, which allows the liquefied refrigerant to enter the interior of the evaporator 314 through the capillary tube 39. The evaporator absorbs heat from the interior of the shell 312 during the evaporation process, thereby lowering the temperature inside the shell 312.

[0045] An evaporator fan 313 is fixedly installed on the upper side of the casing 312 away from the fan grille 311. The evaporator fan 313 is used to send the cold air inside the casing 312 into the interior of the cabinet 2, and at the same time make the airflow distribution in various areas of the cabinet 2 more uniform, avoiding local overheating or underheating. An evaporator 314 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the interior of the casing 312. The evaporator 314 absorbs heat from the interior of the cabinet 2 through the evaporation process of the refrigerant, thereby lowering the temperature inside the cabinet 2. The end of the capillary tube 39 away from the condenser 35 is fixedly connected to the internal pipe of the evaporator 314. Air inlets 315 are opened on both sides of the lower end of the casing 312. The air inlets 315 are used to absorb the hot air from the upper part of the interior of the cabinet 2 to the surface of the evaporator 314. A return air pipe 38 connected to the internal pipe of the evaporator 314 is fixedly installed on one side of the bottom of the casing 312. The end of the return air pipe 38 away from the casing 312 is connected to the water collection tray 34. One side of the compressor 32 is fixedly connected, and the return pipe 38 is used to return the gaseous refrigerant that has completed evaporation and heat absorption in the evaporator 314 to the compressor 32. The condensate produced by the evaporator 314 is discharged into the water receiving pan 34 through the drain pipe 30 at the bottom of the housing 312. An evaporator coil 33 is fixedly connected to the middle of the outer side of the compressor 32. The evaporator coil 33 is used to transport the refrigerant gas discharged by the compressor 32 to the condenser 35.

[0046] The evaporator fan 313 blows the cold air generated by the evaporator 314 into the interior of the cabinet 2, making the airflow distribution in various areas of the cabinet 2 more uniform and avoiding localized excessively high or low temperatures.

[0047] The end of the evaporator coil 33 furthest from the compressor 32 is fixed to the air inlet at the upper side of the condenser 35.

[0048] The evaporator coil 33 is horizontally laid and fixed inside the drip tray 34 in the middle section. The drip tray 34 has a 2°~3° slope at the bottom for drainage and maintains a 5mm gap from the evaporator coil 33. A waterproof and heat-insulating sleeve is wrapped around the coil. The drip tray 34 provides support and fixation for the evaporator coil 33 and collects condensate generated during equipment operation. This prevents the evaporator coil 33 from being affected by the impact of refrigerant flow, its own weight, and vibrations during equipment operation, and also prevents condensate from adhering to the surface of the evaporator coil 33 and damaging it. A condenser fan 36 is fixed to one side of the middle section of the condenser 35. The condenser fan 36 accelerates the airflow around the condenser 35. The compressor 32, the drip tray 34, and the bottom of the condenser 35 are all fixed to a base plate 37. The base plate 37 is used to secure the compressor 32, the drip tray 34, and the condenser 35. They are fixed together to prevent them from shifting, tilting or even being damaged due to uneven force or vibration. The outer side of the base plate 37 is fixed to the inner side of the lower end of the box 2.

[0049] Condensation will form on the surface of evaporator 314, and this condensation will flow through the return pipe at the bottom of evaporator 314.

[0050] 38. The condensate flows into the water collection tray 34, which collects the condensate and prevents it from flowing into the water collection tray.

[0051] It causes damage to other components, while ensuring the normal operation of the refrigeration system 3.

[0052] The implementation principle of a commercial salad bar with a centrally located evaporator box according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: the compressor 32 is started to draw in and compress refrigerant gas, which is then transported to the condenser 35 through the evaporator coil 33. The condenser fan 36 is started to accelerate the air flow and cool and liquefy the refrigerant, which then enters the evaporator 314 through the capillary tube 39. The evaporation absorbs heat and reduces the internal temperature of the casing 312. The evaporator fan 313 blows cold air into the casing 2. The condensate produced by the evaporator 314 is discharged into the water collection pan 34 through the bottom return pipe 38.

[0053] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A commercial salad bar with an evaporator-in- cabinet configuration, characterized by: The system includes a salad bar body (1) and a box (2) for storing salad food. The lower inner wall of the box (2) is fixed with an air duct partition (10). The top center of the air duct partition (10) is symmetrically provided with a fixing column (11). A refrigeration system (3) for rapidly reducing the internal temperature of the box (2) is fixed in the middle of one of the fixing columns (11). The refrigeration system (3) blows cold air to the surface of the items over a short distance, directly cooling the food. The refrigeration system (3) includes an evaporation mechanism (31) and a compressor (32) movably disposed at the bottom of one side of the evaporation mechanism (31). A water collection tray (34) is movably disposed on one side of the compressor (32), and a condenser (35) is movably disposed on the side of the compressor (32) adjacent to the water collection tray (34).

2. A commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporation mechanism (31) includes a housing (312) and a fan guard (311) fixed on one side of the upper end of the housing (312). An evaporation fan (313) is fixed on the side of the upper end of the housing (312) away from the fan guard (311).

3. A commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that: An evaporator (314) is fixedly installed at the lower end of the interior of the housing (312).

4. A commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that: A return gas pipe (38) that communicates with the internal pipe of the evaporator (314) is fixed on one side of the bottom end of the housing (312).

5. A commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the return pipe (38) away from the housing (312) is fixedly connected to the upper side of the compressor (32).

6. A commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: An evaporator coil (33) is fixedly installed in the middle of the outer side of the compressor (32). The end of the evaporator coil (33) away from the compressor (32) is fixedly connected to the air inlet at the upper end of the condenser (35). The middle section of the evaporator coil (33) is laid horizontally and fixed inside the water receiving pan (34).

7. A commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: A condenser fan (36) is fixedly mounted on one side of the middle part of the condenser (35).

8. A commercial salad bar with a centrally located structure inside an evaporator chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compressor (32), the water tray (34), and the bottom of the condenser (35) are all fixed with a base plate (37), and the outer side of the base plate (37) is fixed to the inner side of the lower end of the housing (2).

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