Refrigerated display counter with dynamic temperature control system

Abstract

A refrigerated display counter (100) comprises a thermal imaging camera (7) that detects a temperature map (M) indicative of the temperature of the upper surface of the ice cream (10) contained in the tubs, a deflector unit (9) arranged to close and open a cavity (83) with an opening degree (G) from 0% to 100%, an actuator unit (91) configured to drive the deflector unit (9) and 5 a control unit (6) configured to control the actuator unit (91) to drive the deflector unit (9) and the motor (31) of the fan to vary the number of revolutions of the motor in accordance with a comparison between a temperature obtained from the temperature map (M) and temperature threshold values (V) set by the user.

Description

[0001] REFRIGERATED DISPLAY COUNTER WITH DYNAMIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the display and sale of confectionery products, such as ice cream, and in particular to a refrigerated display counter with dynamic temperature control system.

[0003] Refrigerated display counters suitable for containing tubs in which ice cream is placed for serving to customers are known. The ice cream contained in the tubs must be kept at a temperature comprised between -14°C and -12°C that is suitable for storing and scooping out the ice cream to make ice cream cones.

[0004] The technology used in the refrigerated display counters of the prior art is of fundamental importance in order to keep the temperature as uniform as possible with respect to the value chosen by the ice cream maker. In fact, the function of the temperature of the ice cream is to maintain the product in a suitable organoleptic state and ensure a suitable hardness of the product for the typical preparation and processing of ice cream.

[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a refrigerated display counter (200) according to the prior art that is suitable for containing ice cream tubs (1). The terms “front” and “rear” as used hereinafter refer to a user standing in front of the refrigerated display counter (200).

[0006] To achieve a uniform temperature of the ice cream in the tubs, the refrigerated display counter (200) comprises a refrigeration circuit (2) and a ventilation system (3). The refrigeration circuit (2) comprises a compressor (20), a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator (21). The ventilation system (3) comprises a fan (30) that creates a forced circulation of cooled air through the evaporator (21) that reaches the ice cream contained in the tubs (1)- The temperature is controlled by means of a temperature sensor (4) installed at the inlet of the evaporator (21) to detect a temperature inside therefrigerated display counter. The desired temperature range is given between a minimum value and a maximum value. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (4) reaches the minimum value, the compressor (20) is stopped. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (4) reaches the maximum value, the compressor is started.

[0007] The refrigerated display counter (200) normally comprises a cover (5) made of transparent material to let the users see the ice cream in the tubs (1). The cover (5) has a rear opening (50) to let the operator access the tubs (1)- To minimize the operation of the compressor (20), the refrigerated display counter (200) comprises a closure system (51) provided with a curtain or sliding panels that is suitable for closing the rear opening (50) of the cover. The closure system (51) is kept closed when ice cream is not being sold. Such a closure system (51) reduces the heat loss, preventing the introduction of ambient air inside the refrigerated display counter that will increase the temperature of the air inside the refrigerated display counter. As a result, the closing the closure system (51) increases the stop times (thermostat control) of the compressor (20) of the refrigeration circuit, reducing the energy consumption and improving the temperature uniformity inside the refrigerated display counter.

[0008] However, the closing of the closure system (51) without air ventilation does not guarantee a proper maintenance and uniformity of the internal temperature that depends on the type of closure system (51). Therefore, the ventilation system (3) is operated continuously to prevent the excessive heating and melting or polishing of the ice cream, regardless of whether the closure system (51 ) is open or closed.

[0009] In such a case, the constant ventilation of the ice cream displayed inside the refrigerated display counter increases the risk for the product to be dried out or crystallized, reducing the quality of the ice cream in terms of flavor and creaminess on the palate, in addition to reducing the specific weight of the ice cream and consequently losing the economic marginality on the product (Cost / Kg of Ice Cream).The aeraulics of the refrigerated display counters according to the prior art is the subject of important studies, as the cold air delivered by the ventilation system (3) guarantees a uniform temperature in all the tubs (1) contained in the refrigerated display counter, but at the same time causes the ice cream contained in the tubs to dry out due to the surface evaporation of water caused by ventilation.

[0010] Another problem is due to the fact that the tubs (1) contained in the refrigerated display counter may contain ice cream products that require different cooling temperatures, such as fruit-based ice cream, custard-based ice cream, and ice cream mousse. In such a case, a temperature suitable for the fruit-based ice cream would be too low for the ice cream mousse; on the contrary, a temperature suitable for the ice cream mousse would be too high for the fruit-based ice cream.

[0011] DE102006042241 A1 discloses a sales counter for the display of products provided with a temperature sensor adapted to determine the temperature of the surface of the product which is stored on the support base of the products, and a control device for regulating the number of revolutions of an impeller of the compressor according to the surface temperature that has been determined.

[0012] US2531506A discloses a refrigerated display case having humidifying means.

[0013] W02020124092A1 discloses a method for temperature monitoring and regulation in a refrigerated display case.

[0014] FR3081541A3 discloses a refrigerated counter having a ventilation system capable of generating a first flow of cold air which follows an annular path and a second flow of cold air having a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation of the first flow of cold air.

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a refrigerated display counter having a dynamic temperature control system that is capable of ensuring a uniform temperatureof the ice cream in the tubs and at the same time is capable of preventing the drying out of the ice cream contained in the tubs.

[0016] Another purpose is to provide such a refrigerated display counter with dynamic temperature control system that is effective, efficient, and reliable.

[0017] Yet another purpose is to provide such a refrigerated display counter with dynamic temperature control system that is capable of managing different temperatures for different types of ice cream products.

[0018] These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the characteristics of the attached independent claims.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims.

[0020] Additional features of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, which refers to a merely exemplary and therefore non-limiting embodiment, illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein:

[0021] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic partially cross-sectional view of a refrigerated display counter according to the prior art;

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic partially cross-sectional view of a refrigerated display counter according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 2A is a detail of Fig. 2 illustrating a deflector in open position; Fig. 2B is a detail of Fig. 2 illustrating a deflector in closed position; Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the ice cream tubs in the refrigerated display counter with a division into three temperature-controlled zones; and Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of the dynamic temperature control system of the refrigerated display counter according to the invention;

[0024] Fig. 5 is a block diagram like Fig. 4, illustrating in detail the functional blocks of the control unit;

[0025] Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a more complex dynamic temperature control system of the refrigerated display counter.

[0026] With reference to Figs. 2 to 4, a refrigerated display counter according to the invention, which is generally indicated with reference numeral 100, is described.Hereinafter, elements that are identical or corresponding to those already described are indicated with the same reference numerals, omitting their detailed description.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 2, the refrigerated display counter (100) comprises a thermal imaging camera (7) suitable for detecting a temperature map (M) (Fig. 4) indicative of the surface temperature of the ice cream (10) contained in the tubs (1 ) arranged in the refrigerated display counter (100). The thermal imaging camera (7) has pyrometric transducers.

[0028] The thermal imaging camera (7) is located centrally in an upper part of the cover (5), so as to be at a distance of approximately 40-60 cm from the upper surface of the ice cream (10). The thermal imaging camera (7) has a viewing angle (a) of approximately 60°-80° so as to frame the upper surface of the ice cream contained in all the tubs (1) arranged in the refrigerated display counter (100).

[0029] The refrigerated display counter (100) comprises an outer container (8) with insulated walls and an inner container (80) that supports the tubs (1). Between the bottom of the outer container (8) and the bottom of the inner container (80) there is a compartment wherein the evaporator (21) and the ventilation system (3) are located.

[0030] The outer container (8) has an upper-front edge (81). The inner container (80) has an upper-front edge (82). Between the upper-front edge (81 ) of the outer container and the upper-front edge (82) of the inner container there is a cavity (83) through which cold air ventilated by the ventilation system (3) flows, reaching the upper surface of the ice cream (10) contained in the tubs (1)- A deflector unit (9) is mounted on the outer container (8) in correspondence of the cavity (83) between the upper-front edge (81) of the outer container and the upper-front edge (82) of the inner container.

[0031] The deflector unit (9) is configured to close and open the cavity (83) between the upper-front edge (81) of the outer container and the upper-front edge (82) of the inner container. Depending on the movement of the deflectorunit (9), the cavity can be opened to a degree (G) (Fig. 4) ranging from 0% to 100%.

[0032] An actuator unit (91) is configured to drive the deflector unit (9) in order to partially adjust the opening degree (G) of the deflector unit. The actuator unit (91) can be mounted on the upper-front edge (81) of the outer container.

[0033] The fan (30) has an electric motor (31) configured to be controlled with a variable number of revolutions (N) (Fig. 4).

[0034] With reference to Fig. 4, the refrigerated display counter (100) comprises a control unit (6) configured to control the actuator unit (91) of the deflector unit and the motor (31) of the fan in accordance with a comparison between a temperature obtained from the temperature map (M) detected by the thermal imaging camera (7) and temperature threshold values (V) set by the user.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 5, the control unit (6) comprises:

[0036] - a temperature algorithm (60) that receives the temperature map (M) detected by the thermal imaging camera (7) and calculates a temperature (T) from said temperature map,

[0037] - a comparator (61 ) that receives and compares the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) with the temperature threshold values (V) set by the user,

[0038] - a partialization algorithm (62) that receives the comparison made by the comparator (61) and calculates an opening degree (G) of the deflector unit to be sent to the actuator unit (91 ), and

[0039] - a speed variation algorithm (63) that receives the opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm or the comparison made by the comparator (61) and calculates a number of revolutions (N) of the motor of the fan to be sent to the motor (31 ) of the fan.

[0040] By way of example, the temperature (T) can be an average temperature between multiple temperature values shown in the temperature map (M).The temperature threshold values (V) comprise a minimum temperature (T1) and a maximum temperature (T2) that determine a temperature range for the operation of the refrigerated display counter (100). For example, the minimum temperature (T1) may be -14°C and the maximum temperature (T2) may be -12°C.

[0041] The deflector unit (9) is initially open with a normal opening degree (Gset) (open setting) that has been set by the manufacturer of the refrigerated display counter.

[0042] The partialization algorithm (62) is configured to operate as follows: if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is lower than or equal to said minimum temperature (T1), then the opening degree (G) will be lower than the normal opening degree (Gset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (T) and the minimum temperature (T1);

[0043] if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is higher than or equal to said maximum temperature (T2), then the opening degree (G) will be higher than the normal opening degree (Gset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (T) and the maximum temperature (T2);

[0044] if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm is comprised between the minimum temperature (T1) and the maximum temperature (T2), then the opening degree (G) remains equal to the normal opening degree (Gset).

[0045] The motor (31) of the fan is configured to operate at three speeds: low number of revolutions (N1), normal number of revolutions (Nset), high number of revolutions (N2), wherein N1 < Nset < N2.

[0046] The speed variation algorithm (63) is configured to operate as follows:

[0047] if the opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm (62) is lower than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variation algorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the low number of revolutions (N1);if the opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm (62) is higher than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variation algorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the high number of revolutions (N2);

[0048] if the opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm (62) is higher than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variation algorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the normal number of revolutions (Nset).

[0049] Similarly to the partialization algorithm (62), the speed variation algorithm (63) operates by comparing the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm with the temperature threshold values (V). In such a case, the speed variation algorithm (63) only has the normal number of revolutions (Nset) and its number of revolutions can be varied in proportion to the temperature comparisons.

[0050] Therefore, the speed variation algorithm (63) is configured to operate as follows:

[0051] if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is lower than or equal to the minimum temperature (T1), then the number of revolutions (N) will be lower than the normal number of revolutions (Nset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (T) and the minimum temperature (T1);

[0052] if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is higher than or equal to the maximum temperature (T2), then the number of revolutions (N) will be higher than the normal number of revolutions (Nset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (T) and the maximum temperature (T2);

[0053] if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm is comprised between the minimum temperature (T1) and the maximum temperature (T2), then the number of revolutions (N) remains equal to the normal number of revolutions (Nset).

[0054] It should be noted that the thermal imaging camera (7) detects a temperature map (M) consisting of an image that represents a temperaturedistribution of the upper surface of the ice cream contained in all the tubs (1). Therefore, the temperature distribution image captured by the thermal imaging camera (7) can be divided into several zones, and the average temperature of each zone can be calculated.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 3, the refrigerated display counter (100) has been divided into three zones (A, B, C), namely:

[0056] - a first zone (A) extending from the left side (Fs) of the counter to a first transverse separation line (La);

[0057] - a second zone (B) extending from the first transverse separation line (La) to a second transverse separation line (Lb); and

[0058] - a third zone (C) extending from the second transverse separation line (Lb) to the right side (Fd) of the counter.

[0059] In the example in Fig. 3, there is a total of eighteen tubs arranged in two longitudinal rows of nine tubs. In such a case, the three zones (A, B, C) are of equal width and each zone comprises six tubs.

[0060] The tubs in the first zone (A) are filled with fruit-based ice cream that requires a temperature comprised in a range between a minimum value (T1a) and a maximum value (T2a). For example, for fruit-based ice cream, T1 a = -15 °C and T2a = -14 °C.

[0061] The tubs of the second zone (B) are filled with custard-based ice cream that requires a temperature comprised in a range between a minimum value (T 1 b) and a maximum value (T2b). By way of example, for custard-based ice cream, T1 b = -13 °C and T2b = -12 °C.

[0062] The tubs of the third zone (C) are filled with ice cream mousse that requires a temperature comprised in a range between a minimum value (T1c) and a maximum value (T2c). For example, for ice cream mousse, T1 c = -10 °C and T2c = -12 °C.

[0063] In such a case, the temperature threshold values (V) to be set by the user are the minimum temperature values (T1a, T1b, T1c) for each zone and the maximum temperature values (T2a, T2b, T2c) for each zone.In such a case, the deflector unit (9) comprises a first deflector (9a) arranged in the first zone (A), a second deflector (9b) arranged in the second zone (B), and a third deflector (9c) arranged in the third zone (C).

[0064] Each deflector (9a, 9b, 9c) is hinged to the upper-front edge (81) of the outer container by means of a respective hinge (90a, 90b, 90c).

[0065] The actuator unit (91 ) comprises three actuators (91 a, 91 b, 91 c) for driving the respective deflectors (9a, 9b, 9c).

[0066] Each actuator (91a, 91b, 91c) is controlled by the control unit (6) to open the deflector with a respective opening degree (Ga, Gb, Gc) ranging from 0% to 100%.

[0067] Fig. 2A shows the first deflector (9a) in open position, with an opening degree (Ga) equal to 100% so that a maximum flow of cold air passes through the cavity (81).

[0068] Fig. 2B shows the first deflector (9a) in closed position, with an opening degree (Ga) equal to 0 so that no flow of cold air passes through the cavity (81).

[0069] With reference to Fig. 6, in such a case, the temperature algorithm (60) receives the temperature map (M) detected by the thermal imaging camera (7) and calculates an average temperature (Ta, Tb, Tc) in each of the three zones (A, B, C) of the refrigerated display counter.

[0070] The comparator (61) comprises three sub-comparators (61a, 61b, 61c) which respectively receive the temperature (Ta, Tb, Tc) of each zone (A, B, C) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) and the minimum (T1 a, T1 b, T 1 c) and maximum (T2a, T2b, T2c) temperature values of each zone that have been set by the user based on the type of ice cream to be displayed in each zone.

[0071] The partialization algorithm (62) comprises three partialization subalgorithms (62a, 62b, 62c). Therefore, the comparisons made by each subcomparator (61a, 61b, 61c) are sent to the respective partialization subalgorithms (62a, 62b, 62c) that calculate the respective opening degrees (Ga, Gb, Gc) of each deflector (9a, 9b, 9c) based on said comparisons.Obviously, the temperature algorithm (60), the three subcomparators (61a, 61b, 61c), the three partialization sub-algorithms (62a, 62b, 62c), and the speed variation algorithm (63) are implemented in the control unit (6) of the refrigerated display counter.

[0072] By way of example, for the temperature control of the first zone (A), the first partialization sub-algorithm (62a) can operate as follows:

[0073] if Ta < T1 a then Ga < Gset proportionally to |T 1 a-T a|

[0074] if Ta > T2a then Ga > Gset proportionally to |Ta-T2a|

[0075] if T2a < Ta < T1 a, then Ga=Gset.

[0076] The second and third partialization sub-algorithms (62b, 62c) operate exactly like the first partialization sub-algorithm (62a).

[0077] The opening degrees (Ga, Gb, Gc) calculated by the partialization sub-algorithms (62a, 62b, 62c) are sent to the actuators (91a, 91b, 91c) that control the movement and position of the deflectors (9a, 9b, 9c).

[0078] The opening degrees (Ga, Gb, Gc) calculated by the partialization sub-algorithms (62a, 62b, 62c) are also sent to the speed variation algorithm (63) that calculates the number of revolutions (N) to be performed by the motor (31) of the fan (30).

[0079] The speed variation algorithm (63) controls the number of revolutions (N) of the motor (31) of the fan according to the opening degree (Ga, Gb, Gc) of the deflectors (9a, 9b, 9c). The speed variation algorithm (63) is configured to operate as follows:

[0080] if one of the deflectors (9a, 9b, 9c) is open with an opening degree (Ga, Gb, Gc) lower than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variation algorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the low speed (N1);

[0081] if one of the deflectors (9a, 9b, 9c) is open with an opening degree (Ga, Gb, Gc) higher than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variation algorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the high number of revolutions (N2);

[0082] if all the deflectors (9a, 9b, 9c) are open with an opening degree (Ga, Gb, Gc) equal to the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variationalgorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the normal number of revolutions (Nset).

[0083] Obviously, in such a case, the opening degrees (Ga, Gb, Gc) are calculated by the partialization algorithm (62) and sent to the speed variation algorithm.

[0084] Alternatively, the speed variation algorithm (63) can operate directly with temperature comparisons. In such a case, the speed variation algorithm (63) is configured to operate as follows:

[0085] if one of the temperatures (Ta, Tb, Tc) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is lower than or equal to the minimum temperature (T 1 ), then the number of revolutions (N) will be lower than the normal number of revolutions (Nset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (Ta, Tb, Tc) and the minimum temperature

[0086] (T1);

[0087] if one of the temperatures (Ta, Tb, Tc) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is higher than or equal to said maximum temperature (T2), then the number of revolutions (N) will be higher than the normal number of revolutions (Nset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (Ta, Tb, Tc) and the maximum temperature (T2);

[0088] if all the temperatures (Ta, Tb, Tc) calculated by the temperature algorithm are comprised between the minimum temperature (T1) and the maximum temperature (T2), then the number of revolutions (N) remains equal to the normal number of revolutions (Nset).

[0089] Numerous variations and detailed modifications can be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of a person skilled in the art, however falling within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Refrigerated display counter (100) comprising:- a plurality of tubs (1) suitable for containing ice cream (10),- a refrigeration circuit (2) comprising an evaporator (21),- a ventilation system (3) comprising a fan (30) suitable for extracting cold air from the evaporator (21) and sending the flow of cold air through a cavity (83) onto the tubs, in such a way to cool the ice cream (10) contained in the tubs; said fan (30) having a motor (31) that can be operated at a variable number of revolutions (N),- a thermal imaging camera (7) suitable for framing an upper surface of the ice cream (10) contained in the tubs to obtain a temperature map (M) indicative of the temperatures of the upper surface of the ice cream (10) in the tubs,- a deflector unit (9) arranged to close and open said cavity (83) with an opening degree (G) from 0% to 100%,- an actuator unit (91) configured to drive said deflector unit (9); and - a control unit (6);wherein said control unit (6) is configured to control said actuator unit (91 ) of the deflector unit and said motor (31 ) of the fan based on a comparison between a temperature (T) obtained from said temperature map (M) and temperature threshold values (V) set by the user; andwherein said control unit (6) comprises:- a temperature algorithm (60) configured to receive said temperature map (M) from the thermal imaging camera and calculate a temperature (T), - a comparator (61) configured to compare said temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm with said temperature threshold values (V) set by the user,- a partialization algorithm (62) configured to calculate an opening degree (G) of the deflector unit based on said comparison performed by said comparator (61) and send said opening degree (G) to said actuator unit (91)that opens said deflector unit (9) in accordance with said opening degree (G), and- a speed variation algorithm (63) configured to calculate a number of revolutions (N) of said motor (31 ) of the fan based on said opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm or based on said comparison performed by said comparator (61) and send said number of revolutions (N) to said motor (31 ) of the fan to vary the number of revolutions of the motor based on the calculated number of revolutions (N).

2. The refrigerated display counter (100) according to claim 1, wherein said temperature algorithm (60) is configured to detect an average temperature (Ta, Tb, Tc) in each of three zones (A, B, C) of the refrigerated display counter and said deflector unit (9) comprises three deflectors (9a, 9b, 9c) suitable for closing and opening a flow of cold air in each of said three zones (A, B, C) of the refrigerated display counter and said actuator unit (91) comprises three actuators (91a, 91b, 91c) to operate said deflectors.

3. The refrigerated display counter (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an outer container (8) and an inner container (80) that supports the tubs (1); said outer container (8) having an upper-front edge (81) and said inner container (80) having an upper-front edge (82); wherein said cavity (83) that is crossed by the cold air is disposed between the upperfront edge (81 ) of the outer container and the upper-front edge (82) of the inner container.

4. The refrigerated display counter (100) according to claim 3, wherein said deflector unit (9) is mounted on said upper-front edge (81) of the outer container.

5. The refrigerated display counter (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a cover (5) made of transparent material disposed above said tubs (1); wherein said thermal imaging camera (7) is disposed centrally in an upper part of the cover (5), so as to be disposed above the upper surface of the ice cream (10).

6. The refrigerated display counter (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal imaging camera (7) comprises pyrometric transducers.

7. The refrigerated display counter (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said temperature threshold values (V) comprise a minimum temperature (T1) and a maximum temperature (T2); initially, the deflector unit (9) is open with a normal opening degree (Gset); and the partialization algorithm (62) is configured to operate in the following way:if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is lower than or equal to said minimum temperature (T 1 ), then the opening degree (G) will be lower than the normal opening degree (Gset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (T) and the minimum temperature (T1);if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm (60) is higher than or equal to said maximum temperature (T2), then the opening degree (G) will be higher than the normal opening degree (Gset) in proportion to the difference between the calculated temperature (T) and the maximum temperature (T2);if the temperature (T) calculated by the temperature algorithm is comprised between the minimum temperature (T1) and the maximum temperature (T2), then the opening degree (G) remains equal to the normal opening degree (Gset).

8. The refrigerated display counter (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said temperature threshold values (V) comprise a minimum temperature (T1) and a maximum temperature (T2); initially, the deflector unit (9) is open with a normal opening degree (Gset); the motor (31) of the fan is configured to operate at three speeds: low number of revolutions (N1), normal number of revolutions (Nset), high number of revolutions (N2), wherein N1 < Nset < N2; and the speed variation algorithm (63) is configured to operate as follows:if the opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm (62) is lower than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variationalgorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the low number of revolutions (N1 );if the opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm (62) is higher than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variation algorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the high number of revolutions (N2);if the opening degree (G) calculated by the partialization algorithm (62) is higher than the normal opening degree (Gset), then the speed variation algorithm (63) sets a number of revolutions (N) equal to the normal number of revolutions (Nset).

9. Operating process of a refrigerated display counter (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:- detection of a temperature map (M) by means of the thermal imaging camera (7) indicative of the temperatures of the upper surface of the ice cream (10) in the tubs (1) contained in the refrigerated display counter,- calculation of a temperature (T) from said temperature map (M), - comparison of said calculated temperature (T) with temperature threshold values (V) set by the user,- operation of the actuator unit (91 ) of the deflector unit (9) in accordance with said comparison, and- operation of the motor (31) of the fan (30) in accordance with said comparison.

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