AIR CURTAIN DISCHARGE DIFFUSER

Abstract

A temperature controlled case includes a housing that defines a temperature controlled space, an air mover in fluid communication with a duct defined by the housing, and a diffuser situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. The air mover is structured to direct air through the duct. The diffuser is in fluid receiving communication with the duct and is structured to receive air from the duct and discharge the air in a single air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/138,029, filed Mar. 25, 2015, entitled “AIR CURTAIN DISCHARGE DIFFUSER,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a temperature controlled case. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a temperature controlled case with an angled air curtain discharge diffuser.

BACKGROUND

Temperature controlled cases are used for the storage, preservation, and presentation of products, such as food products including perishable meat, dairy, seafood, produce, etc. These cases (e.g., refrigerated cases, freezers, merchandisers, etc.) are typically provided in both commercial (e.g., supermarkets, etc.) and residential settings. To facilitate the preservation of the products, temperature controlled cases often include one or more cooling systems for maintaining a display area of the case at a desired temperature.

Temperature controlled cases come in a variety of styles, such as an open style case and a closed style case. Open style cases are characterized by their display area (for storing and presenting products) being open. The openness permits reach-in access to the display area. Often, open style cases exclude doors or other barrier devices used to cover the display area. In comparison, closed style cases are characterized by their inclusion of a door or other barrier device that selectively covers the display area. While a closed style case uses the door or other barrier device to substantially prevent the transfer of heat to the products in the display area, an open style case may use an air curtain that acts as a buffer between the surrounding environment and the display area. The air curtain functions to maintain the cool air within the display area and substantially block ambient surrounding air from entering the display area.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a temperature controlled case that includes a housing that defines a temperature-controlled space; an air mover in fluid communication with a duct defined by the housing, wherein the air mover is structured to direct air through the duct; and a diffuser situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane to cause minimal encroachment into the temperature-controlled space, wherein the diffuser is in fluid receiving communication with the duct, and wherein the diffuser is structured to receive air from the duct and discharge the air in a single air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane. According to one embodiment, the angle is between ten and fifteen degrees relative to the vertical plane. According to another embodiment, the angle of the air in the single air curtain is twelve degrees relative to the vertical plane. The temperature controlled case may also include a retainer coupled to the housing, wherein the retainer is structured to support a first end of the diffuser. The temperature controlled case may further include a bracket coupled to the housing, wherein the bracket is structured to support a second end of the diffuser. According to one embodiment, the retainer is coupled to the bottom portion at an angle, wherein the angle is substantially equal to the angle of the diffuser relative to the horizontal plane.

The duct may include a top portion and a bottom portion. In one embodiment, the top portion and the bottom portion are angled inwards towards a center of the duct, such that the top portion and the bottom portion are located in a position proximate the diffuser. In another embodiment, only the bottom portion is angled inwards relative to the horizontal plane towards a center of the duct.

In some embodiments, the temperature controlled case may also include a door movable between a full open position and a full close position, wherein in the full close position the door is positioned proximate the temperature controlled space, and wherein in the full open position the door is positioned a maximum distance away from the temperature controlled space. In certain embodiments, the temperature controlled case may also include a compartment located in a bottom area of the case. The compartment defines a zone structured to receive at least a portion of the air curtain from the diffuser. In one embodiment, the angle of the air curtain is offset relative to a center of the zone. Further and when the door is in the full close position, the discharged air in the single air curtain impacts the door and the door directs the air in the single air curtain to the compartment and, in particular, to the zone.

Another embodiment relates to a temperature controlled case. The temperature controlled case includes a housing defining a temperature-controlled space; a cooling system for cooling the temperature-controlled space; and a diffuser situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane such that the diffuser does not protrude into the temperature-controlled space relative to the horizontal plane, wherein the diffuser is structured to discharge air in a single air curtain between an ambient outside air and the temperature-controlled space, and wherein the diffuser is structured to discharge the air in the single air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane.

Still another embodiment relates to a temperature controlled case. The temperature controlled case a housing defining a temperature-controlled space; a door movably coupled to the housing, wherein the door is movable between a full open position and a full close position, wherein in the full close position the door is positioned proximate the temperature-controlled space, and wherein in the full open position the door is positioned a maximum distance away from the temperature-controlled space; a cooling system for cooling the temperature-controlled space; an air mover in fluid communication with a duct defined by the housing, wherein the air mover is structured to direct air through the duct; and a diffuser situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane such that the diffuser does not protrude into the temperature-controlled space relative to the horizontal plane, wherein the diffuser is in fluid receiving communication with the duct, and wherein the diffuser is structured to receive air from the duct and discharge the air in a single air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a vertically oriented temperature-controlled case with an angled discharge diffuser, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an expanded view of the angled discharge diffuser of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an expanded view of an angled discharge diffuser for a temperature controlled case, according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

Referring to the Figures generally, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a temperature controlled case having an angled air curtain discharge diffuser. In operation, an air mover directs air through a compartment housing a cooling system for the temperature controlled case. By traversing the cooling system, the air becomes cooled. Following the cooling system traversal, the cooled or chilled air is circulated through ductwork within the case. Eventually the cooled air is received in an upper duct of the case that directs the cooled air to a discharge diffuser. According to the present disclosure, the discharge diffuser is situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. Due to the angle, the discharge diffuser provides an air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane. Rather than orienting the vanes of the diffuser to discharge the air curtain at an angle, by orienting the diffuser structure itself at an angle provides more flexibility in choosing a discharge angle and permits the reduction in mounting brackets for the diffuser. Due to the reduction in mounting brackets, a relatively smaller area of the bracket is located in a stagnation zone (where air currents from the air curtain typically do not circulate). The relatively smaller area reduces the area that may collect or develop moisture, which reduces the amount of frost or ice build-up as well as reduces an area for bacterial or other fungal growth within the temperature controlled case.

According to one embodiment, the angled discharge diffuser of the present disclosure is utilized with a temperature controlled case that includes a door or other barrier providing device. Due to the discharge angle of the air curtain, the air curtain impacts the door (when in the full close position) at a relatively higher location. From impacting the door, the air curtain tends to prevent or substantially prevent moisture from developing or collecting on the door in the impact areas. By impacting the door at a relatively higher location relative to conventional systems, the angled discharge diffuser of the present disclosure may also reduce moisture accumulation near a top end of the door. Consequently, frost, ice, or bacterial build-up on the door may also be reduced. These and other features of the angled discharge diffuser of the present disclosure are described more fully herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a temperature controlled display device 10 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The temperature controlled display device 10 may be a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerated merchandiser, a refrigerated display case, or other device capable of use in a commercial, institutional, or residential setting for storing and/or displaying refrigerated or frozen objects. For example, the temperature controlled display device 10 may be a service type refrigerated display case for displaying fresh food products (e.g., beef, pork, poultry, fish, etc.) in a supermarket or other commercial setting.

The temperature controlled display device 10 is shown to include a housing 11 that defines a temperature controlled space 12 (i.e., a display area). The temperature controlled space 12 has a plurality of shelves 14 for storage and display of products therein. In various embodiments, temperature controlled display device 10 may be an open-front refrigerated display case or a closed-front display case like shown in FIG. 1. An open-front display case may use a flow of chilled air that is discharged across the open front of the case (e.g., an air curtain from diffuser 150) to help maintain a desired temperature within temperature controlled space 12. A closed-front display case may include one or more doors, such as a door 120, for accessing food products or other items stored within temperature controlled space 12. Both types of display cases may also include various openings within temperature controlled space 12 that are configured to route chilled air from a cooling system 100 to other portions of the respective display case (e.g., via an air mover, such as fan 106).

The temperature controlled display device 10 includes a cooling system 100 for cooling the temperature controlled space 12. The cooling system 100 includes at least one cooling element 102 (e.g. evaporator, cooling coil, fan-coil, evaporator coil, heat exchanger, etc.) and a unit 104. According to one embodiment, the unit 104 is structured as a condensing unit or parallel condensing system when the cooling system 100 is structured as a direct heat exchange system. The condensing unit may include any typical component included with condensing units in direct heat exchange systems, such as a compressor, condenser, receiver, etc. According to another embodiment, the unit 104 is structured as a chiller (e.g., heat exchanger, etc.) when the cooling system 100 is structured as a secondary coolant system. The chiller facilitates heat exchange between a primary refrigerant loop and a secondary coolant loop. The secondary coolant loop includes the cooling element 102 and any other component typically included in the secondary coolant loops of secondary coolant systems. The primary refrigerant loop includes any typical components used in primary refrigerant loops of secondary coolant systems, such as a condenser, compressor, receiver, etc. In either configuration, during a cooling mode of operation, the cooling element 102 may operate at a temperature lower than the temperature of the air within the temperature controlled space 12 to provide cooling to the temperature controlled space 12. For instance and in regard to a direct heat exchange system, during the cooling mode, the cooling element 102 may receive a liquid coolant from a condensing unit. The liquid coolant may lower the temperature of the cooling element 102 below the temperature of the air surrounding the cooling element 102 causing the cooling element 102 (e.g., the liquid coolant within cooling element 102) to absorb heat from the surrounding air. As the heat is removed from the surrounding air, the surrounding air is chilled. The chilled air may then be directed to the temperature controlled space 12 by at least one air mover or another air handling device, shown as a fan 106 in FIG. 1, in order to lower or otherwise control the temperature of the temperature controlled space 12.

The temperature controlled display device 10 is shown to include a compartment 18 located beneath the temperature controlled space 12. In various other embodiments, the compartment 18 may be located above the temperature controlled space 12, behind the temperature controlled space 12, below the cooling system 100, or in any other position with respect to temperature controlled space 12. The compartment 18 may contain one or more components of the cooling system 100, such as the unit 104. In some embodiments, the cooling system 100 includes one or more additional components such as a separate compressor, an expansion device, a valve or other pressure-regulating device, a temperature sensor, a controller, a fan, and/or various other components commonly used in refrigeration systems, any of which may be stored within the compartment 18. As shown, the temperature controlled display device 10 may also include a box 110 for electronics (i.e., an electronics box). The electronics box 110 may be structured as a junction box for one or more electrically-driven components of the device 10. The electronics box 110 may also be structured to store one or more controllers for one or more components of the device 10. For example, the box 110 may include hardware and/or logic components for selectively activating the cooling system 100 to achieve or substantially achieve a desired temperature in the display area 12.

As also shown, the temperature-controlled display device 10 includes a housing 11 and a door 120. The door 120 is movably coupled to the housing 11. The door 120 is movable from a position furthest from the temperature controlled space 12 (i.e., a full open position) to a position that covers or substantially covers the temperature controlled space 12 (i.e., a full close position). In the full or a partial open position, a user may reach into the display area 12 to access one or more of the products stored therein. In the example shown herein, the door 120 is at least partly constructed from glass such that a user can see through the door 120 when in the full close position into the display area 12. Of course, in other embodiments, other types of materials may be used to construct or at least partially construct the door 120.

The housing 11 includes cabinets (e.g., shells, etc.) shown as an outer cabinet 50 and an inner cabinet 60 that include one or more walls (e.g., panel, partition, barrier, etc.). The outer cabinet 50 includes a top wall 52 coupled to a rear wall 54 that is coupled to a base wall 56. The inner cabinet 60 generally includes a top wall 62 coupled to a rear wall 64 that is coupled to a base wall 66. Coupling between the walls may be via any type of attachment mechanism including, but not limited to, fasteners (e.g., screws, nails, etc.), brazes, welds, press fits, snap engagements, etc. In some embodiments, the inner and outer cabinets 60 and 50 may each be of an integral or uniform construction (e.g., molded pieces). In still further embodiments, more walls, partitions, dividers, and the like may be included with at least one of the inner and outer cabinets 60 and 50. All such construction variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The temperature controlled display device 10 defines a plurality of ducts (e.g., channels, pipes, conduits, etc.) for circulating chilled air. As shown and generally speaking, the outer rear wall 54 and inner rear wall 64 define or form a rear duct 20. More particularly, a divider 63 (e.g., wall, partition, panel, barrier, etc.) and the inner rear wall 64 define or form the rear duct 20. A panel 65 is situated between the divider 63 and the outer rear wall 54. In one embodiment, the panel 65 is structured as an insulation panel configured to prevent or substantially prevent warmer, ambient air from transferring heat to the cooled air in the rear duct 20. As shown, the rear duct 20 is in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The rear duct 20 is also in fluid communication with a top duct 30. The top duct 30 is defined or formed by the outer top wall 52 and the inner top wall 62. While shown as primarily rectangular in shape, it should be understood that any shape and size of the ducts may be used with the temperature controlled display device 10 of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one of the rear and top ducts 20, 30 may include one or more openings (e.g., apertures) in communication with the display area 12. When chilled air is circulated through the ducts, a portion of the chilled air may leak out of the openings into the display area 12 for additional cooling.

Operation of the ducts 20 and 30 in connection with the cooling system 100 of the temperature-controlled display device 10 may be described as follows. As heat is removed from the surrounding air via the cooling element 102, the surrounding air is chilled. While the chilled air may be directed to temperature controlled space 12 by at least one air mover or another air flow device, the chilled air may also be circulated through the ducts 20 and 30 by the fan 106. Via the motive force from the fan 106, the chilled air is first directed to the rear duct 20. The rear duct 20 guides the chilled air to the top duct 30. As will be explained in greater detail below, the top duct 30 guides the chilled air to a diffuser 150. The diffuser 150 discharges the chilled air to form or at least partially form an air curtain 140. From the angle 46 of the diffuser 150 relative to a horizontal plane 39 (see FIGS. 2-3) and the fact that chilled air has a relatively greater mass, the air curtain 140 moves in a direction towards the ground surface (e.g., base wall 66). Eventually, at least a portion of the air from the diffuser 150 in the air curtain 140 is received in a receiving zone (e.g., opening, aperture, passage, etc.), shown as zone 40. The zone 40 is defined by the compartment 18 and situated between the inner base wall 66 and the outer base wall 56. Air received in the zone 40 is provided back to the compartment 18. At which point, the cycle may begin again.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an expanded view of the angled discharge diffuser of FIG. 1 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. According to one embodiment, the diffuser 150 has a honeycomb structure constructed from plurality of vanes. In one embodiment, the honeycomb structure is formed in a half inch grid of the plurality of vanes. In other embodiments, the honeycomb structure is formed from any sized grid. The air curtain 140 is constructed from the air passing through the vanes in the diffuser 150. In other embodiments, other structures than the honeycomb structure may be used with the diffuser 150 (e.g., a plurality of circular shaped vanes). All such construction variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

As mentioned above, the top duct 30 is in fluid communication with the diffuser 150. While generally speaking, the inner top wall 62 and outer top wall 52 define the top duct 30. More particularly, a top panel (e.g., wall, etc.) 31 and a bottom panel 32 define the top duct 30. In this regard, the inner top wall 62 refers to and is the bottom panel 32. According to one embodiment, an insulation panel 160 is situated between the outer top wall 52 and the top panel 31. The insulation panel 160 is structured to substantially prevent warmer, ambient air from transferring heat to the top duct 30 and, in turn, the temperature controlled space 12.

As shown, a bottom portion 33 of the bottom panel 32 is at an angle 34 relative to a horizontal plane 39 and a remainder of the bottom panel 32. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 33 is bent relative to the bottom panel 32. In other embodiments, the bottom portion 33 may be a separate component or piece relative to the bottom panel 32. The bottom portion 33 is coupled to a retainer (e.g., support, bracket, brace, etc.), shown as a retainer 36. The retainer 36 is structured to at least partially hold or support the diffuser 150 at or substantially at the angle 34 relative to the horizontal plane 39. In this regard, the diffuser 150 is held at an angle 46 relative to the horizontal plane 39, which may be equal or substantially equal (e.g., within two (2) degrees) to the angle 34. Of course, in other embodiments, the angle 34 may not be equal or substantially equal to the angle 46. Like the bottom portion 33, a top portion 37 of the top panel 31 is at an angle 38 relative to a horizontal plane 45 of the top panel 31. The top portion 37 may be bent relative to the top panel 31. In other embodiments, the top portion 37 may be a separate component or piece relative to the top panel 31. Due to the angled top portion 37, the top portion 37 facilitates the air in the duct 30 to the diffuser 150.

While the retainer 36 at least partially supports a first end of the diffuser 150, a bracket 170 (e.g., support, brace, etc.) may at least partially support a second end of the diffuser 150. The bracket 170 may be coupled to the temperature controlled display device 10 via another retainer 172. As shown, the retainer 172 is coupled to the insulation panel 160. However, in other embodiments, the retainer 172 may be coupled to another portion of the outer and/or inner cabinets 50 and 60. Further, in some embodiments, the bracket 170 and retainer 172 may be an integral piece in the panel 160 or in the outer and/or inner cabinets 50 and 60.

As shown, the bottom portion 33 and top portion 36 are both angled inwards relative to each horizontal plane 39 and 45 towards a center or center axis of the duct 30. In one embodiment, the angle 34 is equal or substantially equal (e.g., within two (2) degrees) to the angle 38. In other embodiments, the angle 34 is different from the angle 38. Due to the inward angle of both the bottom portion 33 and the top portion 37, air in the duct 30 flowing towards the diffuser 150 experiences a decrease in flow-through cross-sectional area. This funneling generates a relatively greater velocity of the air exiting the diffuser 150 that forms the air curtain 140 than if the cross-sectional area of the duct 30 remained constant. Advantageously, the increase in velocity of the air exiting the diffuser 150 may function to form a relatively stronger barrier between the display area 12 and the surrounding environment, such that the air curtain 140 is less likely to be penetrated by outside air. This characteristic may better insulate the temperature controlled space 12 and, advantageously, require less cooling from the cooling system 100 which save energy and costs.

Furthermore, due to the angle 34, the size of the retainer 36 may be minimized. Due to the relatively smaller retainer 36 and that the diffuser 150 is angled away from the temperature controlled space 12, the angled diffuser 150 of the present disclosure minimizes encroachment into the display area 12. Thus, and as shown in FIGS. 2-3 in particular, the diffuser 150 is at an angle 46 away from the temperature-controlled space 12 to thereby cause no or very little encroachment (e.g., protrusion into) the temperature-controlled space 12. In particular and in regard to the horizontal plane 39 (which is shown as being co-planar with the bottom panel 32, which is proximate the temperature-controlled space 12), the diffuser 150 does not break the horizontal plane 39, such that the diffuser 150 does not encroach or protrude into the temperature-controlled space 12 relative to the horizontal plane 39. This characteristic minimizes an amount of wasted merchandising space otherwise caused by the diffuser and its related components.

Due to the structure of the angled discharge diffuser 150, a size of a panel 130 (e.g., area, expanse, etc.) on the bracket 170 may be also reduced. The panel 130 refers to an area on the bracket 170 that faces an ambient area that is unwashed (e.g., not contacted by) the air curtain 140. The larger the panel, the more likely the panel is to collect moisture since the panel tends to be of a relatively cooler temperature (from its interaction with the nearby diffuser 150 that discharges cooled air). The collection of moisture is undesirable because it can lead to mold, ice and frost build-up, fungus, dirt build-up, and the like. According to the present disclosure, due to the angle 46 of the diffuser 150 relative to the horizontal plane 39, the size of the bracket 170 may be reduced, which in turn reduces the size of the panel 130 relative to conventional brackets and panels. A reduced or minimized panel 130 size reduces the area that may collect or develop moisture. This feature may lead to a reduction in the collection or development of mold, ice, fungus, and the like relative to conventional diffuser assemblies. Furthermore, due to the discharge angle of the air curtain 140, a relatively more unpredictable and turbulent flow of air flows may be created from the air curtain 140 impacting various objects, such as an interior surface of the door 120. This may result in chilled air from the air curtain 140 entering an area where the panel 130 is located, which may advantageously also act to reduce moisture collection or development on the panel 130 due to the movement of chilled air against the panel 130.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a close-up view of another angled discharge diffuser for a temperature controlled case is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. While the diffuser 150 of FIG. 3 has the same structure and function as the diffuser of FIGS. 1-2 such that reference may also be made to various components of the temperature controlled display device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2, the top panel of the duct (e.g., top panel 31 of FIG. 2) is not angled in the embodiment of FIG. 3 (unlike the embodiment of FIG. 2). However, operation of the diffuser 150 in regard to the device 10 may be substantially similar between FIGS. 1-3. Accordingly, similar reference numerals are used in FIG. 3 as in FIGS. 1-2.

Accordingly, referring to FIG. 3 with regard to FIGS. 1-2, operation of the diffuser 150 in regard to the device 10 may be explained as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, air in the duct 30 is directed to the diffuser 150. The diffuser 150 receives the air and discharges the air to form an air curtain 140. As shown (like in FIGS. 1 and 3), only a single air curtain (i.e., an air curtain generated from a single diffuser) is generated from the air discharged from the diffuser 150. Furthermore, due to the angle 46 of the diffuser 150 relative to the horizontal plane 39, the air in the air curtain is discharged at an angle 200 (i.e., the discharge angle) relative to a vertical plane 201. In one embodiment, the angle 200 is between ten (10) and fifteen (15) degrees. In another embodiment, the angle 200 is twelve (12) degrees. It should be noted that the angle 200 is highly configurable based on the application, such that angles greater than fifteen degrees and less than ten degrees are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

As shown, a portion of the air curtain 140 impacts an area 202 on an inner surface the door 120 (the inner surface being closest to the temperature-controlled space 12 when the door 120 is in the full close position). The door 120 then directs the air to the compartment 18 (e.g., zone 40). In this regard, the discharged air may traverse the door 120 towards the zone 40. Due to the discharge angle 200, the area 202 of impact is relatively higher (towards an outer top wall 52) than in conventional diffuser arrangements that direct the air curtain parallel to the vertical plane. Advantageously, the relatively higher impact area 202 on the door 120 decreases the collection of moisture in stagnant areas on the interior surface of the door that may be formed from the door being repeatedly opened and closed which exposes the door to both ambient and cool air conditions. Furthermore, the chilled air discharged from the diffuser 150 that impacts the door helps to clean the door. Accordingly, the relatively higher impact area 202 increases the cleaning capability of the air curtain 140.

Moreover, over time, door gaskets that substantially seal the temperature controlled space 12 when the door 120 is in the full close position may leak. The leak permits relatively warmer ambient air to enter the display area 12, which may cause the cooling system 100 to use additional energy to counter the heat added to the display area 12. A positive air pressure from the diffuser 150 at a relatively higher area 202 functions to counteract a leaky gasket, while reducing or substantially reducing the need for additional energy input from the cooling system 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the door 120 is in the full close position, the air curtain 140 impacts the area 202 and at least partially tracks down an interior surface of the door until the air curtain 140 is received in the zone 40. As mentioned above, upon reception in the zone 40 and consequently the compartment 18, the fan 106 may recirculate the air. As shown in FIG. 1, due to the discharge angle 200, the air curtain 140 is directed away from a center point 42 of the zone 40. Conventional systems direct the air curtain in the same axis as the return zone in order to receive the air curtain and recirculate the air. Despite the air curtain 140 not or substantially not being directed in the same axis as the return zone 40, Applicants have found through testing that the resulting air curtain 140 creates enhanced performance characteristics for the temperature controlled device 10. Specifically, Applicants have found that that the improved air curtain 140 yielded a relatively smaller refrigeration load as well as reduced moisture collection in the areas mentioned herein (e.g., panel 130 and an upper portion of an inner surface of the door (i.e., area 202)). Due to these beneficial effects of the air curtain from the angled diffuser, the use of an anti-fog coating with door may also be reduced. Accordingly, Applicants have found that the angled discharge diffuser of the present disclosure increases many performance characteristics of temperature controlled devices.

While the temperature controlled display device is shown and described herein as including a door, it should be understood that in other embodiments the temperature controlled display device may be structured as an open-style case without a door. In this configuration, the air curtain from the angled diffuser relative to a horizontal plane may serve as the barrier between the ambient outside air and the temperature controlled space. Furthermore, the angled air discharge diffuser of the present disclosure is not limited to a particular temperature operating range of the temperature controlled case. Rather, the angled air discharge diffuser may be used with low temperature, dual temperature, and medium temperature cases. All such variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that references to “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “base,” and “lower” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the Figures. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various temperature controlled cases.

Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between the two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of temperature controlled case and the angled discharge diffuser provided herein are illustrative only. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments (e.g., the structure of the diffuser, the discharge angle of the diffuser, the angle of the top and/or bottom portions of the duct that is adjacent to the diffuser, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A temperature controlled case comprising:

a housing defining a temperature-controlled space;

an air mover in fluid communication with a duct defined by the housing, wherein the air mover is structured to direct air through the duct; and

a diffuser situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane to cause minimal encroachment into the temperature-controlled space, wherein the diffuser is in fluid receiving communication with the duct, and wherein the diffuser is structured to receive air from the duct and discharge the air in a single air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane.

2. The temperature controlled case of claim 1, wherein the angle of the air in the single air curtain is between ten and fifteen degrees relative to the vertical plane.

3. The temperature controlled case of claim 2, wherein the angle of the air in the single air curtain is twelve degrees relative to the vertical plane.

4. The temperature controlled case of claim 1, further comprising a retainer coupled to the housing, the retainer structured to support a first end of the diffuser.

5. The temperature controlled case of claim 4, further comprising a bracket coupled to the housing, the bracket structured to support a second end of the diffuser.

6. The temperature controlled case of claim 1, further comprising a door movably coupled to the housing, wherein the air in the single air curtain impacts the door and the door directs the air in the single air curtain to a compartment located in a bottom area of the temperature controlled case.

7. A temperature controlled case comprising:

a housing defining a temperature-controlled space;

a cooling system for cooling the temperature-controlled space; and

a diffuser situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane such that the diffuser does not protrude into the temperature-controlled space relative to the horizontal plane, wherein the diffuser is structured to discharge air in a single air curtain between an ambient outside air and the temperature-controlled space, and wherein the diffuser is structured to discharge the air in the single air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane.

8. The temperature controlled case of claim 7, wherein the housing defines a duct in fluid communication with the diffuser.

9. The temperature controlled case of claim 8, wherein the duct includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein each of the top portion and the bottom portion are proximate the diffuser, and wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are each angled inwards towards a center of the duct.

10. The temperature controlled case of claim 9, further comprising a retainer coupled to the bottom portion and a bracket coupled to the top portion, wherein the retainer is structured to support a first end of the diffuser and the bracket is structured to support a second end of the diffuser to couple the diffuser to the duct.

11. The temperature controlled case of claim 10, wherein the retainer is coupled to the bottom portion at an angle, wherein the angle is substantially equal to the angle of the diffuser relative to the horizontal plane.

12. The temperature controlled case of claim 7, further comprising:

a door movably coupled to the housing; and

a compartment situated in a bottom area of the housing.

13. The temperature controlled case of claim 12, wherein the air in the single air curtain impacts the door and the door directs the air in the single air curtain to the compartment.

14. The temperature controlled case of claim 7, wherein the angle of the air in the single air curtain is between ten and fifteen degrees relative to the vertical plane.

15. A temperature controlled case comprising:

a housing defining a temperature-controlled space;

a door movably coupled to the housing, wherein the door is movable between a full open position and a full close position, wherein in the full close position the door is positioned proximate the temperature-controlled space, and wherein in the full open position the door is positioned a maximum distance away from the temperature-controlled space;

a cooling system for cooling the temperature-controlled space;

an air mover in fluid communication with a duct defined by the housing, wherein the air mover is structured to direct air through the duct; and

a diffuser situated at an angle relative to a horizontal plane such that the diffuser does not protrude into the temperature-controlled space relative to the horizontal plane, wherein the diffuser is in fluid receiving communication with the duct, and wherein the diffuser is structured to receive air from the duct and discharge the air in a single air curtain at an angle relative to a vertical plane.

16. The temperature controlled case of claim 15, wherein the angle of the air in the single air curtain is between ten and fifteen degrees relative to the vertical plane.

17. The temperature controlled case of claim 16, wherein the angle of the air in the single air curtain is twelve degrees relative to the vertical plane.

18. The temperature controlled case of claim 15, wherein the duct includes a top portion and a bottom portion, where each of the top portion and the bottom portion are proximate the diffuser, and wherein only the bottom portion is angled inwards relative to the horizontal plane towards a center of the duct.

19. The temperature controlled case of claim 18, further comprising a retainer coupled to the bottom portion and a bracket coupled to the top portion, wherein the retainer is structured to support a first end of the diffuser and the bracket is structured to support a second end of the diffuser to couple the diffuser to the duct, wherein the retainer is coupled to the bottom portion at an angle, and wherein the angle is substantially equal to the angle of the diffuser relative to the horizontal plane.

20. The temperature controlled case of claim 15, further comprising a compartment located in a bottom area of the housing, wherein the compartment defines a zone for receiving the discharged air in the single air curtain.