Display unit for storing and displaying heated goods

Abstract

A display unit for storing and displaying heated goods according to the invention that comprises walls, multiple shelves, an air duct, an air forcing apparatus and air temperature regulating means. At least part of the walls of the display unit delimits a chamber with an open front side. The multiple shelves each comprise an upper placing side. The multiple shelves each extend substantially horizontally in the chamber and are provided above each other to define an individual storage space above each shelf. The air duct extends from an inlet opening to multiple outlets whereby the outlets each define a flow direction. At least one of the multiple outlets flows to a corresponding storage space. The flow directions of the multiple outlets point away from the corresponding placing sides.

1 . Display unit for storing and displaying heated goods wherein the display unit comprises walls, multiple shelves, an air duct, an air forcing apparatus and air temperature regulating means in which
 at least part of the walls of the display unit delimit a chamber including an open front side;   the multiple shelves each comprise an upper placing side;   the multiple shelves each extend substantially horizontally in the chamber and are provided above each other to define an individual corresponding storage space above each shelf;   the air duct extends from an inlet opening to multiple outlets in which the outlets are positioned at a front edge of the shelf wherein all the outlets define a flow direction of a generated air flow, wherein   at least one of the multiple outlets discharges into a corresponding storage space wherein a flow direction of the at least one outlet forms a corresponding placing side that points away to the rear of the corresponding storage space such that substantially the entire air flow flows into the corresponding storage space.   
     
     
         2 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein the storage space is closed at the rear in such that a generated air flow returns in the storage space and leaves the storage space at the front side of the shelf. 
     
     
         3 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein the placing side at the upper side of the shelf is airtight. 
     
     
         4 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the shelves comprises a front edge and wherein at least one of the multiple outlets extends along said front edge. 
     
     
         5 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein the flow direction of at least one outlet that extends along the front edge points upwards and backwards. 
     
     
         6 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein the shelf comprises a pressure chamber that is in communication with the outlet. 
     
     
         7 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein at least one shelf comprises a heating element for heating a passing air flow. 
     
     
         8 . Display unit according to  claim 7  wherein the heating element has a heat-generating upper and lower side in such a way that heat can be emitted to an upper and lower region. 
     
     
         9 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein the display unit comprises a heating element in an upper region for heating a passing air flow. 
     
     
         10 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein at least one outlet is provided in an elongated flow unit that is provided at the front edge of at least one of the shelves. 
     
     
         11 . Display unit according to  claim 10  wherein a front wall section of the elongated flow unit is wider than a rear wall section of the elongated flow unit such that the front wall section covers the outlet in a vertical direction. 
     
     
         12 . Display unit according to  claim 1  wherein all outlets discharges into the storage spaces. 
     
     
         13 . Method for heating products in a storage or display unit wherein the display unit has a rear wall and side walls and wherein the display unit comprises at least one shelf wherein a storage space is formed on top of the shelf for the storage of products, wherein an air flow is guided through a hollow shelf from the rear to the front and that substantially the entire air flow is supplied to the storage space from a front edge of the shelf. 
     
     
         14 . Method according to  claim 13  wherein the air is supplied from the front edge upwards and to the rear in the storage space by at least one outlet. 
     
     
         15 . Method according to  claim 13  wherein the supplied air flow in the storage space returns and is discharged at the front side of the storage space. 
     
     
         16 . Method according to  claim 15  wherein the discharged air flow is guided upwards on the front side of the display unit. 
     
     
         17 . Method according to  claim 13  wherein heat is generated in the storage space by using a heating element and whereby this heat is supplied to a passing air flow in the storage space. 
     
     
         18 . Method according to  claim 17  wherein more heat from above is supplied to the air flow in the storage space than from the bottom. 
     
     
         19 . Method according to  claim 13 , wherein the air flow forms an air screen over a product on the shelf. 
     
     
         20 . Method according to  claim 13  wherein the display unit is used for storing pasta hot.