DISC FOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AND REFRIGERATION UNIT

Abstract

A panel system for closing and opening a merchandise space of a refrigerated cabinet includes multiple movable panels. Each panel is movable between an open position and a closed position. Two of the panel are connected to form a pair of panels. A return mechanism is arranged above the pair of panels and a pulling mechanism is guided over the deflection mechanism and connects the two panels in the pair. Each panel of the pair is disposed with respect to the deflection mechanism so that a movement of one panel in a first movement direction effectuates a movement of the second panel in a second movement direction. A refrigerated cabinet includes such a panel system.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A pane system configured for closing and opening a merchandise space defined within the interior of a refrigerated cabinet, the pane system comprising: a plurality of panes that includes a first pane and a second pane, wherein each of the first pane and the second pane is disposed for movement between an open position and a closed position; a deflection mechanism carried by the refrigerated cabinet and defining a first side and a second side, which is disposed opposite the first side of the deflection mechanism; wherein the deflection mechanism includes a first pulling means having a first end connected to the first pane, wherein the first pulling means having a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the second pane; and wherein the deflection mechanism is configured so that movement of the first pulling means with respect to the refrigerated cabinet moves the connected first pane in a first movement direction while simultaneously moving the connected second pane in a second movement direction that is opposite the first movement direction.

17. The pane system of claim 16, further comprising: a third pane and a fourth pane, wherein each of the third pane and the fourth pane is disposed for movement between an open position and a closed position; wherein the deflection mechanism includes a second pulling means having a first end connected to the third pane, wherein the second pulling means having a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the fourth pane; wherein the first pane and the second pane are disposed to lie in a common first plane in the closed position to form a first pair of panes; wherein the third pane and the fourth pane are disposed to lie in a common second plane in the closed position to form a second pair of panes, wherein the second plane is disposed parallel to the first plane and displaced apart from the first plane; and wherein the deflection mechanism is configured so that movement of the second pulling means with respect to the refrigerated cabinet moves the connected third pane in the first movement direction while simultaneously moving the connected fourth pane in the second movement direction.

18. The pane system of claim 17, wherein each of the first movement direction and the second movement direction is parallel to a vertical direction, and wherein the first pulling means and the second pulling means are spaced apart from one another in a horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

19. The pane system of claim 17, further comprising a guide arrangement configured to constrain the movement of the first pair of panes in the first plane and the movement of the second pair of panes in the second plane.

20. The pane system of claim 16, wherein each of the first movement direction and the second movement direction is parallel to a vertical direction.

21. The pane system of claim 16, wherein each of the first movement direction and the second movement direction forms an angle with a vertical direction that is greater than 0° and less than 30°.

22. The pane system of claim 17, wherein the deflection mechanism includes a first deflection pulley and a first guide pulley configured for guiding the first pulling means; wherein the deflection mechanism includes a second deflection pulley and a second guide pulley configured for guiding the second pulling means; wherein the first deflection pulley and second deflection pulley are coupled to one another via a first connecting shaft to form a first rotatable unit, and wherein the first guide pulley and second guide pulley are coupled to one another via a second connecting shaft to form a second rotatable unit.

23. The pane system of claim 22, wherein the second deflection pulley of the first rotatable unit has a first diameter, wherein the second guide pulley of the second rotatable unit has a second diameter that is different from the first diameter.

24. The pane system of claim 22, wherein the first guide pulley of the second rotatable unit has a toothing, and wherein the first deflection pulley of the first rotatable unit has a toothing.

25. The pane system of claim 19, wherein the guide arrangement defines a lower end during use as intended, wherein the lower end of the guide arrangement includes slide-in box configured for receiving the insertion and accommodation of the first pane in its open position, wherein the slide-in box is covered with the aid of a movably mounted cover element when the panes are in their open position.

26. The pane system of claim 25, further comprising a damping element disposed at the deflection mechanism and configured for damping the first pane upon the first pane reaching its open position and/or its closed position.

27. The pane system of claim 25, further comprising a damping element configured for damping the first pane upon the first pane reaching its open position and/or its closed position at the slide-in box at the lower end of the guide rail.

28. The pane system of claim 19, further comprising a lighting device disposed at the guide arrangement.

29. The pane system of claim 22, further comprising a drive connected to the first rotatable unit and configured for driving the first pulling means.

30. The pane system of claim 29, further comprising a control unit connected to the drive and configured for controlling the drive.

31. The pane system of claim 30, further comprising a sensor unit connected to the control unit and configured and disposed to detect motion adjacent to the first pane or the second pane.

32. The pane system of claim 29, further comprising a safety device connected to the control unit and configured and disposed to detect interference with the movement of the first pane or the second pane.

33. The pane system of claim 29, further comprising a switching device connected to the control unit and configured and disposed to signal the control unit to activate the drive so as to dispose the first pane and the second pane in the open position.

34. The pane system of claim 16, wherein the first pulling means extends at least partially within the guide arrangement and includes a belt, a toothed belt, a wire cable, or a chain.

35. A refrigerated cabinet, which is utilized for accommodating and presenting food to be refrigerated, the refrigerated cabinet comprising: an enclosure defining a merchandise space in the interior thereof, the enclosure further defining an opening configured to provide access to the interior of the enclosure; and a pane system configured for selectively closing the opening defined by the enclosure in a closed position, wherein the pane system includes: a plurality of panes that includes a first pane and a second pane, wherein each of the first pane and the second pane is disposed for movement between an open position and a closed position; a deflection mechanism carried by the enclosure and defining a first side and a second side, which is disposed opposite the first side of the deflection mechanism; wherein the deflection mechanism includes a first pulling means having a first end connected to the first pane, wherein the first pulling means having a second end spaced apart from the first end and connected to the second pane; and wherein the deflection mechanism is configured so that movement of the first pulling means with respect to the enclosure moves the connected first pane in a first movement direction while simultaneously moving the connected second pane in a second movement direction that is opposite the first movement direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate at least one presently preferred embodiment of the invention as well as features applicable to some alternative embodiments. These drawings, together with the written description, explain the principles of the invention but by no means are intended to be exhaustive of every possible embodiment of the invention. A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention is set forth more particularly in this specification, including reference to the accompanying figures. Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0081] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a refrigerated cabinet having two adjacently arranged pane systems according to the invention, according to one exemplary embodiment,

[0082] FIG. 2 shows a detail in the area of a deflection mechanism of a pane system according to the invention, according to an exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 1,

[0083] FIG. 3a shows a sectional representation of a refrigerated cabinet having a pane system according to the invention in a closed position according to one alternative exemplary embodiment in a plane that cuts normal to the view shown in FIG. 1,

[0084] FIG. 3b shows a sectional representation of a refrigerated cabinet having a pane system according to the invention in an open position according to an alternative exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 3a,

[0085] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a refrigerated cabinet having a pane system according to the invention in an open position according to one alternative exemplary embodiment, and

[0086] FIG. 5 shows a detail in the area of a deflection mechanism of a pane system according to the invention according to one further exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a front view of sections of a refrigerated cabinet 1 that are relevant for the understanding of the invention, with two adjacently arranged pane systems 2a, 2b according to the invention, according to one exemplary embodiment. Each of the pane systems 2a, 2b is arranged side-by-side in the horizontal direction HR in front of a base body (not shown) that defines an enclosure of the refrigerated cabinet 1 and has four panes 3a-3d arranged generally in a vertical direction. The panes 3a-3d are designed as movable panes 3a-3d. As represented here in FIG. 1, the panes 3a-3d of the pane system 2a are disposed in a closed position, which closes the user's access to a merchandise space 4 defined by the enclosure and situated behind the panes 3a-3d with respect to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 1. The panes 3a-3d of the pane system 2b are disposed so as to open the access to the merchandise space 4 in a represented open position (pane system 2b at the viewer's right). The merchandise space 4 schematically shown in FIG. 1 can be thought of alternatively as the merchandise space 4 of one refrigerated cabinet 1 or of two adjacently arranged refrigerated cabinets 1.

[0088] Each of the pane systems 2a, 2b has a guide arrangement including two guide rails 5 as schematically shown in FIG. 2 for example. The panes 3a-3d are therefore configured to extend between sides in a horizontal direction HR, and each of the panes 3a-3d is guided on each of its opposite sides by a separate guide rail 5. For this purpose, the two guide rails 5 are spaced apart from one another essentially by one pane width in the horizontal direction HR.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two pulling means 6a, 6b extend within each guide rail 5. A first pulling means 6a in each of the two guide rails 5 is disposed on an opposite side of the two panes 3a and 3b taken in the horizontal direction HR. As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the first pulling means 6a on each horizontally opposite side of the two panes 3a, 3b desirably connects the two panes 3a, 3b to form a first pair of panes 3a, 3b. As schematically shown in FIG. 3a, the first pulling means 6a on one horizontally opposite side of the two panes 3a, 3b has one opposite end connected to one vertically opposite end of pane 3a, while the other opposite end of the first pulling means 6a is connected to one of the vertically opposite ends of the other pane 3b forming the first pair of panes 3a, 3b. The first pulling means 6a in the horizontally opposite side of the first pair of panes 3a, 3b is similarly connected to the respective panes 3a, 3b near their horizontally disposed opposite ends. Moreover, the two second pulling means 6b within the two guide rails on the opposite sides of the two panes 3c, 3d connect the two panes 3c and 3d to form a second pair of panes in the same fashion as already described for the first pair of panes 3a, 3b. As schematically shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3a for example, the particular first pulling means 6a of a first pair of panes 3a, 3b as well as the particular second pulling means 6b of a second pair of panes 3c, 3d are spaced apart from one another by approximately one pane width in a transverse direction that is normal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction HR. In this way, in addition to the guidance on both sides, a tilting of the panes 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d is avoided.

[0090] A deflection mechanism 7 is arranged above each pane system 2a, 2b as schematically shown in FIG. 1. The pulling means 6a, 6b are guided over the deflection mechanism 7 in such a way that the panes 3a and 3b of the first pair of panes as well as the panes 3c and 3d of the second pair of panes are located on different sides of the deflection mechanism 7. As a result, the first pane 3a of the first pair of panes and the first pane 3c of the second pair of panes move in a first movement direction BR1. The second pane 3b of the first pair of panes and the second pane 3d of the second pair of panes move simultaneously in a second movement direction BR2 essentially opposite the first movement direction BR1.

[0091] Since the pane system 2a is in the closed position and the pane system 2b is in the open position in the view shown in FIG. 1, the movement directions BR1, BR2 possible from the aforementioned positions are opposite one another. The panes 3a-3d of the pane system 2a in the closed position, upon switching into the open position, move away from one another along their particular movement direction BR1, BR2. The panes 3a-3d of the pane system 2b in the open position, upon switching into the closed position, move toward one another along their particular movement direction BR1, BR2.

[0092] The panes 3a-3d in their closed position as represented via the pane system 2a are aligned side by side or slightly overlap one another in the area of their particular horizontal end faces as schematically shown in FIG. 3a. As a result, the access to the merchandise space 4 can be completely closed. If the panes 3a-3d are arranged in their open position as represented via the pane system 2b, the first panes 3a, 3c and the second panes 3b, 3d are situated one behind the other in each case as schematically shown in FIG. 3b.

[0093] Due to the different necessary movement of the individual panes 3a-3d, different speeds of the panes 3a-3d are necessary during the movement between the open position and the closed position. As explained more fully below, this movement at different speeds is accomplished by mounting one pulling means 6a on a pulley 9a that has a different diameter than a pulley 9b on which the second pulling means 6b is mounted, while both pulleys 9a, 9b are connected via a common rotatable shaft 10a as shown schematically in FIGS. 2 and 3a for example.

[0094] In the following descriptions of the exemplary embodiments represented in FIGS. 2 through 4, the same reference characters are utilized for features that are identical and/or at least comparable to the previously described exemplary embodiment from FIG. 1 in terms of their design and/or mode of operation. Provided the features are not described in detail again, their design and/or mode of operation correspond(s) to the design and mode of operation of the above-described features.

[0095] FIG. 2 shows a detail in the region of a deflection mechanism 7 of a pane system 2b according to the invention in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment similar to what is shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 3b. The particular first panes 3a, 3c, in the open position represented here, are situated one behind the other in the transverse direction, which is normal to both the horizontal direction HR and the vertical direction VR (FIG. 3b), at their upper end position, i.e., they overlap. The two second panes 3b, 3d are not represented, for the sake of greater clarity. Reference is made to FIG. 1 in this regard. In order to guide the panes 3a, 3c, the two guide rails 5 each include two guide sections 8a, 8b, wherein the guide section 8a guides the first pane 3a of the first pair of panes and the guide section 8b guides the first pane 3c of the second pair of panes. Additionally, the second panes 3b, 3d of the particular pairs of panes represented in FIG. 1 can also be guided in the two guide sections 8a, 8b. In addition, the pulling means 6a, 6b extend within these two guide sections 8a, 8b, respectively, and connect the panes 3a-3d of the particular pairs of panes to one another.

[0096] The pulling means 6a, 6b are deflected at the deflection mechanism 7 arranged above the panes 3a, 3c. In order to ensure a smooth motion, the particular pulling means 6a, 6b are arranged at both sides of the panes 3a, 3c in the horizontal direction HR. The sides of the panes 3a-3d spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction HR are then referred to as pane sides. The deflection mechanism 7 includes a first deflection pulley 9a in each case in order to deflect the particular first pulling means 6a. The deflection mechanism 7 includes a second deflection pulley 9b in each case in order to deflect the second pulling means 6b. The particular deflection pulleys 9a, 9b, as is also the case with the particular pulling means 6a, 6b, are spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction HR shown schematically in FIG. 2. The first panes 3a, 3c of the two pairs of panes (3a, 3b and 3c, 3d) are arranged at the pulling means 6a, 6b on the same side of the particular deflection pulley 9a, 9b in each case. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first pane 3a of the first pair of panes is arranged to be connected at the rear end of the pulling means 6a. The first pane 3c of the second pair of panes is similarly arranged to be connected at the rear end of the pulling means 6b. The particular other opposite end (i.e., the front end) of the particular pulling means 6a, 6b extends to the second panes 3b, 3d (see FIG. 1) of the particular pair of panes.

[0097] The two pulling means 6a, 6b of one pane side are preferably spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction HR by one to three pulling-means width(s). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pulling means 6a, 6b extend essentially directly next to one another. One pulling-means width is to be understood as the width of one of the pulling means 6a, 6b in the horizontal direction HR. Therefore, the two deflection pulleys 9a, 9b are also arranged directly next to one another.

[0098] The two deflection pulleys 9a, 9b have diameters that differ from one another in order to ensure different speeds of the two first panes 3a, 3c of the different pairs of panes. In order to achieve a faster speed of the two panes 3a, 3b (see FIG. 1) of the first pair of panes, the first deflection pulley 9a has a larger diameter than the second deflection pulley 9b. Additionally, as represented here, the two deflection pulleys 9a, 9b can have a toothing, which improves the frictional and/or form-locking connection to the pulling means 6a, 6b. If the pulling means 6a, 6b is preferably designed as a toothed belt, then these teeth of the toothed belt are form-lockingly engaged with the teeth of the toothed deflection pulleys 9a, 9b.

[0099] The particular adjacent deflection pulleys 9a, 9b are also directly connected to each other on one pane side in each case. If, for example, the first deflection pulley 9a is set into rotation by introducing a motion at a pane 3a, 3b connected via the pulling element 6a, the second deflection pulley 9b concurrently rotates at the same speed. Due to the toothing of the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b, the motions of the two panes 3a, 3b can be synchronized. Additionally, the deflection mechanism 7 includes a first connecting shaft 10a. The deflection pulleys 9a, 9b-which are spaced apart from one another by one pane width—of both pane sides are coupled to one another via the first connecting shaft 10a, and, in this way, form a rotatable unit.

[0100] In order to guide each of the pulling means 6a, 6b in such a way that these extend in the guide sections 8a, 8b, respectively, of the guide rails 5, the deflection mechanism 7 includes multiple guide pulleys 11a, 11b. Similarly to the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b, the guide pulleys 11a, 11b also have different diameters. The guide pulleys 11a, 11b, which are spaced apart from one another by one pane width, on both pane sides of one pair of panes are coupled to one another via a second connecting shaft 10b and, in this way, form one further rotatable unit.

[0101] FIG. 3a shows a sectional representation of a refrigerated cabinet 1 having a pane system 2a according to the invention in a closed position according to one alternative exemplary embodiment. The panes 3a-3d completely close the access to the merchandise space 4. The panes 3a-3d are represented spaced apart from each other by a gap merely for greater clarity. These can be adjacently arranged, edge to edge, as well as overlapping one another in order to completely close the access.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment represented here, the particular panes 3a-3d of a pair of panes are guided in the same guide section 8a, 8b (see FIG. 2). In the closed position of the pane system, the two panes 3a, 3b of the first pair of panes are therefore adjacently arranged, edge to edge, in the center of the access into the merchandise space 4. If the panes 3a, 3b and/or the panes 3c, 3d are guided in different guide sections 8a, 8b (see FIG. 2), the panes 3a, 3b can overlap in the center of the access into the merchandise space 4.

[0103] The two panes 3a, 3b are connected to each other, as the first pane pair, via two first pulling means 6a extending one behind the other in the sheet plane. The first pane 3a of the first pair of panes is arranged to be connected at the rear end of the first pulling means 6a, and the second pane 3b of the second pair of panes is arranged to be connected at the front end of the first pulling means 6a. The first pulling means 6a is deflected via the first deflection pulley 9a in such a way that a motion of the first pane 3a of the first pair of panes in the first movement direction BR1 results in a motion of the second pane 3b of the first pair of panes in the second movement direction BR2. The panes 3c, 3d of the second pair of panes behave in a similar manner. The motion can be manually effectuated by a person standing in front of the pane system 2a, 2b. For this purpose, as schematically shown in FIG. 3a, both panes 3a, 3b of the first pair of panes have a handle 12.

[0104] The movement directions BR1 and BR2 both extend in parallel to a vertical direction VR. An angle spanned between the vertical direction VR and one of the movement directions BR1, BR2 is therefore equal to 0°. Therefore, the weight force of the panes 3a-3d acts in the second movement direction BR2 and counter to the first movement direction BR1. Since two panes 3a-3d are connected to each other as a pair of panes via one pulling means 6a, 6b in each case, this weight force of the panes 3a, 3b or 3c, 3d connected to a pulling means 6a, 6b, respectively, is canceled out and the panes 3a, 3b are counterbalanced, as are the panes 3c, 3d.

[0105] As represented here, the panes 3a-3d are designed, at least in sections, as a laminated pane. The laminated pane includes at least two individual panes extending in parallel to one another, wherein the individual panes are connected in the edge area of the laminated pane, at least in sections, with the aid of a transparent mass and/or a mass that becomes transparent after curing, preferably in the form of a transparently cured adhesive.

[0106] FIG. 3b shows a sectional representation of a refrigerated cabinet 1 having a pane system 2b according to the invention in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment similar to FIG. 3a. FIG. 3b therefore essentially shows the refrigerated cabinet 1 from FIG. 3a having panes 3a-3d displaced in the particular movement direction BR1, BR2 shown in FIG. 3a. The particular panes 3a-3d of each pair of panes, depicted in the open position in FIG. 3b, are located spaced apart by a maximum extent. The access to the merchandise space 4 is therefore open. The guide arrangement having at least one guide rail 5, as represented in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, is not shown for the sake of greater clarity.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 3b, the deflection mechanism 7 is arranged at a deflection box 13, which is open at one end thereof and configured to receive therein panes 3a and 3b when disposed in their open position. In their open position, the two first panes 3a, 3c are arranged at the upper end of the pane system 2a, 2b. For this purpose, the deflection box 13 can include a receiving area for the first panes 3a, 3c. The two second panes 3b, 3d in their open position are arranged at the lower end of the pane system 2a, 2b in a slide-in box 14. The slide-in box 14 also includes a movably mounted cover element 15 for coverage. This cover element 15, in the open position, can be utilized as a step in order to ensure better access to the merchandise space 4. In the closed position and/or in a position between the closed position and the open position, the cover element 15, as represented in FIG. 3a, is swiveled in the direction of the merchandise space 4.

[0108] A damping element 16 is arranged in the area of the slide-in box 14 and in the area of the deflection box 13, which can dampen the movement of the panes 3a-3d. Alternatively, two damping elements 16 can be arranged in the area of the slide-in box 14 and in the area of the deflection box 13 in order to dampen the movement of each pane 3a-3d individually. If the panes 3a-3d are moved from their closed position, as represented in FIG. 3a, into their open position, as represented in FIG. 3b, the particular movement can be damped by means of the damping elements 16 in such a way that the panes 3a-3d come to a standstill.

[0109] An advertising element, which is visible from the front, can be arranged on the front side and, thereby, on the side of the refrigerated cabinet 1 represented in FIGS. 3a and 3b facing away from the merchandise space 4 in the area of the deflection box 13 and/or in the area of the slide-in box 14. The advertising element can be an electronic display and/or a display case for displaying advertisement. Likewise additional price display arrangements can be arranged in the area of the access into the merchandise space 4, in particular at the slide-in box 14, at the cover element 15, at the panes 3a-3d, or at the deflection box 13, by means of which the prices of the merchandise in the merchandise space 4 can be indicated.

[0110] Additionally, the pane system 2 can include a collision protection element on the front side and, thereby, on the side of the merchandise space 4 facing away from the merchandise space 4, in the area of the deflection box 13. This collision protection can extend in a bead-like manner along the refrigerated cabinet 1 and be utilized for protecting the pane system 2 and, thereby, in particular, protecting the panes 3a-3d against damage by shopping carts or the like.

[0111] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a pane system 2 according to the invention in an open position according to one alternative exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, only the pane system 2 is represented here. Likewise the pane system 2 can be arranged at a base body of the refrigerated cabinet 1, as represented in FIGS. 1-3b, and can have been connected, for example, subsequently, thereto. The pane system 2 can therefore also be retrofitted to existing refrigerated cabinets 1.

[0112] The pane system 2 has a lighting device 17 in the vicinity of each of the guide rails 5. The lighting device 17 can be, for example, an LED ribbon arranged at the back side of the particular guide rail 5.

[0113] In addition, the deflection mechanism 7 is driven by means of a drive 18, in particular in the vicinity of the rotatable unit, as described above with reference to FIG. 2. In particular, the drive 18 is operatively connected (for example, via a gear unit) to the connecting shaft 10a, which connects the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b to one another, and so an operation of the drive 18 effectuates a rotary motion of the connecting shaft 10a in the one or the other direction of rotation and, thereby, a movement of the pulling means 6a, 6b and of the panes 3a-3d connected thereto (depending on whether the panes 3a-3d are to be moved from their open position into their closed position or from their closed position into their open position).

[0114] A sensor unit 19 detects the motion in front of the pane system 2. By means of a control unit 20, the drive 18 can be controlled in such a way that the panes 3a-3d open upon detection of motion by the sensor unit 19 or close if no motion is detected. For this purpose, the control unit 20 can control the drive 18 in such a way that it drives the rotatable unit and/or the deflection mechanism 7 and, as a result, move the panes 3a-3d between the open position represented here and the closed position in its particular movement direction BR1, BR2.

[0115] FIG. 5 shows a detail in the vicinity of a deflection mechanism 7 of a pane system 2a, 2b according to the invention according to one further exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments from FIGS. 1-4, the panes 3a-3d are not represented in the present exemplary embodiment for the sake of clarity. The panes 3a-3d (not represented) are guided by means of the guide sections 8a, 8b of the guide rails 5 and are moved by means of the pulling means 6a, 6b, similarly to the preceding exemplary embodiments from FIGS. 1-4.

[0116] In the preceding exemplary embodiments, the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b and the guide pulleys 11a, 11b are aligned normal to the horizontal direction HR and are mounted onto one of the connecting shafts 10a, 10b in the horizontal direction HR. In contrast thereto, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b and the guide pulleys 11a-11d are aligned in a plane that is normal to a transverse direction QR. This arrangement of the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b and of the guide pulleys 11a-11d results in a smaller space requirement in the transverse direction QR. The additionally necessary space requirement in the horizontal direction HR is given and/or present due to the pane width and/or due to the spacing of the guide rails 5.

[0117] The deflection pulleys 9a, 9b have different diameters in this case as well. The second deflection pulley 9b has a smaller diameter and, therefore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is hidden from view behind the larger first deflection pulley 9a. This is apparent from the course of the second pulling means 6b, however, which is carried in the background of the first deflection pulley 9a. Due to the different diameters of the two deflection pulleys 9a, 9b, different speeds of movement are transmitted to the pulling means 6a, 6b, which are connectable to panes 3a-3d (see FIGS. 1-4).

[0118] The two pulling means 6a, 6b of one pane side are preferably spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction QR by three pulling-means widths. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pulling means 6a, 6b extend essentially directly next to one another or are separated merely by one portion of at least one of the guide sections 8a, 8b. One pulling-means width is to be understood as the width of one of the pulling means 6a, 6b in the transverse direction QR. Therefore, the two deflection pulleys 9a, 9b and two of the guide pulleys 11a, 11b and 11c, 11d, respectively, are arranged directly next to one another.

[0119] In addition, the deflection mechanism 7 from the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 5, in contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, includes four guide pulleys 11a-11d on each pane side. Since the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b are offset inwardly in the horizontal direction HR, both pulling means 6a, 6b can be guided outwardly on both sides of the deflection pulley 9a, 9b by means of the four guide pulleys 11a-11d. The guide pulleys 11a and 11c guide the first pulling means 6a at different sides of the deflection pulley 9a in each case. The guide pulleys 11b and 11d guide the second pulling means 6b at different sides of the deflection pulley 9b in each case. In order for the particular sides of the pulling means 6a, 6b to be guidable past one another in the horizontal direction HR, the guide pulleys 11a, 11b are arranged offset with respect to the guide pulleys 11c, 11d by at least one pulling-means thickness. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the pulling-means thickness extends in the transverse direction QR. Additionally or alternatively, the diameter of the guide pulleys 11a, 11b can differ from the diameter of the guide pulleys 11c, 11d. As a result, additionally or alternatively, the guidance of the different sides of the pulling means 6a, 6b past one another in the horizontal direction HR can be ensured.

[0120] The first connecting shaft 10a couples the two deflection pulleys 9a, 9b of the different pane sides to one another in this case as well. Since the deflection pulleys 9a, 9b extend normal to the transverse direction QR and the connecting shaft 10a extends to along the horizontal direction HR, the deflection mechanism 7 includes at least one gear unit 21. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two gear units 21 are shown, which, as bevel gear drives, bring the particular deflection pulleys 9a, 9b of one pane side into an operative connection with the first connecting shaft 10a. The deflection pulleys 9a, 9b can be driven by means of an input pinion 22, which is arranged at the connecting shaft 10a in a rotationally-fixed and/or non-displaceable manner. For this purpose, for example, a drive 18 according to the preceding exemplary embodiment from FIG. 4 can be utilized.

[0121] The present invention is not limited to the represented and described exemplary embodiments. Modifications within the scope of the claims are also possible, as is any combination of the features, even if they are represented and described in different exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0122] 1 refrigerated cabinet [0123] 2a, 2b pane system [0124] 3a-3d pane [0125] 4 merchandise space [0126] 5 guide rail [0127] 6a, 6b pulling means [0128] 7 deflection mechanism [0129] 8a, 8b guide section [0130] 9a, 9b deflection pulley [0131] 10a, 10b connecting shaft [0132] 11a, 11b guide pulley [0133] 12 handle [0134] 13 deflection box [0135] 14 slide-in box [0136] 15 cover element [0137] 16 damping element [0138] 17 lighting device [0139] 18 drive [0140] 19 sensor unit [0141] 20 control unit [0142] 21 gear unit [0143] 22 input pinion [0144] HR horizontal direction [0145] BR1 first movement direction [0146] BR2 second movement direction [0147] VR vertical direction [0148] QR transverse direction