EP3508677A1 - Closing device for automatically closing a sliding element, such as a sliding door or a sliding cover of a refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a closing device (1) for the automatic or force-assisted closing of a sliding element (100), such as a sliding door or a sliding cover of a refrigerated cabinet, with at least one elongate guide element (2), one in the longitudinal direction of the guide element (2) on a predetermined Movement path guided movable carriage (3) and with a spring element (4). The closing device (1) is adapted to move the carriage (3) against the force of the spring element (4) from an initial position (PA) to an intermediate position or an end position on the predetermined trajectory to move the sliding element (100) from a closed position (SG) in an open position to bring. It is provided that the at least one guide element (2) has at least one attachment point (5; 6) for attachment to the sliding element (100) or at least one connection point (5; 6) for attachment to a base part (110), with respect to which the sliding element (100) moves when the sliding element (100) is brought into the open position. Furthermore, provision is made for the carriage (3) to comprise at least one contact point (8) against which the base part (110) or the sliding element (100) acts in order to bring the sliding element (100) into the open position.

Description

The invention relates to a closing device for the automatic or power-assisted closing of a sliding element, such as a sliding door or a sliding cover of a refrigerated cabinet. The invention further relates to an arrangement with a laterally displaceable sliding element and at least one guide for the sliding element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a refrigerated cabinet with such a closing device and / or such an arrangement.

Sliding elements, such as sliding doors, are designed to carry out a sliding movement. This sliding movement is used to bring the sliding doors from a closed position to an open position. For example, the sliding elements are moved to the side and / or horizontally. In contrast to rotary elements, such as swing doors, which are opened by a rotary movement and a swivel area is provided in the installed state, no such space needs to be kept available in the sliding elements.

The sliding elements are usually opened by hand. Most of the sliding elements are also closed manually again. A locking device of the type discussed here, however, allows an automatic closing of the Sliding element. Such closing devices are increasingly being used in sliding doors of refrigerated cabinets in order to counteract a longer open standing of the sliding doors and thus to reduce cold losses.

An object of the invention is to propose at least one measure by which a technically simple production and / or a quick and / or simple installation and / or a low-maintenance operation of a closing device for the automatic or power-assisted closing of a sliding element, in particular of the sliding element described above, is possible.

The object is achieved with a locking device, which has the features of claim 1. Furthermore, an arrangement with the features of claim 8, a refrigerated cabinet with the features of claim 14 and a use with the features of claim 15 are proposed to solve the problem. Advantageous embodiments and / or embodiments and / or aspects of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims, the following description and the figures.

A basic closing device for automatically or force-assisted closing of a sliding element, such as a sliding door or a sliding cover of a refrigerated cabinet, comprises at least one elongated guide element, a slide guided on a predetermined movement path in the longitudinal direction of the guide element and a spring element. The locking device is adapted to the carriage against the force of the spring element from a starting position in a, in particular at least one intermediate position or an end position to move on the predetermined trajectory to bring the sliding element from a closed position to an open position, in particular at least one open position. The trajectory can be straight or curved.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one guide element has at least one connection point for attachment to the sliding element. Furthermore, it is provided in particular that the carriage comprises at least one contact point. The contact point is designed, for example, to make an operative contact with a base part, against which the sliding element moves when the sliding element is brought into the open position. In order to bring the sliding element into the open position, for example, the base part acts against the contact point.

According to another or further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one guide element has at least one attachment point for attachment to a base part, against which the sliding element moves when the sliding element is brought into the open position. It is then provided in particular that the carriage comprises at least one contact point, which is designed to enter into operative contact with the sliding element. In order to bring the sliding element in the open position, acts in this case, for example, the sliding element against the contact point.

For example, it is provided that the at least one connection point for attachment to the sliding element and / or for attachment to the base part and the at least one contact point for Wirkkontaktierung with the base part and / or the sliding element are formed. As a result, the at least one connection point and the at least one contact point for the two above installation alternatives can be used.

It is provided in particular that the at least one contact point is arranged on the carriage such that the base part or the sliding element acts directly and / or directly against the at least one contact point in order to bring the sliding element into the open position. For example, the closing device or the sliding element is designed to be rodless. In this case, the effective contact of the base part or of the sliding element takes place against the contact point without a linkage, in particular separate linkage.

Such a closing device allows an automatic or power-assisted closing of the sliding element without the use of electrical energy. For automatic or force-assisted closing of the sliding element, the closing device rather uses mechanical energy, in particular exclusively mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is provided by the provided spring element, for example, by a restoring force exerted by the spring element is used to close the sliding element. The spring element serves as an energy store, in which the kinetic energy from the movement of the carriage relative to the guide element at least partially stored. As a result of the at least one connection point and the at least one contact point, the closing device is designed so that at least part of this kinetic energy results from one or the opening movement of the sliding element. This already measures are taken which favor a technically simple production and / or a quick and / or simple installation and / or a low-maintenance operation of the locking device, for example, to achieve a higher cost efficiency.

In order to exert the function of the automatic or force-assisted closing of the sliding element, only at least three components are provided in the closing device, in particular the guide element, the carriage and the spring element. For example, the locking device is exclusively or exactly reduced to these three components. This also measures a measure which favors a technically simple production and / or a quick and / or simple assembly and / or a low-maintenance operation of the closing device, for example in order to achieve a higher cost efficiency.

The term "open position" is to be understood in the present description in particular the position of the sliding element, when the sliding element closes or covers a passage opening, in particular completely closes or covers. The term "open position" is to be understood in particular the position of the sliding element, when the sliding element releases a passage opening, in particular partially or completely releases. For example, the sliding element is in a first Open position, the passage opening partially free and in a second open position, the passage opening completely free.

The term "starting position" in the present description is to be understood in particular as the position of the carriage relative to the guide element, in which the spring element is in a relaxed state or is biased. The term "intermediate position" is to be understood in particular the position of the carriage relative to the guide element, in which the spring element has been stretched by a covered first displacement of the sliding element in the course of its opening movement, wherein the sliding element is thereby in an open position, in particular a first open position , The term "end position" is to be understood in particular the position of the carriage relative to the guide element, in which the spring element has been stretched by a covered second displacement of the sliding element in the course of its opening movement, wherein the sliding element thereby in a further open position, in particular a second open position located. For example, in the end position, the carriage has been displaced to one end or end region of the guide element and / or the spring element is maximally tensioned and / or the sliding element is fully opened.

In the present description, "automatic closing" is to be understood in particular as meaning that the sliding element is closed or can be closed without the intervention of a hand force of a user or another external force, but only through the closing device.

For this purpose, for example, the spring element of the closing device is dimensioned and / or adjusted such that by its force or restoring force, the sliding element is automatically moved back from the open position to the closed position.

By "force-assisted closing" is meant in the present description in particular that the sliding element is closed by the action of a manual force of a user or other external force while the closing device acts force-supporting, in particular to facilitate closing, as only a reduced manual force is to spend. The spring element of the closing device is then dimensioned and / or adjusted such that its force or restoring force provides a closing force which supports the closing operation of the sliding element.

The term "base part" is to be understood in the present specification in particular a part or component, against which the sliding element moves when the sliding element performs an opening movement or a closing movement, for example, in an open position or the open position is brought. The base part may be a component fixed to the housing, which is thus firmly connected or formed, for example, with a housing or a basic structure. The housing or the basic structure is arranged in particular stationary. It may be the housing or the basic structure of a refrigerated cabinet or other device.

For example, the base part is a web, in particular central web, a housing front, for example a cooling cabinet. Also, the base part may be a wall element, which is arranged, for example adjacent to a closable by the sliding element passage opening. Alternatively, the base part itself can be designed to be movable, in particular displaceable. It is decisive, in particular, that at least during the opening movement of the sliding element, the sliding element relative to the base part performs a relative movement in order to effect a tensioning of the spring element of the closing device.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the carriage comprises a housing in which the spring element is at least partially accommodated. For example, the spring element is received within the housing in the starting position of the carriage. Through the housing, it is favored to protect the spring element from external interference. Also, an optically inconspicuous placement of the spring element can be achieved in this way. It is advisable that the housing comprises a removable housing cover. As a result, an exchange of the spring element accommodated in the housing is facilitated since the access to the spring element is improved via the housing cover.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one contact point is formed on a portion of the housing, in particular a surface portion of the housing. This gives the case a multiple function. On the one hand it serves the enclosure of the spring element. On the other hand, via the housing of the carriage in its movement relative to the at least brought a guide element by pressing the slide over the contact point or the base part of the housing, for example, when the sliding element performs an opening movement. Due to the multiple function of the housing a component reduction is favored.

According to yet another embodiment, it is provided that the spring element comprises at least one spiral spring or is designed as a spiral spring. In particular, the spiral spring comprises a radially outer end and a radially inner end. For example, one of the ends is operatively connected to the carriage and the other end to the at least one guide element. The term "coil spring" is to be understood in particular at least one curved in a plane in the screw line metal strip. As a "coil spring", for example, a spiral wound leaf spring is to be designated.

It has been shown that the coil spring can apply due to their spring characteristic such a spring force, that thus a sliding element, in particular a sliding door or a sliding cover, for example, a cooling cabinet, can be moved. It has also been shown that it is favored by the coil spring to achieve the desired movement of the sliding element from the open position to the closed position.

One possible embodiment is that the spiral spring is fastened to the radially outer end or to a region of the radially outer end on the at least one guide element. For example, the coil spring with the radially outer end of the fastened at least one guide element via a Einsteckaufnahme, which is connected to the guide element and therein the radially outer end of the coil spring is inserted. It can also be fixed to the coil spring with the radially inner end of an impeller or a shaft member which is rotatably mounted on a carriage. For example, the impeller or the shaft member is rotatably supported on a housing of the carriage or the housing described above. It can also be provided that the radially inner end of the coil spring is arranged loosely within a housing of the carriage or the housing described above. By these measures, a technically easy to implement accommodation of the spring element is favored in the closing device.

The coil spring should be arranged on the carriage such that unwinding of the coil spring takes place when the carriage is moved from the starting position to the intermediate position or end position. For example, for this purpose, the radially outer end of the coil spring is arranged on the guide element in a region in which the carriage is in the starting position. It can be provided that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the guide element, the radially outer end of the spiral spring is arranged on the guide element in a region of one end.

A further embodiment consists in that the at least one connection point comprises a contact surface, for example a planar contact surface, for application against the sliding element or the base part or is designed as such a contact surface. This measure contributes to the at least one guide element in a mounting situation To keep as stable and durable as possible to keep as stable and durable as possible on the sliding element or the base part.

It can be provided that the contact surface is arranged transversely to a contact surface forming the at least one contact point, in particular a planar contact surface. This is geared to an installation condition, which is often present in practice. In this installation condition, the sliding element is brought into an overlapping position relative to the base part when opening. The locking device installed there is then mounted, for example, such that the at least one guide element rests with its contact surface on a surface side of the base part and in particular is fixed and pushes the sliding element with an end face against the transverse contact surface of the carriage.

A simple and effective way of attaching the at least one guide element to the base part or the sliding element may be, for example, if the at least one attachment point or the contact surface of the guide element comprises an adhesive surface or is designed as an adhesive surface. By way of example, the adhesive surface is coated with an adhesive substance which exerts an adhesive effect or is designed to apply such a coating.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one connection point can be set up with a fastening element assigned to the sliding element or the base part in a form-locking and / or to achieve positive connection. For example, the connection point for this purpose comprises at least one corresponding fastening element or a counter element corresponding to the fastening element of the sliding element or the base part. This measure aims to allow a mounting of the locking device on the base part or the sliding element by a layman.

For example, at least two attachment points are provided for this, which are seen in the longitudinal direction of the at least one guide element, at a distance from each other and at least one of the attachment sites or both attachment sites are adapted to the sliding element or the base part associated fastening elements in a positive and / or non-positive connection to get. It may, for example, be provided as a fastening click connection. In this case, the base part or the guide element has a clip element or a corresponding counter element. In a corresponding manner, the sliding element or the base part is associated with a corresponding clip element or mating clip element.

Another possible embodiment is that the at least one guide element is dimensionally stable, but elastically bendable. For example, the at least one guide element is elastically deformable transversely to its longitudinal extension, in particular bendable. For example, in the deformed state, the at least one guide element has at least one curvature. In particular, then the longitudinal axis of the at least one guide element is correspondingly curved. This makes it possible that the at least one Guide element can be attached to a curved sliding element mounted in such a way that the longitudinal direction of the at least one guide element extends in the direction of the curvature of the sliding element, so the path of movement of the carriage may extend in the direction of the curvature.

The at least one guide element may be a plastic part which is formed from a plastic material or comprises a plastic material. As a result, a cost-effective production of the guide element is favored. It can also be provided by the above-described flexibility of the guide element. Additionally or alternatively, the carriage may be formed by at least one plastic part, which consists of a plastic material or comprises a plastic material.

It may further be provided that the at least one guide element is a guide rail. In particular, the guide rail is a profiled rail. For example, the at least one guide element and the carriage form a linear guide.

Another possible embodiment of the invention relates to an arrangement with a preferably laterally displaceable sliding element, at least one guide for the sliding element, such as a running rail, and a base part. The guide is adapted to move the sliding element relative to the base part from a closed position to an open position, in particular at least one open position, on a predetermined path of movement. In the arrangement is at least a closing device for automatic or force-assisted closing of the sliding element, for example, from the open position provided.

The closing device may be the closing device described above. The locking device may be an already prefabricated and / or preassembled structural unit which, for example, as a whole, ie as a unit, is installed. As a result, retrofitting of the locking device is favored on a device having at least one sliding element.

In the closed position of the sliding element may be the already described above closed position. In the open position of the sliding element may be the open position already described above. The predetermined trajectory may be rectilinear or substantially rectilinear. Also, the predetermined path of movement may be curved, for example, when the sliding element is a curved sliding door or a curved sliding cover of a refrigerated cabinet.

It can be provided that the closing device is attached to its at least one guide element with its at least one attachment point on the base part. It may further be provided that in the closed position, the sliding element is arranged facing one side of the at least one contact point of the carriage of the closing device, so that the sliding element with the one side against the at least one contact point acts to bring the sliding element in the open position , This results, for example, that is moved by the contacting of the sliding element against the at least one contact point of the carriage from its initial position to an intermediate position or the end position.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one guide element of the closing device is fastened with its at least one attachment point to the sliding element. It can further be provided that in the closed position, the base part is arranged facing one side of the at least one contact point of the carriage of the closing device, so that the base part acts with the one side against the at least one contact point to bring the sliding element in the open position ,

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one guide element of the closing device is attached to the sliding element or the base part by means of gluing or the like cohesive joining method. This favors attachment of the at least one guide element to the sliding element or the base part, without the sliding element or the base part to a corresponding fastening device is provided. The attachment region of the sliding element or of the base part has to be suitable only for fastening by means of a material-locking joining process. In this respect, this measure lends itself to a retrofitting of existing sliding elements, such as sliding doors and sliding covers in cooling furniture.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, it is provided that the at least one guide element of the closing device attached to the sliding element or the base part by at least one fastening element of the sliding element or the base part with the at least one attachment point of the at least one guide element in a positive and / or non-positive Connected, in particular releasable connection is brought. By this measure, an exchange of at least one guide element is favored, without the need for specialized personnel is necessary.

In order to enable an automatic or force-assisted closing of the sliding element safely, it makes sense that the locking device is provided at least twice. The at least two closing devices can be present at a distance from one another transversely to the direction of displacement of the sliding element, for example in each case or one of the closing devices can be arranged in an edge region of the sliding element.

It may further be provided that the base part is designed as a further laterally displaceable sliding element. For example, by the above-described guide or another guide, such as a running rail, the further sliding element from a closed position to an open position, for example, on a predetermined trajectory, displaced. The closed position of the further sliding element can correspond or substantially correspond to the open position of the sliding element. Also, the closed position of the further sliding element of the open position of the Sliding element correspond or substantially correspond. For example, the movement paths of the sliding element and the further sliding element are identical or substantially identical to one another.

According to a possible embodiment, it can be provided that the sliding element is a sliding door for a refrigerated cabinet. The refrigerated cabinet may be a refrigerated shelf or freezer shelf. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the sliding element is a sliding cover for a refrigerated cabinet. In this case, the refrigerated cabinet may be a freezer or a freezer or a refrigerated island or a deep-freeze island.

The sliding element, in particular the sliding door or the sliding cover, may consist of a transparent material or comprise a transparent material. The transparent material may be received in a support frame of the sliding element. Also, the transparent material can continuously form the sliding element and insofar the sliding element can be designed frameless. For example, the sliding element is a glass door or a glass lid. The sliding element may also have a curved configuration, wherein the curvature of the sliding element may extend in its direction of displacement or transversely thereto. In principle, the sliding element can also form a straight or substantially straight design.

According to a possible aspect of the invention, a refrigerator is also provided. The refrigerated cabinet comprises at least one closing device of the type described above and / or an arrangement of the type described above. The term "refrigerated cabinets" are understood in particular refrigerated cabinets and also freezer cabinets. Furthermore, refrigerated shelves, cooling islands, freezer cabinets or other types for cooling and / or freezing foods and / or other goods are to be understood in particular. In principle, the closing device can also be used in other furniture, in particular kitchen furniture, or in cupboards of all kinds, such as in kitchen cabinets or living room cabinets, chests, showcases, drawers, shower walls.

According to another possible aspect of the invention, a use of a device is provided, which comprises at least one elongated guide element with at least one attachment point for attachment to a first part and further on the at least one guide element on a predetermined path of movement, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the at least one guide element , guided movable carriage having at least one contact point for abutment against a second part and further comprising a spring element and is also adapted to move the carriage against the force of the spring element from a starting position to an intermediate position or an end position on the predetermined trajectory, as a closing device for automatically or power-assisted closing of a sliding element located in an open position, such as a sliding door or a sliding cover of a refrigerated cabinet provided.

In this use, the at least one attachment point serves for attachment to the sliding element or for attachment to a base part, opposite which Sliding element moves when the sliding element is brought into the open position. Further, in this use, the at least one contact point for Wirkkontaktierung with the base member, for example, if the at least one attachment point is connected to the sliding element, or for Wirkkontaktierung with the sliding element, for example, if the at least one attachment point is attached to the base member to the sliding element in to bring the open position.

In the device used as a closing device, at least one feature or can be realized individual or all features of the closure device described above. In this respect, reference is made to the above description.

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine mögliche Ausführungsform einer Schließvorrichtung zum selbsttätigen Schließen eines Schiebeelementes in einer ersten Einbauanordnung,

Fig. 2

die Schließvorrichtung gemäß der Figur 1 in einer zweiten Einbauanordnung,

Fig. 3

die Schließvorrichtung gemäß der Figur 1 in einer vergrößerten Querschnittsdarstellung aus einem Bereich eines Schlittens der Schließvorrichtung,

Fig. 4

die Schließvorrichtung gemäß der Figur 1, eingebaut an einem Schiebetürsystem mit zwei gegeneinander verschiebbaren Schiebetüren in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von vorne,

Fig. 5

das Schiebetürsystem der Figur 4 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Darstellung von hinten,

Fig. 6

einen Ausschnitt aus den Bereichen A und B des Schiebetürsystems der Figur 5 in einer vergrößerten Darstellung,

Fig. 7

das Schiebetürsystem gemäß der Figur 4 in einer Draufsicht, wobei eine erste Schiebetür und eine zweite Schiebetür sich jeweils in einer Geschlossenstellung befinden,

Fig. 8

das Schiebetürsystem gemäß der Figur 4 in einer Draufsicht, wobei sich die erste Schiebetür in einer ersten Offenstellung und die zweite Schiebetür in der Geschlossenstellung befinden,

Fig. 9

das Schiebetürsystem gemäß der Figur 4 in einer Draufsicht, wobei sich die erste Schiebetür in einer zweiten Offenstellung und die zweite Schiebetür in der Geschlossenstellung befinden,

Fig. 10 und 11

das Schiebetürsystem der Figur 4 in dem Zustand gemäß der Figur 9 befindet, wobei jeweils ein Ausschnitt aus dem Bereich der Schließvorrichtung dargestellt ist,

Fig. 12

das Schiebetürsystem gemäß der Figur 4 in einer Draufsicht, wobei sich die erste Schiebetür in der Geschlossenstellung und die zweite Schiebetür in einer ersten Offenstellung befinden, und

Fig. 13

das Schiebetürsystem gemäß der Figur 4 in einer Draufsicht, wobei sich die erste Schiebetür in der Geschlossenstellung und die zweite Schiebetür in einer zweiten Offenstellung befinden.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a possible embodiment of a closing device for the automatic closing of a sliding element in a first installation arrangement,

Fig. 2

the locking device according to the FIG. 1 in a second installation arrangement,

Fig. 3

the locking device according to the FIG. 1 in an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region of a carriage of the closing device,

Fig. 4

the locking device according to the FIG. 1 , installed on a sliding door system with two sliding doors sliding against each other in a perspective view from the front,

Fig. 5

the sliding door system of FIG. 4 in a further perspective view from behind,

Fig. 6

a section of the areas A and B of the sliding door system of FIG. 5 in an enlarged view,

Fig. 7

the sliding door system according to FIG. 4 in a plan view, wherein a first sliding door and a second sliding door are each in a closed position,

Fig. 8

the sliding door system according to FIG. 4 in a plan view, with the first sliding door in a first open position and the second sliding door in the closed position,

Fig. 9

the sliding door system according to FIG. 4 in a plan view, with the first sliding door in a second open position and the second sliding door in the closed position,

10 and 11

the sliding door system of FIG. 4 in the state according to FIG. 9 is shown, wherein in each case a section of the region of the closure device is shown,

Fig. 12

the sliding door system according to FIG. 4 in a plan view, wherein the first sliding door in the closed position and the second sliding door are in a first open position, and

Fig. 13

the sliding door system according to FIG. 4 in a plan view, wherein the first sliding door in the closed position and the second sliding door are in a second open position.

FIG. 1 shows by way of example and schematized in a plan view of a possible embodiment of a sliding element 100 in a mounting situation. The sliding element 100 is shown there in a closed position SG, in which it closes or covers a passage opening 200, for example completely closes or covers. The passage opening 200 is, for example, laterally delimited by two base parts 110, 110 ', in particular wall elements. The sliding element 100 and optionally the base parts 110, 110 'may be components of a refrigerated cabinet, in particular components of a front side of a refrigerated cabinet, which are arranged, for example, fixed to the housing on the cooling cabinet. The sliding element 100 may be a sliding door of a refrigerated shelf. Also, the sliding element 100 may be a sliding cover of a freezer. The passage opening 200 is for example an access to the cold room of the refrigerator, over which stored in the refrigerator furniture or other goods can be removed.

The sliding element 100 is designed to be movable in displacement and can be moved from the closed position into a (in the FIG. 1 not shown) open position move. In the open position, the passage opening 200 is at least partially or completely released by the sliding element 200. Preferably, the sliding element 100 is positively guided in its displacement movement on a predetermined trajectory. The trajectory may be straight or substantially rectilinear or curved or curved. In the FIG. 1 By way of example, it is indicated that the sliding element 100 is displaced from the closed position SG in the direction of the one wall element 100 in order to reach the open position. For this purpose, the sliding element 100 moves in the direction according to arrow 17, which indicates one or the opening direction of the sliding element 100. For example, in the course of this opening movement, the sliding element 100 shifts along a surface side 120 of the one base part 110.

The FIG. 1 also shows a possible embodiment of a closing device 1, which serves for the automatic or power-assisted closing of the sliding element 100. The closing device 1 comprises an elongated guide element 2, in particular a mechanical guide element 2, and a carriage 3 which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the guide element 2 on a predetermined movement path. The guide element 2 is associated, for example, with the one base part 110, in particular attached thereto. For this purpose, the guide element 2 has at least one attachment point 5 or 6 in order to realize a connection or attachment to the one base part 110.

For example, the guide element 2 can be brought into abutment against the one surface side 120 of the one base part 110 with a contact surface 15 and the at least one attachment point 5 or 6 or two attachment points 5, 6 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the guide element 2 are provided with a respectively associated fastening element 150 of the one base part 110 in operative contact and form a non-positive and / or positive connection, as shown in the FIG. 1 hinted at. The fastening element 150 can form a click connection or clip connection with the associated connection point 5 or 6, for example by the fastening element 150 cooperating with notches, undercuts or counter-fastening elements correspondingly provided on the guide element 2. Additionally or alternatively, the contact surface 15 may be formed as a connection surface 7, for example by the guide element 2 is glued to the one base part 110 via the connection surface 7.

The carriage 3 has at least one contact point 8, which is already brought into contact with the sliding element 100 in the closed position SG of the sliding element 100 or comes into contact with the sliding element 100 in the course of the opening movement of the sliding element 100. Preferably, a contact of an end face 130 of the sliding element 100 with the contact point 8 takes place. Preferably, the contact point 8 is formed as a contact surface 9 or comprises a Contact surface 9th order in the installation situation of FIG. 1 To achieve contact of the contact surface 9 with the end face 130 of the sliding element 100, for example, the contact surface 9 is arranged transversely to the contact surface 15 or attachment surface 7.

By the guide element 2 of the carriage 3 on the predetermined trajectory in the longitudinal direction of the guide element 2 is displaceable. The trajectory may be straight or substantially rectilinear or curved or curved. For this purpose, the guide element 2 is preferably designed as a guide rail and, together with the carriage 3, forms a linear guide. The carriage 3 can relative to the guide member 2 from a starting position PA, as shown in the FIG. 1 it can be seen in at least one (in the FIG. 1 not shown) intermediate position or in a (in the FIG. 1 not shown) end position are moved to the predetermined trajectory.

Preferably, the movement path of the carriage 3 of the movement path of the sliding element 100 is adapted or coupled, so that, for example, in the opening movement of the sliding element 100 of the carriage 3 also performs a corresponding displacement movement. For example, for this purpose, the guide element 2 is mounted on the one base part 110 such that the longitudinal axis of the guide element 2 extends in the direction of the movement path of the sliding element 100 during opening. In the closed position SG of the sliding element 100, the carriage 3 is then in the starting position PA. By moving the sliding element in the Open position reaches the carriage 3 in the at least one intermediate position and / or the end position.

Furthermore, the closing device 1 comprises a spring element 4. Preferably, the carriage 3 comprises a housing 10, in which the spring element 4 is accommodated. For example, at a portion, in particular surface portion of the housing 10, the contact point 8 or contact surface 9 is formed. The spring element 4 is on the one hand operatively connected to the guide element 2 and on the other hand with the carriage 3, so that the carriage 3 is moved against the force of the spring element 4 from the starting position PA in the at least one intermediate position or the end position when the sliding element 100 from the Closed position GS coming, in an open position or an open position shifts. When the opening movement of the sliding element 100 so the spring element 4 is stretched or stretched further, so that the force of the spring element 4 is then available as restoring force and can be used or is used to the sliding element 100 alone by the restoring force of the spring element 4 in to push back the closed position GS or at least to facilitate the closing process for a user by the restoring force of the spring element 4.

FIG. 2 shows another installation situation of the locking device 1. In this installation situation, the guide element 2 is associated with the sliding element 100 and insofar the at least one connection point 5 or 6 is used for binding against the sliding element 100. The carriage 3 associated with the contact point 8 acts in this case with the one base part 110 together. Preferably takes place Contact a front side 140 of a base member 110 with the contact point 8 instead. For example, the end face 140 forms part of the boundary of the passage opening 200.

FIG. 3 shows in an enlarged view in the FIG. 1 As shown in particular, it can be the spring element 4 is a coil spring 11, wherein the coil spring 11 comprises a radially outer end 12 and a radially inner end 13. One of the ends 12, 13, in particular the radially inner end 13, is connected to the carriage 3 and the other end, in particular the radially outer end 12, is operatively connected to the guide element 2. Preferably, the spiral spring 11 is attached to the radially outer end 12 via a Einsteckaufnahme 16 on the guide element 2, for example by the Einsteckaufnahme 16 is formed or arranged on the guide member 2 and therein the radially outer end 12 is received, in particular plugged. The radially inner end 13 is supported directly or indirectly against the carriage 3. For example, the radially inner end 13 is fixed to an impeller 14, which is rotatably mounted on the carriage 3, in particular the housing 10.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the locking device 1, installed on a possible embodiment of a sliding door system 300. The sliding door system 300 is for example part of a refrigerated cabinet. The sliding door system 300 comprises at least two sliding doors 310, 320, in particular a first sliding door 310 and a second sliding door 320, which are mutually displaceable. The sliding doors 310 and 320 are, for example, in at least one common guide, preferably guided in two common guides 330, 340 to each one, preferably rectilinear, in particular substantially rectilinear sliding movement to perform. For example, one guide 330 forms an upper guide and the other guide 340 forms a lower guide by means of which the sliding doors 310, 320 are guided at their respective lower end and their respective upper end. For example, the sliding doors 310, 320 are arranged parallel to one another and / or overlapping one another.

In the FIG. 4 the sliding door system 300 is shown in a perspective view from the front. In the FIG. 5 the sliding door system 300 is shown in a perspective view from the rear, with the top guide 330 has been omitted for simplicity, to show the upper edge region of the sliding doors 310 and 320. There is how out of FIG. 5 can be seen, an embodiment of the closure device 1 is provided. The sliding doors 310, 320 are each in a closed position SG ', SG ". In the closed position SG', SG", the spring element 4 is in a relaxed or largely relaxed state, at most the spring element 4 is at least slightly pre-stressed.

FIG. 6 shows in an enlarged view and as a partial section of the in the FIG. 5 With "A" and "B" marked areas, the closing device 1 and its components, which in this case identical or substantially identical to the components in the FIGS. 1 to 3 are. It is the guide member 2 of the locking device 1 associated with the first sliding door 310, in particular attached to the first sliding door 310 by means of at least one connection point 5 and 6 respectively. The second sliding door 320 presses with a End face against the contact point 8 of the carriage 3, on which the spring element 4 is arranged.

FIG. 7 shows the sliding door system 300 in a plan view with the sliding doors 310, 320 respectively in the closed position SG ', SG ", as can be seen, the carriage 3 of the closing device 1 is in the starting position PA. FIG. 8 shows the system 300 in the plan view according to the FIG. 7 , unlike the FIG. 7 There, the first sliding door 310 is moved from the closed position SG 'in a first open position SO1' toward the second sliding door 320. FIG. 9 shows the sliding door system 300 in the plan view of FIG. 7 , in contrast to the illustration of the FIG. 8 There now the first sliding door 310 is moved in a second open position SO2 'in the direction of the second sliding door 320. The second open position SO2 'can be an end position in which a through opening closed by the first sliding door 310 in the closed position SG' is now completely exposed.

By moving the first sliding door 310 relative to the second sliding door 320 from the closed position SG 'to the first open position SO1', the carriage 3 is moved from the starting position PA (FIG. FIG. 7 ) into an intermediate position PZ ( FIG. 8 ) has been moved against the force of the spring element 4. As a result of the further opening of the second sliding door 320 into the second open position SO2 ', the carriage 3 has been moved from the intermediate position PZ into an end position PE against the force of the spring element 4. By the sliding movement of the first sliding door 310 in the first open position SO1 'is the spring element 4 so far has been tense that the spring element 4 thereby unfolds a restoring force which is so great that for closing the first sliding door 310 a hand applied force is reduced or by the restoring force of the spring element 4, the first sliding door 310 automatically back into the closed position SG 'according to FIG. 7 is moved back. In the same way takes place an automatic closing or power assisted closing of the first sliding element 310, when the first sliding door 310 in the second open position SO2 according to the FIG. 9 located.

FIGS. 10 and 11 each show a section of the region of the closure device 1 in the sliding door system 300 in the closed state according to the FIG. 9 , which is marked there with "C". As can be seen, the spring element 4 is in the housing 10 in a largely unrolled state.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show two different open positions of the second sliding door 320, wherein the first sliding door 310 in the closed position SG 'remains. In the FIG. 12 the second sliding door 320 is shifted from the closed position SG "into a first open position SO1" in the direction of the first sliding door 310. The carriage 3 was thereby moved from the starting position PA in an intermediate position PZ 'against the force of the spring element 4.

In the FIG. 13 is the second sliding door 320 in the direction of the first sliding door 310 in a second open position S02 "shifted and thereby the carriage 3 from the intermediate position PZ 'in an end position PE' against the force the spring element 4 has been moved. The end position PE 'may correspond to the end position PE, as shown for example in the FIG. 9 is shown. Also, by moving the second sliding door 320 in the first open position SO1 "or the second open position S02", the spring element 4 has been stretched so far that by the spring element 4, a restoring force is applied, either force-supporting on the closing of the second sliding door 320 in the closed position SG "acts or an automatic closing of the second sliding door 320 in the closed position SG" is effected.

By the closing device 1, both sliding doors 310 and 320 can be opened in the direction against each other against the force of the spring element 4. Preferably, by the sliding movement of the two sliding doors 310, 320, the spring element 4 is stretched so far that the spring element 4 thereby unfolds a restoring force which is so great that the two sliding doors 310 and 320 for a reduced manual force is applied.

In the present specification, reference to a particular aspect or embodiment, or particular embodiment, means that at least one particular feature or characteristic described in connection with the particular aspect or embodiment or embodiment is included therein is, but not necessarily included in all aspects or embodiments or embodiments of the invention. It is expressly understood that any combination of the various features and / or structures and / or properties that are related to are described by the invention, unless this is explicitly or unequivocally contradicted by the context.

The use of any or all examples or example language in the text is intended to be illustrative only of the invention and not limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise stated. Also, no language or formulation of the description is to be understood as an unclaimed element that is essential to the practice of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

closing device

2

guide element

3

carriage

4

spring element

5

connecting point

6

connecting point

7

bonding surface

8th

contact point

9

contact area

10

casing

11

spiral spring

12

outboard end

13

inside end

14

Wheel

15

contact surface

16

Insert mount

17

arrow

100

sliding element

110

base

110 '

base

120

surface side

130

page

140

page

150

fastener

200

Through opening

300

sliding door system

310

sliding door

320

sliding door

330

guide

340

guide

PA

starting position

PZ

intermediate position

PZ '

intermediate position

PE

end position

PE '

end position

SG

closed position

SG '

closed position

SG "

closed position

SO1 '

first open position

SO2 '

second open position

SO1 "

first open position

SO2 "

second open position

Claims (15)

Closing device (1) for the automatic or power-assisted closing of a sliding element (100), such as a sliding door or a sliding cover of a refrigerated cabinet, wherein the closing device (1) at least one elongated guide element (2), one in the longitudinal direction of the guide element (2) on one guided movement path guided movable carriage (3) and a spring element (4) and is adapted to the carriage (3) against the force of the spring element (4) from an initial position (PA) to an intermediate position or an end position on the predetermined trajectory move the sliding element (100) from a closed position (SG) into an open position, wherein the at least one guide element (2) has at least one attachment point (5; 6) for attachment to the sliding element (100) or at least one attachment point (5). 5, 6) for attachment to a base part (110), opposite which the sliding eelement (100) moves when the sliding element (100) is brought into the open position, and wherein the carriage (3) comprises at least one contact point (8) against which the base part (110) or the sliding element (100) acts to bring the sliding element (100) in the open position. Closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carriage (3) comprises a housing (10) in which the spring element (4) is at least partially received, wherein the at least one Contact point (8) is formed on a portion of the housing (10). Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (4) comprises a spiral spring (11) with a radially outer end (12) and a radially inner end (13), wherein one of the ends (12, 13) with the Carriage (3) and the other end (12) with the at least one guide element (2) are operatively connected. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connection point (5; 6) comprises a contact surface (15) for abutment against the sliding element (100) or the base part (110) which extends transversely to one of the at least one contact point (5). 8) forming contact surface (9) is arranged. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one attachment point (5; 6) comprises an adhesive surface. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one attachment point (5; 6) is arranged with at least one, the sliding element (100) or the base part (110) associated fastening element (150) in a positive and / or non-positive Get connected. Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one guide element (2) is a guide rail and the at least one guide element (2) and the carriage (3) form a linear guide. Arrangement with a laterally displaceable sliding element (100), at least one guide (120) for the sliding element (100) and a base part (110), wherein the guide (120) is adapted to move the sliding element (100) relative to the base part (110 ) to move from a closed position (SG) in an open position on a predetermined trajectory, and with at least one closing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for automatic or power-assisted closing of the sliding element (100). Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that on the base part (110) the at least one guide element (2) of the closing device (1) with its at least one connection point (5; 6) is fastened and in the closed position (SG) the sliding element (100 ) is arranged with one side (130) of the at least one contact point (8) of the carriage (3) facing the locking device (1), so that the sliding element (100) with the one side (130) against the at least one contact point (8) acts to bring the sliding element (100) in the open position. Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that on the sliding element (100) the at least one guide element (2) of the closing device (1) with its at least one connection point (5; 6) is fastened and in the closed position (SG) the base part (110) is arranged facing a side (140) of the at least one contact point (8) of the carriage (3) of the closing device (1) in that the base part (110) acts with the one side (140) against the at least one contact point (8) in order to bring the sliding element (100) into the open position. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the at least one guide element (2) of the closing device (1) on the sliding element (100) or the base part (110) by means of gluing or the like cohesive joining method is attached and / or on the Sliding element (100) or the base part (110) is fixed by at least one fastening element (150) of the sliding element (100) or the base part (110) with the at least one attachment point (5; 6) of the at least one guide element (2) in a positive and / or non-positive connection is brought. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the base part (110) is designed as a further laterally displaceable sliding element (150), wherein by the guide (120) or a further guide the further sliding element (150) from a closed position in an open position is displaceable. Arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the sliding element (100) a Sliding door or a sliding lid for a refrigerated cabinet is. Refrigerator with at least one closing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or with an arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 13. Use of a device which At least one elongated guide element (2) with at least one attachment point (5; 6) for attachment to a first part, A carriage (3) guided on the at least one guide element (2) on a predetermined movement path and having at least one contact point (8) for application against a second part and A spring element (4) and is arranged to move the carriage (3) against the force of the spring element (4) from an initial position (PA) to an intermediate position or an end position on the predetermined path of movement, as a closing device (1) for automatically or power-assisted closing of a sliding element (100) in an open position, such as a sliding door or a sliding cover of a refrigerated cabinet, wherein the at least one connection point (5; 6) serves for attachment to the sliding element (100) or is used for attachment to a base part (110) against which the sliding element (100) moves when the sliding element (100) is brought into the open position, and wherein the at least one contact point (8) for effective contact with the base part (110) or the Sliding element (100) serves to bring the sliding element (100) in the open position.

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