Swing door system and freezer device

Abstract

To enhance product visibility in a swing door system.SOLUTION: A swing door system (2) for use with a freezer device comprises two adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b) and at least one mullion (5) being in contact with the swing doors (1a, 1b). Each swing door (1a, 1b) comprises a transparent pane (3a, 3b) and a non-transparent area. Each non-transparent area is proximal to the mullion (5) when the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in a closed position. The non-transparent areas and the mullion (5) define a non-transparent region (9). in a horizontal viewing angle between 0° and 180° with respect to the plane in which the swing doors (1a, 1b) are arranged when the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in the closed position, all of the horizontal diameters (10, 10') of the non-transparent region (9) are less than 100 mm, most preferably less than 60 mm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a swing door system for use with a freezer apparatus, the swing door system having two adjacent swing doors and at least one partition contacting the swing doors, each swing door having a transparent glass and an opaque area, each opaque area being located proximate to a partition when the swing doors are in a closed position, the opaque areas and the partition defining an opaque region.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a freezer apparatus having at least one swing door system. [Background technology]

[0003] Freezer units are used to provide frozen goods in, for example, supermarkets and other stores. Conventional frames and doors for freezer units typically have sturdy, large molded member structures that obstruct a consumer's view throughout the process of purchasing the goods within the freezer unit.

[0004] In particular, conventional freezer devices have very large molded member structures because the interior must be cooled so that frozen products such as vegetables, frozen meat, frozen pizza, etc. can be stored therein. To allow for a large temperature difference between the interior of the freezer and the ambient temperature, these freezers have insulated and therefore thick doors. Therefore, correspondingly wide and sturdy molded members must be used to accommodate these thick doors and the above-mentioned obstruction of a person's view into the freezer. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention address the problem of improving and further developing swing door systems and freezer apparatus such that increased visibility of the product is achieved, particularly when a person approaches and stands in front of the apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a swing door system for use with a freezer apparatus, comprising two adjacent swing doors and at least one partition in contact with the swing doors, each swing door having a transparent glass and an opaque area, each opaque area being located proximate to a partition when the swing doors are in a closed position, the opaque areas and the partition defining opaque regions, and preferably at any given height of the transparent glass, i.e. across the entire vertical height, all horizontal diameters of the opaque regions are less than 100 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, more preferably less than 70 mm, and most preferably less than 60 mm, at a horizontal viewing angle of 0° to 180° relative to a plane in which the swing doors are located when the swing doors are in the closed position.

[0007] The present disclosure further describes a partition for a swing door system, preferably for a swing door system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the width and / or depth of the partition is less than 70mm, preferably less than 60mm, more preferably less than 50mm, most preferably less than 45mm.

[0008] In one alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a freezer apparatus comprising at least one swing door system according to any one of claims 1 to 22 arranged in a cabinet such that the opening direction of the swing door system is horizontal.

[0009] One of the advantages is that the visibility of the product is increased at least when the customer looks into the freezer at a horizontal viewing angle of 0°-180°. This minimizes opaque areas without reducing the mechanical stability of the freezer unit. It is noted that the swing door system according to claim 1 is preferably arranged such that the opening direction of the swing door system is horizontal.

[0010] The technical features described with respect to the partition of a freezer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23 may be realised by the partition as described in the present disclosure.

[0011] The term "freezer apparatus", particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, refers to an apparatus in which the temperature of food products is kept typically between -12°C and -30°C under normal conditions of use. Normal conditions are defined as the operating conditions which occur when the cabinet is assembled and arranged with all permanent accessories and used according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Typical examples of such food products are products which are stored in temperature classes L1, L2 and L3 according to EN 23953, part 2 (September 2012).

[0012] The term "partition" particularly in the claims, but preferably in the description, refers to a vertically shaped member attached to the mounting frame of the freezer apparatus, at which two adjacent doors of the freezer apparatus come into contact. Traditionally, partitions have been used to form a central support surface on which the doors can sealingly be supported when they are in the closed position.

[0013] The term "vertical side", particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, refers to a vertical moulding of the mounting frame located at an outer position of the freezer cabinet (typically the left or right side).

[0014] The term "horizontal shaping members" particularly in the claims and preferably in the description refers to the horizontal shaping members of the mounting frame of the freezer apparatus. Typically, one upper horizontal shaping member and one lower horizontal shaping member are provided.

[0015] The term "mounting frame" refers to a support structure having upper and lower horizontal moldings and left and right vertical sides. At least a pair of reversible doors may be pivotally mounted to the mounting frame in selective left- and right-hand opening orientations.

[0016] A cabinet may have several mounting frames attached to it. Alternatively, the horizontal molding members of one device may be arranged to form a row of molding members.

[0017] It should be noted that the dividers and / or vertical sides and / or horizontal shaped members may be integrated into the cabinet structure of the freezer apparatus.

[0018] The term "opaque", particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, refers to a region, area or the like where the view to items, products or the like within the freezer apparatus is obstructed or hindered by one or more opaque elements of the freezer apparatus, such as spacers, moldings, packings, dividers or swinging doors.

[0019] Those skilled in the art understand that a person's viewing direction includes a vertical part and a horizontal part. Thus, the term "horizontal viewing angle" is defined by the angle between the projection of the viewing direction onto a horizontal plane and the plane on which the swing door is located when the swing door is in the closed position. Furthermore, the plane on which the swing door is located when the swing door is in the closed position refers to the transparent glass surface on the outside of the freezer device.

[0020] The term "horizontal diameter", particularly in the claims but preferably in the description, refers to the length measured in a horizontal plane at a given height. Thus, the horizontal diameter of an opaque area at a given height represents the length of the area where the view of the product is obstructed, depending on the horizontal viewing angle.

[0021] The term "width", particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, refers to the horizontal length measured in the plane in which the swing door is located when it is in the closed position. The width of the opaque area thus corresponds to its horizontal diameter when viewed at an angle of 90° to the plane in which the swing door is located when it is in the closed position.

[0022] The term "depth", particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, refers to a length measured in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the swing door is located when the swing door is in the closed position. The depth of the opaque area thus corresponds to its horizontal diameter when viewed at an angle of 0° or 180° to the plane in which the swing door is located when the swing door is in the closed position.

[0023] The term "vertical" refers, particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, to a direction consistent with the direction of the force of gravity, either upwards or downwards, as embodied by a plumb line.

[0024] The term "horizontal", particularly in the claims and preferably in the description, refers to a direction perpendicular to the vertical.

[0025] In one alternative embodiment, at least one horizontal diameter of the opaque region is less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, and most preferably less than 45 mm, at a horizontal viewing angle of 0° to 180° relative to the plane in which the swing door is located when the swing door is in the closed position, thus providing less obstruction to a person's view into the freezer apparatus compared to known apparatus having large opaque components such as molded members.

[0026] In another embodiment, at any given height of the transparent glass, and for a horizontal viewing angle of 0° to 180° relative to the plane in which the swing door is located when the swing door is in the closed position, the ratio between the maximum horizontal diameter of the opaque area and the minimum horizontal diameter of the opaque area is less than 2, preferably less than 1.5, more preferably less than 1.2, thereby further minimizing the opaque area.

[0027] In one alternative embodiment, the width of the opaque area is less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, most preferably less than 45 mm, which has the advantage that the visibility of the product is improved when a customer looks into the freezer appliance at a viewing angle of approximately 90°.

[0028] In one embodiment, the width of the opaque areas is in the range of 25mm to 60mm, preferably 25mm to 50mm, optimally 25mm to 40mm. The individually sized opaque areas improve visibility during the selection stage, i.e. when the customer is standing in front of the closed swinging door. Another advantage is that a stable and mechanically reliable construction of the device is provided.

[0029] In one alternative embodiment, the depth of the opaque region is less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, and most preferably less than 45 mm. The depth of the opaque region is preferably in the range of 25 mm to 60 mm, more preferably 25 mm to 50 mm, and most preferably 25 mm to 40 mm. An advantage of a freezer unit having an opaque region dimensioned as above is that it provides improved visibility of the product compared to prior art arrangements when a customer is looking into the freezer unit at an angle of approximately 45°.

[0030] In one alternative embodiment, the cross section of the partition is T-shaped or Y-shaped or triangular. A T-shaped partition has the advantage that it provides a very robust structure. A Y-shaped partition has the additional advantage that wiring or light fixtures can be hidden behind the partition, so that the customer's view is not obstructed by wiring. A triangular partition offers increased flexibility and can be used, for example, as a cable conduit.

[0031] In another embodiment, a portion of the partition extends between two adjacent swing doors when the swing doors are in the closed position. This further increases the robustness and mechanical stability of the partition. Another advantage is that if the partition extends between adjacent swing doors, the depth of the swing door system is minimized. In the prior art, the partition has the shape of a rectangular shaped member with a cavity. These partitions achieve the required bending stiffness due to their large width and depth. The partition that extends between adjacent swing doors and / or has a T-shape achieves its bending stiffness due to its special design, and therefore its width and depth can be smaller than the rectangular partitions of the prior art.

[0032] In another embodiment, the heat insulating molded element is attached to the partition. One advantage of the heat insulating molded element is that it blocks the partition from the interior of the freezer device. Furthermore, the heat insulating molded element serves to mechanically stabilize the partition. In one further embodiment, the heat insulating molded element is attached to the partition in a form-locking and / or press-fit manner at least at a number of different fastening points. For example, it is possible to attach the heat insulating molded element to the partition at a number of different fastening points by means of screws and / or rivets and / or other fastening elements. The fastening points can be preferably equally spaced and arranged over at least 80% of the partition's height. Furthermore, the heat insulating molded element can be securely glued to the partition. The heat insulating molded element can be attached to the partition at a number of different fastening points by means of glue and / or adhesive tape and / or welding and / or soldering. In one preferred embodiment, the fastening points can be preferably equally spaced and arranged over at least 80% of the partition's height. Furthermore, it is also possible to securely glue the heat insulating molded element to the partition over its entire length.

[0033] Attaching the insulating molding element to the partition in one of the above-mentioned ways has the advantage that it is significantly more robust in terms of bending stiffness than a partition that does not include an insulating molding element.

[0034] The insulating moldings can be made of plastic, preferably a polymer, more preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fiber-reinforced plastic, or metal. These materials have the advantage of low thermal conductivity. Furthermore, said materials are easy to process.

[0035] In another embodiment, the insulating molded part has a space, for example a recess or cavity, and the space of the insulating molded part is filled with an insulating material. Filling the insulating molded part with an insulating material has the advantage that improved thermal insulation and improved mechanical stability can be achieved. Furthermore, the insulating molded part may have a C-shaped cross section at least partially to enclose the partition. The insulating material may be a foam, preferably a polyurethane (PUR) foam. Foam, especially polyurethane foam, has the advantage that it is easy to apply to the insulating molded part and provides good thermal insulation and mechanical stability.

[0036] In one alternative embodiment, the partition is formed as one piece at least in the region extending from the bottom to the top of two adjacent doors. This has the advantage that the partition is extremely robust. Alternatively, the partition has at least two parts that are connected to each other in a form-fitting and / or press-fitting manner and / or are securely connected, for example welded or glued, at least in the region extending from the bottom to the top of two adjacent swing doors. This has the advantage that partitions of any geometric shape can be easily manufactured.

[0037] In one alternative embodiment, the partition may have a cavity, which may be used, for example, as a cable guide. Alternatively, the partition may be solid, i.e. without a cavity. This has the advantage that the partition is very robust and easy to manufacture.

[0038] In one alternative embodiment, the partition has at least one sealing surface, especially when the partition has a flattened triangle. Alternatively, the partition may have at least two sealing surfaces. Moreover, preferably, each of the two sealing surfaces may be inclined with respect to the plane in which the swing door is located when the swing door is in the closed position. Thus, the interior of the freezer can be hermetically sealed in such a way that warm, humid air does not reach the interior of the freezer when the adjacent swing door is closed. This construction is particularly advantageous when a gasket and a magnetic means are provided in the region of the sealing surface, since the shear forces acting on the gasket during the initial phase of the swing door opening are minimized.

[0039] In another embodiment, the packing is attached to the partition and / or the heat-insulating molded part. Alternatively or additionally, the packing may be attached to at least one swing door. The provision of the packing has the advantage that the interior of the cooling device can be sealed from the outside, so that the ingress of moisture and the airflow in the cooling device is reduced. The packing can preferably be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Packings made of PVC or TPE or ABS have the advantage that they are very robust. In another embodiment, the packing and the heat-insulating molded part are arranged to form a barrier between the partition and the interior of the freezer device when the adjacent swing door is in the closed position. This has the advantage that an ideal insulation of the partition against the cold air in the freezer device is achieved.

[0040] In one alternative embodiment, magnetic means are provided for magnetically coupling the swing door to the partition when the door is in the closed position. Providing magnetic means is advantageous since the sealing of the interior of the freezer unit against the ambient air is further improved. In one preferred embodiment, the magnetic means comprises at least one permanent magnet.

[0041] In one alternative embodiment, the transparent glass of the swing door includes a gas-filled insulating glass unit (IG) or a vacuum insulating glass unit (VIG). This provides the advantage that the interior of the device is insulated from the warm ambient air. Typically, a gas-filled insulating glass unit and / or a vacuum insulating glass unit has at least two glass panes, often three, separated from each other by one or more spacers. The glass panes may have a thickness of 3 mm to 5 mm, often 4 mm, and / or may have an anti-fog coating or an anti-fog foil and / or a heatable coating and / or a low-emission coating and / or an anti-reflection coating. In a vacuum insulating glass unit (VIG), the spacer members may have a depth of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. These spacer members of the VIG are used in combination with a peripheral seal. In a gas-filled insulating glass unit (IG), the peripheral spacer members may have a depth of 4 to 20 mm. The space between the glass panes may be filled with gas in case of an insulating glass unit (IG) or evacuated in case of a vacuum insulating glass unit (VIG). In order not to obstruct the view through the glass unit, the spacer may be made of a transparent material. In general, the transparent glass of the swing door may include several glass panes above and below.

[0042] In one alternative embodiment, at least one of the swing doors is at least partially printed in the opaque areas, preferably with an opaque ink. Printing the swing doors in the opaque areas is advantageous, since the use of opaque inks in particular allows for the creation of appealing designs in a cost-effective manner.

[0043] In one further preferred embodiment, the partition is made of metal, preferably aluminum or steel, or plastic, preferably fiber-reinforced plastic, or plastic-coated metal, preferably plastic-coated aluminum or plastic-coated steel, or made of a combination of the above-mentioned materials in combination with further additional attachment parts. Providing a partition made of metal has the advantage that it is extremely rigid. Providing a partition made of aluminum has the further advantage that it is lightweight. Providing a partition made of steel is advantageous in that it can be used as a magnetic counterpart to magnetic means, for example a permanent magnet, thus providing a magnetic lock for a swinging door in embodiments where a gasket is arranged on the door. Steel partitions may be painted or otherwise coated to achieve an appealing surface and to protect against corrosion. Plastic has the advantage that it can be easily processed and provides low thermal conductivity. Partitions made of fiber-reinforced plastic are lightweight and rigid. The covering of the metal by plastic prevents corrosion of the partition. In one alternative embodiment, the partition has at least one opening to reduce the mass of the structure. The partition may have other components, such as packing or magnets. These components may of course be made of a different material than the partition.

[0044] In one alternative embodiment, each swing door is at least partially surrounded by a molding, preferably a molding with an L-shaped cross section. For example, only one or both vertical sides of the swing door may have a molding. The molding provides a protection measure for the narrow side of the swing door. An L-shaped molding has the advantage that the edge of the swing door is protected further ahead. Providing a solid molding allows the molding to be easily manufactured.

[0045] In another embodiment, the packing is arranged to form a barrier between the shaped member, e.g., an L-shaped shaped member, and the interior of the freezer when the adjacent swinging doors are in the closed position. With this structure, improved insulation of the interior of the freezer against warm ambient air is achieved.

[0046] In another embodiment, the upper edge of the front glass sheet facing the store environment is extended to close flush or higher than the mounting frame and / or the equipment parts facing the store. The use of an extended front glass makes it possible to hide other equipment parts, which contributes to an appealing design.

[0047] In another embodiment, heating means are provided for heating at least a portion of the partition and / or at least a portion of the horizontal moldings / moldings, and lighting means are provided for illuminating at least a portion of the cabinet. Heating the partition and / or the horizontal moldings / moldings keeps the surface temperature of these components above the dew point, thereby preventing condensation. Providing lighting means is advantageous in that the items stored in the freezer device can be presented in an appealing way to the customer. Alternatively or additionally, no heating means are provided for heating the swing door. In particular, if the partition is fitted with an insulating molding, heating of the swing door may not be necessary.

[0048] In another embodiment, the rotation axis of at least one of the swing doors is located within the opaque region. Locating the rotation axis within the opaque region has the advantage that the parts or components that provide the angular movement about the rotation axis can be hidden. Typically, the rotation axis of at least one of the swing doors is located eccentrically with respect to the depth of the opaque region. This arrangement of the rotation axis can protect the swing door from being hindered by the partition from its angular movement.

[0049] In one alternative embodiment, the pivot axis is arranged in the area between adjacent swing doors. Arranging the pivot axis in the area between adjacent swing doors has the advantage that jamming of the doors is prevented by simple mechanical means.

[0050] In one preferred embodiment, at least one of the swing doors has hinges at each end of the opposite sides of the at least one of the swing doors, so that the pivoting or swiveling mounting of the swing door can be easily achieved, thus improving the installation.

[0051] There are several ways in which the teachings of the present invention can be advantageously designed and further developed, so reference is made on the one hand to the dependent patent claims and on the other hand to the following description of preferred examples of embodiments of the present invention as shown in the drawings, in which preferred embodiments and further developments of the teachings are generally described. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of adjacent swing doors of a swing door system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the swing door system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a swing door system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the swing door system shown in FIG. 3 mounted on a mounting frame. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a swing door system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the swing door system shown in FIG. 5 mounted on a mounting frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a divider according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a divider according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a freezer apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a swing door system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] 1 and 2 show different views of a portion of adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b of a swing door system 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Each of the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b has a plurality of transparent panes 3a, 3b. The transparent panes 3a, 3b are separated from each other by spacers 4a, 4b. The swing door system 2 further includes a partition 5 having a T-shaped cross section, a portion 6 of which extends between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. It should be noted that the portion 6 may be shorter so that it does not extend between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b.

[0055] Fig. 1 further shows that the partition 5 has two sealing surfaces 7a, 7b, which have packings 8a, 8b, respectively. The swing doors 1a, 1b each have a molding member 14a, 14b, a layer 15a, 15b and a printing portion 16a, 16b that form an opaque area on each swing door 1a, 1b. The opaque areas of the swing doors 1a, 1b are each located proximate to the partition 5 when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. The opaque areas and the partition 5 together define an opaque region 9, shown as a dashed rectangle in Figs. 1 and 2. Depending on the horizontal viewing angle, the horizontal diameter 10 of the opaque region 9 may be different. 2 shows that the depth 11 of the opaque area 9 is defined as the horizontal diameter 10 of the opaque area 9 when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position, i.e., when located to the right or left of the dashed rectangle, as viewed at a horizontal viewing angle of 0° or 180° relative to the plane in which the swing doors 1a, 1b are located. The width 12 of the opaque area 9 is defined as the horizontal diameter 10 of the opaque area 9 when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position, as viewed at a horizontal viewing angle of 90° relative to the plane in which the swing doors 1a, 1b are located. Thus, the width 12 corresponds to the front side of the dashed rectangle.

[0056] Due to the design of the partition 5, the depth 11 and width 12 of the opaque area 9 are very short and at least substantially correspond to the depth 30 and width 31 of the partition 5. Due to the small depth 11 of the opaque area 9, the visibility of the interior of the freezer installation is improved when a customer looks into the freezer from an angle. The small width 12 of the opaque area 9 improves the visibility during the selection phase, i.e. while a person is standing in front of the closed swinging doors 1a, 1b.

[0057] 1 and 2 further show that the packings 8a, 8b respectively have magnets 13a, 13b. Each magnet 13a, 13b is arranged near the portion 6 of the partition 5. A solid L-shaped molded element 14a, 14b protects each adjacent swing door 1a, 1b. It should be noted that the L-shaped molded elements 14a, 14b form part of the opaque area 9 to block the person's view of the product. In the closed position of the swing doors 1a, 1b, the legs of each L-shaped molded element 14a, 14b are parallel to the sealing surfaces 7a, 7b and the portion 6 of the partition 5. The L-shaped molded elements 14a, 14b further have layers 15a, 15b of a material, preferably metal, for example steel, which cooperate with the magnets 13a, 13b when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. This ensures that the swing doors 1a, 1b are kept in the closed position, so that the sealing of the interior of the freezer apparatus is improved while the swing doors 1a, 1b can still be easily opened. Instead of providing layers 15a, 15b, the L-shaped molded members 14a, 14b themselves may be manufactured from a material that cooperates with the magnets 13a, 13b.

[0058] Adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b may have printed portions 16a, 16b containing opaque ink in the opaque areas 9, respectively, as shown only in FIG.

[0059] According to FIG. 2, the pivot axis 17 of the left swing door 1a is located in the opaque area 9 at a distance 18 of 5 mm from the outer surface of the L-shaped moldings 14a, 14b. With respect to the thickness 19 of the swing door 1a, the pivot axis 17 is located eccentrically, i.e. aligned with the outer transparent glass 3a. The depth 11 of the opaque area 9 is here 42 mm, and the width 12 of the opaque area 9 is 45 mm. Furthermore, the thickness 19 of each swing door 1a, 1b without the L-shaped moldings 14a, 14b is 26 mm. The gap 20 between the swing doors 1a, 1b in the closed position is 5 mm. When the customer looks towards the opaque area 9 at a horizontal viewing angle of 45° horizontally, the horizontal diameter 10' of the opaque area 9 is 55 mm, i.e. this length is determined by the left edge of the printed portion 16a and the right edge of the sealing surface 7b.

[0060] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, another embodiment of the swing door system 2 is shown. The swing door system 2 has two adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b, each of which has a number of transparent panes 3a, 3b separated from each other by spacers 4a, 4b. Furthermore, a partition 5 is arranged. The partition 5 is T-shaped and has a portion 6 that extends between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. The portion 6 can also be shorter, so that it does not extend between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b. The depth 30 of the partition 5 is shorter than the depth 11 of the opaque area 9. The width 31 of the partition 5 is equal to the width 12 of the opaque area 9. The partition further has sealing surfaces 7a, 7b, to which packings 8a, 8b are attached, for example by gluing or snapping. The adjacent swing doors have wedges 23a, 23b made of a material that cooperates with the magnets 13a, 13b of the packing. For example, the wedges 23a, 23b are made of steel. The sealing surfaces 7a, 7b of the partition 5 are inclined with respect to the transparent glass 3a, 3b when the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. Thus, the shear forces acting on the packings 8a, 8b when the swing doors 1a, 1b are opened, i.e. when the magnets 13a, 13b are separated from the wedges 23a, 23b, are minimized. Furthermore, due to the design of the partition 5, the horizontal diameter 10 of the opaque area 9, in particular the depth 11 and the width 12, are minimized. Furthermore, the design of the partition 5 avoids shear forces acting on the packings during the initial phase when the swing doors are minimally opened.

[0061] 4 further shows that the left swing door 1a has a hinge member 21 so that the swing door 1a can be pivotally attached to a horizontal molding member 22 of the frame. The right swing door 1b may also have a hinge on its right side (not shown).

[0062] In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, yet another embodiment of the swing door system 2 is shown. The swing door system 2 has two adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b, each of which has a number of transparent panes 3a, 3b separated from each other by spacers 4a, 4b. Furthermore, a partition 5 is arranged. The partition 5 is T-shaped and has a portion 6 that extends between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. The depth 30 of the partition 5 is smaller than the depth 11 of the opaque area 9. The width 31 of the partition 5 is equal to the width 12 of the opaque area 9. The swing door system 2 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 thus corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the rotation axis of the left door 1a is arranged between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b. This minimizes the shear force acting on the gaskets 8a, 8b when the swing doors 1a, 1b are opened, and prevents the right door 1b from interfering with the left door 1a when the left door 1a is opened.

[0063] 6 further shows that the left swing door 1a has a hinge 21 so that the swing door 1a can be pivotally attached to a horizontal molding 22 of the frame. The right swing door 1b may also have a hinge on its right side (not shown).

[0064] 7 shows a cross-section parallel to the opening direction of a partition 5 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The partition 5 has a triangular cross-section. The sealing surfaces 7a, 7b of the partition 5 are therefore inclined towards the transparent glass (not shown) of the adjacent swing door when the swing door is in the closed position. The triangular partition 5 has the advantage that the inner part 24 of the partition 5 can be used as a cable duct, heat pipe, heating element or other element.

[0065] 8 shows a cross-section parallel to the opening direction of a partition 5 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The partition 5 has a Y-shaped cross-section. The sealing surfaces 7a, 7b of the partition 5 are thus inclined towards the glass (not shown) of the adjacent swing doors when the swing doors are in the closed position. The portion 6 of the Y-shaped partition 5 may extend between the adjacent swing doors (not shown). Furthermore, the portion 6 may be realized shorter, so that it does not extend between the adjacent swing doors.

[0066] 9 shows a perspective view of a freezer apparatus 25 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The freezer apparatus 25 has a cabinet 26 and three swing door systems 2, each of which has two adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b and a partition 5. A customer can see the products 27 through the transparent glass 3a, 3b of the swing doors 1a, 1b. Due to the shallow depth 11 and small width 12 of the opaque area 9, a person's view of the products 27 is improved when the person looks into the freezer apparatus 25 from an angle. Furthermore, the small width 12 of the opaque area 9 improves the view of the products 27 when the person stands in front of the freezer apparatus 25.

[0067] The freezer unit 25 further comprises an energy source 28 connected to an interface 29, which is capable of supplying energy to heating and / or lighting elements within the swinging doors 1a, 1b.

[0068] In Fig. 10, yet another embodiment of the swing door system 2 is shown. The swing door system 2 has two adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b, each of which has a number of transparent panes 3a, 3b separated from each other by spacers 4a, 4b. Furthermore, a partition 5 is arranged. The partition 5 is substantially triangular and has a portion 6 that extends between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. The portion 6 can also be shorter, so that it does not extend between the adjacent swing doors 1a, 1b but at least points in the direction of them. Furthermore, a heat-insulating molded member 33 is attached to the partition 5. The heat-insulating molded member 33 has a space 38 filled with a heat-insulating material 34. In this embodiment, the space 38 is defined by a cavity, and the heat-insulating molded member 33 is a hollow molded member. The heat-insulating molded member 33 is securely attached to the partition 5 by an adhesive material 39, for example an adhesive tape. The insulating molded part 33 may be attached to the partition 5 at several different fixing points or over the entire length of the insulating molded part 33. Additionally, the insulating molded part 33 has protrusions 35 which fit into recesses 36 in the partition 5 to provide a press-fit and / or form-fit connection.

[0069] The partition 5 furthermore has passages 37 for attaching the partition 5 to a horizontal molding, for example by means of screws.

[0070] The swing doors 1a, 1b each have an L-shaped molded element 14a, 14b. Furthermore, packings 8a, 8b are attached to the partition 5 and to the heat-insulating molded element 33. When the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position, the packings 8a, 8b form a barrier between the partition 5 and the interior of the freezer. Additionally, the packings 8a, 8b are arranged to form a barrier between the L-shaped molded elements 14a, 14b and the interior of the freezer when the swing doors 1a, 1b are in the closed position. Due to the provision of these two barriers, a very good thermal insulation is achieved, so that heating of the swing doors 1a, 1b is not necessary.

[0071] Furthermore, the packings 8a, 8b each have a magnet 13a, 13b. Furthermore, the L-shaped molded members 14a, 14b each have a layer 15a, 15b of a material, preferably of metal, for example steel, which cooperates with the magnet 13a, 13b when the swing door 1a, 1b is in the closed position. This ensures that the swing door 1a, 1b is kept in the closed position, so that the sealing of the interior of the freezer device is improved, while the swing door 1a, 1b can still be easily opened. Instead of providing the layer 15a, 15b, the L-shaped molded members 14a, 14b themselves may be manufactured from a material that cooperates with the magnet 13a, 13b.

[0072] Many modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but that modifications and alternative embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms have been employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1a,1b Swing door 2 Swing Door System 3a, 3b Transparent glass 4a, 4b Spacer 5 Dividers 6 parts 7a, 7b sealing surface 8a, 8b Gasket 9 Opaque area 10,10' Horizontal diameter 11 Depth 12 Width 13a, 13b Magnet 14a, 14b Molding member 15a,15b layer 16a,16b Printing section 17 Rotation axis 18 intervals 19 Thickness 20 Gap 21 Hinge 22 Horizontal forming members 23a,23b wedge 24 Inner part (partition) 25 Freezer equipment 26 Cabinet 27 Products 28 Energy Sources 29 Interface 30 Depth 31 Width 32 Vertical side 33 Heat-insulating molding components 34 Insulation 35 Protrusion 36 Recess 37 Passage 38 Space 39 Adhesive materials

Claims

1. A swing door system (2) for use with a freezer apparatus (25), said swing door system (2) having two adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b) and at least one partition (5) in contact with the swing doors (1a, 1b), Each of the swing doors (1a, 1b) has a transparent glass (3a, 3b) and an opaque area, each of the opaque areas being located proximate to the partition (5) when the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in a closed position; The opaque area and the partition (5) define an opaque region (9); at a horizontal viewing angle between 0° and 180° relative to the plane in which the swing doors (1a, 1b) are located when the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in the closed position, all horizontal diameters (10, 10') of the opaque areas (9) are less than 100 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, more preferably less than 70 mm, and most preferably less than 60 mm; Swing door system (2).

2. At a horizontal viewing angle of 0° to 180° relative to a plane in which the swing doors (1a, 1b) are located when the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in a closed position, at least one of the horizontal diameters (10, 10') of the opaque area (9) is less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, and most preferably less than 45 mm. A swing door system (2) according to claim 1.

3. at a horizontal viewing angle of 0° to 180° relative to the plane in which the swing doors (1a, 1b) are located when the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in the closed position, the ratio between the maximum horizontal diameter (10, 10') of the opaque area (9) and the minimum horizontal diameter (10, 10') of the opaque area (9) is less than 2, preferably less than 1.5, more preferably less than 1.2; A swing door system (2) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the width (12) of said opaque area (9) is less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, most preferably less than 45 mm; and / or the width (12) of said opaque area (9) is in the range of 25 mm to 60 mm, preferably in the range of 25 mm to 50 mm, and most preferably in the range of 25 mm to 40 mm; A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the depth (11) of said opaque area (9) is less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, most preferably less than 45 mm; and / or the depth (11) of the opaque area (9) is in the range of 25 mm to 60 mm, preferably in the range of 25 mm to 50 mm, and most preferably in the range of 25 mm to 40 mm; A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the cross section of said partition (5) is T-shaped or Y-shaped or triangular; and / or The partition (5) is integrally formed at least in an area extending from the bottom to the top of two adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b). A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the partition (5) comprises two parts which are connected to each other in a form-fitting and / or press-fitting manner and / or are securely connected to each other at least in the region extending from the bottom to the top of two adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b); and / or said partition (5) having a cavity; and / or The partition (5) is solid. A swing door system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. When the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in a closed position, the portion (6) of the partition (5) extends between two adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b). A swing door system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A heat insulating molding member (33) is attached to the partition (5). A swing door system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. the heat insulating molded part (33) is attached to the partition (5) in a form-fitting and / or press-fit manner and / or the heat insulating molded part (33) is securely glued to the partition (5), for example by means of an adhesive material (39); A swing door system (2) according to claim 9.

11. The heat insulating molded part (33) is made of plastic, preferably a polymer, more preferably polyvinyl chloride, or metal. A swing door system (2) according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the heat insulating molded part (33) has a space (38), preferably the heat insulating molded part (33) has an at least partially C-shaped cross section, the space (38) of the heat insulating molded part (33) being filled with a heat insulating material (34), preferably a foam, more preferably a polyurethane foam; A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. the partition (5) has at least one, preferably at least two sealing surfaces (7a, 7b), each of which is preferably inclined with respect to a plane in which the swing doors (1a, 1b) are located when the swing doors (1a, 1b) are in the closed position; A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A packing (8a, 8b) is attached to the partition (5) and / or a packing (8a, 8b) is attached to the heat-insulating molded part (33), A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the packing (8a, 8b) and the heat insulating molding (33) are arranged to form a barrier between the partition (5) and the interior of the freezer unit (25) when the adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b) are in a closed position. A swing door system (2) according to claim 14.

16. A packing (8a, 8b) is attached to at least one of the swing doors (1a, 1b). A swing door system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. and / or magnetic means (13a, 13b) are provided for magnetically coupling said swing doors (1a, 1b) to said partition (5) when said swing doors (1a, 1b) are in the closed position; the transparent glass (3a, 3b) of the swing door (1a, 1b) comprises a gas-filled insulating glass unit or a vacuum insulating glass unit; and / or At least one of the swing doors (1a, 1b) is at least partially printed in the opaque area (9), preferably with an opaque ink (16a, 16b), A swing door system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. said partition (5) is made of metal, preferably aluminium or steel, or plastic, preferably fibre-reinforced plastic, or plastic-coated metal, preferably plastic-coated aluminium or plastic-coated steel, and / or no heating means are provided for heating at least a part of the swing door (1a, 1b), and / or heating means are provided for heating at least a portion of the partition (5) and / or at least a portion of the horizontal forming elements (22); and / or Illumination means are provided for illuminating at least a portion of the cabinet (26). A swing door system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. said swing doors (1a, 1b) are each at least partially surrounded by a shaped member (14a, 14b), preferably a solid shaped member (14a, 14b), more preferably a solid shaped member (14a, 14b) having an L-shaped cross section; A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. the packings (8a, 8b) are arranged to form a barrier between the molded members (14a, 14b) and the interior of the freezer unit (25) when the adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b) are in a closed position.

20. A swing door system (2) according to claim 19.

21. at least one of the pivot points (17) of the swing doors (1a, 1b) is located within the opaque area (9); and / or the axis of rotation (17) of at least one of the swing doors (1a, 1b) is eccentrically positioned with respect to the depth of the opaque area (9), and / or The rotation shaft (17) is disposed in the area between the adjacent swing doors (1a, 1b). A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. At least one of the swing doors (1a, 1b) has a hinge (21) at each end on opposite sides of the at least one swing door (1a, 1b). A swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. 23. A freezer unit (25) comprising at least one swing door system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, arranged in a cabinet (26) such that the opening direction of the swing door system is horizontal.

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