DE102011000295A1 - Resetting apparatus for automatic closing or opening of sliding door of sliding door system, comprises elongated elastic element with two ends, where former end is connected with fastening medium for fastening at sliding door - Google Patents

Abstract

The resetting apparatus (1) comprises an elongated elastic element (3) with two ends (4,5), where the former end is connected with a fastening medium (6) for fastening at a sliding door. The latter end is connected with another fastening medium (7) for fastening at sliding door frame. The former fastening medium is formed in a recess in a displaceably lockable manner. The elastic element is an elastomeric spring. An independent claim is also included for a sliding door with a sealing unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a reset device for automatically closing and / or opening a sliding door comprising an elongated elastic member having a first end and a second end, first attachment means connected to the first end for attachment to a sliding door, second attachment means connected to the second end for fixing to a sliding door frame and deflecting means for deflecting a restoring force generated by the elastic element, wherein the first fixing means for fixing the restoring device are formed in a groove-like elongated recess of the sliding door and wherein at least the elastic element, the first fastening means and the deflection means are completely in the Well arranged can be arranged. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sliding door, comprising an outer circumferential groove-like elongated recess. Finally, the present invention relates to a sliding door system comprising a sliding door frame and a sliding door slidably mounted in the sliding door frame.

Reset devices are often used in sliding doors or windows, which must always be kept closed except for a brief opening. In particular, this applies to insect screens or windows. Numerous devices are described in the prior art.

For example, the document discloses DE 36 39 077 A1 a sliding window with an automatically windable fly net. This device comprises a window with at least one displaceably movable part with an actuating and locking handle, as well as a functioning as a fly screen roller blind with automatic rewinder. The free end of the roller blind is connected to the actuating and locking handle having side of the sliding window. When opening the sliding window, the resulting opening is covered by the roller blind and thus kept insect-tight. However, a transport of massive bodies through the opening is impossible. The automatic rewinder is used to keep the roll curtain taut, but not to return the sliding window to a closed state.

In the publication US 2004/0104001 A1 is described an automatically closing insect screen sliding door. The restoring force required to reset the sliding door is applied by a counterweight, which is lifted against the gravitational force when the sliding door is opened. The weight force acting on the counterweight causes it to drop in the gravitational field and thus automatically closes the sliding door. This device has no elastic element and is externally mounted on a door post of the sliding door.

The publication US 5,131,188 discloses an apparatus for automatically resetting a sliding door or a sliding window within a sliding door or sash window frame. This device comprises a housing and disposed therein a coil spring for generating the required restoring force, a deflection roller and a pulley for translating a Federelongation to a reset distance. The housing and thus the closing device for the sliding door are mounted outside on a door post of the sliding door. Due to the complex structure, in particular the pulley, separates an integrated into the sliding door arrangement of the locking device.

In the publication EP 1 865 136 A2 a closure device for a sliding door is described in a sliding door frame, wherein the closure device comprises a housing, one or more coil springs, a pulley and a pulley. The locking device can be fastened to the sliding door frame or to the sliding door on the outside, for example by double-sided adhesive tape, in order to allow a subsequent installation of the locking device on already installed sliding doors. The design-related large transverse extent of the locking device makes it impossible to install inside the sliding door.

The publication US 5,313,739 discloses a device for automatically resetting a sliding door, wherein the sliding door is slidably mounted in a sliding door frame. This device comprises a housing, a coil spring, a spring biasing unit and a pulley. In order to operate the spring biasing unit from the outside, the device is mounted on a surface of the sliding door or the sliding door frame. An integrated in the sliding door or the sliding door frame arrangement of the device would significantly limit their functionality and is thus out of the question.

In the publication WO 2008/130606 A1 a restoring device for a sliding door slidingly arranged in a sliding door is described. This device comprises as Rückstellkrafterzeuger a spring-mass combination and Umlenkrollenanordnung with more than one roller for deflecting the restoring force from horizontal to vertical downward and is factory mounted in a vertical frame part of the sliding door frame. The arrangement in the sliding door is not provided and also not feasible according to the geometrically extended deflection roller arrangement.

As the closest prior art, the publication DE 29 49 268 considered. There is disclosed a sliding door system having a sliding door, a sliding door frame and a drive device for automatically closing the sliding door. The drive device is arranged in a cavity provided within a post of the sliding door and comprises a cylinder, a helical spring arranged completely therein and fastened to its interior as an elastic element, a deflection roller provided at the upper end of the post as deflection means and a wire having one end the other end of the coil spring is connected and the other end is held by a hook attached to the sliding door frame. The length of an extension of the coil spring is equal to the reset distance of the sliding door. By dispensing with a complex pulley system results in a slim cross-sectional area of the drive device. Consequently, this can be arranged in a groove-like elongated recess of the sliding door. With its outside, the cylinder is attached to the post. Thus, the cylinder forms a first attachment means for securing the drive device in the recess. However, such a fastener after initial assembly prevents external access to the elastic member and to a joint between the elastic member and the cylinder. To carry out maintenance and repair work, the complete sliding door must be dismantled from the sliding door frame and disassembled into its individual parts. A subsequent adjustment of the bias of the elastic member by a displacement of the first fastening means is therefore possible only at disproportionate expense. Furthermore, the cylinder allows no adaptation to a change in shape of the cavity, for example, in the case of temperature fluctuations. A permanent secure fastening of the return device in the cavity is thus not guaranteed.

The present invention is based on the object to provide a return device of the type mentioned above, which allows a permanent and secure fastening of the return device in a groove-like elongated recess of a sliding door and at the same time is easy to maintain.

This object is achieved with a return device of the type mentioned, in which the first fastening means are formed lockable in the recess lockable. Due to the continuous displaceability of the first fastening means whose positionability relative to the recess is freely selectable, so that in the production of the elastic elements a uniform length is sufficient to cooperate with sliding doors of different dimensions. For preserving a position selected relative to the sliding door, it is expedient that the first fastening means allow a locking of this position in the recess.

In addition, it proves to be particularly advantageous according to the invention that the first fastening means are formed releasably lockable in the recess. As a result, a once selected position in the recess is subsequently replaced by a newly selected position. The first fastening means are thus used in combination with their displaceability multiple times and simplify the installation and maintenance of the restoring device according to the invention in the recess essential.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first fastening means are designed to be expandable in at least one direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the elastic element in order to lock the return device in the recess. In principle, various types of locking a return device in a depression are conceivable. Under the premise of the desirable displaceability and multiple locking and releasability of the first fastening means, an expansion-induced jamming and / or spreading of the first fastening means in the recess proves to be an extremely gentle method of fastening and thus allows countless locking cycles.

In the context of the technical implementation of this embodiment, it proves to be very advantageous that the first fastening means comprise a support body and at least one movable relative to the support body actuator to lock the return device in the recess, in particular a relative positioning of the actuating element to the support body an orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the elastic element transverse extent of the first fastening means is designed defining. For such an implementation, an expanding wedge mechanism or a grub screw engaged with a threaded bore arranged in the carrier body are available. Since grub screws are a ubiquitous mass product, the manufacturing costs for the restoring device are reduced.

In order to achieve non-linear restoring properties of the return device, it is provided with great advantage that the elastic element comprises an elastomeric spring. Such elastomer springs allow not only progressive and regressive but also damped restoring forces relative to an elongation of the elastic element.

Furthermore, it proves to be particularly advantageous that the elastic element a, especially rubberized and / or textile, coating has. On the one hand, depending on the type of elastic element, for example in the case of a helical spring, and depending on a return speed, the noise development on adjacent, in particular hollow and / or resonant, components can be considerable. The coating according to the invention completely suppresses the formation of disturbing noises or at least their effective damping. On the other hand, the coating is used with great advantage as protection of the elastic element from mechanical wear and / or contamination. Maximum protection is achieved by a multidirectional fiber reinforced rubber cover.

Furthermore, the invention is based on the object to provide a sliding door of the type mentioned, which is universally applicable and resistant to adverse environmental conditions.

This object is achieved with a sliding door of the type mentioned, in which the sliding door is provided with a restoring device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least the elastic element, the first fastening means and the deflection means are arranged completely in the recess. Thus, the space requirement of the sliding door does not increase despite the presence of a restoring device, which is a great advantage in confined installation situations. Firstly, the movable parts of the restoring device, namely the elastic element and the deflecting means, are protected by the arrangement in the recess of the sliding door and are not exposed to negative environmental influences, such as substantial contamination or mechanical damage by persons or other objects. This extends the life of the reset device and the sliding door. On the other hand, the arrangement of the restoring device integrated in the sliding door reduces the potential risk of accidents for operators due to a design-inhibited access to the moving parts.

As being particularly advantageous according to the invention, it has been found that the first fastening means are detachably frictionally secured in the recess, the first fastening means being displaceable in a released state along the recess. Thus, the return device can be gently secured in the recess of the sliding door. In addition, the bias of the elastic member is easily readjusted and high compatibility of the return device to a variety of sliding door geometries is given.

In addition, it is provided with great advantage that the actuating element is accessible from the outside. As a result, the loosening, moving and locking the first fastener from an open side of the recess is possible and disassembly and disassembly of the sliding door is omitted in their individual parts, which significantly simplifies adjustment and maintenance of the return device and / or the sliding door accelerated.

It proves to be very expedient that the recess has sealing means, wherein the sealing means are configured to close the recess at least partially. The sealants reduce or prevent the ingress of environmental factors such as dust, dirt, moisture, or ultraviolet radiation into the recess, which are detrimental to the functionality of the sliding door. As a result, the restoring device and sliding door according to the invention is characterized by a longer service life. In particular, the recess has a groove-like elongated lower recess, wherein the sealing means are fixed in the lower recess and from there close the recess to a large extent. Such sealing means are for example a brush seal, a hollow profile rubber seal or a rubber blade.

It proves to be particularly advantageous according to the invention that the sliding door comprises connecting means for storing in a sliding door frame, wherein the connecting means are substantially identical to the first fastening means. Thus, it requires the construction of only one component which can be used both for first fastening means and for connecting means. This multi-functionality of the component reduces the necessary number of different components of the sliding door and consequently the manufacturing and storage costs.

In an embodiment of the invention is provided with great advantage that in a caused by the return device closing and / or opening the sliding door a change in length of the elastic element with a displacement distance of the sliding door is identical in amount. This direct operative connection between the elongation of the elastic element and the sliding distance of the sliding door simplifies and streamlines the construction of the reset device substantially, since a complex and space-demanding arrangement in the form of a pulley or gearbox is eliminated. In addition, a reset device following Hooke's Law proves to be very advantageous. At the beginning of the automatic closing, a maximum restoring force acts on the sliding door, which allows to overcome the initial existing static friction and to accelerate the sliding door strongly in order to accelerate the closing operation. During automatic closing, the restoring force decreases constantly. Towards the end of the automatic closing, the restoring force is zero or reduces the set preload force. Due to the effective sliding or rolling friction, the sliding door delays more and more and hits with a moderate impulse to a stop closing the automatic closing.

Finally, the invention is based on the object to provide a sliding door system of the type mentioned above, which is characterized by a small footprint in the assembled state and a long service life.

This object is achieved with a sliding door system of the type mentioned, in which the sliding door is designed according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the second fastening means are fixed to the sliding door frame. As a sliding door frame according to the invention come into one to four-sided sliding door frame into consideration. In addition to four-sided, the sliding door completely enclosing sliding door frames in particular two-sided sliding door frame in the form of an upper running rail and a lower running rail are provided. In the latter embodiment of the invention, the second fastening means are attached to one of the rails or to another reference point, for example to a wall reveal or to a frame of an existing stop door. Through the use of the sliding door according to the invention with the completely arranged in the recess return device results in a sliding door system with an automatic locking mechanism, which does not require more space than a sliding door system without an automatic locking mechanism. With regard to the life of a generic sliding door system is usually the durability and resilience of the return device crucial. Due to the arrangement in the recess, which is protected against negative environmental influences, the reset device according to the invention is characterized by a greatly extended half-life, which is associated with a high service life of the complete sliding door system.

It proves to be particularly advantageous according to the invention that the second fastening means are releasably secured to the sliding door frame without the aid of tools. The thus obtained variability in the function of the return device, namely activated or deactivated automatic reset, coupled with an easy to perform toggling between the two functional states, allows universal applicability of the sliding door system. When automatic reset is activated, the sliding door is mostly closed and thus serves, for example, as an effective insect screen. When the automatic reset is deactivated, the sliding door remains in this state after being opened, thereby allowing, for example, repeated or very slow passage without having to keep the sliding door permanently open.

In an embodiment of the invention it is provided that the sliding door is mounted by means of the connecting means above and / or below in the sliding door frame. Depending on the dimensions and the stability of the sliding door and the desired resistance of the sliding door against orthogonal forces acting relative to the displacement distance, it may be appropriate to support the sliding door single, double, triple or quadruple or symmetrical or asymmetrical, which is possible with great advantage is.

The invention will be described by way of example in a preferred embodiment with reference to a drawing, wherein further advantageous details are shown in the figures of the drawing.

The figures of the drawing show in detail:

1 a perspective view of the return device according to the invention,

2 a perspective view of the sliding door according to the invention,

3 a cross section AA through the sliding door to an in 2 marked position and

4 a perspective view of the sliding door system according to the invention in a half-open state.

In 1 is the reset device according to the invention 1 shown. It primarily serves to automatically close a sliding door 2 and points in the in 1 embodiment shown an elongate elastic element 3 in the form of a steel coil spring with a first end 4 and a second end 5 , with the first end 4 connected first fastening means 6 for fastening to a sliding door 2 , with the second end 5 connected second fastening means 7 for attaching to a sliding door frame 8th and deflecting means 9 for deflecting one of the elastic element 3 Generable restoring force, wherein the first fastening means 6 for securing the return device 1 in a groove-like elongated depression 10 the sliding door 2 are formed and wherein at least the elastic element 3 , the first fasteners 6 and the deflection means 9 completely in the depression 10 can be arranged on an order. The deflection 9 are here designed as a freely rotatable about an axis not shown mounted roller. However, a guide channel similar to a Bowdenzugmantels is conceivable. The first fasteners 6 are in the recess 10 lockable designed lockable. In the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the invention, the first fastening means 6 in one to a longitudinal direction of the elastic element 3 orthogonal direction formed expandable to the return device 1 in the depression 10 to jam. For this purpose, the first fastening means 6 a carrier body 11 and at least one relative to the carrier body 11 movable control element 12 on, where the actuator 12 in particular as one with the carrier body 11 formed via a threaded engaging grub screw. Due to the relative positioning of the control element 12 to the carrier body 11 , adjustable via the screw-in depth of the grub screw in the threaded hole of the carrier body 11 , is one to the longitudinal direction of the elastic element 3 orthogonal transverse extension of the first attachment means 6 established. The described first fastening means 6 allow with great advantage a releasable locking the reset device 1 in the depression 10 , In 1 not shown is a fiber reinforced rubber covering, which at least a majority of the elastic element 3 jacketed.

2 shows the sliding door according to the invention 2 , This has an outer circumferential groove-like elongated recess 10 and an operating handle. It is provided with great advantage that the sliding door 2 with the reset device 1 is equipped according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic element 3 , the first fasteners 6 and the deflection means 9 completely in the depression 10 are arranged. The integrated and thus protected arrangement of the return device 1 in the sliding door 2 reduces the space required for a sliding door 2 with automatic reset and increases the life of the reset device 1 and thus the sliding door 2 because the reset device 1 is effectively shielded against adverse environmental influences. Due to the design as a carrier body 11 in conjunction with an actuator 12 are the first fasteners 6 in the depression 10 releasably frictionally secured. In the released state, the first fastening means 6 along the depression 10 continuously displaceable, defined by means of latching stages fine-scale displacement is also conceivable. As particularly practical it turns out that the actuator 12 is accessible from the outside. The release, displacement and locking of the first fastening means 6 can without disassembling the sliding door 2 into their individual parts. Adjustment and maintenance work on the return device 1 and the sliding door 2 Simplify and accelerate considerably.

In 3 is the cross section AA through the sliding door 2 at the in 2 marked position and illustrates the operation of the first fastening means 6 in the depression 10 , The sliding door according to the invention 2 has a hollow profile frame and - not shown - in an enclosed insect screen as a door leaf. The carrier body 11 sits basically displaceable in the depression 10 here in an outwardly tapered rectangular groove. By screwing in the control element 12 in the carrier body 11 increases the transverse extent of the first fastening means 6 until these in the recess 10 jam. For better protection of the reset device 1 against soiling and damping when operating the sliding door 2 occurring noises has the depression 10 sealant 13 on, this being the depression 10 at least partially close. As a particularly effective and durable sealant 13 proves to be attached in a groove-like elongated sub-recess brush seal.

4 shows the sliding door system according to the invention 14 which has a sliding door frame 8th and one in the sliding door frame 8th slidably mounted sliding door 2 includes, in a semi-open condition. With great advantage, the sliding door system 14 the sliding door according to the invention 2 according to one of claims 7 to 12. The in the depression 10 the sliding door 2 jammed reset device 1 is through the second fastening means 7 on the sliding door frame 8th attached. In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the second fastening means 7 on the sliding door frame 8th are releasably secured without the aid of tools. Thus, the reset device 1 easy to deactivate and reactivate. To the sliding door 2 in the sliding door frame 8th To store sliding or rolling, has the sliding door 2 connecting means 15 on. These connecting means 15 are with the first fasteners 6 except for one the first end 4 of the elastic element 3 piercing pin identical. As in 4 shown is the sliding door 2 by means of two connecting means 15 down in the sliding door frame 8th slidably mounted. However, the use of three or more lanyards 15 that the sliding door 2 up and down in the sliding door frame 8th store, quite common. At one of the reset device 1 caused the sliding door to close 2 is a change in length of the elastic element 3 with a sliding distance of the sliding door 2 identical in terms of amount. In order to achieve a sliding path completely closing the sliding path, direct the deflection 9 the elastic element 3 only to without requiring a gear ratio.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Reset device

2

sliding door

3

Elastic element

4

First end

5

Second end

6

First fasteners

7

Second fastening means

8th

sliding door frame

9

deflecting

10

deepening

11

support body

12

actuator

13

sealant

14

sliding door system

15

connecting means

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3639077 A1 [0003]
• US 2004/0104001 A1 [0004]
• US 5131188 [0005]
• EP 1865136 A2 [0006]
• US 5313739 [0007]
• WO 2008/130606 A1 [0008]
• DE 2949268 [0009]

Claims (15)

Return device ( 1 ) for automatically closing and / or opening a sliding door ( 2 ) comprising an elongate elastic element ( 3 ) with a first end ( 4 ) and a second end ( 5 ), with the first end ( 4 ) connected first fastening means ( 6 ) for fastening to a sliding door ( 2 ), with the second end ( 5 ) connected second fastening means ( 7 ) for attaching to a sliding door frame ( 8th ) and deflection means ( 9 ) for deflecting one of the elastic element ( 3 ) generateable restoring force, wherein the first fastening means ( 6 ) for securing the return device ( 1 ) in a groove-like elongated depression ( 10 ) the sliding door ( 2 ) are formed and wherein at least the elastic element ( 3 ), the first attachment means ( 6 ) and the deflection means ( 9 ) completely in the depression ( 10 ) Are configured can be arranged, characterized in that the first fastening means ( 6 ) in the depression ( 10 ) are formed lockable displaceable. Return device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fastening means ( 6 ) in the depression ( 10 ) are releasably lockable formed. Return device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first fastening means ( 6 ) in at least one of a longitudinal direction of the elastic element ( 3 ) orthogonal direction are formed expandable to the return device ( 1 ) in the depression ( 10 ) to lock. Return device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fastening means ( 6 ) a carrier body ( 11 ) and at least one relative to the carrier body ( 11 ) movable actuator ( 12 ) to the reset device ( 1 ) in the depression ( 10 ), wherein in particular a relative positioning of the actuating element ( 12 ) to the carrier body ( 11 ) one to the longitudinal direction of the elastic element ( 3 ) orthogonal transverse extent of the first fastening means ( 6 ) is designed defining. Return device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element ( 3 ) comprises an elastomeric spring. Return device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element ( 3 ) has a, in particular rubberized and / or textile, coating. Sliding door ( 2 ), comprising an outer circumferential groove-like elongated recess ( 10 ), characterized in that the sliding door ( 2 ) with a reset device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least the elastic element ( 3 ), the first attachment means ( 6 ) and the deflection means ( 9 ) completely in the depression ( 10 ) are arranged. Sliding door ( 2 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first fastening means ( 6 ) in the depression ( 10 ) are releasably frictionally secured, wherein the first fastening means ( 6 ) in a dissolved state along the depression ( 10 ) are designed displaceable. Sliding door ( 2 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the actuating element ( 12 ) is accessible from the outside. Sliding door ( 2 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the recess ( 10 ) Sealant ( 13 ), the sealing means ( 13 ) the depression ( 10 ) are configured at least partially occlusive. Sliding door ( 2 ) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the sliding door ( 2 ) Connecting means ( 15 ) for storing in a sliding door frame ( 8th ), wherein the connecting means ( 15 ) with the first fastening means ( 6 ) are substantially identical. Sliding door ( 2 ) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that at one by the return device ( 1 ) caused closing and / or opening the sliding door ( 2 ) a change in length of the elastic element ( 3 ) with a sliding distance of the sliding door ( 2 ) is identical in terms of amount. Sliding door system ( 14 ), comprising a sliding door frame ( 8th ) and one in the sliding door frame ( 8th ) Slidably mounted sliding door ( 2 ), characterized in that the sliding door ( 2 ) is configured according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the second fastening means ( 7 ) on the sliding door frame ( 8th ) are attached. Sliding door system ( 14 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the second fastening means ( 7 ) on the sliding door frame ( 8th ) are releasably secured without the aid of tools. Sliding door system ( 14 ) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the sliding door ( 2 ) by means of the connecting means ( 15 ) above and / or below in the sliding door frame ( 8th ) is stored.

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