WO2021151579A1

WO2021151579A1 - Sliding door operator system

Info

Publication number: WO2021151579A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/086239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger Dreyer; Jingying MA
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab
Priority date: 2020-01-27
Filing date: 2020-12-15
Publication date: 2021-08-05

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method at a control unit (100) for controlling a sliding door operator system (I; II; III) for opening and closing an opening (O1). The sliding door operator system (I; II; III) comprises a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration (L1, L2; L1) movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening (O1), and a closed position for closing said opening (O1), and a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration (L3, L4; L3) movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening (O1), and a closed position for closing said opening (O1). The method comprising the steps of: while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, receiving an opening signal for opening said opening (O1) to allow passage through said opening (O1); in response to receiving the opening signal, initiating an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position; and, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, initiating a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration. The disclosure further relates to a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening.

Description

Title: Sliding door operator system Field of the invention

The present invention relates method at a control unit for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening. The present invention further relates to a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening.

Background of the invention

When sliding doors are open they infiltrate a lot of air. To minimize this it is important to minimize the time the door is open. When the door is closed it is important to seal off well to prevent air leakage and finally it is important to not transmit too much heat during closed position which means that high U-Value is important. High U-value normally means heavy glass.

There is a need for a sliding door operator system facilitating a more energy efficient solution for improved U-value and reduced air leakage.

Summary of the invention

It is an object to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination and solve at least the above mentioned problem.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method at a control unit for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening which facilitates energy efficient solution for improved U-value and reduced air leakage in connection to sliding doors.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening which facilitates energy efficient solution for improved U- value and reduced air leakage in connection to sliding doors.

According to a first aspect there is provided a method at a control unit for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening. The sliding door operator system comprises: a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening, and a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening. The method comprises the step of, while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, receiving an opening signal for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening. The method further comprises the step of, in response to receiving the opening signal, initiating an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position. The method further comprises the step of, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, initiating a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration. Hereby a much shorter time during which the opening is not fully closed is obtained. This results in improved U-value and facilitates lower air leakage. This solution may provide a much more compact and thus space saving and energy saving alternative to certain vestibule solutions. By thus utilizing first and second door leaf configuration and initiating closing movement of the one of the door leaf configurations prior to the door leaf configuration performing opening movement has reached fully open position, no care needs to be taken to deceleration phase of opening door leaf configuration and than acceleration phase of that same door leaf configuration for the closing movement which saves time and facilitates an energy efficient operation of the sliding door operator system.

According to an aspect of the method, the step of initiating the closing movement is synchronized with the opening movement so as to allow passage through said opening.

Hereby an energy efficient solution is obtained, which facilitates efficient passage of e.g. a pedestrian through the opening.

According to an aspect of the method, the other door leaf configuration remains in the closed position following completion of the closing movement of the other door leaf configuration until another opening signal is received, and wherein the door leaf configuration for which the opening movement has been initiated remains in the open position following completion of the opening movement until said other opening signal is received. Hereby efficient operation of the sliding door operator system may be provided, facilitating the energy efficient solution.

According to an aspect of the method, during normal operation when no opening signal has been received, one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, and the other door leaf configurations is in the open position. Hereby efficient operation of the sliding door operator system may be provided, facilitating the energy efficient solution.

According to an aspect of the method, during forced closure operation, when the opening is arranged to be closed for passage, both the first and second door leaf configurations are in the closed position. This facilitates even more energy efficient solution during periods when non passage through the opening is set up, such as e.g. during night time or the like. With both the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position following such a forced closure operation, U-value is further improved and even lower air leakage is facilitated.

According to an aspect of the method, the opening signal is based on sensor information from one or more sensors detecting intended passage through the opening. This is an efficient way of detecting persons, e.g. pedestrians, intending to pass through said opening.

According to an aspect of the method, the opening signal is based on user information from an actuator unit for commanding passage through the opening. This facilitates efficient control of passage by a persons, e.g. pedestrians, intending to pass through said opening.

According to an aspect of the method, the method comprises the steps of: determining the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement; and if the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds a predetermined threshold, terminating the closing movement and initiating an opening movement of that door leaf configuration. Hereby safety is improved in that accidents involving e.g. a person trapped in the opening between e.g. opposite door leafs. Further, the risk of parts of the sliding door operator system braking/being subject to situation leading to malfunction, e.g. due to object/person getting stuck in connection to the opening between e.g. opposite door leafs, may hereby be avoided/reduced.

According to an aspect of the method, the first door leaf configuration is overlappingly movably arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration. Hereby an efficient and compact solution is facilitated.

According to an aspect of the method, the first sliding door device and second sliding door device are slideably connected to a common track configuration, the first door leaf configuration and the second door leaf configuration being configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position. Hereby efficient control of the movement of the first door leaf configuration and the second door leaf configuration is facilitated.

According to an aspect of the method, the first door leaf configuration comprises a pair of first door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, and wherein the second door leaf configuration comprises a pair of second door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, the pair of first door leafs being overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs. Hereby an energy efficient and compact solution is facilitated.

According to an aspect of the method, the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf movable from the same side of the opening as the first door leaf, and overlappingly movably arranged relative to the first door leaf.

Hereby an energy efficient and compact solution is facilitated.

According to an aspect of the method, the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf movable from the opposite side of the opening. Hereby an energy efficient and compact solution is facilitated.

According to a second aspect there is provided a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening. The sliding door operator system comprises a control unit for controlling the sliding door operator system. The sliding door operator system comprises a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening, and a first drive unit for moving the first door leaf configuration. The sliding door operator system further comprises a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening, and a second drive unit for moving the second door leaf configuration. The control unit is configured to receive an opening signal for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position. The control unit is further configured to cause, in response to receiving the opening signal, a respective drive unit of the first and second drive units to initiate an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position. The control unit is further configured to cause, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, the other drive unit of the first and second drive units to initiate a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the control unit is configured to synchronize an initiated closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit so as to allow passage through said opening.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the control unit is configured to hold a door leaf configuration in the closed position following completion of a closing movement of that door leaf configuration until another opening signal is received, and wherein the control unit is configured to hold a door leaf configuration for which an opening movement has been initiated in the open position following completion of the opening movement of that door leaf configuration until said other opening signal is received.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, during normal operation when no opening signal has been received, one of the first and second door leaf configurations is configured to be in the closed position, and the other door leaf configurations is configured to be in the open position.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, during forced closure operation, when the opening is arranged to be closed for passage, both the first and second door leaf configurations are configured to be in the closed position.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the opening signal is configured to be based on sensor information from one or more sensors detecting intended passage through the opening.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the opening signal is configured to be based on user information from an actuator unit for commanding passage through the opening. According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the control unit is configured to: determine the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement; and if the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds a predetermined threshold, terminate the closing movement and initiate an opening movement of that door leaf configuration.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the first door leaf configuration is overlappingly movably arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the first sliding door device and second sliding door device are slideably connected to a common track configuration, the first door leaf configuration and the second door leaf configuration being configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the first door leaf configuration (comprises a pair of first door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, and wherein the second door leaf configuration comprises a pair of second door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, the pair of first door leafs being overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf movable from the same side of the opening as the first door leaf, and overlappingly movably arranged relative to the first door leaf.

According to an aspect of the sliding door operator system, the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf movable from the opposite side of the opening.

The sliding door operator system according to the present disclosure has the advantages according to the corresponding method as set out herein.

Brief descriptions of the drawings The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure la discloses a schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system according to prior art in a closed position.

Figure lb discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. la during an opening movement.

Figure lc discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. la in an open position.

Figure Id discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. la during a closing movement.

Figure 2 discloses a schematic graph of opening and closing movement of the sliding door operator system in fig. la-d.

Figure 3a discloses a schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, in a closed position of a first door leaf configuration and open position of a second door leaf configuration.

Figure 3b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 3a during an opening movement of first door leaf configuration and closing movement of second door leaf configuration following an opening signal.

Figure 3c discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 3a in a closed position of the second door leaf configuration and open position of the first door leaf configuration.

Figure 3d discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 3a in a closed position of both the first and second door leaf configuration following a forced closure operation. Figure 4 discloses a schematic graph of opening and closing movement of the sliding door operator system in fig. Ba-d compared to opening and closing movement of the sliding door operator system in fig. la-d.

Figure 5a discloses a schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, in a closed position of a first door leaf configuration and open position of a second door leaf configuration.

Figure 5b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 5a during an opening movement of first door leaf configuration and closing movement of second door leaf configuration following an opening signal.

Figure 5c discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 5a in a closed position of the second door leaf configuration and open position of the first door leaf configuration.

Figure 5d discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 5a in a closed position of both the first and second door leaf configuration following a forced closure operation.

Figure 6a discloses a schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, in a closed position of a first door leaf configuration and open position of a second door leaf configuration.

Figure 6b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 6a during an opening movement of second door leaf configuration and closing movement of first door leaf configuration following an opening signal.

Figure 6c discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 6a in a closed position of the second door leaf configuration and open position of the first door leaf configuration.

Figure 6d discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 6a during an opening movement of first door leaf configuration and closing movement of second door leaf configuration following an opening signal. Figure 7a discloses a schematic front view of the sliding door operator system in fig. 3a according to an aspect of the present disclosure, during an opening movement of first door leaf configuration and closing movement of second door leaf configuration following an opening signal. Fig. 7b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system in fig. 7a according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 discloses a schematic block diagram of a control unit controlled sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 9 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 10 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed description

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred example embodiments and aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The features of embodiments and aspects could be combined with features of other embodiments and aspects. Separate features of embodiments and aspects could be combined with separate features of other embodiments and aspects. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. Figure la-d discloses schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system IP according to prior art with door leaf configuration in different positions.

Figure la discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system IP according to prior art in a closed position; figure lb the sliding door operator system IP in fig. la during an opening movement; figure lc the sliding door operator system IP in fig. la in an open position; and figure Id the sliding door operator system IP in fig. la during a closing movement.

The sliding door operator system IP is provided for opening and closing an opening OIP. The sliding door operator system IP may comprise a control unit CU for controlling the sliding door operator system IP. The sliding door operator system IP comprises a sliding door device having a door leaf configuration LIP, L2P movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening OIP, and a closed position for closing said opening OIP. The door leaf configuration LIP, L2P comprises a pair of door leafs LIP, L2P movable from opposite sides of the opening OIP. The sliding door operator system IP comprises a drive unit DU for moving the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P. The sliding door operator system IP comprises a sensor arrangement SA for detecting intended passage through the opening OIP. The sensor arrangement may comprise one or more sensors arranged in connection to the opening OIP.

The control unit CU is configured to receive an opening signal from the sensor arrangement SA for opening said opening OIP to allow passage through said opening. In fig. la a pedestrian PI is detected in front of the opening 01 by means of the sensor arrangement SA. The control unit CU is configured to cause, in response to receiving the opening signal, the drive unit DU to initiate an opening movement of the pair of door leafs being in the closed position.

The sliding door operator system IP may comprise a common track configuration, where the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P are configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position. The track configuration comprises a first track portion T1 for door leaf LIP and a second track portion T2 for door leafs L2P. In fig. la-d only the track portions Tl, T2 are shown.

Figure 2 discloses a schematic graph of opening and closing movement of the sliding door operator system IP in fig. la-d. The graph illustrates the opening and closing movement of the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P from a fully closed position FC to a fully open position FO and back to the fully closed position. During the opening movement, illustrated in fig. lb and fig. 2, there is an acceleration phase A in which the speed of the opening movement O of the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P increase to a certain opening speed. During the opening movement O, illustrated in fig. 2, there is a deceleration phase D in which the speed of the opening movement of the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P decrease until they stop in the open position illustrated in fig. lc. During the opening movement the pedestrian PI has managed to pass through the opening OIP before the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P have reached the open position, as illustrated in fig. lb.

When the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P have reached the open position they are held open during a hold open period HO, as illustrated in fig. 2. After the hold open period HO a closing movement C of the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P is initiated. During the closing movement C the pair of door leafs LIP, L2P are moved from the fully open position FO to the fully closed position FC, see fig. 2. The closing movement C involves an acceleration phase and a deceleration phase.

Figure Ba-d discloses schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system I according to an aspect of the present disclosure with door leaf configurations in different positions.

The sliding door operator system I is provided for opening and closing an opening 01. The sliding door operator system I comprises a control unit 100, shown only in fig. 3a, for controlling the sliding door operator system I.

The sliding door operator system I comprises a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration LI, L2 movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening 01, and a closed position for closing said opening 01. The first door leaf configuration LI, L2 comprises a pair of first door leafs LI, L2 movable from opposite sides of the opening 01. The sliding door operator system I comprises a first drive unit 110 for moving the pair of first door leafs LI, L2.

The sliding door operator system I comprises a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration L3, L4 movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening 01, and a closed position for closing said opening 01. The second door leaf configuration LB, L4 comprises a pair of second door leafs LI, L2 movable from opposite sides of the opening 01. The sliding door operator system I comprises a second drive unit 120 for moving the pair of second door leafs L3, L4.

The pair of first door leafs LI, L2 are overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs L3, L4.

The sliding door operator system I may comprise a common track configuration, where the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 and the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 are configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position. See also fig. 7a-b.

The track configuration may be substantially horizontally positioned above the opening 01. The track configuration comprises a first track portion T1 for door leafs LI, L3 and a second track portion T2 for door leafs L2, L4. In fig. 3a-d only the track portions Tl, T2 are shown.

The sliding door operator system I comprises comprises a sensor arrangement 130 for detecting intended passage through the opening 01. The sensor arrangement may comprise one or more sensors arranged in connection to the opening 01.

The control unit 100 is operably connected to the first drive unit 110, the second drive unit 120 and the sensor arrangement 130.

The control unit 100 is configured to receive an opening signal from the sensor arrangement 130 for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position. In fig. 3a a pedestrian PI is detected in front of the opening 01 by means of the sensor arrangement 130.

The control unit 100 is configured to cause, in response to receiving the opening signal, a respective drive unit of the first and second drive units 110, 120 to initiate an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations LI, L2; L3, L4 being in the closed position.

The control unit 100 is configured to cause, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, the other drive unit of the first and second drive units 110, 120 to initiate a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration.

Figure 4 discloses a schematic graph of opening and closing movement of the sliding door operator system I in fig. Ba-d compared to opening and closing movement of the sliding door operator system IP in fig. la-d.

Figure 3a discloses a schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system I according to an aspect of the present disclosure, in a closed position of the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 and open position of the pair of second door leafs L3, L4.

In fig. 3a a pedestrian PI is detected in front of the opening 01 by means of the sensor arrangement 130. The control unit 100 is configured to cause, in response to receiving the opening signal, the first drive unit 110 to initiate an opening movement of the first pair of door leafs being in the closed position, and cause, prior to the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, the second drive unit 120 of the first and second drive units 110, 120 to initiate a closing movement of the pair of second door leafs L3, L4.

Figure 3b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system I during the opening movement of pair of first door leafs LI, L2 and closing movement of the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 following an opening signal.

The opening movement of the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 may essentially correspond to the opening movement O of the pair of door leaf LIP, L2P of the sliding door operator system IP in fig. la-d. The opening movement O of the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 is thus performed from the fully closed position FC with an acceleration phase A to a fully open position FO, see fig. 4.

As illustrated in fig. 3b and fig. 4, the closing movement Cl of the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 is initiated prior to the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 having reached the open position. During the opening movement O the pedestrian PI has managed to pass through the opening 01 before the first pair of door leafs LI, L2 have reached the open position as illustrated in fig. 3b, allowing the initiation of the closing movement Cl of the of the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 as illustrated in fig. 4 with the dotted line running from the fully open position FO to the fully closed position FC. The closing movement Cl involves an initial acceleration phase and a final deceleration phase before reaching the fully closed position.

According to an aspect the control unit 100 is configured to synchronize the initiated closing movement performed by means of the second drive unit 120 with the opening movement performed by means of the first drive unit 110 so as to allow passage for the detected pedestrian PI through said opening 01.

Figure Be discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system I in a closed position of the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 and open position of the pair of first door leafs LI, L2.

The next time a pedestrian is detected by means of the sensor arrangement 130 the operation will be reversed, i.e. the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 will perform an opening movement and the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 will initiate a closing movement prior to the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 having completed their opening movement.

With the solution according to the present disclosure, as illustrated in fig. 4, results in a much shorter time during which the opening 01 is not fully closed. This results in improved U- value and facilitates lower air leakage compared to the prior art solution illustrated in fig. la-d and fig. 2.

According to an aspect, during forced closure operation, when the opening is arranged to be closed for passage, both the pair of first door leafs LI, 12 and the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 are configured to be in the closed position.

Figure 3d discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system I in a closed position of both the pair of first door leafs LI, 12 and the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 following a forced closure operation. This may be used when no passage through the opening 01 is intended/allowed, such as e.g. during night time. This will provide an even better U-value and lower air leakage.

Figure 5a-d discloses schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system II according to an aspect of the present disclosure with door leaf configurations in different positions. The sliding door operator system II differs from the sliding door operator system I according to fig. Ba-d essentially only by the first door leaf configuration and the second door leaf configuration. According to the sliding door operator system II, the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf LI movable from one side of the opening 01 and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf L3 movable from the same side of the opening 01 as the first door leaf, and is overlappingly movably arranged relative to the first door leaf LI.

The sliding door operator system II may comprise a common track configuration, where the single first door leaf LI and single second door leaf L3 are configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position.

The track configuration may be substantially horizontally positioned above the opening 01. The track configuration comprises a track portion T1 for d single first door leaf LI and single second door leaf L3. In fig. 5a-d only the track portion T1 and a portion of the wall W forming the opening 01 are shown.

Figure 5a discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system II in a closed position of the first door leaf LI and open position of the second door leaf L3.

Figure 5b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system II during an opening movement of the first door leaf LI and closing movement of second door leaf L3 following an opening signal from sensor arrangement 130 having detected a pedestrian, see fig. 5a.

Figure 5c discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system II in a closed position of the second door leaf L3 and open position of the first door leaf LI.

Figure 5d discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system II in a closed position of both the first and second door leafs LI, L3 following a forced closure operation.

Figure 6a-d discloses schematic view from above of a sliding door operator system III according to an aspect of the present disclosure with door leaf configurations in different positions. The sliding door operator system III differs from the sliding door operator system I according to fig. Ba-d essentially only by the first door leaf configuration and the second door leaf configuration. According to the sliding door operator system III, the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf LI movable from one side of the opening 01 and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf L3 movable from the opposite side of the opening 01.

The sliding door operator system III may comprise a common track configuration, where the single first door leaf LI and single second door leaf L3 are configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position.

The track configuration may be substantially horizontally positioned above the opening 01. The track configuration comprises a first track portion T1 for the single first door leaf LI and a second track portion T2 for single second door leaf L3. In fig. 6a-d only the track portions Tl, T2 are shown.

Figure 6a discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system III in a closed position of the first door leaf LI and open position of the second door leaf L3.

Figure 6b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system III during an opening movement of the first door leaf LI and closing movement of second door leaf L3 following an opening signal from sensor arrangement 130 having detected a pedestrian, see fig. 6a.

Figure 6c discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system III in a closed position of the second door leaf L3 and open position of the first door leaf LI. The first and second door leafs LI, L3 are according to this aspect of the present disclosure arranged so that a short side of the first door leaf LI is configured to face a short side of the second door leaf L3 so that short sides of the first and second door leaf essentially are brought into contact in a closed position of a door leaf, see fig. 6a and 6c.

Figure 6d discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system III during an opening movement of first door leaf LI and closing movement of second door leaf L3 following an opening signal. Figure 7a discloses a schematic front view of the sliding door operator system I in fig.

3a according to an aspect of the present disclosure, during an opening movement of first door leaf configuration LI, L2 and closing movement of second door leaf configuration L3, L4 following an opening signal. Fig. 7b discloses a schematic view from above of the sliding door operator system I in fig. 7a according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

The sliding door operator system I may be configured to open and closing an opening 01 in a wall W. The wall W is a schematic portion of a wall with an opening 01. The first door leaf configuration LI, L2 and second door leaf configuration L3, L4 are configured to be moved in parallel to the width of the opening 01 for opening and closing the opening 01. The wall W has a first side W1 forming one side of the opening 01 and an opposite second side W2 forming the opposite side of the opening 01.

According to an aspect of the disclosure a sliding door operator system I for opening and closing the opening 01 in the wall W is shown. The sliding door operator system I comprises a track configuration T and a first sliding door device comprising the first door leaf configuration LI, L2 and a second sliding door device comprising the second door leaf configuration L3, L4. The first door leaf configuration LI, L2 here comprises a pair of first door leafs LI, L2 movable from opposite sides Wl, W2 of the opening 01 and the second door leaf configuration L3, L4 here comprises a pair of second door leafs movable from opposite sides Wl, W2 of the opening. The pair of first door leafs LI, L2 comprises a door leaf LI movable from the first side Wl of the opening and an opposite door leaf L2 movable from the opposite second side W2 of the opening 01. The pair of second door leafs L3, L4 comprises a door leaf L3 movable from the second side Wl of the opening and an opposite door leaf L4 movable from the opposite second side W2 of the opening 01. The track configuration T is configured to be mounted at an upper part of the opening 01. The track configuration T is substantially horizontal positioned above the opening 01. The track configuration T comprises a first track portion T1 for door leafs LI, L3 and a second track portion T2 for door leafs L2, L4.

In fig. 7a-b the track configuration T is mounted to a part of the wall W above the opening 01. In fig. 7a-b the track configuration T coincides with the wall so that transfers into the first track portion T1 of the track on the first side Wl of the wall W and into the second track side T2 on the second side of the wall W2. The first side Wl of the opening 01 thus allows the door leafs LI, L3 to be introduced and moved therein and the opposite second side W2 of the opening 01 thus allows the door leafs L2, L4 to be introduced and moved therein. The door leafs LI, L2, LB, L4 are thus configured to be movable along the track configuration T and within the wall W.

Alternatively the track configuration could be mounted to part of the wall above the opening so that it runs with a displacement relative to the extension of the wall and thus is arranged in connection to a front or rear side of the wall. In such a solution the door leafs LI, L2, L3, L4 configured to be movable along the track configuration T and outside of the wall.

The first sliding door device and second sliding door device may thus be slideably connected to a common track configuration T. The first door leaf configuration LI, L2 and the second door leaf configuration L3, L4 are thus configured to be moved along the track configuration T between the open position and closed position. The track configuration is according to an aspect, see e.g. fig. 7b, wide enough for allowing the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 to be overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 within said track configuration T. The track configuration may T comprise two parallel tracks, not shown, for facilitating overlappingly moving the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 relative to the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 within said track configuration T. The track configuration T may alternatively be constituted by a single track for said overlapping movement of first door leafs LI, L2 relative to the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 within said track configuration T.

As described with reference to fig. 3a-d, the sliding door operator system I comprises a first drive unit 110 for moving the pair of first door leafs LI, L2, and a second drive unit 120 for moving the pair of second door leafs L3, L4.

As described with reference to fig. 3a-d, the control unit 100 is operably connected to the first drive unit 110, the second drive unit 120 and the sensor arrangement 130. How the control unit 100 is configured to control the drive units 110, 120 and hence the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 and pair of second door leafs L3, L4 in order to synchronize an initiated closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit so as to allow passage through said opening is described with reference to fig. 3a-d and fig. 4. See also e.g. description below with reference to fig. 8. The first drive unit 110 and second drive unit 120 are only schematically illustrated in fig. 7a. The first drive unit 110 may be any suitable drive unit for moving the pair of first door leafs LI, L2. The first drive unit 110 may be arranged in connection to the pair of first door leafs LI, L2 in any suitable way. The first drive unit 110 may be comprised in the first sliding door device. The first drive unit 110 may be movably connected to the track configuration T or comprise one or more parts being movably connected to the track configuration T. The first drive unit 110 may be comprised by one single unit pair of first door leafs LI, L2. The first drive unit 110 may alternatively be divided into a drive unit 110 for the door leaf LI associated with the first side W1 of the opening 01, i.e. the first track portion Tl, and a drive unit 110 for the door leaf L2 associated with the second side W2 of the opening 01, i.e. the second track portion T2.

The second drive unit 120 may be any suitable drive unit for pair of second door leafs LB, L4. The second drive unit 120 may be arranged in connection to the pair of second door leafs L3, L4 in any suitable way. The second drive unit 120 may be comprised in the second sliding door device. The second drive unit 120 may be movably connected to the track configuration T or comprise one or more parts being movably connected to the track configuration T. The second drive unit 120 may be comprised by one single unit pair of second door leafs L3, L4. The second drive unit 120 may alternatively be divided into a drive unit 120 for the door leaf L3 associated with the first side W1 of the opening 01, i.e. the first track portion Tl, and a drive unit 120 for the door leaf L4 associated with the second side W2 of the opening 01, i.e. the second track portion T2.

According to an aspect the first drive unit 110 may comprise at least one wheel, not shown, and at least one motor, not shown, the wheel being arranged in the track configuration T, the motor being configured to directly or indirectly rotate the wheel so as to slideably move the pair of first door leafs LI, L2. The motor may according to an aspect be connected to a fixed power source.

According to an aspect the second drive unit 120 may comprise at least one wheel, not shown, and at least one motor, not shown, the wheel being arranged in the track configuration T, the motor being configured to directly or indirectly rotate the wheel so as to slideably move the pair of second door leafs L3, L4. The motor may according to an aspect be connected to a fixed power source. Fig. 8 discloses a schematic block diagram of a control unit controlled sliding door operator system I; II; III for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The sliding door operator system may be any suitable sliding door operator system such as a sliding door operator system according to fig. Ba-d, 7a-b, or fig. 5a-d or fig. 6a-d.

Herein the term "link" may refer to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a non-physical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

The sliding door operator system comprises a control unit 100 for controlling the sliding door operator system. The sliding door operator system comprises a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening. The sliding door operator system further comprises a first drive unit 110 for moving the first door leaf configuration. The sliding door operator system comprises a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening. The sliding door operator system further comprises a second drive unit 120 for moving the second door leaf configuration.

The control unit 100 may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities. The control unit 100 may comprise one or more computers. The control unit 100 may thus be implemented or realized by the control unit comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor causes the control unit to perform the herein disclosed method.

The control unit 100 may be a single control unit operably connected via different links to the first drive unit 110 and second drive unit 120. The control unit 100 may comprise two or more separate control units, but operably connected to each other. The control unit 100 may e.g. comprise a first control unit operably connected via a link to the first drive unit 110 and a second control unit, separate from the first control unit, operably connected via a link to the second drive unit 120. The control unit 100 is configured to receive an opening signal for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position.

The sliding door operator system may comprise an opening determination device 130 for determining intended passage through said opening. The intended passage may be intended passage by one or more persons, i.e. pedestrians. The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to said opening determination device 130. The control device 100 may be configured to receive said opening signal from said opening determination device 130. The control device 100 may be operably connected to the opening determination device 130 via a link 30. The control device 100 may, via said link 30, be arranged to receive an opening signal for opening a for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the opening signal is configured to be based on sensor information from one or more sensors detecting intended passage through the opening.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the opening determination device 130 may comprise a sensor arrangement 132 comprising one or more sensors arranged to detect intended passage through the opening. The sliding door operator system may comprise a sensor arrangement 132 comprising one or more sensors arranged to detect intended passage through the opening. The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to said sensor arrangement 132. The control device 100 may be operably connected to the sensor arrangement 132 via a link 32. The control device 100 may, via said link 32, be arranged to receive an opening signal for opening a for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position.

Such one or more sensors may be any suitable sensors configured to detect an object, e.g. a pedestrian, intending to pass through the opening. Such one or more sensors may be arranged in connection to the first and second sliding door device in any suitable way. Such one or more sensors may be arranged at the first and second sliding door devices. Such one or more sensors may be arranged at a wall and/or roof adjacent to the door leaf configurations. Such one or more sensors may comprise sensors arranged at the first and/or second sliding door devices and/or sensors mounted on non moving parts of the sliding door operator system such as track configuration for door leaf configurations, control unit or the like, and/or wall/roof in connection to sliding door devices.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the opening signal is configured to be based on user information from an actuator unit for commanding passage through the opening.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the opening determination device 130 may comprise an actuator unit 134 for detecting a requested opening command from a user for intended passage. The sliding door operator system may comprise an actuator unit 134 for detecting a requested opening command from a user for intended passage. The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to said actuator unit 134. The control device 100 may be operably connected to the actuator unit 134 via a link 34. The control device 100 may, via said link 34, be arranged to receive an opening signal for opening a for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position.

Such an actuator unit may be any suitable actuator unit accessible for an intended passenger, e.g. pedestrian, intended to pass through the opening. Such an actuator unit may e.g. be a button for activating opening of the sliding door, i.e. commanding an opening signal for the closed door leaf configuration. Such an actuator unit may e.g. be a lock configuration with a set of buttons or the like for entering a code for activating opening of the sliding door, i.e. commanding an opening signal for the closed door leaf configuration.

The sliding door operator system may comprise a door leaf position determination device 140 for determining the position of the first and second door leaf configuration. The door leaf position determination device 140 may be configured to determine which one of the first and second door leaf configuration that is in the closed position and which one that is in the open position. According to an aspect, during normal operation when no opening signal has been received, one of the first and second door leaf configurations is configured to be in the closed position, and the other door leaf configurations is configured to be in the open position. The door leaf position determination device 140 may comprise one or more sensors for determining the position of the first and second door leaf configuration. The door leaf position determination device 140 may comprise or be comprised in the first and second drive unit 110, 120. The first and second drive units 110, 120 may thus be configured to determine position of the first and second door leaf configuration. The first drive unit 110 may be configured to provide information for determining the position of the first door leaf configuration. The second drive unit 120 may be configured to provide information for determining the position of the second door leaf configuration.

The door leaf position determination device 140 may comprise or be comprised in the opening determination device 130. The opening determination device 130 may thus be configured to determine position of the first and second door leaf configuration.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the door leaf position determination device 140 via a link 40. The control unit 100 may, via the link 40 be arranged to receive one or more signals representing data about position of the first and second door leaf configuration comprising information of which one of the first and second door leaf configuration is in the closed position and which one is in the open position.

The control unit 100 is operably connected to the first drive unit 110. The control unit 100 is operably connected to the second drive unit 120.

The control device 100 is configured to cause, in response to receiving the opening signal, a respective drive unit of the first and second drive units 110, 120 to initiate an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position.

The control device 100 is configured to cause, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, the other drive unit of the first and second drive units 110, 120 to initiate a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration.

The control unit 100 is operably connected to the first drive unit 110 via a link 10a and operably connected to the second drive unit 120 via a link 20a. If the first door leaf configuration is in the closed position and the second door leaf configuration is in the open position, the control unit 100 is configured to send a signal, via said link 10a, to the first drive unit 110 representing data to initiate an opening movement of the first door leaf configuration. The control device 100 is further configured to, prior to said first door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, send a signal, via said link 20a, to the second drive unit representing data to initiate a closing movement of the second door leaf configuration.

If the second door leaf configuration is in the closed position and the first door leaf configuration is in the open position, the control unit 100 is configured to send a signal, via said link 20a, to the second drive unit 120 representing data to initiate an opening movement of the second door leaf configuration. The control device 100 is further configured to, prior to said second door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, send a signal, via the link 10a, to the first drive unit representing data to initiate a closing movement of the first door leaf configuration.

According to an aspect the control unit 100 is configured to synchronize an initiated closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit so as to allow passage through said opening. The control unit 100 may be configured to synchronize closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit based on predetermined settings for the particular sliding door operator system. The control unit 100 may be configured to synchronize closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit based on one or more of: speed of opening movement of opening door leaf configuration, expected deceleration time before reaching open position for door leaf configuration performing opening movement, expected acceleration time before reaching maximum closing speed for door leaf configuration performing closing movement, and speed of closing movement of closing door leaf configuration. The control unit 100 may be configured to synchronize closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit based on expected time for passing through said opening for a passenger, e.g. a pedestrian. The expected time for passing through said opening for a pedestrian may be a predetermined time. The control unit 100 may be configured to adapt synchronization of closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit based on number of passengers, e.g. pedestrians, intended to pass said opening. According to an aspect the control unit 100 is configured to hold a door leaf configuration in the closed position following completion of a closing movement of that door leaf configuration until another opening signal is received. The control unit 100 is further configured to hold a door leaf configuration for which an opening movement has been initiated in the open position following completion of the opening movement of that door leaf configuration until said other opening signal is received.

According to an aspect, during forced closure operation, when the opening is arranged to be closed for passage, both the first and second door leaf configurations are configured to be in the closed position.

The control unit 100 may, during forced closure operation, be configured to cause the first drive unit to initiate and complete a closing movement of the first door leaf configuration and the second drive unit 120 to initiate and complete a closing movement of the second door leaf configuration, so that both the first and second door leaf configurations are in the closed position.

The sliding door operator system may comprise a forced closure determination device 150 for determining intended forced closure of the opening. The control device 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to said forced closure determination device 150. The control device 100 may be configured to receive forced closure signal from said forced closure determination device 150. The control device 100 may be operably connected to the forced closure determination device 150 via a link 50. The control device 100 may, via said link 50, be arranged to receive a forced closure signal for closing said opening for passage. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the forced closure determination device 150 may comprise an actuator unit for detecting a requested closure command from a user for intended forced closure of the opening.

After such a forced closure operation, both the first and second door leaf configurations will be in a closed position. This will provide an even better U-value and lower air leakage in connection to the opening. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the first and second door leaf configurations may, after such a forced closure operation, be in a closed position and locked for preventing passage through said opening. Such forced closure operation may be used e.g. during night time when no one is intended to pass through said opening. During forced closure operation, when both the first and second door leaf configurations will be in a closed position, normal operation functions such as sensors detecting intended passage, may not function. In order to cancel a forced closure operation some kind of opening command may be required. In order to cancel a forced closure operation it may be sufficient that the closed first and second door leaf configurations are unlocked by an operator.

The control unit 100 may be configured to receive a forced closure signal for closign said opening for passage.

According to an aspect the control unit 100 is configured to determine the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the sliding door operator system comprises a moving door leaf resistance determination device 160 for determining the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement. The moving door leaf resistance determination device 160 .

The moving door leaf resistance determination device 160 may comprise or be comprised in the first and second drive unit 110, 120. The first and second drive units 110, 120 may thus be configured to determine the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement. The first drive unit 110 may be configured to provide information for determining the resistance of the first door leaf configuration during movement of that door leaf configuration. The second drive unit 120 may be configured to provide information for determining the resistance of the second door leaf configuration.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the door leaf resistance determination device 160 via a link 60. The control unit 100 may, via the link 60, be arranged to receive one or more signals representing data about resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement of a door leaf configuration. The data may comprise data about whether the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the first drive unit 110 via a link 10b. The control unit 100 may, via the link 10, be arranged to receive one or more signals representing data about resistance for moving the first door leaf configuration during a closing movement of the first door leaf configuration. The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the second drive unit 120 via a link 20b. The control unit 100 may, via the link 10, be arranged to receive one or more signals representing data about resistance for moving the second door leaf configuration during a closing movement of the second door leaf configuration.

The control device 100 may be configured to determine, based on received data resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement, whether the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds a predetermined threshold.

If it is determined that the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during the closing movement, the control device 100 is configured to terminate the closing movement and initiate an opening movement of that door leaf configuration.

According to an aspect the first door leaf configuration is overlappingly movably arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration. See e.g. fig. Sa-d, 5a-d, 7a-b, and exemplary text below, in connection to fig. 9-11.

According to an aspect the first sliding door device and second sliding door device are slideably connected to a common track configuration, the first door leaf configuration and the second door leaf configuration being configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position. See e.g. fig. 7b, and exemplary text below, in connection to fig. 9-11.

According to an aspect the first door leaf configuration comprises a pair of first door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, and wherein the second door leaf configuration comprises a pair of second door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, the pair of first door leafs being overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs. See e.g. fig. Sa-d, and exemplary text below, in connection to fig. 9-11.

According to an aspect the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf movable from the same side of the opening as the first door leaf, and overlappingly movably arranged relative to the first door leaf. See e.g. fig. 5a-d, and exemplary text below, in connection to fig. 9-11. According to an aspect the first door leaf configuration constitutes a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration constitutes a single second door leaf movable from the opposite side of the opening. See e.g. fig. 6a-d, and exemplary text below, in connection to fig. 9-11.

The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method Ml described below with reference to fig. 9. The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 10. The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method MS described below with reference to fig. 11.

Figure 9-11 show schematic flowcharts of a method Ml; M2 and M3, for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The methods may be performed by means of a control unit, e.g. a control unit 100 as described with reference to fig. 7a and 8.

The sliding door operator system comprises: a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening, and a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening, and a closed position for closing said opening.

Figure 9 shows a schematic flowchart of a method Ml for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method Ml comprises a step SI. In this step, while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, an opening signal for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening is received.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method Ml comprises a step S2. In this step, in response to receiving the opening signal, an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position is initiated. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method Ml comprises a step SB.

In this step, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration is initiated.

Figure 10 shows a schematic flowchart of a method M2 for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step Sll. In this step, while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, an opening signal for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening is received.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S12. In this step, in response to receiving the opening signal, an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position is initiated.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S13. In this step, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration is initiated, said closing movement being is synchronized with the opening movement so as to allow passage through said opening. The synchronization may be based on one or more of: speed of opening movement of opening door leaf configuration, expected deceleration time before reaching open position for door leaf configuration performing opening movement, expected acceleration time before reaching maximum closing speed for door leaf configuration performing closing movement, and speed of closing movement of closing door leaf configuration. The synchronization may be based on expected time for passing through said opening for a passenger, e.g. a pedestrian. The expected time for passing through said opening for a pedestrian may be a predetermined time. The synchronization of closing movement may be adapted with an opening movement based on number of passengers, e.g. pedestrians, intended to pass said opening.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S14A. In this step, the other door leaf configuration is remained in the closed position following completion of the closing movement of the other door leaf configuration until another opening signal is received. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step SMB. In this step, the door leaf configuration for which the opening movement has been initiated is remained in the open position following completion of the opening movement until said other opening signal is received.

Thus, during normal operation when no opening signal has been received, one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, and the other door leaf configurations is in the open position.

Figure 11 shows a schematic flowchart of a method MB for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S21. In this step, while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, an opening signal for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening is received.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S22. In this step, in response to receiving the opening signal, an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position is initiated.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S23. In this step, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration is initiated.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S24. In this step, the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement is determined, and whether or not the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds a predetermined threshold.

If the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the method M3 comprises a step S25A. In this step, following completion of closing movement of the door leaf configuration for which closing movement has been initiated, that door leaf configuration is maintained in closed position until another opening signal is received, and, following opening movement of the door leaf configuration for which opening movement has been initiated, that door leaf configuration is maintained in open position until said another opening signal is received.

If the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds the predetermined threshold, the method MB comprises a step S25B. In this step, the closing movement of that door leaf configuration is terminated and an opening movement initiated.

Methods Ml; M2; M3 for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening according to an aspect of the present disclosure have been described above. The methods Ml; M2; M3 for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening may be combined in any suitable way.

The opening signal received in said methods Ml; M2; M3 for opening said opening to allow passage through said opening may be any suitable opening signal.

Methods Ml; M2; M3 for controlling a sliding door operator system for opening and closing an opening may be performed by means of a control device operably connected to a first drive unit 110 for moving the first door leaf configuration and second drive unit 120 for moving the second door leaf configuration.

According to an aspect the opening signal may be based on sensor information from one or more sensors detecting intended passage through the opening. Such one or more sensors may be any suitable sensors configured to detect an object, e.g. a pedestrian, intending to pass through the opening. Such one or more sensors may be arranged in connection to the first and second sliding door device in any suitable way. Such one or more sensors may be arranged at the first and second sliding door devices. Such one or more sensors may be arranged at a wall and/or roof adjacent to the door leaf configurations. Such one or more sensors may comprise sensors arranged at the first and/or second sliding door devices and/or sensors mounted on non moving parts of the sliding door operator system such as track configuration for door leaf configurations, control unit or the like, and/or wall/roof in connection to sliding door devices.

According to an aspect the opening signal may be based on user information from an actuator unit for commanding passage through the opening. Such an actuator unit may be any suitable actuator unit accessible for an intended passenger, e.g. pedestrian, intended to pass through the opening. Such an actuator unit may e.g. be a button for activating opening of the sliding door, i.e. commanding an opening signal for the closed door leaf configuration. Such an actuator unit may e.g. be a lock configuration with a set of buttons or the like for entering a code for activating opening of the sliding door, i.e. commanding an opening signal for the closed door leaf configuration.

For one or more of said methods Ml; M2; MS, during normal operation when no opening signal has been received, one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, and the other door leaf configurations is in the open position.

For one or more of said methods Ml; M2; M3, during forced closure operation, when the opening is arranged to be closed for passage, both the first and second door leaf configurations are in the closed position.

For one or more of said methods Ml; M2; M3 the first door leaf configuration may be overlappingly movably arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration. The first door leaf configuration may thus be configured to be overlappingly arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration so that they are so close to each other that they essentially are moveable so as to cover essentially the same opening. The first door leaf configuration may thus be configured to be overlappingly arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration so that they are so close to each other that no person may fit between the front/rear sides facing each other when overlapping.

For one or more of said methods Ml; M2; M3 the first sliding door device and second sliding door device may be slideably connected to a common track configuration, the first door leaf configuration and the second door leaf configuration being configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position. The track configuration may be wide enough for allowing the first door leaf configuration to be overlappingly movably arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration within said track configuration. The track configuration may comprise two parallel tracks for facilitating overlappingly moving the first door leaf configuration relative to the second door leaf configuration within said track configuration. The track configuration may alternatively be constituted by a single track for said overlapping movement of the first door leaf configuration relative to the second door leaf configuration within said track configuration. For one or more of said methods Ml; M2; MB the first door leaf configuration may comprise a pair of first door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, and the second door leaf configuration comprise a pair of second door leafs movable from opposite sides of the opening, where the pair of first door leafs are overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs. See e.g. fig. 3a-d and fig. 7a-b.

For one or more of said methods Ml; M2; M3 the first door leaf configuration may be constituted by a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration may be constituted by a single second door leaf movable from the same side of the opening as the first door leaf, and be overlappingly movably arranged relative to the first door leaf. See e.g. fig. 5a-d.

For one or more of said methods Ml; M2; M3 the first door leaf configuration may be constituted by a single first door leaf movable from one side of the opening and the second door leaf configuration may be constituted by a single second door leaf movable from the opposite side of the opening. The first and second door leaf may according to an aspect of the present disclosure be arranged so that a short side of the first door leaf is configured to face a short side of the second door leaf so that short sides of the first and second door leaf essentially are brought into contact in a closed position of a door leaf, see e.g. fig. 6a-d. The first and second door leaf may according to an aspect of the present disclosure be overlappingly movably arranged relative to each other.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

The description of the aspects of the disclosure provided herein has been presented for purposes of illustration. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit aspects of the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various alternatives to the provided aspects of the disclosure. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various aspects of the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the aspects of the disclosure in various manners and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the aspects of the disclosure described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules, systems, and computer program products. It should be appreciated that the aspects of the disclosure presented herein may be practiced in any combination with each other.

It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method at a control unit (100) for controlling a sliding door operator system (I; II; III) for opening and closing an opening (01), the sliding door operator system (I; II; III) comprising: a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration (LI, L2; LI) movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening (01), and a closed position for closing said opening (01), and a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration (LB, L4; L3) movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening (01), and a closed position for closing said opening (01), the method comprising the steps of: while one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, receiving an opening signal for opening said opening (01) to allow passage through said opening (01);

• in response to receiving the opening signal, initiating an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configurations being in the closed position; prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, initiating a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of initiating the closing movement is synchronized with the opening movement so as to allow passage through said opening (01).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the other door leaf configuration remains in the closed position following completion of the closing movement of the other door leaf configuration until another opening signal is received, and wherein the door leaf configuration for which the opening movement has been initiated remains in the open position following completion of the opening movement until said other opening signal is received.

4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein, during normal operation when no opening signal has been received, one of the first and second door leaf configurations is in the closed position, and the other door leaf configurations is in the open position.

5. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein, during forced closure operation, when the opening (01) is arranged to be closed for passage, both the first and second door leaf configurations are in the closed position.

6. The method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the opening signal is based on sensor information from one or more sensors detecting intended passage through the opening (01).

7. The method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the opening signal is based on user information from an actuator unit for commanding passage through the opening (01).

8. The method according to any of claims 1-7, comprising the steps of: determining the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement; and if the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds a predetermined threshold, terminating the closing movement and initiating an opening movement of that door leaf configuration.

9. The method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI, L2; LI) is overlappingly movably arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration (LB, L4; L3).

10. The method according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the first sliding door device and second sliding door device are slideably connected to a common track configuration, the first door leaf configuration (LI, L2; LI) and the second door leaf configuration (L3, L4; L3) being configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position.

11. The method according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI, L2) comprises a pair of first door leafs (LI, L2) movable from opposite sides of the opening (01), and wherein the second door leaf configuration (L3, L4) comprises a pair of second door leafs (L3, L4) movable from opposite sides of the opening (01), the pair of first door leafs (LI, L2) being overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs (L3, L4).

12. The method according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI) constitutes a single first door leaf (LI) movable from one side of the opening (01) and the second door leaf configuration (LB) constitutes a single second door leaf (L3) movable from the same side of the opening (01) as the first door leaf (LI), and overlappingly movably arranged relative to the first door leaf (LI).

13. The method according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI) constitutes a single first door leaf (LI) movable from one side of the opening (01) and the second door leaf configuration (L3) constitutes a single second door leaf (L3) movable from the opposite side of the opening (01).

14. A sliding door operator system (I; II; III) for opening and closing an opening (01), the sliding door operator system (I; II; III) comprising: a control unit for controlling the sliding door operator system (I; II; III), a first sliding door device having a first door leaf configuration (LI, L2; LI) movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening (01), and a closed position for closing said opening (01), a first drive unit for moving the first door leaf configuration (LI, L2; LI), and a second sliding door device having a second door leaf configuration (L3, L4; L3) movably arranged between an open position for providing said opening (01), and a closed position for closing said opening (01), and a second drive unit for moving the second door leaf configuration (L3, L4; L3), wherein the control unit is configured to: receive an opening signal for opening said opening (01) to allow passage through said opening (01) while one of the first and second door leaf configuration (L3, L4; L3)s is in the closed position; cause, in response to receiving the opening signal, a respective drive unit of the first and second drive units to initiate an opening movement of the one of the first and second door leaf configuration (L3, L4; L3)s being in the closed position; cause, prior to said door leaf configuration having reached the open position by means of the opening movement, the other drive unit of the first and second drive units to initiate a closing movement of the other door leaf configuration.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the control unit (100) is configured to synchronize an initiated closing movement performed by means of one of the drive units with an opening movement performed by means of the other drive unit so as to allow passage through said opening (01).

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the control unit (100) is configured to hold a door leaf configuration in the closed position following completion of a closing movement of that door leaf configuration until another opening signal is received, and wherein the control unit (100) is configured to hold a door leaf configuration for which an opening movement has been initiated in the open position following completion of the opening movement of that door leaf configuration until said other opening signal is received.

17. The system according to any of claims 14-16, wherein, during normal operation when no opening signal has been received, one of the first and second door leaf configurations is configured to be in the closed position, and the other door leaf configurations is configured to be in the open position.

18. The system according to any of claims 14-17, wherein, during forced closure operation, when the opening (01) is arranged to be closed for passage, both the first and second door leaf configurations are configured to be in the closed position.

19. The system according to any of claims 14-18, wherein the opening signal is configured to be based on sensor information from one or more sensors detecting intended passage through the opening (01).

20. The system according to any of claims 14-18, wherein the opening signal is configured to be based on user information from an actuator unit for commanding passage through the opening (01).

21. The system according to any of claims 14-19, the control unit (100) being configured to: determine the resistance for moving a door leaf configuration during a closing movement; and if the resistance for moving the door leaf configuration during the closing movement exceeds a predetermined threshold, terminate the closing movement and initiate an opening movement of that door leaf configuration.

22. The system according to any of claims 14-19, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI, L2; LI) is overlappingly movably arranged relative to the second door leaf configuration (LB, L4; L3).

23. The system according to any of claims 14-20, wherein the first sliding door device and second sliding door device are slideably connected to a common track configuration, the first door leaf configuration (LI, L2; LI) and the second door leaf configuration (L3, L4; L3) being configured to be moved along the track configuration between the open position and closed position.

24. The system according to any of claims 14-20, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI, L2) comprises a pair of first door leafs (LI, L2) movable from opposite sides of the opening (01), and wherein the second door leaf configuration (L3, L4) comprises a pair of second door leafs (L3, L4) movable from opposite sides of the opening (01), the pair of first door leafs (LI, L2) being overlappingly movably arranged relative to the pair of second door leafs (L3, L4).

25. The system according to any of claims 14-20, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI) constitutes a single first door leaf (LI) movable from one side of the opening (01) and the second door leaf configuration (L3) constitutes a single second door leaf (L3) movable from the same side of the opening (01) as the first door leaf (LI), and overlappingly movably arranged relative to the first door leaf (LI).

26. The system according to any of claims 14-20, wherein the first door leaf configuration (LI) constitutes a single first door leaf (LI) movable from one side of the opening (01) and the second door leaf configuration (L3) constitutes a single second door leaf (L3) movable from the opposite side of the opening (01).