Sliding door, in particular lifting and sliding door, with a device for supporting the opening of a sliding wing

Abstract

A sliding door, in particular a lift-and-slide door (1), which can be installed in a vertical orientation in a building opening, wherein the sliding door, in particular the lift-and-slide door (1), comprises at least the following: a fixed frame (2) in which at least one sliding sash (3) is slidably guided, wherein the at least one sliding sash (3) has a sash frame (5) into which a surface element (6) is inserted, and a device for opening support (100) of the at least one sliding sash (3), is characterized in that: - the device for opening support (100) is designed to pre-tension the spring during the closing of the sliding sash (3) over a spring tension travel, - the total displacement travel (sF) of the sliding sash (3) in the opening direction is a multiple of the support displacement travel (sFöU) of the sliding sash (3) over which it is supported by the device for opening support (100),and - that the opening support device (100) is designed such that the reduction in the operating force required to open the sliding sash (3) (ΔFFö) by using the opening support device (100) over the support displacement path is always greater than the increase in the operating force required to push the sliding sash (3) back from the open position to the closed position (ΔFFs) over the spring tension path.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sliding door with a device for supporting the opening of a sliding sash according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A trend in the construction industry is towards ever larger sliding door and lift-and-slide door systems in order to let more daylight into the interiors, to provide a better view to the outside or to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of a building in modern architecture.

[0003] This results in a high weight for the sliding leaves of such door systems. Furthermore, thermal and / or sound insulation, airtightness, and fire protection properties of these door systems are becoming increasingly important. Multi-pane, increasingly triple-pane, or even more complex glazing with wide rebates, optimized seals, and frame constructions with integrated fire protection elements also increase the weight of a sliding leaf in such door systems. The interplay of these factors leads to high operating forces, particularly when manually sliding the leaves from the closed position, which is undesirable.

[0004] Opening supports for sliding sashes of a sliding or lift-and-slide door are known from the prior art.

[0005] Such an opening support is shown in the generic patent EP 1 555 369 B1. The respective sliding sash of a lift-and-slide door system is assisted during the opening process by a device. Utilizing an impulse applied to the sliding sash by raising a ramp, the sliding sash is supported in its opening. The force required for the opening support is generated by a tension spring, which acts as a force storage device and transmits its energy via cables to the ramp and thus to the sliding sash. The spring is tensioned by the closing movement of the sliding sash. A disadvantage of this solution is that the force required to tension the spring is very high. Therefore, while the solution facilitates the opening process, it simultaneously makes the closing process considerably more difficult.

[0006] Another prior art solution, which also fails to solve this problem, is disclosed in DE 10 2021 104 797 A1. According to DE 10 2021 104 797 A1, a recessed lowering track is provided in a guide rail on which the sliding sash moves. A roller of the carriage enters this lowering track, charging an energy storage device, when the sliding sash is in the closed position. The roller then exits the lowering track to the open position, discharging the energy storage device and raising the sliding sash. To charge the energy storage device, the sliding sash or carriage, as it moves into the lowering track, is acted upon by a thrust unit located in the direction of movement of the roller and guided parallel to the direction of travel. This thrust unit compresses the energy storage device, which is also aligned parallel to the direction of travel.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to provide an opening support for sliding panels of a sliding or lift-and-slide door that at least partially overcomes these problems. In particular, the opening support should make it possible to keep the operating forces for the sliding panel relatively low.

[0008] This problem is solved by the object according to claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, a sliding door, which can also be a lift-and-slide door, is created that can be installed in a vertical orientation in a building opening, wherein the sliding door has at least the following: a frame that can be permanently installed in the building, in which at least one sliding sash is guided slidably over a total displacement path, wherein the at least one sliding sash has a sash frame into which a surface element is inserted, and wherein the sliding sash further has a device for supporting the opening of the at least one sliding sash in the opening direction over a support displacement path, wherein the device for supporting the opening has a spring as a force and / or torque storage device.This sliding door is optimized by the fact that the opening support device is designed to pre-tension the spring during the closing of the sliding sash over a spring tension travel, and that the opening support device is designed such that the reduction in operating force for opening the sliding sash by using the opening support device over the support travel travel is always greater than the increase in operating force when pushing the sliding sash back over the spring tension travel.

[0010] The subject matter of claim 1 provides a device for assisting the opening of a sliding door, in particular a lift-and-slide door, which is designed such that the opening process of a sliding sash – i.e., overcoming the static friction forces of the seals as well as overcoming the inertial forces of the sliding sash during movement, which initially includes accelerating from a standstill in the closed position – can be carried out with low sliding forces exerted by the operator. Although tensioning the spring during the return stroke increases the force required for this movement, the long distance traveled by the spring results in only a relatively small increase in the sliding forces, despite the need to retension the spring. This is because the reduction in the operating force required to open the sliding sash through the use of the opening assist device over the assist stroke (or...)whose amount) is always greater than the increase in operating force when pushing the sliding wing back over the spring tension travel.

[0011] This creates a sliding door, especially a lift-and-slide door, that is particularly easy for the operator to use. Furthermore, it allows compliance with demanding requirements regarding operating forces, such as those of class 3 according to DIN EN 12217, which is required for barrier-free construction according to DIN 1840-1.

[0012] In an advantageous optional design, it can further be provided that the opening support device is designed to pre-tension the spring during the closing of the sliding sash, and that the total displacement of the sliding sash is a multiple of the displacement in the opening direction of the sliding sash during which it is supported by the opening support device. This ensures support is provided only when needed for the initial portion of the opening path. Furthermore, it can advantageously offer the possibility of minimizing the operating forces required when moving the sliding sash from the open to the closed position. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0013] In the case of opening assistance, some or all of the spring energy stored in the spring is used to assist the opening process. Therefore, the opening assistance device is designed to pre-tension the spring during the closing of the sliding sash, so that when the sash is closed or pushed back out of the opening path, the spring is re-tensioned over the entire path or part of this path – this path is referred to as the spring tension path – so that it can be used again for opening assistance during the next opening operation.

[0014] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the total displacement (sF) of the sliding sash is preferably 8 to 30 times greater than the support displacement. It is particularly preferred that the total displacement is 15 to 25 times greater than the support displacement. These displacement ratios also advantageously allow the operating forces to be kept relatively low when moving the sliding sash from the open position to the closed position and re-tensioning the spring. Furthermore, the opening support device advantageously reduces the maximum forces that an operator must exert when opening a sliding sash.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the opening support device can be partially or completely integrated into a profile of an upper, horizontal sash frame member. It is thus housed there in a space-saving manner, and it is particularly easy to implement the advantageous functionality according to claim 1 and especially also the dependent claims.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the opening support device may include an actuating mechanism and a gearbox. The actuating mechanism provides simple and familiar operation of the sliding sash for the operator, as well as operation of the opening support device that is not immediately visible to the operator. The gearbox is an advantageously space-saving solution that significantly reduces the operating forces required to move the sliding sash from the open position to the closed position compared to prior art solutions and allows for the pre-tensioning of a torque storage device over the entire travel distance of the sliding sash.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring can be a torsion spring. This results in an advantageously compact torque storage device for the opening support mechanism.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the force or torque exerted by the torsion spring can be dimensioned such that it cannot push the sliding sash open on its own. This results in the sliding sash exhibiting an opening behavior that is familiar and therefore predictable for the operator.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the torsion spring is adjustable in its properties, especially its preload. This allows the spring to be easily adapted to different sliding wings.

[0020] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pre-tensioned torsion spring, when released, drives a drive gear which is operatively connected to a first rack arranged and fixed in the frame, thus providing support for the opening movement of the sliding sash. The interaction of the torsion spring as a torque storage device and the rack and pinion drive formed by the drive gear and the rack creates an advantageously compact and robust drive for the sliding sash, which optimally supports the opening movement of the sliding sash.

[0021] By having a tensioning gear mesh with a second rack during the pre-tensioning process of the torsion spring, which is attached to the frame in extension of the first rack, a structurally simple and advantageously compact and robust drive is created to pre-tension the torsion spring.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmission can have an overall gear ratio of 1 : sF in mm / 10 and is preferably multi-stage, particularly preferably three-stage. This creates the condition that an operator only needs to exert slightly more sliding force when closing the sash than when opening the sliding sash.

[0023] A further advantage is that the gearbox is in operative contact with the tensioning gear during the closing of the sliding sash. This ensures that an operator only needs to exert slightly more force when closing the sash than when opening it.

[0024] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the tensioning gear can also act on the transmission via a spring-loaded ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism effectively protects the torsion spring against being pre-tensioned with an excessive pre-tension angle and ensures that the tensioning gear is decoupled from the transmission when the sliding wing is opened.

[0025] Another advantage is that the opening support device is integrated into a profile of an upper, horizontal sash frame member. This means the opening support device is located outside the visible area of ​​the sliding sash.

[0026] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening support device comprises a housing, which in turn can be composed of a first housing half and a second housing half, and which are preferably joined together by screws in the assembled state of the opening support device. This optional division of the housing into two parts results in advantageously simple assembly of the opening support device.

[0027] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening support device may also be designed such that the resulting forces and torques act within the opening support device, so that no forces or torques act on the sash frame and / or the frame. As a result, the sliding sash remains free of forces and mechanical stresses except during the brief periods of opening or closing, which has a positive effect on the service life of the sliding sash.

[0028] Furthermore, according to another, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism is designed such that the opening support device can only be activated if the sliding sash was locked by the handle and is unlocked from the locked state using the handle. This prevents the opening support device from being activated without a pre-tensioned torsion spring.

[0029] Furthermore, according to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism of the opening support device may include a rocker arm, such that the movement of a vertically movable locking bar is transmitted to the rocker arm, wherein the rocker arm has a triangular cam in a region at an upper free end, the cam preferably being integrally formed with the rocker arm. This provides a simple way to actuate the opening support device using a standard locking bar.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a release pin fixed to the frame can be provided as a support for the rocker arm. This creates a structurally simple, compact, and therefore inconspicuous support for the rocker arm, so that the rocker arm cannot evade an actuating force applied by the locking rod, but instead transmits this actuating force to the opening support device.

[0031] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam can also be provided for in conjunction with a spring-loaded slide, the slide acting on a pawl. This achieves a simple change in the direction of the actuating force.

[0032] Furthermore, according to another, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pawl may have a first and a second leg, each leg having a recess into which a locking hook extends. This design creates a robust pawl in a simple manner.

[0033] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a drive gear, together with the torsion spring and a first gear of the transmission, can also be arranged on a drive gear shaft. This creates, on the one hand, a compact mechanism for pre-tensioning the torsion spring, and on the other hand, an equally compact drive for the opening support device.

[0034] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive gear shaft is rotatably and vertically displaceably mounted in a guide in the respective housing half. The different height positions of the drive gear shaft, and thus of the drive gear, provide a simple structural basis for engaging the drive gear with the first rack, thereby driving the sliding wing during its opening movement, and for disengaging this engagement again, thus preventing the sliding wing from being driven during its opening movement.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advantageous that in the locked and closed position of the sliding sash, the drive gear shaft is held in a lower position in the respective recess by the respective locking hook, and the drive gear is operatively connected to the first gear and to the transmission, while simultaneously being decoupled from the first rack. As a result, no forces from the opening support mechanism act on the sash and / or frame.

[0036] Furthermore, according to another, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, actuation of a handle on the sliding wing can move the locking rod downwards, causing the rocker arm to slide onto a head of the slide. This movement shifts the slide in the opening direction of the sliding wing, thereby pushing the pawl and its corresponding detent hook in the opening direction. The detent hook then releases the drive gear shaft, causing it to move vertically upwards. This compact mechanism ensures robust vertical adjustability of the drive gear shaft.

[0037] Furthermore, according to another, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the upward vertical movement of the drive gear shaft can be supported by two springs. This results in a structurally simple and robust support for the movement of the drive gear shaft.

[0038] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the rack may also have a pivot joint through which a first, pivotable section of the rack is guided obliquely downwards, whereby a toothing of the drive gear engages with a toothing of the first, pivotable section of the first rack after the drive gear is no longer in operative connection with the transmission. The pivot joint ensures, with a structurally simple solution, that the drive gear remains securely in operative connection with the rack and that any possible installation tolerances of the housing of the opening support device are reliably compensated for.

[0039] Furthermore, according to another, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening support device can be disassembled into its individual parts. This facilitates pure material recycling.

[0040] It should be noted that the opening support device can alternatively also be used as a closing support device, since a closing process of a sliding sash can present an analogous or at least similar problem to opening it; see [reference to relevant section]. Fig. 2c In such an interpretation, the closing process within the meaning of this document is to be considered an opening process. The re-tensioning then occurs during opening, which is then to be considered a closing process within the meaning of the further description. In this respect, the claims, the following description, and the figures can also be read as referring to such an embodiment.

[0041] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the remaining dependent claims.

[0042] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways, either literally or equivalently. In particular, individual features of the exemplary embodiments described below can also be used in other exemplary embodiments not shown below.

[0043] It shows: Figure 1: a front view of a door system with a sliding leaf and a fixed side panel; Figure 2: in a) a close-up of an upper left corner of a lift-and-slide door with an opening support, in b) the close-up from Fig. 2a in a spatial view, in c) a close-up of an upper left corner / upper handle-side corner of a lift-and-slide door with a first opening support device and a close-up of an upper right corner / upper catch-side corner of a lift-and-slide door with a second opening support device that acts as a closing support; Figure 3: in a) an exploded view of an opening support device, in b) a force-displacement diagram showing, by way of example, force and displacement relationships on a sliding sash of a lift-and-slide door without an opening support device and with such an opening support device; Figure 4: in a) the opening support device made of Fig. 3a in a position corresponding to the closed and locked sliding sash, in b) the opening support device from Fig. 3a with unlocked sliding sash, in c) the opening support device from Fig. 3a , when the sliding sash is pushed, in d) the opening support device from Fig. 3a after reaching an opening width of 100 mm of the sliding sash, in e) the device for opening support from Fig. 3a , when the sliding sash is pushed further open.

[0044] The following description of the figures describes an exemplary embodiment. Individual features of this embodiment can also be combined with embodiments not shown and are each suitable as advantageous embodiments of the objects described in one or more of the main and dependent claims. The terms "sliding sash" or "sliding door" can also be used synonymously with "lift-and-slide sash" or "lift-and-slide door".

[0045] The terms used below, such as "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "horizontal", "vertical", "inside" or "outside", refer to the representation of the figures. Coordinate systems within the figures serve for further orientation.

[0046] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a sliding door 1. The sliding door 1 has a frame 2 in the form of a frame-like enclosure that is fixed to the building in an installed state and at least one sliding leaf 3 that is slidably guided in the frame 2 – for example, by rollers on a track or by a track on rollers (not shown here). The frame 2 is designed as a continuous frame. The sliding leaf 3 is located in the frame 2 or in the enclosure between a closed position (which is shown in Fig. 1 (as shown) and is movable or retractable in an open position. The sliding sash 3 can preferably be locked in its closed position.

[0047] The opening direction of the sliding wing 3 coincides here with the positive x-direction according to the coordinate system in Fig. 1 together, while the closing direction of the sliding wing 3 here corresponds to the negative x-direction.

[0048] In its lower section, frame 2 can be designed to be inserted into a recess in the floor. Frame 2 can also function as a door threshold in the floor area, or be designed to act as such.

[0049] The sliding door 1 can have, in addition to the sliding sash 3, at least one further sliding sash and / or a fixed, non-sliding glazing panel 4. When opened, the sliding sash 3 is then pushed in front of the fixed glazing panel 4 (in Fig. 1 to the right). The sliding sash 3 preferably has a surrounding sash frame 5 and a surface element 6 inserted into the sash frame 5, which can, for example, be designed as an insulating glass unit. Such a surface element 6 extends in a main surface plane (in Fig. 1 the xy-plane).

[0050] The sliding sash 3 can be moved relative to the frame 2 from its closed position to its open position and from there back to its closed position using a handle (not shown).

[0051] The sliding sash 3 can be aligned, in particular with one or more of its edges - here with the sash frame 5 - on a lower, here horizontal, i.e. parallel to the x-axis of the coordinate system. Fig. 1 The sliding sash 3 is mounted on rollers within the frame 2, along a guide rail running parallel to the frame 2, for opening and closing (not shown here). In a lift-and-slide configuration, the sliding sash 3 is first lifted and then moved. Alternatively, the sliding sash 3 can also be mounted on rollers within the frame 2, along a lower, horizontal guide rail, for opening and closing, possibly without prior height adjustment.

[0052] As in Fig. 2a and as shown in the further figures, a device for opening support 100 of at least one sliding wing 3 in the opening direction is provided via a support displacement path sFöU (See also Fig. 3b ).

[0053] Because with a sliding door, the sliding panel can be equipped with a continuous seal (not shown in detail here). To move the sliding panel out of this sealing plane and to push it forward and bring it up to a certain speed, a relatively high force must be applied over a short distance. The opening support device 100 assists the user in this process.

[0054] The opening support device 100 has a spring as a force or torque storage device, the energy of which is converted into kinematic energy of the sliding wing during opening support.

[0055] It is further provided that the opening support device 100 is also designed to pre-tension the spring during the closing of the sliding wing 3 via a spring tensioning path.

[0056] It is also provided that the total displacement path sF of the sliding wing 3 in the opening direction is a multiple of the support displacement path sFöU of the sliding wing 3, on which it is supported by the opening support device 100.

[0057] And it is provided that the opening support device 100 is designed such that the reduction in the operating force required to open the sliding sash 3 (ΔFFö) by using the opening support device 100 over the support displacement path is always greater than the increase in the operating force required to push the sliding sash 3 back from the opening position to the closed position (ΔFFs) when the spring is retensioned over the spring tension path.

[0058] This can be achieved in various ways. A preferred embodiment is shown in the figures.

[0059] It should be noted again that the opening support device 100 described below can alternatively also be used as a closing support device 100a, since an analogous or at least similar problem can arise during the closing process of a sliding sash 3 as during an opening process; see below. Fig. 2c In such an interpretation, the closing process is to be considered an opening process. The re-tensioning then occurs during opening, which is then to be considered a closing process in the sense of the further description.

[0060] In Fig. 2a und 2b The figure shows, as an example, the upper left corner of a lift-and-slide door 1 with an opening support device 100. The opening support device 100 can advantageously be inserted – being compact and space-saving – into a profile 7 of an upper, horizontal sash frame member 8.

[0061] Essential elements - in particular a gearbox which is yet to be described - can be inserted into a profile 7 of an upper, horizontal wing frame member 8 of the wing frame 5.

[0062] To insert the opening support device 100 into profile 7, an opening may be provided in profile 7. For better visibility, covering components are not shown here. Thus, the opening support device 100 is concealed within profile 7 of the upper, horizontal sash frame member 8.

[0063] The opening support device 100 (and also the closing support device 100a) can be retrofitted to existing sliding doors or lift-and-slide doors 1. It can also be installed directly during the construction of a sliding door.

[0064] The sliding wing 3 of the lift-and-slide door 1 is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 2a und Fig. 2b in the closed and lowered position. The sliding sash 3 is therefore closed. The opening support device 100 is therefore not triggered.

[0065] Furthermore, in Fig. 2a und Fig. 2b The actuating mechanism 101 of the opening support device 100 is shown. At an upper end of a locking rod 102, which is actuated by the movement of the handle (not shown here) – and with which the sliding sash 3 is unlocked, lifted and opened, and with which the movement of the handle is converted into a movement in a vertical direction or with respect to the respective coordinate system in Fig. 2a or in Fig. 2b a rocker 103 can be attached parallel to the y-axis. This can be designed to transfer the movement of the locking bar 102 to the rocker 103.

[0066] The rocker 103 can have a triangular cam 104 in a region at its upper free end (illustrated here). Preferably, the cam 104 can be integrally formed with the rocker 103. A release pin 105, fixed to the frame 2, can be provided as a support for the rocker 103. The release pin 105 prevents the cam 104 from moving laterally in the illustrated position of the sliding sash 3 during a vertical movement.

[0067] The cam 104 interacts with a spring-loaded slide 106. The slide 106 has a mushroom-shaped head 107 and acts on a U-shaped pawl 108. Each of the two arms 109a, 109b of the U-shaped pawl 108 has a recess 110a, 110b. A locking hook 111a, 111b extends into each recess 110a, 110b.

[0068] In the locked position of the sliding wing 3 - which is in Fig. 2a and in Fig. 2b As shown, the backdrop 104 is located above the release pin 105 and the mushroom-shaped head 107 of the slide 106.

[0069] A drive gear 113 is mounted on a drive gear shaft 112 together with a spring, which here is designed as a torsion spring 114 (not shown here, see Fig. 3a ) and a first gear 115 of a transmission 116. The transmission 116 is designed as a gear transmission. Preferably, the drive gear shaft 112, the drive gear 113, and the first gear 115 are made in one piece from a plastic material. The drive gear shaft 112 is each guided in a guide 117a, 117b (not shown here, see Figure 1). Fig. 3a ) rotatably and vertically displaceably mounted. That is, the drive gear shaft 112 is also movable in the vertical direction or with respect to the respective coordinate system. Fig. 2a und Fig. 2b movable parallel to the y-axis.

[0070] In the locked and closed position of the sliding wing 3, the drive gear shaft 112 is held in a lower position in the respective recesses 110a and 110b by the respective locking hooks 111a and 111b. The drive gear 113 is thus operatively connected to the first gear 115 and therefore to the transmission 116, and is simultaneously decoupled from a first rack 118. The first rack 118 will be described in more detail below.

[0071] When the handle of the sliding sash 3 is actuated, the locking bar 102 moves downwards. This causes the cam 104 of the rocker 103, which is an extension of the locking bar 102, to slide onto the mushroom-shaped head 107 of the slider 106, so that the slider 106 moves in the opening direction of the sliding sash 3, i.e., in the positive x-direction with respect to the coordinate system. Fig. 2a and in Fig. 2b is displaced. This causes the U-shaped locking pawl 108 and with it the respective detent hook 111a, 111b to also be pushed in the opening direction of the sliding wing 3. The respective detent hook 111a, 111b thereby releases the drive gear shaft 112, so that the drive gear shaft 112 moves vertically upwards or in the positive y-direction with respect to the coordinate systems in Fig. 2a und Fig. 2b This vertical upward movement of the drive gear shaft 112 is actuated by two springs, which are referred to here as leaf springs 119a, 119b (not shown here, see figure). Fig. 3a ) are executed, supported.

[0072] The drive gear shaft 112 with the torsion spring 114 and the drive gear 115 is thereby decoupled from the gearbox 116 and comes into operative contact with the first rack 118 on the frame 2. To prevent the drive gear 115 from rotating freely during this movement, a first, pivotable section 120 of the rack 118 is guided obliquely downwards by a pivot joint 121. This allows a tooth of the drive gear 115 to engage with a tooth of the first, pivotable section 120 of the first rack 118 after the drive gear 115 is no longer in operative contact with the gearbox 116.

[0073] The actuating mechanism 101 is designed such that the opening support device 100 can only be activated if the sliding sash 3 was locked by the handle and is unlocked from the locked state using the handle. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0074] In Fig. 2c The illustration shows that the opening support device 100 can also be used as a closing support device 100a. As a closing support device 100a, it is then inserted into the sliding sash 3 at an upper right frame corner.

[0075] In Fig. 3a The opening support device 100 is shown in an exploded view. The opening support device 100 has a housing consisting of a first, here front, housing half 122a and a second housing half 122b, which are joined together by screws to form the housing when the opening support device 100 is assembled.

[0076] The opening support device 100 is designed to accelerate the sliding sash 3 from standstill in its closed position and to support the further opening process of the sliding sash 3 over a specific displacement path, here a displacement path of 100 mm (see Fig. 3b ) supported. The 100 mm is to be understood as an example. It is important that the supporting displacement path is dimensioned such that the sliding sash 3 is accelerated out of one or more sealing planes of the frame 2, that the static friction between the seals and the sliding sash 3 is overcome, and that the inertia of the sliding sash 3 opposing movement is overcome.

[0077] In the opening assist function, some or all of the spring energy stored in the spring, in this case the torsion spring 114, is used to assist the opening process. Therefore, the opening assist device is designed to re-tension the spring during the closing of the sliding sash by means of a spring tensioning stroke – this stroke is also referred to in this document as the spring tensioning stroke – so that it can be used again for opening assist during the next opening operation.

[0078] The displacement path in the opening direction of the sliding sash 3, supported by the opening support device 100, is selected here such that, when pre-tensioning the torsion spring 114 over a preferably significantly longer spring tension path, a correspondingly small displacement force is required during the closing movement of the sliding sash 3. The torsion spring 114 is pre-tensioned during the closing movement of the sliding sash 3 over a displacement path of the sliding sash 3 – spring tension path – of approximately 2000 mm (see, for example, [reference to figure]). Fig. 3b ), which corresponds to standard sliding sash widths.

[0079] This results, for example, in a length ratio between the displacement path supported by the opening support device 100 and the total displacement path of the sliding sash 3 or the sliding sash width of 1:20.

[0080] This length ratio is transmitted to the drive gear 113 and the torsion spring 114 by the gearbox 116, which here has three gear stages with a partial transmission ratio of 1:2.7. The partial transmission ratio can also be selected differently. It depends primarily on the available installation space of the opening support device 100 and on the displacement of the sliding wing in the closing direction or the sliding wing width, and the resulting possible pitch circle diameters of the gears. A gearbox 116 with more or fewer than three gear stages is also possible. Here, the gear stages are implemented by three gear shafts 123, 124, 125. The gear shafts 123, 124, 125 are each rotatably mounted in the respective housing half 122a, b.

[0081] A tension gear 126 is integrally mounted on a tension gear shaft 127. The tension gear shaft 127 is rotatably mounted in the respective housing halves 122a and 122b. A second gear 128 is mounted on the tension gear shaft 127. When the gearbox 116 is assembled, the second gear 128 meshes with a third gear 129, which is mounted on a first transition shaft 135.

[0082] The tensioning gear 126 forms on the side facing the second gear 128 - here in the negative z-direction with respect to the coordinate system in Fig. 3a - a ratchet-like face gear 130. The second gear 128, correspondingly, also forms a ratchet-like face gear 131 on its side facing the tensioning gear 126. The two ratchet-like face gears 130, 131, together with a spring 132, form a ratchet mechanism 133, the function of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0083] The first gear stage consists of a first pinion 134, which sits on the first transition shaft 135 and, in the assembled state of the transmission 116, meshes with a fourth gear 136, which sits on the first transmission shaft 123. The first pinion 134 and the fourth gear 136 can advantageously each be integrally connected to their respective shafts 135 and 123, as shown in Fig. 3a is shown.

[0084] The second gear stage consists of a second pinion 137, which is mounted on the first gear shaft 123 and meshes with a fifth gear 138, which is mounted on the second gear shaft 124. The second pinion 137 and the fifth gear 138 can advantageously each be integrally connected to their respective gear shafts 123 and 124, as shown in Fig. 3a is shown.

[0085] The third gear stage consists of a third pinion 139, which sits on the second gear shaft 124 and, in the assembled state of the gearbox 116, meshes with a sixth gear 140, which sits on the third gear shaft 125. The third pinion 139 and the sixth gear 140 can advantageously each be integrally connected to their respective gear shafts 124 and 125, as shown in Fig. 3a is shown.

[0086] A seventh gear 141 is also mounted on the third transmission shaft 125, which meshes with an eighth gear 142 when the transmission 116 is assembled. The eighth gear is mounted on a second transition shaft 143. The second transition shaft 143 is rotationally fixed in the first housing half 122a. The seventh gear 140 can advantageously be integrally connected to the third transmission shaft 125, as shown in Fig. 3a The eighth gear 142 can be rotatably mounted on the second transition shaft 143.

[0087] In the assembled state of the gearbox 116, the eighth gear 142 finally meshes with the first gear 115, which sits on the drive gear shaft 112 together with the drive gear 113.

[0088] The greater the displacement path of the sliding wing 3 in the closing direction or the sliding wing width, the more torque can be stored in the leg spring 114 or the lower the displacement force to be applied by the operator during the closing movement of the sliding wing 3.

[0089] Based on the center distance, the gear ratio and the maximum possible size of the gears, the tooth geometry of the gears and pinions of the transmission 116 is determined.

[0090] The torsion spring 114 requires, in addition to the necessary torque, a rotation angle – here exemplified as 287° – in order to function as a torque storage device under the conditions mentioned above. The rotation angle of the torsion spring 114 results from the pitch circle diameter of the drive gear 113 and the displacement in the opening direction of the sliding wing 3, supported by the opening assist device 100.

[0091] The torsion spring 114 is mounted on the drive gear shaft 112. A first leg of the torsion spring 114 is inserted into the drive gear 113, and a second leg of the torsion spring 114 is attached to the housing half 122a. The drive gear 113 is driven by the pre-tensioned torsion spring 114 when the torsion spring 114 is released, and then, together with the first rack 118 attached to the frame 2, it moves the sliding sash 3 in the opening direction.

[0092] When closing, the tensioning gear 126 ensures that the torsion spring 114 is pre-tensioned. The tensioning gear 126 meshes with a second rack 144 (see e.g. Fig. 2b ), which is attached to the frame 2 as an extension of the first rack 118. Due to the gear ratio of 1:20, only a small additional sliding force of max. 3.5 N needs to be applied. The tensioning gear 126 acts via the ratchet mechanism 133 (see Fig. 2b ) on the gearbox 116. During the closing process of the sliding wing 3, the tensioning gear 126 is in operative connection with the gearbox 116. When the sliding wing 3 is opened, the tensioning gear 126 is decoupled from the gearbox 116.

[0093] Without this decoupling when the sliding wing 3 is opened, the drive gear 113 and the tensioning gear 126 would be simultaneously engaged with the gearbox 116. Due to the gearbox's gear ratio, it is not possible for both the drive gear 113 and the tensioning gear 126 to rotate at the same speed; the gearbox 116 would lock.

[0094] Protection for the torsion spring 114 against preloading with an excessively large preload angle is achieved by the fact that the ratchet mechanism 133 present on the tensioning gear 126 is connected to the ratchet-like face teeth 130, 131 (see Fig. 3a ) is equipped. The ratchet teeth thus created, which transmit the displacement force applied to the sliding wing 3 during the closing process and thus the torque from the tensioning gear 126 to the gearbox 116, have a steep flank angle.

[0095] When the torsion spring 114 is fully pre-tensioned, an increased torque is generated in the gearbox 116, so that the force of the spring 132 is no longer sufficient to press the flanks of the spur gears 130, 131 together. Consequently, the flanks of the spur gears 130, 131 slide off each other, thus losing the positive engagement between them, causing the ratchet mechanism 133 to slip. This decouples the tensioning gear 126 from the gearbox 116 and protects the torsion spring 114 from potential damage.

[0096] After the sliding wing 3 has opened by 100 mm, the drive gear 113 engages in a second, downward-facing section 145 (see e.g. Fig. 4a ) the first rack 118. The drive gear shaft 112 is thereby pressed downwards, slides over the respective detent hooks 111a, b, engages under the respective detent hooks 111a, b and remains in this position. Thus, the drive gear 113 is again decoupled from the first rack 118.

[0097] If the sliding sash 3 is lowered in an open position to ventilate a room and then raised again, the opening support device 100 is not activated. This is achieved by the fact that the rocker arm 103 is elastically deformable. If the sliding sash 3 is not laterally engaged in the frame 2, the rocker arm 103 is elastically deformed when the locking bar 102 is actuated by the handle and thus deflects laterally, since the rocker arm 103's abutment in the form of the release pin 105 is absent in such an intermediate position of the sliding sash 3. Therefore, the opening support device 100 is not activated.

[0098] When the sliding sash 3 is closed and unlocked by actuating the handle of the sliding sash 3 via the locking rod 102, the rocker 103 pushes the spring-loaded slide 106 in the opening direction, thus activating the opening support device 100. The torque of the torsion spring 114 is dimensioned such that it cannot open the sliding sash 3 on its own. Only a sliding force applied to the sliding sash 3 by the operator in the opening direction is assisted by the torsion spring 114. The operator then only needs to apply a maximum sliding force of 25 N to accelerate the sliding sash 3 into a uniform movement.

[0099] To accommodate different masses of the sliding sash 3 with the opening support device 100, different leg springs 114 can be provided, or the spring's properties can be adjustable. In particular, an appropriately selected spring preload allows the spring to be adjusted and thus adapted to different sliding sashes 3. To enable the opening support device 100 to also be used as a closing support 100a, the spring can also be designed to be double-acting.

[0100] One, several, or all of the gears and pinions of the transmission 116, as well as the first rack 118, can be made of a plastic material. The plastic material is selected according to the surface pressures acting during the rolling motion of the gear pairs. In order to advantageously meet the installation space requirements for the transmission 116, the gears and pinions can particularly preferably be made of a mixture of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS).

[0101] Therefore, no toxicologically questionable materials are used in the present opening support device 100. Furthermore, the opening support device 100 can be easily disassembled into its individual parts at the end of its service life, as the components are only screwed or clipped together, not glued. This assembly concept facilitates pure material recycling.

[0102] In Fig. 3b The force and displacement conditions on the sliding wing 3 with and without the opening support device 100 are shown.

[0103] The graph in a solid line shows an opening movement of the sliding wing 3 and a closing movement of the sliding wing 3, each without the opening support device 100.

[0104] In exemplary tests, a maximum opening force FFö of approximately 75 N was measured on average, applied by an operator to move the sliding sash 3 from the closed position into a uniform opening motion. A peak opening force FFö of 97 N was measured. A force FFöB of 23 N was measured on average to further push the sliding sash 3 into the open position in a uniform motion by an operator.

[0105] A maximum closing force FFs applied by an operator was measured at an average of 62 N to move the sliding sash 3 from the open position into a uniform closing movement. To further advance the sliding sash 3 into the closed position during the subsequent closing movement, an operator measured an average force FFöB of 23 N.

[0106] The graph in Fig. 3b The opening movement of the sliding wing 3 and a closing movement of the sliding wing 3, each with the opening support device 100, are described in a dashed line.

[0107] In accordance with the requirements of DIN EN 12217, the operating force FFöU when opening with the aid of the opening support device 100 should be reduced to a maximum value of 25 N, corresponding to class 3 of the standard. This corresponds to a reduction in the operating force ΔFFö of up to 72 N, taking into account the measured peak opening force of 97 N.

[0108] During the closing process – i.e., when the sliding sash 3 retracts into the side frame 2 – the operating force may increase to up to 75 N according to the standard. The force required to push the sliding sash 3 further into the open position by an operator in a uniform motion is 23 N on average and is therefore equal to the force FFöB that must be applied to push the sliding sash 3 further from the closed position to the open position in a uniform motion.

[0109] Another advantageous objective in the design of the opening support device 100 can be to ensure that the force FFsU for pushing the sliding wing 3 into the closed position - in which the leg spring 114 is pre-tensioned - by an operating person in a uniform movement does not rise significantly above 23 N.

[0110] It is therefore advantageous to design the opening support device 100 in such a way that the reduction in the operating force required to open the sliding sash 3 (ΔFFö) by using the opening support device 100 is always greater than the increase in the operating force required to push the sliding sash 3 further into its closed position (ΔFFs) by using the opening support device 100 compared to the state without the opening support device 100.

[0111] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the opening support device 100 only acts over a displacement path sFöU of approximately 100 mm in order to significantly reduce the operating forces of the sliding sash 3 over this distance. This is advantageous because the greatest operating forces are required along the displacement path sFöU, without the influence of the opening support device 100, in order to accelerate the sliding sash 3 out of the sealing planes of the frame 2 and thus overcome the static friction between the seals and the sliding sash 3, as well as the inertia of the sliding sash 3 opposing movement.

[0112] The total displacement sF of the sliding wing 3 is therefore a multiple of the displacement sFöU. In this respect, sF is preferably 8 to 30 times greater than sFöU and particularly preferably 15 to 25 times greater than sFöU. This is advantageous because it provides a sufficiently large travel distance for pre-tensioning the torsion spring 114.

[0113] Based on the Figuren 4a bis 4e The function of the opening support device 100 will now be explained. The opening support device 100 comprises – among other things – the tensioning gear 126, the gearbox 116 with three gear stages, the torsion spring 114 as a torque storage device, the drive gear 113, and the first rack 118, which is arranged in the frame 2 (see Fig. 4a ).

[0114] By turning the handle when opening the lift-and-slide door 1, the actuating mechanism 101 is activated, which decouples the drive gear 113 from the gearbox 116, so that the gears of the gearbox 116 can rotate freely (see Fig. 4b The torque of the torsion spring 114 is transmitted to the drive gear 113 via a mechanical connection between the torsion spring 114 and the drive gear 113. The torque of the torsion spring 114 is designed such that the sliding sash 3 cannot open independently without additional force applied by an operator. Only when the operator applies additional force to open the lift-and-slide door 1 does the opening support device 100 assist the opening process of the sliding sash 3 (see Fig. 4c ).

[0115] After the sliding wing 3 has opened by approximately 100 mm, the drive gear 113 disengages from the first rack 118, so that the drive gear 113 no longer meshes with the first rack 118 (see Fig. 4d ).

[0116] During the further opening process of the sliding wing 3, the tensioning gear 126 meshes with the second rack 144 (see Fig. 4e However, the ratchet mechanism 133 decouples the gearbox 116 from the tensioning gear 126, so that the gears of the gearbox 116 do not rotate.

[0117] Only when the sliding wing 3 closes does the tensioning gear 126 drive the gearbox 116 again, thus pre-tensioning the torsion spring 114 for the next opening operation. To prevent over-tensioning of the torsion spring 114, the ratchet mechanism 133 is provided on the tensioning gear 126, which protects the torsion spring 114 from being pre-tensioned beyond the intended angle of rotation or torque.

[0118] The sliding force required by the operator to open the sliding sash 3 is effectively reduced to a maximum value of 25 N by the relaxation of the tensioned torsion spring 114, which releases its stored torque to the drive gear 113 when the sliding sash 3 is opened, so that a sliding door or lift-and-slide door 1 reliably meets the requirements for barrier-free construction.

[0119] When closing the sliding wing 3, the selected gear ratio ensures that only a slightly higher sliding force is required than when opening, since the gear 116 advantageously and significantly reduces the sliding force of the sliding wing 3 that the operator has to apply to pre-tension the leg spring 114.

[0120] The opening support device 100 is advantageously designed such that the resulting forces and torques act within the opening support device 100, so that in the locked state of the sliding sash 3 no forces or torques act on the sash frame 5 or / or the frame 2. Bezugszeichenliste

[0121] 1 Sliding door 2 Frame 3 Sliding sash 4 Fixed glazing 5 Sash frame 6 Panel element 7 Profile 8 Sash frame mullion 100 Opening support 101 Actuating mechanism 102 Locking rod 103 Rocker 104 Cam 105 Release pin 106 Slider 107 Mushroom-shaped head 108 Latch 109a, b Leg 110a, b Breakout 111a, b Detent hook 112 Drive gear shaft 113 Drive gear 114 Leg spring 115 First gear 116 Gearbox 117a, b Guide 118 Rack 119a, b Leaf spring 120 First pivoting section 121 Swivel joint 122a, b Housing half 123 Gear shaft 124 Gear shaft 125 Gear shaft 126 Tensioning gear 127 Tensioning gear shaft 128 Second gear 129 third gear 130 spur gear 131 spur gear 132 spring 133 ratchet mechanism 134 first pinion 135 first transition shaft 136 fourth gear 137 second pinion 138 fifth gear 139 third pinion 140 sixth gear 141 seventh gear 142 eighth gear 143 second transition shaft 144 second rack 145 second section

Claims

1. A sliding door that can be installed vertically in a building opening, wherein the sliding door comprises at least the following: a. a frame (2) that can be permanently installed in the building, in which at least one sliding sash (3) is slidably guided over a total displacement path (sF), b. wherein the at least one sliding sash (3) has a sash frame (5) into which a surface element (6) is inserted, c. a device for supporting the opening (100) of the at least one sliding sash (3) in the opening direction over a support displacement path (sFöU), and d. wherein the device for supporting the opening (100) comprises a spring (114) as a force and / or torque storage device, e. the device for supporting the opening (100) is designed to pre-tension the spring during the closing of the sliding sash (3) over a spring tension path. characterized by the fact thatf. the total displacement path (sF) of the sliding sash (3) in the opening direction is a multiple of the support displacement path (sFöU) of the sliding sash (3) on which it is supported by the opening support device (100), g. the opening support device (100) is designed such that the reduction in the operating force required to open the sliding sash (3) (ΔFFö) by using the opening support device (100) over the support displacement path is always greater than the increase in the operating force required to push the sliding sash (3) back over the spring tension path.

2. Sliding door, in particular lift-and-slide door (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe device for opening support (100) is designed such that it supports the acceleration of the sliding wing (3) from standstill in its closed position as well as the further movement or opening process of the sliding wing (3) over the support displacement path (sFöU).

3. Sliding door, in particular lift-and-slide door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The total displacement distance (sF) of the sliding wing (3) is 8 to 30 times greater than the support displacement distance.

4. Sliding door, in particular lift-and-slide door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the device for opening support (100) is partially or completely inserted into a profile (7) of an upper, horizontal sash frame member (8) of the sash frame (5).

5. Sliding door, in particular lift-and-slide door (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe device for opening support (100) comprises an actuating mechanism (101) and a gearbox (116), wherein the gearbox (116) is preferably multi-stage, particularly preferably three-stage.

6. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the spring is a torsion spring (114), wherein preferably the force or torque exerted by the torsion spring (114) is dimensioned such that it cannot push the sliding wing (3) open on its own.

7. Sliding door according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatThe pre-tensioned torsion spring (114) drives a drive gear (113) by releasing its tension, which is in operative connection with a first rack (118) fixed in the frame (2) and thus provides support for the opening movement of the sliding sash (3), wherein furthermore preferably a tensioning gear (126) meshes with a second rack (144) during the pre-tensioning process of the torsion spring, which is attached to the frame (2) as an extension of the first rack (118).

8. Sliding door according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that the gearbox (116) is in operative contact with the tensioning gear (126) during the closing of the sliding wing (3), wherein preferably the tensioning gear (126) is decoupled from the gearbox (116) when the sliding wing (3) is opened, and wherein preferably the tensioning gear (126) acts on the gearbox (116) via a spring-loaded ratchet mechanism (133).

9. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe device for opening support (100) has a housing.

10. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the actuating mechanism (101) is designed such that the opening support device (100) can only be activated when the sliding sash (3) is or was locked by a handle and is unlocked from the locked state with the handle.

11. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe actuating mechanism (101) of the opening support device (100) has a rocker (103) such that the movement of a vertically movable locking bar (102) is transferred to the rocker (103), wherein preferably the rocker (103) has a preferably triangular cam (104) in a region at an upper free end, wherein the cam (104) is preferably integrally formed on the rocker (103) and wherein preferably a release pin (105) fixed to the frame (2) is provided as a support for the rocker (103).

12. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe cam (104) interacts with a spring-loaded slide (106), wherein the slide (106) acts on a pawl (108), wherein preferably the pawl (108) has a first and a second leg (109a, 109b), wherein a recess (110a, 110b) is incorporated in each leg (109a, 109b), wherein a locking hook (111a, 111b) extends into each recess (110a, 110b) and / or that in the locked position of the sliding wing (3) the cam (104) is located above the release pin (105) and the slide (106).

13. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata drive gear (113) is arranged on a drive gear shaft (112) together with the torsion spring (114) and a first gear (115) of the transmission (116), wherein preferably the drive gear shaft (112) is rotatably and vertically displaceably mounted in a guide (117a, 117b) in the respective housing half (122a, 122b) of the housing, and wherein further preferably in the locked and closed position of the sliding wing (3) the drive gear shaft (112) is held in a lower position in the respective recess (110a, 110b) by the respective locking hook (111a, 111b) and the drive gear (113) is in operative connection with the first gear (115) and with the transmission (116) and is simultaneously decoupled from the first rack (118).

14. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatBy actuating a handle of the sliding wing (3), the locking bar (102) is moved downwards, causing the cam (104) of the rocker (103) to slide onto a head (107) of the slider (106), whereby the slider (106) is moved in the opening direction of the sliding wing, thereby pushing the pawl (108) and with it the respective detent hook (111a, 111b) in the opening direction of the sliding wing (3), whereby the respective detent hook (111a, 111b) releases the drive gear shaft (112), so that the drive gear shaft (112) moves vertically upwards, wherein preferably the vertical movement of the drive gear shaft (112) upwards is assisted by one or more, in particular two, springs (119a, 119b) and / or wherein by a vertical movement the drive gear shaft (112) with the torsion spring (114) and the drive gear (115) is decoupled (116) from the gearbox and comes into operative contact with the first rack (118) which is attached to the frame (2).

15. Sliding door according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the rack (118) has a pivot joint (121) through which a first pivotable section (120) of the rack (118) is guided obliquely downwards, whereby a toothing of the drive gear (115) engages with a toothing of the first pivotable section (120) of the first rack (118) after the drive gear (115) is no longer in operative connection with the transmission (116).

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