AMS Door System

Abstract

The sliding door system 1 comprises a support guide 10 for suspending the door leaf 3 relative to the framework 2. A steering track 70 is fixed to the framework and an engaging front lever 71 is attached to the front edge 31 of the door leaf 3. The support guide 10 is provided independently of the steering guide 7, providing design freedom to increase the stiffness of the support guide 10 independently of the steering guide 7. The steering guide can be designed in a compact configuration. By adapting at least one of the slide bar 5, slide carriage 6 and swing arm 4, the mechanical chain of the connection to the swing axis of the door leaf can be made robust and substantial support of the door leaf is provided by the mechanical chain of said connection.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sliding door system for a transport vehicle, such as a van, railroad train or bus vehicle, in particular a vehicle sliding door system, comprising a framework and at least one door leaf having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The door leaf is displaceable relative to the framework by a sliding movement in a transverse direction of the door leaf from a closed position to an open position to provide a doorway within the framework. The door leaf is suspended from the framework by a support guide. The support guide comprises a swing arm with a swing axis, the swing axis being swingable about the swing axis to allow a plug-out movement of the door leaf relative to the framework. The support guide comprises a slide bar extending transversely of the door leaf and attached to the door leaf. The support guide includes a slide carriage, the slide carriage being slidably attached to the slide bar and pivoting about a carriage pivot axis connected to a distal end of the swing arm. The sliding door system further comprises a steering guide for guiding the sliding movement of the door leaf. The steering guide includes a steering track, the steering track extending transversely, a front end of the door leaf being coupled to the steering track by a front lever. [Background technology]

[0002] EP0466719 discloses an apparatus for opening and closing doors in rail and bus vehicles. The apparatus has a structure comprising a rotatable ejection drive assembly and a translation guide. The ejection drive assembly comprises lower and upper ejection drive arms joined at their base ends to a rotation shaft. A clamp is provided at the free end of each ejection drive arm for pivot support with an associated slide bush. The slide bushes engage lower and upper slide bars which are integral with the door leaf. These engagements form first and third backup points for the door. A bracket at the front edge of the door forms a second backup point. The first, second and third backup points provide a sturdy and heavy structure for carrying the door leaf.

[0003] In order to obtain a sufficiently robust device, the structure of the device is sized accordingly. However, a problem with this known arrangement is that it requires too much built-in space that is not or barely available for other uses. When designing a passenger car, the vehicle designer determines the environment available to the door system supplier, and the sliding door system must fit into this environment. The built-in space of the chassis surrounding the door leaf is often very narrow, which requires a challenging slim design of the sliding door system. In practice, this known device with its robust and voluminous spatial components often does not fit.

[0004] US2008 / 231083 discloses a door system with a door leaf for closing an entrance opening of a bus. To move the door leaf from a closed position to an open position, the door system has a displacement system with a movable part. At the front edge of the door leaf, this movable part is fixed to the door leaf via a support arm. The movable part is movable along a rotatable rod attached to a framework above the door leaf. Via the movable part, the door leaf is suspended from a first suspension point and a second suspension point.

[0005] A wheel is provided at the rod end at the second suspension point to allow the rotational movement of the rod. The rotation of the rod around the first suspension point is determined by a track system with a guide strip with curved ends. Two running wheels are arranged on each side of the guide strip and are connected to the pivot rod via a V-shaped lever. The running wheels are arranged without play on opposite sides of the guide strip and their rotation axis is arranged approximately in line with the rotation axis of the pivot rod. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] A challenge with this known door system is to improve its robustness whilst being restricted to a small built-in space.

[0007] Many alternative embodiments of sliding door systems are known. It is desirable to provide a sliding door system configuration that is robust and compact while at the same time fitting into small built-in spaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] With regard to the above prior art, it should be noted that any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like included in this specification is for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention and is not an admission that such matter forms part of the prior art or was publicly known in the art relevant to the invention prior to the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0009] A general object of the present invention is to at least partially obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks and / or to provide a usable alternative. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sliding door system having a robust construction, which still fits into small built-in spaces.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sliding door system as claimed in claim 1.

[0011] The sliding door system comprises a framework and at least one door leaf having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The door leaf is laterally displaceable relative to the framework. The door leaf is displaceable by a sliding motion from a closed position to an open position to provide a doorway within the framework. In particular, the sliding door system is a passenger car sliding door system for a public transport vehicle. The sliding door system for passengers has at least one door leaf displaceable by a sliding motion relative to the framework to provide a doorway for passengers entering the vehicle.

[0012] At least one door leaf is suspended from the framework by a support guide, the support guide being arranged to guide the at least one door leaf along the framework, where framework means something fixed around the door leaf for suspending the door leaf, the framework can be at least partially formed by the vehicle chassis.

[0013] The support guide includes a swing shaft including at least one swing arm. The swing shaft is swingable about a swing axis. The swing shaft is disposed on a side of the doorway. In particular, the swing shaft includes an upper swing arm located in an upper region of the door leaf and a lower swing arm located in a lower region of the door leaf. The door leaf is connected to a distal end of the swing arm to enable a plug-out movement of the door leaf relative to the framework.

[0014] The support guide comprises a slide bar. The slide bar extends laterally of the door leaf. The slide bar is attached to the door leaf. Preferably, the slide bar has a straight bar body. More preferably, the slide bar is a straight bar that is straight for the entire bar length. Advantageously, the slide bar can be manufactured from straight rod material.

[0015] The support guide includes a slide carriage. The slide carriage is slidably mounted to the slide bar. In particular, the slide carriage is movable along the linear bar body to open and close the door leaf by linear motion along the slide bar. The slide carriage operates with linear motion along the linear bar body. The slide carriage is pivotally coupled to a distal end of the pivot arm about a carriage pivot axis.

[0016] The sliding door system further comprises a steering guide for steering the sliding movement of the door leaf. The steering guide includes a steering track. The steering track extends in a lateral direction. Preferably, the steering track has a linear track body for opening and closing the door leaf by linear movement along the steering track. More preferably, the steering track is straight for the entire track length. Advantageously, the steering track can be manufactured from a straight rod material. A front edge of the door leaf is coupled to the steering track by a front lever. The front lever is mounted near the front edge of the door leaf.

[0017] According to the invention, an improvement is obtained by the fixed attachment of the steering track to the framework: the steering track is immovably attached to the framework; the steering track has a fixed position; the steering track is arranged separately from the mobile parts forming the support guide for suspending the door leaf. In comparison with the prior art systems, the steering track according to the invention is immovably fixed relative to the framework and appears mechanically independent, it is no longer part of the support guide formed by the movable assembly of the swinging shaft, the swinging arm being connected to the slide bar by the slide carriage. This independent attachment of the steering track makes it possible to increase the stiffness of the suspension of the door leaf formed by the support guide while at the same time modifying the configuration of the other remaining components of the sliding door system. Due to the increased stiffness of the mobile components forming the support guide, these remaining components can have a more compact design, since a possible decrease in stiffness can be compensated for. The compactness of certain parts of the structure can be increased, which is advantageous in that the sliding door system can be fitted into the narrow built-in space available at a given place of the framework around the door leaf.

[0018] This offered design freedom is particularly beneficial for sliding door system suppliers, who must supply the system to chassis builders whose chassis designs limit the possible configurations of the sliding door system. The compact configuration of the sliding door system according to the invention allows the supplier to comply with the requirements set by the manufacturers of bus vehicles.

[0019] Furthermore, the sliding door system according to the invention may provide a further advantage: the fixing of the steering track makes it possible to obtain a stable and precise angular end position of the door leaf, for example when the door leaf is placed in the open position. Particularly in passenger cars, this stable and precise angular end positioning of the door leaf is beneficial in preventing interference with the steered front wheels or nearby chassis parts, such as the mirror assembly in bus vehicles.

[0020] The fixed steering track can increase the stiffness of the door leaf suspension. In some aspects of the invention, the robustness and stiffness of the support guide of the sliding door system can be further increased. The structural features provided by these aspects can be applied alone or in combination in the embodiments according to the invention to increase the stiffness of the door leaf suspension by the support guide. In particular, the sliding door system according to claim 1 can be improved by one or more of the features defined in the dependent claims 2-8 by increasing the stiffness of the support guide. According to some aspects of the invention, a structural improvement of the sliding door system can be obtained by improving the stiffness of the connection to the swing axis of the door leaf. In the first aspect, the arrangement of the slide bar can be improved to increase the rigidity of the connection portion of the door leaf of the sliding door system.

[0021] In an embodiment of the sliding door system according to the invention, the slide bar is positioned in a plane formed by the door leaf frame. The door leaf can be formed by a window frame including vertical frame profiles at the front and rear ends of the door leaf, in which the slide bar is fixedly attached between the vertical frame profiles. The slide bar can be located between the front and rear frame profiles of the door leaf. By positioning the slide bar in the plane formed by the door leaf frame, the gravity point of the door leaf as seen in the vertical plane can be positioned coincident with or close to the axis of the slide bar, so that the introduction of momentum of the door leaf relative to the slide bar is minimized. The offset of the gravity point of the door leaf relative to the slide bar is minimized. Minimizing the momentum allows for a less demanding construction of a complementary rotational constraint below the slide bar. The robust slide bar thereby forms the major component in determining the rigidity of the structure. The remaining members can be constructed of less robust parts, which is beneficial in providing a sliding door system that must fit into a narrow mounting space.

[0022] In an embodiment of the sliding door system according to the invention, the door leaf comprises only a single slide bar for carrying the door leaf. The slide bar can be connected to the door leaf only at its slide bar end. The slide bar preferably has a circular cross section. This circular cross section provides the door leaf with a degree of rotational freedom about the axis of the slide bar. In particular, the slide bar has a diameter of at least 1 mm.

[0023] The slide bar is preferably arranged in the upper region of the door leaf. The weight of the door leaf is applied to the slide bar. The rotational freedom of the door leaf about the axis of the slide bar is then restricted at a position below the slide bar. Preferably, the rotational restriction is provided in the lower region of the door leaf.

[0024] In one embodiment, only a single rotational constraint is provided in the area of ​​the door leaf below the slide bar. The rotational constraint below the slide bar allows the door leaf to slide but defines the rotational position of the door leaf around the axis of the slide bar. Preferably, the rotational constraint is located at the rear end of the door leaf. Said rotational constraint may be formed by a door leaf connection to the tip of a swing arm located below said swing axis. The door leaf connection may for example be formed by a U-shaped track, which is attached to the door leaf and engaged by a track follower, a track wheel, attached to the swing arm located below. The U-shaped track allows the door leaf to slide but constrains the rotational degrees of freedom in two rotational directions. These advantageously result in a static positioning of the door leaf in rotation around the axis of the slide bar.

[0025] In a second aspect of the present invention, the slide carriage of the support guide is improved to increase the stiffness of the door leaf connection of the sliding door system.

[0026] In an embodiment of the sliding door system according to the invention, the slide carriage has a block-shaped carriage housing. The carriage housing houses first and second roller pairs that engage the slide bar. The carriage housing is oriented in a substantially vertical plane such that the slide bar is supported by rollers arranged below the slide carriage. The upper arranged rollers rest on the top of the slide bar. The first roller pair is located to the side of the second roller pair. The arrangement of the roller pairs contributes to increased stiffness compared to sliding bushings.

[0027] The first roller pair is preferably located at least 5 cm, preferably at least 8 cm, away from the second roller pair. Here, the slide carriage is arranged to carry a major part of the weight of the door leaf and guide its movement. Advantageously, the robust construction of the slide carriage allows other components of the sliding door system to be constructed more compactly, so that the sliding door system can better fit within the available mounting space.

[0028] The carriage pivot axis is preferably located between the first and second roller pairs. The carriage pivot axis extends through the carriage housing between the first and second roller pairs. Here, the gravity load of the door leaf is transferred from the sliding carriage to the swing arm over a short relative distance and offset, reducing motion guidance.

[0029] In a third aspect of the present invention, the swing arm of the support guide is improved in a manner that contributes to increasing the rigidity of the connection of the door leaf to the sliding door system.

[0030] In an embodiment of the sliding door system according to the invention, a swing arm pivotally connected to a sliding carriage comprises a first and a second swing arm lever. The carriage housing is preferably sandwiched between the first and the second swing arm lever. The first and the second swing arm levers together with the carriage housing therebetween form a box-type structure which increases the stiffness of the swing arm. Preferably, at least one spacer support is arranged between the first and the second swing arm lever to further increase the stiffness of the swing arm. The at least one spacer support may be provided, for example, by a bush-type or plate-type lever member which may be welded or glued between the first and the second swing arm lever.

[0031] Thus, according to an aspect of the invention, the mechanical chain of connection of the door leaf to the swing shaft can be improved by increasing the stiffness at this connection point. The connection can be made more rigid by adapting the slide bar, the slide carriage and / or the swing shaft, so that a substantial support of the door leaf is provided by this chain of mechanical connection. The remaining components of the sliding door system, in particular the front lever and the steering track of the steering guidance, the components in the lower area of ​​the door leaf, can also be configured to be less rigid. These components can be configured in a compact manner so that less mounting space is required around the door leaf. The configuration according to the invention is beneficial in vehicle design in that the main components forming the door leaf suspension are arranged close to the swing shaft, where there is generally enough space available for the arrangement of the robust components. It is noted that the swing shaft preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the door leaf. It may extend from the lower area to the upper area of ​​the door leaf. However, the swing shaft may also be a short swing shaft that is only locally provided in the upper or lower area of ​​the door leaf. The swing shaft may be sandwiched between the first and second swing arm levers.

[0032] In an embodiment of the sliding door system according to the invention, the front end of the door leaf is connected to the steering track by a horizontally oriented plate-shaped front lever body. The front lever body has a front lever base and is attached to the door leaf. The front lever body extends from the front lever base. The front lever body interconnects the door leaf and the steering track. Preferably, a track follower is connected at a free end of the front lever body. In particular, the track follower is a track wheel.

[0033] In an embodiment of the sliding door system according to the invention, the track follower comprises a horizontally oriented track wheel. The track wheel engages with the steering track to steer the angular position of the door leaf about the vertical axis. The steering guide can be constructed by only comprising a horizontally oriented track wheel that engages with the steering track. This can provide a lightweight construction requiring minimal mounting space. In a further embodiment, the track follower can further comprise a vertically oriented track wheel that engages with the steering track. The vertically oriented track wheel may provide an auxiliary support for the door leaf in addition to the primary support provided by the connection of the door leaf at the swing axis.

[0034] In an embodiment of the sliding door system according to the present invention, the sliding door system may further comprise a plug guide for generating a plugging movement of the door leaf. The plugging movement comprises a rotation of the door leaf about a vertical axis. The plug guide serves to unplug the door leaf from a closed position. In the closed position, the door leaf is aligned with a plane formed by the framework. When unplugging the door leaf, an unplugging movement of the door leaf is performed which rotates the door leaf about a vertical axis and moves the rear end of the door leaf out of the plane formed by the framework.

[0035] The plug guide comprises a plug track and a plug wheel. The plug track is attached to the door leaf. The plug track extends transversely of the door leaf parallel to the slide bar. The swing shaft is provided with a plug wheel that engages with the plug track. The plug wheel is connected to a distal end of the swing arm. The plug track is connected to the door leaf. The plug track has an unplug cam profile aligned with the linear cam profile. The unplug cam profile can form a heading portion of the plug track. Preferably, the plug track has a straight plug track body. More preferably, the plug track is straight over the entire plug track length so that the plug track can be manufactured from a straight rod material. During rotation of the swing shaft, the plug wheel follows the unplug cam profile such that the door leaf is pushed out of the plane formed by the framework. When moving the door leaf from the open position to the closed position, the assembly of the plug track and the plug wheel similarly causes the door leaf to be reinserted into the framework. Rotation of the swing shaft generates a plugging and unplugging action. Here, the sliding door system is of the plug-and-slide type. Advantageously, all guide elements can be straight, i.e. the slide bar, the steering track and the plug track can be manufactured from straight rod material. No curvature of the rod material is required.

[0036] Thus, a sliding door system is provided with a support guide for suspending the door leaf relative to a framework. A steering track is fixed to the framework and an engaging front lever is attached to the front edge of the door leaf. The support guide is provided independently of the steering guide, allowing design freedom for increased stiffness of the support guide. The steering guide can be designed in a compact configuration. The mechanical chain of the connection between the door leaf and the swing shaft can be made more robust by adapting at least one of the slide bar, slide carriage and swing arm, so that substantial support of the door leaf is provided by the mechanical chain of the connection.

[0037] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a transport vehicle, such as a mass transit vehicle, such as a bus or a rail car, comprising a sliding door system according to the invention. The vehicle may be provided with a sliding door system comprising a single door leaf or a double door leaf assembly for opening and closing a doorway within a framework.

[0038] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, which show practical embodiments according to the invention and which cannot be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Certain features can also be considered separately from the illustrated embodiment and in a broader context as common features characterizing not only for the illustrated embodiment but all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a sliding door system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the rigid connection in the upper region of the door leaf, formed by the slide bar across the slide carriage, to the upper and lower swing arm levers of the pivotable swing shaft. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the rigid connection in the upper region of the door leaf, formed by the slide bar across the slide carriage, to the upper and lower swing arm levers of the pivotable swing shaft. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the rigid connection in the upper region of the door leaf, formed by the slide bar across the slide carriage, to the upper and lower swing arm levers of the pivotable swing shaft. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the rigid connection in the upper region of the door leaf, formed by the slide bar across the slide carriage, to the upper and lower swing arm levers of the pivotable swing shaft. [Figure 6] 2 shows a top view of the sliding door system of FIG. 1 with the door leaf held in a closed position within the framework; [Figure 7] 1 is a close-up view of an embodiment of a rigid connection formed by one swing arm of a pair of swing arm levers; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a steering guide formed by a front lever mounted on the front end of the door leaf, the front lever having a track follower that engages with the steering track; [Figure 9] 1 shows a sliding door system viewed from above with the door leaf in an open position. [Figure 10] 1 shows the sliding door system as viewed from below with the door leaf in the open position. [Figure 11] 1 shows a sliding door system viewed from above with the door leaf in an open position. [Figure 12] 1 shows the suspension of the door leaf in the open position, formed by the slide bar, the slide carriage and the swing arm, with the suspension located at the swing axis. [Figure 13] 1 shows the suspension of the door leaf in the open position, formed by the slide bar, the slide carriage and the swing arm, with the suspension located at the swing axis. [Figure 14] 1 shows the suspension of the door leaf in the open position, formed by the slide bar, the slide carriage and the swing arm, with the suspension located at the swing axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] 1 to 14, a sliding door system according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference number 1. The sliding door system is a mass transit vehicle sliding door system arranged to open and close a doorway for passengers. The mass transit vehicle may be a rail train or a bus car.

[0041] The same reference numbers are used in the drawings to indicate identical or functionally similar components. To facilitate understanding of the specification and claims, the terms vertical, horizontal, length, cross-section and coordinate system X, Y, Z shown in the drawings are used in a non-limiting manner with reference to gravity and common placement of sliding door systems in vehicles.

[0042] FIG. 1 and corresponding figures show a coordinate system including X, Y and Z axes. The Z axis defines the height or vertical direction. The X and Y axes define a horizontal XY plane, where the X direction defines the length of the vehicle and the Y direction defines the width of the vehicle. The X and Z axes define an XZ plane, which is a plane perpendicular to the length direction. The Y and Z axes define a YZ plane, which is a plane perpendicular to the width direction.

[0043] Generally, sliding door systems are positioned on the left or right side of the vehicle chassis so that the door leaf is located in the vehicle's XZ vertical plane. The width of the door leaf is then measured in the vehicle's length direction. The lateral direction of the door leaf is therefore considered to be the X direction. The thickness of the door leaf is considered in the Y direction. The Z direction considers the height of the door leaf.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a sliding door system with a framework 2 and a door leaf 3. The door leaf is suspended from the framework 2. The door leaf is movable from a closed position CP, shown in Figures 1-8, to an open position OP, shown in Figures 9-14, relative to the framework 2 by a sliding movement. The sliding movement is a lateral, X-direction movement of the door leaf 3. A drive system for driving the door leaf is not shown. Here, the sliding movement is combined with a plugging movement. The plugging / unplugging movement is a rotational movement of the door leaf 3 about a vertical axis AA, which moves the door leaf 3 respectively in the Y direction into or out of the framework 2.

[0045] The framework may be an item of the sliding door system itself. Typically, the framework 2 is at least partly formed by the chassis of the vehicle. When supplying a sliding door system for installation in a vehicle, the sliding door system 1 may be installed on the chassis of the vehicle, with the components held by an auxiliary framework, a so-called cassette system.

[0046] The door leaf 3 has a door window 30 attached to a door leaf frame 33, also called a window frame. The door leaf frame comprises a vertically extending front frame profile 331 and a rear frame profile 332. The front frame profile 331 forms the leading edge of the door leaf 3. The rear frame profile 332 forms the trailing edge of the door leaf 3.

[0047] The door leaf 3 is suspended from the framework 2 by a support guide 10. The support guide 10 comprises a number of components which are further illustrated in FIG.

[0048] The support guide 10 comprises a swing shaft 4 which is rotatable about a vertical swing axis 04. The swing shaft 4 is provided with at least one swing arm 41. Here, an upper swing arm 411 is located in the upper region of the swing shaft 4 and a lower swing arm 412 is located in the lower region of the swing shaft. Each swing arm 41 has a free end which is connected to a door leaf.

[0049] The support guide 10 comprises a slide bar 5. The slide bar 5 has a slide bar body 50 with a circular cross section. In particular, the slide bar has an outer diameter of at least 15 mm, in particular an outer diameter of at least 20 mm. The slide bar 5 extends laterally and is attached to the door leaf 3. The slide bar 5 has a straight bar body 50. Preferably, the slide bar 5 is a straight bar for the entire bar length.

[0050] Here, the slide bar is attached to the door leaf only at both ends 51, 52. The slide bar 5 has an unattached length bridging a distance of at least 50 cm between the front and rear ends of the door leaf 3. The slide bar 5 forms part of the door leaf frame. The slide bar 5 is positioned in the plane formed by the door leaf frame. The first slide bar end 51 is attached to the front frame profile 331 and the second slide bar end 52 is attached to the rear frame profile 332.

[0051] The support guide 10 comprises a slide carriage 6. The slide carriage is movable along the slide bar 5. The slide carriage is movable along a linear slide bar body 50. The slide carriage operates with a linear movement along the linear slide bar body 50. The slide carriage has a carriage housing 60 housing a first roller pair 61 and a second roller pair 62. The first roller pair 61 is arranged at a distance of at least 5 cm, in particular at least 8 cm, from the second roller pair 62. The carriage housing 60 is connected to the upper swing arm 411 so as to be pivotable about a carriage pivot axis 06. The carriage pivot axis 06 extends parallel to the swing axis 04. Here, the carriage pivot axis 06 is located between the first and second roller pairs 61, 62. The carriage pivot axis 06 extends through the carriage housing.

[0052] Here, as shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 7, the carriage housing 60 is sandwiched between the first swing arm lever 45 and the second swing arm lever 46. The carriage housing 60 together with the swing arm levers 45, 46 form a spatial arrangement of the swing arm 41 that contributes to the rigidity of the swing arm 41. At least one spacer support 47 is positioned between the first and second swing arm levers 45, 46. Here, the at least one spacer support 47 is bush-shaped. Preferably, the spacer support is welded between the first and second swing arm levers 45, 46. The rigidity of the swing arm 41 is further increased by the interconnection by the spacer support 47.

[0053] Thereby, the door leaf 3 is suspended in the framework 2 by a support guide 10 formed by a mechanical chain of connections of the swing axis 4, the connected slide carriage 6 and the slide bar 5. These components 4, 5 and 6 of the structure have a robust construction. The weight of the door leaf 3 is substantially borne by these components. The structure of the other components can be miniaturized.

[0054] As further shown in the top view of FIG. 6, to obtain a proper movement of the door leaf 3 relative to the framework 2, the sliding door system further comprises a steering guide 7. The steering guide 7 includes a steering track 70. In particular, the steering track is a linear steering track. The steering track 70 is fixedly mounted to the framework 2. The steering track 70 is fixed to the framework 2. The door leaf 3 is coupled to the steering track 70 by a front lever 71. The front lever 71 is attached to the front edge 31 of the door leaf 3 and engages the steering track 70 by a track follower 75.

[0055] Here, the track follower 75 comprises a track wheel 751. The track wheel is oriented in the XY plane, i.e. in the horizontal plane. The horizontally oriented track wheel 751 engages with the steering track 70 so that the angular position of the door leaf 3 about a vertical axis is determined.

[0056] The suspension of the door leaf 3 may be entirely on the sliding carriage 6. Here, an auxiliary track wheel 752 is connected to the front lever 71 so that the steering track 70 provides some additional support for the door leaf, which is particularly beneficial in the extreme positions of the door leaf, in particular in the position of the door leaf 3 near the closed position CP. The front lever 71 at the front edge 31 of the door leaf can have a small height dimension, since the load of the door leaf acts mainly on the support guide located at the swing axis.

[0057] 8, the front lever 71 has a front lever base 710 that mounts the front lever 71 to the door leaf 3, and a front lever body 711 that extends away from the front lever base 710. The front lever base 710 is formed with an inclined contour. The front lever body 711 is formed in a plate shape and is connected to the front lever base 710. The plate-shaped front lever body 711 faces within a horizontal plane.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 8, the front lever body 711 has a free end. A track wheel 751 is located at the free end of the front lever body 711. The track wheel 751 is rotatable about a vertical axis and is therefore oriented in a horizontal plane to run along a vertically oriented track. An auxiliary track wheel 752 is located near the track wheel 751. The auxiliary track wheel 752 is oriented in a vertical plane (rotatable about a horizontal axis) and engages with the horizontally oriented track which may provide some additional support to the door leaf.

[0059] In particular, Fig. 8 and Fig. 13 show a plug guide 9. The plug guide 9 is formed by a plug track 90 cooperating with a plug wheel 91. The plug track 90 has an elongated plug track body provided with a running track. The plug track 90 has a running track including a linear cam profile 901 and an unplug cam profile 902. The linear cam profile 901 extends along the elongated plug track body. The unplug cam profile 902 is located at the leading portion of the plug track body. In the closed position of the door leaf, the plug wheel 91 engages with the unplug cam profile 902. In the initial movement of the swing shaft 4, the plug wheel 91 runs along the unplug cam profile 902 and plugs the door leaf 3 out of the framework 2. Then, the movement of the swing shaft 4 continues, and when the door leaf has moved far enough, the sliding movement of the door leaf 3 starts, and the plug wheel 91 runs along the linear cam profile 901 until the door leaf 3 is in the open position shown in Fig. 13.

[0060] FIG. 12 shows a front view of the door leaf 3 in the open position, seen from the outside. In the open position, the door leaf is carried on one side. The suspension of the door leaf is provided by a support guide 10 located on the swing axis. The slide carriage 6 carries the door leaf 3 by engagement with a slide bar 50, which is part of the door leaf frame. The gravity point of the door leaf 3 is located to the side of the slide carriage 6. The first and second roller pairs 61, 62 compensate for the momentum introduced in the XZ plane about the Y axis. The first and second roller pairs 61, 62, each having a concave running contour, also compensate for the rotation about the Z axis.

[0061] In addition to the embodiment shown in the figures, numerous variations are possible, for example, in the variation of the illustrated embodiment of the sliding door system, an alternative embodiment of the sliding door system may comprise a second assembly of a sliding bar, a sliding carriage and a connection by a swing arm in the lower region of the door leaf.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims of the present invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and the claims.

[0063] It is further noted that any feature of the sliding door system according to the invention described in the embodiments and / or described in the dependent claims is considered patentable in itself, without relying on other presented features. In particular, measures presented in a dependent claim are also considered patentable without dependency on an independent claim.

[0064] Therefore, the present invention provides a sliding door system having a support guide for suspending a door leaf relative to a framework only, the support guide being formed by a slide bar, a slide carriage and a swing shaft with a swing arm, and a steering guide is provided including a steering track fixed to the framework only and an engaging front lever attached to the front end of the door leaf. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] CP closed position OP open position 1. Sliding Door System 2. Framework 3 Door leaf 30 Door Window 31 Leading edge 32 Trailing edge 33 Door leaf frame; window frame 331 Front Frame Profile 332 Rear frame profile 10 Support Information 4 Swing Axis 04 Swing axis 41 Swing Arm 411 Upper swing arm 412 Lower swing arm 45 First swing arm lever 46 Second swing arm lever 47 Spacer support Slide bar 50 Slide bar body 51 End of first slide bar 52 End of second slide bar 6 Slide Carriage 06 Carriage pivot axis 60 Carriage housing 61 First Roller Pair 62 Second Roller Pair 7 Steering Guide 70 Steering Truck 71 Front Lever 710 Front Lever Base 711 Front lever body 75 Track Follower 751 Truck wheels; horizontally oriented truck wheels 752 Auxiliary Truck Wheel 9 Plug Guide 90 Plug Truck 901 Linear Cam Profile 902 Unplug Cam Profile 91 Plug Wheel

Claims

1. A sliding door system (1) for a vehicle, comprising a framework (2) and at least one door leaf (3) having a leading edge (31) and a trailing edge (32), the door leaf (3) being displaceable relative to the framework from a closed position to an open position by a lateral (X) sliding movement of the door leaf (3), a doorway being provided within the framework, and the door leaf (3) being suspended from the framework by a support guide (10), wherein the support guide comprises: - a swing axis (4) provided with a swing arm (41), the swing axis being swingable about a swing axis line (04) and enabling a plug-out movement of the door leaf relative to the framework; - a slide bar (5) extending in the lateral direction of the door leaf (3), the slide bar (5) being attached to the door leaf (3); - a slide carriage (6) slidably attached to the slide bar (5) and pivoting about a carriage pivot axis (06), the carriage pivot axis (06) being connected to the distal end of the swing arm (41). The sliding door system (1) further comprises a steering guide (7) for guiding the sliding movement of the door leaf, the steering guide having a steering track (70) extending in the lateral direction, the leading edge (31) of the door leaf being connected to the steering track (70) by a front lever (71), and the steering track (70) being fixedly attached to the framework (2).

2. The sliding door system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide bar (5) is located within a plane (XZ) formed by a door leaf frame (33).

3. The sliding door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding door system (1) comprises a single slide bar (5) for carrying the door leaf (3).

4. The slide carriage (6) has a carriage housing (60) that houses first and second roller pairs (61, 62), and the first and second roller pairs are spaced 5 cm or more apart from each other. The slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The carriage pivot axis (06) penetrates the carriage housing (60) and extends between the first roller pair and the second roller pair. The slide door system (1) according to claim 4.

6. The swing arm (41) includes first and second swing arm levers (45, 46). The slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The carriage housing (60) is clamped between the first and second swing arm levers (45, 46). The slide door system (1) according to claim 6.

8. At least one spacer support (47) is located between the first and second swing arm levers (45, 46). The slide door system (1) according to claim 6.

9. The front edge (71) of the door leaf (3) is connected to the steering track (70) by a plate-like front lever body (711) oriented in a horizontal plane. The slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A track follower (75) for engaging with the steering track (70) is arranged at the free end of the front lever body. The track follower includes a track wheel (751) oriented along a horizontal plane (XY plane). The track wheel (751) engages with the steering track (70) to steer the angular position of the door leaf (3) about a vertical axis (Z axis). The slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The slide door system (1) is a plug-and-slide door system. The slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plug guide (9) that causes the plug movement of the door leaf, the plug guide comprising a plug wheel, the plug wheel engaging with a plug track of the door leaf, the plug track comprising an unplug cam profile (902), and the plug wheel (91) being connected to the distal end of the swing arm (41).

13. A slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slide door system is a single leaf system or a double leaf system.

14. A transport vehicle comprising a slide door system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

Images