Rail device for sliding doors and sliding door device equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a rail device for sliding doors with improved processability and mass production capabilities. [Solution] The rail device 3 comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7. The rail body 4 has a pair of base members 41 and 43 that are arranged on the floor surface at a predetermined distance apart. The base members 41 and 43 include thin plate-shaped base portions 411 and 431, and support portions 412 and 432 that protrude upward from the upper surface of the inner end portions perpendicular to the base portions 411 and 431. The cover member forms a recessed groove (rail groove G) for fitting a door roller that extends in the sliding direction between the base portions 411 and 431. The cover member also covers the upper and outer surfaces of both support portions 412 and 432 so as to connect the base members 41 and 43 together. The locking member 7 is placed on the base portions 411 and 431, and with the cover member 5 sandwiched between it and the support portions 412 and 432, it is fixed integrally with the base portions 411 and 431 to the floor surface by a fixing device B2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail device for a sliding door and a sliding door device using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rail device provided with a connecting member that connects opposing rail bodies so as to form a rail groove for fitting a door wheel. By adopting the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is possible to keep the height of the rail for a sliding door low while increasing the depth of the rail groove, and it is possible to achieve both thinning of the rail device and prevention of the door wheel from coming off the rail.

[0003] In the rail device disclosed in Patent Document 1, from the viewpoint of achieving both the strength of the contact surface between the rail groove and the door wheel and the fixing strength between the connecting member and the floor surface, the configuration shown in FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1 is preferable. Specifically, in the configuration shown in FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1, the contact surface of the rail groove with the door wheel is formed of a connecting member made of a rigid metal sheet molding material. Further, the connecting member extends continuously and integrally from the contact surface to between the rail body and the floor surface, and is screwed and fixed to the floor surface integrally with the rail body while being sandwiched between the rail body and the floor surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the sliding door rail device shown in Figure 6 of Patent Document 1 has a very complex shape for the connecting member made of rigid metal sheet molding material, and therefore there is room for improvement in terms of processability and mass production. In addition, because the connecting member is folded back at the contact surface with the door roller in the rail groove, the sheet molding materials may come into contact with each other during the sliding operation of the sliding door, causing abnormal noise.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a sliding door rail device with improved processability and mass-producibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a rail device for supporting a sliding door so as to be movable in the sliding direction, comprising: a pair of rail bodies having a base portion installed on the floor surface and a support portion projecting upward from the upper surface of the inner end of the base portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction; a cover member being a sheet-like member with higher rigidity than the rail body, covering the outer surfaces of both support portions so as to connect the rail bodies together, and recessed toward the floor surface between the rail bodies to form a groove for fitting a door roller; and a pair of clamping members being positioned on the base portion of the rail body on the outside of the support portion in the direction perpendicular to the support portion, and fixed integrally with the base portion to the floor surface by a fastener with the cover member sandwiched between the support portion and the clamping member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The rail device according to the present invention ensures the strength of the contact surface between the rail groove and the door roller, as well as the fixing strength of the cover member and the rail body to the floor surface, and also offers high machinability and mass production capabilities compared to conventional technology. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing a sliding door device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view showing the rail device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]Cross-sectional view showing the rail device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view showing a rail device according to a modified example 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing a sliding door device according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view showing a rail device according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view showing a rail device according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view showing a rail device according to a modified example 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view showing a rail device according to a modified example 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view showing the rail device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view showing the rail device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view showing the rail device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view showing the rail device according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention, its scope, or its uses.

[0011] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an example of a sliding door device T. In Figure 1, a single sliding door is shown as an example of the sliding door device T. In the following description, the thickness direction of the sliding door 20 that is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding door 20 will be referred to as the front-to-back direction (corresponding to the perpendicular direction). Note that the up-and-down direction, sliding direction, and front-to-back direction are set for the convenience of describing the sliding door device T and are not intended to limit the structure of the sliding door device T.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the sliding door device T includes a sliding door frame 1, a sliding door 20, and a rail device 3. The sliding door frame 1 includes vertical frames (not shown) on the leading and trailing sides of the door that are erected at intervals on both sides in the sliding direction, and a soffit 12 extending in the sliding direction that is connected and fixed by bridging the upper ends of the vertical frames (not shown). A guide groove 13 that opens downward is formed in the soffit 12 so as to extend parallel to the rail groove of the rail device 3, and the sliding door 20 is fitted between the soffit 12 and the rail device 3. Note that the sliding door frame 1 is not an essential component of the sliding door device T.

[0013] As shown enlarged in FIGS. 2 and 3, recesses 21 are formed on the lower surface of the sliding door 20 by partially recessing both side portions in the length direction (corresponding to the sliding direction) of the sliding door 20. In the recesses 21, door wheel devices 22 are attached and fixed. The door wheel device 22 includes a frame 23 fitted and fixed in the recess 21, and a door wheel 24 rotatably supported by the frame 23 with the outer peripheral portion protruding from the lower surface of the sliding door 20. Specifically, a support shaft 25 extending horizontally between both side walls is attached to the frame 23. The door wheel 24 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 25. The door wheel 24 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a door wheel having a substantially Y-shaped lower surface when viewed from the sliding direction. Specifically, the door wheel 24 is integrally formed by an annular large-diameter wheel portion 24a and small-diameter wheel portions 24b arranged on both axial sides of the large-diameter wheel portion 24a and having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter wheel portion 24a. Note that the door wheel 24 is not limited to the door wheel shown in FIG. 2. For example, the door wheel 24 may have a V-shaped or U-shaped lower surface when viewed from the sliding direction. The sliding door 20 is opened and closed by sliding while the upper end is fitted into the guide groove 13 of the soffit 12 and the door wheels 24 of the door wheel devices 22 at the lower end are respectively fitted into the rail groove G of the rail device 5 and guided. Handles 28 for opening and closing the sliding door 20 may be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the sliding door 20. Note that the handle 28 is not an essential component of the sliding door device T.

[0014] -Rail device- Figs. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views showing the rail device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. In the description of each embodiment, "inner side" or "inner" represents the side of the rail groove G, and "outer side" or "outer" represents the side opposite to the rail groove G.

[0015] As described above, the rail device 3 supports the sliding door 20 so as to be movable in the sliding direction. The rail device 3 is fixed to the floor surface by the fixture B2. The rail device 3 is located below the sliding door 20 and supports the sliding door 20 that moves in the sliding direction via the door wheel 24. The rail device 3 includes a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7. The rail device 3 is arranged, for example, between the lower ends of vertical frames (not shown) along the sliding direction of the sliding door.

[0016] - Rail Body - The rail body 4 includes a pair of base members 41 and 43 that are arranged along the sliding direction and are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction by a predetermined interval. The base members 41 and 43 are symmetrically configured with respect to a center line extending in the sliding direction at the center in the front-rear direction. The base member 41 includes a thin plate-shaped base portion 411 and a support portion 412 that protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end portion in the front-rear direction (the front end portion in Fig. 2) of the base portion 411. Similarly, the base member 43 includes a thin plate-shaped base portion 431 and a support portion 432 that protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end portion in the front-rear direction (the rear end portion in Fig. 2) of the base portion 431. Thread holes 415 for inserting the fixture B2 vertically are formed in the base portion 411 at predetermined intervals (for example, 每隔300mm) in the sliding direction. Similarly, thread holes 435 for inserting the fixture B2 vertically are formed in the base portion 431 at predetermined intervals (for example, 每隔300mm) in the sliding direction. The rail body 4 is, for example, an extruded profile made of resin. The type of resin is not particularly limited, and for example, ABS resin, PVC resin, POM resin, PA resin, etc. can be preferably used. Note that the rail body 4 is not limited to being made of resin and may be made of metal having lower rigidity than the cover member described later, for example, aluminum or brass.

[0017] -Cover component- The cover member 5 is a sheet-like member with higher rigidity than the rail body 4. The cover member 5 is, for example, a molded material made of a rigid metal sheet. A stainless steel sheet is suitable as the rigid metal sheet. The cover member 5 covers the upper and outer surfaces of both support parts 412 and 432 so as to connect the base members 41 and 43. The cover member 5 also forms a rail groove G (corresponding to a recessed groove) between the rail bodies 4, recessed toward the floor surface F, and recessed in a roughly rectangular shape in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2 for fitting the door roller. In the following description, for the sake of clarity, the expression "the member is located on one surface of another member" will be used for members that are arranged to be in contact with and along one surface of another member. For example, in Figure 2, the upper wall 52 is arranged to be in contact with and along the upper surface of the support part 412. In this case, it may be simplified to say that "the upper wall 52 is located on the upper surface of the support part 412." However, these descriptions are for convenience only, and the term "located on one surface" itself is not intended to limit the specific structure of the invention. Furthermore, when a component is located on one surface of another component, there is no intention to exclude cases where a gap exists between the component and the other component. Specifically, for example, when it is stated that the upper wall 52 is located on the upper surface of the support portion 412, there is no intention to exclude configurations where there is a partial gap between the upper wall 52 and the support portion 412.

[0018] Specifically, the cover member 5 includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 2) of the support portion 412 and an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 412. The cover member 5 also includes a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 2) of the support portion 432 and an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432. Furthermore, the cover member 5 is located between the inner surface (front surface in Figure 2) of the support portion 412 and the inner surface (rear surface in Figure 2) of the support portion 432 and includes a U-shaped groove portion 53 in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2. Specifically, the groove portion 53 is continuously and integrally formed from a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 412, a bottom wall located on the floor surface, and a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 432. In addition, the cover member 5 bends outward (rear side in Figure 2) from the side wall 51 along the surface of the base portion 411 and includes an extended portion 56 located on the upper surface of the base portion 411. The width of the extension portion 56 in the front-rear direction is not particularly limited, but for example, the outer end (rear end in Figure 2) of the extension portion 56 is located inside (front in Figure 2) of the fixing position of the fastener B2. Similarly, the cover member 5 includes an extension portion 57 that bends outward (front in Figure 2) from the side wall 55 along the surface of the base portion 431 and is located on the upper surface of the base portion 431. The width of the extension portion 57 in the front-rear direction is not particularly limited, but for example, the outer end (front end in Figure 2) of the extension portion 57 is located inside (rear in Figure 2) of the fixing position of the fastener B2. The cover member 5 is formed, for example, by roll forming a stainless steel sheet. That is, the extension portion 56, side wall 51, top wall 52, groove portion 53, top wall 54, side wall 55 and extension portion 57 that constitute the cover member 5 are formed from, for example, a single stainless steel sheet and are constructed in a continuous and integral manner.

[0019] -Locking member- The locking member 7 includes locking members 71 and 73. The locking members 71 and 73 are positioned on the base portions 411 and 431 of the rail body 4, respectively, on both outer sides in the front-rear direction of the support portions 412 and 432. The locking members 71 and 73 are fixed integrally with the base portions 41 and 43 to the floor surface by fasteners B2, with the cover member 5 sandwiched between them and the support portions 412 and 432. The locking members 71 and 73 are, for example, extruded aluminum profiles. However, the locking members 71 and 73 are not limited to aluminum, and may be made of, for example, brass, iron, or a high-hardness resin.

[0020] Specifically, the locking member 71 includes a locking portion 711 located on the upper surface of the base portion 411 and the outer surface (rear side in Figure 2) of the side wall 51, and a protective portion 712 located on the outside of the base portion 411. The locking member 71 is fixed integrally with the base member 41 to the floor surface by fasteners B2, with the side wall 51 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between the inner wall (front wall in Figure 2) of the locking portion 711 and the outer wall (rear wall in Figure 2) of the support portion 412, and the extension portion 56 sandwiched between the lower surface of the locking portion 711 and the upper surface of the base portion 411. As described above, a screw hole 415 is formed in the base portion 411, and tapered screw holes 716 are formed in the locking portion 711 to match the position of the screw hole 415. The fasteners B2 are, for example, countersunk tapping screws, and are screwed in at predetermined intervals (for example, 300 mm) in the sliding direction. This positions and locks the front end of the cover member 5. The protective part 712 is configured to cover the outside of the base part 411 and has the function of protecting the base part 411. A recess 714 may be formed in the inner corner of the lower surface of the locking member 71, with a portion corresponding to the shape of the extension part 56 being recessed. In addition, a groove-shaped anti-slip surface may be formed on the upper surface of the locking member 71, extending parallel to each other in the sliding direction.

[0021] The locking member 73 includes a locking portion 731 located on the upper surface of the base portion 431 and the outer surface (front side in Figure 2) of the side wall 55, and a protective portion 732 located on the outside of the base portion 431. The locking member 73 is fixed integrally with the base member 43 to the floor surface by a fastener B2, with the side wall 55 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between the inner wall (rear wall in Figure 2) of the locking portion 731 and the outer wall (front wall in Figure 2) of the support portion 432, and the extension portion 56 sandwiched between the lower surface of the locking portion 731 and the upper surface of the base portion 431. As described above, a screw hole 435 is formed in the base portion 431, and a tapered screw hole 736 is formed in the locking portion 731 to match the position of the screw hole 435. The fastener B2 is, for example, a countersunk tapping screw, and is screwed in at predetermined intervals (for example, 300 mm) in the sliding direction. This positions and locks the rear end of the cover member 5. The protective portion 732 is configured to cover the outside of the base portion 431 and has the function of protecting the base portion 431. A recess 714 may be formed in the inner corner of the lower surface of the locking member 73, with a portion corresponding to the shape of the extension portion 57 being recessed. Furthermore, a groove-shaped anti-slip surface may be formed on the upper surface of the locking member 73, extending parallel to each other in the sliding direction.

[0022] As described above, the rail device 3 according to this embodiment is configured to support a sliding door 20 so that it can move in the sliding direction, and comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7. The rail body 4 has a pair of base members 41 and 43 that are arranged on the floor surface F at a predetermined distance apart. The base member 41 includes a thin plate-shaped base portion 411 and a support portion 412 that protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end of the base portion 411 in the front-rear direction (corresponding to the orthogonal direction). The base member 43 includes a thin plate-shaped base portion 431 and a support portion 432 that protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end of the base portion 431 in the front-rear direction (corresponding to the orthogonal direction). The cover member 5 is a sheet-like member (for example, a stainless steel sheet-like member) that is more rigid than the rail body 4, and covers the upper and outer surfaces of both support portions 412 and 432 so as to connect the base members 41 and 43 to each other. Furthermore, the cover member 5 has a recessed groove 53 that is recessed toward the floor surface F between the support portions 412 and 432 of the rail body 4, forming a rail groove consisting of a recessed groove for fitting the door roller. The locking member 7 includes locking members 71 and 73, respectively, which are positioned on the base portions 411 and 431 on the outer sides in the front-rear direction of the support portions 412 and 432. The locking member 71 is fixed integrally with the base portion 411 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 51 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 711 and the support portion 412. The locking member 73 is fixed integrally with the base portion 431 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 731 and the support portion 432.

[0023] With the configuration according to the above embodiment, the contact surface between the rail groove G and the door roller device 22 is made of the cover member 5, so sufficient strength against the sliding operation of the sliding door 20 can be obtained. Furthermore, the side wall of the cover member 5 is sandwiched between the locking portions 711, 731 of the locking members 71, 73 and the support portions 412, 432 by the locking member 7, and is fixed integrally with the base portions 411, 431 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, so that the fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is ensured. Moreover, since the cover member 5 does not have a folded-over structure, it is easier to process and mass-produce compared to the conventional technology, and it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and separation of the folded portions.

[0024] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the base member 41 is made of resin. This prevents the generation of abnormal noise due to gaps between the base members 41, 43 and the construction floor surface F, even when sufficient fit cannot be achieved due to variations in part precision or assembly precision. As mentioned above, the base member 41 may also be made of aluminum, and the same effect as in the case of resin can be obtained.

[0025] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, one end of the cover member 5 has an extended portion 56 that extends between the upper surface of the base portion 411 and the lower surface of the locking member 71. The side wall 51 of the cover member 5 is sandwiched between the side wall of the locking member 71 and the side wall of the support portion 412, and the extended portion 56 of the cover member 5 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the locking member 71 and the upper surface of the base portion 411, and the locking member 71 and the base portion 41 are integrally fixed to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2. Similarly, the other end of the cover member 5 has an extended portion 57 that extends between the upper surface of the base portion 431 and the lower surface of the locking member 73. Then, with the side wall 55 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between the side wall of the locking member 73 and the side wall of the support portion 432, and the extended portion 56 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between the lower surface of the locking member 73 and the upper surface of the base portion 431, the locking member 73 and the base portion 43 are integrally fixed to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2.

[0026] This increases the fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the base portion 411 and the locking portion 731 may be fixed with the fastener B1 at an intermediate position between the screw holes 415, that is, at an intermediate position between the fasteners B2. In the example in Figure 3, a tapered screw hole 413 is formed from the bottom surface of the base portion 411 upwards, and the base portion 411 and the locking portion 731 are screw-fastened using a countersunk screw as the fastener B1. This configuration allows the rail device 3 to be assembled prior to on-site construction, further improving ease of installation. In addition, since the number of fixing positions between the base portion 411 and the locking portion 731 is increased, the tightness between them can be further improved.

[0028] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view equivalent to Figure 3, showing a modified example of the fastener B1. In Figure 4, components common to both Figure 3 and Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the components shown in Figures 1 and 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. Here, we will focus on explaining the differences from the first embodiment.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 4, instead of the fastener B1, the base portions 411 and 431 and the locking portions 711 and 731 are fixed to each other using a snap-fit ​​fastener B3. Specifically, in Figure 4, a projection 718 is provided that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the locking portion 711, forming a roughly U-shape in cross-sectional view. The tip of the projection is configured to be slightly wider than the base end. The base portion 411 has a recess 418 formed at a position corresponding to the projection 718, which is roughly U-shaped to match the shape of the projection 718. The projection 718 is then fitted into the recess 418, thereby positioning and fixing the locking member 71 and the base member 41. Similarly, a projection 738 is provided that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the locking portion 731, forming a roughly U-shape in cross-sectional view. The tip of the projection is configured to be slightly wider than the base end. The base portion 431 has a recess 438 formed in a roughly U-shape, corresponding to the shape of the projection 738, at a position that matches the projection 738. The projection 738 is fitted into the recess 438, thereby positioning and fixing the locking member 73 and the base member 43. With this configuration, as in the above embodiment, workers can assemble the rail device 3 prior to on-site construction, thereby improving workability. Furthermore, since the fixing part B3 is of the snap-in type, there is no need to use a screwdriver, making installation easy.

[0030] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a sliding door device according to Modification 2 of the First Embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the sliding door device T is not limited to a single sliding door, but may be a two-panel sliding door with two sliding doors arranged in the front-to-back direction. Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing a rail device according to Modification 2 of the First Embodiment. Figure 6 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Figure 5, and Figure 7 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 5. In Figures 5 to 7, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to those in Figures 1 to 3. Here, we will mainly explain the differences from the First Embodiment.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the sliding door device T comprises a sliding door frame 1, two sliding doors 20, and a rail device 3. The configuration of the sliding door frame 1 and the configuration of each sliding door 20 are the same as in the first embodiment. Although the handles for opening and closing the sliding doors 20 are not shown in Figure 5, handles of the same or different shapes as those in Figure 1 may be provided.

[0032] - New rail device Similar to the first embodiment, the rail device 3 supports the sliding door 20 so that it can move in the sliding direction. The rail device 3 is fixed to the floor surface with a fastener B2. The rail device 3 is located below the sliding door 20 and supports the sliding door 20 so that it can move in the sliding direction via the door rollers 24.

[0033] In this modified example, the rail device 3 comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7, similar to the first embodiment. The rail device 3 is arranged, for example, between the lower ends of vertical frames (not shown) along the sliding direction of the sliding door.

[0034] -Rail body- The rail body 4 includes, in addition to the aforementioned base members 41 and 43, a base member 42 located between the base members 41 and 43. The base member 42 includes a thin plate-shaped base portion 421, a support portion 422 projecting upward from the upper surface at the rear end of the base portion 421, and a support portion 423 projecting upward from the upper surface at the rear end of the base portion 421. In this modified example 2, the base member 41 and the base member 42 correspond to a pair of base members. In relation to the base member 41 and the base member 42, the support portion 412 is located at the inner end of the base portion 411 in the front-rear direction, and the support portion 422 is located at the inner end of the base portion 421 in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the base member 42 and the base member 43 correspond to a pair of base members. In relation to the base member 42 and the base member 43, the support portion 423 is located at the inner end of the base portion 421 in the front-rear direction, and the support portion 432 is located at the inner end of the base portion 431 in the front-rear direction. The base portion 421 has screw holes 425 formed at predetermined intervals (for example, 300 mm) in the sliding direction for inserting the fixing device B2 vertically. The configuration of the base members 41 and 43 is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0035] -Cover component- Similar to the first embodiment, the cover member 5 is a sheet-like member with higher rigidity than the rail body 4. The rail device 3 of this modified example has two cover members 5. The basic configuration, material, and molding method of the cover member 5 are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0036] One of the cover members 5 covers the upper surfaces and front-rear outer surfaces of the support members 412 and 422 so as to connect the base members 41 and 42. The cover member 5 includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 6) of the support member 412 and an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support member 412. The cover member 5 also includes a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 6) of the support member 422 and an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support member 422. Furthermore, the cover member 5 is located between the inner surface (front surface in Figure 6) of the support member 412 and the inner surface (rear surface in Figure 6), and includes a U-shaped groove 53 in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6. Specifically, the groove 53 is continuously and integrally formed by a side wall located on the inner surface of the support member 412, a bottom wall located on the floor surface F, and a side wall located on the inner surface of the support member 422. Furthermore, the cover member 5 bends outward (towards the rear in Figure 6) from the side wall 51 along the surface of the base portion 411 and includes an extended portion 56 located on the upper surface of the base portion 411. Similarly, the cover member 5 bends outward (towards the front in Figure 6) from the side wall 55 along the surface of the base portion 421 and includes an extended portion 57 located on the upper surface of the base portion 421.

[0037] The other cover member 5 covers the upper and front-rear outer surfaces of the support portion 423 and support portion 432 so as to connect the base member 42 and the base member 43. The cover member 5 includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 6) of the support portion 423 and an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 423. The cover member 5 also includes a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 6) of the support portion 432 and an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432. Furthermore, the cover member 5 is located between the inner surface (front surface in Figure 6) of the support portion 423 and the inner surface (rear surface in Figure 6), and includes a U-shaped groove portion 53 in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6. Specifically, the groove portion 53 is continuously and integrally formed by a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 423, a bottom wall located on the floor surface F, and a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 432. Furthermore, the cover member 5 bends outward (towards the rear in Figure 6) from the side wall 51 along the surface of the base portion 421 and includes an extended portion 56 located on the upper surface of the base portion 421. Similarly, the cover member 5 bends outward (towards the front in Figure 6) from the side wall 55 along the surface of the base portion 431 and includes an extended portion 57 located on the upper surface of the base portion 431.

[0038] -Locking member- The locking member 7 includes, in addition to the aforementioned locking members 71 and 73, a locking member 72 positioned on the base portion 421. When viewed in relation to the base members 41 and 42, the locking member 72 is positioned on the outside in the front-rear direction of the support portion 422 (front side in Figure 6). When viewed in relation to the base members 42 and 43, the locking member 72 is positioned on the outside in the front-rear direction of the support portion 423 (rear side in Figure 6). The locking member 72 is fixed integrally with the base member 42 to the floor surface by the fixing device B2, with one of the cover members 5 sandwiched between it and the support portion 422, and the other cover member 5 sandwiched between it and the support portion 423. As described above, a screw hole 425 is formed in the base portion 421, and a tapered screw hole 726 is formed in the locking portion 721 to match the position of the screw hole 425. The fastener B2 is, for example, a countersunk tapping screw, which is screwed in at predetermined intervals (for example, 300 mm) in the sliding direction. This positions and locks the cover members 5 located on both sides of the locking member 72. The locking member 72 is, for example, an extruded aluminum profile. However, the locking member 72 is not limited to aluminum and may be made of a high-hardness resin. Furthermore, recesses 724 and 725 may be formed at the corners on both sides of the lower surface of the locking member 72, with portions corresponding to the shape of the extended portions 56 and 57 being recessed. In addition, groove-shaped anti-slip surfaces extending parallel to each other in the sliding direction may be formed on the upper surface of the locking member 72.

[0039] As described above, the rail device 3 according to this modified example comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7, similar to the embodiment described above. The rail body 4 has a pair of base members 41, 42 and a pair of base members 42, 43 arranged on the floor surface F at predetermined intervals. The base member 41 includes a thin plate-shaped base portion 411 and a support portion 412 that protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end of the base portion 411 in the front-rear direction (corresponding to the orthogonal direction). The base member 42 includes a thin plate-shaped base portion 421 and support portions 422, 423. In relation to the base member 41, the support portion 422 protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end of the base portion 421 in the front-rear direction. In relation to the base member 43, the support portion 423 protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end of the base portion 421 in the front-rear direction. In this modified example, there are two cover members 5. One cover member 5 covers the upper and outer surfaces of both support parts 412 and 422 so as to connect the base members 41 and 42. It also has a recessed groove 53 between the support parts 412 and 422 that is recessed toward the floor surface F, forming a rail groove G consisting of a recess for fitting a door roller. The other cover member 5 covers the upper and outer surfaces of both support parts 432 and 442 so as to connect the base members 42 and 43. It also has a recessed groove 53 between the support parts 432 and 442 that is recessed toward the floor surface F, forming a rail groove G consisting of a recess for fitting a door roller. The locking member 7 includes locking members 71, 72 and 73. The locking member 71 is fixed integrally with the base part 411 to the floor surface F by a fixing device B2, with the side wall 51 of one cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking part 711 and the support part 412. The locking member 72 is fixed integrally with the base portion 421 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of one cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 721 and the support portion 422, and the side wall 51 of the other cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 721 and the support portion 423. The locking member 73 is fixed integrally with the base portion 431 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of the other cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 731 and the support portion 432.

[0040] This provides the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Specifically, sufficient strength can be obtained against the sliding motion of the sliding door 20. The fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is ensured. Furthermore, since the cover member 5 does not have a folded structure, it is easier to process and mass-produce compared to the conventional technology, and it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and separation of the folded parts. In addition, by providing the extended parts 56 and 57, the fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is increased.

[0041] (Modification 3 of the first embodiment) Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing a rail device according to Modification 3 of the First Embodiment. Figure 8 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Figure 5, and Figure 9 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 5. In Figures 8 and 9, the same reference numerals are used for components common to Figures 6 and 7. Here, we will mainly explain the differences from Modification 2 of the First Embodiment. The configuration of the rail body 4 is the same as in Modification 2 described above.

[0042] -Cover component- In this modified example 3, the configuration of the cover member 5 is different from that of the modified example 2 described above. Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover member 5 in this modified example 3 does not have the extended portions 56 and 57.

[0043] Specifically, one cover member 5 (rear side) shown in Figure 8 includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 8) of the support portion 412, an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 412, a groove portion 53, an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432, and a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 8) of the support portion 422. The groove portion 53 is U-shaped in the cross-sectional view in Figure 8, and is continuously and integrally formed from a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 412, a bottom wall located on the floor surface F, and a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 422. The other cover member 5 (front side) includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 8) of the support portion 423, an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 423, a groove portion 53, an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432, and a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 8) of the support portion 422. The groove 53 is U-shaped in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 8, and is formed by a continuous and integral structure consisting of a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 423, a bottom wall located on the floor surface F, and a side wall located on the inner surface of the support portion 432.

[0044] -Locking member- The locking member 7 includes locking members 71, 72, and 73. Locking member 71 is positioned on the base portion 411 of the base member 41 at the rear of the support portion 412. The locking member 71 is fixed integrally with the base portion 411 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 51 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between it and the support portion 412. In this modified example, the locking member 71 may not have a recess 714. Locking member 72 is positioned on the base portion 421 of the base member 42 at the front of the support portion 422 and at the rear of the support portion 423. The locking member 72 is fixed integrally with the base portion 421 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between it and the support portion 422 and the side wall 51 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between it and the support portion 423. The locking member 73 is positioned on the base portion 431 of the base member 43, in front of the support portion 432. The locking member 73 is fixed integrally with the base portion 431 to the floor surface F by the fastener B2, with the side wall 55 of the cover member 5 sandwiched between it and the support portion 432.

[0045] In this modified example 3, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and modified example 2 can be obtained. Specifically, sufficient strength can be obtained against the sliding operation of the sliding door 20. The fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is ensured. Furthermore, since the cover member 5 does not have a folded structure, it is easier to process and mass-produce compared to the conventional technology, and it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and separation of the folded parts.

[0046] <Second Embodiment> Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views showing the rail device 3 according to the second embodiment. The sliding door device T according to this embodiment is the same as Modification 2 of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the sliding door device T according to this embodiment is a two-panel sliding door in which two sliding doors are arranged overlapping in the front-rear direction. Figure 10 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Figure 5, and Figure 11 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 5. In Figures 10 and 11, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to those in Figures 6 and 7. Here, we will mainly explain the differences from Modification 2 of the first embodiment.

[0047] - New rail device Similar to the modified example 2 described above, the rail device 3 supports the sliding door 20 so that it can move in the sliding direction. The rail device 3 is fixed to the floor surface with a fastener B2. The rail device 3 is located below the sliding door 20 and supports the sliding door 20 so that it can move in the sliding direction via the door roller 24. In this embodiment, the rail device 3 comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7, similar to the modified example 2 described above. The rail device 3 is arranged, for example, between the lower ends of vertical frames (not shown) along the sliding direction of the sliding door. The configuration of the locking member 7 is the same as in the modified example 2 described above.

[0048] -Rail body- In the above modified example 2, the rail body 4 was provided with base members 41, 42, and 43 that were separated from each other. In contrast, this embodiment differs from the above modified example 2 in that the components corresponding to the base members 41, 42, and 43 in the above modified example are integrally configured.

[0049] Specifically, in addition to the configuration of the modified example 2 described above, the rail body 4 further includes a connecting portion 441 between the support portion 412 and the support portion 422 that connects the lower ends of the base members 41 and 42, and a connecting portion 442 between the support portion 423 and the support portion 432 that connects the lower ends of the base members 42 and 43.

[0050] The connecting portion 441 is thin and plate-like, and its lower surface is flush with the lower surfaces of the base members 41 and 42. The height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 is lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the support portions 412 and 422. As a result, a rail groove G is formed between the support portion 412 and the support portion 422 (corresponding to the intermediate position), recessed toward the floor surface and consisting of a groove for fitting the door roller. The height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 is lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the base portions 411 and 421. As a result, the depth of the rail groove G can be increased. However, the height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 may be the same as the height of the upper surfaces of the base portions 411 and 421, or it may be slightly higher. The connecting portion 441 is an example of a component of the base portion.

[0051] The connecting portion 442 is thin and plate-like, and its lower surface is flush with the lower surfaces of the base members 42 and 43. The height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 442 is lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the support portions 423 and 432. As a result, a rail groove G is formed between the support portion 423 and the support portion 432 (corresponding to an intermediate position), recessed toward the floor surface and consisting of a groove for fitting the door roller. The height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 442 may also be lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the base portions 421 and 431. This allows for a deeper rail groove G. However, the height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 442 may be the same as the height of the upper surfaces of the base portions 421 and 431, or it may be slightly higher. The connecting portion 442 is an example of a component of the base portion.

[0052] -Cover component- The basic configuration of the cover member 5 is the same as in the modified example 2 described above. Specifically, one cover member 5 (rear side) includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 412, an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 412, a groove portion 53, an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432, a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 422, and extension portions 56, 57. The other cover member 5 (front side) includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 423, an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 423, a groove portion 53, an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432, and a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 422.

[0053] In the above modified example 2, the bottom wall of the groove 53 of one cover member 5 (left side of the drawing) was located on the floor surface F, but in this embodiment, it is located on the upper surface of the connecting portion 441. Similarly, in the above modified example 2, the bottom wall of the groove 53 of the other cover member 5 (right side of the drawing) was located on the floor surface F, but in this embodiment, it is located on the upper surface of the connecting portion 442.

[0054] As described above, the rail device 3 according to this embodiment comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7, similar to the modified example 2 described above. The rail body 4 has a base portion (including base portions 411, 421, 431 and connecting portions 441, 442) that is installed on the floor surface, and support portions (including support portions 412, 422, 423, 432) that protrude upward from the upper surface of the base portion at an intermediate position in the front-rear direction. The space between support portion 412 and support portion 422 (corresponding to the intermediate position) is recessed toward the floor surface, forming one rail groove G consisting of a recessed groove for fitting a door roller. Similarly, the space between support portion 422 and support portion 432 (corresponding to the intermediate position) is recessed toward the floor surface, forming the other rail groove G consisting of a recessed groove for fitting a door roller. The cover member 5 covers the inner surface of the rear rail groove G and the upper and outer surfaces of the support portions 412, 422, and is made of a rigid metal sheet with higher rigidity than the rail body 4. The other cover member 5 covers the inner surface of the front rail groove G and the upper and outer surfaces of the support parts 423 and 432, and is made of a rigid metal sheet that is more rigid than the rail body 4. In relation to the support part 412 and the support part 422, the locking members 71 and 72 are positioned on the base parts 411 and 421 of the rail body 4 on both the front and rear outer sides of the support parts 412 and 422. Specifically, the locking member 71 is positioned on the base part 411 of the rail body 4 on the rear side of the support part 412. The locking member 72 is positioned on the base part 421 of the rail body 4 on the front side of the support part 422. In relation to the support part 423 and the support part 432, the locking members 72 and 73 are positioned on the base parts 421 and 431 of the rail body 4 on both the front and rear outer sides of the support parts 423 and 432. Specifically, the locking member 72 is positioned on the base portion 421 of the rail body 4 behind the support portion 423. The locking member 73 is positioned on the base portion 431 of the rail body 4 in front of the support portion 432. The locking member 71 is fixed integrally with the base portion 411 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 51 of one of the cover members 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 711 and the support portion 412.The locking member 72 is fixed integrally with the base portion 421 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of one cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 721 and the support portion 422, and the side wall 51 of the other cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 721 and the support portion 423. The locking member 73 is fixed integrally with the base portion 431 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of the other cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 731 and the support portion 432.

[0055] This provides the same effects as the first embodiment and its 2nd modification described above. Specifically, sufficient strength can be obtained against the sliding motion of the sliding door 20. The fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is ensured. Furthermore, since the cover member 5 does not have a folded-over structure, it is easier to process and mass-produce compared to the conventional technology, and it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and separation of the folded-over parts. In addition, by providing the extended parts 56 and 57, the fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is increased.

[0056] (Modified version of the second embodiment) In this disclosure, the configurations of each embodiment and each modified example can be combined as appropriate to create new embodiments or modified examples.

[0057] For example, in the second embodiment, a single sliding door as shown in Figure 1 may be used. That is, the configuration of the second embodiment may be applied to the first embodiment. In other words, in the first embodiment, the rail body 4 may have a connecting portion between the support portion 412 and the support portion 432 that connects the lower ends of the base members 41 and 43. For example, the connecting portion is in the shape of a thin plate, and the lower surface of the connecting portion and the lower surfaces of the base members 41 and 43 are flush. In the first embodiment, the bottom wall of the groove portion 53 of the cover member 5 was located on the floor surface F, but in this modified example, it is located on the upper surface of the connecting portion. This provides the same effects as in the first embodiment. Specifically, sufficient strength against the sliding operation of the sliding door 20 can be obtained. The fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is ensured. Furthermore, since the cover member 5 does not have a folded-over structure, it is easier to process and mass-produce compared to the conventional technology, and it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise due to repeated contact / separation of the folded-over portions. Furthermore, by providing the extensions 56 and 57, the fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is increased.

[0058] For example, in the configuration of the second embodiment described above, instead of the fastener B1 (see Figure 11), the base portion 411 and the locking portion 711 may be fixed to each other using a snap-in type fastening part as illustrated in Figure 4. Similarly, the base portion 421 and the locking portion 721 may be fixed to each other using a snap-in type fastening part, and the base portion 431 and the locking portion 731 may be fixed to each other using a snap-in type fastening part. With this configuration, the same effects as the first modification of the first embodiment and the first modification of the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, in the configuration of the second embodiment described above, the cover member 5 may be configured without the extended portions 56 and 57. Even in such a configuration, the same effects as those of the embodiments or modifications described so far can be obtained, as explained in the modification 3 of the first embodiment described above.

[0060] <Third Embodiment> Figures 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views showing the rail device 3 according to the third embodiment. The sliding door device T according to this embodiment is the same as the modified example 2 and the second embodiment of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the sliding door device T according to this embodiment is a two-panel sliding door in which two sliding doors are arranged overlapping in the front-rear direction. Figure 12 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Figure 5, and Figure 13 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 5. In Figures 12 and 13, the same reference numerals are used for components corresponding to those in Figures 6 and 7. Here, we will mainly explain the differences from the second embodiment.

[0061] - New rail device Similar to the second embodiment described above, the rail device 3 supports the sliding door 20 so that it can move in the sliding direction. The rail device 3 is fixed to the floor surface with a fastener B2. The rail device 3 is located below the sliding door 20 and supports the sliding door 20 so that it can move in the sliding direction via the door roller 24. In this embodiment, the rail device 3 comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7, similar to the second embodiment described above. The rail device 3 is arranged, for example, between the lower ends of vertical frames (not shown) along the sliding direction of the sliding door.

[0062] -Rail body- In this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the components corresponding to the base members 41, 42, and 43 are integrally configured. Specifically, the rail body 4 includes a connecting portion 441 that connects the lower ends of the base members 41 and 42 between the support portion 412 and the support portion 422, and a connecting portion 442 that connects the lower ends of the base members 42 and 43 between the support portion 423 and the support portion 432.

[0063] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 441 is thin plate-shaped, similar to the second embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 was flat, whereas in this embodiment, the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 (corresponding to the bottom surface of the rail groove G, which consists of a recessed groove) is curved upward in a circular arc shape in the cross-sectional view of Figure 12 (corresponding to the cross-sectional view viewed from the sliding direction), which is different from the second embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment, the lower surface of the connecting portion 441 and the lower surfaces of the base members 41 and 42 are flush. The height position of the top of the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 is lower than the height position of the upper surfaces of the support portions 412 and 422. As a result, a rail groove G consisting of a recessed groove for fitting the door roller is formed between the support portion 412 and the support portion 422 (corresponding to the intermediate position), recessed toward the floor surface. Note that the height position of the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 is lower than the height position of the upper surfaces of the base portion 411 and the base portion 421. As a result, the depth of the rail groove G can be increased. However, the height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 441 may be the same as the height of the upper surface of the base portion 411 and base portion 421, or it may be slightly higher. The connecting portion 441 is an example of a component of the base portion.

[0064] Similarly, the connecting portion 442 is thin plate-shaped, and its upper surface (corresponding to the bottom surface of the rail groove G, which consists of a concave groove) is curved upward in a cross-sectional view in Figure 12 (corresponding to a cross-sectional view from the sliding direction). The lower surface of the connecting portion 442 and the lower surfaces of the base members 42 and 43 are flush. The height of the top of the upper surface of the connecting portion 442 is lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the support portions 423 and 432. As a result, a rail groove G consisting of a concave groove for fitting the door roller is formed between the support portion 423 and the support portion 432 (corresponding to the intermediate position), recessed toward the floor surface. Note that the height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 442 is lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the base portions 421 and 431. This allows the depth of the rail groove G to be increased. However, the height of the upper surface of the connecting portion 442 may be the same as the height of the upper surfaces of the base portions 421 and 431, or it may be slightly higher. The connecting portion 442 is an example of a component of the base portion.

[0065] -Cover component- The cover member 5 is a sheet-like member with higher rigidity than the rail body 4. The basic configuration of the cover member 5 is the same as in the modified example 2 described above. Specifically, one of the cover members 5 (rear side) is common with the second embodiment in that it includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 412, an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 412, a groove portion, an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432, a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 422, and extension portions 56, 57. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the groove portion 53 was U-shaped in the cross-sectional view in Figure 10, whereas in this embodiment, the groove portion differs from the second embodiment in that it consists of a side wall 58 located on the inner wall of the support portion 412 and a side wall 59 located on the inner wall of the support portion 422. In other words, in this modified example, the configuration corresponding to the bottom wall of the groove portion 53 in the second embodiment is omitted. In other words, the upper surface of the connection part 441 is exposed.

[0066] Similarly, the other cover member 5 (front side) is common to the second embodiment in that it includes a side wall 51 located on the outer surface (rear surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 423, an upper wall 52 located on the upper surface of the support portion 423, a groove portion, an upper wall 54 located on the upper surface of the support portion 432, a side wall 55 located on the outer surface (front surface in Figure 10) of the support portion 432, and extension portions 56, 57. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the groove portion 53 was U-shaped in the cross-sectional view of Figure 10, whereas in this embodiment, the groove portion differs from the second embodiment in that it consists of a side wall 58 located on the inner wall of the support portion 423 and a side wall 59 located on the inner wall of the support portion 432. In other words, in this modified example, the configuration corresponding to the bottom wall of the groove portion 53 in the second embodiment is omitted. To put it another way, the upper surface of the connecting portion 442 is exposed.

[0067] -Locking member- The configuration of the locking member 7 is the same as in the second embodiment. That is, the locking member 7 has locking members 71, 72, and 73. The difference from the second embodiment is that the fastener B1 is omitted. Specifically, in the first embodiment (see Figure 3) and the second embodiment (see Figure 11), the base portion 411 and the locking portion 731 were fixed with the fastener B1 at an intermediate position between the screw holes 415, that is, at an intermediate position between the fastener B2 and the fastener B2. In contrast, in this embodiment, the fixing using the fastener B1 at an intermediate position between the fastener B2 and the fastener B2 is omitted (see Figure 13). In this case, for example, the rail device 3 may be pre-assembled using tape such as drafting tape prior to on-site construction. This ensures the same ease of construction as in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0068] As described above, the rail device 3 according to this embodiment comprises a rail body 4, a cover member 5, and a locking member 7, similar to the second embodiment described above. The rail body 4 has a base portion (including base portions 411, 421, 431 and connecting portions 441, 442) that is installed on the floor surface, and support portions (including support portions 412, 422, 423, 432) that protrude upward from the upper surface of the base portion at an intermediate position in the front-rear direction. The space between support portion 412 and support portion 422 (corresponding to the intermediate position) is recessed toward the floor surface, forming one rail groove G consisting of a recessed groove for fitting a door roller. Similarly, the space between support portion 422 and support portion 432 (corresponding to the intermediate position) is recessed toward the floor surface, forming the other rail groove G consisting of a recessed groove for fitting a door roller. One cover member 5 covers the side surface of the rear rail groove G and the top and outer surfaces of the support parts 412 and 422, and is made of a rigid metal sheet that is more rigid than the rail body 4. The other cover member 5 covers the side surface of the front rail groove G and the top and outer surfaces of the support parts 423 and 432, and is made of a rigid metal sheet that is more rigid than the rail body 4. In relation to the support parts 412 and 422, the locking members 71 and 72 are positioned on the base parts 411 and 421 of the rail body 4 on both the front and rear outer sides of the support parts 412 and 422. Specifically, the locking member 71 is positioned on the base part 411 of the rail body 4 behind the support part 412. The locking member 72 is positioned on the base part 421 of the rail body 4 in front of the support part 422. In relation to the support portion 423 and the support portion 432, the locking members 72 and 73 are positioned on the base portions 421 and 431 of the rail body 4 on both outer sides in the front-rear direction of the support portions 423 and 432. Specifically, the locking member 72 is positioned on the base portion 421 of the rail body 4 behind the support portion 423. The locking member 73 is positioned on the base portion 431 of the rail body 4 in front of the support portion 432. The locking member 71 is fixed integrally with the base portion 411 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 51 of one of the cover members 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 711 and the support portion 412.The locking member 72 is fixed integrally with the base portion 421 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of one cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 721 and the support portion 422, and the side wall 51 of the other cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 721 and the support portion 423. The locking member 73 is fixed integrally with the base portion 431 to the floor surface F by the fixing device B2, with the side wall 55 of the other cover member 5 sandwiched between the locking portion 731 and the support portion 432.

[0069] This provides the same effects as the first and second embodiments described above. Specifically, sufficient strength can be obtained against the sliding motion of the sliding door 20. The fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is ensured. Furthermore, since the cover member 5 does not have a folded-over structure, it is easier to process and mass-produce compared to the conventional technology, and it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact and separation of the folded-over parts. In addition, by providing the extended parts 56 and 57, the fixing strength of the cover member 5 and the rail body 4 to the floor surface is increased. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] This invention is extremely useful for sliding door devices and has high potential for industrial application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 3 Rail device 4 Rail body 41, 42, 43 Base members 411, 421, 431 Base section 412,422,423,433 Support part 5 Cover component 7,71,72,73 Locking member

Claims

1. A rail device that supports a sliding door so that it can move freely in the sliding direction, The rail body has a pair of base members arranged on the floor surface at a predetermined interval, each of which includes a thin plate-shaped base portion and a support portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface at the inner end of the base portion in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, A cover member having a sheet-like structure with higher rigidity than the rail body, which covers the upper and outer surfaces of both support portions so as to connect the base members, and which is recessed toward the floor surface between the support portions to form a groove for fitting the door roller, The support portion is provided with a locking member located on the base portion on the outer side in the direction perpendicular to the support portion, with the cover member sandwiched between it and the support portion, and which is integrally fixed to the floor surface with the base portion by a fastener. Rail system.

2. A rail device that supports a sliding door so that it can move freely in the sliding direction, The rail body has a base portion installed on the floor surface, and a support portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base portion at an intermediate position in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the support portion has a recessed groove for fitting the door roller at an intermediate position in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface, A cover member made of a rigid metal sheet that covers the inner surface of the groove and the upper and outer surfaces of the support portion, and has higher rigidity than the rail body, On both outer sides of the support portion in the direction perpendicular to the support portion, there are locking members that are positioned on the base portion of the rail body and are fixed integrally with the base portion to the floor surface by fasteners, with the cover member sandwiched between them and the support portion. Rail system.

3. A rail device that supports a sliding door so that it can move freely in the sliding direction, The rail body has a base portion installed on the floor surface, and a support portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base portion at an intermediate position in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the support portion has a recessed groove for fitting the door roller at an intermediate position in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface, A pair of cover members made of a rigid metal sheet with higher rigidity than the rail body, covering the side surface of the groove and the upper and outer surfaces of the support portion, On both outer sides of the support portion in the direction perpendicular to the support portion, there are locking members that are positioned on the base portion of the rail body and are fixed integrally with the base portion to the floor surface by fasteners, with the cover member sandwiched between them and the support portion. Rail system.

4. In the rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The end of the cover member extends to the space between the upper surface of the base portion and the lower surface of the locking member. With the cover member sandwiched between the base portion, the support portion, and the locking member, the locking member and the base portion are integrally fixed to the floor surface by the fixing device. Rail system.

5. In the rail device according to claim 3, The bottom surface of the groove is curved upward in an arc shape when viewed in cross-section from the sliding direction. Rail system.

6. A rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The device includes a sliding door with a roller attached to its lower end, which is fitted into the rail device. Sliding door mechanism.

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