Rail devices and functional entities

Abstract

A rail device 2 having a rail axis x, wherein a carriage 5 having a support roller 51 and two guide rollers 52 is guided along the rail axis x, and the rail device 2 comprises a first rail section 21 including a first support 211 and a first guide channel 212, a second rail section 22 including a second support 221 and a second guide channel 222, and a connecting device 3 to which the opposing end pieces 21E, 22E of the two rail sections 21, 22 are interconnected. The rail device 2 includes a rail adapter 23 that can connect a first rail section 21 and a second rail section 22 to each other at a selectable mutual distance, the rail adapter 23 having a third support 231 and a third guide channel 212, the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 having a recess 210 in which the rail adapter 23 is fully or partially positioned, the first, second, and third supports 211, 222, 231 are coaxially aligned with each other to form a support track T1 that serves to support a support roller 51, and the first, second, and third guide channels 212, 222, 232 are coaxially aligned with each other and have fully or partially matching internal cross-sections to form a first guide track T21 or first and second guide tracks T21, T22 that serve to guide a guide roller 52.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail device including at least two interconnected rail sections, and a functional entity, particularly furniture, including at least one such rail device.

Background Art

[0002] In order to close a functional unit such as an opening in a room or furniture, a separating element, which is a foldable separating element such as a folding door or a folding sliding door in some cases, is used. It is preferable that a partition element is provided which is moved into a door compartment or a parking space so as not to be obstructive after the opening is released.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9,284,761 (B2) discloses furniture including a displacement device, by which a mounting profile connected to a folding sliding door can be displaced within a door compartment. The folding sliding door includes two door elements. The first door element is connected to the mounting profile by a mounting hinge at the rear and to the rear of the second door element by a door hinge at the front. The second door element is connected to a guide carriage at the front. The mounting profile is maintained in vertical alignment by a support device, and support runners are provided at the top and bottom, and the support runners are guided in support rails. The guide carriage can be moved along a rail device having three rail sections, and the first and second rail sections of the three rail sections are connected to each other by a third rail section extending along a curve. The first rail section extends straight into the door compartment, and the second rail section extends straight along the front of the furniture. Therefore, the guide carriage is movable between a first end stop and a second end stop by the guide rails.

[0004] To close the furniture, the folding doors are moved out of the door compartment and unfolded. In the closed position, the door elements are aligned planarly to each other. To open the furniture, the folding doors are folded again, and the door elements are preferably aligned parallel to each other in the open position and stored in the door compartment.

[0005] For functional and aesthetic reasons, it is usually desirable that rail devices have a specified length in all sectors so that each rail section extends precisely to the next rail section or to the wall. Therefore, when installing a functional object, it is often necessary to cut rail sections to the required length and, if necessary, to fit them to the functional object, which may result in deviations from the intended dimensions. Consequently, the installation of rail devices, and therefore the installation of functional objects, may require considerable effort and the availability of metalworking tools.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009299305 relates to a cabinet having a selectable number of sections that can be closed by sliding doors or folding sliding doors, wherein the sliding doors or folding sliding doors can be moved along guide rails by guide carriages. It is not possible to provide a single guide rail for the selectable number of sections of this cabinet. Instead, rail sections must be provided for each section of the cabinet. Each rail section is joined in a sealed manner by a connecting structure comprising a metal plate and two insert plates. The insert plates are made of a rubber-like sealing material and are each bonded to one side of the metal plate. The two insert plates, and the metal plate held between the insert plates, are inserted between the opposing end faces of the rail section. To ensure that the metal plate and the insert plates are held coaxially with respect to the rail section, connecting rods are provided that pass through the insert plates and the metal plate and are held in the rail section. Finally, the rail sections, provided with angled pieces, are drawn together using connecting screws. Therefore, the connecting device of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009299305 is used to connect two rail sections to each other in a sealed manner. The distance obtained between the end faces of the opposing rail sections is fixed. According to Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009299305, there is no measure to adjust this distance. The force pulling the rail sections towards the insertion plate should be kept within a range that the insertion plate is held firmly but not damaged by excessive pressure. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to adjust the distance between the end faces of the rail sections.

[0007] WO2018204952A1 discloses a guide system for guiding furniture doors using a guide rail comprising first and second rail sections that can be connected to each other by fixed-size connecting pieces. It is not possible to adjust the distance between the end faces of the rail sections.

[0008] WO2018204952A1 discloses a further guiding system for guiding furniture doors using a guide rail comprising first and second rail sections connectable to each other by fixed-size connecting pieces. In this device, the connecting pieces are connectable to a portion of the furniture to hold the interconnected end pieces of the rail sections. With this device, it is not possible to adjust the distance between the ends of the rail sections. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] US Patent No. 9284761(B2) [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009299305 [Patent Document 3] WO2018204952A1 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Therefore, the present invention is based on the objective of creating an improved rail device having at least two rail sections, and a functional entity comprising such a rail device.

[0011] The rail device of the present invention should be installable with minimal effort and without the use of metalworking tools. Specifically, it should be unnecessary to cut rail sections to the appropriate size. The need to prepare various dimensional connecting pieces should also be avoided. Therefore, it should be possible to supply rail sections for functional entities in predetermined dimensions within standard sizes.

[0012] Rail devices should enable the optimal transport and / or guidance of one or more carriages. Rail devices should also be suitable for holding and guiding any type of carriage.

[0013] The carriage should be able to move within the rail device as quietly as possible and with as little wear as possible. Destructive transitions or gaps between rail sections should be avoided.

[0014] Furthermore, the rail device should appear in a desirable form. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This problem is solved using the rail device described in claim 1, and the functional entity described in claim 15, which may optionally be furniture. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are defined in further claims.

[0016] A rail device capable of guiding a carriage having at least one support roller and two guide rollers along a rail axis comprises a first rail section including a first support and a first guide channel, a second rail section including a second support and a second guide channel, and a connecting device that connects the opposing end pieces of the two rail sections to each other using the connecting device.

[0017] According to the present invention, The rail device includes a rail adapter that allows a first rail section (21) and a second rail section to be connected to each other at a selectable distance by using a rail adapter. The rail adapter has a third support and a third guide channel, The end piece of the first rail section has a recess in which a rail adapter is fully or partially positioned. The first, second, and third supports are coaxially aligned with each other to form a support track that serves to support the support roller. The guide channels of the first and second rail sections and the rail adapter are coaxially aligned with each other and have an internal cross-section that is completely or partially coincident to form a first guide track or first and second guide tracks that serve to guide the guide roller.

[0018] Thus, since the rail adapter can be moved completely or partially into the opposing end piece of the first rail section, the distance between the opposing end pieces of the first rail section and the second rail section can be adjusted as required. Thus, since there is no need to cut the rail sections to the appropriate size when installing the rail device, the rail sections can be provided in standard sizes or standard lengths.

[0019] Since the rail adapter is adjustable or can be selectively moved into the associated end piece of the first rail section, it is also referred to as an adjustable rail adapter.

[0020] For example, the installation of the rail device in a functional entity such as furniture can be carried out quickly with little effort and, in particular, without using metal processing tools.

[0021] The rail adapter, or the front piece of the rail adapter, appears between the two rail sections. This solution not only provides a preferred connection between the rail sections. The rail adapter also provides preferred aesthetic features.

[0022] The first and second rail sections are preferably made of metal. On the other hand, the rail adapter can be made of metal or, particularly cost - effectively, of plastic. A visually advantageous color or combination of colors can be selected for the rail adapter. Instead of a mechanical transition between the rail sections that might appear unfavorable, what results is a visually impressive transition that can be designed as desired. The distance between the two rail sections is not a problem. The rail adapter between them is always a prominent feature.

[0023] Rail elements for supporting and guiding the support rollers as well as the guide rollers and / or stabilizing rollers can be arranged as desired.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, - the first rail section comprises a first front wall provided with a first support and a first head piece provided with a first guide channel, - the second rail section comprises a second front wall provided with a second support and a second head piece provided with a second guide channel, and - the rail adapter comprises a third front wall provided with a third support and a third head piece provided with a third guide channel, is provided.

[0025] Thus, the rail device can be provided for a carriage having one or more support rollers, one or more guide rollers, and one or more stabilizing rollers. The support rollers are intended to support the load of the associated separating element. The guide rollers are intended to prevent the carriage from rotating around a vertical axis and moving laterally with respect to the direction of travel. The optional stabilizing rollers are typically intended to hold the carriage in vertical alignment.

[0026] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, it is optionally provided that a first rail section has a first stabilizing channel, a second rail section has a second stabilizing channel, and a rail adapter has a third stabilizing channel, and that these stabilizing channels are coaxially aligned with each other and have internal cross-sections that are fully or partially coincided, forming a first stabilizing track or first and second stabilizing tracks that serve to guide the stabilizing roller.

[0027] Preferably, the first stabilization channel is provided on the first support, the second stabilization channel is provided on the second support, and the third stabilization channel is provided on the third support. Thus, the support rollers of the carriage can roll on the upper side of the support, while the stabilization rollers can engage within the stabilization channels on the lower side of the support.

[0028] The dimensions of the rail adapter are fully or partially complementary to the recess in the end piece of the first rail section. Therefore, the rail adapter can be at least partially inserted into the relevant end piece of the first rail section, thereby at least partially refilling, or potentially refilling, the recess in accordance with the dimensions of the material removed due to the complementary design of the rail adapter.

[0029] The rail adapter can be fully or partially inserted into the end piece of the first rail section, but it is preferable that it protrudes axially outward regardless of the degree of relative displacement.

[0030] The recesses can be machined or formed within the end piece of the first rail section by mechanical processes such as milling, or by forming and casting. Therefore, Figures 8c and 9c show machining marks representing milling.

[0031] A portion of the support of the first rail section and a portion of the support of the rail adapter that contribute to the formation of the support track are displaced laterally relative to each other during the displacement of the rail adapter, and / or A portion of the guide channel of the first rail section and a portion of the guide channel of the rail adapter that contribute to the formation of the guide track are displaced relative to each other during the upward and downward displacement of the rail adapter, and / or A portion of the stabilization channel of the first rail section and a portion of the stabilization channel of the rail / adapter that contribute to the formation of a stabilized track are displaced vertically when the rail adapter is moved. It is preferable that this be provided.

[0032] These means ensure that the support rollers and / or guide rollers and / or stabilizing rollers are always in contact with portions of the support track, guide track, and stabilizing track, even in the transition region between rail sections. In the transition region, the support rollers and / or guide rollers and / or stabilizing rollers are always in contact with portions of the first support and third support, and / or portions of the first guide channel and third guide channel, and / or portions of the first stabilizing channel and third stabilizing channel. This results in a controlled, stepless transition of the carriage from the first rail section to the rail adapter, preferably onto the second rail section. The transition from the rail adapter to the second rail section can be achieved with the same or different dimensions as the transition from the rail adapter to the first rail section. Thus, the opposing end piece of the second rail section may also have a recess into which the rail adapter is inserted. However, it is preferable that the ends of the rail adapter and the second rail section are coplanar with each other.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, - The first rail section in the first guide channel has a recess, and the complementary, outwardly tapering guide wing of the third guide channel of the rail adapter protrudes into the recess, or - The first rail section in the first guide channel has recesses on both sides, and the complementary, outwardly tapering guide wings of the third guide channel of the rail adapter protrude into these recesses. However, it will be provided.

[0034] The guide vanes of the rail adapter, which protrude into the first guide channel of the first rail section, act as auxiliary rods that allow the guide roller to move into the first guide channel while still being guided within it.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, - The first rail section in the first stabilization channel has a recess, and the complementary, outwardly tapering stabilizing wing of the third stabilization channel of the rail adapter protrudes into the recess, or - The first rail section in the first stabilization channel has recesses on both sides, and the complementary, outwardly tapering stabilizing wings of the third stabilization channel of the rail adapter protrude into these recesses. However, it will be provided.

[0036] The stabilizing wings of the rail adapter, which protrude into the first stabilizing channel of the first rail section, act as auxiliary rods that allow the stabilizing roller to move over it while still being guided within the first stabilizing channel.

[0037] The guide vanes and / or stabilizing vanes preferably each have two flanks that are inclined toward each other. For example, the guide vanes and / or stabilizing vanes are also triangular or trapezoidal in shape so that they can interact with complementary portions of the first guide channel, which may be triangular or trapezoidal in shape.

[0038] It should be noted that the load of the separation element, and in some cases the load of the door or folding / sliding door, is transmitted to the rail device via the carriage's support rollers.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the supports of the first and second rail sections and the rail adapter have receiving channels into which the runner rod is inserted, the runner rod protruding beyond the third support of the rail adapter, and preferably tapering on one or both sides. The runner rod is held on both sides within the receiving channels of the first and second rail sections and is therefore capable of absorbing high loads. The support rollers of the carriage are preferably provided with ring grooves into which the runner rod can enter as the carriage passes over it. Thus, the support rollers are stably supported and safely guided by the runner rod.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second rail sections and the rail adapter each have at least one mounting channel into which a connecting rod is inserted, the mounting channels being coaxially aligned with respect to each other. The mounting channels are preferably added to the supports of the first and second rail sections and the rail adapter so as to securely hold the supports of the rail adapter.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the headpieces of the first and second rail sections and the headpiece of the rail adapter each have mounting channels, the mounting channels of which are coaxially aligned with each other, the connecting device has a connecting plate and a locking screw that rotatably holds within the connecting plate, and the connecting plate is axially displaceable within the mounting channels and secured by the locking screw. In this way, two rail sections and rail adapters installed between them can be connected to each other in a simple manner.

[0042] The solution of the present invention can be advantageously used for any rail device. The first and second rail sections can each extend straight or partially along a curve. However, the first rail section can also extend straight, and the second rail section can extend at least partially along a curve, and vice versa.

[0043] The rail device of the present invention can be advantageously installed and used in any functional unit, particularly in furniture. The rail device of the present invention may also have three or more rail sections and two or more adjustable rail adapters.

[0044] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] A functional entity 1 of the present invention, in the form of furniture, includes a folding door 11 having two door elements 111, 112 connected to each other by a door hinge 14 and a rail device 2, wherein the rail device 2 has a first rail section 21 extending along a curve and a second rail section 22 extending along the front of the functional entity 1, the first rail section 21 and the second rail section 22 being connected to each other by an adjustable rail adapter 23, and a guide carriage 5 that holds one of the door elements 112 of the folding door 11 is displaceably mounted within the first rail section 21 and the second rail section 22. [Figure 2]This is a rear view of the folding door 11 of functional entity 1 in Figure 1, which includes a first door element 111 connected at its rear edge to a mounting profile 12 by a mounting hinge 13 and at its front edge to a second door element 112 to which a guide carriage 5 is attached by a door hinge 14, and a rail device 2 including a first rail section 21 and a second rail section 22 connected to each other by a rail adapter 23, which is shown in abbreviated and schematic. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the rail device 2 and guide carriage 5 in a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 having a recess 210 for fully or partially receiving the rail adapter 23, the exposed rail adapter 23, and the end piece 22E of the second rail section 22 facing the rail adapter 23. [Figure 5a] Figure 3 shows the rail device 2, including the second rail section 22 in a cross-sectional view and the inserted guide carriage 5. [Figure 5b] Figure 3 shows the rail device 2, including a second rail section 22 separated from the rail adapter 23. [Figure 5c] Figure 3 shows a diagram of rail device 2, which includes a rail adapter 23 separating the first rail section 21 and the second rail section 22. [Figure 6a] Figure 4 shows the rail device 2, including the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 separated from the rail adapter 23. [Figure 6b] Figure 6a shows the rail device 2, which includes rail sections 21 and 22 connected to each other at a specified distance by rail adapter 23 and connecting device 3. [Figure 7a]Figure 5 shows a rail adapter 23, which includes a connecting device 3 and connecting rod 9 that can be used to connect two rail sections 21 and 22, and a runner rod 8 provided for engagement within the two rail sections 21 and 22, over which the support roller 51 of the guide carriage 5 shown in Figure 4a can roll. [Figure 7b] Figure 7a shows the rail adapter 23, excluding the connecting device 3, connecting rod 9, and runner rod 8. [Figure 7c] Figure 7b shows a rail adapter 23 in a further preferred embodiment, which includes a rebound spring 235 provided on the front wall 23F. [Figure 7d] Figure 7c shows the rail adapter 23 inserted between the end pieces 21E and 22E of the first and second rail sections 21 and 22. [Figure 8a] This is a rear view of the rail adapter 23 in Figure 6a, which is partially inserted into the recess 210 in the opposing end piece 21E of the first rail section 21. [Figure 8b] Figure 8a shows the rail adapter 23 fully inserted into the recess 210 in the opposing end piece 21E of the first rail section 21. [Figure 8c] Figure 8a shows the first rail section 21, including an end piece 21E with a machined recess 210. [Figure 9a] Figure 8a is a view from above of the rail adapter 23 and the first rail section 21. [Figure 9b] Figure 8b is a view from above of the rail adapter 23 and the first rail section 21. [Figure 9c] Figure 8c shows the first rail section 21, including the end piece 21E with the recess 210 incorporated, as viewed from different angles. [Figure 10a] This is a cross-sectional view of the rail device 2 along section line AA in Figure 6b, including the inner view. [Figure 10b]Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view of rail device 2 along the intersecting line AA, including another inner view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Figure 1 shows a functional entity 1 of the present invention in an embodiment of furniture 1 that includes a folding door 11 that can be pushed into a first door compartment 10 and a single door 11' that can be pushed into a second door compartment 10.

[0047] The furniture 1 preferably has a side wall 1A, an upper board 1B, a lower board 1C, and partition walls 1D on both sides, and the partition walls 1D together with the side wall 1A separate the door compartment 10.

[0048] The folding door 11 has a first separation element or door element 111, which is connected on one side to a mounting profile 12 by a mounting hinge 13 and on the other side to a second separation element or door element 112 by a door hinge 14, wherein the dimensions of the second door element 112 preferably correspond to the dimensions of the first door element 111. The folding door 11 may be partially unfolded or fully folded to be stored within the door compartment 10 with the door elements 111 and 112 aligned parallel to each other, or it may be fully unfolded to a closed position where the two door elements 111 and 112 are at least approximately aligned in one plane.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mounting profile 12 is held by a displacement device 19, schematically shown, and is displaceable within the associated door compartment 10. The door 11 is positioned in front of the associated door compartment 10 parallel to the side wall 1A and can subsequently be displaced into the door compartment 10. For displacement within the door compartment 10, each mounting profile 12 may also be provided with a drive device. The mounting profile 12 is preferably connected at its top to a support carriage 15 that can be moved into the door compartment 10 along an associated guide rail 16. The mounting profile 12 may also be connected at its underside to a carriage guided within the guide rail.

[0050] The second door element 112 of the folding door 11 is connected at its front edge to a guide carriage 5, which is guided by a rail device 2, shown in fragments. The rail device 2 comprises a first rail section 21 extending along an arc into the associated door compartment 10 and a second rail section 22 extending along the front of the furniture 1. The two rail sections 21, 22 are connected to each other by a rail adapter 23 of the present invention (see Figure 5c). The rail adapter 23 can be shifted by a corresponding amount into a recess 210 provided in the opposing end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 to compensate for tolerances when cutting the second rail section 22 or when manufacturing the furniture 1. Thus, the second rail section 22 is supplied in standard sizes and can be easily installed in the rail device 2 by sliding the rail adapter 23 into the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 as needed.

[0051] Therefore, the folding door 11 is held forward by the guide carriage 5, which can move along the front of the furniture 1 when the folding door 11 is extended, and can move into the door compartment 10 when the folding door 11 is folded. In either case, the guide carriage 5 travels ahead of the second door element 112 in the displacement direction.

[0052] Figure 2 shows the rear side of the folding door 11 of the functional entity 1 of Figure 1, including the first door element 111, in this embodiment the first door element 111 is connected at its rear edge to a mounting profile 12 by a mounting hinge 13 and at its front edge to a second door element 112 by a door hinge 14 and mounting component 17, to which a guide carriage 5 is attached to the front side of the second door element 112.

[0053] A support carriage 15 connected to the mounting profile 12 is also shown, and the support carriage 15 can move along the support rail 16. The guide carriage 5 and the support carriage 15 are provided with carriage bodies 54, 154, support rollers 51, 151, and two guide rollers 51, 152, respectively.

[0054] The rail device 2 through which the guide carriage 5 is guided consists of two interconnected rail sections 21 and 22. The rail device including the support rail 16 may also be connected to one another by the rail adapter 23 of the present invention, or may consist of several rail sections connected to one another. As an example, the present invention will be described in relation to the rail device 2 provided for the guide carriage 5.

[0055] The two rail sections 21 and 22 have corresponding cross-sections and each comprises front walls 21F and 22F, including head pieces 21T and 22T and foot pieces 21B and 22B. Supports 211 and 221 are provided on each front wall 21F and 22F, and guide channels 212 and 222 are provided on each head piece 21T and 22T. The supports 211 and 221, which support the support rollers 51 of the guide carriage 5, and the guide channels 212 and 222, which guide the guide rollers 52 of the guide carriage 5, are coaxially aligned with each other at their end faces and connected to each other by a rail adapter 23. The schematically shown rail adapter 23 allows the rail sections 21 and 22 to move relative to each other and ensures the safe and uninterrupted transfer of the guide carriage 5 between the rail sections 21 and 22.

[0056] Figure 3 shows the rail device 2 and guide carriage 5 of Figure 2 from the front in a preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the guide carriage 5 is further provided with a stabilizing roller 53 and a coupling device 55, and the held door element 112 can be connected using the coupling device 55. The rotation axes of the guide roller 52 and the stabilizing roller 53 are aligned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support roller 51.

[0057] It has been shown that the support roller 51 can be supported on the support 221 of the second rail section 22, thereby allowing the guide roller 52 to be inserted into the guide channel 222 and the stabilizing roller 53 to be inserted into the stabilizing channel 223 on the underside of the support 221. The load applied by the door element 112 is transmitted to the rail device 2 via the support roller 51. The guide roller 52 ensures that the guide carriage 5 cannot rotate with respect to the rail axis x. The guide roller 52 and the stabilizing roller 53 also ensure that the guide carriage 5 is held in vertical alignment.

[0058] However, the rail device 2 of the present invention, which comprises two rail sections 21, 22 connected to each other by a rail adapter 23, can also be realized for carriages in various configurations. For example, it may be provided that a guide roller 52 is positioned below the support roller 51 and guided within a stabilization channel 223. An optional stabilization roller 53 may, on the other hand, be positioned above the support roller 51 and guided within a guide channel 222.

[0059] In this embodiment, the rail device 2 includes a support track T1 realized by the supports 211, 221 of the two rail sections 21, 22 and the support 231 of the rail adapter 23 (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the rail device 2 includes two guide tracks T21, T22 realized by the guide channels 212, 222 of the two rail sections 21, 22 and the guide channel 232 of the rail adapter 23 (see Figure 4). In addition, the rail device 2 includes two stabilizing tracks T31, T32 realized by the stabilizing channels 213, 223 of the two rail sections 21, 22 and the stabilizing channel 233 of the rail adapter 23 (see Figure 4).

[0060] The rail adapter 23 is held between the opposing end pieces 21E, 22E of the two rail sections 21, 22, and is preferably dimensioned to protrude and be visible from the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21. The first and second rail sections 21, 22 are preferably made of metal. The rail adapter 23 is preferably made of metal or plastic. The rail adapter 23 is preferably colored to be advantageously visible between the two rail sections 21, 22.

[0061] The two rail sections 21, 22 and the rail adapter 23 (see Figure 4) preferably have mounting channels 217, 227, and 237 into which the connecting plate 31 of the connecting device 3 can be inserted, and the connecting plate 31 can be secured by locking screws 32 to fix the rail sections 21, 22 and the rail adapter 23 to each other in selected positions.

[0062] The rear end piece of the first rail section 21 is shown to be connected to the connecting rail 24 by a further connecting device 3 and optionally a further rail adapter 23. The retaining rail 16 is connected to the bezel 161.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 of Figure 3, which has a recess 210 for fully or partially receiving the rail adapter 23, the separated rail adapter 23, and the end piece 22E of the second rail section 22 facing the rail adapter 23.

[0064] The two rail sections 21, 22 and the rail adapter 23 are shown to have front walls 21F, 22F, 23F, head pieces 21T, 22T, 23T, and upper rear pieces 21R, 22R, 23R and lower rear pieces 21S, 22S, 23S, respectively, which form the channel walls of the guide channels 212, 222, 232 and the stabilizing channels 213, 223, 233.

[0065] Furthermore, it is also shown that the two rail sections 21, 22 and the rail adapter 23 each have receiving channels 218, 228, 238 and mounting channels 219, 229, 239 (see also Figure 8c for the first rail section 21).

[0066] To connect the two rail sections 21, 22 and the rail adapter 23, a connecting rod 9 is inserted into mounting channels 219, 229, 239. The mounting channels 219, 229, 239 preferably pass through the supports 211, 221, 231 so that the supports 231 of the rail adapter 23 are stably held by the connecting rod and can absorb the load acting through the support rollers 51 without deformation.

[0067] The connecting rod 9 also ensures that the supports 211, 222, and 231 of the first and second rail sections 21, 22 and the rail adapter 23 are coaxially aligned to form a support track T1, and that the guide channels 212, 222, and 232 of the first and second rail sections 21, 22 and the rail adapter 23 are coaxially aligned to form a first guide track T21 or first and second guide tracks T21, T22. Thus, the support track T1 and guide tracks T21, T22 extend parallel to the rail axis x without steps and edges, even under load.

[0068] It is also possible for the guide channels 212, 222, and 232 to guide the guide roller 52 of the carriage 5 on only one side. It is also possible for the stabilizing channels 213, 223, and 233 to guide the stabilizing roller 53 on only one side. Therefore, it is preferable that the internal cross-sections of the guide channels 212, 222, and 232 and the stabilizing channels 213, 223, and 233 are entirely or partially the same. In preferred embodiments, the guide channels 212, 222, and 232 and / or the stabilizing channels 213, 223, and 233 have a U-shaped or L-shaped contour.

[0069] The receiving channels 218, 228, and 238 into which the runner rod 8 is inserted are provided above the supports 211, 221, and 231, and are preferably open at the top. The runner rod 8 is preferably rotationally symmetric and preferably tapers on both sides toward the adjacent rail sections 21, 22 so that it has its maximum diameter within the region of the rail adapter 23. For example, the runner rod 8 is cylindrical in the center and conical on both sides.

[0070] Preferably, the runner rod 8 protrudes upward from the receiving channels 218, 228, and 238, or at least from the receiving channel 238 of the rail adapter 23, and is therefore able to cooperate with the support roller 51 of the carriage 5.

[0071] Therefore, it is preferable that the support roller 51 moves on the runner bar 8 within the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 and only moves away from the runner bar 8 after reaching the second rail section 22. It is preferable that the support roller 51 has a circumferential ring groove 510 approximately in the center, and that the runner bar 8 can enter the circumferential ring groove 510. Thus, the support roller 51 is firmly supported in the transition region and also guided laterally.

[0072] The runner rod 8 also forms part of the support track T1 in another form and connects to the top of the support 231 in the same plane or substantially the same plane, so as to withstand the load of the support roller 51. In this embodiment, the runner rod 8 preferably has a rectangular cross-section in the region of the receiving channel 238 so as to optimally support the support roller 51 which does not have a ring groove 51.

[0073] The end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 has a recess 210 into which the rail adapter 23 can be inserted. In the region of the guide channel 232, the rail adapter 23 has a guide vane 2321 on one side or guide vanes 2321, 2322 on both sides. In the region of the stabilization channel 233, the rail adapter 23 has a stabilization vane 2331 on one side or stabilization vanes 2331, 2332 on both sides. In this embodiment, the triangular guide vane 2321 or guide vanes 2321, 2322 forms an extension of the guide channel 232 of the rail adapter 23 and at the same time forms a portion of the guide channel 212 within the first rail section 21. In this embodiment, the triangular stabilizing wing 2331 or stabilizing wings 2331, 2332 form an extension of the stabilizing channel 233 of the rail adapter 23, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b, and at the same time form a portion of the stabilizing channel 213 within the first rail section 21.

[0074] Figure 5a shows the rail device 2 of Figure 3, including the second rail section 22 and the inserted guide carriage 5 in a cross-sectional view.

[0075] Figure 5b shows the rail device 2 of Figure 3, including a second rail section 22 separated from the rail adapter 23.

[0076] Figure 5c shows the rail device 2 of Figure 3, including the released rail adapter 23, with the first rail section 21 and the second rail section 22 separated from the rail adapter 23.

[0077] Figure 6a shows the rail device 2 of Figure 4, including the end piece 21E of the first rail section 21 separated from the rail adapter 23.

[0078] Figure 6b shows the rail device 2 of Figure 6a, including rail sections 21 and 22 connected to each other at a specified distance by rail adapters 23 and connecting devices 3. It can be seen that manufacturing tolerances can be easily compensated by the rail adapters 23. It can also be seen that the offset rail adapters 23 can be visually conspicuously highlighted with appropriate coloring.

[0079] Figure 7a shows the rail adapter 23 of Figure 5, including a connecting device 3 and a connecting rod 9, which allows two rail sections 21, 22 to be connected to each other and to a runner bar 8, the runner bar 8 being provided for engagement at the two rail sections 21, 22, and the support roller 51 of the guide carriage 5 in Figure 5a to roll on the runner bar 8. The connecting rod 9 inserted into the support 231 is also shown. Guide vanes 2321, 2322 demarcate the guide channel 232, and stabilizing vanes 2331, 2332 demarcate the stabilizing channel 233, extending the stabilizing channel 233 in one direction. When recesses 210 are provided in the end pieces 21E, 22E of both rail sections 21, 22, it is preferable that the rail adapter 23 be formed symmetrically, including guide vanes 2321, 2322 and stabilizing vanes 2331, 2332 pointing in opposite directions.

[0080] Figure 7b shows the rail adapter 23 of Figure 5, excluding the connecting device 3, connecting rod 9, and runner rod 8. This base body of the rail adapter 23 can be advantageously manufactured as a die-cast part from a plastic compound.

[0081] Figure 7c shows the rail adapter 23 of Figure 7b in a further preferred embodiment, which includes a rebound spring 235 provided on the front wall 23F, the rebound spring 235 engaging in a recess 210 in the opposing end piece 21E of the first rail section 21, leaning against the front wall 21F of the first rail section 21 within the recess 210, and acting as a rebound force on the rail adapter 23, pressing the rail adapter 23 against the end face of the second rail section 22. Thus, after the rail adapter 23 is inserted into the recess 210 and the two rail sections 21, 22 are moved toward each other, the rail adapter 23 is always leaning against the end face of the second rail section 22 and is coplanar.

[0082] Therefore, it is preferable that the rail adapter 23 is preferably provided with, or preferably connected to, at least one adapter component that functions to actively and / or inactively connect the rail adapter 23 to the second rail adapter 22, either seamlessly or in a jointly.

[0083] At least one adapter portion may be provided to press the rail adapter 23 against the second rail section 22 or to pull the rail adapter 23 towards the second rail section 22. The end piece 22E of the second rail section 22 may be actively connectable to the rail adapter 23, for example, and for this purpose may be provided with a recess into which the adapter portion engages.

[0084] Figure 7d shows the rail adapter 23 of Figure 7c inserted between the end pieces 21E, 22E of the first and second rail sections 21, 22. The rail adapter 23 is held on the end face of the end piece 22E of the second rail section 22 by the adapter portion or by the rebound spring 235, so that the connecting device 3 can be secured by tightening the screws 32 without first accessing the rail adapter 23.

[0085] Figure 8a shows the rear side of the rail adapter 23 of Figure 6a, which is partially inserted into the recess 210 in the opposing end piece 21E of the first rail section 21.

[0086] Figure 8b shows the rail adapter 23 of Figure 8a fully inserted into the recess 210 in the opposing end piece 21E of the first rail section 21.

[0087] Therefore, Figures 8a and 8b show the process of adjusting the rail adapter 23, which is moved into the recess 210 in the end piece 21E as needed.

[0088] The shapes of the guide vanes 2321, 2322 and the stabilizing vanes 2331, 2332 ensure that the guide roller 52 and the stabilizing roller 53 are always firmly guided on one or both sides within the guide channel 212 of the first rail section 21 and the guide channel 232 of the rail adapter 23, as well as within the stabilizing channel 213 of the first rail section 21 and the stabilizing channel 233 of the rail adapter 23. In the transition area, the guide roller 52 and the stabilizing roller 53 are guided through both the first rail section 21 and the rail adapter 23.

[0089] Figure 8c shows the first rail section 21 of Figure 8a, including the end piece 21E, which incorporates a recess 210 with various receiving parts. A recess 2123T is provided in the head portion 21T into which the head portion 23T of the rail adapter 23 can be inserted.

[0090] Adjacent to the recess 2123T in the head piece 21T are recesses 212321 and 212322 in the front wall 21F and the upper rear piece 21R, and the guide wings 2321 and 2322 of the rail adapter 23 can enter these recesses 212321 and 212322.

[0091] A recessed area 21231 into which the support body 231 of the rail adapter 23 can be inserted is recessed in the support body 211.

[0092] Adjacent to the recess 21231 in the support 211, recesses 212331 and 212332 exist in the front wall 21F and the lower rear piece 21S, and the stabilizing wings 2321 and 2322 of the rail adapter 23 can enter these recesses 212331 and 212332.

[0093] The recess 2123F into which the front wall 23F of the rail adapter 23 can be inserted is also inserted into the front wall 21F.

[0094] Figure 9a shows the rail adapter 23 and the first rail section 21 from Figure 8a, viewed from above.

[0095] Figure 9b shows the rail adapter 23 and the first rail section 21 from Figure 8b, viewed from above.

[0096] Figure 9c shows the first rail section 21 of Figure 8c, including the end piece 21E in which the recess 210 is incorporated, from an angle that shows the recesses 212321 and 212322.

[0097] Figure 10a shows a cross-sectional view of the rail device 2 along the section line AA in Figure 6b, including rear views of the front walls 21F, 22F, and 23F of the first and second rail sections 21 and 22 and the rail adapter 23.

[0098] Figure 10b shows a cross-sectional view of rail device 2 along section line AA in Figure 6b, including rear views of the two rail sections 21, 22 and rail adapter 23, and the upper rear pieces 21R, 22R, 23R and lower rear pieces 21S, 22S, 23S.

[0099] Supporting track T1, guide tracks T21, T22, and stabilizing tracks T31, T32 are also shown, which extend continuously and uninterrupted across the rail device 2, regardless of the set distance between the two rail sections 21, 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Functional object, furniture, e.g., wardrobe 1A side wall 1B Upper board 1C Lower board 1D separation wall 10 First or second door compartment 10 or parking space 100 Inside Functional Entity 1 11 Folding Doors 111 First door element 112 Second door element 11' One-piece door 12 Mounting Profiles 13. Mounting hinge 14 Door Hinge 15 Support Carriage 151 Support roller 152 Guide roller 154 Carriage type 16 Support rails 161 Bezel 17. Mounting section, hinge cup 19 Displacement devices 2 Rail Devices 21. First Rail Section 210 recess 2123B Recessed area in the foot piece 2123F Recessed area in the front wall Recessed area in the 2123T headpiece 212321, 212322 Depression in guide channel 212 212331, 212332 Depression in stabilizing channel 213 21B Foot Piece 21E End piece of rail section 21 21F front wall 21R Upper back piece 21S Lower rear piece 21T Headpiece 211 Support 212 Guidance Channel 213 Stabilization Channels 217 Mounting Channels 218 Acceptance Channels 219 mounting channels 22. Second Rail Section 22B Foot Piece 22E End piece of rail section 22 22F front wall 22R Upper rear piece 22S Lower rear piece 22T Headpiece 221 Support 222 Information Channel 223 Stabilization Channels 226 Mounting plate 227 Installation Channel 228 Acceptance Channels 229 mounting channels 23 Adjustable Rail Adapters 23B Foot Piece 23F front wall 23R Upper back piece 23S Lower rear piece 23T Headpiece 231 Support 232 Guidance Channel 2321 First guide wing 2322 Second guide wing 233 stabilization channels 2331 First stabilizing wing 2332 Second stabilizing wing 235 Rebound spring 237 Installation Channels 238 Acceptance Channels 239 mounting channels 24 End rails 3. Connected devices 31 Connecting plate 32 lock screws 5 Guide Carriage 51 Support roller 510 Ring groove 52 Guide roller 53 Stabilizing roller 54 Carriage Body 55 Linked Devices 8 Runner rod 9 connecting rod T1 support track T21, T22 guide tracks T31, T32 stabilization orbit x Rail axis

Claims

1. A rail device (2) having a rail axis (x), wherein a carriage (5) having a support roller (51) and two guide rollers (52) is guided along the rail axis (x), and the rail device (2) A first rail section (21) including a first support (211) and a first guide channel (212), A second rail section (22) including a second support (221) and a second guide channel (222), The opposing end pieces (21E, 22E) of the two rail sections (21, 22) are interconnected using the connecting device (3). Equipped with, The rail device (2) includes a rail adapter (23) that allows the first rail section (21) and the second rail section (22) to be connected to each other at a selectable distance by using the rail adapter (23). The rail adapter (23) has a third support (231) and a third guide channel (212), The end piece (21E) of the first rail section (21) has a recess (210) in which the rail adapter (23) is fully or partially positioned. The first, second, and third supports (211, 222, 231) are aligned coaxially with each other to form a support track (T1) that supports the support roller (51), and The first, second, and third guide channels (212, 222, 232) are coaxially aligned with each other and have internal cross-sections that completely or partially coincide, forming a first guide track (T21) or first and second guide tracks (T21, T22) that guide the guide roller (52). A rail device (2) characterized by the following.

2. The first rail section (21) comprises a first front wall (21F) on which the first support (211) is provided, and a first head piece (21T) on which the first guide channel (212) is provided. The second rail section (22) comprises a second front wall (22F) on which the second support (221) is provided, and a second head piece (22T) on which the second guide channel (222) is provided, The rail adapter (23) comprises a third front wall (23F) on which the third support (231) is provided, and a third head piece (23T) on which the third guide channel (232) is provided. The rail device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that...

3. The rail device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rail device (2) is adapted to guide a carriage (5) comprising a support roller (51), two guide rollers (52), and a stabilizing roller (53), and the first rail section (21) comprises a first stabilizing channel (213), the second rail section (22) comprises a second stabilizing channel (223), the rail adapter (23) comprises a third stabilizing channel (233), and the stabilizing channels (213, 223, 233) are coaxially aligned with each other and have internal cross-sections that are fully or partially aligned to form a first stabilizing track (T31) or first and second stabilizing tracks (T31, T32) that serve to guide the stabilizing roller (53).

4. The rail device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first stabilizing channel (213) is provided on the first support (211), the second stabilizing channel (223) is provided on the second support (221), and the third stabilizing channel (233) is provided on the third support (231).

5. The rail adapter (23) is, in its dimensions, fully or partially complementary to the recess (210) in the end piece (21E) of the first rail section (21), or The rail adapter (23) is, in its dimensions, fully or partially complementary to the recess (210) in the end piece (21E) of the first rail section (21), and the rail adapter (23), when inserted into the end piece (21E) of the first rail section (21), protrudes from or is fully received by the end piece (21E) of the first rail section (21). A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The first rail section (21) has a first recess (212321) within the first guide channel (212), and the complementary, outwardly tapering guide wing (2321) of the third guide channel (232) of the rail adapter (23) protrudes into the first recess (212321), or The first rail section (21) has first and second recesses (212321, 212322) on both sides within the first guide channel (212), and the complementary, outwardly tapering guide wings (2321, 2322) of the third guide channel (232) of the rail adapter (23) protrude into the first and second recesses (212321, 212322). A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The first rail section (21) has a third recess (212331) within the first stabilization channel (213), and the complementary, outwardly tapering stabilizing wing (2331) of the rail adapter (23) protrudes into the third recess (212331), or The first rail section (21) has third and fourth recesses (212331, 212332) on both sides within the first stabilization channel (213), and the complementary, outwardly tapering stabilization wings (2321, 2322) of the rail adapter (23) protrude into the third and fourth recesses (212331, 212332). A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by the above.

8. The guide vanes (2321, 2322) each have two flanks that are inclined toward each other. The stabilizing wings (2321, 2322) each have two flanks that are inclined toward each other, or The guide vanes (2321, 2322) and the stabilizing vanes (2321, 2322) each have two flanks that are inclined toward each other. A rail device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the above.

9. Rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and second rail sections (21, 22) and the supports (211, 222, 231) of the rail adapter (23) have receiving channels (218, 228, 238) into which a runner rod (8) is inserted, the runner rod (8) protrudes beyond the third support (231) of the rail adapter (23) and is preferably tapered on one or both sides, or the runner rod (8) is adjacent to the upper side of the third support (231).

10. The first and second rail sections (21, 22) and the rail adapter (23), which are coaxially aligned with each other, each have at least one mounting channel (219, 229, 239) into which the connecting rod (9) is inserted, or The first and second rail sections (21, 22) and the support members (211, 222, 231) of the rail adapter (23), which are coaxially aligned with each other, each have at least one mounting channel (219, 229, 239) into which the connecting rod (9) is inserted. A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the above.

11. The first and second rail sections (21, 22) and the head pieces (21T, 22T, 23T) of the rail adapter (23) each have mounting channels (217, 227, 237) that are coaxially aligned with each other; the connecting device (3) has a connecting plate (31) and a locking screw (32) that is rotatably held within the connecting plate (31); and the connecting plate (31) is axially displaceable within the mounting channels (217, 227, 237) and fixed by the locking screw (32). A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the above.

12. A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first and second rail sections (21, 22) each extend in a straight line or at least partially along a curve, or the first rail section (21) extends in a straight line and the second rail section (22) extends at least partially along a curve.

13. A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the opposing end pieces (21E, 22E) of the first and second rail sections (21, 22) have the same structure, and the rail adapter (23) is fitted to both end pieces (21E, 22E), or the end piece (22E) of the second rail section (22) and the rail adapter (23) are located end to end in one plane.

14. The first and second rail sections (21, 22) are made of metal, and the rail adapter (23) is made of metal or plastic, or The first and second rail sections (21, 22) are made of metal, and the rail adapter (23) is made of metal or plastic and is colored. A rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the above.

15. A functional entity (1) comprising a rail device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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