Sliding door mechanism

Abstract

FIELD: mechanism for sliding doors.SUBSTANCE: mechanism (10) for a sliding door is presented, which includes at least two units (11, 11') of door fastening for installing at least two sliding doors (5, 6) on a fixed structure, such as a door frame or a piece of furniture, in particular a cabinet (1), wherein the unit (11, 11') of door fastening is designed to move between a closed position and an open position along the main opening direction (D1), wherein there is an opening and / or closing mechanism (20), wherein the opening and / or closing mechanism (20) includes a flexible tension element (21) and a return device (40) for returning the flexible tension element (21), wherein by returning the flexible tension element (21) the units (11, 11') of door fastening are pushed in and / or against the main direction (D1) of opening, wherein the flexible tensioning element (21) is held at the fastening point (24) remote from the return device (40), and wherein the fastening point (24) and the return device (40) are located on the corresponding unit (11, 11') of door fastening.EFFECT: ensuring automatic opening and / or closing of the door.14 cl, 7 dwg

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sliding door mechanism comprising at least one door fastening unit for mounting at least one sliding door on a stationary structure, such as a door frame or a piece of furniture, in particular a cabinet, wherein the door fastening unit can be moved between a closed position and an open position along a main opening direction.

[0002] A sliding door mechanism is known from WO 2021 / 173088 A1. The sliding door mechanism comprises two movable parts attached to respective sliding doors. The movable parts can slide along two linear guides to provide sliding movement of the sliding doors between closed and open states.

[0003] The technical problem solved by the invention is to provide a sliding door mechanism that provides increased user comfort when opening and / or closing at least one sliding door.

[0004] The problem is solved by providing an opening and / or closing mechanism. The opening and / or closing mechanism comprises a flexible tension member and a return device designed to return the flexible tension member. When the flexible tension member returns, the door fastening assembly is held in and / or against the primary opening direction. Specifically, the flexible tension member transmits force to the door fastening assembly to hold the door fastening assembly in and / or against the primary opening direction. Preferably, the primary opening direction may be parallel to the front surface of the sliding door.

[0005] By applying a pressing force transmitted by the opening and / or closing mechanism, the user is at least supported when opening and / or closing the sliding door. Preferably, the opening and / or closing mechanism can ensure automatic opening and / or closing of the door.

[0006] Transmitting force via a flexible tensioning element provides the advantage that the opening and / or closing mechanism can be easily adapted to cabinets equipped with different sliding door sizes and / or distances that sliding doors must travel to move between the open and closed states. Furthermore, an opening and / or closing mechanism incorporating a flexible tensioning element can be easily installed, as the flexible tensioning element can easily compensate for the relative positional tolerances of the mounting points.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible tension member may comprise a wire, cable, rope, and / or tape. In particular, the flexible tension member may consist of a wire, cable, rope, and / or tape.

[0008] A reliable return of the flexible tension member may be achieved by simple means if it is provided that the return device comprises a spool rotating about a first axis of rotation, and that during the return the flexible tension member is wound onto the spool.

[0009] The flexible tensioning member can transmit the force that holds the door fastening assembly in and / or against the primary opening direction between the return device and the attachment point of the flexible tensioning member to another part of the sliding door mechanism. The flexible tensioning member can be connected to the attachment point in the longitudinal first end region and can be connected to the return device in the longitudinal second end region opposite the first end region.

[0010] In this context, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the flexible tensioning element be retained at an attachment point remote from the return device, wherein the attachment point is provided on the door fastening unit, and the return device is intended to be fixed to the stationary structure, or vice versa. Thus, the force causing the movement can act between the stationary structure and the door fastening unit, which can ensure the opening and / or closing of a single sliding door. Alternatively, if more than one sliding door is provided, the attachment point and the return device can be respectively provided on the corresponding door fastening unit associated with the corresponding door. In other words, the opening and / or closing mechanism can act between two door fastening units.This may provide the advantage that a single opening and / or closing mechanism can provide opening and / or closing of more than one sliding door.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the invention may be characterized in that the opening and / or closing mechanism comprises an energy storage device, wherein the release of energy stored in the energy storage device is associated with the return of the flexible tensioning element. Consequently, the released energy from the energy storage device can be converted into a force causing movement of the door fastening unit in and / or against the primary opening direction. During movement of the door fastening unit in the opposite direction, the flexible tensioning element can thus be extended, which may be associated with the charging of the energy storage device.

[0012] Energy can be stored in an efficient and simple manner if the energy storage device comprises a spring. In particular, the spring can be a torsion spring, preferably a helical torsion spring. The energy stored in the energy storage device can be at least partially stored in the form of elastic deformation of the spring. Accordingly, the characteristics of charging and / or releasing energy, and thus at least to some extent the characteristics of the force causing movement provided by the opening and / or closing mechanism, can be adapted by appropriately selecting the spring used. Springs are available in various types, sizes, and / or with different stiffness coefficients. Thus, an energy storage device comprising a spring can also ensure easy adaptation of the energy storage device to the specific requirements of the opening and / or closing mechanism and / or the sliding door mechanism that must be equipped with the opening and / or closing mechanism.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring tension is adjustable. In this context, particularly if the spring is a torsion spring, adjustment can be achieved by a predetermined twist of the second end region relative to the first end region of the spring, preferably around the longitudinal central axis of the spring. Adjusting the spring tension can enable adaptation to specific application needs; for example, moving heavier doors may require higher spring tension.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, the opening and / or closing mechanism comprises a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism connects the return device and the energy storage device, preferably allowing for the conversion of forces and / or movements between them. For example, the transmission mechanism can accommodate the desired return length of the flexible tension element and the desired deformation of the spring. The return of the flexible tension element can correspond to the winding of the flexible tension element, which is associated with a rotational movement. In the case of a torsion spring, the movement of the energy storage device to be converted into the return device can also be a rotational movement. In this case, to convert between the two rotational movements, the transmission mechanism can comprise, for example, a gear mechanism.If the spring, on the other hand, is a compression spring, the transmission mechanism can be adapted to convert the rotary motion associated with the return device into linear motion associated with the energy storage device. In this case, the transmission mechanism may include a lever mechanism, a rocker mechanism, or a worm gear mechanism.

[0015] In addition, the transmission mechanism can convert the magnitude of forces and / or moments between the return device and the energy storage device.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be envisaged that the transmission mechanism comprises at least first and second transmission elements that interact with one another. The transmission elements are preferably gears, pulleys, or pinions. Interaction in the case of gears means the engagement of the transmission elements. In the case of pulleys, this may refer to the transmission elements being connected by a common belt, and in the case of sprockets, by a common chain. To ensure precise rotational relationships between the transmission elements, it is preferable that the transmission is at least substantially free of slippage, for example in the case of gears, chains, or toothed belts.

[0017] In the context of transmitting the movement and / or forces associated with the return of the flexible tensioning element, it can preferably be provided that the first transmission element is connected to the spool of the return device in such a way that it rotates around the first axis of rotation together with the spool. 0018 In the context of transmitting forces and / or movements associated with an energy storage device, a second transmission element may be connected to the energy storage device. The second transmission element may rotate about a second axis of rotation. Preferably, the rotation of the second transmission element, depending on the direction of rotation, may increase or decrease the energy stored in the energy storage device, respectively.

[0019] In particular, if the energy storage device comprises a torsion spring, the elastic deformation of the spring can be associated with the rotation of the second transmission element in a simple and effective manner if it is provided that in the longitudinal first end region the spring is fixed relative to rotation around the second axis of rotation, and in the longitudinal second end region opposite the first end region, the spring is connected to the second transmission element in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0020] Preferably, the spring may comprise a connecting element at the second end region, which may be connected to a counter-connecting element provided on the second transmission element. Preferably, the spring may be located along the second axis of rotation.

[0021] The spring can be securely mounted and, in particular, protected from deflection if it is supported on a rod. Preferably, the rod can be positioned along the second axis of rotation.

[0022] For elastic deformation of the spring associated with rotation of the second transmission element, it may be provided in particular that the first end region of the spring is rotationally attached to the rod in the locking section of the rod, and that the rod and / or the locking section are locked with respect to rotation around the second axis of rotation, at least during operation of the opening and / or closing mechanism. Operation of the opening and / or closing mechanism may relate to movement of the door fastening unit between its closed and open states.

[0023] Preferably, to provide adjustment of the spring tension, the lock with respect to rotation about the second axis of rotation can be unlocked, such that the angular position of the rod and / or the locking section about the second axis of rotation can be adjusted.

[0024] A compact and mechanically robust design can be achieved if the opening and / or closing mechanism comprises a supporting body that supports the return device, transmission mechanism, and energy storage device. The supporting body can be connected to the fixed structure or to the door mounting assembly. This connection can be direct or indirect. For example, the supporting body can be manufactured, in particular, as a continuous component with the door mounting assembly and / or have fastening means for securing the supporting body to one of the door mounting assemblies or to the fixed structure.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the door mounting assembly can move along the main opening direction on at least one guide element, preferably a linear guide element, in particular a rail. Furthermore, it is preferable that the main opening direction is parallel to the front surface of the sliding door.

[0026] The invention will be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 - isometric view of a cabinet with two sliding doors in the closed state and a sliding door mechanism,

[0028] Fig. 2 - isometric view of the cabinet with one of the sliding doors in an intermediate state,

[0029] Fig. 3 - isometric view of the cabinet with one of the sliding doors in the open position,

[0030] Fig. 4 - isometric view of the door mounting unit,

[0031] Fig. 5 - isometric view of the opening and / or closing mechanism,

[0032] Fig. 6 - exploded isometric view of the opening and / or closing mechanism,

[0033] Fig. 7 is a sectional view at the location indicated by VII in Fig. 5.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a cabinet 1, to which a sliding door mechanism 10 is attached. The sliding door mechanism 10 comprises a door fastening unit 11 and an additional door fastening unit 11', to which a sliding door 5 and an additional sliding door 6 are respectively attached. Thus, the sliding doors 5, 6 are attached to the cabinet 1.

[0035] The cabinet 1 may comprise a bottom wall 4 (see Fig. 3), an upper wall 2, two side walls 3, and a rear wall. As shown in Fig. 1, the sliding door mechanism 10 may be mounted on the upper wall 2 of the cabinet 1.

[0036] The door fastening unit 11, and preferably the additional door fastening unit 11', can move between a closed position and an open position. In Fig. 1, both sliding doors 5, 6 are in a closed state. The closed state of the sliding door 5, 6 may correspond to the corresponding door fastening unit 11, 11' being in the closed position.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows the sliding door 5 in an intermediate state. In this intermediate state, the sliding door 5 can be displaced relative to its closed state in a secondary opening direction D2, which may be a direction facing away from the cabinet 1, in particular, as shown in Fig. 2, a direction perpendicular to the front surface 5.1 of the sliding door 5. While the sliding door 5 is in the intermediate state, the door fastening unit 11 may still be in the closed position. That is, the door fastening unit 11, 11' may be in the closed position when the corresponding sliding door 5, 6 fixed thereto is in a closed and / or intermediate state.

[0038] The movement of the sliding door 5 to an intermediate state can be ensured by the door fastening unit 11, to which the sliding door 5 is attached. As shown in Fig. 4, the door fastening unit 11 can include a retractable portion 12, which can move relative to the non-retractable portion 16 of the door fastening unit 11 along and against the secondary opening direction D2.

[0039] The non-extending portion 16 may comprise two frame members 17, which may be arranged parallel to each other and separated from each other in the secondary opening direction D2.

[0040] The retractable part 12 may comprise a plate 12.1 to which one or more guide elements 13 may be attached. The guide elements 13 may comprise linear bearings, such as linear roller bearings and / or linear sliding bearings, which may be guided along a guide rod 14. One or more guide rods 14 may be mounted on the non-retractable part 16. The guide rod(s) 14 are(are) preferably aligned with the secondary opening direction D2.

[0041] As can be further seen in Fig. 4, the sliding portion 12 may comprise a door bracket 15 to which the sliding door 5 may be attached. For example, the door bracket 15 may comprise holes through which screws may pass for fastening to the sliding door 5. For example, the door bracket 15 may be attached to the plate 12.1 by a bolted connection.

[0042] The movement of the sliding part 12 relative to the non-sliding part 16 can be achieved by creating a guide curve 85 in which a guide element, for example a pin, mounted on the sliding part 12 can be guided. The guide curve 85 is best seen in Fig. 3.

[0043] From the intermediate state, the sliding door 5 can move along the main opening direction D1 into the open state, which is shown in Fig. 3. In the open state, access is provided to the interior of the cabinet 1, previously blocked by the sliding door 5. Preferably, and as shown in the drawings, the sliding door 5 in the open state can be at least partially located in front of the additional sliding door 6, i.e. shifted relative to the additional sliding door 6 in the secondary opening direction D2.

[0044] The sliding door 5 in the open state may correspond to the door fastening unit 11 being in the open position. In other words, the door fastening unit 11 can move along the main opening direction D1 from the closed position to the open position to move the sliding door 5 from the intermediate state to the open state.

[0045] The movability of the door fastening unit 11 along the main opening direction D1 can be ensured by guide rails 18, 19, along which the door fastening unit 11 is guided. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the sliding door mechanism 10 comprises a first rail 18 and a second rail 19, along which both door fastening units 11, 11' are guided. The rails 18, 19 can be arranged substantially parallel to the main opening direction D1 along the length necessary to ensure sufficient opening of the sliding doors 5, 6. In particular, the rails 18, 19 can extend over most of the distance between the opposite side walls 3 of the cabinet 1.

[0046] The guidance of the door fastening units 11, 11' on the guide rails 18, 19 can be provided by guide elements, such as, for example, rollers mounted on the door fastening units 11, 11'. Preferably, the guide elements can be mounted on the non-extending portion 16 of the door fastening units 11, 11'. For example, the guide elements that are to be guided along the corresponding rail 18, 19 can be mounted on the corresponding opposite frame elements 17 of the non-extending portion 16.

[0047] As stated above, a guide curve 85 can be provided to move the retractable portion 12 relative to the non-retractable portion 16 in the secondary opening direction D2. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the guide curve 85 can be installed between the first rail 18 and the second rail 19. Although Fig. 3 only shows the guide curve 85 that acts with the door fastening unit 11, the guide curve 85 can also be provided for the additional door fastening unit 11'. Preferably, the guide curves 85 can be provided in the region along the main opening direction D1, where the door fastening unit 11, 11' is in the closed position.

[0048] In general, it should be noted that the structural features as well as the functions described in this document, as an example for the sliding doors 5 and / or the door fastening unit 11, can, of course, also be applied to the additional sliding door 6 and / or the door fastening unit 11'.

[0049] As explained, to open the sliding doors 5, 6, they can first be moved from the closed state to an intermediate state in the secondary opening direction D2. This movement can be performed manually by the user. A mechanism can also be provided to assist the user in performing this movement. For example, a push-to-open mechanism can be provided that pushes the door from the closed state to the intermediate state upon user request, such as by pressing the front surface 5.1, 6.1 of the sliding door 5, 6. Then, the sliding door 5, 6 can be moved in the primary opening direction D1 to the open state.

[0050] The opening sequence described above, including the secondary opening direction D2 and the main opening direction D1, can ensure that the front surfaces 5.1, 6.1 of more than one sliding door 5, 6 are coplanar in the closed state. However, it can also be assumed that at least one sliding door 5, 6 can only move along the main opening direction D1, so that the possibility of moving in the secondary opening direction D2 is not provided. In this case, the sliding door 5, 6 can move from the closed state to the open state without passing through an intermediate state.

[0051] To facilitate the movement of the sliding doors 5, and preferably the additional sliding door 6, along and / or against the main opening direction D1, the sliding door mechanism 10 comprises an opening and / or closing mechanism 20. The opening and / or closing mechanism 20 is designed to force the door fastening unit 11, 11' to open or close along or against the main opening direction D1.

[0052] The forcing of the door fastening unit 11, 11' by the opening and / or closing mechanism 20 may be prohibited if the door is in the closed state. Preferably, the guide curve 85 may provide for the prohibition of the movement of the door fastening unit 11, 11' in the main opening direction D1. In particular, the guide curve 85 may comprise a section located at an angle to the main opening direction D1, such that the movement of the sliding door 5, 6 along and / or against the main opening direction D1 is prohibited until the sliding door 5, 6 is first transferred to an intermediate state. Of course, other means are also possible, such as a force threshold that the user must overcome in order to slightly move the door fastening unit 11, 11' from its closed position before the opening and / or closing mechanism 20 can exert a forcing force.

[0053] As best seen in Fig. 1 and 2, the opening and / or closing mechanism 20 comprises a flexible tension member 21 and a return device 40. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the flexible tension member 21 is a wire.

[0054] The flexible tension member 21 in the first end region 22 can be attached to the additional door fastening unit 11' at the fastening point 24. In the second end region 23, longitudinally opposite the first end region 22, the flexible tension member 21 can be connected to the return device 40. The return device 40 is designed to retract the flexible tension member 21.

[0055] As best seen in Fig. 4, the return device 40 can be attached to the door fastening unit 11. For example, a supporting body 30 of the return device 40 can be provided, which can be attached to the door fastening unit 11, in particular to the non-extending part 16.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows an example of a return device 40 in more detail. As can be understood from this drawing, the return device 40 may include a spool 41. The spool 41 can rotate around a first rotation axis A1. In particular, the spool 41 can be rotationally fixed on the supporting body 30. The spool 41 can be configured such that when the flexible tension member 21 is retracted, the spool 41 rotates around the first rotation axis A1, wherein the flexible tension member 21 is wound onto the spool 41 on its circumferential surface 45. Preferably, the spool 41 may include two opposite flanges 44, so that the circumferential surface 45 includes a circumferential groove in which the flexible tension member 21 can be reliably guided.

[0057] A first transmission element 50 of the transmission mechanism 75 of the opening and / or closing mechanism 20, rotating around the same first rotation axis A1, but rotationally attached to the spool 41, can be provided. The transmission mechanism 75 can connect the return device 40 and the energy storage device 80 in such a way as to ensure the transformation of forces and / or movements between them. Preferably, the first transmission element 50 can be implemented in the form of a gear containing teeth 51 along its outer circumference.

[0058] As indicated, the opening and / or closing mechanism 20 may comprise an energy storage device 80. The release of the energy stored in the energy storage device 80 may provide and / or support the retraction of the flexible tension member 21. In the illustrated embodiment of the drawings, the energy storage device 80 comprises a spring 81. More specifically, the spring 81 may be a torsion spring, preferably a helical torsion spring.

[0059] The spring 81 in the longitudinal first end region 82 can be secured against rotation around its longitudinal axis. In the second longitudinal end region 83, opposite the first end region 82, the spring 81 can be connected to the second transmission element 60 of the transmission mechanism 75. Preferably, the second transmission element 60 can be made in the form of a gear containing teeth 61 along its outer circumference. The second transmission element 60 can rotate around the second axis of rotation A2. In particular, the second transmission element 60 can be rotationally secured to the supporting body 30. Preferably, the second axis of rotation A2 can be parallel to the first axis of rotation A1.

[0060] The first transmission element 50 and the second transmission element 60 can be coupled with each other. In particular, as in this embodiment of the invention, the first transmission element 50 and the second transmission element 60 can be arranged such that their teeth 51, 61 are intermeshed. Thus, the transmission mechanism 75 can convert forces and / or movements between the return device 40 and the energy storage device 80 during charging and / or releasing energy from the energy storage device 80.

[0061] More specifically, the winding of the flexible tension member 21 on the spool 41 during retraction and the unwinding of the flexible tension member 21 from the spool 41 during extraction, that is, the rotation of the spool 41 around the first rotation axis A1, can be converted into the rotation of the second end region 83 of the spring around the second rotation axis A2. The rotation of the second end region 83 of the spring around the second rotation axis A2, wherein the first end region 82 is fixed against rotation, can respectively increase or decrease the energy stored in the spring 81 in the form of elastic deformation.

[0062] The selection of the design features of the transmission mechanism 75, in particular the selection of the diameter ratio of the transmission elements 50, 60, allows for the transmission ratio between the force received from or applied to the spring and the force transmitted by the flexible tension element 21 to be specified in accordance with the desired force characteristics. Another degree of freedom for designing the transmission ratio may lie in the selection of the diameter ratio of the first transmission element 50 and the spool 41.

[0063] The desired force characteristics may include the desired length along the main opening direction D1, along which the door fastening units 11, 11' should be forced to move by the opening and / or closing mechanism 20. Preferably, this may correspond to the entire opening path of the door fastening unit 11, 11' and / or the associated sliding door 5, 6. The desired force characteristics may also include the desired amount of force that should be applied to and / or between the door fastening units 11, 11'.

[0064] Fig. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the opening and / or closing mechanism 20. Accordingly, the spool 41 can be rotationally fixed on the supporting body 30 using the bearing device 55. In this embodiment of the invention, the bearing device 55 includes a longitudinal axis 56 and a head 57. The axis 56 may or may not contain a thread. The axis 56 can be guided through a bearing hole 42, which can be located in the center of the spool 41. At its end facing away from the head 57, the bearing device 55 can be fixed on the supporting body 30. For example, the supporting body 30 can contain a bearing seat 31, which can be an opening in which the axis 56 can be partially located. The bearing device 55, in particular with its axis 56, can be aligned with the first axis of rotation A1.

[0065] As stated above, the first transmission element 50 can rotate around the same first rotation axis A1 as the spool 41, but be rotationally attached to the spool 41. As shown in Fig. 6, the rotatability of the first transmission element 50 can be achieved by holding the first transmission element 50 on the bearing device 55. For this purpose, the first transmission element 50 can comprise a central hole 52, partially receiving the bearing device 55, in particular partially receiving the axis 56.

[0066] As shown further in Fig. 6, rotational fastening to the spool 41 can be achieved by installing one or more locking means 58. Preferably, the locking means 58 can be in the form of pins. The first transmission element 50 and the spool 41 can comprise locking seats 53, 43, at least partially receiving the locking means 58.

[0067] Thus, the spool 41 and the first transmission element 50 can be rotationally fixed on the bearing device 55. In order to increase rotational ability and / or reduce wear, a washer 54 can be installed between the head 57 of the bearing device 55 and the first transmission element 50. In addition, it is possible that a washer is installed between the spool 41 and the supporting body 30. The washer(s) can be made of a material that reduces friction, for example, plastic or bronze.

[0068] Alternatively, it is also possible that the spool 41 and the first transmission element 50 are rotationally secured on the bearing device 55. In this case, it can be provided that the bearing device 55 is rotationally secured on the supporting body 30 to ensure rotation around the first rotation axis A1.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a sectional view at the location indicated by VII in Fig. 5. From the exploded view in Fig. 6 and the sectional view in Fig. 7, it can be concluded that the second transmission element 60 can be rotationally fixed to the supporting body 30 by means of the locking means 65. In particular, the second transmission element 60 can comprise a central opening 62 through which the axis 67 of the locking means 65 can pass. In addition, the supporting body 30 can comprise a bearing seat 32, which can be designed as an opening through which the axis 67 can pass. Preferably, as in the shown embodiment of the invention, the axis 67 can be made with an external thread, and the bearing seat 32 of the supporting body 30 can be made with a corresponding internal thread.In this way, the axis 67 can pass through the bearing seat 32 from the side facing away from the second transmission element 60 until the head 66 of the locking means 65 rests against the supporting body 30, so that the second transmission element 60 can be tightened relative to the supporting body 30.

[0070] To ensure increased rotation of the second transmission element 60 and / or to reduce wear, a washer 64, preferably made of a friction-reducing material, can be installed between the supporting housing 30 and the second transmission element 60.

[0071] Next to the second transmission element 60, opposite the supporting body 30, a rod 70 can be placed, which can be located along the second axis A2 of rotation and on which a spring 81 can be held. The rod 70 can have a first end region 71 and a second end region 72, where the second end region 72 can face the second transmission element 60. The rod 70 can be fixed against rotation around the second axis A2 of rotation. As in the shown embodiment of the invention, the rod 70 in its second end region 72 can be attached to the locking means 65. For this, the rod 70 can have an opening 74 located along its longitudinal axis and / or the second axis A2 of rotation, which can have an internal thread. In this way, the rod 70 can be tightened relative to the external thread of the locking means 65 in the end region of the locking means 65 facing the rod 70.

[0072] To ensure the rotatability of the second transmission element 60, it may be necessary to provide that the rod 70, when tightened to the locking means 65, does not press the second transmission element 60 against the supporting body 30 and / or the washer 64. For this purpose, a gap 77 can be provided between the rod 70 and the second transmission element 60 along the second axis A2 of rotation. For example, the locking means 65, in the end region of the locking means 65 facing the rod 70, can have a smaller transverse size compared to the region of the locking means 65 on which the second transmission element 60 is retained. In other words, a step (not shown) can be provided on the locking means 65, to which the rod 70 can abut with its second end region 72.

[0073] As mentioned previously, the spring 81 can be retained on the rod 70. In particular, the internal space of the helical torsion spring 81 can partially receive the rod 70 along the second rotation axis A2. In its first end region 82, the spring 81 can be attached to the rod 70 in the locking section 76 in any suitable manner so that the rotation of the first end region 82 around the second rotation axis A2 is blocked.

[0074] In its second end region 83, opposite the first end region 82, the spring can be connected to the second transmission element 60. In particular, the connecting element 84, which can be a curved part of the spring 81, can be placed in a correspondingly designed mating connecting element 63, in particular an opening, of the second transmission element 60. Thus, the second end region 83 of the spring can rotate together with the second transmission element 60 around the second axis of rotation A2. The rotation of the second transmission element 60, and therefore the second end region 83, can thus ensure the twisting of the spring 81, thereby ensuring the charging or discharging of the energy of the spring 81 in the form of an increase or decrease in the elastic deformation of the spring 81.

[0075] Preferably, the tension of the spring 81 may be adjustable. In particular, in the case of a torsion spring, more specifically a helical torsion spring, the tension can be adjusted by a certain twisting of the second end region 83 relative to the first end region 82 of the spring 81 around the second rotation axis A2.

[0076] Such adjustability can be achieved by selectively releasing the rotation lock of the rod 70 and / or the locking section 76 to allow a certain rotation around the second rotation axis A2. With such a certain rotation, a certain twisting of the end regions 82, 83 of the spring 81 relative to each other can be achieved.

[0077] For example, the locking section 76 of the rod 70 can be adapted for rotational adjustment relative to the rest of the rod 70, in particular, relative to the second end region 72 of the rod 70. Rotational adjustment of the locking section 76 relative to the second end region 72 is possible using a snap connection, in particular, using a ratchet mechanism, preferably including one or more discs with ratchet teeth. With such a connection, the angular relationship between the locking section 76 and the second end region 72 can be adjusted in certain angular increments.

[0078] To conveniently adjust the tension of the spring 81, the rod 70 may have a head 73 at its first end region 71, designed to engage a tool, such as a screwdriver. Preferably, the head 73 can selectively rotate around the second rotation axis A2 together with the locking section 76. For connection to the tool, the head 73 may have a fastening device, preferably a cross-shaped one, as shown.

[0079] To summarize the above, the return device 40 is designed to retract the flexible tension member 21 upon releasing the energy stored in the energy storage device 80. By retracting the flexible tension member 21, the door fastening unit 11 is forced to move in the direction and / or against the main opening direction D1, which facilitates the user in opening and / or closing the sliding door 5.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the flexible tension member 21 transmits the force between both door fastening units 11, 11'. In addition, the opening and / or closing mechanism 20 in this embodiment of the invention is designed for the flexible tension member 21 to provide the opening force, i.e., to force the sliding door 5 to move in the main opening direction D1 to the open state after moving it from the closed to the intermediate state. In addition, in this embodiment of the invention, the other sliding door 6 can also be forced to the open state by the opening and / or closing mechanism 20. In this case, the forcing is carried out against the main opening direction D1. That is, one opening and / or closing mechanism 20 can provide convenient opening of more than one sliding door 5, 6, so that this design is preferable if more than one sliding door 5, 6 is provided.

[0081] Of course, other design variations of the opening and / or closing mechanism 20 are also possible. For example, the attachment point 24 of the flexible tensioning element 21 can be fixedly secured relative to the cabinet, and the return device 40 can be secured to one of the door fastening units 11, 11', or vice versa. In this case, only the sliding door 5, 6, to which the corresponding door fastening unit 11, 11' is attached, can be forced into the open state by the opening and / or closing mechanism 20. Such a design may, for example, be suitable if only one sliding door 5 is provided.

[0082] Furthermore, it is also possible that the opening and / or closing mechanism 20 is designed in such a way that the sliding door 5, 6 is forced into a closed and / or intermediate state. This can be achieved for the sliding door 5, for example, by changing the variant shown in the drawings in such a way that the fastening point 24 of the flexible tensioning element 21 is not mounted on the additional door fastening unit 11', but is fixedly secured relative to the cabinet 1 in a position remote from the door fastening unit 11 opposite the door opening direction, i.e., in the case of the sliding door 5, opposite the main opening direction D1.

Claims

1. A mechanism (10) for a sliding door, including at least two door fastening units (11, 11') for installing at least two sliding doors (5, 6) on a fixed structure, such as a door frame or a piece of furniture, in particular a cabinet (1), wherein the door fastening unit (11, 11') is configured to move between a closed position and an open position along the main opening direction (D1), there is a mechanism (20) for opening and / or closing, wherein the opening and / or closing mechanism (20) includes a flexible tension element (21) and a return device (40) for returning the flexible tension element (21), whereby by returning the flexible tension element (21), the door fastening units (11, 11') are pushed in and / or against the main direction (D1) of opening, wherein the flexible tension element (21) is held at the attachment point (24) remote from the return device (40), and wherein the fastening point (24) and the return device (40) are located on the corresponding door fastening unit (11, 11').

2. The mechanism (10) according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the flexible tension element (21) includes, in particular consists of, a wire, a cable, a rope and / or a tape.

3. The mechanism (10) according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the return device (40) includes a spool (41) configured to rotate around a first axis (A1) of rotation, and when returning, the flexible tension element (21) is wound onto the spool (41).

4. The mechanism (10) according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, characterized in that the opening and / or closing mechanism (20) includes an energy storage device (80), in this case, the release of the energy accumulated in the energy accumulator (80) is associated with the return of the flexible tension element (21).

5. The mechanism (10) according to paragraph 4, characterized in that the energy storage device (80) includes a spring (81), preferably a torsion spring, more preferably a helical torsion spring, wherein the energy accumulated in the energy accumulator (80) is at least partially stored in the form of elastic deformation of the spring (81).

6. The mechanism (10) according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the spring tension (81) is adjustable, wherein, in particular, the adjustment is achieved by twisting the second end region (83) relative to the first end region (82) of the spring (81), preferably around the longitudinal central axis of the spring (81).

7. The mechanism (10) according to any one of paragraphs 4-6, characterized in that the opening and / or closing mechanism (20) includes a transmission mechanism (75), wherein the transmission mechanism (75) connects the return device (40) and the energy storage device (80), preferably allowing the transformation of forces and / or movements between them.

8. The mechanism (10) according to paragraph 7, characterized in that the transmission mechanism (75) includes at least first and second transmission elements (50, 60), in particular gears, pulleys or toothed wheels, wherein the transmission elements (50, 60) are in working interaction with each other, in particular, they interact by engaging with each other.

9. The mechanism (10) according to clause 8, characterized in that the first transmission element (50) is connected to the spool (41) of the return device (40) rotationally together with the spool (41) around the first axis (A1) of rotation.

10. The mechanism (10) according to any one of paragraphs 8, 9, characterized in that the second transfer element (60) is connected to the energy storage device (80), wherein the second transmission element (60) is configured to rotate around the second axis (A2) of rotation, in this case, the rotation of the second transmission element (60) depending on the direction of rotation increases or decreases the amount of energy stored in the energy accumulator (80).

11. The mechanism (10) according to clause 10, characterized in that on the longitudinal first end region (82) the spring (81) is secured against rotation around the second axis (A2) of rotation, wherein on the longitudinal second end region (83), opposite the first end region (82), the spring (81) is connected to the second transmission element (60) for rotation together with it.

12. The mechanism (10) according to any one of paragraphs 10, 11, characterized in that the spring (81) of the energy accumulator (80) is installed on the rod (70), the first end region (82) of the spring (81) is rotationally fixed to the rod (70) on the locking section (76) of the rod (70), wherein the rod (70) and / or the locking section (76) are blocked against rotation around the second axis (A2) of rotation at least during operation of the opening and / or closing mechanism (20), wherein the lock is preferably removable for adjusting the tension of the spring (81) with adjustment of the angular position of the rod (70) and / or the locking section (76) around the second axis (A2) of rotation.

13. The mechanism (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening and / or closing mechanism (20) includes a supporting body (30), wherein the supporting body (30) supports the return device (40), the transmission mechanism (75) and the energy storage device (80), wherein the supporting body (30) is connected to a fixed structure or to a door fastening unit (11, 11').

14. The mechanism (10) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the door fastening unit (11, 11') is designed with the possibility of its guidance along the main direction (D1) of opening on at least one guide element, preferably a linear guide element, in particular a rail (18, 19), in this case, the main direction (D1) of opening is preferably parallel to the front surface (5.1, 6.1) of the sliding door (5, 6).

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