Sliding door assemblies

Abstract

A sliding door assembly for covering a building opening is disclosed. The assembly comprises a leaf and a driving module configured to slidably drive the leaf, the driving module being detachably coupled to a connection base which can be attached to a building, the leaf comprising a groove configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the driving module and the connection base, at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module. A method for installing a driving module of a sliding door assembly is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Sliding door assemblies

[0002] The present application claims the benefit and priority of EP23383273.2, filed on December 11 , 2023.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to sliding door assemblies and driving door systems.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Sliding doors usually comprise at least one leaf or panel that can cover an opening of a wall or building opening. Sliding doors may be installed over a track and / or be suspended from a track. The leaf can slide substantially horizontally or sideways and parallel to the wall between an open position to allow access through the opening and a closed position where the opening is covered. The sliding door may adopt intermediate positions between the closed and the open position. The sliding doors may be manually actuated by the user or may comprise driving systems to move the leaf horizontally or sideways.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In a first aspect, a sliding door assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a leaf, and a driving module configured to slidably drive the leaf. The leaf is movable relative to the driving module, and the driving module is detachably coupled to a connection base, the connection base being configured to be attached to a building. The leaf comprises a groove configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the driving module and the connection base, at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module.

[0008] According to this aspect, the driving module may be detachably installed. Therefore, installation and removal tasks may be easily performed.

[0009] Furthermore, the driving module may act as a guide for the leaf while the driving module drives the leaf. Therefore, the driving module may guide and drive the leaf.

[0010] The driving module may be positioned out of the building opening, i.e. out of the span of the door, window, or the like. This way, the driving module does not interfere with the free space of the building opening. The driving module and the connection base do not represent a hindrance on the floor for passing through the building opening.

[0011] A traction contact may be defined between the driving module and the groove of the leaf. Thus, the leaf may move sideways to open or close the building opening. The driving module may be a driving element and the leaf may be a driven element.

[0012] As traction or direct contact may be defined between the driving module and the leaf, the assembly may be void of driving belts or any other transmission mechanism to link the driving module and the leaf to cause the sideways movement of the leaf.

[0013] Moreover, the driving module according to the disclosure may remain hidden by the leaf, thus improving the visual appearance of the assembly both in the closed and open position of the building opening.

[0014] In a further aspect, a method for installing a driving module of a sliding door assembly according to any of herein disclosed examples, is disclosed. The method comprises introducing the driving module through a side opening of the groove; and displacing the driving module through the groove until the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

[0015] In yet a further aspect, a driving door system is disclosed. The driving door system comprises a driving module configured to slidably drive a leaf of a door, wherein the leaf comprises a groove to slidably receive the driving module at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module. The driving module is detachably coupled to a connection base, and the connection base is configured to be attached to a building.

[0016] Advantages derived from these aspects may be similar to those mentioned regarding the first aspect.

[0017] In the present disclosure, the expressions "sliding door assembly" or “driving door system” may encompass other approaches rather than exclusively a door, such as a shutter or a window.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the leaf may move sideways or may be translationally moved to open and / or close a building opening. The building opening may be arranged on a wall of the building or a fagade of the building. In the present disclosure, terms like leaf, wing, or panel are used interchangeably.

[0019] In the present disclosure, the term groove may refer to a channel or a furrow.

[0020] Throughout the present disclosure, expressions such as top, bottom, side, etc are to be understood taking into account the construction of a door assembly or the like in an operating condition as a reference.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a view of the sliding door assembly having a driving module and a connection base in a decoupled position according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a view of a sliding door assembly of Figure 1 in a coupled position of the driving module and the connection base according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the driving module and the connection base in a decoupled position according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of the sliding door assembly according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figures 5 to 8 schematically illustrate examples of sliding door assemblies having different configurations of a groove of the leaf;

[0028] Figures 9A - 9B schematically illustrate a longitudinal-section view of the sliding door assembly according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 10 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 11 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a driving module and a connection base according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 12 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a driving module according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 13 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the driving module of the Figure 12 from a different angle.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0034] In these Figures, the same reference signs have been used to designate matching elements.

[0035] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a view of the sliding door assembly having a driving module and a connection base in a decoupled position according to one example of the present disclosure. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a view of a sliding door assembly of Figure 1 in a coupled position of the driving module and the connection base according to one example of the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 2, assembly 1 is shown in a coupled position when the driving module 20 is coupled with the connection base 30. However, in Figure 1 the driving module 20 is decoupled from the connection base 30.

[0036] As can be seen in the example of Figure 1 , the sliding door assembly 1 comprises a leaf or panel 10 which may be made from wood, glass, metal, or any suitable material. In this example, the assembly comprises a single leaf 10 but it is envisaged that the number of leaves may vary depending on the case.

[0037] Assembly 1 further comprises a driving module 20 which is configured to slidably drive the leaf 10 so that the leaf 10 can move relative to the driving module 20. If the assembly comprises a plurality of leaves, each leaf is associated with a corresponding driving module 20. The driving module 20 is detachably coupled to a connection base 30, and the connection base 30 is configured to be attached to the building 40. The connection base 30 may be directly attached to building 40 or through an attaching member such as a corbel or the like. The connection base 30 may be fixed to the building through fasteners or the like.

[0038] The building may comprise a roof, a wall, and / or a floor. In one example, the assembly 1 may be configured to be installed in a building opening of a wall of a building.

[0039] The driving module 20 may be configured to slidably drive the leaf 10 in a horizontal or sideways direction 100 to open and / or close the building opening 41. The horizontal or sideways direction 100 may be substantially parallel to wall 43 and a floor of the building. This way, building opening 41 may be in an open configuration or a closed configuration. The leaf may be driven or actuated to be set at any intermediate position between a fully opened position and a fully closed position.

[0040] The leaf 10 comprises a groove 11 which is configured to slidably or longitudinally receive at least a portion of the driving module 20 and the connection base 30, at least when the leaf 10 moves relative to the driving module 20. The groove 11 may be also configured to slidably or longitudinally receive at least a portion of the driving module 20 and the connection base 30 in a stationary condition of the leaf 10., i.e. stopped motion.

[0041] The groove 11 and the driving module 20 may comprise a generally elongated configuration. This way, the driving module 20 may be longitudinally received by the groove 11 . If the driving module 20 is in traction contact with the groove, the operation of the driving module 20 may cause a displacement of the leaf 10 relative to the driving module 20. The leaf 10 may be movable in a direction parallel to the length of the groove 11 , for instance sideways from or towards the driving module 20 or the building opening.

[0042] The groove 11 may comprise a concave cross-section configured to receive at least a portion of the cross-section of the driving module 20, for instance, a U-shaped or C- shaped cross-section, and / or a U-shaped or C-shaped channel configuration. In some examples, the groove may be defined in the leaf 10. Groove 11 may be arranged along a sideways direction of the leaf.

[0043] The leaf 10 may comprise a side opening 17. The side opening 17 may be placed or arranged at a side portion 55 of the leaf 10. The side opening 17 may be sized to allow the driving module 20 to pass through. This way, the driving module 20 may be easily installed or removed through the side opening 17. A lid 57 may cover the side opening 17, and so the groove 11 and the driving module 20 if installed.

[0044] In the example of Figure 1 , the driving module 20 is decoupled from the connection base 30, for instance before installation or after installation. The driving module 20 may be introduced through the side opening 17 and moved along the length of the groove until the driving module 20 is brought into contact with or coupled with the connection base 30. The driving module may be decoupled from the connection base in a reverse direction. This may help to get significantly easy and quick maintenance or installation tasks.

[0045] In Figures 1 and 2, the driving module 20 comprises a generally rectangular prism configuration. This may facilitate entering, removing, or placing the driving module 20 through the groove 11 . The driving module 20 may enter or exit from the groove in a substantially horizontal or lateral direction.

[0046] The driving module 20 may comprise a driving module body. The driving module body may have a generally elongated configuration, such as a rectangular prism configuration. The driving module 20 may comprise an outer cover.

[0047] The cross-section of the groove 11 may be sized and / or shaped to receive, at least partially, the cross-section of the driving module 20 when the leaf 10 moves relative to the driving module 20. For example, the cross-section shape of the driving module 20 may be substantially complementary with the cross-section shape of the groove 11.

[0048] The driving module 20 and the connection base 30 are configured to be positioned out of the building opening. Therefore, the driving module 20 and the connection base 30 can be positioned out of the building opening.

[0049] In some examples, groove 11 may comprise a longitudinal opening 16 to allow the leaf 10 to slide over the driving module 20.

[0050] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the driving module 20 and the connection base 30 in a decoupled position according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0051] A coupling direction 200 may be followed by the driving module 20 to be coupled to the connection base 30 which may be fixedly attached to the building. A decoupling direction 300 may be followed by the driving module 20 to be decoupled from the connection base 30 which may be fixedly attached to the building. The coupling direction 200 and the decoupling direction 300 may be substantially parallel to the length of the groove 11 . The connection base of Figure 3 comprises a long portion or horizontal portion 32 and a short portion or vertical portion 33 in such a way that the connection base comprises a generally L-shaped cross-section. The connection base 30 may comprise a supporting plate having an L-shaped cross-section. In some examples, the connection base 3 may comprise any other shape such as a single plate, a protruding member or the like that may have the interlocking system.

[0052] In some examples, the connection base 30 may comprise a stopper portion configured to abut the driving module 20 in a coupled position. The vertical portion 33 may act as a stopper for the driving module 20. The driving module 20 may abut the vertical portion 33 when the driving module 20 is installed through the groove 11 .

[0053] In the example of Figure 3, the connection base 30 comprises a power supply connector 34 to supply the driving module 20 with power when the connection base 30 and the driving module 20 are in a coupled position. The driving module 20 may comprise a corresponding part to be plugged into the power supply connector 34. The short portion 33 may comprise the power supply connector 34 to be connected by a corresponding part of the driving module 20 to feed the driving module 20 with power. The power supply connection may be performed while the driving module 20 abuts the short or vertical portion 33.

[0054] In some examples, assembly 1 may comprise an assembly control unit 70 to control the operation of the driving module 20. To transmit data, the connection base may comprise a communication port such that data communication is defined between the assembly control unit 70 and the driving module 20 when the connection base 30 and the driving module 20 are in a coupled position. The power supply connector 34 may act as a data communication port as well. In some examples, the power supply connector 34 is separate from the data communication port. The data communication connection may be performed while the driving module 20 abuts the short or vertical portion 33.

[0055] The driving module 20 may comprise a driving module control unit 29 to receive and send data from / to the assembly control unit 70. The assembly control unit 70 may receive a user command to open or close the sliding door. A command may be sent from the assembly control unit 70 to operate the driving module 20 and cause a sliding movement of the leaf 10 in a sideways or movement direction. The assembly control unit 70 may form part of a home automation system not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0056] In examples, the driving module 20 may comprise a driving wheel 21 configured to be in traction contact with a first surface 12 of the groove 11. The driving wheel 21 may protrude from the rest of the driving module 20. In the example of Figures 3 and 4, the driving wheel 21 comprises a friction wheel. The friction wheel may be made, at least partially, from rubber, plastic, or the like which may improve the traction contact. In some examples, the groove 11 may comprise a rack in the first surface 12 and the driving wheel 21 comprises a pinion to mesh the rack. The rack may be disposed of along at least a portion of the length of the groove 11. As the driving wheel 21 and the groove are configured to be in contact, the rotation of the driving wheel 21 may cause a linear displacement of the leaf 10. The pinion and the rack may be made, at least partially, from a metallic or plastic material.

[0057] The first and / or the second surface may be made, at least partially, from wood, plastic, glass, metal, or the like.

[0058] The driving module 20 may comprise a pressing wheel 22 which may be elastically biased, so that the pressing wheel 22 protrudes from the rest of the driving module 20. The pressing wheel may be configured to be urged against a second surface 13 of the groove 11 opposite to the first surface 12. The pressing wheel 22 may help to avoid or at least reduce clearances between the driving module 20 and the groove 11 or surfaces of the groove. Thus, the pressing wheel may cause a smooth, continuous, and reliable traction contact between the driving wheel 21 and the first surface 12. The pressing wheel 22 may be made, at least partially, from rubber, plastic, or the like.

[0059] In the example wherein the driving module 20 comprises an elongated configuration, the driving wheel 21 and the pressing wheel 22 may protrude from the driving module 20 in opposite directions to each other and perpendicular to the length of the driving module 20.

[0060] In some examples, the driving wheel 21 may have a rotation axis 25 perpendicular to a movement or sideways direction of the leaf to close or open the building opening. The rotation axis 25 may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the driving module 20. Furthermore, the rotation axis 25 may be substantially perpendicular to coupling direction 200 and / or the decoupling direction 300. In examples, the rotation axis 25 may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the groove when the driving module 20 is received by the groove.

[0061] The driving module 20 may comprise an electric motor 26 to drive the driving wheel 21. The driving module control unit 29 may command the electric motor 26. A speed reducer 54 may be arranged to transmit torque from the electric motor 26 to the driving wheel 21. The speed reducer may be reversible to allow an opening or closing movement of the leaf 10 in case of failure of the driving module 20 or a power outage. In the illustrated examples, a beveled or right-angle gearbox 56 is arranged between the speed reducer 54 and the wheel 21. This way, the rotation axis 25 may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the driving module 20.

[0062] The driving module 20 may comprise an encoder 28 to sense the motion of the driving wheel 21 and produce a corresponding electrical signal or pulse that may be received by the driving module control unit 29 and / or the assembly control unit 70. The signal produced by the encoder may be related to the speed, direction, position or the like. The encoder may be an absolute encoder to produce electrical signals that may be received by the driving module control unit to accurately determine the absolute position of the leaf 10 relative to the building opening, and so to the driving module 20.

[0063] In some examples, the encoder may be an incremental encoder. The driving module control unit 29 and / or the assembly control unit 70 may operate the electric motor 26 to cause a relatively slow slide motion of the leaf 10 in one direction and the opposite one. The encoder may stop producing electrical signals in the respective end-of-stroke points of the linear sliding motion of the lead in both directions, for instance when the lead abuts against stoppers or the like. The control units 29 and / or 70 may determine the position of two end-of-stroke points of the leaf displacement when the encoder stops sending electrical signals. The control units 29 and / or 70 may determine the absolute position of the leaf 10 based on the electrical signals or pulses produced by the encoder and the determined end-of-stroke positions.

[0064] According to some examples, the driving module control unit 29 and / or the assembly control unit 70 may be configured to operate the electric motor 26 if an electric signal is received from the encoder when the electric motor is in an idle state. The electric signal may be related to a sideway motion of the leaf 10 when the electric motor is not operated. If a user manually pushes or pulls a side edge, or any other part, of the leaf 10, the encoder 28 may produce the corresponding electrical signal which is received by the driving module control unit 29 and / or the assembly control unit 70. The driving module control unit 29 and / or the assembly control unit 70 may command the electric motor 26 to operate the driving wheel 21. The electrical signal may include data about the direction of the motion of the leaf and the electric motor 26 may be operated to follow the same direction.

[0065] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of the sliding door assembly 1 according to one example of the present disclosure. In this Figure, assembly 1 comprises an interlocking system between the driving module 20 and the connection base 30. The interlocking system of this Figure comprises a dovetail 51 defined between the driving module 20 and the connection base 30. As can be seen in Figure 3, the driving module 20 and the connection base 30 comprise matching portions to be coupled to each other to form the dovetail 51. The driving module 20 and the connection base 30 may be slidably coupled while the driving module 20 is displaced through the interior of the groove 11. Conversely, the driving module 20 and the connection base 30 may be slidably decoupled while the driving module 20 is displaced out of the groove 11. The dovetail 51 may be defined between the driving module 20 and the long portion or horizontal portion 32.

[0066] The interlocking system of the example of Figure 3 comprises the dovetail 51 and a magnet 52. The driving module 20 has a matching portion corresponding to the matching portion of the connection base 30. In some examples, the interlocking system may comprise the magnet 52 and no dovetail. In examples, the driving module 20 may be detachably or releasably fastened to the connection base 30 through fasteners arranged to be accessible through the side opening 17.

[0067] In some examples, the driving module 20 may comprise a pair of pressing wheels 22 arranged at both sides of the driving wheel 21 related to the length of the driving module 20. The pressing wheels 22 and the driving wheel 21 protrude from the driving module 20 in opposite directions to each other. The number of pressing wheels may vary depending on the cases.

[0068] The pressing wheels 22 may be configured to be urged against the second surface 13 of the groove 11 opposite to the first surface 12.

[0069] The pressing wheels 22 may comprise a pressing rotation axis 24 substantially parallel to the rotation axis 25 of the driving wheel 21. The pressing wheels 22 can be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis 25 of the driving wheel 21 . This way, a smooth and balanced force can be exerted by the pressing wheels 22 to avoid or at least reduce clearances between the driving module 20 and the groove 11 or surfaces of the groove.

[0070] An example of driving module 20 having two pressing wheels 22 can be seen in Figure 11 . The driving module 20 and the connection base 30 are brought together to reach the coupled position.

[0071] In the example of Figure 11 , the driving module 20 comprises elastic members 23 to elastically bias the pressing wheels 22. The elastic members 23 may apply a force against the pressing wheel 22 to protrude from the rest of the driving module 20.

[0072] An example of driving module 20 having driving magnets 50 to attract a side of the driving module 20 to the leaf 10 can be seen in Figures 12 and 13. The driving module 20 of these figures comprises driving magnets 50 configured to be attracted by corresponding driving counterparts 53 positioned at the leaf 10. The driving counterparts 53 may be made from ferromagnetic materials. The driving magnets 50 can be positioned at the same side as the driving wheel 21 protrudes from the rest of the driving module 20. In the attached Figure, only some driving counterparts 53 have been illustrated for the sake of clarity.

[0073] The driving counterparts 53 may be positioned substantially at the region of the groove 11 , for instance related to the first surface 12. This way, the driving module 20 can be urged against the first surface 12. Since the driving module 20 can be urged to the first surface 12, the driving wheel 21 can be brought into traction contact with the first surface 12.

[0074] Although the examples disclosed herein describe the driving magnets 50 positioned at the driving module 20 and the driving counterpart 53 at the leaf 10, in some nonillustrated examples, the driving magnets 50 may be positioned at the leaf and the driving counterpart 53 at the leaf 10. In some cases, the driving counterpart 53 may comprise a magnet suitable oriented to attract the corresponding driving magnets 50.

[0075] In some cases, the driving counterpart 53 may comprise the U-shaped or C-shaped beam 14 made, at least partially, from a ferromagnetic material. In some examples, the driving counterpart 53 may comprise at least a portion of the U-shaped or C-shaped beam 14 made, at least partially, from a ferromagnetic material. The pressing wheels 22 and the driving magnets 50 with the driving counterparts can be examples of tighteners configured to force the driving wheel 21 against the first surface 12. The driving wheel 21 and the first surface 12 can be brought into a traction contact.

[0076] In the example of Figure 4, assembly 1 comprises a guiding system 60, the guiding system 60 may include a guiding rail 61 and guiding wheels 62, 63 in contact with the guiding rail 61. The guiding rail 61 may be integral with or attached to the leaf 10. The guiding wheels 62, 63 may run on the guiding rail 61 to open or close the building opening. The leaf 10 may be held or supported by the guiding system 60.

[0077] The leaf 10 of Figure 4 may comprise a glass sheet. The guiding system 60 and the groove 11 may be attached to the glass sheet. The leaf 10 of Figure 4 may be made from any other materials.

[0078] Figures 5 to 8 schematically illustrate examples of sliding door assemblies having different configurations of a groove of the leaf.

[0079] In the example of Figures 5A - 5B, the groove 11 is arranged on a bottom edge 18 of the leaf 10 such that the longitudinal opening 16 of the groove is configured to face the floor 42 of building 40. In this example, the connection base 30 is configured to be fixedly attached to the floor 42 of the building. In this example, the groove comprises a U-shaped or C-shaped beam 14. The U-shaped or C-shaped beam 14 may be a protective cover for the groove.

[0080] The leaf 10 of Figures 5A - 5B comprises a wood sheet wherein the groove 11 has been milled. However, the leaf 10 may be made from any other material.

[0081] The guiding system 60 in Figures 5A - 5B is positioned at the top edge 19 of the leaf 10.

[0082] The longitudinal opening 16, according to any of the examples disclosed herein, may allow to slide the leaf 10 over the driving module 20 while the driving module 20 remains in a fixed position.

[0083] Figure 6 illustrates an example in which the groove 11 is arranged on the bottom edge 18 of the leaf 10. The leaf 10 of this example comprises a Venetian blind. The connection base 30 is attached to the wall 43 of the building through a corbel 27. This example comprises a guiding system 60 similar to the one shown in Figure 4. Both the groove 11 and the guiding system 60 may be attached to the rest of the leaf 10.

[0084] In the example of Figure 7, the groove 11 is arranged on a top edge 19 of the leaf 10 such that a longitudinal opening 16 of the groove is configured to be facing the roof 44 of the building, or to be opposite to the floor 42. The roof 44 has not been illustrated for the sake of clarity. The connection base 30 is attached to wall 43 of the building through a corbel 27, the connection base may be fixedly attached to wall 43.

[0085] The guiding system 60 of this example is positioned at the bottom edge 18. The guiding wheel 62 comprises an annular depression to run over the guiding rail 61 .

[0086] The example of Figure 7 may be installed in an outer wall of the building as well.

[0087] In the example of Figure 8, the groove 11 is arranged on the top edge 19 of the leaf 10 such that a longitudinal opening 16 of the groove is configured to be facing a wall 43 of the building. The connection base may be attached to the wall 43. This example comprises a guiding system 60 which is connected to the groove 11 through a dovetail.

[0088] The guiding system 60 of Figure 8 also comprises a floor guide 64 for guiding the sliding motion of the leaf. The illustrated floor guide 64 has a T-shaped cross-section.

[0089] In some examples, assembly 1 may comprise a sliding pocket door. In those examples, the driving module 20 may be placed inside the pocket, i.e. the wall. When the leaf is in the closed position inside the pocket, the user may access the driving module through the side opening.

[0090] According to some examples, leaf 10 may comprise a receiving cavity 58. The receiving cavity 58 may be configured to be defined by the groove 11 and a surface of the building or the attaching member such as the corbel 27, see for instance Figure 6. The surface of the building may comprise a roof, wall, or floor. The receiving cavity may be configured to receive the driving module 20 and the connection base 30.

[0091] According to an example related to installation or maintenance, the leaf 10 may be in its opened position. As the driving module 20 and the connection base 30 may be configured to be positioned out of the building opening, the user may access groove 11 to replace or install the driving module 20. If there is a lid 57 it is removed to reveal the side opening 17. The driving module 20 may then be removed by pulling it in the direction of the side opening 17. The driving module 20 is disengaged from the connection base 30 if the driving module is pulled with sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction of the magnet 52 between the driving module 20 and the connection base 30, following a decoupling direction 300. As the interlocking system may comprise a dovetail 51 , the driving module 20 slides relative to the connection base 30. The connection base 30 may stay fixed to building 40.

[0092] When a drive module 20 is to be installed, the above tasks may be repeated but in a reversed order.

[0093] Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the leaf from its location to replace or install the assembly driving module.

[0094] In some cases, the user may access groove 11 to replace or install the driving module 20 when the leaf 10 is in its closed position.

[0095] The leaf 10 may be manually operated to open or close the building opening even if the driving module 20 has been removed. In this case, the leaf is guided by the guiding system and manually pulled or pushed to slide sideways.

[0096] Figures 9A - 9 B schematically illustrate a longitudinal-section view of the sliding door assembly 1 according to one example of the present disclosure. In Figure 9A it can be seen that groove 11 may be substantially extended along the entire length of the leaf. In the examples of Figures 9, the leaf 10 may be in the open position in which the driving module 20 is in the position closest to the side opening 17. Thus, the driving module 20 is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement.

[0097] In some examples, the driving module 20 may be in the position closest to the side opening 17 when the leaf 10 is in the closed position. Thus, the driving module 20 can be easily accessible for maintenance or replacement.

[0098] In Figures 9A - 9B, the driving module 20 and the connection base 30 are in a coupled position. The driving module 20 is fitted within the receiving cavity 58 between the lid 57 and the vertical portion 33 of the connection base 30. The lid 57 may be screwed on the U-shaped or C-shaped beam 14. In some not illustrated cases, the lid 57 may be fastened to the walls or surfaces of the groove 11.

[0099] As can be seen in Figures 9A -9B, the coupling direction 200 and the decoupling direction 300 are substantially parallel to the length of the groove 11.

[0100] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 9A, the difference in size between the driving module 20 and the leaf 10 can be seen. Although the size difference may change depending on the case, it can be derived that the configuration and the arrangement of the driving module according to the present disclosure may minimize or optimize the space requirements of a driving system to cause the sideways movement of the leaf 10. In some examples, the same driving module 20 may used along with leaves 10 of different sizes.

[0101] Figure 10 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method 500 according to an example of the present disclosure. The method may be performed using an assembly 1 according to any example disclosed herein. Method 500 for installing a driving module of a sliding door system comprises introducing 510 the driving module through the side opening of the groove; and displacing 520 the driving module through the groove, for instance in a coupling direction, until the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

[0102] According to some examples, displacing 520 the driving module through the groove may comprise establishing a power connection between the driving module and the connection base in the coupled position.

[0103] According to an aspect, a driving door system is provided. The driving door system comprises a driving module 20 configured to slidably drive a leaf 10, wherein the leaf 10 comprises a groove 11 to slidably receive the driving module at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module. The leaf may move sideways to open or close an opening of the building while the driving module remains in place. The driving module is detachably coupled to a connection base, and the connection base 30 is configured to be attached to the building.

[0104] For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the following numbered clauses: Clause 1 . A sliding door assembly comprising: a leaf; a driving module configured to slidably drive the leaf, wherein the leaf is movable relative to the driving module; wherein the driving module is detachably coupled to a connection base, the connection base being configured to be attached to a building; wherein the leaf comprises a groove configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the driving module and the connection base, at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module.

[0105] Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1 , comprising an interlocking system between the driving module and the connection base.

[0106] Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein the interlocking system comprises a dovetail defined between the driving module and the connection base.

[0107] Clause 4. The assembly according to any of clauses 2 - 3, wherein the interlocking system comprises a magnet.

[0108] Clause 5. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 — 4, wherein the connection base comprises a power supply connector to supply the driving module with power when the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

[0109] Clause 6. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 5, comprising an assembly control unit to control the operation of the driving module.

[0110] Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 6, wherein the connection base comprises a communication port such that a data communication is defined between the assembly control unit and the driving module when the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

[0111] Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 7, wherein the driving module comprises a driving module control unit configured to be in data communication with the assembly control unit in a coupled position.

[0112] Clause 9. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 8, wherein the driving module comprises a driving wheel configured to be in traction contact with a first surface of the groove.

[0113] Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 9 when depending on any of clauses 6 - 9, wherein the driving module comprises an encoder to sense the motion of the driving wheel, wherein the encoder is in data communication with the driving module control unit and / or the assembly control unit.

[0114] Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 10, wherein the driving module control unit and / or the assembly control unit is configured to operate the electric motor if an electric signal is received from the encoder when the electric motor is in an idle state.

[0115] Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 9, wherein the driving wheel comprises a friction wheel.

[0116] Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 9, wherein the groove comprises a rack in a first surface and the driving wheel comprises a pinion to mesh the rack.

[0117] Clause 14. The assembly according to any of clauses 9 - 13, wherein the driving module comprises a pressing wheel which is elastically biased so that the pressing wheel protrudes from the rest of the driving module, wherein the pressing wheel is configured to be urged against a second surface of the groove opposite to the first surface.

[0118] Clause 15. The assembly according to any of clauses 9 - 14, wherein the driving wheel has a rotation axis perpendicular to a movement or sideways direction of the leaf.

[0119] Clause 16. The assembly according to any of clauses 9 - 15, wherein the driving module comprises: an electric motor to drive the driving wheel.

[0120] Clause 17. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 16, comprising a guiding system, wherein the guiding system includes a guiding rail and guiding wheels in contact with the guiding rail, wherein the guiding rails are integral with the leaf.

[0121] Clause 18. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 17, wherein the groove comprises a concave cross-section configured to receive at least a portion of the crosssection of the driving module. Clause 19. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 18, wherein the groove comprises a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section.

[0122] Clause 20. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 -19, wherein the groove comprises a U-shaped or C-shaped beam.

[0123] Clause 21. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 20, wherein the groove comprises a U-shaped or C-shaped channel configuration.

[0124] Clause 22. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a bottom edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a floor of the building or opposite to the roof of the building.

[0125] Clause 23. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 22, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the floor of the building.

[0126] Clause 24. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a top edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a wall of the building.

[0127] Clause 25. The assembly according to clause 24, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the wall of the building.

[0128] Clause 26. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a top edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a roof of the building.

[0129] Clause 27. The assembly according to clause 26, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the roof of the building or opposite to the floor of the building.

[0130] Clause 28. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a bottom edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a wall of the building.

[0131] Clause 29. The assembly according to clause 28, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the wall of the building.

[0132] Clause 30. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 29, wherein the driving module is configured to slidably drive the leaf in a horizontal or sideways direction.

[0133] Clause 31 . The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 30, comprising a single leaf.

[0134] Clause 32. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 31 , being configured to be installed in an opening of a wall of the building.

[0135] Clause 33. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 32, wherein the driving module comprises a driving module body.

[0136] Clause 34. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 33, wherein the driving module comprises a rectangular prism configuration.

[0137] Clause 35. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 34, wherein the cross-section of the groove is sized or configured to receive, at least partially, the cross-section of the driving module when the leaf moves relative to the driving module.

[0138] Clause 36. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 35, wherein the leaf is movable in a direction parallel to the length of the groove.

[0139] Clause 37. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 36, wherein the leaf is movable in a direction parallel to the length of the driving module.

[0140] Clause 38. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 37, wherein the driving module comprises a generally elongated configuration.

[0141] Clause 39. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 38, comprising a sliding pocket door.

[0142] Clause 40. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 39, wherein the groove defines a receiving cavity with a surface of the building.

[0143] Clause 41. The assembly according to clause 40, wherein the surface of the building comprises a roof, wall, or a floor. Clause 42. The assembly according to any of clauses 40 - 41 , wherein the receiving cavity is configured to receive the driving module and the connection base.

[0144] Clause 43. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 42, wherein the connection base comprises a supporting plate having an L-shaped cross-section.

[0145] Clause 44. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 43, wherein the groove comprises a side opening sized to pass through the driving module.

[0146] Clause 45. The assembly according to clause 44, wherein the side opening is sized to pass through the driving module and the connection base.

[0147] Clause 46. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 45, wherein the connection base comprises a stopper portion configured to abut the driving module in a coupled position.

[0148] Clause 47. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 46, wherein the groove comprises a longitudinal opening to allow the leaf to slide over the driving module.

[0149] Clause 48. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 47, wherein the driving module is configured to be positioned out of the building opening.

[0150] Clause 49. The assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 48, wherein the connection base is configured to be positioned out of the building opening.

[0151] Clause 50. The assembly according to clause 14, comprising a pair of pressing wheels arranged at both sides of the driving wheel and along the length of the driving module.

[0152] Clause 51. The assembly according to clause 50, comprising elastic members configured to apply force against the pressing wheel to protrude from the rest of the driving module 20.

[0153] Clause 52. The assembly according to any of clauses 9 - 13, comprising driving magnets configured to be attracted by corresponding driving counterparts positioned at the leaf. Clause 53. The assembly according to clause 52, wherein the driving magnets are positioned at the same side as the driving wheel protrudes from the rest of the driving module.

[0154] Clause 54. The assembly according to any of clauses 9 - 13, comprising a tightener configured to force the driving wheel against the first surface.

[0155] Clause 55. A driving door system comprising: a driving module configured to slidably drive a leaf of a door, wherein the leaf comprises a groove to slidably receive the driving module at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module; wherein the driving module is detachably coupled to a connection base, the connection base being configured to be attached to a building.

[0156] Clause 56. The system according to clause 55, wherein the driving module is in traction contact with the groove.

[0157] Clause 57. A method for installing a driving module of a sliding door assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 54: introducing the driving module through a side opening of the groove; displacing the driving module through the groove until the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

[0158] Clause 58. The method according to clause 57, wherein displacing the driving module through the groove comprises establishing a power connection between the driving module and the connection base in the coupled position.

[0159] Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A sliding door assembly comprising: a leaf; a driving module configured to slidably drive the leaf, wherein the leaf is movable relative to the driving module; wherein the driving module is detachably coupled to a connection base, the connection base being configured to be attached to the building; wherein the leaf comprises a groove configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the driving module and the connection base, at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module; wherein the groove comprises a side opening sized to pass through the driving module to be installed or removed.

2. The assembly according to claim 1 , comprising an interlocking system between the driving module and the connection base.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the interlocking system comprises a dovetail defined between the driving module and the connection base.

4. The assembly according to any of claims 2 - 3, wherein the interlocking system comprises a magnet.

5. The assembly according to any of claims 1 — 4, wherein the connection base comprises a power supply connector to supply the driving module with power when the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

6. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 5, comprising an assembly control unit to control the operation of the driving module.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the connection base comprises a communication port such that a data communication is defined between the assembly control unit and the driving module when the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the driving module comprises a driving module control unit configured to be in data communication with the assembly controlunit in a coupled position.

9. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 8, wherein the driving module comprises a driving wheel configured to be in traction contact with a first surface of the groove.

10. The assembly according to claim 9 when depending on any of claims 6 - 9, wherein the driving module comprises an encoder to sense the motion of the driving wheel, wherein the encoder is in data communication with the driving module control unit and / or the assembly control unit.11 . The assembly according to claim 10, wherein the driving module control unit and / or the assembly control unit is configured to operate the electric motor if an electric signal is received from the encoder when the electric motor is in an idle state.

12. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the driving wheel comprises a friction wheel.

13. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the groove comprises a rack in a first surface and the driving wheel comprises a pinion to mesh the rack.

14. The assembly according to any of claims 9 - 13, wherein the driving module comprises a pressing wheel which is elastically biased so that the pressing wheel protrudes from the rest of the driving module, wherein the pressing wheel is configured to be urged against a second surface of the groove opposite to the first surface.

15. The assembly according to any of claims 9 - 14, wherein the driving wheel has a rotation axis perpendicular to a movement or sideways direction of the leaf.

16. The assembly according to any of claims 9 - 15, wherein the driving module comprises: an electric motor to drive the driving wheel.

17. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 16, comprising a guiding system, wherein the guiding system includes a guiding rail and guiding wheels in contact with the guiding rail, wherein the guiding rails are integral with the leaf.

18. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 17, wherein the groove comprises aconcave cross-section configured to receive at least a portion of the cross-section of the driving module.

19. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 18, wherein the groove comprises a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section.

20. The assembly according to any of claims 1 -19, wherein the groove comprises a U-shaped or C-shaped beam.

21. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 20, wherein the groove comprises a U-shaped or C-shaped channel configuration.

22. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a bottom edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a floor of the building or opposite to the roof of the building.

23. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 22, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the floor of the building.

24. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a top edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a wall of the building.

25. The assembly according to claim 24, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the wall of the building.

26. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a top edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a roof of the building.

27. The assembly according to claim 26, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the roof of the building or opposite to the floor of the building.

28. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 21 , wherein the groove is arranged on a bottom edge of the leaf such that a longitudinal opening of the groove is configured to be facing a wall of the building.

29. The assembly according to claim 28, wherein the connection base is configured to be attached to the wall of the building.

30. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 29, wherein the driving module is configured to slidably drive the leaf in a horizontal or sideways direction.

31. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 30, comprising a single leaf.

32. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 31 , being configured to be installed in an opening of a wall of the building.

33. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 32, wherein the driving module comprises a driving module body.

34. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 33, wherein the driving module comprises a rectangular prism configuration.

35. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 34, wherein the cross-section of the groove is sized or configured to receive, at least partially, the cross-section of the driving module when the leaf moves relative to the driving module.

36. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 35 wherein the leaf is movable in a direction parallel to the length of the groove.

37. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 36, wherein the leaf is movable in a direction parallel to the length of the driving module.

38. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 37, wherein the driving module comprises a generally elongated configuration.

39. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 38, comprising a sliding pocket door.

40. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 39, wherein the groove defines a receiving cavity with a surface of the building.41 . The assembly according to claim 40, wherein the surface of the building comprises a roof, wall, or a floor.

42. The assembly according to any of claims 40 - 41 , wherein the receiving cavity is configured to receive the driving module and the connection base.

43. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 42, wherein the connection base comprises a supporting plate having an L-shaped cross-section.

44. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 43, wherein the side opening is sized to pass through the driving module and the connection base.

45. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 44, wherein the connection base comprises a stopper portion configured to abut the driving module in a coupled position.

46. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 45, wherein the groove comprises a longitudinal opening to allow the leaf to slide over the driving module.

47. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 46, wherein the driving module is configured to be positioned out of the building opening.

48. The assembly according to any of claims 1 - 47, wherein the connection base is configured to be positioned out of the building opening.

49. The assembly according to claim 14, comprising a pair of pressing wheels arranged at both sides of the driving wheel and along the length of the driving module.

50. The assembly according to claim 49, comprising elastic members configured to apply force against the pressing wheel to protrude from the rest of the driving module 20.

51. The assembly according to any of claims 9 - 13, comprising driving magnets configured to be attracted by corresponding driving counterparts positioned at the leaf.

52. The assembly according to claim 51 , wherein the driving magnets are positioned at the same side as the driving wheel protrudes from the rest of the driving module.

53. The assembly according to any of claims 9 - 13, comprising a tightener configured to force the driving wheel against the first surface.

54. A driving door system comprising: a driving module configured to slidably drive a leaf of a door, wherein the leaf comprises a groove to slidably receive the driving module at least when the leaf moves relative to the driving module; wherein the groove comprises a side opening sized to pass through the driving module; wherein the driving module is detachably coupled to a connection base, the connection base being configured to be attached to the building.

55. The system according to claim 54, wherein the driving module is in traction contact with the groove.

56. A method for installing a driving module of a sliding door assembly according to any of claims 1 - 53: introducing the driving module through a side opening of the groove; displacing the driving module through the groove until the connection base and the driving module are in a coupled position.

57. The method according to claim 56, wherein displacing the driving module through the groove comprises establishing a power connection between the driving module and the connection base in the coupled position.

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