U.S. patent application number 10/473960 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-27 for universal guiding device for sliding doors in a piece of furniture.
Invention is credited to Elmer, Hubert.
Application Number | 20040098831 10/473960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7682499 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040098831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elmer, Hubert |
May 27, 2004 |
Universal guiding device for sliding doors in a piece of
furniture
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a guide device for sliding
doors (1) in furniture, particularly for heavy sliding glass doors.
The guide device comprises a guide element which is constructed as
a cylindrical bar (6) and at least two running rollers (3) which
are fastened to the sliding door (1) by fastening elements (5). The
bar (6) is fastened to the furniture body (2) by holding elements
(7, 17). The running rollers (3) have a running surface (4) such
that the running surface (4) rests completely on the bar (6) at the
point of contact between the running surface (4) and the bar
(6).
Inventors: |
Elmer, Hubert; (Innsbruck,
AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COHEN, PONTANI, LIEBERMAN & PAVANE
551 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 1210
NEW YORK
NY
10176
US
|
Family ID: |
7682499 |
Appl. No.: |
10/473960 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
April 23, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP02/04429 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/89 ;
16/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05Y 2900/202 20130101;
E06B 3/4663 20130101; E05Y 2900/132 20130101; E05Y 2900/00
20130101; Y10T 16/359 20150115; E05D 15/063 20130101; Y10T 16/364
20150115; E05D 15/0634 20130101; E05Y 2201/684 20130101; E05Y
2800/672 20130101; E06B 3/4681 20130101; E05D 2005/0253 20130101;
E05Y 2201/614 20130101; E05Y 2800/28 20130101; E05D 5/0246
20130101; E05D 15/0652 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
016/089 ;
016/091 |
International
Class: |
A47H 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 23, 2001 |
DE |
101 19 996.1 |
Claims
1. Guide device for sliding doors (1) of furniture, comprising
holding elements (7, 17), by which at least one guide element is
fastened to a furniture body (2), and at least two running rollers
(3) which are fastened to the sliding door (1) by means of
punctiform fastening elements (5), so that the sliding door (1) is
mounted at the guide element so as to be displaceable, wherein the
guide element is constructed as a cylindrical bar (6) and the
running rollers (3) have a running surface (4) which is constructed
in such a way that the running surface (4) completely contacts the
bar (6) at the point of contact between the running surface (4) and
the bar (6).
2. Guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that there
are two cylindrical bars (6), wherein one of the bars (6) is
arranged in an upper area of the furniture body (2) and the other
bar (6) is arranged in the lower area of the furniture body
(2).
3. Guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that two
bars (6) are provided, wherein the two bars (6) are arranged
immediately adjacent to one another, either at an upper area of the
furniture body (2) or at a lower area of the furniture body
(2).
4. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by
an adjustable stop (13) for limiting the displacement path of the
sliding door (1).
5. Guide device according to claim 4, characterized in that the
stop (13) is arranged on the bar (6).
6. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in
that the running roller is fastened to the sliding door (1) by
means of a fastening element (5), wherein a through-opening through
which the fastening element (5) is guided is formed in the sliding
door (1).
7. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in
that the fastening element (5) comprises a round structural
component part which has a cylindrical area (59) adjoined by a
conical area (66).
8. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in
that the holding element (5) has a pocket hole (60) whose base is
adjoined by a through-hole (57), wherein the pocket hole is closed
in its front area by a closure cap (62).
9. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in
that the bar (6) is fastened to the outer side of an upper or lower
surface of the furniture body (2).
10. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized
in that the bar (6) is fastened to a front side of the furniture
body (2).
11. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized
in that the bar (6) is fastened to the furniture body (2) by an
angle (16).
12. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized
in that the holding elements (7, 17) of the bar (6) are constructed
in such a way that the bar (6) is grasped only partially by a
receiving area (9) of the holding element (7).
13. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized
in that the holding elements (7, 17) grasp the bar (6) by their
holding area (27) in a frictional engagement by more than half of
the circumference.
14. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized
in that the holding elements (7) are constructed in such a way that
their length is adjustable in the mounted state.
15. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized
by a U-shaped rail (15) in which one side of the sliding door (1)
is guided.
16. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized
in that the running roller (3) is constructed in multiple parts,
wherein the running surface (4) is produced from plastic.
17. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized
in that the sliding door is constructed as a sliding glass
door.
18. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized
in that the holding element (17) has an adjusting bearing (31)
between a base part (29) of a running rail receptacle (26)
connected to the furniture body, the distance of the adjusting
bearing (31) from the base part (29) can be changed and the running
rail receptacle (26) is supported at the adjusting bearing
(31).
19. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized
in that the base part (29) is constructed as a cup-like fastening
bushing which contacts the furniture body by its cup base.
20. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized
in that the adjusting bearing (31) is supported so as to be
rotatable with a complementary external thread (36) in an internal
thread (44) of the base part (29).
21. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized
in that the adjusting bearing (31) is constructed as an adjusting
disk (32) and the surface of the adjusting disk (32) remote of the
furniture body forms an adjusting surface (37) contacting the
running rail receptacle (26).
22. Guide device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized
in that a wall (67) of the cup-like base part (29) has an external
thread (45).
Description
DESCRIPTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a universal guide
device for sliding doors in furniture, according to the preamble of
patent claim 1, having at least one bar which can be fastened to a
furniture body. The sliding door is mounted at the bar so as to be
displaceable by means of at least two running rollers.
[0002] Guide devices of the generic type are known in many
different embodiment forms. For mounting a sliding door element on
furniture, a guide device is usually needed in the bottom end area
of the sliding door element and another guide device is usually
needed in the top end area of the sliding door element. Two guide
devices are also usually used at the furniture body to enable
reliable displacement of the sliding door, namely, one guide device
in an upper area of the furniture body and one guide device in a
lower area of the furniture body.
[0003] A guide device for sliding doors which has a guide rail
having a C-shaped fastening groove in its central cross-sectional
area for receiving fastening means is known from EP 1 057 963 A2.
Guide grooves are provided above and below the fastening groove for
guiding running rollers. However, a guide device of this kind is
suitable for heavy sliding doors such as glass doors in particular
only under certain conditions.
[0004] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to
provide a guide device for sliding doors, particularly for glass
doors, which is economical to produce, provides a simple, stable
construction and is suitable for different kinds of mounting.
[0005] This object is met by a guide device having the
characteristic features of claim 1. Advantageous further
developments are the subject matter of the subclaims.
[0006] The guide device according to the invention comprises at
least one guide element which is fastened by holding elements to a
furniture body and at least two running rollers which are fastened
to the sliding door simultaneously by fastening elements. The
sliding door is supported at the guide element by the running
rollers so as to be displaceable. According to the invention, the
guide element is constructed as a cylindrical bar and the running
rollers have a running surface such that this running surface
always rests completely on the bar at the point of contact between
the running roller and the bar. In other words, the running rollers
have a partially circular shape in section. This provides for a
simply constructed, stable guide device which is particularly
suitable for heavy sliding doors, e.g., constructed, stable guide
device which is particularly suitable for heavy sliding doors,
e.g., sliding glass doors. The guide device comprises parts which
are constructed in a simple manner so that they can be manufactured
relatively inexpensively. Further, it is impossible for the sliding
doors to fall off accidentally in a construction of this kind using
an upper bar and lower bar.
[0007] The guide device according to the invention preferably has
two cylindrical bars. One of the bars is preferably arranged in an
upper area of the furniture body and the other bar is fastened to
the furniture body in a lower area. A particularly secure guiding
of the sliding door is made possible in this way.
[0008] According to another preferred construction of the present
invention, two bars are arranged adjacent to one another, either at
an upper part of the furniture body or at a lower part of the
furniture body. The sliding door is accordingly guided only at an
upper or lower area and the opposite area of the sliding door is
clear of the furniture body. Nevertheless, the sliding door is
securely mounted and guided at two bars arranged parallel to one
another.
[0009] The guide device preferably has one or more continuously
adjustable stops to prevent the sliding door from falling off the
guide device accidentally. The stop or stops is/are preferably
fastened to the bar.
[0010] The continuously adjustable stops are constructed in such a
way that they form a closed annular area which is slid onto the
bar. A projection which forms a soft stop on one side for the guide
rollers of the sliding doors projects orthogonally from the annular
body of the stops. At the same time, the projection contains a
threaded bore hole in which a stud screw is inserted. The stop is
accordingly secured to the bar by tightening the stud screw.
Therefore, this stop can also be adjusted continuously simply by
loosening the stud screw in a corresponding manner.
[0011] Each running roller is preferably fastened to the sliding
door by means of a fastening element. The fastening element is
guided through a through-opening formed in the sliding door. The
fastening is preferably punctiform and terminates flush with the
pane of glass on the outer side of the sliding door.
[0012] In this embodiment example, the fastening element is an
integral component part of the running roller construction. This
eliminates any additional type of fastening. The aim of this, in
particular, is that no other additional structural component parts
need be applied when using glass doors. The through-opening inside
the sliding door can be constructed in a stepped manner; it is also
possible that a conical area with a larger diameter adjoins a
cylindrical area toward the outer side of the sliding door. As a
result of this shape, the fastening element is used with a
complementary shape inside this through-opening. The outer side of
the fastening element terminates flush with the outer side of the
sliding door.
[0013] The running roller is constructed in such a way that the
running surface has a rubber-like convex configuration, wherein the
stationary shaft connected to the fastening element is mounted
relative to the rotatable part of the running roller by a
bearing.
[0014] In a particularly preferable manner, the cylindrical bars of
the guide device are arranged at the outer side of the furniture
body. Accordingly, it is possible for the sliding door to be larger
than an opening provided in the furniture body. The bar is fastened
to a surface of the front side of the furniture body or to the
upper or lower surfaces (surfaces parallel to the ground) in a
particularly preferred manner.
[0015] According to another preferred construction of the present
invention, the bar is fastened to the furniture body by an angle.
In this way, the sliding door can also be guided inside the
furniture body in a simple manner. However, the bars can also be
fastened in or on the furniture body by holding elements.
[0016] The holding elements for the bars are preferably constructed
in such a way that they engage around the bars only partially. In a
particularly preferable manner, the holding elements engage around
the bar in such a way that the holding elements doe not interfere
with the running of the running rollers on the bar. In other words,
the area of the bar on which the running rollers run is not covered
by the holding elements. In a construction of the holding elements
for joining a plurality of furniture bodyes, the holding elements
can also engage completely around the bars.
[0017] In accordance with the invention, bore holes arranged in the
running rail or the like or a two-part construction of the actual
running rail receptacle can be dispensed with and the individual
adjusting bearings of the individual holding elements associated
with a running rail or the like can be aligned after the holding
element is connected, e.g., to a wall, so that they form aligned
supporting points for the frictionally-locking support of the
respective running rail receptacles. For this purpose it is only
necessary to know the different distances between the individual
adjusting bearings and the substrate construction and to arrange
the individual adjusting bearings so as to be aligned relative to
one another. A holding element preferably comprises a fastening
member and a running rail receptacle (bar receptacle).
[0018] The fastening member connected to the substrate construction
is preferably formed as a cup-shaped fastening bushing whose base
contacts the substrate construction so that the adjusting bearing
can be rotatably supported by a complementary external thread in an
internal thread of the fastening bushing. This provides the
possibility of changing the distance between the adjusting bearing,
which is preferably formed as an adjusting disk, and the substrate
construction after the fastening bushing has been connected to the
substrate construction, and the surface of the adjusting disk
remote of the substrate construction forms an adjusting surface
which contacts the running rail receptacle. This ensures an exactly
aligned arrangement of the running rail receptacles of the holding
elements when using running rail receptacles of the same type of
construction.
[0019] In a further construction of the invention, the wall of the
cup-shaped fastening bushing has an external thread on which a
fitting can be screwed by means of a complementary internal
thread.
[0020] The running rail receptacle itself comprises a holding area
which receives the running rail, the carrying or holding bar, and a
hollow-cylindrical continuation which is formed integral with the
holding area, is directed toward the substrate construction and is
supported at the adjusting surface of the adjusting bearing by a
counter-surface, preferably with an annular supporting surface.
Running rail receptacles in which the hollow-cylindrical
continuation directed toward the substrate construction has
different lengths to compensate for tolerances can be used
depending upon space conditions.
[0021] A stud screw which can be adjusted toward the running rail
or the carrying or holding bar is arranged in an internal thread of
the hollow-cylindrical projection and can bring about a
frictionally-engaging clamping of the running rail or the carrying
or holding bar relative to the holding area.
[0022] The fitting is secured to the hollow-cylindrical
continuation of the running rail receptacle in such a way that the
fitting is secured to the running rail receptacle so as to be
rotatable and fixed against axial displacement by means of a
clamping ring fitting into an outer groove of the
hollow-cylindrical continuation of the running rail receptacle. The
fitting engages by a flange between a shoulder at the outer wall of
the hollow-cylindrical continuation and the clamping ring. This
type of fastening makes it possible to screw the fitting onto the
external thread of the fastening member which is formed as a
cup-shaped fastening bushing and, on the other hand, fixes the
distance between the running rail receptacle and the adjusting
bearing.
[0023] The holding area of the running rail receptacle can be
constructed in different ways. The running rail or the carrying or
holding bar can be grasped around little more than half of the
circumference or completely. The running rail or the carrying or
holding bar can be additionally secured relative to the rail
clamping section in that the rail clamping section has a threaded
bore hole for receiving a stud screw.
[0024] Referring to the invention described above, by "running
rail" is meant a rail or a bar at which sliding elements of
different types of construction, e.g., a rolling-type construction,
can be guided. However, the clamping holders described above can
also be used in rails whose only function is to carry, e.g.,
curtains or the like. Further, the clamping holders are suitable
for fastening, e.g., handle elements which were defined generically
as holding bars.
[0025] According to another advantageous construction of the
present invention, a second guide element is constructed as a
U-shaped rail in which one end of the sliding door is guided. This
enables a particularly stable fastening of the sliding door at the
furniture body. However, there is increased friction with the
U-shaped rail compared with the use of running rollers.
[0026] In order for the sliding door to slide with as little noise
as possible, the running rollers are preferably constructed in
multiple parts, the running surface being made of plastic.
[0027] The sliding door is particularly preferably constructed as a
sliding glass door.
[0028] The invention will be described in the following with
reference to embodiment examples which are shown schematically.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a guide device according
to the invention according to a first embodiment example;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the guide device shown in
FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a side view in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
2;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged perspective partial view of the
guide device shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a guide device according
to a second embodiment example of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a guide device according
to a third embodiment example of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a guide device according
to a fourth embodiment example of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a guide device according
to a fifth embodiment example of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a holding element;
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a view similar to FIG. 9 in section with the
holding area open axially;
[0039] FIG. 11 shows a view similar to FIG. 9, but with the holding
area closed;
[0040] FIG. 12 shows a view similar to FIG. 9 but with the holding
area open on the side;
[0041] FIG. 13 shows a base part of a holding element according to
FIG. 9;
[0042] FIG. 14 shows a fitting in section;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a front view showing a running roller with
fastening element;
[0044] FIG. 16 shows a view similar to FIG. 15 in section;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a top view of a stop;
[0046] FIG. 18 shows a view similar to FIG. 17 in section;
[0047] FIG. 19 shows a first fastening element in a front view;
[0048] FIG. 20 shows a fastening element according to FIG. 19 in
section;
[0049] FIG. 21 shows a closure cap; and
[0050] FIG. 22 shows a second fastening element.
[0051] A first embodiment example according to the present
invention will be described in the following with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0052] As is shown in FIG. 1, a guide device has two guide elements
(running rails) which are formed as cylindrical bars 6. A sliding
door 1 is supported at the bars 6 so as to be displaceable by means
of four running rollers 3. The running rollers 3 are fastened to
the sliding door 1 by means of fastening elements 5. The sliding
door 1 is constructed as a glass door and has through-openings
through which the fastening elements 5 are inserted in order to
fasten the running rollers 3 and the sliding door 1 at the same
time.
[0053] The through-openings inside the glass door can be
constructed as stepped bore holes or as a bore hole with a
cylindrical shoulder and a conical area. The fastening element 5
which is constructed so as to complement the latter is inserted
into the bore hole with the aid of a glass protector 54 and is
accordingly fastened against the stationary part 56 of the running
roller 3. The fastening element is fastened by a connection screw
52 which is screwed into a threaded bore hole by its thread, not
shown in more detail, within the stationary part 56.
[0054] The fastening element 5 is shown in detail in FIGS. 19 and
20. The fastening element 5 has a through-hole 57 in its base,
which through-hole 57 can be constructed as a cylindrical bore hole
or elongated hole. A conical area 66 in the fastening element 5
adjoins a cylindrical area 59. A pocket hole 60 is introduced into
the fastening element 5, the through-hole 57 being situated at the
base of the pocket hole 60. The fastening element 5 is closed by a
closure cap 62 in the area of the conical area 66. The closure cap
62 has an undercut 63 in which a spring element is inserted. This
spring element presses against an undercut 61 of the fastening
element 5. The closure cap can therefore be removed in a simple
manner in order to remove the pane of glass.
[0055] FIG. 22 shows another construction of a fastening element
58. The geometric construction of this fastening element is the
same as that of fastening element 5 with respect to its outer
dimensions. However, fastening element 58 is constructed from one
piece and has a threaded projection 64 adjoining the cylindrical
area 59. The threaded projection 64 is screwed into the stationary
part 56 of the running roller 3. Tool application points in the
form of bore holes 65 are located at the outer side of the
fastening element 58 so that the fastening element 58 can be
screwed into the stationary part 56.
[0056] As is shown in FIG. 1, the two bars 6 are arranged at the
furniture body 2 in such a way that a bar is fastened to an upper
area of the furniture body 2 and the second bar is fastened to a
lower area of the furniture body 2. The bars 6 are fastened to the
furniture body 2 by means of holding elements 7 or 17. As can be
seen particularly from FIG. 1, a stop 13 with an elastic element 14
is provided at the upper bar 6 at each of its two lateral ends in
order to limit the displacement path of the sliding door 1. The
adjustable strop 13 is fastened directly to the bar 6 and limits
the displacement path of the running rollers 3 to the right-hand
and left-hand sides.
[0057] The adjustable stop 13 comprises a ring 24 on which a
projection 23 is formed orthogonally. Inside the ring 24 is located
a through-hole 20 for receiving the bar 6. There is a threaded bore
hole 22 in the projection 23 which extends diagonal to the center
axis of the stop 13. A stud screw 21 is screwed into this threaded
bore hole 22 for fastening the stop 13 to the bar 6. An elastic
element 14 for limiting the running path of the running rollers 3
is located on one side of the projection 23. The stop 13 has a
bevel 25 at the projection 23 to give it an attractive appearance.
The construction of the stop 13 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.
[0058] As is shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holding
element 7 comprises three parts, namely, a holding part 8 which has
an external thread and a receiving area 9 for the bar 6 (see FIG.
3), a base part 10 which is fastened to the furniture body 2, and a
lock nut 11. The base part 10 and the lock nut 11 are screwed to
the external thread area of the holding part 8. The bar 6 is fixed
in the receiving area 9 of the holding part 8 by means of a stud
screw 12 (see FIG. 3). In particular, the holding element 7
according to the invention enables a height adjustment of the bar 6
by screwing the holding part 8 into or out of the base part 10. The
distance between the bar 6 and the furniture body 2 is changed in
this way. The final position of the holding element 7 can then be
secured by the lock nut 11. In this way it is possible that the bar
can be aligned again in a simple manner particularly also after
mounting and by the end user himself or herself.
[0059] A second construction of a holding element 17 is shown in
FIGS. 9 to 12. The holding element 17 essentially comprises a
running rail receptacle 26 which is supported indirectly at a base
part 29. The base part 29 is connected in a frictional engagement
with a substrate construction, not shown, of any kind by means of a
fastening screw 18. Other essential components of the holding
element 17 are an adjusting bearing 31 and a fitting 19.
[0060] The base part 29 adjoining the substrate construction is
constructed as a cup-shaped fastening bushing, its cup base 30
adjoining the substrate construction, not shown. A wall 67 (see
FIG. 13) of the base part 29 has an internal thread 44 and an
external thread 45. An adjusting bearing 31 which is constructed as
an adjusting disk 32 can be screwed into the internal thread 44.
The running rail receptacle 26 has a hollow-cylindrical
continuation 34 which forms a supporting sleeve 33 and is supported
at an adjusting surface 37 of the adjusting bearing 31 by an
annular supporting surface 37.
[0061] The support is carried out by means of a fitting 19 which is
secured by a flange 40 to an outer wall 68 of a hollow-cylindrical
continuation 34 so as to be rotatable and fixed with respect to
axial displacement. It is secured through the support of the flange
40 at a shoulder 35 of the hollow-cylindrical continuation 34 on
the one hand and by a clamping ring 41 fitting into a groove 39 of
the hollow-cylindrical continuation on the other hand.
[0062] The defined support of the annular supporting surface 38 of
the supporting sleeve 33 at the adjusting surface 37 of the
adjusting bearing 31 is carried out by screwing the fitting 19 onto
an external thread 45 of the base part 29 (see FIG. 13).
[0063] The running rail or bar, not shown, can be secured within
the holding area 27 of the running rail receptacle 26 by a stud
screw 43 which is screwed into an internal thread 42 of the
hollow-cylindrical continuation 34. Alternatively, a stud screw 43
can be inserted into a threaded bore hole 28 in the holding area
27.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, different constructions of the
holding area 27 are possible.
[0065] The mounting of the holding element 17 is carried out by
means of a frictional connection of the fastening member 18 at the
respective substrate construction, the adjusting bearing 31 screwed
to the fastening member 18 being aligned subsequently. The clamping
in of the running rail receptacle 26 in a frictional engagement is
carried out by means of subsequently screwing the fitting 19 to the
fastening member 18 until the supporting sleeve 33 contacts the
adjusting bearing 31.
[0066] As is shown particularly in FIG. 1, the bars 6 are fastened
to an upper area (top of furniture) or lower area (bottom of
furniture) of the furniture body 2 by holding elements 7 or 17. In
this way it is possible that the sliding door 1 can be arranged at
only a slight distance h from the open area of the furniture body 2
(see FIG. 3).
[0067] As can also be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the receiving area 9
of the holding part 8 for receiving the bar 6 is constructed in
such a way that it has two arc-shaped arms which project out over a
center axis X-X of the bar 6. Therefore, the bar 6 can not be
removed from the holding elements 7 or 17 upward or downward, but
rather must always be guided out of the holding elements 7 in the
direction of its longitudinal axis X-X.
[0068] As can further be seen from FIG. 3, the distance between the
sliding door 1 and the furniture body 2 can be changed in a simple
manner by arranging washers between the fastening element 5 and the
running rollers 3.
[0069] In the following, a second embodiment example according to
the present invention is described with reference to FIG. 5.
Identical parts or parts having an identical function are
designated by the same reference numbers as in the first embodiment
example.
[0070] The second embodiment example corresponds substantially to
the first embodiment example. In contrast to the first embodiment
example, however, the bar 6 of the guide device is fastened to a
front area of the furniture body 2 by the holding elements 7. The
sliding door 1 can accordingly have smaller dimensions compared to
the first embodiment example. Further, the distance between the
sliding door 1 and the furniture body 2 can be adjusted in any way
within certain limits. Compared with the first embodiment example,
the receiving area 9 of the holding part 8 is arranged so as to be
rotated by 90.degree., so that the open portion of the receiving
area 9 faces upward again so that there is no hindering of the
running roller 3 when rolling over the holding element 7. In other
respects, the second embodiment example corresponds to the first
embodiment example, and reference is had to the description of the
first embodiment example.
[0071] FIG. 6 shows a guide device according to a third embodiment
example of the present invention. Identical parts or parts having
an identical function are designated by the same reference numbers
as in the embodiment examples described above.
[0072] As is shown in FIG. 6, in contrast to the preceding
embodiment examples, the bar 6 is fastened to an angle 16 which is
fastened in turn to the furniture body 2. The angle 16 is fastened
in the interior of the furniture body. As in the second embodiment
example, the bar 6 is then fastened by holding elements 7 to the
area of the angle 16 directed toward the front. A U-shaped rail 15
in which the lower part of the sliding door 1 is guided is arranged
in the lower area of the furniture body 2. Accordingly, a bar 6 and
a U-shaped rail 15 are provided as guide elements in the third
embodiment example. It should be noted that the U-shaped rail 15
can also be arranged in the upper area of the furniture body 2 and
the bar 6 can be arranged in the lower area of the furniture body
2. Due to this arrangement of the invention shown in FIG. 6, it is
also possible in particular that the sliding door 1 is guided in
the interior of the furniture body 2 so that it does not jut out
over the furniture body 2.
[0073] A guide device according to a fourth embodiment example of
the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. Identical parts or parts
having an identical function are designated by the same reference
numbers as in the embodiment examples described above.
[0074] In contrast to the embodiment examples described above, two
bars 6 used as guide elements are arranged immediately adjacent to
one another in the fourth embodiment example. Accordingly, it is
possible that the two guide bars 6 are arranged, for example, only
at an upper area or lower area of the furniture body 2 and
accordingly only an upper or lower end of the sliding door 1 is
secured to the furniture body 2. The other end of the sliding door
1 can be constructed without a guide device. As is shown in FIG. 7,
the running rollers 3 are guided at the lower bar 6 in the lower
area of the bar. Of course, the running rollers 3 of the lower bar
6 can also be guided at their upper area.
[0075] A guide device according to a fifth embodiment example of
the present invention is described in FIG. 8. Identical parts or
parts having an identical function are designated by the same
reference numbers as in the preceding embodiment examples.
[0076] As is shown in FIG. 8, an angle 16 is fastened to an outer
area of the furniture body 2, more exactly to the upper surface of
the furniture body. The bar 6 is fastened to the angle 16 via
holding elements 7. Many different design possibilities for
arranging the guide device according to the invention are provided
by turning the angle 16. In other respects, the fifth embodiment
example corresponds to the embodiment examples described above so
that any further description can be dispensed with.
[0077] The present invention is accordingly directed to a guide
device for sliding doors of furniture, particularly for heavy
sliding glass doors. The guide device comprises at least one guide
element constructed as a cylindrical bar 6 and at least two running
rollers 3 which are fastened to the sliding door 1 by fastening
elements 5. The bar 6 is fastened to the furniture body 2 by
holding elements 7. The running rollers 3 have a running surface 4
such that the running surface 4 rests completely on the bar 6 at
the point of contact with the bar 6.
[0078] Naturally, the alternative holding element 17 can also be
used instead of the holding element 7 described in FIGS. 1 to
8.
[0079] As was already mentioned above, the running roller 3
simultaneously also forms the connection to the sliding door 1 by
means of the fastening element 5. This requires fewer individual
parts and also does not detract from the visible area of the
sliding door 1. The running roller 3 is composed of two half-shells
49 and 50. Half-shell 50 is screwed into half-shell 49. After the
half-shells 49 and 50 are screwed together, the running surface 4
is embedded between their free ends. The running surface 4 is
preferably produced from a rubber-like material in order to ensure
a quiet running of the sliding door 1. Part 56 is then screwed into
the half-shell 50 and is subsequently stationary. A bearing 51
whose outer ring is supported in the half-shell 49 is located in
the part 56. The race of the bearing 51 is mounted on the
stationary part 56. The bearing 51 is held at the stationary part
56 by means of a retaining ring 69.
[0080] The stationary part 56 has a projecting area 70 which
projects out of the running roller 3. A threaded bore hole not
designated more fully is located inside the stationary part 56.
With the aid of a glass protector 55 which contacts the outer
surface of the projecting area 70 the sliding door 1 is brought
into contact with the glass protector 55 in order to connect the
sliding door 1 to the running roller 3. The fastening element 5 is
inserted in the through-opening located in the sliding door 1. A
connecting screw 52 is used for the frictional and positive
engagement of the holding element 5 and, therefore, the clamping of
the sliding door 1 with the stationary part 56. A closure cap in
the form of a closure element 53 is inserted into the fastening
element 5 for a neat outer termination of the holding element 5
flush with the surface of the sliding door.
[0081] In a construction of this kind, the running roller 3 is
connected directly to the sliding door 1 by the fastening element
5.
[0082] Reference Numbers
[0083] 1 sliding door
[0084] 2 furniture body
[0085] 3 running roller
[0086] 4 running surface
[0087] 5 fastening element
[0088] 6 bar
[0089] 7 holding element
[0090] 8 holding part
[0091] 9 receiving area
[0092] 10 base part
[0093] 11 lock nut
[0094] 12 stud screw
[0095] 13 stop
[0096] 14 elastic element
[0097] 15 U-shaped rail
[0098] 16 angle
[0099] 17 holding element
[0100] 18 fastening screw
[0101] 19 fitting
[0102] 20 bore hole
[0103] 21 stud screw
[0104] 22 threaded bore hole
[0105] 23 projection
[0106] 24 ring
[0107] 25 bevel
[0108] 26 running rail receptacle
[0109] 27 holding area
[0110] 28 threaded bore hole
[0111] 29 base part
[0112] 30 cup base
[0113] 31 adjusting bearing
[0114] 32 adjusting screw
[0115] 33 supporting sleeve
[0116] 34 hollow-cylindrical continuation
[0117] 35 shoulder
[0118] 36 external thread
[0119] 37 adjusting surface
[0120] 38 annular supporting surface
[0121] 39 outer groove
[0122] 40 flange
[0123] 41 clamping ring
[0124] 42 internal thread
[0125] 43 stud screw
[0126] 44 internal thread
[0127] 45 external thread
[0128] 46 bore hole
[0129] 47 undercut
[0130] 48 internal thread
[0131] 49 half-shell
[0132] 50 half-shell
[0133] 51 bearing
[0134] 52 connection screw
[0135] 53 closure element
[0136] 54 glass protector
[0137] 55 glass protector
[0138] 56 stationary part
[0139] 57 through-hole
[0140] 58 fastening element
[0141] 59 cylindrical area
[0142] 60 pocket hole
[0143] 61 undercut
[0144] 62 closure cap
[0145] 63 undercut
[0146] 64 threaded projection
[0147] 65 tool application point
[0148] 66 conical area
[0149] 67 wall
[0150] 68 outer wall
[0151] 69 retaining ring
[0152] 70 projecting area
* * * * *