ES3017253T3 - Self-closing door assembly of a sliding door, toilet cabin for a railway vehicle, and self-closing door assembly kit - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-closing curved sliding door assembly includes a curved sliding door (140) moving along a predefined curved path between an open position and a closed position, and a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism includes a spring device (210, 260) for moving the sliding door (140) to the closed position; a connecting member (220) with a first end connected to the spring device (210, 260) and a second end connected to the sliding door (140), which is tensioned when the sliding door (140) moves toward the open position; plural diverting members (240, 240a) disposed along the curved path of the sliding door (140) for guiding the connecting member (220). and a damping element (230) in engagement with the connecting element (220) for limiting movement of the connecting element (220) when the connecting element (220) is pulled by the spring device (210, 260) to move the sliding door (140) to the closed position. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Self-closing door assembly for a sliding door, toilet cabin for railway vehicles and self-closing door mounting kit

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-closing door assembly for a curved sliding door, such as a curved sliding door for a toilet cubicle of a railway vehicle. Other embodiments relate to a toilet cubicle for railway vehicles with a self-closing door assembly for the curved sliding door of the toilet cubicle. Still other embodiments of the present invention relate to a self-closing door assembly kit for retrofitting manual sliding doors, in particular curved sliding doors that move along a predefined curved path between an open position and a closed position.

BACKGROUND

Rail vehicles for high-volume public transport are equipped with facilities such as restrooms to improve passenger comfort. Space on a rail vehicle is often limited, so the facilities are configured to maximize the available space. Therefore, restroom compartments are designed with walls that are at least partially curved or arched (in the shape of a circular segment). To maximize the use of this outer wall contour, the curved sliding door leaf used to close the restroom compartment also has a curved or arched shape, allowing the door to move along a circular path following the curved contour of the restroom compartment.

Modern rail vehicles are often equipped with fully automatic doors, operated by pressing a button that activates an opening and closing mechanism. While these automatic doors are very convenient, they require additional equipment, such as an electric motor or other suitable electromechanical components, which not only increase the overall weight of the rail vehicle but can also be prone to failure and require additional maintenance.

Sliding doors with different closing mechanisms are known. For example, CN 112027869 A and CN 210558803 U describe a structure with automatic closing of an elevator entrance and exit door. KR 102001453 B1 describes a door assembly for a toilet compartment for disabled people using electromechanical components. CN 109693992 A describes a system with automatic closing of an electromagnetic entrance and exit door. CN 108974027 A discloses a double-hinged sliding door device for a toilet compartment of a railway vehicle. CN 206049681 U describes another mechanism with automatic closing for railway vehicles. EP 3259166 B1 describes a cabin with a revolving cabin door for a vehicle. Document CN 204237414 U describes a self-closing door assembly for an elevator. Document KR 101407381 B1 describes a self-closing sliding door. Document CN 102296901 B discloses a device for automatically opening and closing a car door. Document EP 1409824 A1 discloses a closing sequence control device for a self-closing door. Document DE 3934269 A1 discloses a self-closing device for a door or window. Document JP H11 71924 A relates to a restroom door device. Document JP 2011 89 353 A relates to a suspension-type door device. Document JP H07293 104 A relates to a semi-automatic opening/closing sliding door and its semi-automatic opening/closing device.

However, these mechanisms are often complicated and unsuitable for the limited space available in a rail vehicle.

In view of the above, improvements are necessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above problem is solved by a self-closing door assembly for a sliding door according to claim 1, a toilet cabin for a railway vehicle according to claim 12 and a self-closing door assembly kit according to claim 15. Further embodiments, modifications, aspects and advantages are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

In one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, a self-closing curved sliding door assembly includes a curved sliding door that moves along a predefined curved path between an open and a closed position, and a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism includes a spring that moves the sliding door to the closed position; a connecting element with one end connected to the spring and one end connected to the sliding door; a plurality of biasing elements arranged along the curved path of the sliding door to guide the connecting element along said path; and a damping element coupled to the connecting element to limit its movement when the spring pulls on it to move the sliding door to the closed position. The spring device is tensioned, by transmission by the connecting element, when the sliding door is moved to the open position.

The self-closing door assembly consists of a few reliable mechanical elements and allows for the retrofitting of existing manual curved sliding doors. One challenge for curved sliding doors that move along a predefined curved path is that the sliding door leaf rotates on a vertical axis offset from the door leaf. Therefore, a simple push-pull mechanism would not be suitable for curved sliding doors. The present invention overcomes these drawbacks by means of a connecting element that connects the spring device to the sliding door. The diverting elements are arranged along the movement path of the curved sliding door and guide the connecting element so that it can follow the predefined curved path along which the door moves. In this way, the connecting element can always pull the sliding door tangentially along the predefined curved path, maximizing the force transmitted by the spring device to the sliding door when it closes.

By using a connecting element and deflecting elements, the directional operation of the spring device does not need to align with any tangential direction of the predefined curved path. This provides greater freedom in the arrangement of the spring device. The connecting element is usually flexible, so that, as it moves with the door leaf, it bends to follow the curved path.

The deflecting elements of the plurality of deflecting elements may be arranged separately along the curved path. Along the curved path, one deflecting element of the plurality of deflecting elements may be arranged distant from another deflecting element of the plurality of deflecting elements, in particular each distant from another element of the plurality of deflecting elements. According to one embodiment, all of the deflecting elements are arranged spaced apart from one another. In one embodiment, along the path, a space is provided between one deflecting element and another deflecting element, in particular a consecutive deflecting element of the plurality of deflecting elements. The length of the space along the direction of the curved path may be greater than the extension of a deflecting element along the curved path. In particular, the length of the space may be greater than the diameter of the deflecting element of the plurality of deflecting elements. Along the curved path, the plurality of diverting elements can be arranged in a uniformly distributed manner.

When referring to a curved path and a curved sliding door, we basically mean any shape of curve. The curved path and the curved sliding door are arc-shaped (circular), that is, they correspond to a segment of a circle. In typical implementations, the segment does not exceed a 90-degree circular arc.

The drive element for closing the sliding door is provided by the spring device, which is tensioned when the user manually opens the sliding door. As the sliding door advances to its open position by the user's action, the connecting element pulls on the spring device and tensions a spring disposed in the spring device. If the user does not hold the sliding door open, or if it is not locked by other means, the energy stored in the spring device generates a retracting force that urges it toward its closed position. In this way, the spring device acts as a mechanical energy accumulator that stores the tension energy supplied to the spring device, in particular to a spring thereof, when the sliding door is manually opened. The stored tension energy is used to close the sliding door.

The damping element limits the door's movement, particularly its maximum closing speed. This ensures user comfort and safety. The damping element can limit the door's movement relative to the sliding door, particularly its opening and closing speed.

The damping element can be arranged and configured to limit the closing speed of the sliding door. The damping element can decelerate the closing of the sliding door. The damping element can be arranged and configured for soft closing of the sliding door. The damping element can be arranged and configured to limit the speed of the sliding door during movement of the door from its open position to its closed position.

The damping element can limit the maximum opening speed of the sliding doors. Preferably, an asymmetrically acting damping element is used. For example, the damping element can cushion the closing movement of the sliding door more than the opening movement to allow the user to open the door more quickly. The maximum opening speed of the sliding door can also be limited for safety reasons. The damping element can be arranged and configured to restrict the opening speed of the sliding door. The damping element can decelerate the opening of the sliding door. The damping element can be arranged and configured for smooth opening of the sliding door. The damping element can be arranged and configured to limit the speed of the sliding door during its movement from the closed position to the open position. According to one embodiment, the damping element can be arranged and configured to restrict the opening speed of the sliding door to a value lower than its closing speed.

The self-closing door assembly described herein is particularly suitable for manually operated doors, i.e., non-automatic doors that are not driven, in whole or in part, by electromechanical drive units. Furthermore, it is easy to install, offers great flexibility to adapt to local geometries and designs, and constitutes a cost-effective solution. Specifically, for opening the sliding door, manual operation is required, i.e., manual movement of the door by the user or passenger. The closing of the sliding door occurs automatically, as the spring returns it to its closed position. The sliding door can also be closed manually. Therefore, the self-closing door assembly is self-contained, as it does not require an electrical power supply. It is semi-automatic (it closes the sliding door automatically, but requires manual intervention to open it) and completely mechanical, as the closing is achieved by the action of the closing mechanism without the need for any electromechanical components or electrical power supply.

In addition, the self-closing door assembly described herein is especially advantageous for curved sliding doors, such as arched doors, since deflector elements are used to guide the connecting element along virtually any curved path.

The spring device may include a housing for housing a spring disposed therein. This housing may include attachment means for attaching the spring device to structural elements such as a ceiling or wall.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the spring device includes a coil spring (torsion spring) for winding the connecting element, which may be flexible but inelastic. For example, the spring device may be a rope pulley. A coil spring allows for a compact design of the spring device. Furthermore, the spring force can be easily adjusted by the number of coils of the coil spring. For example, if the coil spring has a higher number of coils and is pretensioned, the spring force can be maintained within a linear range, regardless of whether the door is fully open or closed. In fact, by using a higher number of coils, the spring force can be kept approximately constant within the operating range defined by the maximum opening range of the sliding door.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the spring device includes an outer tube housing a helical spring (helical tension spring or linear tension spring) that elongates longitudinally when the sliding door moves toward the open position. Instead of a spiral spring that winds the connecting element, a helical spring that elongates linearly when the sliding door opens can be used. The spring device can have an elongated shape, such as that of a tube. Specifically, an outer tube can house the helical spring such that it is protected and guided on its outer side. The helical spring elongates within and along the longitudinal extension of the outer tube. The outer tube can be provided with fixing means for fixing the spring device to structural elements such as the roof of a cabin.

In one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the spring device further includes an inner guide element disposed in and along the outer tube, wherein the coil spring is wound around the inner guide element and between it and the outer tube. The inner and outer tubes interact to guide the coil spring and prevent it from becoming disengaged or deformed when it lengthens or contracts. The inner and outer tubes may be arranged coaxially with each other.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the inner guide element includes an inner tube for guiding the connecting element. The inner tube may have a longitudinal slot through which the forward end of the coil spring connected to the connecting element extends inside the inner tube. The connecting element is inserted into the inner tube when the coil spring contracts. The connection between the forward end of the coil spring and the connecting element is established through the longitudinal slot. For example, a fixing element may be provided at the forward end of the coil spring that establishes the connection with the connecting element. The fixing element may be guided along the slot to facilitate linear movement of the forward end of the coil spring and the connecting element.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the connecting element is flexible and inelastic. For example, it may be an inelastic rope, a chain, a cable, or a belt. Preferably, the connecting element is inelastic so that it can immediately transmit the force exerted from the spring device, i.e., from the spring of the spring device, to the sliding door or, when the sliding door is opened manually, from the sliding door to the spring device. Therefore, unlike the spring device, the connecting element does not store energy. It can also be described as limp. The flexibility of the connecting element allows it to follow the curved path defined by the deflecting elements without needing to apply force, or only a minimal force, to bend the connecting element.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the damping element is a radial damper, in particular a radial damper with an adjustable, predefined damping force. The predefined damping force can define the maximum speed of the closing movement of the sliding door. The predefined damping force is adjustable to suit different situations and door constructions. Furthermore, it may be necessary to adjust the damping force after a period of operation, for example, during regular maintenance intervals.

In one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the closing mechanism further includes a timing element that keeps the sliding door open for a predetermined delay time and releases it once said time has elapsed. Keeping the sliding door open for a predetermined delay time provides greater convenience for the user when passing through it. The user does not need to manually hold the door open. This is especially important for elderly or disabled individuals, for example, those in wheelchairs.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the timing element is a mechanical timer, particularly a mechanical timer with adjustable delay time, preferably without electromechanical components.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the closing mechanism further comprises a safety element that prevents the sliding door from reaching the closed position. This safety element is, in particular, a limit stop that slows the movement of the door. This safety element prevents fingers or other body parts from being trapped by the door.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, a toilet cabin for a railway vehicle is provided. The toilet cabin includes a bottom portion, a roof assembly, at least two side walls extending between the bottom portion and the roof assembly, and a self-closing door, according to any of the embodiments described. The spring device, the deflecting elements, and the damping element of the self-closing door are fixed to the roof assembly. The connecting element is fixed to the upper end of the sliding door. The self-closing door, as described herein, is especially useful for toilet cabins on railway vehicles. However, the invention is not limited to this and may also be applied to other cabins with a manually operated curved sliding door, for example, for any cabin on a railway vehicle, on any other vehicle, such as a ship, or in buildings.

According to one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, the spring device, the deflecting elements, and the damping element of the self-closing door assembly are arranged in a common plane parallel to the bottom of the cabin. Preferably, all elements of the self-closing assembly are fixed to the ceiling of the cabin. The operation of all movable and displaceable parts of the self-closing assembly preferably occurs on a common level plane.

According to one embodiment, which can be combined with any other embodiment described herein, the shower enclosure further includes a lower guide rail that engages the lower end of the sliding door to guide it at its lower end. This lower guide rail stabilizes the sliding door leaf at its lower end. Alternatively, or in addition to the lower guide rail, an upper guide rail can also be included that engages the upper end of the sliding door.

In one embodiment, combinable with any other embodiment described herein, a self-closing door mounting kit is provided for a curved sliding door, which moves along a predefined curved path between an open and a closed position. The kit includes a spring device; a connecting element with a first end for connecting to the spring device and a second end for connecting to the sliding door; several diverting elements arranged along the curved path of the sliding door to guide the connecting element; and a cushioning element that engages the connecting element to limit its movement. The self-closing door mounting kit may optionally further include a timer for holding the sliding door in the open position for a predetermined delay time and releasing it after the predetermined delay time has elapsed; and a safety element for stopping the movement of the sliding door.

The mounting kit can be used to upgrade an existing manual sliding door, for example on rail vehicles.

FIGURES

The invention will now be described with reference to embodiments without limiting the scope as defined in the claims.

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, explain the principles of the invention. The elements of the drawings are relative to each other and are not necessarily to scale unless otherwise indicated.

Figure 1 illustrates a toilet cabin for a railway vehicle according to one embodiment.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate, from above, a top view of the ceiling of a bathroom stall equipped with a self-closing door assembly according to one embodiment, wherein Figure 2A illustrates operation of the self-closing door assembly when the sliding door is in its closed position and Figure 2B illustrates operation of the self-closing door assembly when the sliding door is in its open position.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of a spring device having a coil spring.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate, from above, a top view of the ceiling of a bathroom enclosure equipped with a self-closing door assembly according to another embodiment, wherein Figure 4A illustrates operation of the self-closing door assembly when the sliding door is in its closed position and Figure 4B illustrates operation of the self-closing door assembly when the sliding door is in its open position.

Figure 5 illustrates a partial view of a spring device having an inner tube, an outer tube, and a coil spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates a restroom enclosure 100 for a rail vehicle. The restroom enclosure 100 includes a roof assembly 110, at least two side walls 120a and 120b extending between the bottom 150 and the roof assembly 110, and a curved sliding door 140. A door opening 145 is disposed between the side walls 120 and defined by opposite edges thereof of the at least two side walls 120. At least one of the side walls 120a may be at least partially curved to form, together with the curved sliding door 140, a partially curved exterior shape of the restroom enclosure. The restroom enclosure 100 may include a substantially planar side wall 120b, such as that shown to the right of the door opening 145, and an at least partially curved side wall 120a, such as that shown to the left of the door opening. The sliding door 140 closes the door opening 145 when it moves toward the substantially flat side wall 120b. A closing mechanism for the sliding door 140 is fixed to the top of the roof assembly 110.

When the sliding door 140 is opened, the door leaf of the sliding door 140 moves behind the partially curved side wall 120a on the inner side of the curved side wall 120.

The toilet cabin 100 may be self-supporting, with the bottom 150, the at least two side walls 120a and 120b, and the roof assembly 110 forming a self-supporting structure. Alternatively, the bottom 150 may be formed by the interior floor of the rail vehicle, and the at least two side walls 120a and 120b are secured to the floor or to a support structure secured to the floor.

The specific arrangement of the bathroom cabin 100 is not limited since the locking mechanism can be used for any type of bathroom cabin 100.

Embodiments of the self-closing door assembly, comprising a curved sliding door 140 and a closing mechanism, are described with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B. Figure 3 shows a spring arrangement with a coil spring that can be used in the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 5 shows a spring arrangement with a coil spring that can be used in the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

Turning first to Figures 2A and 2B, a self-closing door assembly is described with a spring device 210 and a coil spring for winding a connecting element 220, according to one embodiment. In the following, the connecting element 220 will be referred to as a flexible connecting element, since it is preferably flexible and inelastic. The sliding door 140 is shown closed in Figure 2A and open in Figure 2B.

The flexible connecting element 220 connects the leading edge 141 of the sliding door leaf 140 to the coil spring of the spring device 210. The coil spring 211 (see Figure 3) is housed in a housing 213 of the spring device 210. The spring device 210 may be an elastic rope pulley. The spring device 210 may further include a roller 212 connected to the coil spring 211, disposed within the roller 212. The flexible connecting element 220 is wound on the outer circumference of the roller 212. The flexible connecting element 220 may be a rope, which is a simple, inexpensive, reliable, flexible but inelastic connecting element. Another preferred embodiment includes a cable. Other embodiments include a chain or a belt. The coil spring 211 is coupled to the roller to drive the roller 212 and wind the flexible connecting element 220. On the other hand, when a passenger manually opens the sliding door 140, the flexible connecting element 220 is unwound by the action of the sliding door 140 moving toward its open position, and causes the roller 212 to tension the coil spring 211.

While the present embodiments show that the flexible connecting elements 220 are connected to the front edge 141 of the door leaf, the flexible connecting element 220 may also be connected to other parts of the door leaf, such as in a position separated by a given distance from the front edge 141.

Returning to Figures 2A and 2B, the flexible connection element 220 engages a damping element 230, disposed between the spring device 210 and the leading edge 141 of the closed sliding door 140. The damping element 230 may also bias the flexible connection element 220 to increase the coupling between the flexible connection element 220 and the damping element 230.

The damping element 230 may be a radial damper that dampens the rotation of a roller or wheel that engages the flexible connecting element 220. If a chain or belt is used as the flexible connecting element 220, the roller of the damping element 230 may include teeth to improve engagement with the chain. A belt may also be used in combination with a cylindrical roller. Alternatively, the flexible connecting element 220 may be wrapped around the roller, which also increases engagement.

If the damping element 230 does not bias the flexible connecting element 220, additional auxiliary pulleys may be used to locally bias the flexible connecting element 220 partially around the roller of the damping element 230. For example, by cooperating one or two auxiliary pulleys with the roller of the damping element 230, the flexible connecting element 220 may be locally forced to follow an S-shaped or U-shaped path to increase engagement with the roller or wheel of the damping element 230.

The damping force of the damping element 230 may be adjustable.

According to one embodiment, the damping element 230 may not even decelerate the movement of the sliding door 140 but also actively draw the sliding door 140 towards its final closed position.

As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, a plurality of diverting elements 240 and 240a are arranged approximately along the curved path of the sliding door 140. For example, five diverting elements 240 and 240a may be used, but are not limited to. Typically, at least three, and in particular at least four, diverting elements 240 and 240a are used.

The diverting elements 240 and 240a interact with the flexible connecting element 220 and guide it so that it approximately follows the path of the sliding door 140. This allows the mutual action between the sliding door 140 and the flexible connecting element 220 to always be tangential to the predefined curved path of the sliding door 140. In this way, forces acting radially on the sliding door 140, which prevent movement of the sliding door 140, are avoided.

The sliding door 140 is shown in its closed position in Figure 2A. To prevent the passenger from being trapped when the sliding door 140 closes, a safety element 270 is included that cushions the movement of the sliding door 140 immediately before the sliding door 140 is completely closed. The safety element 270 may be an end-position cushion attached to the side wall 120b toward which the sliding door 140 moves upon closing. For example, the safety element 270 may be a hydraulic element with a piston that displaces oil in a cylinder and thereby absorbs the kinetic energy of the moving sliding door 140. The safety element 270 may have different cushioning characteristics, such as uniform cushioning throughout the entire stroke of the piston or a progressive characteristic with an initial soft start and progressive cushioning as the piston moves. To return the piston to its initial position when the sliding door 140 is opened, the safety element 270 may include an internal spring that biases it backward. The hydraulic damping provides controlled, reliable, and particularly smooth damping, regardless of the size and weight of the sliding door 140. Furthermore, the safety element 270 can absorb the impact of the vehicle's movement on the movement of the sliding door 140.

Returning to Figure 2B, the sliding door 140 is shown open with the flexible connecting element 220 extended out of the spring device 210 to its maximum extension. As shown in Figure 2B, the flexible connecting element 220 follows the predefined curved path of the sliding door 140 due to the deflecting elements 240 and 240a arranged along said path.

When the sliding door 140 moves toward its open position, the spring device 210 is increasingly tensioned. It is not necessary to always open the sliding door 140 to its maximum open position, since the spring device 210 will be sufficiently tensioned even when the sliding door 140 is opened to any intermediate position. Preferably, the spring device 210 is already tensioned when the sliding door 140 is in its closed position. The pretensioning of the spring device 210 ensures that the sliding door 140 closes securely and remains closed even when the rail vehicle is in motion.

When the passenger opens the sliding door 140, it engages a timer 250, which keeps the sliding door 140 open for a predetermined delay time. This delay time is adjustable and may be a few seconds. After this delay time has elapsed, the timer element 250 releases the sliding door 140, which closes under the action of the spring device 210. The timer element 250 is preferably a mechanical timer, in particular a mechanical timer with an adjustable delay time, preferably without electromechanical components. For example, a lever of the timer element 250 may be in contact with a counterpart portion fixed to the sliding door 140. The lever is movable and is pushed into engagement upon opening the sliding door 140, thereby locking the counterpart portion. The release of the counterpart portion, when the lever is in contact with the counterpart portion, is hydraulically damped by an oil piston. Hydraulic damping can be adjusted, for example, by controlling the opening amount to a value that limits the flow of a hydraulic fluid into a piston acting on the lever.

Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, another embodiment of the self-closing door assembly is described. Unlike the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B, the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B employs a spring device 260 with a coil spring that elongates and contracts along a straight line. Figure 5 illustrates a spring device 260 that may be used in combination with the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B. The other parts may be the same as in the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

The spring device 260 may include an outer tube 261, an inner tube 262, and a coil spring 265 wound around the inner tube 262. The outer tube 261 and the inner tube 262 define a space therebetween, along which the coil spring 265 may linearly elongate and contract. In this manner, the inner tube 262 and the outer tube 261 guide the movement of the coil spring 265.

The outer tube 261 may be provided with fixing means for fixing the spring device 260 to the ceiling of the bathing cabin 100.

A front end of the coil spring 265 is connected to the flexible connecting member 220. For example, a fixing member 267 connects the front end of the coil spring 265 to the flexible connecting member 220.

To guide the flexible connecting element 220 within the spring device 260, the inner tube 262 may be provided with a slot 263 extending along the length of the inner tube 262. The fixing element 267 extends through the slot 263. When the coil spring 265 contracts, the fixing element 267 draws the flexible connecting element 220 into the inner tube 262, so that the flexible connecting element 220 and the coil spring 265 do not occupy the same space.

As in Figures 2A and 2B, Figure 4A shows the sliding door 140 in its closed position, while Figure 4B shows the sliding door 140 in its open position. The opening and closing sequence is the same, so detailed explanation is omitted.

In all embodiments shown herein, the spring device 210, 260 may be positioned in virtually any position where additional biasing elements are used to bias the flexible connecting element 220 toward the spring device 210, 260. A biasing element 240a may be positioned where the leading edge 141 of the sliding door 140 abuts when the sliding door 140 is in its closed position. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B, there is no additional biasing element between the biasing element 240a and the respective spring device. However, an additional biasing element may be positioned such that the spring device 210, 260 may be positioned in a location other than that shown in the drawings.

The self-closing door mounting kit can be advantageously used to retrofit manual curved sliding doors, both on rail vehicles and in buildings. Only a few components are required, which can be flexibly configured to suit the specific design and available installation space.

Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 bathroom cabin

110 roof assembly

120a, 120b side wall

130 lower guide rail

140 door

141 leading edge

145 door opening

150 bottom

210 spring device

211 spiral spring

212 roller

213 spring device housing

220 connecting element / rope

230 damping element

240, 240a diverter element

250 timer element

260 spring device

261 outer tube

262 inner tube

263 slot

265 helical spring / helical tension spring

267 fixing element

270 security element

Claims (15)

1. Curved sliding door assembly with automatic closing, comprising: a curved sliding door (140) that can move along a predefined curved path between an open position and a closed position; and a closing mechanism comprising: a spring device (210, 260) for moving the sliding door (140) to the closed position; a connecting element (220) having a first end connected to the spring device (210) and a second end connected to the sliding door (140), the spring device (210, 260) being tensioned when the sliding door (140) is moved to the open position; a plurality of biasing elements (240, 240a) arranged along the curved path of the sliding door (140) for guiding the connecting element (220) along the curved path; and a damping element (230) in engagement with the connecting element (220) for limiting movement of the connecting element (220) when the spring device (210, 260) pulls the connecting element (220) to move the sliding door (140) to the closed position. 2. Self-closing door assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spring device (210) comprises a spiral spring (211) for winding the connecting element (220). 3. Self-closing door assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spring device (210) comprises a spring rope pulley. 4. Self-closing door assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spring device (260) comprises an outer tube (261) housing a helical spring (265) that elongates along a longitudinal extension of the outer tube (261) when the sliding door (140) is moved towards the open position. 5. Self-closing door assembly according to claim 4, wherein the spring device (260) further comprises an inner guide element arranged in, and extending along, the outer tube (261), wherein the helical spring (265) is wound around the inner guide element and between the inner guide element and the outer tube (261). 6. Self-closing door assembly according to claim 5, wherein the inner guide element comprises an inner tube (262) for guiding the connecting element (220) therein, wherein the inner tube (262) has a longitudinal groove (263) through which a front end of the coil spring (265) connected to the connecting element (220) extends into the inner tube (262). 7. Self-closing door assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (220) is flexible but inelastic and comprises one of an inelastic rope, a cable, a chain or a belt. 8. Self-closing door assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (230) is a radial damper, particularly a radial damper with adjustable predefined damping force. 9. Self-closing door assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closing mechanism further comprises a timing element (250) adapted to maintain the sliding door (140) in the open position for a predetermined delay time and to release the sliding door (140) after the predetermined delay time has elapsed. 10. Self-closing door assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the timing element (250) is a mechanical timer, particularly a mechanical timer with adjustable delay time, preferably without electromechanical components. 11. Self-closing door assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the closing mechanism further comprises a safety element (270) for stopping the sliding door (140) before reaching the closed position, wherein the safety element (270) is in particular an end position stop that decelerates the movement of the sliding door (140). 12. Toilet cabin (100) for a railway vehicle, comprising a bottom part (150), a roof assembly (110), at least two side walls (120a, 120b) extending between the bottom part (150) and the roof assembly (110), and a self-closing door assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spring device (210, 260), the plurality of biasing elements (240, 240a) and the damping element (230) of the self-closing door assembly are attached to the roof assembly (110), wherein the connecting element (220) is attached to an upper end of the sliding door (140). 13. Bathroom cabin (100) according to claim 12, wherein the spring device (210, 260), the plurality of diverting elements (240, 240a) and the damping element (230) of the self-closing door assembly are arranged in a common level plane extending parallel to the bottom (150). 14. Bathroom cabin (100) according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a lower guide rail (130) in engagement with a lower end of the sliding door (140) for guiding the sliding door (140) at its lower end. 15. Self-closing door assembly kit for curved sliding door (140), preferably for a self-closing door assembly according to any of claims 1 to 11, movable along a predefined curved path between an open position and a closed position, the self-closing door assembly kit comprising: a spring device (210); a connecting element (220) having a first end for connecting to the spring device (210) and a second end for connecting to the sliding door (140); a plurality of diverting elements (240, 240a) to be arranged along the curved path of the sliding door (140) to guide the connecting element (220); and a damping element (230) for coupling with the connecting element (220) to limit movement of the connecting element (220); which also optionally includes: a timing element (250) adapted to hold the sliding door (140) in the open position for a predetermined delay time and to release the sliding door (140) after the predetermined delay time has elapsed; and a safety element (270) for stopping the movement of the sliding door (140).