EP0191304B1 - Shower screen - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Partition (10) for showers, including a light metal profile frame (12) having vertical side stops (16), especially uprights, as well as horizontal top and bottom guide rails (14, 14'), including three shiftable door panels (18, 20, 22) each of which has a framed translucent area (24) and which are interarticulated so as to be foldable, and further including sealing components (56, 60, 70, etc.) at the profile frame and at the door panels, wherein the three door panels (18, 20, 22) are arranged to be shiftable and foldable between the vertical side stops (16) to either side thereof, the middle door panel (20) being connected to one outer door panel (e.g. 22) by an articulation (30) and to the other outer door panel (18) by a slidable articulation (28), and wherein the middle door panel (20) comprises in its upper frame profile (26) a guiding groove (36) for the slidable articulation (28).

Description

The invention relates to a shower screen according to the preamble of claim 1.

Conventional shower partitions, e.g. B. as disclosed in DE-A-2856171 and 3306 429, consist of several panel door segments, each of which is articulated to one another at adjacent vertical edges. In general, an end-side door segment is articulated on the outside of a wall fastening rail, and the door segments of the shower wall are preferably aligned in the closed state. In some constructions, the door segments open inwards like a harmonica, for which purpose special joint designs and sealing elements can be provided.

DE-A-2 912 126 describes a bathtub or shower tray partition with a three-part sliding door without the possibility of folding. The individual elements of the door can be moved back and forth in parallel guide rails, in both directions. Even when all three door panels are pushed aside, the free opening is limited to around 60% of the total width; with the actual dimensions of conventional shower trays from z. B. 80 cm width makes the remaining disability a lot.

A shower cubicle disclosed in FR-A-2 502 678 has a single-surface door which can be pushed onto a side wall by means of a swivel mechanism. At least one high edge of the door must be slidable; At the top and bottom there is an ordinary swivel on an arm articulated in a corner. The door hangs from it in such a way that either its left or right edge can be moved towards the corner. No other opening or closing direction is possible.

In the case of a tub attachment according to EP-A-0102270, a displaceable second door field is accommodated in a door field hinged on one side. This two-part construction also only allows one and the same opening and closing direction.

A partition shown in FR-A-2 280 777 has an angular frame with two guideways in which two door panels can be moved individually or together, even in the corner area. However, this two-leaf arrangement gives no indication of how a similar free lateral movement could also be achieved with three door elements hinged to one another.

DE-U-7 908 685 discloses a shower partition with at least three segments which are flush with one another in the closed state. An outer segment is hinged to a vertical fixed frame part; the next one can be pushed in parallel, whereupon a V-shaped folding into the shower cubicle is possible. However, the fixed linkage does not allow any displacement of the joint or the outer segment. Rather, only a pair of segments can be moved in one direction and only then folded. The joint must be moved to the end position every time, otherwise a pivoting movement would not be possible or the joint would be destroyed by the door lever action. Despite a relatively large effort, this partition remains limited to a fixed link on a side post.

A three-element partition for shower or bath tubs according to DE-U-7 318 559 has a telescopic guide for the lower and upper frame parts. Fixing, for example by hinge articulation, is essential on one side. The middle door element can only be moved in one direction to one outer door segment, but not to the other outer door segment.

When installing shower walls, however, it can happen that the local conditions require the installation of a door hinge on a certain side, but for actual use the opening and closing in the opposite direction might be much better. It is often not possible to sufficiently take into account the wishes of the user. Therefore, there is a need for a design that can be adapted to different operating conditions. It is an important object of the invention to improve a shower screen of the type mentioned at the outset with the most economical means so that assembly and operation are independent of the direction of opening and closing. In particular, the invention aims to simplify handling for all users.

The principle of solving this problem forms the characterizing part of claim 1. Refinements are the subject of claims 2 to 19.

By arranging the three door segments to be displaceable and foldable between the lateral boundaries on both sides, there are significant advantages for the installation and use. In any case, the need for an articulated connection of an outer door segment with a lateral boundary, for. B. a vertical mounting rail of the usual type. This not only brings a cost saving, but above all a great ease of use with it.

The invention goes far beyond the state of the art, and above all the disadvantages of double-wing partition walls are overcome. Such constructions require too much space for the doors inside the shower cubicles; the already scarce space is usually also restricted by wall fittings protruding from the wall. Furthermore, the arrangement of a third wing brings with it major design problems, for which partition walls with an even number of segments cannot offer any suggestion. The inventor allows it in a surprisingly simple way the first time for three-part folding walls to make the opening on both sides, regardless of whether the user is in front / outside or back / inside. The space inside the shower cubicle is small and the freedom of movement correspondingly large.

According to claim 2, the middle door segment is offset from the two outer door segments forward or outward. The invention therefore gives up the requirement for a flush shower wall in the closed state, which leads to considerable simplification of construction. Because the middle door segment is wider, it is also suitable for decorative effects. For example, it can accommodate a different decor than the side parts, a mirror or the like. In addition, the wider frame of the middle door segment is a particularly suitable component for the mechanical connecting elements.

In the claims 3 to 8 details of an opening mechanism on the middle door segment are given. According to claim 3, an openable by means of the sliding swivel is present on the swivel. So if an outer door segment is moved, the transition from the closed position takes place by actuating the opener, which releases the folding in on the middle door segment. It can be designed according to claim 4 as a two-armed lever, lever arms and sliding surfaces of different lengths according to claims 5 to 7 have special functions for actuation, but also for the idle state. According to claim 8, an arm projecting into the guide groove can also be a limit stop for the associated outer door segment.

Slideway and swivel bracket of the door segments are specified in claims 9 to 12. These include closure elements, especially magnetic strips, such as those used for. B. according to DE-U-80 29 984 only used at the shower entrance. According to the invention, they are used on both sides and also replace the joint seal of the conventional stop connection on a side post or a fastening rail. It is particularly important that the lower guide rail, on which the door segments are guided by means of castors, is completely free of openings, slots, grooves or the like, which not only eliminates the susceptibility to malfunction of the guide, but also makes maintenance extremely easy.

The edges of the shower wall assigned to the lateral boundaries are provided, according to claim 13, with handles or grip strips, to which a further grip strip can be hinged in accordance with claim 14. Snap-in inserts according to claim 15 allow a smooth, round shape that also allows decorative designs. Thanks to the pressure of a rib according to claim 16, the locking can take place elastically and non-positively.

The construction specified in claim 17 provides a stop body which is arranged opposite the swivel joint on the middle door segment and which pushes the middle door segment to the side when a start-up or wedge surface of the outer swivel joint provided with the sliding swivel joint approaches and thus swings it open.

The closing is supported by a locking device according to claim 18, whereby the outer door segments are slightly raised during the closing movement and engage in the closed position. An asymmetrical double wedge that interacts with a nose on the profile frame is particularly advantageous for this.

A post-free corner entry can be realized very easily by attaching a further similar shower wall at an angle to a first shower wall.

• Fig. 1 eine schematisierte Schrägansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Duschwand,
• Fig. 2 eine noch stärker schematisierte Draufsicht auf eine Duschwand nach der Erfindung,
• Fig. 3 vier schematisierte Draufsichten mit einer Duschwand nach der Erfindung in verschiedenen Gebrauchsstellungen,
• Fig. 4 eine konstruktive Draufsicht auf die Gelenkanordnung einer geschlossenen Duschwand nach der Erfindung,
• Fig. 4a eine Teil-Seitenansicht einer Rastvorrichtung,
• Fig. 5 eine Teil-Draufsicht ähnlich Fig. 4 einer Öffnungs-Phase,
• Fig. 6 eine kombinierte Schnittansicht einer Türsegment-Aufhängung,
• Fig. 6a eine Teil-Draufsicht auf die Türsegment-Aufhängung von Fig. 6 und
• Fig. 7 eine Schnittansicht durch eine seitliche Begrenzung sowie eine Griffleiste mit Abdichtelementen.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention result from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. In it show:

• 1 is a schematic oblique view of a shower wall according to the invention,
• 2 is an even more schematic top view of a shower wall according to the invention,
• 3 shows four schematic top views with a shower wall according to the invention in different positions of use,
• 4 is a constructive top view of the hinge arrangement of a closed shower wall according to the invention,
• 4a is a partial side view of a locking device,
• 5 shows a partial top view similar to FIG. 4 of an opening phase,
• 6 is a combined sectional view of a door segment suspension,
• Fig. 6a is a partial plan view of the door segment suspension of Fig. 6 and
• Fig. 7 is a sectional view through a lateral boundary and a handle bar with sealing elements.

A shower wall generally designated 10 is shown in Fig. 1 for itself, d. H. without wall connection. You can on a bathtub or shower tray u. Like. Be attached. A profile frame 12 has an upper guide rail 14 and a lower guide rail 14 'and side boundaries 16, which can be designed as posts or fastening rails. Three door segments or wings 18, 20, 22 are provided, each having a transparent field 24 and a frame profile 26.

As can be seen from the schematic plan view in FIG. 2, when the shower wall 10 is closed, the middle door segment 20 is further forward or outside than the two lateral or outer door segments 18, 22. The latter each have handles or, on the side facing the boundaries 16, Handle strips 58. The left door segment 18 is connected to the central door segment by means of a sliding swivel joint 28 and this is connected to the right door segment by means of a swivel joint 30. This hinge arrangement enables a sliding folding movement, for which an intermediate state is illustrated in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a typical mode of use. In part A, a schematically represented user M opens the shower wall 10 by grasping the right handle 58 with the right hand and pushing the right door segment 22 in the R direction to the left. The sliding swivel joint 28 slides along the middle door segment 20, which at the same time folds in with the two side door segments 18, 22. Part B shows the state in which the shower wall 10 is pushed all the way to the left and folded. The user M can easily get into the shower tray and close the wall 10 from the inside (partial image C). As shown in drawing D, the wall 10 can be opened in the opposite direction G, the user M (again with the right hand) touching the left handle 58 seen from the outside and initiating the opening process by moving the left door segment 18. In this case, the fully opened shower wall 10 would be folded up exactly as shown in partial picture B, but on the opposite side.

Because the shower wall 10 can be opened and closed on each side, the direction of actuation no longer plays a role for the first time. The use of a typical right-handed person was explained above. It is also possible to make the opening in direction G and the closing in direction R, which z. B. a left-hander could automatically tum. At no time is it specified for any user M in which direction he wants to operate the shower wall 10, whether he is in a cabin or in front of it. In any case, there is also a large space inside during the folding of the door, since the joint arrangement 28/30 moves into the last third of the space, so that the user M is guaranteed ample freedom of movement.

The structure and mode of operation of the joint arrangement are illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. The three door segments 18, 20, 22 are shortened for the purposes of illustration. It can be seen that the sliding swivel joint 28 has an arm 74 with a pressure piece 54 which slides in a guide groove 36 in the upper frame profile 26 of the middle door segment 20. In a free space 38 (FIG. 6) of this profile there is an opener 40 which is pivotably mounted with a bearing 46 within a certain angular range. The opener 40 has two lever arms 42, 48 of different lengths, which are at an obtuse angle to one another. A sliding cam 44 is provided on the shorter lever arm 42, on which the pressure piece 54 of the sliding rotary joint 28 engages for actuation. The end of the longer lever arm 48 lies against a joint head 50 of the swivel joint 30, with which the right door segment 22 is articulated on the middle door segment 20. The joint head 50 has a sliding surface 52 which runs vertically and is inclined to the guide groove 36, one end of which merges into a run-in curve 72.

The function of the arrangement is explained below on the basis of the closed shower wall according to FIG. 4. When the left door segment 18 is pushed to the right in the direction of the arrow I, the sliding swivel joint 28 moves forward in the guide groove 36 in the frame profile 26 of the middle door segment 20. As soon as it reaches the slide cam 44 of the opener 40, the arm 74 presses the shorter lever arm 42 with the pressure piece 54 back into the free space 38 of the frame profile 26. As a result, the opener 40 pivots around the bearing 46 in the direction of arrow 111 and its longer lever arm 48 presses in the direction of arrow IV on the sliding surface 52 on the joint head 50 of the swivel joint 30. Then the door segments 20 and 22 bend from the parallel position (180 °) in the direction of the arrow 11 and V (Fig. 5), on z. B. 140 ° inwards, the end of the longer lever arm 48 abuts the inlet curve 72 of the sliding surface 52. By pushing the left door segment 18, the sliding swivel joint 28 moves freely to the open end position next to the swivel joint 30, so that all three door leaves 18, 20, 22 are folded in next to each other, while the opener 40 returns to its starting position. Its longer lever arm 48 extends so far to the right in the concealed free space area 38 of the frame profile 26 that the arm 74 of the sliding swivel joint 28 cannot move behind the opener 40 with the greatest possible opening. This rules out a malfunction.

If the door is actuated from the right, the opening process proceeds in the same way, with the relative movements of the individual parts being the same.

When the shower wall 10 is closed, the sliding swivel joint 28 temporarily moves the opener 40 into the open position, while the pressure piece 54 again passes the slide cam 44. However, since the movement of the door segments apart extends the angle between the door segments 20 and 22, i.e. approaches the parallel position (180 °), the sliding surface 52 presses the longer lever arm 48 inwards, so that the opener 40 swings back into its starting position.

Closing requires little effort. A latching device 82 (FIG. 4a) supports the transition to the closed position. For this purpose, a lug 84 can be provided on the frame profile 26 of the outer door segments 18, 22 on the handle side, at least below or above, which interacts with a double wedge 86 on the relevant guide rail 14 or 14 '. This advantageously has a flatter slope 88 and a steeper slope 90. During the closing movement, a nose 84 arranged at the bottom runs up on the flat slope 88 and falls in along the steep slope 90. As a result, the associated door segment 18 or 22 is raised and lowered slightly. The latter process serves to gently latch the shower wall 10 in its closed position.

Further details of the structure are shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 6a. The upper guide rail 14 has grooves 34, on or in which the sliding elements are movable, which carry the door segments 18, 20, 22. For this purpose, there is a support body 62 with a clamping part 64 on the frame menprofil 26 attached to the door segment concerned. The support body 62 holds a roller 66 which is supported on a groove 34 and moves in the cavity 32. The frame profiles 26 of the side door segments 18, 22 are provided with a splash guard 70 which projects beyond the frame profile 26 of the central door segment 20 and can be designed as a bent sheet metal. On the end side, ie facing the lateral boundaries 16, the outer door segments 18, 22 each have a grip strip 58. This is connected via a grip joint 68 to an inner grip strip 58 ', which in turn is attached to the frame profile 26 of the relevant door segment. While the rollers 66 carry the weight of the door segments and allow their displacement in the upper guide rail 14, the handle joints 68 allow the outer door segments 18, 22 to be folded in. Outside, at or near the edges 56, these outer door segments 18, 22 each have magnetic strips 60 (FIG. 7), which cooperate with corresponding magnetic strips in the lateral boundary 16. The shape of the handle strips 58 also ensures that splash protection is provided on the high edges 56.

7 that the profile of the grip strips 58 has vertically extending steps or shoulders 78, 78 '. This can be supported by a handle insert 76, the inner or bottom part of which rests against a rib 80 under elastic tension. Such handle inserts 76 are interchangeable; Depending on the color and shape or surface quality, a wide variety of decorative effects can therefore be achieved by using appropriate grip inserts 76.

In general, the shower wall 10 according to the invention is characterized by being easy to care for. There are no hidden corners or grooves, and a guide roller guide is provided on the lower guide rail 14 ', which is designed as a closed strip and has no openings or slots. Conventionally necessary inner guide elements or grooves with holding parts (folding profiles) or inner guide rods or holding profiles are therefore unnecessary.

A particular advantage of the construction according to the invention is that one and the same door segments 18, 20, 22 can also be used in a narrower frame 12. Is it e.g. B. necessary to arrange the side boundaries 16 with a smaller internal width than would correspond to the fully extended shower wall 10, suitable compensating pieces can be attached to the vertical posts or mounting rails. The movement sequence of the door segments 18, 20, 22 is not influenced by this.

Legend PA 455 EP

• M user R direction
• r frame thickness G opposite direction
• I to V arrow directions
• 10 shower screen
• 12 profile frames
• 14 upper} guide rail
• 14 'lower í
• 16 pages Limits / posts
• 18 left
• 20 middle door segment (wing)
• 22 right)
• 24 transparent field
• 26 frame (profile)
• 28 sliding swivel
• 30 swivel
• 32 cavity
• 34 groove
• 36 guide groove
• 38 free space
• 40 NC contacts
• 42 shorter lever arm
• 44 sliding cams
• 46 bearings
• 48 longer lever arm
• 50 rod end
• 52 sliding surface
• 54 pressure piece
• 56 upright
• 58.58 'Handle (bars)
• 60 magnetic strips
• 62 supporting body
• 64 clamping part
• 66 roller
• 68 handle joint
• 70 splash guard
• 72 inlet curve
• 74 arm
• 76 handle insert
• 78, 78 'steps / shoulders
• 80 rib
• 82 locking device
• 84 nose
• 86 double wedge
• 88 flat (right) bevels
• 90 steep (re) slope

Claims (19)

1. Partition (10) for showers, including a light metal profile frame (12) having vertical side stops (16), especially uprights, as well as horizontal top and bottom guide rails (14, 14'), including three shiftable door panels (18, 20, 22) each of which has a framed translucent area (24) and which are interarticulated so as to be foldable, and further including sealing components (56, 60, 70, etc.) at the profile frame and at the door panels, wherein the three door panels (18, 20, 22) are arranged to be shiftable and foldable between the vertical side stops (16) to either side thereof, the middle door panel (20) being connected to one outer door panel (e. g. 22) by an articulation (30) and to the other outer door panel (18) by a slidable articulation (28), and wherein the middle door panel (20) comprises in its upper frame profile (26) a guiding groove (36) for the slidable articulation (28).

2. Partition according to claim 1, wherein the middle door panel (20) is, in or at the guide rails (14, 14'), salient relative to the front or exterior and is wider, by frame thickness (r), than the outer door panels (18, 22) which join to the left and right and are guided offset to the rear or interior.

3. Partition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the articulation (30) includes an opener (40) adapted to be operated by means of the slidable articulation (28).

4. Partition according to claim 3, wherein the opener (40) is a two-arm lever and is supported, adjacent the guiding groove (36), in a free space (38) in the upper frame profile (26) of the middle door panel (20).

5. Partition according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the opener (40) is pivotable by the slidable articulation passing by and includes, adjacent the articulation (30), a longer lever arm (48) engaging a slide face (52) thereof which points toward the front of the middle door panel (20).

6. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the articulation (30) includes a joint crown (50) bearing the slide face (52) which is a vertical slope having a run-in contour (72).

7. Partition according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the opener (40) includes, opposite the articulation (30), a shorter lever arm (42) with a tappet (44) adapted to be engaged by a plunger (54) of the slidable articulation (28) as the latter passes by.

8. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the slidable articulation (28) comprises an arm (74) that projects into the guiding groove (36) and also forms a stop to the articulated frame profile (26) of the associated outer door panel (18).

9. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the three door panels (18, 20, 22) comprise, near at least one corner, sliding components (66) for guiding them along or in the top guide rails (14).

10. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the three door panels (18, 20, 22) are guided by slide-rollers engaging the bottom guide rail (14') and wherein the latter is of closed shape, i. e. devoid of apertures or slots.

11. Partition according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the three door panels (18, 20, 22) are supported by rollers (66) borne by holding members (62) in a free space (32) of the top guide rail (14) and wherein each holding member (62) is attached to a frame profile (26) or to a profile portion, especially by snap or clamp action.

12. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the side stops (16) and the vertical panel edges (56) adjacent them are provided with sealing means, in particular with magnetic strips (60).

13. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the side panels (18, 22) includes, at their vertical edges (56) adjacent the side posts (16), at least one handle or a handle ledge (58, 58').

14. Partition according to claim 13, wherein a handle articulation (68) for a handle ledge (58') connected to the associated outer door panel (18, 22) is provided at the top and bottom of the or each handle (58).

15. Partition according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the or each handle ledge (58) is concave outwardly and includes vertical shoulders (78, 78') behind which a handle inset (76) is adapted to snap.

16. Partition according to claim 15, wherein there is, between the shoulders (78, 78'), a rib (80) positively engaged by the handle inset (76).

17. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a stop-shaped opener (40) is mounted to the middle door panel (20) adjacent that vertical edge thereof which adjoins the outer door panel (18) comprising the slidable articulation (28) and wherein the upper frame profile (26) of said outer panel includes, near the handle ledge (58), a ramp or wedge lace associated to the stop-shaped opener.

18. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the frame profile (26) of the outer door panels (18, 22) includes, either on top or at the bottom near their handle ledges, a snap-in device (82), in particular a dog (84) arranged to glide towards the closed position onto a double gib (86) acting as a detent.

19. Partition according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at an angle thereto, a second partition (10) identical to the primary one is provided to form a shower cubicle with an entry free of posts.

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