EP1777364B1 - Magnetic plinth or door seal - Google Patents

Description

Technical area :

The present invention relates to a bottom skirting board sealing by a magnetic method; it is more particularly intended to constitute a bottom door device comprising two specific magnetic elements cooperating together when closing the door (see for example JP 081 89 264 ) which discloses a plinth according to the preamble of claim 1).

Prior art and technical problem:

To achieve such a device, it has been proposed a permanent magnet sealing element which extends in one piece along the entire length of the bottom of the door.

• en position basse, un élément inférieur en forme de M repose dans le logement qui est une rainure de section rectangulaire. Toutefois, il existe un interstice vertical situé de part et d'autre de la partie semi-souple mobile, interstice où s'infiltrent les eaux de lavage ainsi que la poussière, qui altère et amenuisent l'étanchéité assurée par la coopération des deux éléments et finissent rapidement par entraver le fonctionnement du système, l'étanchéité n'étant alors plus assurée.

Such a type of device is, for example, described in the patent EP 0 216 022 or DE3533782 , and involves a magnetic device comprising a magnetic door bottom and a movable magnetic element housed in the door sill, in an ad hoc cavity : in the closed position of the door, the magnetic element carried by the door bottom attracts the mobile element and makes them join; it turns out that this solution has some major disadvantages:

• in the low position, a lower M-shaped element rests in the housing which is a groove of rectangular section. However, there is a vertical gap located on either side of the mobile semi-flexible part, interstice where the washing waters and the dust infiltrate, which alters and reduces the watertightness ensured by the cooperation of the two elements. and quickly end up impeding the operation of the system, sealing is then no longer ensured.

Thus, because of the infiltration of water and dust or other debris, this solution has the disadvantage of creating resistance to closing and opening of said door and uncertain operation after use even short enough.

In addition, this door seal has the following drawback: the threshold does not respect an appropriate guide ratio between the height and the width, and this thus forms an "anti-mechanical" process which over time is a source of jamming and causes uncertain operation after prolonged use.

This disadvantage is serious because, in private homes, lack of tightness means that the device no longer fulfills the desired function, and requires disassembly, cleaning etc ... tedious; moreover, if the movable element gets stuck in the "semi-out" position, it constitutes an obstacle that can cause falls of people.

In industrial or office buildings, poor sealing can create a serious hazard on a fire door (or even on a conventional door, creating an unexpected call for air in case of fire). This disadvantage is aggravated by the high density of dust and small debris found in such premises.

The invention therefore more particularly to eliminate these serious disadvantages which, although they are well known, the profession has accommodated for about 20 years.

Description of the invention

1. 1°) un profilé rigide et statique en aluminium 1 non magnétique et fixé au sol 2 (ou équivalent) entre les chambranles de la porte, et comportant une gorge 3 ménagée dans le sol;
2. 2°) au moins un profilé et statique « magnétique » 4 fixé en sous-face de la porte 5 (ou équivalent);
3. 3°) un autre profilé « magnétique » 6 mais mobile verticalement (flèches V ) dans les deux sens, et de géométrie adaptée pour se loger (en position porte ouverte) dans la gorge du profilé en aluminium (ou équivalent), et comportant à sa partie supérieure un élément formant « chapeau » 7 c'est-à-dire un élément qui :
   • ne se loge pas dans la gorge 3 mais au contraire forme une protubérance au niveau de cette gorge, au dessus du sol ;
   • comporte deux ailes latérales 8 venant en recouvrement au moins partiel des parties latérales 9 du profilé fixe 1 ;
   • de géométrie et dimensions adaptées pour être compatibles avec le jeu existant entre le bas de porte et le sol, pour être capable de rejoindre dans le mouvement vertical V le profilé 4 fixé sous le bas de porte, pour ne pas constituer un obstacle dangereux au franchissement du seuil de porte, et pour que ses parois latérales 10 soient guidées dans leur mouvement vertical par les parois intérieures latérales 11 de ladite gorge 3.

The plinth according to the invention is of the type generally comprising the cooperation of two magnetic elements as defined by claim 1, and as defined by claim 1 comprises at least the three elements below:

1. 1) a rigid and static aluminum profile 1 non-magnetic and fixed to the floor 2 (or equivalent) between the door jambs, and having a groove 3 formed in the ground;
2. 2) at least one section and static "magnetic" 4 fixed on the underside of the door 5 (or equivalent);
3. 3 °) another "magnetic" profile 6 but movable vertically (arrows V) in both directions, and geometry adapted to be housed (in open door position) in the groove of the aluminum profile (or equivalent), and comprising its upper part a "hat" element 7, that is to say an element which:
   • does not lodge in the groove 3 but instead forms a protrusion at this groove, above the ground;
   • has two lateral flanges 8 at least partially overlapping the lateral portions 9 of the fixed profile 1;
   • of geometry and dimensions adapted to be compatible with the game existing between the bottom of the door and the ground, to be able to join in the vertical movement V the section 4 fixed under the door bottom, to not constitute a dangerous obstacle to the crossing the door sill, and so that its side walls 10 are guided in their vertical movement by the inner side walls 11 of said groove 3.

The two wings 8 have a straight section inclined towards the outside of the door.

The above is represented on the figure 1 attached.

On this non-limiting option, the profile 6 comprises three vertical "branches" 13.

According to another particular embodiment, the two sections 4 and 6 are semi-rigid, which is the preferred embodiment.

According to a less preferred option, they are made of a rigid material.

According to another non preferred option, one is rigid and the other semi-rigid.

As will be seen below, the term "magnetic" covers all the options that will be immediately accessible to those skilled in the art to confer sufficient magnetic properties to the sections 4 and 6, that is to say in particular magnetization of a plastic mass by magnetic particles, attachment of at least one magnet to the surface of the profile (s) considered, and other options.

According to one embodiment, the profiles 4 and 6 are made of a plastic or polymer material loaded with magnetic particles, density and polarity adapted so that the approximation (by closing the door) of the profiles 4 and 6 causes the movement V of the profile 6 upwards, and its junction, forming a seal, with the profile 4.

• les PUR (polyuréthannes),
• les PVC (chlorure de polyvinyles),
• les PEHD et PEBD (polyéthylènes haute et basse densité).

Said plastic or polymer material will preferably be chosen from:

• PUR (polyurethanes),
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride),
• HDPE and LDPE (high and low density polyethylenes).

According to another particular embodiment, figure 2 , the profile 6 comprises at least one, preferably two or three magnets 12 embedded in a non-magnetic mass, magnets which cooperate with the magnetic section 4.

According to another particular embodiment, not shown, the profile 4 comprises at least one, preferably two or three magnets embedded in a non-magnetic mass, magnets which cooperate with the profile 6.

According to another particular embodiment, the section 6 carries on its two lateral edges 15, at the flanges 8, at least one lip 14 which forms an additional seal by pressing against the side or face 16 of the door; preferably this lip will be disposed on the side where the door does not open, so as not to oppose its closure.

According to another particular embodiment, figure 4 , the upper part of the profile 6 carries a thin layer or "skin" (of the order of mm) of flexible foam (magnetic or not) which, in the movement V, will crash and compress against the profile 4. In this case, it may be preferable that the section 4 is rigid to promote crushing.

This thin layer of flexible foam may be replaced by one or more flexible foam beads, magnetic or not, thin, of the order of mm, distributed on the upper surface of the profile 6 (not shown option).

Such a foam will for example be a foamed PUR.

According to another particular embodiment, the profile 4 and the profile 6 have, one a groove 16 and the other a protrusion 19, of geometry and dimensions adapted to fit into one another at closure .

According to one option, an electrical contact 20 is provided on the profile 4, corresponding to an electrical contact 21 on the profile 6, the correct contact or the proper engagement of the sections 6 and 4 closing the electrical circuit and lighting, for example, a warning light indicating correct sealing, especially in industrial or office premises, especially sensitive areas. These contacts were represented on the figure 4 , but can naturally be installed on all options.

The "hat", including the wings 8, which marries and rests perfectly on the threshold 1, thus preventing dust and water from infiltrating since the vertical gap no longer exists on either side of the aforesaid door joint.

The profile (preferably aluminum) 1, is provided with guides 11, harmonized with the movable magnetic element 6, so as to establish a height / width ratio to promote smooth and durable operation over time.

As will be seen below, the preferred mode comprises a groove 3 which is in fact composed of several housings.

In one example, the baseboard skirting board has been represented in its simplest form: it comprises a rigid and static advantage, preferably aluminum fixed to the ground (or equivalent), called threshold, and a semi-circular profile. rigid and static having a magnetization provided by a magnet element fixed on the underside of the door (or equivalent) and another semi-rigid but mobile section made of magnetic material that is housed in the groove of the aluminum profile (or equivafent ).

The profiled threshold is a curved section having in its center at least 3 grooves.

The profile is a mobile magnetic seal provided with a "cap" resting directly on the threshold thus preventing the creation of a gap between said profile and said threshold. It is also equipped with three legs or "branches", as shown in figure 5 , which "slip" into the grooves of said threshold, the geometries and dimensions of the various parts being adapted for perfect cooperation in the vertical movement V and also to ensure very good vertical guidance of the movable section.

In this example, the semi-rigid and static profile 40 of magnetic material fixed on the underside of the door has a convex shape and thus cooperates with the semi-rigid but mobile profile of magnetic material which has a concave shape thereby favoring the cohesion of the two elements.

The "hat" anti-dust whose wings 8, which cooperate with the threshold for the purpose of sealing, is more or less rounded shape but may also be made with a slope and have a single rim, of preferably two and size 555, but the size may be quite different.

Claims (23)

1. Plinth of the type comprising, in a general way, the cooperation of two magnetic elements comprising at least the three elements below:

   1) a static, rigid aluminium section (1) which is non-magnetic and is fixed to the floor (2) between the jambs of the door, and which comprises a channel (3) which is arranged in the floor;

   2) at least one "magnetic", static section (4) which is fixed on the underside of the door (5);

   3) another section (6) which is "magnetic" but is movable vertically (V) in both directions and has a geometry which is adapted to lodge, in the position with the door open, within the channel of the aluminium section, and comprises, at its upper part, an element which forms a "hat" (7), that is to say an element which:

   - does not lodge within the channel (3) but, on the contrary, forms a protuberance above the floor at the said channel;

   - comprises two lateral flanges (8) which at least partly overlap the lateral parts (9) of the fixed section (1);

   - has a geometry and dimensions which are adapted to be compatible with the clearance that exists between the bottom of the door and the floor, so as to be capable of meeting up, in the course of the vertical movement (V), with the section (4) which is fixed under the bottom of the door, so as not to constitute a dangerous obstacle to crossing the door threshold, and so that its side walls (10) are guided in their vertical movement by the inner side walls (11) of the said channel (3);

   characterised in that the two flanges (8) have a straight section which is inclined in a bevel towards the outside of the door.
2. Plinth according to Claim 1, characterised in that the section (6) comprises three vertical "branches" (13).
3. Plinth according to either of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the two sections (4) and (6) are semi-rigid.
4. Plinth according to either of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the two sections are made of a rigid material.
5. Plinth according to either of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that one of the sections is rigid and the other semi-rigid.
6. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the sections (4) and (6) are made of a plastic or polymer material charged with magnetic particles which have a density and polarity which are adapted so that the coming of the sections (4) and (6) closer to one another (as a result of the closing of the door) causes the upward movement (V) of the section (6) and the joining of the latter to the section (4), forming a seal.
7. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the said plastic or polymer material will preferably be chosen from among the following:

   - PUR's (polyurethanes);

   - PVC's (polyvinyl chlorides);

   - HDPE's and LDPE's (high-density and low-density polyethylenes).
8. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the section (6) comprises at least one, and preferably two or three, magnets (12) embedded in a non-magnetic masse, which magnets cooperate with the magnetic section (4).
9. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the section (4) comprises at least one, and preferably two or three, magnets embedded in a non-magnetic mass, which magnets cooperate with the section (6).
10. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the section (6) carries on its two lateral chamfers (15), at the flanges (8), at least one lip (14) which forms an additional seal by resting against the side or face (16) of the door; the said lip will be disposed on the side on which the door does not open, so as not to oppose the closing thereof.
11. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the upper part of the section (6) carries a thin layer or "skin", of the order of one millimetre, of flexible foam which, in the course of the movement (V), will be squashed and compressed against the section (4); said section (4) may be rigid in order to promote the squashing operation.
12. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the upper part of the section (6) carries one or more pads made of flexible foam, whether magnetic or not, which are of low thickness, of the order of one millimetre, and are distributed over the upper surface of said section (6).
13. Plinth according to Claim 12, characterised in that a foam of this kind will be a foamed PUR.
14. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that, of the section (4) and the section (6), one has a channel (18) and the other a protuberance (19), which channel and protuberance have a geometry and dimensions which are adapted so that one fits into the other when closure occurs.
15. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 14, characterised in that an electrical contact (20) is provided on the section (4) in a manner corresponding to an electrical contact (21) on the section (6), correct contact or correct engagement of the sections (6) and (4) closing the electrical circuit and lighting an indicator light which signals correct sealing, this being the case in industrial or office premises, which are the sensitive areas.
16. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the "hat", including the flanges (8), hugs, and rests completely on, the threshold (1), thus preventing dust and water from getting in, since the vertical interstice no longer exists on either side of the aforesaid door seal.
17. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the section (1) is provided with guides (11) which are matched with the movable magnetic element (6) in such a way as to establish a height/width ratio which is capable of promoting functioning which is smooth and durable over time.
18. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the plinth comprises a static, rigid section, preferably made of aluminium and fixed to the floor, which is referred to as a "threshold" (1), as well as a static, semi-rigid section having magnetisation supplied by a magnet element which is fixed on the underside of the door (5), and another section which is semi-rigid but movable and made of magnetic material and which lodges within the channel of the aluminium section.
19. Plinth according to Claim 18, characterised in that the profiled threshold (1) is a cambered section which comprises at least 3 channels (3) in its centre.
20. Plinth according to Claim 18, characterised in that the section is a movable magnetic seal provided with a "hat" (7) which rests directly on the threshold, thus preventing the creation of an interstice between the said section and the said threshold; it is also provided with three legs or "branches" (6) which "slide" within the channels (3) of the said threshold (1), the geometries and dimensions of the various pieces being adapted for perfect cooperation in the vertical movement (V) and also to ensure very satisfactory vertical guidance of the movable section.
21. Plinth according to Claim 18, characterised in that the static, semi-rigid section which is made of magnetic material and is fixed on the underside of the door (5) has a convex shape and thus cooperates with the semi-rigid but movable section made of magnetic material which, for its part, has a concave shape that thus promotes cohesion of the two elements.
22. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the anti-dust "hat", including the flanges (8) which cooperate with the threshold for the purpose of ensuring sealing, is rounded in shape.
23. Plinth according to any of Claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the anti-dust "hat" (7) may be produced with a slope and comprise a single edge, or two edges.

Images