EP2476814B1 - Attic stairs - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an attic staircase for arranging or closing an opening formed in a ceiling or a floor, with a frame, a fastening section, a hatch cover and a hinge as well as a multi-part folding staircase.

Attic stairs of the type mentioned at the outset are often also used as closing devices for closing an opening formed in a ceiling or a floor. The opening is formed in a ceiling or floor of a building and the floor closing device or attic stairs are used there. In such cases, the attic stairs are usually designed to be foldable and are usually used in houses in which the space is limited or the attic is not developed. These foldable attic stairs are generally pivotable through an opening in the ceiling or the attic and, in a folded-in state, are arranged above the opening.

Attic stairs or floor closing devices, which are known in the prior art, are as a rule pivotably attached to the opening by means of conventional hinges, as are known from conventional attic hatches.

Basically, a floor closure device is installed in one of two ways: According to a first alternative, the floor closure device is completely preassembled and then mounted as a whole on the ceiling, in particular screwed to a section of the opening. However, this type of assembly is disadvantageous because the weight of the floor closure device is very high and cannot be carried out by a single person without great effort. In addition, occupational safety regulations prevent this type of assembly in many countries. A second possibility is not to pre-assemble the closing device, but first to prepare the fastening section, then to attach the hinge and the hatch cover, and only finally to assemble the stairs that move up and down with the bottom closing device. The disadvantage of this method is the number of work steps and the associated time required for assembly.

Another disadvantage of the conventional bottom closure devices with conventional hinges and conventional hatch covers is that such hinges are usually made of metal and often have gaps, albeit small. This has a negative impact on the thermal insulation properties of a conventional hatch cover.

DE 28 30 317 A1 discloses a swing-out attic staircase which is attached to a stair plate so that it can be extended and retracted. The stair plate is hinged with one edge on a frame built into the opening of a room ceiling. The stair slab is made up of two outer, load-bearing, level layers in the form of chipboard and an inner, heat-insulating layer.

JP H09 328982 A discloses an attic staircase in which the staircase is attached to the load-bearing hatch cover. The hatch cover is fastened to a frame via a hinge and a fastening section.

DE 26 05 596 A1 shows a device for folding and unfolding a retractable staircase in connection with a tilting flap as access to a higher-lying living space, such as the roof structure or attic. Folding and unfolding facilities are also provided.

AT 004 864 U1 discloses an attic staircase with a load-bearing hatch frame to which both a hatch cover and a folding folding staircase are hinged. An actuator for the folding movement is also provided.

It is the object of the present invention to specify an attic staircase which is improved with regard to at least one of the problems mentioned.

The object is achieved by an attic staircase with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, the hatch cover is essentially formed from a heat-insulating insulation material. Thus, according to the invention, a significantly improved heat-insulating insulation property of an attic staircase according to the invention is achieved. Hatch covers, which are essentially formed from a heat-insulating insulation material, have a very low weight, as a result of which the assembly of a floor closure device according to the invention is made considerably easier. If the cover has a low weight, the alignment and the fastening of the hatch cover to a fastening section can be carried out by one person. In particular, this embodiment is preferred if the hinge of the hatch cover can be connected to the fastening section in a form-fitting manner. The assembly of an attic staircase formed in this way is considerably simplified. Such a simplified assembly can save time and costs, and the security during assembly is greater, since no complicated assembly processes have to be carried out and no heavy weights have to be lifted by the assembling persons. In addition, a change of the hatch cover is particularly easy due to the design of the hinge according to the invention, so that hatch covers made of heat-insulating material (insulation material) can also be retrofitted subsequently without great effort. The entire hatch cover is preferably formed essentially from the heat-insulating insulation material. The hatch cover does not have any sections that have a lower thermal insulation power, and the two rooms separated by the attic stairs are even better thermally insulated from one another.

According to the invention, the hatch cover is designed essentially in one piece. The production of such a hatch cover is considerably simplified, and the hatch cover has a uniform and good thermal insulation force. According to the invention, no frame, such as a wooden or metal frame, is provided for such a hatch cover. However, the hatch cover has cladding, lamination or the like on its outer surface. In this way, the visual impression and the flush are advantageously developed. The hatch cover is formed from a foam core which has an insulating foam or is formed from an insulating foam which has good thermal insulation properties. On its outer surface, this foam core has a thin plastic lamination or cladding, which prevents moisture from entering the foam core, preventing damage to the foam core protects and provides an improved appearance. The hinge can then be attached to the laminated surface and / or to the foam core.

The hinge is particularly preferably connected to the hatch cover in a force-locking manner, preferably by means of an adhesive connection. Such a hatch cover has a very low weight and further simplifies assembly. Although the dead weight of the attic staircase is not fully apparent due to the support of a spring mechanism, the handling and use of an attic staircase according to the invention is simplified by the low weight. Also, no special support devices have to be provided for the cover, which means that an attic staircase is simplified and made more cost-effective overall.

An attic staircase according to the invention is preferably characterized in that the hinge can be connected to the fastening section in a form-fitting manner. In this way, according to the invention, the assembly of an attic staircase is considerably simplified, since an alignment of the hatch cover with respect to the fastening section during assembly is almost unnecessary. Only the positive connection between the hinge and the fastening section has to be established. Another advantage of the interlocking connection of the hinge with the fastening section is that the interlocking is established without tools. For this purpose, corresponding form-locking elements are preferably arranged on the hinge and on the fastening section. The form-locking elements on the hinge side are furthermore preferably arranged on the limbs of the hinge assigned to the fastening section. Such form-fit elements can include all known forms of form-fit elements, such as, for example, grooves, projections, undercuts, form-fit elements, which are designed in the manner of hooks and eyes, as well as click connections, plug connections and the like. Furthermore, the bottom closure device preferably has means for locking the form-fitting connection. The form-fitting connection is thus secured against unintentional loosening. Such locking or securing means can include, for example: locking lugs, split pins, bolts, screws, adhesives and the like. The assembly of a termination device according to the invention can thus be carried out easily. After the positive connection has been established, it can be locked. Both steps can be carried out independently of one another and can be carried out by a single person.

In a preferred embodiment, the leg of the hinge assigned to the fastening section is arranged essentially perpendicular to an essentially horizontal opening and has an obliquely arranged projection which is designed to interact with a corresponding recess or a corresponding projection of the fastening section. If the opening is essentially horizontal, for example in a ceiling or in a floor, it is particularly preferred to arrange the leg associated with the fastening section on the essentially perpendicular section of the opening parallel to the latter. So this leg is not visible from the outside. The inclined projection is preferably inclined in the direction of the (lower) ceiling. Establishing the form-fitting connection is particularly simple, since in such an embodiment this essentially equates to hanging. By hanging the first form-locking element arranged on the leg into the second form-locking element arranged on the fastening section, the form-locking connection is established according to the invention. In an alternative, the first form-locking element arranged on the leg is designed as a hook. In a further alternative, the leg which is assigned to the fastening section has a multiplicity of hooks arranged next to one another.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the leg assigned to the fastening section has a multiplicity of horizontally running corrugations or ribs which are designed to interact with corresponding corrugations or ribs on the fastening section. According to this embodiment, the form-fitting connection is designed to allow a large number of positioning options for the hinge with respect to the fastening section. Positioning is simplified by the large number of ribs or waves. Furthermore, the leg assigned to the fastening section can have a multiplicity of vertically running corrugations or ribs which are designed to interact with corresponding corrugations or ribs on the fastening section. This also simplifies horizontal positioning by means of the vertically running waves or ribs. In particular, the corrugations or ribs are advantageous if locking or securing means are provided for the form-fitting connection. This prevents the hinge from slipping or shifting with respect to the fastening section after locking by means of the ribs or waves.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the hinge has a first and a second limb and a flexible section arranged between the limbs, so that the first limb is pivotably connected to the second limb. The flexible section is preferably designed to be continuous. In such a hinge, the flexible section further preferably extends over the entire length of the legs, so that the section connecting the legs does not have any holes, openings or recesses. The insulating effect of a hinge according to the invention is thus increased since, for example, cold air is prevented from passing through. The flexible section is preferably essentially airtight, so that essentially no air can pass between the two rooms separated by the floor closure device, which is designed as an attic staircase. The flexible section can be formed, for example, from a rubber material, a plastic material, a reinforced and / or coated textile material, a flexible metallic material or the like.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the hinge is made in one piece. For example, the manufacture of a bottom closure device according to the invention is significantly simplified. It is not necessary to connect the two legs to the flexible section. The service life of a floor closure device according to the invention is also increased in this way, since no connection points are provided on the hinge at which defects, such as cracks, can potentially occur. In addition, the insulation is further formed, since a one-piece hinge is designed to be essentially airtight.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the hinge extends over the entire width of the hatch cover. In this way, according to the invention, even better insulation is achieved between the two spaces separated by the floor closure device. Under certain circumstances, the optical properties of such a bottom closure device are also improved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a holding device is arranged on a side of the hatch cover opposite the hinge, which is set up to hold the hatch cover in a closed position. Alternatively, such a holding device is arranged on a longitudinal side of the hatch cover adjacent to the hinge. In a further alternative, holding devices are arranged on both longitudinal sides adjacent to the hinge. So is a hatch cover easy to bring attic stairs according to the invention in a holding position and to hold in this. A holding device configured in this way is not easily visible from the outside via this, since, for example, no latch is attached to an outside. In this way, the tidy appearance and the flush of an attic staircase according to the invention are advantageously developed.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the holding device has at least one positive locking element. Such a holding device preferably has a form-locking element on the hatch cover, which cooperates with a form-locking element on a holding section of the opening. The holding device is designed in a particularly simple manner. In an alternative, the holding device has one or more magnets for holding the hatch cover in the closed position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the fastening section and / or the holding device are arranged on the frame. Such a frame, often also referred to as a hatch box, on the one hand simplifies the assembly of an attic staircase according to the invention. Furthermore, such a frame leads to improved insulation and thermal insulation as well as to a neat and flush appearance of the attic stairs. If both the fastening sections and the holding device or a holding section of the holding device are fastened to the frame, only the frame needs to be arranged and fastened in an opening in, for example, a ceiling or a floor during assembly.

In addition, it is advantageous that the hatch cover according to this embodiment can actually assume the exclusive function of a cover element. The support function and connection of the fastening section and the stairs with the opening is completely taken over by the frame. This is particularly advantageous because the cover can easily be changed afterwards without having to dismantle the entire staircase. This enables the subsequent assembly or repair of insulation elements. Alternatively, the hatch cover is made from an insulating material. This is only made possible by the fact that the cover no longer has to be a load-bearing element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, seals are arranged on at least three inner sides of the frame. Such seals are set up, for example, to interact with the hatch cover in such a way that, when the hatch cover is closed, the bottom closure device essentially closes the two spaces separated by it in an airtight manner. Such seals can be formed, for example, from a foam material or a fiber material. These seals are preferably arranged at least on the three inner sides of the frame on which no hinge is arranged. According to this embodiment, the hinge is preferably designed with a continuous flexible section which connects the two legs. Thus, according to the invention, good thermal insulation between the two rooms separated by the floor closure device can be achieved with a floor closure device, in that, for example, cold falling air is prevented from passing through. Furthermore, sealing lips can be arranged on the inner sides of the frame for further sealing against falling air. This is particularly advantageous in connection with a continuous hinge. This also counteracts the passage of falling air.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the attic staircase has a circumferential magnetic seal arranged on the frame and / or on the hatch cover for sealing the hatch cover with respect to the frame. Such a magnetic seal is designed, for example, in accordance with a door seal, as is known from, for example, refrigerators or freezers. With such a magnetic seal, an even better seal can be achieved between the two spaces separated by the floor closure device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the hinge, preferably the entire hinge, is formed from a flexible material, preferably plastic. According to this embodiment, the hinge is formed in one piece. Thus, on the one hand, the production and, on the other hand, the handling of a hinge according to the invention is significantly simplified. The hinge is preferably formed from a plastic. Plastics are easy to process, inexpensive, have a long service life and are low in weight. In the case of such a hinge, the flexible section is advantageously designed to be thinner in cross section than the legs, so that the legs are stiffer than the flexible section. This significantly simplifies the handling of a hinge, particularly during assembly and the establishment of the form-fitting connection.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the attic staircase according to the present invention has a double seal. The double seal has a first sealing strip which is arranged on a side of the opening opposite the hinge and has a sealing lip which is designed to be brought into sealing contact with the hatch cover, as well as two second sealing strips, which are located opposite one another on the other Sides of the opening are arranged and each have a sealing lip which is each set up to seal the opening. The first sealing strip is preferably designed as a cover strip and is designed on the edge of the opening - or optionally a hatch box, if present. The second sealing strips are preferably designed as cover strips on the hatch cover, the sealing strip starting from the hatch cover being set up to be brought into sealing contact with the edge of the opening or - if present, the hatch box. Particularly preferably, the sealing lips of the first sealing strip and the second sealing strips are arranged on the underside of the attic stairs, the underside being that side of the attic stairs which, when the attic stairs are installed as intended, is arranged on the side of the room below.

In an alternative or a preferred embodiment, a leg of the hinge assigned to the fastening section has a multiplicity of through openings and two strips which form an area that can be reached from behind, wherein a locking strip can be arranged in this area that can be grasped from behind, which has a multiplicity of through holes corresponding to the through holes of the Has leg, wherein the through holes of the locking bar have a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion connected to the first portion with a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. According to this exemplary embodiment, a multiplicity of screws or mushroom-head-like projections are arranged on the fastening section, which have a shaft with a free length and a screw or mushroom head. The number of screws is preferably selected according to the number of through holes in the leg and / or the bar or vice versa. The diameter of the through holes in the leg is selected such that the screw head can be pushed through. The first diameter of the first section of the through holes of the locking strip is preferably selected such that the screw head can be pushed through, the second diameter of the second section such that the shaft of the screw can be arranged in this area. this is a Another simple way to design the positive connection. Locking is achieved by moving the bar. The bar can be moved with one hand, so that assembly is simplified. In addition, the simplicity of the construction means that assembly is intuitive, which means that even inexperienced fitters can assemble the stairs quickly and easily.

In the region of the second section, the bar preferably has a clamping bead which is formed along the through hole. The clamping bead is preferably designed such that it comes into contact with a screw head when the locking bar is displaced and the locking bar is clamped against the screw or screws.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer als Dachbodentreppe ausgebildete Bodenabschlussvorrichtung mit einer an dieser angeordneten Treppe;

Figur 2

die als Dachbodentreppe ausgebildete Bodenabschlussvorrichtung mit Treppe aus Figur 1 in einer Schnittdarstellung;

Figur 3

eine Detailansicht eines Schnitts durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Scharnier;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten befestigungsabschnittseitigen Formschlusselements;

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Scharniers;

Figur 6

eine Detailansicht eines Schnitts durch ein Scharnier in einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 7

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Scharniers gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 8

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Scharniers in einer dritten Ausführungsform;

Figur 9

eine Schnittdarstellung eines zweiten Formschlusselements in einer dritten Ausführungsform;

Figur 10

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Scharniers, welches formschlüssig mit dem zweiten Formschlusselement verbunden ist, und

Figur 11

eine Detailansicht eines Schnitts durch ein Scharnier gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 12

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Scharniers gemäß dem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel; und

Figur 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Arretierleiste zum Zusammenwirken mit dem Scharnier gemäß dem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Figuren 14a, 14b

eine Darstellung eines Teils einer Doppeldichtung für die als Dachbodentreppe ausgebildete Bodenabschlussvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung,

Figuren 15a, 15b

eine Darstellung eines weiteren Elements der Doppeldichtung für die erfindungsgemäße als Dachbodentreppe ausgebildete Bodenabschlussvorrichtung,

Figur 16

eine räumliche Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen als Dachbodentreppe ausgebildete Bodenabschlussvorrichtung mit Doppeldichtung, und

Figur 17

eine weitere Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen als Dachbodentreppe ausgebildete Bodenabschlussvorrichtung mit Doppeldichtung.

The invention is described below using two exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a perspective view of a floor closure device designed as an attic staircase with a staircase arranged thereon;

Figure 2

the floor closing device designed as an attic staircase with stairs Figure 1 in a sectional view;

Figure 3

a detailed view of a section through a hinge according to the invention;

Figure 4

a perspective view of a first fastening section-side form-fitting element;

Figure 5

a perspective view of a hinge;

Figure 6

a detailed view of a section through a hinge in a second embodiment;

Figure 7

a perspective view of a hinge according to a second embodiment,

Figure 8

a sectional view of a hinge in a third embodiment;

Figure 9

a sectional view of a second form-locking element in a third embodiment;

Figure 10

a sectional view of a hinge which is positively connected to the second form-locking element, and

Figure 11

a detailed view of a section through a hinge according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 12

a perspective view of the hinge according to the fourth embodiment; and

Figure 13

a perspective view of a locking strip for cooperation with the hinge according to the fourth embodiment.

Figures 14a, 14b

a representation of part of a double seal for the floor closure device designed as an attic staircase according to the invention,

Figures 15a, 15b

a representation of a further element of the double seal for the inventive floor closure device designed as an attic staircase,

Figure 16

a three-dimensional representation of the floor closure device designed as an attic staircase according to the invention with a double seal, and

Figure 17

a further representation of the floor closure device according to the invention, designed as an attic staircase, with a double seal.

The ones in the Figures 1 and 2 The floor closure device 1 shown has a fastening section 4 which, according to this exemplary embodiment, is arranged on an inner section of a frame 10 which is designed to be arranged in an opening, also called a hatch, in a ceiling or floor (ceiling and opening not shown). In addition, the floor closure device 1 has a hatch cover 6 which is pivotably connected to the fastening section 4 of the floor closure device 1 by means of a hinge 8. About the Hinge 8 is the hatch cover 6 between an open position (in the Figures 1 , 2 shown) and a closed position (in the Figures 3 , 6th shown) pivotable. A seal 16 is arranged circumferentially on an inner side of the frame 10. This seal 16 is attached to the frame 10 in such a way that it cooperates in a sealing manner with the hatch cover 6 if the hatch cover 6 is in a closed position. At the end of the hatch cover 6 opposite the hinge 8, two first holding elements 12, 14 of a holding device 12, 13, 14, 15 of the floor closure device 1 are arranged. The first holding elements 12, 14 are designed to interact positively with the second holding elements 13, 15, which are arranged on an inner side of the frame 10, in order to hold the hatch cover 6 in a closed position.

Furthermore, according to Figures 1 and 2 a staircase 2, which has a plurality of rungs 3, is arranged on the floor closure device 1. The staircase 2 is designed to be foldable in several parts and is fastened to the interior of the frame 10 so as to be pivotable with an upper end. In a collapsed state ( Figures 3 , 6th ) the stairs 2 can be pivoted through the frame 10, and the hatch cover 6 can then be closed.

According to a first embodiment ( Figures 3 to 5 ) a floor closure device 1 has a hatch cover 6 which is connected to a frame 10 of the floor closure device 1 such that it can pivot by means of a hinge 8. In particular, the first leg 30 of the hinge 8 is positively connected to the fastening section 4 of the floor closure device 1. The second limb 32 of the hinge 8 is pivotably connected to the first limb 30 via a flexible section 34 and, according to this exemplary embodiment, is connected to the hatch cover 6 in both a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. The hatch cover 6 is designed here as a one-piece hatch cover 6, which is essentially formed from an insulating material. The hatch cover consists essentially of a foam core 24 and has a thin, flat paneling element 26 on an underside. The bottom closure device is in the locked state (as in Figure 3 shown) formed essentially flush.

The interlocking connection of the hinge 8 with the fastening section 4 is implemented here via two corresponding interlocking elements, namely a first interlocking element 31 on the hinge side and a second interlocking element on the fastening section Form-fit element 28. The second form-fit element 28 on the fastening section side is shown in FIG Figure 4 shown in more detail, whereas the first hinge-side form-locking element 31 in FIG Figure 5 is shown. The interaction of these form-locking elements is in Figure 3 shown. According to this exemplary embodiment, the first form-locking element 31 is designed as an inclined projection on one end of the first leg 30 of the hinge 8. This inclined projection 31 engages behind a bevel 29 on the form-fitting element 28, which together with an inner surface of the frame 10 forms a substantially V-shaped section. In order to establish this form-fit connection, according to the invention, when the hinge 8 is in an open state, the first form-fit element 31 must essentially be hooked into the second form-fit element 28. This enables the hatch cover 6 to be easily mounted on the frame 10 or on the fastening section 4. Furthermore, a vertically protruding rib 36 is arranged on the first leg 30 of the hinge 8 and serves as a spacer element for the first leg 30 relative to the frame 10 and on the other hand as a stop when positioning the hinge 8 with respect to the second form-locking element 28.

The bevel 29 is formed on the base body 27 of the second form-fitting element 28. The base body 27 is essentially rectangular and flat. This base body 27 is preferably made as flat as possible in order to achieve a small overall size and to save material. However, its thickness is designed so that a secure positive connection can be established. Two fastening cylinders 42, 44 are arranged on the base body 27 on the side facing away from the hinge 8. These cylinders can interact positively and / or non-positively with bores in the fastening section 4 or in the frame 10. On the side of the base body 27 facing the hinge 8, ribs or waves 40 are arranged. These ribs or waves 40 serve to simplify precise vertical positioning of the hinge 8 with respect to the first form-locking element 28. For this purpose, a surface section 41 of the first leg 30 likewise has such corrugations or ribs ( Figure 5 ). Furthermore, the first form-locking element 28 has a through-hole 46 in the base body 27. This through hole 46 can serve to interact with, for example, a screw or a nail or the like, in order to further secure the form-fit element 28 against the fastening section 4 or the frame 10. Alternatively, the bore 46 is used to provide a passage for a locking means of the form-fitting Release connection, such as a screw. The first form-locking element 28 is preferably formed in an axial length along the hinge 8 corresponding to the length of the hinge 8. However, it is also according to the invention and preferred if, for example, two form-locking elements 28 are arranged on the fastening section 4 each for one axial end of the hinge 8. If the first form-locking element 28 is designed corresponding to the length of the hinge 8, it can have more than two fastening cylinders 42, 44. It is also possible for the form-fit element 28 to have a plurality of through bores 46. As an alternative to the fastening cylinders 42, 44, an adhesive connection can also be provided, as well as other connections, such as, for example, a Velcro connection or the like. The first form-locking element 28 can likewise be integral with the frame 10.

According to Figure 3 , 5 On the first leg 30 of the hinge 8, the first form-locking element 31 and the vertical stop 36 are arranged at a distance from one another by the surface 41. A vertical height of the surface 41, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the hinge 8, is smaller than a vertical height of the base body 27 of the second form-locking element 28 in the same longitudinal direction. The first leg 30 of the hinge 8 with the first form-locking element 31 can be brought into engagement with the second form-locking element 28 and then vertically between the two stop positions: (1.) the first form-locking element 31 rests against the slope 29; (2.) Stop 36 is to be positioned at the lower end of the base body 27.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the second leg 32 of the hinge 8 is formed at a vertical height corresponding to the thickness of the hatch cover 6. For example, the second leg 32 can be glued with a rear surface 52 against a lateral surface of the insulating foam core 24 of the hatch cover 6. Near the upper and lower vertical ends of the second leg 32, the latter has two vertically protruding ribs 38, 39. These ribs 38, 39 are designed to engage in corresponding recesses on the insulating foam core 24 and thus better secure it against the second leg 32. The free sections 23, 25 at the vertical ends of the second leg 32 are designed to receive a cladding element 26 or a lamination. In this way, the flush of the hatch cover is further developed. The flexible section 34 is arranged between the two legs 30, 32 that it is essentially flush with the The cladding element 26 closes and, depending on the alignment of the form-fit elements 28, 31 with respect to one another, also closes flush with the frame 10. In order to further develop the surface flush, a compensating element or insulating element can be arranged in the gap between frame 10, stop 36 and leg 30. Two through bores 48, 50 are formed in the second leg 32. These through bores 48, 50 are preferably arranged at the locations at which the corresponding through bores 46 of the first form-fit element 28 ( Figure 4 ) to sit. If the through hole 46 is used to arrange a screw as a locking means of the positive connection, the screw head can extend through the through holes 48, 50. The hinge 8 can thus be folded up better.

Overall, both the first form-fit element 28 and the hinge 8 are formed in one piece, preferably made of a flexible material such as plastic. Both parts 28, 8 can thus be produced simply and inexpensively, for example as an injection-molded part.

According to the second embodiment ( Figures 4 , 6th , 7th ) a bottom closure device 1 according to the invention has a somewhat thinner hatch cover 6, a slightly modified hinge 8 and, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment ( Figures 3 , 4th , 5 ) a circumferential seal 16. In contrast, the positive connection between the first positive locking element 31 of the first leg 30 and the second positive locking element 28 of the fastening section 4 is designed essentially in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment, and reference is made in full to the above descriptions. In the second exemplary embodiment, too, an inclined projection 31 is arranged on the first leg 30 of the hinge 8, which protrudes behind a bevel 29 of the form-locking element 28, which corresponds to the form-locking element 28 according to FIG Figure 4 is trained, engages. Alternatively, this form-fitting connection between the first leg 30 and the fastening section 4 can also be designed, for example, as a Velcro connection. A Velcro connection also leads to a simple, first form-fitting connection between the hinge 8 and the fastening section 4. This form-fitting connection can then be subsequently locked, for example by means of screws, nails, bolts or the like.

The hinge 8 according to the second embodiment ( Figure 7 ) has on the first leg 30 at a distance from the first form-fitting element 31 a shoulder 37 which is not formed here like the rib 36, but more massive. In this way, there is no intermediate space between frame 10, rib 36 and first leg 30. The intermediate space is filled by shoulder 37. In order to allow the hatch cover 6 to pivot easily, the flexible section 34 is arranged slightly below the surface formed by the hatch cover 6, frame 10 and ceiling (not shown). This protrusion of the flexible section 34 is preferably made as flat as possible.

The hinge 8 according to Figure 7 has on the second leg 32 spaced apart from one another and slightly spaced apart from the vertical ends of the second leg 32 on two ribs 38, 39 which each have ribs or waves on their upper and lower sides. As a result, a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection of the second leg 32 to the hatch cover 6 is easier. In this embodiment, too, the hatch cover 6 is essentially made in one piece, with an insulating foam core 24 and two cladding elements 26a, 26b on the top and bottom of the hatch cover 6. Similar to the first embodiment, the hinge 8 on the first leg 30 has Section 41 has ribs or waves in order to interact with ribs or waves 40 of the second form-fitting element 28. In this section 41, two through bores 49, 51 are arranged, which are preferably aligned in the assembled state with corresponding bores 46 on the second form-locking element 28, so that a screw, which can be used, for example, as a locking means for locking the form-fitting connection between the first leg 30 and the fastening section 4 is used, can be guided through these through bores 49, 51.

The assembly of a bottom closure device 1 according to the invention is to be carried out in the same way in these two first exemplary embodiments and is described below: In a non-mounted state, the bottom closure device 1 is, for example, in two parts, in that the frame 10 is pre-assembled with the second form-fitting element 28 and the hinge 8 and hatch cover 6 are pre-assembled. If the floor closure device 1 is in such a non-assembled state, the frame 10 must first be arranged and fastened in an opening in, for example, a room ceiling. This is done using conventional fasteners, which are not further described here. If the frame 10 is mounted and secured in the opening, the opening is positive Establish a connection between the hinge 8 and the fastening section 4 with the second form-locking element 28. According to the two exemplary embodiments, this takes place in that the hinge 8 is hung with the first leg 30 with the first form-locking element 31 in the bevel 29 of the second form-locking element 28, preferably in a non-folded state. The first leg 30 can then be aligned horizontally and vertically with respect to the second form-fitting element 28. A screw, for example, is screwed through the through-hole 49, 51 and 46 for locking. The form-fitting connection between the hinge 8 and the second form-fitting element 28 is thus established and locked. The hatch cover 6 can then be pivoted into a closed position, with holding elements 12, 13, 14, 15 engaging with one another and holding the hatch cover 6 in a closed position.

In one alternative, neither the form-fit element 28 nor the hinge 8 are pre-assembled on the frame 10 or on the hatch cover 6. It is therefore preferred, before the form-fit connection between the first leg 30 or form-fit element 31 and the second form-fit element 28 is established, to mount the second form-fit element 28 on the frame 10 and to mount the hinge 8 on the hatch cover 6. According to these exemplary embodiments, this takes place in that the form-fit element 28 is pressed into bores on the frame 10 with the aid of the two assembly cylinders 42, 44, whereby the form-fit element 28 is connected to the frame 10. The hinge 8 is assembled with the hatch cover 6 by inserting the ribs 38, 39 into the corresponding recesses on the hatch cover 6. An adhesive connection is preferably provided between the surface 52 and the hatch cover 6, so that the hatch cover 6 is better connected to the hinge 8. The above-mentioned steps of connecting the form-fitting connection are then carried out.

According to the Figures 8 to 10 a third embodiment of a hinge 8 for a bottom closure device 1 is shown, which can be positively connected to a second form-locking element 28. According to Figure 8 the hinge 8 has a first leg 30 which is pivotably connected to a second leg 32 via a flexible section 34. The second leg 32 is designed to be arranged on a hatch cover (not shown). According to this embodiment, two angled ribs 74, 76 are arranged on the first leg 30, which for this purpose are set up to cooperate with the second form-fitting element 28 in order to connect the hinge 8 to a fastening section 4 (not shown) in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, the angled ribs 74, 76 form sections that can be grasped from behind. Furthermore, a rotary wrench 60 is arranged on the first leg 30, which has a base body 62 and a handle 64 formed on it and is rotatable about an axis of rotation 66 which is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the hinge 8. The key 60 is rotatably mounted via a bolt which passes through the first leg 30 (bolt and recess not shown). An oval disk 70 is arranged eccentrically on the bolt (not shown) in such a way that a central axis 72 of the oval disk 70 is arranged at a distance parallel to the axis of rotation 66 of the rotary wrench 60.

The second form-fit element 28 has in this third embodiment ( Figure 9 ) a first leg 78 and a second leg 80, which are angled and essentially strip-shaped. The second form-fit element 28 is connected to a section 82 of the first leg 78 on the fastening section 4 or to the frame 10. The two legs 78, 80 are designed with a longitudinal extension corresponding to the length of the hinge 8. Each leg 78, 80 has a protruding section 84, 86 at one end, which is spaced apart from the fastening section 82. The two legs 78, 80 are arranged to be movable relative to one another in such a way that the two sections 84, 86 can be moved towards or away from one another. In a non-assembled state, the two legs 78, 80 are arranged displaced relative to one another in such a way that the distance between the sections 84, 86 is small and the first leg 30 can be brought into engagement with the form-fitting element 28.

In the assembled state of the hinge 8 in the third embodiment according to FIG Figure 10 the two legs 78, 80 of the second form-locking element 28 are arranged pushed apart relative to one another, so that the protruding sections 84, 86 of the second form-locking element 28 engage behind the two angled ribs 74, 76.

According to this embodiment, the two legs 78, 80 are pushed apart by means of the rotary wrench 60. This key 60 is in an unassembled state in a horizontal position (not shown). If the first leg 30 is in positive engagement with the second form-locking element 28 brought, the oval disc 70 rests on the two lugs 88, 90, which are each arranged on a leg 78, 80 of the second form-locking element 28. By turning the key 60, the oval disc 70 is rotated eccentrically about the axis 66 and acts on the lugs 88, 90 in such a way that the two legs 78, 80 are pushed apart so that the two protruding sections 84, 86 form the angled ribs 74, 76 reach behind. When the key 60 is turned to this vertical position ( Figure 8 , Figure 10 ) the latching element 68, which is designed here as a latching lug 68, can latch onto the leg 30, as a result of which inadvertent turning of the key 60 is reversibly prevented.

An assembly of a floor closure device, which has a hinge 8 according to the third embodiment ( Figures 8-10 ) has to be carried out as follows: The two legs 78, 80 are to be moved into the starting position if they are not in this position. The form-fit element 28 preferably has springs which are designed to pretension the two legs against one another. If these legs 78, 80 are displaced relative to one another, the leg 30 of the hinge 8 with the two angled ribs 74, 76 can be slipped over the second form-fitting element 28, whereby this slipping can essentially be carried out according to hanging and folding. If the leg 30 is brought into engagement with the second form-fitting element, the next step is to move the rotary key 60 from a horizontal position to a vertical closed position, whereby the two legs 78, 80 are moved apart and the form-fitting connection is locked. A second fuse is provided here by the latching element 68. The hinge 8 preferably has one or more, in particular two or a plurality of rotary keys 60, which are arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the hinge.

The Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a hinge 8 according to a fourth embodiment. Identical and similar elements are provided with the same reference symbols, in this respect reference is made in full to the above description.

The hinge 8 has a first leg 30 and a second leg 32, which are connected to one another via the flexible section 34. The hinge 8 is preferably formed from a plastic and in one piece. The second leg 32 has at its lower end (based on Figure 12 ) a free section 23 for receiving a shuttering element 26 (see Figure 11 ). At the top (based on Figure 12 ) the second leg has a rib 39 which is designed to engage in a hatch cover 6. Above the rib 39, a free section 25 is formed, which in turn is set up to receive a cladding element. A protrusion 106 is formed at the lower end of the second leg 32 such that an intermediate space 108 is formed in the area between the first leg 30 and the second leg 32.

The first leg 30 has two ribs or legs 102, 104, which are formed in a cross section essentially L-shaped and together define a section 100 that can be grasped from behind. Furthermore, the leg 30 has a multiplicity of through holes 110 (each designated by 110; only two provided with reference symbols).

How out Figure 11 As can be seen, a plurality of screws 112, which have a screw head 114 and a screw shaft, are arranged on the fastening section 4. As an alternative to the screws, mushroom-like connecting elements or the like can also be used. The screw head 114 has a larger diameter than the screw shaft 116. The screw shaft 116 has a free length outside the fastening section 4. The screw 112 is therefore not fully screwed in. The screws 112 are preferably preassembled. The through holes 110 of the leg 30 have a diameter such that the hinge 8 can be plugged onto the screws 112 in such a way that the screw heads 114 protrude through the through holes 110 into the free area 108.

To lock the positive connection between the hinge 8 or leg 30 and the fastening section 4 by means of the screws 12, a locking strip 130 is preferably arranged in the section 100 that can be gripped from behind, as shown in FIG Figure 13 is shown. The locking strip 130 is preferably arranged in the area 100 that can be reached from behind before the hinge 8 or the leg 30 with its through holes 110 is inserted onto the screws 12. According to Figure 13 the locking strip has a base body 132 which is essentially formed in the shape of a strip. Two shoulders 134, 136 are arranged in the vicinity of the two axial ends. The shoulders 134, 136 serve to form a stop when the locking strip 130 is moved in the area 100 that can be grasped from behind. In addition, they form a handle for gripping and moving the locking strip 130. In the base body 132 of the locking strip 130 there is a A plurality of through holes 140 are arranged. The number of through holes 140 is preferably selected according to the number of through holes 110 or the number of screws 112. The through holes 140 have a substantially pear-shaped shape. They have a first section 142 with a first diameter and a second section, connected to the first section, with a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter. The first diameter of the first section 142 is selected to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the screw head 114, so that the screw head 114 can be pushed through the first section 142. The diameter of the second section 144 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the screw shank 116, but smaller than the diameter of the screw head 114. The bar 130 can be slipped onto the screw 112 by the screw heads 114 being able to be pushed through the first sections 142, then the bar 130 is displaceable in such a way that the screw shafts 116 are arranged in the second section 144 of the through hole 140. The bar can no longer be axially removed from the screws 112, since the bar engages behind the screw heads 114 in the region of the second section 144. In the area of the second section 144, a clamping bead 146 is arranged on the edge of the through hole 140. The clamping bead 146 is designed such that it comes into contact with the screw head 114 when the locking bar 130 is displaced and clamps the bar 130 against the screws 112.

To establish the form-fitting connection between the hinge 8 and the fastening section 4, according to this exemplary embodiment ( Figures 11 to 13 ) proceed as follows: If the locking strip 130 is not already arranged in the section 100 that can be grasped from behind, which is preferred, it must first be introduced into the section 100 that can be grasped from behind. It is preferred here that the first sections 142 of the through holes 140 coincide with the through holes 110 of the leg 30. The central axes of the sections 142 are preferably essentially coaxial with the central axes of the through holes 110. The hinge 8 with the leg 30 is then to be attached or suspended on the screws 112. The screws 112 with their screw heads 114 extend through the through holes 110 and the holes 140 into the free area 108. After the hinge 8 together with the hatch cover 6 has been aligned in the frame 10, the locking strip 130 is to be displaced along its longitudinal axis in such a way that the second sections 144 of the holes 140 around the screw shafts 116 reach around and the clamping bead 146 is in contact with the screw heads 114. The positive connection is thus established and locked.

In the Figures 14a and 14b a first sealing strip 216c of the double seal according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The first sealing strip 216c is set up to receive the end face of the hatch cover in a section 221 and to be pressed up onto it. The end face of the hatch cover is that which is arranged opposite the hinge. The first sealing strip 216c has a sealing lip 222 which extends over the entire width of the first sealing strip 216c and is designed to be brought into sealing contact with a wall of the opening arranged adjacent to the first sealing strip 216c. In the case of a floor closure device with a frame, this can be, for example, the wall on the inside of the frame 10 (see FIG Figures 16 and 17th ).

The Figures 15a and 15b show a second sealing strip for the double seal according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The second sealing strip 216a has a receiving section 217 which is adapted to receive a side part of the frame 10 of the floor closure device. A support section 219 is provided on the second sealing strip 216a in order to be brought into contact with the ceiling surface which is arranged adjacent to the opening. The second sealing strip 216a has a sealing lip 224 which extends essentially along the entire length of the second sealing strip 216a. The sealing lip 224 is designed to extend inwardly into the opening and to be brought into sealing contact with the hatch cover of the floor closure device (see FIG Figure 17 ).

In Figure 16 an embodiment of the bottom closure device 1 according to the invention is shown with a double seal. The bottom closure device 1 has a frame, on the underside of which two cover strips 216b are arranged on each of the end faces. The cover strips 216b correspond to their basic structure of the cover strip 216a from the Figures 15a and 15b , however, in contrast to this cover 216a shown there, do not have a sealing lip. The cover strips 216b are arranged on the side of the hinge and on the side opposite thereto. A second cover strip 216a is shown on each of the longitudinal sides of the frame Figure 15a, 15b appropriate.

In Figure 17 the mode of operation of the first sealing strip 216c of the so-called double seal is illustrated. The floor closure device 1 is shown together with the stairs 2 and the frame 10 in the assembled and closed position. The hatch cover 6 is also attached. On the left in Figure 17 the side of the interlocking hinge is arranged. On the underside of the floor closure device 1 there is arranged a cover strip 216b in an area 218, which surrounds the frame 10 on that side, but does not exercise any sealing function. The sealing function in the area 218 is taken over by the form-fitting hinge (not shown). On the opposite, right-hand side in Figure 17 a region 220 is arranged, which is shown in Figure 17 is shown enlarged below as a detailed view. It is shown here that the cover strip 216b encompasses the frame 10 without a sealing function and the first cover strip 216c, which is placed on the end face of the hatch cover 6, with the sealing lip 222 in sealing contact with the frame or the section of the cover strip 216b that encompasses the frame in FIG Contact is available. The fact that the sealing lip 222, which has a sealing effect on this side, is not arranged on the cover element 216b, but on the first cover strip 216c assigned to the hatch cover 6, results in the advantage that the sealing lip only comes into contact with the opposite side of the frame 10 or the cover strip 216b comes into contact when the hatch cover is almost completely closed. This is advantageous because when the sealing lip is arranged on the opposite side, for example on the cover strip 216b, the sealing lip is already at an earlier stage, namely when the upper edge of the hatch cover or the cover strip 216c passes the cover strip 216b, in Contact would come. This would significantly increase the wear on the sealing lip. In this respect, there is also a further advantage that, on the one hand, the sealing lip is more durable and, on the other hand, the gap between the hatch cover and the opening or the frame 10 can be made particularly narrow.

Claims (12)

1. Loft ladder (1), which is designed to be disposed in an opening of a ceiling and to close this as ceiling hatch device, having
   a frame (10) for inserting in the opening which is designed to be disposed in the opening,
   an attachment portion (4),
   a hatch cover (6), and
   a multipart foldable ladder (2) which is attached pivotably, by an upper end, to the inside of the frame (10),
   the frame (10) having a supporting configuration, and
   the hatch cover (6) not being a supporting element,
   characterised in that
   the attachment portion (4) is disposed on the frame (10),
   and the hatch cover (6) is connected pivotably to the attachment portion (4) by means of a hinge (8), in that the
   hatch cover (6) is formed essentially from a heat-insulating insulation material (24) and is essentially one-part,
   the hatch cover (6) being formed from a foam core which has an insulation foam or is formed from an insulation foam and, on its outer surface, has a casing or a lamination.
2. Loft ladder (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that a leg (30) of the hinge (8), assigned to the attachment portion (4), is disposed essentially perpendicular to an essentially horizontal opening and has a diagonally disposed projection (31) which is designed to cooperate with a corresponding recess or with a corresponding projection (28, 29) of the attachment portion (4).
3. Loft ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the hinge (8) has a first (30) and second (32) leg and a flexible portion (34) disposed between the legs (30, 32) so that the first leg (30) is connected pivotably to the second leg (32).
4. Loft ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that the hinge (8) has a one-part configuration and the hinge (8) can be connected in a form-fit to the attachment portion (4).
5. Loft ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that a retaining device (12, 13, 14, 15) is disposed on one side of the hatch cover (6), situated opposite the hinge (8), and is designed to retain the hatch cover (6) in a closed position.
6. Loft ladder (1) according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the retaining device (12, 13, 14, 15) has at least one formfitting locking element.
7. Loft ladder (1) according to claim 5 or 6,
   characterised in that the attachment portion (4) and/or the retaining device (12, 13, 14, 15) is/are disposed on the frame (10).
8. Loft ladder (1) according to claim 7,
   characterised in that seals (16) are disposed on at least three inner sides of the frame (10).
9. Loft ladder (1) according to claim 7 or 8,
   characterised by a circumferential magnetic seal, disposed on the frame (10) and/or on the hatch cover (6), for sealing the hatch cover (6) relative to the frame (10).
10. Loft ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9,
    characterised in that the hinge (8), preferably the entire hinge (8), is formed from a flexible material, preferably plastic material.
11. Loft ladder (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that a leg (30) of the hinge (8), assigned to the attachment portion (4), has a large number of through-openings and two strips (102, 104) which form a region (100) which can be gripped from behind, a locking strip (130) being able to be disposed in this region which can be gripped from behind, which locking strip has a large number of through-holes (140), corresponding to the through-holes (110) of the leg (30), the through-holes of the locking strip (130) having a first portion (142) with a first diameter and a second portion (144) with a second diameter, connected to the first portion (142), the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter.
12. Loft ladder (1) according to claim 11,
    characterised in that, in the second portion (144) along the edge of the throughhole, a clamping bead (146) is configured, preferably such that this can be brought in contact with one or more screw heads during displacement of the locking strip (130).

Images