EP3635194A1

EP3635194A1 - Device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, in a dry building structure

Info

Publication number: EP3635194A1
Application number: EP17732744.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Günther; Bernd PFANNES; Claus Beyer; Matthias SCHÄFER
Original assignee: Knauf Gips KG
Current assignee: Knauf Gips KG
Priority date: 2017-06-08
Filing date: 2017-06-08
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-08
Also published as: AU2017417514B2; JP2020522633A; EP3635194B1; WO2018224114A8; JP7094991B2; WO2018224114A1; AU2017417514A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, preferably in a dry building structure, in which an opening is formed in at least one panel-shaped or panel-like structure element, wherein the device for closing off the opening comprises at least two closure parts (1,2) which interact with one another, of which a first closure part (1) is formed as a closure frame (1) which is insertable into the opening so as to be immovable, and a second closure part (2) is formed as a closure cover (2) which is insertable into the closure frame (1) so as to be pivotable. The device according to the invention is characterized by pivot pegs (4) on one of the closure parts (1, 2), which pivot pegs (4) are insertable into guides (5), in particular guide tracks (5), of the other closure part (1, 2) for the pivotability of the closure cover (2).

Description

Device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, in a dry building structure

The invention relates to a device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, preferably in a dry building structure, in particular for a wall or a ceiling, in which an opening is formed in at least one panel-shaped or panel-like structure element, wherein the device for closing off the opening comprises at least two closure parts which interact with one another, of which a first closure part is formed as a closure frame which is insertable into the opening so as to be immovable, and a second closure part is formed as a closure cover which is insertable into the closure frame so as to be pivotable.

EP 1 516 978 A1 discloses a device for closing off an inspection opening, which device comprises a closure frame and a closure cover arranged pivotably on said closure frame. Said known device is of relatively complex construction, wherein said structural complexity is often appropriate, but not always and in every situation.

For some situations, it is desirable and sufficient to use a device of simpler - and thus also less expensive and possibly also less conspicuous - construction.

EP 2 531 669 discloses a closable inspection opening for dry building. There, the opening formed in a panel-like structure element is closed off in a very simple manner by inlaying a closure cover which is substantially congruent with respect to the opening and which is in the form of a panel element. A profile for the overlap of the respective edges, with surfaces which are simultaneously in flush alignment with one another in the closed position, may on its own ensure the required holding action in said closed position, which can be improved by means of simple closure tabs.

The latter device however does not have a pivotable closure cover and, in turn, is in some situations of overly simple design, lacking appropriate ease of handling.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a device of the generic type mentioned in the introduction, which device can firstly be obtained easily and inexpensively and secondly permits a comfortable and reliable opening process. Said object is achieved by means of a device of the generic type mentioned in the introduction, which device is characterized by pivot pegs on one of the closure parts, which pivot pegs are insertable into guides, in particular guide tracks, of the other closure part for the pivotability of the closure cover. With the device according to the invention, it is therefore surprisingly achieved that the closure cover can be pivoted in a comfortable and reliable manner, in order to be opened and closed, as soon as it has been inserted into the closure frame. The closure cover according to the invention can however preferably also be easily completely removed from the closure frame, for example for the purposes of opening up the opening in the closure frame more widely and without obstruction if the situation permits this or even makes this particularly desirable owing to the space conditions. In this way, the closure cover can also be very easily exchanged, as a replacement part, or reworked, for example for the purposes of changing its appearance or decoration and adapting this to a changed appearance or decoration of its surroundings in order to make said closure cover less conspicuous. For this purpose, guide tracks may be particularly expedient.

These advantages are achieved according to the invention in that pivot pegs are insertable into guides, in particular into guide tracks, such that the closure cover is pivotably mounted in the closure frame. The closure cover or the closure frame may have the pivot pegs, wherein the respective other closure part then has the respective guides or guide tracks. In principle, it is also possible for a closure part to have in each case one pivot peg and one guide or guide track and for the respective other closure part to conversely have, in a manner adapted thereto, one guide or guide track and one pivot peg, in such a way that each pivot peg is assigned its guide or guide track. In simple cases, the guide may be an opening, a hole, in particular a blind hole closed off by a base, an eyelet or the like.

It is preferable, and particularly simple, for the closure cover to have the pivot pegs and for the closure frame to have the guides or guide tracks.

The pivot pegs may be the free ends of a continuous pivot shaft, though may also be formed merely as projecting pivot pegs from the outset. A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the pivot pegs are integrally formed on the closure part.

The closure parts may be manufactured from all possible conceivable materials which are suitable for this purpose, such as for example metal, wood and so on. It is however preferable for at least one of the closure parts, preferably both closure parts, to be manufactured from a plastic. It is thus not only possible for the pivot pegs to be particularly easily integrally moulded on one of the closure parts and for the guide tracks to be formed, preferably as guide grooves. The device according to the invention can thus also be designed to be particularly inexpensive, in a material- saving manner, so as to have a low weight, so as to be stable, so as to be reliable, so as to be robust, in high unit quantities, in standardized fashion, so as to be easily transportable, in different colours or with different decorations, and so on.

Also, with modern plastics, recycling is readily possible in order to realize environmentally compatible sustainability, in particular if only one type of plastic is selected and used.

For particular stability or for avoidance of distortion, the closure parts may for example have reinforcements, ribs, fluting or the like. Visible surfaces can be veneered, coated, for example also chrome-plated, painted, papered, studded, grained, fluted and so on if desired. In particular in dry building, thermal insulation or acoustic damping, for example by means of patterns of holes, may also play a role. The device according to the invention can be incorporated and technically and/or visually integrated in this respect too.

With the device according to the invention, it is possible - as desired - for the device to either be aesthetically emphasised or to be designed to be particularly inconspicuous, as it were "invisible", wherein the latter alternative is commonly preferred.

As plastics material, use may be made of a wide variety of plastics, in particular acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS plastic) or other thermoplastic materials and/or styrene copolymers. Such a plastic can in particular be coatable with paint and adhesively bondable. According to the invention, it is preferable for an adhesive and an additional mechanical fastening to be used for the connection of plastics parts to dry building parts. For mechanical fastening, use may be made of staples, clips, crimps, cramps, pins, rivets or the like. For example, fluting or the like may also be provided in order to enlarge an adhesive area. Staple clips or cramps are preferable to nails, for example, as fastening elements because they form abutment bridges which, in relation to head-like thickened portions, do not penetrate so easily into dry building materials, for example with gypsum constituents, and thereby lose purchase.

Closure parts, in particular frame parts, may preferably be assembled from segments, for example with corner and/or strip parts, which can be locked together to form frames and to form relatively large longitudinal extents. In this way, it is possible in particular for a small number of different plastics parts to be provided, which can be assembled in a variable manner to form different closure parts, in particular closure parts of different size. A relatively small variety of parts can be produced in greater unit quantities, and thus in particular at lower cost.

Another refinement of the device according to the invention provides, in a manner which refines the invention, that the guide tracks deviate, in terms of their profile, from an orientation orthogonal to the area spanned by the closure frame (surface normal). This deviation of the guide track from the surface normal results in the closure cover being additionally secured in its end and pivoted position, in particular so as to be prevented from inadvertently slipping or sliding out. Here, the guide tracks may for example have curvatures, though a preferred embodiment provides that the profile of the guide tracks is oriented linearly and obliquely with respect to the frame plane. In particular, in the case of the device according to the invention being mounted in a wall, said oblique slope may run downwards, and thus gravitational force can assist the pivot pegs in sliding into and remaining in the guide tracks.

It may also be provided that the pivot pegs can be locked in an end position in the guide tracks. This may be achieved particularly easily, for example in the case of a plastic which has a certain degree of elasticity being used as material, by virtue of the peg, on its path into the guide track, having to overcome a constriction or other chicane, behind which it then locks. Somewhat more cumbersome locking means with locking balls or the like may self-evidently also be used. At any rate, it would thus be possible for the closure cover to be additionally secured in its end and pivoted position. This may be advantageous in particular in the case of an arrangement of the device in a ceiling, wherein it is however also the case in an arrangement on a ceiling that the mere existence and the nature of the deviation of the guide tracks from the orientation of the surface normals can be expedient.

Another independent refinement of the invention is characterized in that the pivot pegs are arranged on a centreline of the closure part. If the pivot pegs which serve as a pivot shaft are arranged in the vicinity of an edge on the closure cover, said closure cover can preferably, in the case of a wall arrangement, be pivoted upwards or pivoted downwards into a space or towards the user, or else can be pivoted open to the left, or in the case of a vertical pivot shaft orientation, to the right or to the left. In the refinement according to the invention for which independent protection is also claimed, the closure cover can be pivoted approximately through 180 angular degrees about a pivot line central with respect thereto, preferably can be opened by means of a pivoting movement of approximately 90 angular degrees. For this purpose, the closure cover may preferably be of mirror-symmetrical form with respect to the pivot shaft in order for it to be particularly well-balanced in terms of weight, though need not imperatively be of mirror-symmetrical form with respect to the pivot shaft if so desired for certain reasons, and could for example also have a triangular shape, in the case of which the pivot shaft runs parallel to the base. Similar considerations lead to the realization that the pivot shaft also does not imperatively need to be arranged exactly centrally, but could also have a certain parallel offset with respect to the centreline. This would for example have the advantage that the surfaces surrounding the device could form an opening stop for the closure cover, and the closure cover could also be held or fixed there.

Basically, in the case of a structure with a pivot shaft on the centreline or close to the centreline, in each case one section of the closure cover pivots outwards, and another section pivots inwards, during the opening movement. With regard to the arrangement of the pivot shaft, it is thus possible, or necessary, for the spatial conditions, in particular free spaces available for the pivoting movement, behind the device to be taken into consideration. In any case, however, an advantage consists in the fact that that section of the closure cover which opens towards the operator can in principle be selectively pivoted down or pivoted up, if the device is arranged in a wall. This may also be advantageous in the case of an arrangement in a ceiling. The pivotability of the closure cover about a centreline or about a line close to the centreline also has the advantage that, for example, no handle or other means for opening the closed closure cover is necessary, and that the closure cover can be easily opened or closed in each case by pushing one section or the other section thereof. For locking in the closed position, a pivoting movement slightly beyond the closed position is for example also conceivable, for example if, owing to elasticity of the detent elements, the closure cover springs back into its ultimately final end position, in which it preferably terminates in a flush manner. A further refinement of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the two closure parts have at least one closure setting element which predefines the closed position of the pivoting cover. A wide variety of measures and embodiments are possible for this purpose. One preferred embodiment provides that the closure setting element is in the form of, or comprises, a frictionally engaging element. In a particularly simple manner both in terms of function and in terms of manufacture, such a frictionally engaging element according to the invention assists not only in defining the positioning of the closed position but also in realizing the fixing in the closed position. In the case of the device being formed from plastic, it is possible for functionally interacting friction surfaces to be formed for example on the closure frame and on the closure cover, for example with studs, graining, fluting or the like, or else merely with areal friction with a certain coefficient of friction.

It is self-evidently possible for multiple closure setting elements to be provided, for example pairs, of identical or different form. These may be arranged at the free edges of the opening and/or at the pivot-peg-side side edges. Here, the closure setting element, or one or more closure setting elements, may be or comprise a stop element or stop elements. It may additionally or alternatively be provided that the or at least one closure setting element is in the form of, or comprises, a locking or arresting element. This may be realized for example by means of snap-action, locking or detent elements. Particularly simple but reliable snap-action elements can be realized using elastic plastic, for example with a receptacle or guide, which is narrowed in sections, for the locking of a peg. It would be possible for a spring tongue, for example on the closure frame, to simultaneously serve as a stop element which projects into the closure frame opening and, for the reversible locking of its spring end, to lock in a type of channel of a closing element, which functionally interacts with the spring tongue, on the closure cover. It would self-evidently also be possible for sliding or pivoting latches to be provided. As already discussed further above, even in the case of a device according to the invention provided for a ceiling arrangement, it would be possible, for example by means of the design of the guide tracks, for a separate catch means for the closure cover to be rendered superfluous. However, in a refinement of the invention, it is nevertheless additionally or alternatively possible for at least one catch element for catching the closure cover to be provided on the closure frame in order to prevent the closure cover from falling in an uncontrolled manner when opened. For this purpose, use may be made of cables, clips, springs, guide rails, articulated and/or telescopic connecting rods or the like.

An independent refinement of the device according to the invention, for which independent protection is also claimed, is characterized in that the closure frame has a free space suitable for the inlaying of at least one edge, which borders the opening, of the panel-like structure element. It is preferable for the closure frame, in its cross section, to have substantially an L-profile which is open for the purposes of receiving the edge of the panel-like structure element. Likewise, another refinement of the invention, which may however be particularly easily combined with the abovementioned refinements of the closure frame and for which independent protection is also claimed, provides that the closure cover has a free space suitable for the inlaying of at least one panel-like element. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, the closure cover may substantially have a closer cover frame, and the panel-like element may be formed as a closure cover leaf which closes off and fills said closure cover frame. The closure cover frame may preferably have, in its cross section, an L-profile which is open for the purposes of receiving the panel-like element. The panel-like structure element and the panel-like element may have the same condition and material thickness, and for example be manufactured from gypsum plasterboard. The device according to the invention can be designed to be particularly inconspicuous if it can be substantially adapted to its surroundings. This means that, in the inventive refinements discussed above, it is advantageous if the closure frame and/or the closure cover frame themselves have panel-like elements, or are concealed by means of such panel-like elements. This may be realized in a wide variety of ways. It would for example be possible for the closure frame to be placed with a U-shape in its profile cross section, such as an encircling case, into the opening of the panel-like structure element. It would be possible for the closure cover to be of substantially shell-like form and to receive a panel-like element. It would however also be possible for the closure frame, the closure cover or the closure cover frame to be substantially merely of areal form, and to be attached to the rear side, which is averted from a visible side, of the panel-like structure element, or to bear the rear side of a panel-like element. It would however also be possible for the closure frame to form, as a cassette frame design which extends with its frame profiles only to the depth of the opening, a type of embrasure for the opening edges, whereas the panel-like element is fitted into, and enclosed by, a similar cassette design of the closure cover frame.

The respective inventive embodiment of the closure frame and of the closure cover frame with an L-profile cross section, in which in each case only the narrow, bladelike edge of an L-profile limb is intended to form the visible edge of the respective frame, is however particularly advantageous. At the same time, the L-profile limbs, which form said exposed edges, of the closure frame and of the closure cover frame should face towards one another, that is to say the two respective exposed edges should be parallel to one another and immediately adjacent to one another. This yields numerous advantages simultaneously. The frames can be manufactured inexpensively and in a material-saving manner. The closure frame can be easily attached, with a simultaneously good supporting action or reinforcement action, to the panel-like structure element. Likewise, the panel-like element can be easily inserted, with reliable abutting action, into the closure cover frame. Furthermore, abutment surfaces of the L-profiles for the abutment of the panel-like elements could be roughened or structured in some other way, for example in order that adhesive bonding or plastering or smoothing-over of the panel-like elements can be realized with a more durable result.

The mutually adjacent L-profile limbs have only minimal, inconspicuous exposed edges, but can at the same time guide one another in an effective manner during the pivoting movement and serve as projection and/or at least functional regions of closure setting elements. The frames can furthermore be of distortion-resistant design. Altogether, in a preferred refinement, the closure cover frame may substantially have a structural form similar to the closure frame, wherein it is however for example possible for profile cross sections to be, as it were, of mirror- symmetrical design with respect to one another.

A further refinement of the invention is characterized in that the closure parts are designed so as to close in a substantially "gapless" manner in their closed position. This may primarily involve a visual seal, though may also involve a sealing action that goes beyond this, which may if desired be assisted or improved by means of seal elements or labyrinth arrangements or overlaps or the like. In order to achieve a visual seal, it would also be possible, if necessary, for the mutually adjacent surfaces of the closure parts to be of slightly conical form, that is to say for a view through a possibly remaining gap to be obstructed by a mutually parallel oblique profile, without the pivoting movement for the opening of the device being impeded.

Another refinement of the invention provides that, in the closed position of the closure parts, the panel-like elements in the closure parts are in flush alignment with respect to one another and are in a plane with one another. In this way, the device according to the invention can be arranged and formed in a particularly inconspicuous manner and the panel-like elements can be adapted to the further surroundings.

A preferred embodiment provides that at least one panel-like element and/or structure element are/is formed from gypsum plasterboard or from gypsum fibreboard. It is also possible for other gypsum-containing or even non-gypsum- containing panel-like elements or structure elements to be provided, in particular in a manner dependent on the usage situation in a dry building structure into which the device according to the invention is intended to be inserted.

Another independent refinement of the invention for which independent protection is also claimed is characterized according to the invention in that the panel-like structure element is a constituent part of the device and can be integrated into a dry building structure. In this way, a region with an inspection opening can be provided in a dry building structure in a particularly accomplished manner.

A further refinement according to the invention of a device for closing off an inspection opening in a panel-like structure element of a dry building structure, in which the stated device comprises a frame framing the inspection opening and a closure cover for closing off the inspection opening, for which independent protection is likewise claimed, is characterized in that the frame is of panel-like form, wherein the material thereof preferably substantially corresponds to the material of the panel- like structure element, and in that the closure cover and, if provided and/or necessary, possibly at least one further device element are adapted to and/or fitted into the frame already at the factory.

According to the invention, it can thus advantageously be provided that a panel-like structure element has an opening formed therein or cut out thereof, in the region of which opening it is intended to provide an inspection opening. The device for providing and closing off said inspection opening is, according to the invention, composed substantially of a frame framing the inspection opening itself, wherein said frame is preferably composed of substantially the same material as the structure element, that is to say for example preferably of gypsum plasterboard or gypsum fibreboard. Such a frame according to the invention can then be attached particularly coherently to the structure element, for example by plastering and/or smoothing over. The inspection closure mechanism itself is however particularly advantageously prefabricated in accurately dimensioned and reliable, in particular dimensionally stable and directed form, and inspected, already at the factory, and then merely has to be incorporated as a finished, functional and reliable overall unit into the structure on the building site, such that the mechanically more difficult working processes do not need to be performed on the building site, which means that trained technical personnel working under industrial quality conditions can be responsible for the closure itself, whereas the building site work may if necessary be left to untrained labourers without the risk of complaints relating to the inspection flap and the functionality thereof.

During or upon the insertion of the frame of the device according to the invention into a dry building structure, further measures may be implemented, such as for example the provision of an assembling piece or bar in a post-type, beam-type or other profile structure. Further possible refinements of the invention provide that a profile is formed into the frame at the factory, which profile borders the inspection opening, wherein, preferably, a profile which is functionally suitable for bordering the inspection opening can be provided on the closure cover at the factory. It is also possible for substantially gypsum to be provided as material for the frame and/or the closure cover.

At this juncture, it is additionally mentioned that devices according to the invention may also be provided for example for two-layer panelled dry building structures. In the case of the device being inserted into a two-layer panelling of said type, it is possible in particular for an offset or protrusion or the like to be provided between an installation opening for the device or of its frame in one layer and an installation opening of the other layer, whereby any installation gaps are reinforced or covered by an overlap of the second layer.

The drawing illustrates exemplary embodiments from which further inventive features may also emerge, but which are basically to be regarded merely as examples and which are not intended to restrict the subject matter of the invention or the scope of protection thereof. In the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the frames of a device according to the invention in an open position, Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the device as per Figure 1 , and

Figures 3 to 7 show different detail views of the device as per the preceding figures.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the frames of a device according to the invention in an open position.

The device according to the invention serves for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, preferably in a dry building structure, in particular for a wall or a ceiling, in which the opening is formed in at least one panel-shaped or panel-like structure element. The expressions "panel-shaped" and "panel-like" are preferably not intended to express that use can be made only of unipartite or unitary panel elements which have substantially a panel shape, but rather are intended to express that multi-part, assembled building elements, possibly using different materials can be used, which can be handled and used in the manner of panels. In the illustration of Figure 1 , the opening itself, and the panel-like structure element into which the opening is formed, are not shown. Rather, only the device is illustrated. The device according to the invention comprises at least two closure parts 1 , 2 which interact with one another, of which a first closure part is formed as a closure frame 1 which is insertable into the opening so as to be immovable, and a second closure part is formed as a closure cover 2 which is insertable into the closure frame 1 so as to be pivotable. The closure cover 2 is shown in a slightly open position but not a position of maximum opening. For its opening and closing, the closure cover 2 has, on its side profiles 3, pivot pegs 4 which project outwards, that is to say towards the closure frame 1 , and which are not visible in the illustration. The pivot pegs 4 are inserted into guide grooves 5 as far as an end position. Thus, the closure cover 2 and the closure frame 1 are in engagement with one another, and the closure cover can be pivoted about its pivot pegs 4, as if about a pivot shaft. Instead of the pivot pegs 4, it would also actually be possible for a continuous pivot shaft to be provided, though this could be disruptive in the overall structure, and would involve more material and possibly a further, separate component. In the embodiment illustrated, the closure parts 1 , 2 are manufactured from a plastic, for example in an injection moulding process, and the pivot pegs 4 and/or the guide grooves 5 are in this case jointly integrally moulded or formed at the same time.

The pivot pegs 4 lie on the centreline of the closure cover 2 (and also of the closure frame 1 ), such that the closure cover can be pivoted mirror-symmetrically about a central axis formed by said centreline. The guide grooves 5 in the closure frame 1 run obliquely with respect to the surface normal of the closure frame 1 . When the pivot pegs 4 have been inserted into the guide grooves 5 as far as their end position, the closure cover can be pivoted as described above, wherein the maximum open position is reached after a pivoting movement through 90 angular degrees. Altogether, it would be possible for the closure cover 2 to rotate about its pivot pegs

4 if it were not prevented from doing so, as will be discussed in more detail in conjunction with Figure 2.

For opening in a manner entirely unobstructed by the closure cover 2, it is however also possible for the closure cover to be completely removed from the closure frame 1 by virtue of the pivot pegs 4 being pulled entirely out of the guide grooves 5. If the illustrated device according to the invention is inserted into a wall, then the guide grooves 5 preferably lead obliquely downwards towards their ends, such that the closure cover 2 is held with its pivot pegs 4 in the closure frame 1 by gravitational force, and the closure cover 2 must, in order to be completely removed from the closure frame 1 , be lifted until its pivot pegs are released from the guide grooves 5.

In the case of the illustrated device being fitted in a ceiling, the oblique guide grooves

5 would not be suitable on their own for holding the closure cover 2 in the guide frame 1 . For this purpose, however, it would be possible to use an additional locking means of the pivot pegs 4 in the guide grooves 5 and/or for example a curved form of the guide grooves 5. Also, an additional catch device for the closure cover 2 may be provided on the closure frame 1 , which additional catch device firstly prevents the closure cover 2 from falling down of its own accord, thus preventing accidents, but is secondly designed such that the closure cover 2 can by all means be deliberately or wilfully completely separated from the closure frame 1 . The closure cover 2 is furthermore also fixed in its closed position in some other way, as will likewise be discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 2. At this juncture, it is pointed out that, even in the case of an arrangement of the device in a ceiling, the closure cover 2 is held in its closed position in the closure frame because, owing to the oblique profile of the guide grooves 5, it is in any case not possible for the closure cover 2 to fall vertically downwards; rather, in order to slide out, a horizontal movement component would also be necessary, which in the closed position is prevented by the closure frame 1 itself.

As can be seen in the illustration of Figure 1 , the closure parts 1 , 2 each have L- profiles with limbs 6, 7 and 8, 9. The L-profiles of the closure cover 2 together form a closure cover frame, which leaves open a central opening 10.

The limbs 8 of said closure cover frame, together with one another, form a cassette box and, together with the limbs 9, form a receptacle, depression or shell into which, for the closure of the opening 10 of the closure cover frame, a panel-like element (not illustrated) can be fitted, which element fills said receptacle or depression of the closure cover frame in accurately fitting fashion, so as to be flush with the free, narrow exposed edges 1 1 of the limbs 8, as a closure cover leaf.

The closure frame 1 itself may be fitted by means of its limbs 6 into the opening, which is ultimately to be closed off, of a panel-like structure element such that the limbs 7 bear against the panel-like structure element as a frame of the opening to be closed off, and at the same time the free, narrow exposed edges 12 of the limbs 6 terminate flush with that side of the panel-like structure element which is situated opposite the limbs 7. For this purpose, the limbs 6 must be dimensioned in a manner adapted to the thickness of the panel-like structure element. Since, in the closed position, the exposed edges 1 1 and 2 of the limbs 6 and 8 also terminate flush with one another, it is thus the case in the closed position that the panel-like structure element around the limbs 6 of the closure frame 1 and the panel-like element which is surrounded by the limbs 8 of the closure cover frame are aligned areally in a plane with one another. Therefore, if the exposed edges 1 1 and 12 are provided as visible edges, and accordingly said exposed edges lie in the respective exposed sides of the panel-like structure element and of the panel-like element, then in fact only the two narrow exposed edges 1 1 , 12, which run mutually concentrically in encircling fashion substantially without a gap, remain visible between the panel-like elements in a wall or ceiling structure.

Figure 2 shows the exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention as per Figure 1 from another perspective, likewise in a slightly open position. Identical structure elements are denoted by the same reference designations as in Figure 1 , as is also the case in the subsequent figures.

In Figure 2, it is possible in particular to see stop elements 13 on the closure frame 1 , which stop elements limit the pivoting travel of the closure cover 2 in the closed position by virtue of limbs 9 of the closure cover 2 abutting against said stop elements 13 in the closed position of the closure cover 2.

At the same time, the closure cover 2 has, on its corresponding limbs 9, frictionally engaging elements 14 as closure setting elements, which functionally interact with the stop elements 13 in the closed position of the closure cover 2. In particular, it is then the case that the respective edges 15 and 16 together realize frictional engagement.

Furthermore, it is for example also possible for the closure cover 2 to have suitable stop elements on one of its other sides.

At this juncture, it is also additionally pointed out that the limbs 8 of the closure cover or the angle formed between the limbs 8 and 9 must, during the pivoting of the closure cover, follow a pivoting radius, that is to say a circular arc, whereas the limbs 6 of the closure frame 1 , which are adjacent to the limbs 8 as far as possible without a gap in the closed position, are of planar form. The remaining gap tolerance between the limbs 6 and 8 permits a pivoting movement of the closure cover 2, though the highlighted situation can give rise to sliding friction, which alone can prevent the closure cover 2 from opening of its own accord from its closed position.

Furthermore, it is pointed out and emphasised at this juncture that a particular advantage of the device according to the invention can lie in the fact that both the closure frame 1 and the closure cover 2 can in each case be formed or moulded in one piece with, that is to say so as to incorporate, their respective, possibly different or diverse closure setting elements 13, 14, 15, 16, and can for example be formed inexpensively as injection-moulded parts, composed in particular of a plastic.

Figure 3 shows the L-profile-shaped cross sections of the closure frame 1 and of the closure cover frame 2 with its limbs 6, 7 and 8, 9. Placed into said profiles, it is possible to see sections of a panel-like structure element 18 and of a panel-like element 19, which functions as closure cover. Furthermore, a further stop element 17 is indicated, which can be recognized in terms of its function in the following Figure 4.

In particular, Figure 3 also shows the engagement of one pivot peg 4 into a guide groove 5.

It can likewise be seen in Figure 3 how the exposed edges 1 1 , 12 are adjacent to one another virtually without a gap, and offer little in the way of an exposed surface between the panel-like elements 18, 19, which in turn are in flush alignment with one another in a plane. On the limbs 7, 9, fluting can be seen, which forms in particular an enlarged adhesive area for the adhesive bonding of the closure parts 1 , 2 to the panel-like elements 18, 19. Furthermore, the closure parts 1 , 2 may be mechanically mutually stapled, preferably through their limbs 7, 9, to the panel-like elements 18, 19.

Figure 4 shows in particular, as already indicated above, the manner in which the stop element 17 forms a stop for the closure cover frame 2 in its closed position.

Figure 5 shows, in an illustration similar to Figure 4, but in a different region of the device according to the invention, stop elements 13, 14 which are formed differently in relation to the stop element 17 and which simultaneously serve for locking the closure frame in its closed position. For this purpose, the closing element or stop element 13 has an edge 15 in the form of a spring tongue, which edge latches into an indented edge 16 of the closing element or stop element 14.

Figure 6 shows in particular the oblique profile of the guide groove 5 in the closure part 1 , into which groove a pivot peg 4 can be inserted. In the guide groove it is furthermore possible to see a small locking lug or locking constriction, behind which the pivot peg is locked when in its end position.

Figure 7 shows in particular a pivot peg 4 (in relation to Figure 3) once again not in engagement with the guide groove 5.

i

List of reference designations

I , 2 Closure part

3 Side profile

4 Pivot peg

5 Guide groove

6, 7 Limb

8, 9 Limb

10 Central opening

I I , 12 Exposed edge

13 Stop element

14 Frictionally engaging element 15, 16 Edge

17 Stop element

18 Panel-like structure element

19 Panel-like element

Claims

Patent Claims

1. Device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, preferably in a dry building structure, in particular for a wall or a ceiling, in which an opening is formed in at least one panel-shaped or panel-like structure element, wherein the device for closing off the opening comprises at least two closure parts which interact with one another, of which a first closure part is formed as a closure frame which is insertable into the opening so as to be immovable, and a second closure part is formed as a closure cover which is insertable into the closure frame so as to be pivotable,

characterized by

pivot pegs (4) on one of the closure parts (1 , 2), which pivot pegs are insertable into guides, in particular guide tracks, of the other closure part (1 , 2) for the pivotability of the closure cover.

2. Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the closure cover has the pivot pegs (4).

3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pivot pegs (4) are integrally formed on the closure part (1 , 2).

4. Device for closing off an opening, preferably according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the closure parts (1 , 2), preferably both closure parts (1 , 2), is/are manufactured from a plastic.

5. Device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the closure parts (1 , 2) is or can be assembled from segments.

6. Device according to Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the segments have integrally formed detent elements for the connection thereof.

7. Device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the guide tracks are in the form of guide grooves (5).

8. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guide tracks deviate, in terms of their profile, from an orientation orthogonal to the area spanned by the closure frame.

9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the profile of the guide tracks is oriented linearly and obliquely with respect to the frame plane.

10. Device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pivot pegs (4) can be locked in an end position in the guide tracks.

11. Device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pivot pegs (4) are arranged on a centreline of the closure part (1 , 2).

12. Device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the two closure parts (1 , 2) have at least one closure setting element (13, 14, 17) which predefines the closed position of the pivoting closure cover.

13. Device according to the preamble of Claim 1 , preferably according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the closure frame (1) has a free space suitable for the inlaying of at least one edge, which borders the opening, of the panel-like structure element (18).

14. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the closure frame (1 ) has substantially an L-profile which is open for the purposes of receiving the edge of the panel-like structure element (18).

15. Device according to the preamble of Claim 1 , preferably according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the closure cover has a free space suitable for the inlaying of at least one panel-like element (19).

16. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the closure cover substantially comprises a closure cover frame (2), and the panel-like element (19) is formed as a closure cover leaf which closes off and fills said closure cover frame (2).

17. Device according to Claim 16, characterized in that the closure cover frame (2) has substantially an L-profile which is open for the purposes of receiving the edge of the panel-like element (19).

18. Device according to one of Claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the closure cover frame (2) substantially has a structural form similar to the closure frame (1)·

19. Device according to Claims 14 and 17 in combination with, or without, one or more of the other preceding claims, characterized in that, in the closed position of the closure parts (1 , 2), the panel-like elements (18, 19) in the closure parts (1 , 2) are in flush alignment with respect to one another and are in a plane with one another.

20. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one panel-like element and/or structure element (18, 19) are/is formed from gypsum plasterboard or from gypsum fibreboard.

21. Device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, preferably in a dry building structure, in particular for a wall or a ceiling, in which an opening is formed in at least one panel-shaped or panel-like structure element, wherein the device for closing off the opening comprises at least two closure parts which interact with one another, preferably according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel-like structure element (18), preferably in the form of a closure part (1), is a constituent part of the device and can be integrated into a dry building structure.

22. Device for closing off an inspection opening in a panel-like structure element of a dry building structure, in which the stated device comprises a frame framing the inspection opening and a closure cover for closing off the inspection opening, preferably according to Claim 21 ,

characterized

in that the frame is of panel-like form, wherein the material thereof preferably substantially corresponds to the material of the panel-like structure element, and in that the closure cover and, if provided and/or necessary, possibly at least one further device element are adapted to and/or fitted into the frame already at the factory.