WO2006003008A1

WO2006003008A1 - Partition wall system for offices and the like with a closure device for wall panels

Info

Publication number: WO2006003008A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/007304
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Marc Oberle; Yannik Fiegel
Original assignee: Steelcase S.A.
Priority date: 2004-07-07
Filing date: 2005-07-06
Publication date: 2006-01-12

Abstract

A partition wall system for offices and the like comprises a closure device (51) for wall panels with a plinth-like base part (53), an insert shoulder (54) and a receptacle for a wall panel. In a recess (59) of the insert shoulders (54) of the closure device (51) is contained a bolt head (60) with bars (61, 62) which each have a ramp-like tapered surface (64), leading cams or the like for clamping the base part (53) to the outer surfaces of an upright or crossbeams or supports of the partition wall system, for a clamping connection between the wall panels (52) to the partition wall system. With the closure device (51) of the invention, the position of the wall panels can be altered especially quickly and simply on runners and the wall panels are particularly easy to remove from the partition wall system and to replace without the need for tools.

Description

Partition Wall System for Offices and the like with a Closure Device for

Wall Panels

The invention concerns a partition wall system for offices and the like with a closure device for wall panels in accordance with the preamble of patent claim 1.

Partition wall systems for offices and the like are generally constructed of several partition wall elements that can be combined with each other in different configurations for designing corresponding workplaces in offices. Essential criteria for such partition wall systems are simple assembly and wide variability, such that later changes to the workplace layout are possible, and also an appealing optical design, such that additional trim and covers for such partition wall elements are not necessary. Corresponding partition wall systems are gener¬ ally known, such as US-PS 5,394, 658, which describes partition wall elements that are formed from a frame with vertical uprights that are connected to each other by profile- shaped cross-beams. With such partition wall systems, individually designed workplaces can be created.

An appealing, optical trim of the partition wall systems is obtained on one hand by forming the visible side of the partition wall elements with clip-on wall panels which essentially yield a flush shape of the two front sides of the partition wall elements. On the other, wall panels are also used that can be arranged vertically or horizontally on the partition wall sys¬ tems in order, for example, in a translucent formation to serve as a translucent screen be-^* tween various work sections of an open plan office and also as an elegant, freestanding fin¬ ish to the partition wall systems.

So far, the individual parts of the partition wall systems, especially the wall panels with the uprights or cross-beams, have been connected by screw joints or combined insert-screw joints. A disadvantage of this type of connection is that it does not permit simple and fast rearrangement or disassembly of the wall panels and no major variability is possible during assembly. Object of the invention is therefore to provide a partition wall system with a closure device for wall panels for offices and the like that permits rapid, simple assembly and disassembly of panels, wall panels and the like and features major variability in its arrangement.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by the features contained in the characterising part of claim 1, with expedient further development of the invention charac¬ terised by the features contained in the subclaims.

In accordance with the invention, the partition wall system comprises a closure device for wall panels with a plinth-like base part, an insert shoulder and a receptacle for a wall panel and the like. The closure device features a bolt head having a bar member arranged in a re¬ cess of the insert shoulders. Preferably the bar member comprises several laterally extending bars, particularly two oppositely arranged bars. The bar member respectively the bars, for their part, each have a ramp-like tapered surface, leading cams or the like for clamping the base part to the outer surface of an upright or cross-beams or supports of the partition wall system, for a clamping connection between the wall panels to the partition wall system. To this end, the supports, i.e. uprights or cross-beams, are provided with elongated slots that are formed by grooves or the like and into which the base part with insert shoulder can be in¬ serted. The bolt head preferably is of smaller width on its narrow side than the slot width in the uprights and cross-beams, but of greater width, however, than the slot width on the lon¬ gitudinal side with the bars. As a result, the connecting rods can be introduced with the locking heads into the slot of the uprights or cross-beams, after which simply turning the bolt head effects locking of the wall panel to the uprights or cross-beams, with the bolt head then engaging with the undercut slot.

This closure device facilitates rapid closure by a clamping effect. Thus, assembly on loca¬ tion proceeds simply by inserting and locking the wall panel into corresponding slots of cross-beams or uprights of a partition wall system. Assembly in this connection is fast and easy. Moving the wall panels or disassembling them in the event of changes to the work¬ place can be performed simply without further ado since the wall panels are removable when the closure device is in the unlocked position. This facilitates great variability of the arrangement of the wall panels on the partition wall system.

If the bolt head is spring loaded during locking, permanent locking is safeguarded. More¬ over, the load on the closure device is reduced in the case of shear pressure that may occur if pressure is exerted against the wall panel. In such a case, the spring loaded lock can namely yield and so facilitate deflection of the wall panel.

The bolts are preferably formed on an actuating element, especially an actuating handle or corresponding button accommodated in a recess of the base part. Thus, no additional tools are necessary, with the result that assembly, moving and disassembly are performed even more easily and more quickly.

Advantageously, the base part is clamped against the outer surface of the upright or the cross-beam in a first position of the actuating handle and, in a second position, is freely movable, and the actuating handle, when in the first position, does not project beyond the lateral outer walls of the base part, and, in the second position, projects laterally in relation to the outer walls. The closure device is then particularly economically and safely designed since the closure device, in the standard case, i.e. the locked position, has no projecting parts and so the partition wall system has essentially smooth walls in the assembled state and the actuating handle is readily actuated during assembly in the unlocked position. At the same time, a projecting actuating handle indicates immediately that the closure device is in the unlocked position.

Advantageously, the actuating handle on each side of the closure device has a handle or lever and so has a double-sided design. This facilitates assembly, moving and disassembly of the wall panels, since the closure device can now be actuated from all sides.

Advantageously, the insert shoulder has a trapezoidal profile and/or chamfered edges. Thus, the closure device can readily be inserted into the slot of the partition wall system and/or pushed into the unlocked position. Moreover, one or more runners may be provided that project laterally and/or on the lower side relative to the insert shoulders. These runners, which, for example, may consist of Teflon, additionally reduce friction when the closure device is being inserted and moved.

If the actuating handle comprises a bolt on which the bars are arranged, the closure device can have a slim design. By way of elastically compressible material, a plastic sleeve, an annular spring or the like may be provided to effect the pretensioning. Preferably, the elasti¬ cally compressible material surrounds the bolt and is secured by means of one or more washers and an appropriate fixing, such as a tensioning washer or the like. The bolt can then be connected to the actuating element via a plug connection or screw connection or the like, such that the closure device can be assembled from individual components that are easily replaced.

Especially advantageously, the wall panel receptacle features a recess for double-sided con¬ tainment of the wall panel, with the wall panel being fixed in the receptacle by a plug, screw or adhesive connection or the like. Such a receptacle permits an elegant, window-like con¬ nection between the wall panel and the partition wall system. The stability of the receptacle for the wall panel can further be increased by designing the receptacle in an L-shape to con¬ tain a corner of the wall panel. Additionally, the connection between the wall panel and the receptacle can be facilitated by a two-part receptacle design.

Bracing of the two-part receptacle, which, for example, can be effected by screwing or by means of dowels, holds the wall panel in place. Naturally, any other suitable means of at¬ tachment for the wall panel to the closure device is possible, such as provision for a U- shaped receptacle on the upper end of the base part or screwing the wall panel to the base part via a rebate.

Preferably, the closure device contains a wall panel holder which is especially formed as a U-shaped profile rail the lower external faces of which taper into a V-shape, and which sur¬ rounds and holds the edge of the lower side of the wall panel. Especially in the case of long wall panels, this offers additional rigidity for the wall panel. Moreover, this panel holder can connect flush to the insert shoulder, such that the entire lower edge of the wall panel is completely accommodated by the slot of the cross-beam or upright of the partition wall sys- tem. Such a connection between the wall panel and the partition wall system is not only ele¬ gant, but also avoids slits of light that can cause dazzling in the various work areas and the receptacle for the wall panel is additionally rendered stiffer relative to the partition wall sys¬ tem. However, the ability to yield to shear forces is maintained by the V-shaped tapering lower outer faces.

The closure device is therefore ideally suited to the cross-beams and uprights and makes it possible, when the closure device has been opened by turning the actuating handle or op¬ tionally any other actuating button, to remove the wall panel from a cross-beam and to transfer it to another cross-beam or upright or to move it on the cross-beam or upright itself. As a result, high variability in workplace design is facilitated. The wall panels are therefore mountable horizontally on the cross-beams in a standing or hanging arrangement and, equally, vertically on the uprights, as a result of which the scope for using the closure device is obtained. The closure device is suitable especially for the described partition wall system of cross-beams and uprights, with, however, independent protection sought for the closure device.

Embodiments of a partition wall system are described below with the aid of the drawing. In it,

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional partial view of a partition wall element,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view through an embodiment of a cross-beam of the par¬ tition wall system,

Fig. 3 is a sectional view through an embodiment of a further cross-beam,

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through an embodiment of an upright of the parti¬ tion wall system,

Fig. 5 is a 3D view of a closure device with a wall panel,

Fig. 6 is an illustration of a part of the closure device,

Fig. 7 is an illustration of the part of the closure device in Fig. 6 in a locked position,

Fig. 8 is an exploded illustration of a part of a further embodiment of the closure device, Fig. 9 a 3D diagram of the bolt of the closure device in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the closure device of Fig. 8 in the locked posi¬ tion,

Fig. 11 a 3D sectional view of the closure device with the wall panel of Fig.

8, and

Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the connection between the closure device and the wall panel of Fig. 8.

Fig. 13 is a front view of a partition panel of an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a closure device for fastening the partition panel as illustrated in figure 13 on cross-beams or also uprights of the partition wall system as described in figure 1, Fig. 15 is an exploded illustration of the partition panel as illustrated in figure

13,

Fig. 16 is a perspective illustration of the closure device as seen in figure 14,

Fig. 17 is an exploded illustration of the closure device as illustrated in figure

16,

Fig. 18 is a lateral view of the closure device as illustrated in figure 16,

Fig. 19 is a detail from figure 18 to illustrate a fastening clamp,

Fig. 20 is an end-face view of a closure device according to figure 18,

Fig. 21 is a lateral view of a fastening element of the closure device according to figure 18,

Fig. 22 is a sectional view along line A-A of figure 21,

Fig. 23 is a sectional view along line B-B of figure 21,

Fig. 24 is a view of a fastening element from figure 21 seen from the bottom,

Fig. 25 is a sectional view of a fastening element along line D-D of figure 24 as well as Fig. 26 is a view of detail A of figure 24.

Fig. 1 is a purely schematic diagram of a partition wall element 1, that is, for example, suit¬ able for use with the closure system for wall panels of the invention. Partition wall element 1 is, for example, constructed from two vertical uprights 2, of which only the right-hand upright 2 is shown in Fig. 1, and from cross-beams 3, 4, 5, and 6 extending between the two uprights 2. The end faces of cross-beams 3 to 6 are joined by two connecting rods 7 and 8 to form an assembly unit, which is called the fence unit or simply fence 9 and which can be attached to vertical uprights 2 via connecting rods 7 and 8. Connecting rods 7 and 8 are screwed to the end faces of cross-beams 3 to 6. As a result, further components of a partition wall system can be mounted by suitable means of attachment to cross-beams 3 to 6, as illus¬ trated by the shelf bracket 9 arranged on the cross-beams, that are formed from a fastening support 10 with engagement holes 11 and a shelf arm 12, which are connectable to the en¬ gagement holes via corresponding engagement formations. These shelf brackets 9, of which, for the sake of example only, four are shown in Fig. 1 in different arrangements at the cross¬ beams, serve to support shelves that are not illustrated. Fastening support 10 of shelf bracket 9 is hooked into or inserted into a slot 15, running the length of cross-beams 3 to 6, via a hook-in lip 13 formed at its upper end and an insert nose 14 formed at its lower end, with no other means of attachment being necessary for the shelf brackets, and these are otherwise slidable along slot 19 in suitable alignment on the cross-beams.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the upper cross-beam 3. As can be seen, the cross-section has a T-shape and is formed as a multi-chamber hollow profile. The side faces 21 and 22 of cross-beam 3 each have a slot 19 along the length of the profile. Slot 19 is limited on the side by inwardly projecting ribs 23 and 24, with the free ends of ribs 23 and 24 forming catch shoulders for attaching further elements of the partition wall system, such as the hook- in element of the shelf brackets with hook-in lip 17 and insert nose 18 described with the aid of Fig. 1. hi the case of a shelf bracket, hook-in lip 17 hooks in behind inwardly projecting rib 24, which is formed shorter than rib 23.

Further, the upper side 25 and lower side 26 of cross-beam 3 in turn have a continuous slot 27 along the length of the profile, which are limited laterally by inwardly projecting ribs 28 and 29 and which find application for engagement with connecting rods 7, 8 and the closure system described below.

Like the profiles shown in Figs. 3 and 4, cross-beam 3 is made by extruding metal, espe¬ cially aluminium, and specifically with a continuous uniform cross-section, such that the cross-beams can each be cut to suitable length. The slots are formed continuously along the length of the profile.

Fig. 3 shows the cross-section through cross-beams of a fence, which are each positioned beneath an upper cross-beam 3 in T-shape in accordance with Fig. 2. The cross-section of the cross-beam which is visible in Fig. 3 and which may be cross-beam 4, 5 or 6 from Fig. 1 has a multi-chamber hollow profile in square section, and specifically with rectangular cross-section. Since the cross-beams shown in Figs. 2 and 3 have a number of design simi¬ larities, the same reference numbers are used for the comparable parts in Fig. 3 as in Fig. 2. As may be seen, provision is made for slots 19 on the two opposite side-walls 21, 22, and a corresponding slot 27 on the upper side 25. Slots 19 and 27 are limited laterally by corre¬ sponding inwardly projecting ribs.

As a modification of cross-beam 3 in accordance with Fig. 2, cross-beam 4 does not have a T-shape, but rather the lower side 35 of the beam is formed as a flat surface that neverthe¬ less has a slot 36 having the same width dimensions as slots 19 and 27.

Fig. 4 shows the cross-section of an upright 2, which is formed analogously to the multi- chamber hollow profile and has a square shape with a quadratic cross-section. Slots 37 are formed on all four sides of upright 2, which slots are laterally limited by inwardly projecting walls 38 that are provided with an outwardly projecting crimp 39. The width of slot 37 is equal to the width of slots 27 and 36 and preferably also equal to the width of slot 19. The profile of the uprights 2 with the four slots on the four side-walls is designed such that parti¬ tion wall elements or fences can be connected to all four sides by inserting the connecting rods correspondingly, hi so far, uprights 2 can be used to form the partition wall elements into a corner or to connect partition wall elements in series along a plane. The described cross-sections of the cross-beams and their formation as multi-chamber hollow profiles yield a simple and lightweight construction of very great stability, so that the partition wall elements created therefrom are formed correspondingly stiff and load-bearing.

Fig. 5 shows the closure device 51 of the invention that serves to attach wall panels 52 mounted appropriately thereon to the cross beams 3, 4 or uprights 2. Fig. 5 shows the lower edge of the wall panel 52 and, more precisely, only the left corner, with the right corner be¬ ing provided analogously with a closure device 51. As may be seen, the closure device has a plinth-like base 53, on whose lower edge a downwardly projecting insert shoulder 54 is formed. This shoulder 54 is arranged roughly in the centre, such that catch shoulders 55 are formed on both sides of base part 53. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the closure device 51 is arranged on a cross-beam 3 in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 2. The insert shoulder 54 is inserted into slot 27, with catch surfaces 55 making contact with the outer face of the cross-beam (see Fig. 5).

It is, however, also possible to arrange closure device 51 on a cross-beam 3 in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3 or on an upright 2 in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 4. The insert shoulder 54 is then inserted into slots 27 or 37, with catch surfaces 55 making contact with the outer face of the cross-beam 3 or upright 2. The use of the closure device 51 of the invention is not, however, restricted to slots 27 and 37 limited laterally via ribs 28, 29 or walls 38, but rather it may be used also with a slotted panel, in which case it engages the panel directly. Thus it is possible to have an all-round, i.e. horizontal and vertical, ar¬ rangement of wall panels on one partition wall system.

For locking, closure device 51 has a handle element 56 as shown in Fig. 6 that is arranged in a recess 57 of the base part 53. The actuating handle 56 penetrates with bolt 58 an opening in base part 53 and projects into recess 59 of insert shoulder 54. The end of bolt 58 is fitted with a locking head 60 that has two bars 61 and 62 that project radially from bolt 58.

As best seen in Fig. 7, but also apparent from Fig. 6, the upper surfaces of bars 61 and 62, i.e. those facing base part 53, are fitted with tapered ramps, which are formed to the same extent on both bars and of which only ramp 64 is illustrated in Fig. 7. As a consequence of the tapered ramps, bars 61 and 62 become thicker, more precisely in anticlockwise direction with reference to Fig. 6, such that the surface of bar 61 facing the viewer has a smaller height than bar 62.

If actuating handle 56, which has two horizontally arranged wing-like handles 56, is turned, and more precisely through 90°, such that handle 65 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 7, bolt head 60 is also turned through 90°, and, more precisely, from the unlocked position illustrated in Fig. 6 into the locked position illustrated in Fig. 7, with the rising tapers or tapered surfaces 64 pressing the closure device 51, and hence also the wall panel 52 ac¬ commodated by the closure device 51, against the outer surface 25 of cross-beam 3 in ac¬ cordance with Fig. 2, with bars 61 and 62 engaging the inwardly projecting ribs 28 and 29 in accordance with Fig. 2. Not shown in the figures is an interbedded compression spring be¬ neath actuating handle 56 that safeguards the clamping position in the locked position.

Figs. 8 to 12 show parts of a further embodiment of the closure device of the invention, hi this embodiment, provision is made in the through-handle opening 70 (Fig. 8) of bolt 71 for a bushing 73 surrounding bolt 71 of base part 72, said bushing being made of elastically compressible material, such as an appropriate plastic or rubber or as spring that safeguards the clamping position in the locking position. Between base part 72 and bushing 73 and bushing 73 and turning handle 76 are located washers 74, 75 and secured with a tensioning washer 77, which is arranged in a groove 78 around bolt 71 (Fig. 9). Through arrangement in a circular recess 79 in base part 72 and in a cylindrical recess 80 of turning handle 76 (Fig. 10), bushing 73, washers 74, 75 and tensioning washer 77 are completely surrounded by base part 72 and turning handle 76. Turning handle 76 fits snugly via annular ring 81 into recess 79, while bolt 71 fits snugly via a quadratic connector 82 into a corresponding recess 83 of turning handle 76 (Figs. 8 and 9). hi this regard, bolt 71 is embedded in base part 72 via annular rib 84, which extends into the recess 85 of insert shoulder 86 (Fig. 10). Annular rib 84 is rounded on its inside edge and engages with an oppositely shaped shoulder 87 (Fig. 9) so as to limit the spring travel of spring loaded bolt 71.

To improve the sliding capability of the closure device, insert shoulder 86 is fitted with two runners 88, which are arranged in front of and behind recess 85 and project in relation to insert shoulder 86 both laterally and towards the floor. Thus, tilting of insert shoulder 86 within a slot can be effectively prevented. Runners 88, which can consist of an appropriate plastic, e.g. Teflon, envelop insert shoulder 86 and engage thereby with corresponding flat recesses (not shown) in insert shoulder 86. For support, runners 88 have laterally angled feet 89, which engage with corresponding flat recesses in the lower side of base part 72. By means of hooks 90, which project from the feet into runner 88, runners 88 engage with cor- responding recesses in the flat recesses of insert shoulders 86 and are thus held removably in place against this. Thus, runners 88 can be easily replaced when worn out. To facilitate in¬ sertion of insert shoulders 86 into a slot, these and runners 88 may have a trapezoidal shape.

Turning handle 76 in Fig. 8 has a double-sided design and also features two levers 91 oppo¬ site each other arranged anticlockwise relative to the axis of rotation. To improve the ergo¬ nomics and to increase the safety of the closure device, each lever 91 is shaped flat with regard to the side surfaces of the closure device and has an undercut part 92 at the free end of lever 91 and, at the fixed end of lever 91, a rearward projecting rib 93 that is set back in relation to the outer surface of lever 91. In the closed condition of the closure device, the free ends of levers 91 are accommodated in appropriate recesses 95 of the lower section of base part 86. The free ends of levers 91 do not completely fill recesses 95, with the result that there is enough free space available for the fingers to be able to grasp the rear side of lever 91. This grasping is facilitated by undercuts 92. Moreover, ribs 93 make contact with projections 97 that extend into the recess 96 of lower part 86 of base part 72 and so limit the turning path of turning handle 76. This prevents the closure device from being turned be¬ yond the locking position.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the connection of a wall panel 98 with a closure device 99 in the form of a cross-section and an exploded view. Closure device 99 comprises a base part 72 with centrally arranged insert shoulders 86, a double-sided turning handle 76, a two-part receptacle 100,101 of wall panel 98 and a wall panel holder 102. The two-part receptacle 100,101 is L-shaped and adapted so as to accommodate a corner of wall panel 98. To this end, wall panel 98 has bores 103 and receptacle 100, 101 laterally has inwardly projecting locking pin receptacles (not shown) and locking pins 104 (Fig. 12). Locking pins 104 pene¬ trate the bores 103 (Fig. 11) and, for their part, are embraced by the locking pin receptacles, which also penetrate bores 103. The connection between locking pins 104 and locking pin receptacles can be effected by a clamping or adhesive effect or similar.

Base part 72 with insert shoulder 86, turning handle 76 and receptacle 100, 101 are made from a zinc alloy or aluminium, with the result that the closure device is of a very stable design. Bolt 71 consists preferably of a suitable metal alloy, which is coated with Teflon to enhance rotatability.

To prevent direct contact between wall panel 98 and receptacle 100, 101 and so to avoid wear and noise development, provision is made for buffer platelets 105 of a suitable plastic that are arranged in receptacles 106 of wall panel receptacles 100, 101 and form an elastic buffer between wall panel and wall panel receptacle 100, 101.

Base parts 107, 108 of wall panel receptacle 100, 101 have a lateral shape that is symmetri¬ cal to that of base part 72 in order to accommodate turning handle 76 projecting upward beyond base part 72. Receptacle 100, 101 is provided with two feet 109 that have a fixing receptacle 110 for nuts 111. Feet 109 of receptacle 100, 101 engage with corresponding receptacles 112 of base part 72 in which screws 113 are arranged that effect a screw connec¬ tion with nuts 111 of feet 109 and so connect receptacle 100,101 with base part 72.

For bedding relative to wall panel receptacle 100, 101, turning handle 76 features a setback disc-shaped element 114 which essentially closes flush with the upper side of turning handle 76 (Fig. 12) and in which receptacle 83 for bolt 71 is arranged axially in recess 115. As a counter-piece for this bed, receptacle 100,101 features an annular rib 116, which encircles disc-like element 114 and rests on lateral shoulder 117 of disc-like element 114. Receptacle 115 accommodates a rubber spacer disc 118 of an appropriate plastic or rubber that is in contact with the transverse ribs 119 running around the inside of annular rib 116. Thus, turn¬ ing handle 76 is rotatability mounted relative to receptacle 100, 101.

Lower edge 120 of wall panel 98 is pulled down relative to receptacle 100,101 and con¬ tained by wall panel holder 102. This wall panel holder 102 consists of a suitable plastic or, for example, aluminium and has a largely U-shaped profile that tapers into a V-shape on the lower section of its outside face. The lower end of wall panel holder 102 closes flush with the lower edge of insert shoulder 86 and so can be accommodated by slots 27 or 37 of cross¬ beams 3 or 4 or by upright 2, with catch shoulders 121 of closure device 99 simultaneously making contact with the outer surfaces of cross-beams 3,4 or upright 2. Closure device 99 and wall panel 98 therefore close flush with cross-beams 3, 4 or uprights 2. Thus, especially in the case of large wall panels 99, twist-free attachment of wall panel 99 to the partition wall system is ensured and, moreover, troublesome slits of light are prevented.

With the closure device of the invention, wall panels can be attached at will to the partition wall system and so may be used as vertical or horizontal screens. With the closure device of the invention, the position of the wall panels can be altered especially quickly and simply on runners and the wall panels are particularly easy to remove from the partition wall system and to replace without the need for tools.

Figure 13 shows a partition panel 120, which can be used as visual protection, acoustic pro¬ tection and the like at a partition wall system, as described in figure 1. Said partition panel 120 is preferably mounted on the upper cross-beam 3 of a partition wall system, said parti¬ tion wall system being built by vertical uprights 2 and cross-beams connecting the uprights with one another. Said partition panel is particularly suitable for a partition wall system, where the vertical uprights have a height within a range of about 900 to 1200mm, particu¬ larly 900 or 1100mm and serve as a separation from work places from one another, still al¬ lowing a seated person a certain communication with an opposite work place, which is ar¬ ranged on the other side of the partition wall system. By using the partition panels 120 a corresponding shielding of opposite work places can be arranged, if need be, by fastening the partition panel 120 on a top cross-beam 3. Of course, fastening said partition panels 120 e.g. on said vertical uprights 2 is also possible so that a lateral separation is provided. In principle said partition panels 120 may also be fastened laterally on said cross-beams and may be used as tables, shelves and the like. Therefore a multitude of possibilities for using such partition panels is offered, whereby the term partition panels should be seen in a very broad manner.

Fastening of said partition panels is effected in an embodiment according to figure 13 by respectively two closure devices 121, through which said partition panels 120 are inserted into the slots provided on the cross-beams or uprights and through which said partition pan¬ els 120 may be locked respectively tensioned against said cross-beams or uprights, hide- pendent protection is here also claimed for said partition panels and also their closure de¬ vices. The structure of said partition panel 120 results e.g. from figure 15. Partition panel 120 comprises a stable frame 122, particularly made of aluminium profile or a stiff plastics pro¬ file or another suitable material. Said frame 122, as explained in more detail in the follow¬ ing, is fastened by clamping shoes on both closure devices 121, as particularly seen in figure 14. This leads to a circumferential frame 122, which is formed in the embodiment according to figure 13 by a U-shaped upper frame and a frame ledge connecting both closure devices 121 horizontally. In the case of the embodiment according to figure 15 a panel made of cardboard is inserted into said frame, which frame is open towards the inside, whereby said cardboard panel has a thickness that practically complies with the thickness of said frame. Said panel is marked with 123 in figure 15. On both sides cladding panels 124 and 125 are glued together with said cardboard panel 123, whereby said panels 124 and 125 overlap said frame 122, however are flush with its outside contour and therefore do not outwardly pro¬ trude over the frame. In the lower area both panels 124 and 125 are recessed correspond¬ ingly to the contour of said closure devices. Gluing both panels 124 and 125 together with said cardboard panel 123 results into a stable support of said panels on said frame 122. Pan¬ els 124 and 125 can be made of any suitable material, e.g. of hard fibers, plastic, metal, wood or a textile, depending if visual protection or sound insulation or the like is desired.

Fastening said partition panels 120 is effected by closure devices, e.g. by closure devices as described in figures 11 and 12. hi the embodiment according to figures 13 to 15 a closure device is however used that features a base part 126 similar to the base part 99 of figure 12, onto which however a fastening element 127 is mounted, said fastening element serving for fastening said frame 122 on said closure devices 121. Said fastening element 126 is different to the panel wall holder 102 in figure 11.

From figure 16 and figure 18, which show a partially sectional lateral view of said closure device 121, clamping shoes 128 can be seen quite clearly for fastening said frame 122. Said clamping shoes 128 are taken up on studs 129, which extend through corresponding aper¬ tures of fastening consoles 130, formed on said fastening element 121 and that preferably formed in one piece with the fastening element 126. As best seen in figure 17, frame 122 is formed as a profiled frame, namely of a ledge-like portion 131 and L-shaped legs 132 and 133, which are inwardly protruding and arranged oppositely, said legs limiting a slot 134 between them and that by way of the L-legs. The narrow side respectively width of said clamping shoes 128 is hereby smaller than the width of the slot 134, whereas the length of said clamping shoes 128 is larger than the width of said slot 134. Connection of said frame is effected by insertion of said clamping shoes 128 through said slots 134. After insertion of said clamping shoes, they are turned by 90° so that said clamping shoes 128 grip behind said L-shaped legs fastening said frame 122 on both closure devices. If need be, a restraint by a spring or a ramp, whereby said ramp is formed on said clamping shoes, may be provided. However, for fastening it is sufficient to screw the studs 129 into the clamping shoes 128, which press said clamping shoes 128 onto said L-legs and therefore firmly fix said frame 122 on both closure devices. Due to that a stable connection of frames and closure devices, which is easy to be released, is provided.

As particularly seen in figure 17, fasting element 127 may be connected with a base part 126, whereby details in this regard can be seen from figures 21 to 26. Fastening said fasten¬ ing element 127, which is plugged onto the base part, is after all effected by studs 135 that can be screwed in apertures respectively holes 136 of said fastening element (cp. figures 22 and 23). Furthermore, said fastening element 127 is centrally provided with a recess 137, resulting quite clearly particularly from figure 21 and figures 24 to 26 and serving for taking up a double-sided rotational handle 138, which is arranged on base part 126, whereby said recess is formed complementarily respectively correspondingly to a rotational handle 76 of the embodiment of base part 76 according to figures 11 and 12. By actuating said rotational handle 138 a clamping shoe, which is taken up on base part 126 and having bars 61 and 62 (cp. figure 20) protruding on both sides, is activated to tension said closure device against a cross-beam or upright. Said bars 61 and 62 are provided with inclined ramps or respective cams. For further details of said closure device it is referred to the detailed description on the basis of the embodiment according to figures 9 to 12.

Claims

1. Partition wall system for offices and the like, with at least one frame of two uprights and at least one cross-beam connecting the uprights and with at least one closure de¬ vice for wall panels (52; 98), characterised by the fact that the closure device has at least one plinth-like base part (53; 72), an insert shoulder (54; 86) and a receptacle (100; 101) for a wall panel (52; 98), with the closure device (51; 99) having a bolt head (60) with a bar member, preferably formed by two bars (61, 62), arranged in a recess (59; 85) of the insert shoulder (54; 86), each having a ramp-like tapered surface (64), leading cams or the like for clamping the base part (53; 72) to the outer surface (25) of an upright or cross-beam (2; 3; 4) for the clamping connection of wall panels (52; 98).

2. Partition wall system of claim 1, characterised by the fact that the bolt head (60) is resiliently pretensioned in its locking position.

3. Partition wall system of claim 1 or 2, characterised by the fact that the bars (61, 62) are formed on an actuating element, especially an actuating handle (56; 76) or corre¬ sponding button accommodated in a recess (57, 96) of the base part (53; 72).

4. Partition wall system of claim 3, characterised by the fact that the base part (53, 72) is clamped against the outer surface (25) of the upright or the cross-beam (2; 3; 4) in a first position of the actuating handle (56; 76) and, in a second position, is unlocked, and the actuating handle (56; 76), when in the first position, does not project beyond the lateral outer walls of the base part (53; 72), and, in the second position, projects laterally in relation to the outer walls.

5. Partition wall system of any of claims 3 and 4, characterised by the fact that the ac¬ tuating handle (56; 76) on both sides of the closure device (51; 99) each has a handle or lever (65; 91) and a corresponding double-sided design.

6. Partition wall system of any of the previous claims, characterised by one or more runners (88) that are arranged laterally and/or on the floor-side of the insert shoulders (86).

7. Partition wall system of any of the previous claims, characterised by the fact that the actuating handle (56, 76) comprises a bolt (58; 71) on which the bars (61, 62) are ar¬ ranged.

8. Partition wall system of any of the previous claims, characterised by the fact that provision is made for an elastically compressible material in the form of a plastic sleeve (73), an annular spring or the like for bolt pretensioning.

9. Partition wall system of claim 8, characterised by the fact that the elastically com¬ pressible material (73) surrounds the bolt (71) and by means of one or more washers (74, 75) and a suitable fixing, such as a tensioning washer (77) or the like, is fixed on the bolt.

10. Partition wall system of any of claims 7 to 9, characterised by the fact that the bolt (71) is connected via an insert connector or screw connection or the like to the actuat¬ ing element (76) such that it cannot rotate.

11. Partition wall system of any of the previous claims, characterised by the fact that the receptacle (100,101) features a recess for double-sided containment of the wall panel (98), with the wall panel (98) being fixed in the receptacle (100,101) by an plug, screw or adhesive connection or the like.

12. Partition wall element of claim 11, characterised by the fact that the receptacle (100,101) for containment of a corner of the wall panel (98) has an L-shaped design.

13. Partition wall system of claim 11 or 12, characterised by the fact that the receptacle (100,101) has a two-part design.

14. Partition wall of any of the previous claims, characterised by the fact that it contains a wall panel holder (102) which is especially formed as a U-shaped profile rail, the lower external faces of which taper into a V-shape and which surrounds and holds the edge of the lower side of the wall panel (120).

15. Closure device for a partition wall element system, characterised by the features of one or more of the previous claims.