Shower enclosure

Laser-processed glass panes with rounded corners and recesses for fittings provide a secure, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble shower partition with enhanced break strength and durability.

DE202025100925U1Active Publication Date: 2025-05-08SCHULTE DUSCHKABINENBAU
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE202025100925
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-05
Filing Date
2025-02-20
Publication Date
2025-05-08
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Shower partitions, particularly all-glass showers, require secure and cost-effective attachment to other elements while ensuring safe and easy assembly, with existing solutions being cumbersome and costly.

Method used

The shower partition is designed with glass panes that are laser-processed to have rounded corners with a radius of at least 2 mm and up to 12 mm, featuring recesses and undercuts for fittings, allowing for secure and easy assembly through gluing and screwing, and optionally incorporating decorative elements.

Benefits of technology

The rounded corners enhance break strength, reduce the risk of breakage during assembly, and facilitate simple, cost-effective production and installation, while ensuring a stable and durable connection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Shower enclosure (1) with a pane (2, 3) made of glass, characterized by that the disc (2, 3) is shaped, in particular exclusively by laser processing, especially cut, chamfered and / or rounded at at least one corner (4) and / or provided with a recess (9) and / or a decoration (21), and / or that one or more or all corners (4) of the disc (2, 3) are rounded with a radius (R) in particular of at least 2 mm and / or at most 8 mm to increase the breaking strength, and / or that the disc (2, 3) has a recess (9) that is at least partially non-circular in cross-section for the purpose of a fitting (5) that is particularly resistant to rotation.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower partition according to the preamble of claim 1 or 11.

[0002] Shower enclosures are increasingly being designed as so-called all-glass shower enclosures. These often very heavy panels require secure fastening or connection to other elements.

[0003] DE 203 02 370 U1 discloses a shower enclosure with two interconnected panes, preferably made of glass, wherein at least one of the panes has a closed, undercut recess along an edge surface for a positive-locking connection with the other pane. Furthermore, a fitting is disclosed for attaching a fitting to a glass pane, wherein a fitting element engages in or is bonded into an undercut recess to achieve a positive-locking connection.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of specifying a shower partition which can be produced cost-effectively and has at least one pane, preferably made of glass, as well as a use and a method which enable a secure and resilient connection of the pane to another component, a simple and secure assembly and a simple, cost-effective and rapid production.

[0005] The above object is achieved by a shower partition according to claim 1 or 11.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is that the disc is preferably cut, chamfered, and / or rounded at at least one corner, and / or provided with a recess and / or a decoration, by laser processing. The laser processing is preferably carried out before the disc is hardened. This enables very simple manufacturing, whereby the disc preferably only needs to be clamped once for cutting to size, chamfering, rounding its corner(s), and / or creating a recess and / or decoration.

[0007] The factory-prefabricated glass unit, which is fitted with fittings, is then installed on site to create a shower enclosure as proposed.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the pane preferably has at least one corner (in a flat-side view) that is rounded to increase its impact resistance. In particular, the corner is rounded with a radius of at least 2 mm and / or at most 12, 10, or 8 mm. It is especially preferred that the corner be rounded before the glass pane is tempered. Tests have shown that, in particular, the proposed rounding of the corner results in a surprisingly high impact resistance of the pane under corner stress. This significantly reduces the risk of breakage during installation, since the panes are often unintentionally placed abruptly on their corners against hard surfaces during installation.

[0009] According to a third, also independently realizable aspect of the present invention, the pane preferably has a recess that is at least partially non-circular and / or undercut for the particularly rotationally fixed engagement of a fitting or fitting part that is also non-circular, at least in some sections. This also contributes to simple manufacture and assembly, as well as a secure connection of the pane to the fitting.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the fitting is preferably bonded to a flat side of the pane and / or glued into the recess, thereby forming, in particular, a positive fit to prevent rotation and / or a positive fit perpendicular to the plane of the pane. It is especially preferred that the fitting is not only bonded to a flat side of the pane, but also preferably additionally positively connected or screwed to the pane – in particular perpendicular to the flat side of the pane to prevent lifting. This greatly enhances the stability and durability of the connection.

[0011] Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a proposed shower enclosure according to a first, particularly preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic, partial, flat-sided view of a corner of a shower enclosure panel; Fig. 3 a schematic, partial, flat-sided view of a proposed shower enclosure without fittings according to a second embodiment; Fig. 4 schematic, partial views A and B of a proposed shower enclosure with a fitting according to a third embodiment; Fig. 5 schematic, partial views A to C of a proposed shower enclosure without fittings according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 6 schematic, partial views A to C of a proposed shower enclosure without fittings according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. 7 schematic, partial views A to C of a proposed shower partition without fittings according to a sixth embodiment; Fig. 8 schematic, partial views A to D of a proposed shower partition without fittings according to a seventh embodiment; Fig. 9 schematic, partial views A to C of a proposed shower partition without fittings according to an eighth embodiment; Fig. 10 schematic, partial views A to C of a proposed shower partition without fittings according to a ninth embodiment; Fig. 11 schematic, partial views A to D of a proposed shower partition with an integrated handle according to a tenth embodiment; Fig. 12 schematic, partial views A and B of a proposed shower partition with a decoration according to an eleventh embodiment; and Fig. 13 a schematic, partial view of a proposed shower enclosure with a decoration according to a twelfth embodiment.

[0012] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or similar parts, achieving corresponding or comparable properties and advantages, even if a repeated description is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a proposed shower enclosure 1 with at least one pane 2 made of glass.

[0014] In particular, the pane 2 forms a door or door pane of the shower enclosure 1.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the shower enclosure 1 preferably has a fixed partition, in particular in the form of a glass panel 3.

[0016] The term "shower enclosure" is preferably to be understood in a very general sense, so that it also includes bathtub screens and other partitions or the like.

[0017] Preferably, the pane 2 or 3 is designed as tempered safety glass (ESG) and / or at least substantially as a rectangular plate.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the disc 2 is preferably movable, in particular pivotable, held on the fixed disc 3 or alternatively on another, in particular fixed, component or optionally on a room wall 6 or guided - for example on a guide rail.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the fixed pane 3 is preferably held on the room wall 6 via a profile 7, however, alternatively, for example, frameless fastening using fittings 5 ​​or in another way is also possible.

[0020] The shower partition 1 preferably has a shower floor or a shower tray 8.

[0021] The pane 2 and / or 3 particularly preferably has at least one rounded corner 4. In particular, several or all corners 4 of the pane 2 or 3 can be rounded.

[0022] In the present invention, the term “corner” is to be understood as meaning in particular a corner region of the pane 2 or 3 when viewed from the flat side.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a schematic, partial, flat-side view of the pane 2 or 3 in the area of ​​a corner 4.

[0024] Corner 4 is preferably rounded, in particular with a radius R of at least 2 mm or more, particularly preferably at least 3 mm or 4 mm, and / or of a maximum of 12 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm or less, particularly preferably a maximum of 6 or 7 mm. The rounding is carried out in particular before hardening the disc 2 or 3. Tests have shown that this surprisingly increases the fracture toughness of the disc 2 or 3 to an extraordinary degree.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the radius R is chosen to be as large as possible so that a seal (strip) applied or attached to the horizontal or vertical edge of the pane 2 or 3, in particular with a U-shaped attachment section in cross-section, covers the rounded corner 4 - in particular the glass section missing due to the rounding.

[0026] Glass panes with five different corner finishes were experimentally tested for their break resistance, namely: a) panes with unfinished corners; b) panes whose corners were manually finished with a sponge before tempering; c) panes whose corners were manually finished with a sponge after tempering; d) panes with butted corners; and e) panes with suggested rounded corners.

[0027] The discs with unworked corners according to a) were only brought to the desired size by scoring and breaking - without any further processing of corners and edges - and therefore had sharp-edged burrs and / or corners that remained unchanged even after hardening.

[0028] In contrast, the corners of the discs processed with a sponge, in particular a diamond sponge and / or a sponge with an abrasive, according to b) and c), have only been chamfered or slightly rounded to a degree of approximately 0.5 mm.

[0029] The discs with chamfered edges according to d) were processed using a grinding machine and – with the exception of the discs according to e) – exhibited the greatest material removal in the corner area. On the discs with chamfered edges according to d), the corner was chamfered or beveled with a bevel of approximately 1 mm.

[0030] The discs according to e) had a proposed rounding of the corners with a radius R of 8 mm in the form of a quarter circle when viewed from the flat side.

[0031] Each group a) to e) comprised ten specimens, so a total of 50 glass panes were tested.

[0032] The breakage resistance was evaluated using a standardized test in which a defined weight, in this case approximately 100 grams, was dropped from 20 possible heights (levels 1 to 20), ranging from 5 cm to 100 cm, onto the corner of the glass pane under test. Starting with the lowest drop height, the drop height was increased incrementally if the pane did not break.

[0033] To ensure reproducibility of the experiments, the glass plates were clamped or precisely positioned under a tubular guide for the weight, so that the weight would fall exactly onto the same spot on the plate under investigation. Pulling a pin released the weight, guiding it along the guide to the corner. The weight was preferably cylindrical (approximately 3 cm in diameter) with a flat end face that struck the corner. During the test, the plate under investigation was held upright with its flat side facing upwards, so that the corner under investigation was at the top, with the weight's trajectory extending along the longitudinal or vertical edge of the plate. The weight preferably struck the plate with its central axis at the point where the corner of an untreated plate was located and / or at a right angle to the horizontal edge of the plate.The fall path of the weight was therefore an extension of the vertical edge and corresponded to the longitudinal axis of the preferably tubular guide or weight.

[0034] Surprisingly, it was found that the discs with rounded corners (e) did not break, even at the maximum drop height (level 20). In contrast, the discs with untreated corners (a) broke on average at level 4.2. Treating the corners with a sponge before hardening (b) offered only slight advantages; these discs broke on average at level 6.36. By comparison, the discs treated only after hardening (c) broke on average at level 4.0. The discs with chamfered corners (d) broke on average at level 8.5.

[0035] By rounding the corner according to e) according to the invention, a breaking strength more than twice as high in the event of impact or force acting on the corner could be achieved compared to the panes with butted corners according to d).

[0036] Furthermore, a significant difference in fracture resistance was observed between the corner chamfering before hardening (b) and after hardening (c). Indeed, the chamfering after hardening (c) even showed a negative effect on fracture resistance compared to unmachined panes (a).

[0037] The proposed rounding of corner(s) 4 is therefore particularly preferably carried out before hardening the disc 2 or 3.

[0038] Since the discs 2 and 3 are frequently unintentionally placed abruptly on hard surfaces with their corners during assembly, the proposed rounding of the corner(s) 4 can significantly reduce the risk of breakage during assembly.

[0039] The results described here refer to the tests with a radius R = 8 mm for the discs according to e). Comparable results were also obtained with radii of 2 and 4 mm.

[0040] Therefore, a defined rounding with a radius R of at least 2, 3, or 4 mm and / or a maximum of 6, 7, or 8 mm is preferred. This represents an optimal compromise between mechanical strength and breaking resistance on the one hand, and the reduction of the surface area of ​​the disc 2 or 3, and thus its protective effect against splashing water, on the other.

[0041] The disc 2 or 3 can have rounded corners 4, one, several, or all of them. In particular, at least the lower and / or freely accessible corners 4 are rounded as proposed.

[0042] The rounding preferably has the form of a circular arc or quarter circle when viewed from the flat side of the disk 2, 3, with a particularly constant radius R. Other shapes, especially continuous ones or profiles with, for example, increasing and decreasing radii R, are also possible.

[0043] Furthermore, the rounded corners 4 of a disk 2 or 3 and / or of disk 2 on the one hand and disk 3 on the other hand can have different radii R.

[0044] The disc 2 or 3 is preferably rounded off at its corner 4 or its corners 4 by means of a laser and / or otherwise processed, in particular shaping (cut, removed and / or provided with a decoration).

[0045] Particularly preferably, the mechanical or shaping processing of the pane 2, 3 or the cutting to a desired size, the chamfering, the rounding of the corner(s) 4, the creation of recesses, in particular undercuts, and / or the creation of a decoration and alternatively or additionally the processing of edges or edge surfaces is carried out by laser processing, in particular in each case exclusively by laser processing.

[0046] Laser processing enables the simple production of the shower partition 1, since the pane 2 or 3 only needs to be clamped once for cutting and / or for all cutouts required for subsequent on-site installation, or for the complete mechanical or shaping processing (glass processing) before hardening.

[0047] Furthermore, processing using a laser offers the possibility for precise cuts and chamfers, resulting in a high-quality and dimensionally accurate shower enclosure 1.

[0048] Laser processing is preferably carried out exclusively before the hardening of disk 2 or 3.

[0049] Further embodiments of the proposed shower enclosure 1 are explained below with reference to the additional figures, wherein the panes 2 and 3 of the shower enclosure 1 have each preferably or exclusively been processed by laser (shaping) and the previous explanations apply in particular as a supplement, even if a repeated description has been omitted.

[0050] The following explanations only refer to disc 2, although corresponding or comparable properties and advantages can also be achieved with disc 3, so the explanations also apply to disc 3.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the proposed shower partition 1, namely a partial, flat-side view of the pane 2 in the region of its longitudinal or vertical edge (surface) 2a with a non-circular recess 9, which is open in particular at the edge or towards the edge surface 2a.

[0052] The recess 9 is preferably substantially square or rectangular in the flat side view.

[0053] The recess 9 is preferably designed as an opening, i.e. open towards both flat sides 10 of the disc 2.

[0054] In the second embodiment shown, the opening or recess 9 has two external corners 4a and two internal corners 4b. These external and internal corners 4a and 4b are "corners" within the meaning of the present invention. The external corners 4a and / or internal corners 4b preferably each have the proposed rounding R. The preceding statements regarding corner 4 are therefore also intended to apply accordingly to the external and internal corners 4a and 4b.

[0055] The radius R for the external and internal corners 4a and 4b is therefore at least 2 mm and / or a maximum of 8 mm, in particular at least 2, 3 or 4 mm and / or a maximum of 6, 7 or 8 mm, in order to avoid stress concentrations in the corner area and to achieve greater breaking strengths.

[0056] Preferably, all corners 4a, 4b of the non-circular recess 9 are rounded as proposed, whereby the radii R may differ, especially at the inside corners 4b, and may also be smaller than at the outside corners 4a.

[0057] The preferably non-circular or edge-opened recess 9 serves in particular to receive a fitting 5, preferably for a pivot bearing of the pane 2 as a door, as in Fig. 1 indicated. Preferably, the disc 2 has two recesses 9 for two fittings 5 ​​in order to hold or support the disc 2 (relatively far) at the top and bottom.

[0058] The position of the recess(s) 9 is basically arbitrary; in particular, a distance to the edge surface 2a or a non-edge-open or circumferentially closed design of the recesses 9 is also possible.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows the proposed shower partition 1 according to a third embodiment in two schematic, partial views according to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. Fig. 4A shows a partial section perpendicular to the plate plane or flat side 10 of the pane 2 in the region of a recess 9 into which a fitting 5 or fitting part 5a engages. Fig. Figure 4B shows a section parallel to the plate plane along line IV-IV of Fig. 4A.

[0060] The recess 9 preferably has an undercut portion 11, as in Fig. 4A, which is preferably also manufactured by laser processing.

[0061] The recess 9 is preferably closed on its bottom side or towards a flat side 10 of the disk 2, i.e., in particular designed as a blind hole. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the recess 9 to be designed as a through-hole.

[0062] Starting from the bottom of the recess 9 and / or towards the opening, the recess 9 or the section 11 preferably tapers to the open flat side 10 of the disc 2, in particular continuously.

[0063] The fitting 5 or its fitting part 5a is preferably glued to the pane 2 or glued into the recess 9 by means of adhesive 12, in particular in order to form a material or form fit perpendicular to the flat side 10 against lifting of the fitting 5.

[0064] Optionally, the fitting 5 or the fitting part 5a can be provided with a roughening and / or an undercut 5b in order to ensure or improve the desired form fit perpendicular to the plate plane by the engagement of adhesive.

[0065] Preferably, the adhesive 12 is introduced into the fitting 5 via a filling opening (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive 12 can also be introduced into the recess 9 in front of the fitting 5.

[0066] In addition to or as an alternative to gluing in the recess 9, the fitting 5 can also be glued to the flat side 10. This prevents, in particular, the fitting 5 from twisting about an axis perpendicular to the flat side 10 and from the pane 2 possibly sagging.

[0067] The recess 9 is in this embodiment, as in Fig. 4B shown, in the flat-side view or plate plane or in cross-section preferably non-circular, in particular at least substantially polygonal, polygonal, rectangular or square, designed for the particularly rotationally fixed engagement of the fitting 5 or fitting part 5a.

[0068] Preferably, the corners 4 or inner corners 4a of the recess 9 are rounded as proposed, i.e. bent with a radius R of at least 2, 3 or 4 mm and / or a maximum of 6, 7 or 8 mm.

[0069] The fitting 5 or fitting part 5a is preferably non-circular in cross-section, at least in sections, in particular corresponding to the recess 9. This promotes a positive locking against rotation and / or a positive locking perpendicular to the plate plane or flat side 10 of the pane 2.

[0070] The fitting 5 or the fitting part 5a preferably has a certain lateral play or a certain gap to the recess 9 or its side wall or section 9, so that the fitting 5 can be slightly displaced or positioned in the plate plane during installation, in particular in order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances or to optimally align two fittings 5 ​​to one another, until the adhesive 12 fills the gap and hardens and / or until the fitting 5 is firmly bonded to the flat side 10.

[0071] Fig. 5 shows the shower partition 1 according to a fourth embodiment in three schematic, partial views. Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of the disc 2 with a recess 9 that is at least partially non-circular. Fig. 5B shows the disc 2 or recess 9 in a plan view. Fig. 5C represents a section along line VV of Fig. 5B and additionally shows a fitting 5 connected to the pane 2.

[0072] The disk 2 or recess 9 preferably has first a round or rotationally symmetrical and / or in particular a conically tapered or undercut section 11 and in particular subsequently a non-round and / or non-tapered section 15.

[0073] The section 15 serves in particular for a rotationally fixed engagement of the fitting 5 or fitting part 5a, as in Fig. 5C indicated. Section 20 adjoins one flat side 10 of the disk 2, while section 15 adjoins the other flat side 10 of the disk 2.

[0074] The recess 9 is preferably designed as a perforation.

[0075] Section 15 or its inner contour is preferably designed in plan view to be essentially non-circular, polygonal, rectangular or square.

[0076] The recess 9, which is not round in cross-section at least in sections, or its section 15, has in particular rounded corners 4 as proposed, here inside corners 4b.

[0077] The conically tapered section 11 has, on average, according to Fig. 5C preferably has a constant slope or inclination of its wall.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5C schematically shows the fastening of the fitting 5 in the non-circular recess 9, or the engagement of the fitting 5 or fitting part 5a in the extension 9, section 11, or disk 2. The fitting 5 rests against the flat side 10 of the disk 2, which adjoins the non-circular section 15, to ensure a particularly rotationally fixed engagement of the fitting 5 or fitting part 5a in the section 15. The fitting 5, or the fitting part 5a engaging in the recess 9, is preferably adapted to the shape of the recess 9 or section 15, which is essentially angular, in order to prevent the fitting 5 from rotating about an axis perpendicular to the flat side 10 and from the disk 2 possibly sagging.

[0079] In addition, the fitting part 5b can be glued into the section 15 and / or the fitting 5 can be glued to the flat side 10.

[0080] A spacer (not shown) is preferably arranged between the fitting 5, which is made of metal in particular, and the pane 2 to prevent direct contact. The spacer is preferably made of a soft material or adhesive. Adhesive is particularly preferred as the material for bonding a flat side 10 of the pane 2 to the fitting 5. This prevents, in addition to or as an alternative to the angular design of the fitting part 5a, in particular from twisting the fitting 5 about an axis perpendicular to the flat side 10 and thus from the pane 2 potentially sagging.

[0081] Preferably, the fitting 5 is positively connected or screwed to the pane 2, especially in addition to gluing.

[0082] In the illustrated example, a screw 13, in particular a countersunk screw, is preferably screwed into the fitting 5 or into a blind hole of the fitting 5 or fitting part 5a from the side 10 of the disc 2 opposite the fitting 5.

[0083] The screw 13 is preferably supported with its head via a (ring-shaped) intermediate element 14 on the section 11 in order to distribute the preload forces on the section 11 of the disc 2 as evenly as possible.

[0084] The edge 2b, which forms the transition between the edge surface 2a and the top and / or bottom or the flat sides 10 of the disc 2, is preferably chamfered, as in Fig. 5C. This processing or chamfering of the edge(s) 2b is particularly preferably also carried out by laser processing.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows the shower partition 1 according to a fifth embodiment in three schematic, partial views. Fig. Figure 6A shows a perspective view of the disk 2 or the non-circular recess 9, which adjoins a flat side 10 of the disk 2. Fig. Figure 6B shows recess 9 in a top view. Fig. 6C represents a section along line VI-VI of Fig. 6B. The fifth embodiment is very similar to the fourth. However, section 11 is not conical, but preferably truncated pyramidal in shape.

[0086] The tapered or undercut section 11 and the adjoining section, in section according to Fig. 6C preferably straight section 15 is shown in the top view ( Fig. 6B) substantially non-circular, polygonal, multi-sided, rectangular or square, wherein the corners, here interior corners 4b, of sections 11, 15 are preferably rounded as proposed.

[0087] In this fifth embodiment, the recess 9 is also preferably designed as an opening.

[0088] Fig. 7 shows the shower partition 1 according to a sixth embodiment in three schematic, partial views. Fig. Figure 7A shows a perspective, partial view of a flat page 10. Fig. 7B a top view and Fig. 7C a section along line VII-VII from Fig. 7B.

[0089] The sixth embodiment is similar to the fourth, wherein the section 11 is not conical, but preferably stepped and in particular forms an annular shoulder 16 as an abutment for a fastening element, such as the screw 13.

[0090] In particular, the section 11 is cylindrical and has a larger diameter than the adjoining section 15.

[0091] The section 15 is preferably also cylindrical here.

[0092] The ring shoulder 16 preferably forms the transition from section 11 to section 15.

[0093] Preferably, the two sections 11 and 15 form the opening in the axial direction.

[0094] Preferably, the two cylindrical sections 11, 15 have at least substantially the same axial extent or height.

[0095] In the sixth embodiment, the part 5a of the fitting 5 that engages in the recess is preferably cylindrical.

[0096] The fitting 5 is preferably bonded to the flat side 10 of the disc 2, in particular over its entire surface, in addition to the positive locking connection or screwing of the disc 2, in order to secure the fitting 5 against twisting.

[0097] The fastening element or screw 13 or a cover not shown preferably closes with the Fig. The upper flat side 10 of the disc 2 is flush with the disc, thus forming at least an essentially flat surface.

[0098] Fig. Figure 8 shows the shower enclosure 1 according to a seventh embodiment in four schematic, partial views. Fig. 8A shows a perspective view from above, Fig. 8B a plan view, Fig. 8C a section along the line VIII-VIII and Fig. 8D a ground-level, perspective view from below.

[0099] The seventh embodiment is very similar to the fourth embodiment. Unlike the fourth embodiment, section 15 is not non-circular, but rather rotationally symmetrical or hollow-cylindrical.

[0100] According to the seventh embodiment, the recess 9 preferably has a cutout 17 on the flat side 10 associated with the fitting 5 (not shown). The cutout 17 is in plan view, as can be seen from Fig. 8D visible, preferably non-circular or not rotationally symmetrical, in particular polygonal, rectangular or square or polygonal, formed and / or designed as a depression starting from the flat side 10.

[0101] The recess 17 is preferably larger than the adjoining section 15, so that the recess 17 forms a surface on the bottom side (parallel to the flat side 10) which is in particular interrupted in the middle by the section 15.

[0102] In the seventh embodiment, the recess 9 is preferably designed as a through-hole and, with the exception of the recess 17, is preferably rotationally symmetrical.

[0103] The recess 17 enables engagement or positive locking of the fitting 5 or the fitting part 5a, in order in particular to connect the fitting 5 to the disc 2 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0104] Furthermore, the fitting 5 (not shown) or the associated fastening element, such as the screw 13 (not shown), can overlap or engage behind the undercut section 11, thus enabling a particularly positive locking fastening of the fitting 5 to the disc 2 against lifting of the fitting 5.

[0105] Fig. Figure 9 shows the shower enclosure 1 according to an eighth embodiment in three schematic, partial views. Fig. Figure 9A shows a perspective view, Fig. 9B a top view and Fig. 9C a cut of the Fig. 9B along line IX-IX.

[0106] In the eighth embodiment, the recess 9 is designed very similarly to the third embodiment, in particular also as a blind hole or closed on the bottom side.

[0107] In contrast to the third embodiment, in the eighth embodiment the recess 9 is preferably round in cross-section or rotationally symmetrical.

[0108] A further difference is that the recess 9, in addition to the undercut section 11, optionally has an adjoining section 15 towards the opening of the recess 9, wherein the section 15 is preferably (hollow) cylindrical, i.e. straight in section.

[0109] The fitting part 5a (not shown), which preferably engages in the recess 9, is again preferably glued in with adhesive, as already described in the explanation of the third embodiment.

[0110] Additionally or alternatively, the fitting 5 can also be glued to the flat side 10 facing the pane 2.

[0111] In Fig. Figure 10 shows a ninth embodiment of the shower enclosure 1, again in three schematic, partial views. Fig. 10A shows a perspective view, Fig. 10B a plan view and Fig. 10C a section of the Fig. 10B along line XX.

[0112] The ninth embodiment is very similar to the eighth embodiment. In particular, the recess 9 according to the ninth embodiment is also round in cross-section or rotationally symmetrical.

[0113] In the ninth embodiment, the undercut section 11 or its undercut forms an annular shoulder 16, as shown in Fig. 10C is shown. In particular, section 11 is larger in diameter than section 15.

[0114] The undercut section 11 or the ring shoulder 16 can be engaged as required by a fitting 5 or fitting part 5a and / or adhesive 12 (not shown) to enable a particularly positive locking attachment of the fitting 5 to the pane 2.

[0115] Fig. Figure 11 shows a tenth embodiment of the proposed shower enclosure 1 in schematic, partial views. Fig. Figure 11A shows a perspective view from above, Fig. 11B a top view, Fig. 11C a section of the Fig. 11B along line XI-XI and Fig. 11D a perspective ground-level view from below.

[0116] In the tenth embodiment, the recess 9 is preferably designed as a recess or gripping recess. In particular, an edge region, shoulder, or projection 18 formed by a side wall of the recess 9 enables manual gripping or engaging of the pane 2, particularly by partially engaging the recess 9.

[0117] In the illustrated example, in particular two recesses 9 are arranged next to one another in such a way that a rib-shaped region or web 19, web-like shoulder 18 is formed or remains there between them, which can be manually gripped on or from both sides or projections 18 facing the recesses 9.

[0118] The recesses 9 are preferably deepened and formed to the intermediate area or web 19 or to the extent that they are formed and are formed on the bottom side by a wall 20 ( Fig. 11C). This creates, in particular, two grip recesses in which a user (not shown) can manually intervene, for example to selectively push the disc 2 in one direction or the other by placing it laterally against the offset 18, and / or to grip the intermediate web or offset 18 on both sides, in order to be able to exert a pulling force on the disc 2.

[0119] Preferably the recesses 9 are closed on the bottom side, in particular by the wall 20 of the disc 2.

[0120] Preferably, the shower partition 1 or panel 2 has at least one recess 9 on each of its flat sides 10 to form a grip recess or a manually graspable projection 18.

[0121] In the illustrated example, the recesses 9 are preferably arranged directly opposite each other on opposing flat sides 10 of the disk 2 and / or separated from each other by a common (intermediate) wall 20, as shown in the section according to Fig. 11C shown.

[0122] In the illustration example, the wall 20 is preferably continuously bent in one direction, so that the wall, in the illustration according to Fig. 11C is concavely curved upwards towards the recess 9 and convexly curved downwards towards the opposite recess 9.

[0123] According to an embodiment not shown, the wall 19 can also be S-shaped in section or curved, so that a concave curve is initially adjacent to the respective offset 18, especially since this facilitates easy grasping or gripping with one or more fingers of a user not shown.

[0124] The illustration also shows that preferably two recesses 9 are formed on each side of the disk 2, each of which is designed as a grip recess and / or each forms a grippable shoulder 17.

[0125] Accordingly, the disc 2 preferably has at least one integrated handle arrangement or handle structure formed by the recess 9.

[0126] The recesses 9 are also particularly preferably produced by and especially exclusively by laser processing in the tenth embodiment.

[0127] The recess 9 is designed as a continuously deepening cutout towards the respective offset 18.

[0128] The embodiment 9 is preferably at least substantially rectangular in a flat-side plan view of the pane 2, the greater extent preferably running in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the projection 18 adjoining the recess 9.

[0129] The recess 9 can alternatively be shaped differently, for example semicircular or crescent-shaped in the top view.

[0130] The recessed grips, in contrast to a conventional handle arrangement with a protruding handle, allow for easier cleaning of disc 2.

[0131] The desired splash protection through the disc 2 is still achieved by the closed design of the recess(s) 9 on the bottom side.

[0132] Fig. Figure 12 shows an eleventh embodiment of the shower enclosure 1 in two schematic, partial views. Fig. Figure 12A shows a perspective view and Fig. 12B a top view.

[0133] The shower partition 1 or pane 2 is preferably provided with a decoration 21 which is in particular produced exclusively by laser processing.

[0134] The decoration 21 can be created on the glass surface and / or inside the glass.

[0135] The decoration 21 is formed in the example shown in particular by lines or strokes 21a, as in the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B indicated.

[0136] Tests have shown that by laser processing (laser effect) the glass can be modified in certain areas and in particular in a point-like or linear manner in such a way that it becomes milky or diffusely scattering.

[0137] Particularly preferably, even when the decoration 21 is implemented superficially, an at least largely smooth surface is maintained in order to continue to be able to clean the pane 2 well.

[0138] When the decoration 21 is arranged or formed within the disc 2, the smooth flat sides 10 remain unchanged anyway, so that good cleaning of the disc 2 is still possible.

[0139] Alternatively, the decoration 21 can also be executed using laser processing in the manner of an engraving with significantly greater material removal.

[0140] A twelfth embodiment is described below using a schematic section according to Fig. 13 explained.

[0141] According to the twelfth embodiment, the shower partition 1 or panel 2 preferably has a decoration 21 which is basically designed according to the eleventh embodiment, wherein the individual decorative elements, such as lines, stripes or dots 21b, however, may preferably be formed or arranged in different glass depths or glass planes and in particular only within the glass and / or offset from each other in order to disturb the strength and structure of the glass as little as possible, but to achieve the most pronounced decorative effect or shielding effect possible through the particularly preferred offset arrangement of the decorative elements.

[0142] The decor 21 can be composed of several lines and / or dots and / or different decorative elements.

[0143] In particular, the decor 21 can be designed as a point cloud. A "point cloud" is characterized in particular by a collection of several points, which preferably form a pattern and / or a structure or the like.

[0144] Particularly preferred are the decorative elements or different decorations arranged in different planes parallel to the plane of the disc 2 and preferably offset from each other when viewed from above.

[0145] The decoration 21 according to the eleventh or twelfth embodiment is specially designed as a privacy screen, so that the comments and explanations regarding the eleventh embodiment naturally also apply to the twelfth embodiment.

[0146] The decoration 21 can also be designed as a marking of the disc 2, in particular as an “indelible” marking.

[0147] DIN EN 12150 requires thermally tempered soda-lime single-pane safety glass (ESG) to have an "indelible" marking on the pane. The marking must contain the following information: i) Manufacturer's name or trademark; ii) Standard number: EN 12150.

[0148] The marking is preferably embossed inside the disc by means of laser processing. This contributes to an "indelible" marking of the disc 2. Alternatively, the marking is arranged, in particular, on the inner or outer side or on at least one of the flat sides 10 of the disc 2.

[0149] Furthermore, inscriptions or markings on one of the flat sides 10 and / or inside the disc 2 are possible by laser processing, preferably for marking, in particular for gender separation in public shower or sanitary areas.

[0150] Individual aspects and features of the various embodiments can be implemented independently of each other, but also in any combination. List of reference symbols 1 shower enclosure 2 slices 2a Edge surface 2b edge 3 fixed discs 4 corner 4a Outside corner 4b Inside corner 5 fittings 5a Fitting part 5b Undercut 6 Room wall 7 Profile 8 shower tray 9 Exclusion 10 flat side 11 undercut / tapered section 12 Adhesive 13 screw 14 Intermediate element Section 15 16 ring shoulder 17 Recess 18 Jump 19 Bridge 20 wall 21 Decor 21a line 21b Point QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 203 02 370 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Shower partition (1) with a pane (2, 3) made of glass, characterized by , that the pane (2, 3) is shaped, in particular exclusively by laser processing, in particular cut, chamfered and / or rounded at at least one corner (4) and / or provided with a recess (9) and / or a decoration (21), and / or that one corner (4) or several or all corners (4) of the disc (2, 3) is or are rounded with a radius (R), in particular of at least 2 mm and / or at most 8 mm, to increase the breaking strength, and / or that the disc (2, 3) has a recess (9) which is at least partially non-circular in cross-section for the in particular rotationally fixed engagement of a fitting (5). [2] Shower partition according to claim 1, characterized by that the recess (9) has a tapered section (11). [3] Shower partition according to claim 2, characterized bythat the tapered section (11) adjoins a flat side (10) of the disc (2, 3). [4] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the recess (9) is undercut. [5] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the recess (9) is closed at the bottom or designed as an opening. [6] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the recess (9) is stepped and / or has a shoulder (16). [7] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a non-circular section (11) of the recess (9) has at least one rounded corner (4) with a radius (R) between 2 mm and 8 mm. [8] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the recess (9) forms a grip recess. [9] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the decoration (21) is arranged in particular exclusively in the interior of the pane (2, 3). [10] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the decoration (21) is designed as a point cloud. [11] Shower partition (1) with a pane (2, 3) and a fitting (5) which engages in a recess (9) of the pane (2, 3) for connecting the fitting (5) to the pane (2, 3), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the recess (9) and an engaging part (5a) of the fitting (5) are non-circular at least in sections to produce a rotationally fixed connection, and / or that the fitting (5) is additionally glued to a flat side (10) of the pane (2, 3). [12] Shower partition according to claim 11, characterized bythat the fitting (5) is glued to the pane (2, 3) in the recess (9), in particular wherein the adhesive (12) forms a positive connection against twisting and / or a positive connection perpendicular to the plane of the panel. [13] Shower partition according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the fitting (9) is glued to a flat side (10) of the pane (2, 3) and is additionally connected or screwed to the pane (2, 3) in a form-fitting manner. [14] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one corner (4) of the pane (2, 3) is rounded off at the factory with a radius (R), in particular of at least 2 mm and / or at most 8 mm, to increase the breaking strength before hardening, in particular wherein the pane (2, 3) is installed on site for the production of the shower partition (1). [15] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the pane (2, 3) is cut, chamfered and / or rounded at least at one corner (4) by laser processing and / or provided with a recess (9) and / or a decoration (21) by laser processing and the pane (2, 3) is hardened in the factory after the laser processing, in particular wherein the hardened pane (2, 3) is installed on site for the production of the shower partition (1). [16] Shower partition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the disc (2, 3) is shaped exclusively by laser processing and hardened after laser processing.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Shower screen, assembled of at least two panes, provided with specifically shaped grooves for insertion of matching joint element

    DE20302370U1