Shower partition and guide rail for a shower partition

Abstract

The invention relates to a shower enclosure (100, 100') for mounting on a room wall and / or a wall panel (102), comprising at least one guide rail (1, 1') for supporting and guiding a movable partition segment (110), and a partition segment (110) movable along the guide rail (1, 1'), wherein the guide rail (1, 1') has a rail profile (2, 2') with at least one support area (14) for guiding the movable partition segment (110). The rail profile (2, 2') has a stiffening area (12, 12') for stiffening the guide rail (1, 1'), and a clamping device (10, 10') for generating a clamping force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (1, 1') is associated with the stiffening area (12, 12').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shower partition for mounting on a room wall and / or a wall panel, comprising a guide rail for guiding and supporting a movable partition segment, and a partition segment movable along the guide rail. The guide rail has a rail profile with at least one support area for guiding the movable partition segment. The invention further relates to a guide rail for such a shower partition.

[0002] Shower partitions of the type described above are known in the art. Such shower partitions are typically used in wet rooms of buildings to separate shower areas. Known shower partitions often have at least one fixed partition segment and a movable partition segment mounted thereon, similar to a sliding door, to enlarge and thus facilitate access to the shower area. To support and guide the movable partition segment, the shower partition includes a guide rail along which the partition segment is movably guided.

[0003] Due to the often considerable weight of the movable partition, such as a glass sliding door, unwanted deformation can occur in at least one section along the guide rail. Such deformation often impairs the free movement of the movable partition in the shower area. The deformation of the guide rail can be counteracted, if necessary, by adjusting the height of the suspension for the movable partition that interacts with the guide rail. However, this then leads to uneven alignment of the partition along the guide rail, particularly in the closed and open positions of the movable partition.

[0004] The invention was therefore based on the object of providing a shower enclosure for mounting on a room wall and / or a wall panel, by means of which the disadvantages existing in the prior art are overcome. In particular, the object of the invention was to provide a shower enclosure in which deformation of the guide rail can be counteracted in a simplified manner.

[0005] The object is achieved according to a first aspect by a shower partition for mounting on a room wall and / or a wall panel according to the features of claim 1. In particular, the rail profile has a stiffening region for stiffening the guide rail, and furthermore, a tensioning device for generating a tensioning force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail is assigned to the stiffening region.

[0006] The invention pursues the approach of counteracting any possible deformation of the guide rail by means of the tensioning device assigned to the stiffening region of the rail profile. By means of the stiffening region and the tensioning device preferably arranged thereon or therein, the section modulus is significantly increased, particularly at comparatively low profile heights on the rail profile, and thus any possible deformation is reduced from the outset. With the help of the tensioning device on the guide rail, a tensioning force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail or the rail profile is generated. If deformation has already occurred, the deformed rail profile can be at least partially returned to its original shape by adjusting the tensioning device, or the deformation due to the weight of the movable room divider segment can be counteracted and at least partially compensated for.This also makes it easier to avoid any potential interference with the free movement of the partition segment, without having to adjust anything on the suspension for the movable partition segment itself. By adjusting or modifying the tensioning device on the guide rail, the partition segment can maintain its original alignment with a fixed partition segment, preferably also present on the shower enclosure, or with the subfloor in the shower area. Existing gaps between the components remain virtually unchanged, which has a positive overall effect on the visual appearance of the shower enclosure.The tensioning device interacts in particular with the guide rail in such a way that, by preferably applying a compressive force along at least one section of the guide rail, a deformation acting in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail profile can be cancelled out and the guide rail can be deformed back into its almost linear orientation.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the stiffening region of the rail profile, relative to the cross-section of the rail profile, has a (first) receiving space, i.e., a hollow space, within which the clamping device is at least partially arranged. Providing a receiving space in the stiffening region of the rail profile enables space-saving accommodation of the clamping device associated with the rail profile. Preferably, the clamping device runs almost entirely within the receiving space on the guide rail, which preferably extends over the entire length of the rail profile in the stiffening region.

[0008] According to a preferred development, the tensioning device comprises a tensioning element which is connected to the rail profile and, upon application of a tensile force to the tensioning element, is configured to generate a compressive force along at least one section of the guide rail. By means of the tensioning element, which is preferably connected to two spaced-apart sections of the rail profile of the guide rail, a tensioning force, in the form of a compressive force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, can be easily applied to the guide rail. By applying the tensioning force in the sections of the rail profile provided for this purpose, its section modulus is advantageously increased. In addition, any deformation of the rail profile that may have occurred can be counteracted, and the guide rail can be returned to its original, almost linear alignment.To generate the required clamping force, a tensile force is preferably exerted on the clamping element itself along its extension.

[0009] The tensioning element preferably extends over approximately half, in particular approximately three-quarters, or preferably more than nine-tenths of the length of the guide rail, wherein the tensioning element is preferably connected to the rail profile at each end. Depending on the design of the shower enclosure, it may be advantageous if the tensioning device with its tensioning element extends over the entire length of the guide rail. In another design, however, it is sufficient if the tensioning element extends only over approximately half the length of the guide rail, wherein the tensioning device is then assigned to a predetermined section of the rail profile.In the shortened version, in which the clamping element of the clamping device extends only over approximately half of the guide rail, one end of the clamping element preferably cooperates with one end of the rail profile and the opposite end of the clamping element is coupled, for example, to a section of the rail profile on approximately half of the guide rail.

[0010] One possible embodiment of the shower partition according to the invention provides for the tensioning element to be designed as a one-piece rod part or as a multi-part telescopic rod, each of which is coupled at its end to sections or the ends of the rail profile via connector elements. The design as a one-piece rod part represents the structurally simplest option for designing the tensioning element in the form of, for example, a threaded rod. Such a one-piece rod part as a tensioning element is then adjusted in length according to the length of the rail profile of the shower partition. According to a preferred embodiment, the one-piece rod part has, at least at its end, corresponding sections which are provided with a thread and are each designed for coupling to a connector element.Clamping nuts are preferably used to couple, in particular, the ends of the rod part, which is preferably designed as a threaded rod, to a respective connector element.

[0011] The provision of a multi-part telescopic rod relates to a variant of the design of the tensioning element on the tensioning device that is, in itself, more structurally complex, but which can be advantageously and easily adapted to different lengths of guide rails of a shower partition without great effort. The multi-part telescopic rod also has at least one threaded section at each end for coupling to the rail profile. In addition, the telescopic rod has an area in which two rod sections of the telescopic rod overlap. The end of the first telescopic rod section has a section with an external thread in the overlap area, and the end of the second telescopic rod section, preferably designed as a sleeve tube, has a section with an internal thread in the overlap area.The threads at the ends of the telescopic rod sections, which form the overlapping area, are screwed together accordingly depending on the desired length.

[0012] Regardless of the design of the clamping element, the opposite ends of the clamping element are designed to be coupled to sections or the ends of the rail profile via connector elements.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one connector element has a coupling part that can be brought into operative connection with a section or end of the rail profile, wherein the connection between the coupling part and the clamping element is established by means of a separate clamping nut or a head part of the clamping element. In a simple embodiment of the connector element, this is preferably designed in two parts, wherein the coupling part is designed as a type of connector plate with a passage for the clamping element to be guided through, which cooperates with the in particular separate clamping nut. The plate-shaped coupling part is aligned approximately perpendicular to the clamping element and preferably engages behind sections of the rail profile in a form-fitting manner. The coupling part is in particular directly or indirectly in contact with the clamping nut, which is screwed onto the threaded end of the clamping element.In one possible embodiment, each end of the clamping element is connected via such a connection to, for example, one end or a predetermined section of the rail profile. Instead of a separate clamping nut, a head part firmly connected to the one-piece rod part or the free end of the first telescopic rod part can be provided as a tool attachment. The one-piece rod part and the first telescopic rod part are preferably designed as clamping bolts.

[0014] According to an optional or alternative embodiment, at least one connector element has a coupling part that can be operatively connected to a section or end of the rail profile and on which a threaded shaft is arranged to establish the connection between the coupling part and the clamping element. The coupling part that can be operatively connected to the rail profile preferably has a plate-shaped configuration, with a threaded shaft extending approximately perpendicularly from the plate-shaped coupling part. In particular, when the clamping element is designed as a multi-part telescopic rod, the second rod part of the telescopic rod, which is designed in particular as a sleeve tube, is connected to the coupling part via the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft can be formed integrally with the coupling part.In an alternative embodiment, the coupling part has a passage similar to the first embodiment, through which a threaded bolt extends in the direction of the hollow cylindrical end of the second telescopic rod part instead of one end of the threaded rod.

[0015] Preferably, the coupling parts of the connector elements interact with the ends of the rail profile in the stiffening area. The clamping element then preferably extends over almost the entire length of the guide rail. In a configuration in which the clamping element preferably extends over only approximately half of the rail profile, inwardly projecting material webs are provided in the receiving space for the clamping device. The material webs, which protrude in particular perpendicularly from the side walls defining the receiving space, preferably serve as a stop or abutment for the plate-like coupling part of the connector element.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the shower partition, the tensioning device has a support part which supports the tensioning device in the installed position relative to the rail profile, wherein the support part is preferably arranged approximately halfway along the length of the tensioning device. The support part fixes the position of the tensioning device within the rail profile, in particular in the receiving space of the stiffening section. In addition, the support part provides a supporting function for the tensioning device, which is additionally supported in the hollow profile, in particular when loaded by the movable room partition segment. This increases the pretensioning force acting on the ends of the rail profile and simultaneously reduces the deflection of the overall system. The support part is arranged in particular approximately halfway along the length of the tensioning device and / or the rail profile.

[0017] The support part preferably has a guide section that interacts with a section of the tensioning device, and a support section that bears against at least one wall region in the receiving space of the stiffening section of the rail profile. The support part, with its guide section, particularly encompasses the one-piece rod part or the first telescopic rod part of the tensioning device in certain regions, wherein a clamping effect of the guide section on the rod part or the first telescopic rod part is preferably effected. This simplifies the insertion of the tensioning device with the support part mounted thereon into the receiving space provided for it on the rail profile. With the aid of the support section on the support part, the dimensions of which are preferably adapted to the dimensions of the receiving space of the stiffening section, any movement of the support part itself in the receiving space of the stiffening area when the tensioning device is actuated is counteracted.The support part is preferably made of a plastic material, which simplifies the coupling of the guide section to the rod part, which partially encompasses the rod part.

[0018] An advantageous development of the shower partition according to the invention provides that the stiffening area of ​​the rail profile is designed as an H-profile with at least two legs laterally delimiting the receiving space and a connecting web connecting the legs to one another. The design as an H-profile represents a simple option for designing the stiffening area on the rail profile, which, despite a limited profile height, has a comparatively high section modulus. The legs laterally delimiting the receiving space run approximately perpendicular and parallel to one another when the guide rail is installed. The height of the receiving space for the tensioning device is defined by means of the connecting web, which also defines the width of the stiffening area. A stiffening area designed as an H-profile preferably has two receiving spaces separated from one another by the connecting web.When the guide rail is installed, the upper receiving space of the stiffening area is designed to accommodate the clamping device with its clamping element. The clamping element preferably runs off-center relative to the cross-section of the rail profile, particularly across the height of the rail profile.

[0019] In a possible further development of the invention, the rail profile is designed as an A-profile with two legs running essentially parallel to each other. In a possible embodiment of the stiffening area, one of the receiving spaces is designed as a closed hollow chamber. In particular, the receiving space within which the tensioning device for the guide rail is arranged is designed to be closed.

[0020] According to one embodiment, it is preferably provided that the support area for the movable room divider segment is adjacent to the stiffening area of ​​the rail profile. This creates a direct connection between the stiffening area of ​​the rail profile and the support area for the movable room divider segment to be moved along it. Possible forces generated by the room divider segment on the guide rail are thus directly absorbed by the stiffening area and the tensioning device arranged in the stiffening area. Preferably, the support area for the movable room divider segment is directly adjacent to a leg of the stiffening area of ​​the rail profile, which is designed in particular as an H- or A-profile.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the support region of the rail profile has two guide webs that run essentially parallel and spaced apart from one another, between which a hollow space is formed. The guide webs, which extend in particular perpendicularly from the stiffening region of the rail profile, ensure secure accommodation of the room divider segment to be moved along the rail profile. In particular, a sliding element (slider) or a roller connected to the movable room divider segment, preferably a type of sliding door, can be arranged in the hollow space. Furthermore, the laterally projecting guide webs of the guide rail, adjacent to the stiffening region, provide improved rigidity transverse to the vertical direction of the rail profile, so that when the tensioning device is tightened, the rail profile is not deflected perpendicular to its actual tensioning direction.Preferably, the distance between the guide bars is selected such that the partition segment cannot accidentally move out of the support area on the rail profile. In particular, the upper guide bar serves as a safety device for the partition segment's suspension, which preferably runs along the lower guide bar.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide webs protrude laterally approximately at the end of one of the legs of the stiffening section. The section modulus of the rail profile is further increased by the guide webs protruding laterally at the upper and lower ends of the rail profile relative to the profile height. The guide webs are preferably mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central axis defining the height of the rail profile. The guide webs have a concavely curved contour, particularly on their surfaces facing the suspension for the movable partition segment.

[0023] According to a preferred development, the movable room divider segment has a movement unit, in particular a plurality of rollers or sliders, which is guided on the rail profile within the support area. By means of the movement unit, in particular a plurality of rollers, each on a suspension for the movable room divider segment, the latter can be moved along the guide rail with little effort. The provision of rollers involves a preferably low-friction movement of the movement unit and thus of the movable room divider segment, similar to a sliding door, along the rail profile. The rollers of the movement unit rest in particular on the lower guide web of the support area.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the receiving area for the clamping device on the rail profile is designed to be open or closed at the top and preferably extends over approximately two-thirds of the height of the rail profile. The upwardly open receiving space for the clamping device enables easy insertion of the clamping device into the rail profile of the guide rail. In particular, if only sections of the rail profile are to be equipped with such a clamping device, the open design significantly simplifies the installation of the clamping device. With an upwardly open receiving space, the stiffening area is designed similar to an H-profile.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving space for the clamping device is designed to be closed at the top. The receiving space thus defines a type of hollow chamber for the clamping device to be inserted therein. If the receiving space is designed to be closed, the clamping device can be inserted into the designated receiving space from each end of the rail profile. The receiving space for the clamping device preferably extends over approximately two-thirds of the height of the rail profile. This provides sufficient space in the receiving space for the clamping device and facilitates the bending back of the rail profile, which preferably occurs in the vertical direction of the rail profile of the guide rail.

[0026] According to a preferred development, in addition to the movable room divider segment, a further room divider segment is provided, which is held fixedly on the rail profile.

[0027] Preferably, the stiffening region of the rail profile, on the side of the connecting web facing away from the first receiving space, has a second receiving space which is open downwards, wherein the fixed room divider segment preferably engages in the second receiving space on the stiffening region of the rail profile. The second receiving space, which is particularly open downwards, on the stiffening region of the rail profile ensures simple and, at the same time, secure accommodation of the fixed room divider segment on the shower partition according to the invention. By means of the second receiving space on the rail profile, the fixed room divider segment can be held easily and, above all, securely, without having to provide a separate holder for the fixed room divider segment that is to be fastened to the rail profile.Particularly in connection with a fixed partition segment mounted on the rail profile, the design of the clamping device along only a predetermined section of the rail profile is advantageous. Despite the fixed partition segment engaging from below along only one section into the second receiving space, the clamping device can also extend over the entire length of the guide rail.

[0028] A further development of the shower partition according to the invention provides that the legs laterally delimiting the second receiving space have locking profiles on their inner sides facing the receiving space for sealing elements that can be brought into contact with the fixed room divider segment. With the help of the sealing elements that can be arranged between the room divider segment and the legs of the rail profile, a seal is achieved as well as maintaining a distance between the legs of the rail profile, which is made in particular from a metal material, and the room divider segments, which are usually made of glass. With the help of the locking profiles formed on the inner sides of the legs, a secure retention of a sealing element, which is usually subsequently inserted between the room divider segment and a respective leg, is ensured. The locking profiles can be designed as a type of elevation and / or depression on the inner sides of the legs of the stiffening area.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the rail profile has a first end that is clamped to a room wall and / or a wall panel, and an opposite (second) end at which a mounting section is provided for a support profile that interacts with the rail profile, or for an additional guide rail that interacts with the rail profile. The support profile or the additional guide rail preferably runs substantially perpendicular to the rail profile. In particular, the free (second) end of the guide rail, facing away from the room wall or wall panel, is held in the room with the aid of the support profile / additional guide rail. The support profile or the guide rail can, for example, also be assigned a fixed room divider segment that likewise extends at least along a section of the support profile or the guide rail.If an additional guide rail is attached to the mounting section of the rail profile, another movable room divider segment can be guided along this additional guide rail. Using the mounting section at the second end of the rail profile, a solid connection based on force or form fit is created between the rail profile and the support profile or the additional guide rail.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a guide rail for a shower partition, in particular a shower partition according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, wherein the guide rail has a rail profile with a support region for guiding a movable room partition segment and a stiffening region for stiffening the rail profile, wherein the stiffening region is assigned a tensioning device for generating a tensioning force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. With the aid of a tensioning device assigned to the stiffening region, the guide rail is imparted with an increased section modulus. In addition, the tensioning device can be used to counteract unwanted deformation of the guide rail, in particular bending of the rail profile in the vertical direction.Overall, such a rail profile according to the invention for a shower partition is given increased rigidity by means of the tensioning device in the event of possible forces acting on it, such as, for example, by a room partition segment movable along it.

[0031] In a further aspect, the invention also relates to the use of a tensioning device on a guide rail of a shower enclosure, in particular according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, for generating a tensioning force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and compensating for a bending of its rail profile. By using a tensioning device, which preferably extends at least along a section of the guide rail, a tensioning force can be exerted on the guide rail in the longitudinal direction in an advantageously simple manner.By generating the clamping force, whereby a tensile force is applied to the clamping device itself, which then acts in the form of a compressive force on in particular two sections of the rail profile arranged at a distance from one another, a deformation of the rail profile, in particular perpendicular to the direction of extension of the guide rail, can be counteracted or a guide rail deformed, in particular in the height direction of the rail profile, can be returned to its desired original linear alignment.

[0032] The preferred embodiments and further developments described for the shower partition according to the invention are also preferred embodiments of the guide rail according to the invention and the use of a tensioning device, provided that these do not contradict one another due to structural conditions.

[0033] The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the drawings and the claims may be essential for the further development of the invention both individually and in any combination with one another, provided that they do not contradict one another technically.

[0034] The invention will now be described in more detail below using various embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1: a perspective view of a shower partition according to the invention; Fig. 2: a perspective view of a guide rail according to the invention with a clamping device arranged thereon according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3: a sectional view of the guide rail according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4: an exploded view of the clamping device according to the invention according to Fig. 2 and 3; Fig. 5: a perspective view of a guide rail according to the invention and a second embodiment of a clamping device according to the invention; Fig. 6: a plan view of the guide rail according to the invention with its clamping device according to Fig. 1 and 5 in partial section; Fig. 7: a view of the cross section of the rail profile according to a first embodiment; Fig. 8: a view of the cross section of the rail profile according to a further embodiment; Fig. 9: a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the clamping device according to the Fig. 2 - 4 ; Fig. 10 - 12 different views of the clamping device according to Fig.9 and Fig.13 a perspective view of another embodiment of a shower partition according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. 1shows a shower partition 100 for mounting on a room wall and / or a wall panel 102, which is used to separate a shower area 104 in a wet room (not shown in detail) of a building. The floor of the shower area 104 is defined by a shower tray 106. The shower area 104 is typically separated from the rest of the wet room by several room divider segments 108, 110.

[0036] The room divider segment 108 is fixedly arranged above the shower tray 104, whereas the room divider segment 110, like a sliding door, is arranged movable along a guide rail 1, 1' of the shower partition 100. The guide rail 1, 1' has a rail profile 2, 2', which is fastened or clamped by a first end 4 to the room wall and / or the wall panel 102. At the opposite, second end 4' of the rail profile 2, 2', a mounting section 6 is provided for coupling to a support profile 8. The rail profile 2, 2' and support profile 8 run approximately perpendicular to one another. The rail profile 2, 2' and support profile 8 run in a plane that is preferably aligned approximately parallel to the shower tray 104.

[0037] The support profile 8 is also attached with one of its ends to a room wall or a wall panel 102. Between the top of the shower tray 106 and the support profile 8, a fixed room divider segment 108 usually extends along at least a section of the support profile 8, which for reasons of simplification is not shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0038] The guide rail 1, 1' is designed to support and guide the movable room divider segment 110 in the form of a sliding door. Access to and from the shower area 104 is simplified via the room divider segment 110. To counteract deformation of the guide rail 1, 1' caused by the mass of the movable room divider segment 110 acting upon it, the guide rail 1, 1' is provided with a tensioning device 10, 10' ( Fig. 2 , 5) which is designed to generate a clamping force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 1, 1' and by means of which the section modulus of the guide rail 1, 1' is increased.

[0039] How Fig. 2 As can be seen, the guide rail 1, 1' has a stiffening area 12 for stiffening the rail profile 2, 2' and a support area 14 for guiding the movable room divider segment 110. As Fig. 2 As can be seen further, the stiffening area 12 has a receiving space 16 within which the clamping device 10 is arranged.

[0040] The tensioning device 10 comprises a tensioning element 18, which is connected to the rail profile 2 and, by applying a tensile force to the tensioning element 18, is configured to generate a compressive force along at least one section, in the present embodiment along the entire length of the guide rail 1. Depending on the desired design, the tensioning element 18 can extend over approximately half, approximately three-quarters, or more than nine-tenths of the total length of the rail profile (2, 2').

[0041] The clamping element 18 is in a Fig. 2 to 4 shown possible embodiment, each end is connected to the guide rail 1. According to the embodiment, the clamping element 18 is designed as a multi-part telescopic rod 20 with at least a first rod part 22 and a second rod part 24. The first rod part 22 ( Fig.3) has an external thread 26 at least along its end sections and can be designed, for example, as a threaded rod 22'. The second rod part 24 is designed as a sleeve tube 24' and has a section with an internal thread 28 at each of its ends.

[0042] The clamping element 18 is coupled at each end via connector elements 30, 32 to sections or the ends 4, 4' of the guide rail 1. The connector element 30 has a coupling part 34 in the form of a plate body with a passage 36, which can be brought into operative connection with a section or the end 4, 4' of the guide rail 1. The connection between the coupling part 34 and one end of the clamping element 18 is established by means of a clamping nut 38. The connector element 32 is arranged at the other end of the clamping element 18, designed as a telescopic rod 20, in particular at the end of the second rod part 24, designed as a sleeve tube 24'.

[0043] The connector element 32 has a coupling part 34' in the form of a plate body that can be operatively connected to a section or end of the rail profile 2. In contrast to the previous embodiment, a threaded shaft 40 is arranged or provided on the coupling part 34', establishing the connection between the coupling part 34' and the second rod part 24 of the clamping element 18, which is designed as a sleeve tube 24'. In the embodiment shown here, the coupling part 34' and the threaded shaft 40 are formed as a single piece.

[0044] How Fig. 4As can be seen, in the present embodiment, the first rod part 22 and the second rod part 24 are not directly connected to one another. The force-transmitting connection between the rod parts 22, 24 is established via a separate threaded bushing 42. The threaded bushing 42 has an external thread 42' that interacts with the internal thread 28 of the second rod part 24 and also an internal thread (not shown in detail) that interacts with the external thread 26 of the first rod part 22. The threaded bushing 42 enables the adjustability of the first and second rod parts 22, 24 over their entire lengths.

[0045] In the Figs. 5 and 6an alternative embodiment of the guide rail 1' with a clamping device 10' is shown, which comprises a clamping element 18' which has a one-piece rod part 44, also designed as a threaded rod 22', which is coupled at the end via connector elements 30 to sections or the ends 4, 4' of the guide rail 1'.

[0046] As can be seen from the Figs. 5 and 6 As can be seen, each of the connector elements 30 can have a coupling part 34 in the form of a plate body with a passage 36 through which the clamping element 18' extends with one of its ends. The connection between the coupling part 34 and the clamping element 18' is established by means of a clamping nut 38.

[0047] The clamping device 10' with its clamping element 18' designed as a one-piece rod part 44 is also accommodated in an upper receiving space 16 on the stiffening area 12 of the rail profile 2 of the guide rail 1'.

[0048] Fig. 7 shows the rail profile 2 in cross section with the clamping device 10 arranged in the receiving space 16 of the stiffening area 12. The stiffening area 12 of the rail profile 2 is, as can be seen from Fig. 7 As can be seen, it is designed as an H-profile with at least two legs 46, 48 laterally delimiting the receiving space and a connecting web 50 connecting the legs 46, 48 to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the support area 14 for the movable room divider segment 110 is formed adjacent to the stiffening area 12 of the rail profile 2. A travel unit (not shown in detail), in particular with a plurality of rollers, for the movable room divider segment 110 is guided along the support area 14 of the guide rail 1.

[0049] The support region 14 is formed from two guide webs 52, 54 which run essentially parallel and at a distance from one another and which project laterally at the end of the leg 48 of the stiffening region 12, in particular run perpendicular thereto, and are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central axis M defining the height H of the rail profile 2.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving space 16 for the clamping device 10, 10' on the rail profile 2 is open at the top. The receiving space 16 extends over approximately two-thirds of the height H of the rail profile 2.

[0051] Fig. 8shows an alternative design of a rail profile 2', which has a receiving space 16' for the clamping device 10, 10', which is designed to be closed at the top. The stiffening area 12' of the rail profile 2' is designed as an A-profile with two legs 46, 48 laterally delimiting the receiving space 16', but with two connecting webs 50, 56 connecting the legs 46, 48.

[0052] In the Fig. 8 In the embodiment of the rail profile 2' shown, the support area 14 for the movable room divider segment 110 is arranged adjacent to the stiffening area 12' of the rail profile 2'.

[0053] As both Figs. 7 and 8As can be seen in each case, each stiffening area 12, 12' of the rail profiles 1, 1' has, on the side of the connecting web 50 facing away from the first receiving space 16, 16', a second receiving space 58, which is open downwards in the assembled state of the respective guide rail 1, 1'. Figs. 7 and 8 As indicated, the fixed room divider segment 108 engages along at least one section into the receiving spaces 58 on the rail profiles 2, 2'.

[0054] The legs 46, 48 of the stiffening regions 12, 12', which also laterally delimit the second receiving space 58, have locking profiles 60, 62 on their inner sides, into which sealing elements (not shown in detail) engage that can be brought into contact with the fixed partition segment. The locking profile 60 has several material projections 64 projecting from the inner side of the leg 46. The locking profile 62, on the inner side of the leg 48 delimiting the receiving space 58, is formed as a recess 66 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rail profile 2, 2'.

[0055] In Fig. 9 is a modified embodiment of the clamping device 10 according to the Fig. 2 - 4 shown, whereby the basic design of the clamping device 10 is referred to in the explanations of the Fig. 2 - 4Reference is made. A support part 68 is provided along a section of the clamping element 18, which is designed as a multi-part telescopic rod 20. The support part 68 supports, in particular, the clamping device 10 with its clamping element 18 in the installed position relative to the rail profile 2. As Fig. 9 As can be seen, the support part 68 is arranged approximately halfway along the length of the clamping device 10 and / or the rail profile 2. In particular, the support part 68 engages the first rod part 22 of the clamping element 18, which is designed as a telescopic rod 20.

[0056] Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of the clamping device 10. Contrary to the Fig. 2 - 4In the embodiment shown, the first rod part 22 is designed as a "long" clamping bolt 22" with a head part 23 fixed to the free end of the rod part 22 as a tool attachment. The clamping bolt 22' interacts with the connector element 30, which engages one side of the rail profile 2. Furthermore, Fig. 10 It can be seen that the connector element 32 with its plate-shaped coupling part 34' and the threaded shaft 40 projecting therefrom interacts with the free end of the second rod part 24 of the clamping element 18, which is designed as a sleeve tube 24'.

[0057] The support part 68 also has a guide section 70 that interacts with a section of the clamping device 10, in particular its clamping element 18. The guide section 70 of the support part 68 is preferably clamped to the first rod part 22. This allows the clamping device 10, together with the support part 68, to be easily inserted from above into the receiving space 16 of the stiffening area 12 on the rail profile 2.

[0058] Regarding the basic design of the Figures 11 and 12 shown clamping device 10 and the rail profile 2, reference is also made to the explanations of the Fig. 2-4 and 7 Reference is made to Figs. 11 and 12As can be seen, the support part 68 additionally provided on the clamping device 10 rests at least on the connecting web 50 of the stiffening region 12. This fixes the position of the clamping device 10 within the receiving space 16 in the stiffening region 12. The support part 68 has a support section 72, which bears against at least the connecting web 50, but also against the legs 46, 48 laterally delimiting the receiving space 16. Especially when the clamping device 10 is tightened, this counteracts any movement of the support part 68 in the receiving space 16 of the rail profile 2.

[0059] As further stated Fig. 12As can be seen, the guide section partially encompasses the first rod part 22 of the clamping element 18, preferably around more than half the circumference, whereby the above-described clamping effect of the support part 68 on the clamping element 18 is preferably realized. The support part 68 described for the clamping device 10 can of course also be used in conjunction with a clamping device 10' which, unlike the clamping device 10, has a clamping element 18' formed from a one-piece rod part 44. The rod part 44 can also be designed as a "long" clamping screw with a head part fixed thereto, similar to the first rod part 22 of the clamping element 18 designed as a telescopic rod 20.

[0060] Fig. 13shows an alternative embodiment of a shower partition 100' for mounting on a room wall and / or a wall panel 102, which is used to separate a shower area 104 in a wet room. The floor of the shower area 104 is in turn defined by a shower tray 106. The shower area 104 of the shower partition 100' is also separated from the rest of the wet room by several room divider segments 108, 110.

[0061] In contrast to the previous embodiment, the shower partition 100' has two guide rails 1, 1'. Both guide rails 1, 1' each have a rail profile 2, 2', which is fastened or clamped by a first end 4 to the room wall and / or the wall panel 102. The opposite, second ends 4' of the rail profiles 2, 2' of both guide rails 1, 1' are connected to the other guide rail 1, 1' via a mounting section 6. The rail profiles 2, 2' of the two guide rails 1, 1' preferably run in a plane approximately perpendicular to one another.

[0062] A fixed partition segment 108 is mounted on each of the two guide rails 1, 1', extending between the guide rails 1, 1' and the top of the shower tray 104. In the embodiment shown here, a movable partition segment 110, similar to a sliding door, is also guided along the guide rail 1, 1' of the shower partition 100' on each guide rail 1, 1'. The shower partition 100' has a so-called "corner entry" due to the partition segments 110, which can be moved approximately at right angles to one another.

[0063] The guide rails 1, 1' are each designed to support and guide the movable room divider segments 110. Access to and from the shower area 104 is simplified via the room divider segments 110. To counteract deformation of the guide rail 1, 1' caused by the mass of the movable room divider segment 110 acting thereon, each of the guide rails 1, 1' is provided with a tensioning device 10, 10' ( Fig. 2 , 5 ).

[0064] The guide rails 1, 1' of the shower partition 100' are designed identically to the guide rails 1, 1' of the shower partition 100, which is why reference is made to the above explanations regarding the specific features of the guide rails 1, 1', the rail profiles 2, 2' and the clamping devices 10, 10'. List of reference symbols:

[0065] 1, 1`Guide rail 2, 2`Rail profile 4First end 4`Second end 6Assembly section 8Support profile 10, 10`Clamping device 12, 12`Stiffening area 14Support area 16, 16`Receiving space 18, 18`Clamping element 20Telescopic rod 22First rod section 22`Threaded rod 22`Clamping bolt 23Head section 24Second rod section 24`Sleeve tube 26, 42`External thread 28Internal thread 30, 32Connector element 34, 34`Coupling part 36Through 38Clamping nut 40Threaded shaft 42Threaded bushing 44One-piece rod section 46, 48Leg 50Connecting web 52, 54Guide web 56Connecting web 58Second receiving space 60, 62Locking profile 64Material projection 66Recess 68Support part 70Guide section 72Support section 100, 100'Shower partition 102Room wall / wall panel 104Shower area 106Shower tray 108Room partition segment (fixed) 110Room partition segment (movable) HHeight MCenter axis

Claims

1. Shower partition (100, 100') for mounting on a room wall and / or a wall panel (102), with at least one guide rail (1, 1') for supporting and guiding a movable room partition segment (110), and a room partition segment (110) movable along the guide rail (1, 1'), wherein the guide rail (1, 1') has a rail profile (2, 2') with at least one supporting area (14) for guiding the movable room partition segment (110), characterized in that the rail profile (2, 2') has a stiffening region (12, 12') for stiffening the guide rail (1, 1'), and that a tensioning device (10, 10') for generating a tensioning force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (1, 1') is assigned to the stiffening region (12, 12').

2. Shower partition (100, 100') according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe stiffening region (12, 12') of the rail profile (2, 2') has a (first) receiving space (16, 16') within which the tensioning device (10, 10') is arranged - at least partially.

3. Shower partition (100, 100') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tensioning device (10, 10') has a tensioning element (18, 18') which is connected to the rail profile (2, 2') and is designed to generate a compressive force along at least a section of the guide rail (1, 1') by applying a tensile force to the tensioning element (18, 18'), wherein the tensioning element (18, 18') preferably extends over approximately half, in particular approximately three-quarters or more than nine-tenths of the length of the guide rail (1, 1'), wherein the tensioning element (18, 18') is preferably connected to the rail profile (2, 2') at each end.

4. Shower partition (100, 100') according to claim 3, characterized in thatthe tensioning element (18, 18') is designed as a one-piece rod part (44) or as a multi-part telescopic rod (20), which is coupled at each end via connector elements (30, 32) to sections or the ends of the rail profile (2, 2').

5. Shower partition (100, 100') according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one connector element (30) has a coupling part (34) that can be brought into operative connection with a section or end of the guide rail (1, 1'), wherein the connection between the coupling part (34) and the clamping element (18, 18') is established by means of a clamping nut (38) or a head part (39) of the clamping element (18'), and / or that at least one connector element (32) has a coupling part (34') that can be brought into operative connection with a section or end of the guide rail (1, 1'), on which coupling part a threaded shaft (40) establishing the connection between the coupling part (34, 34') and the clamping element (18) is arranged.

6. Shower partition (100, 100') according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the clamping device has a support part which supports the clamping device in the installed position relative to the rail profile, wherein the support part is preferably arranged approximately halfway along the length of the clamping device.

7. Shower partition (100, 100') according to claim 6, characterized in that the support part has a guide section which cooperates with a section of the clamping device and a support section which bears against at least one wall region in the receiving space of the stiffening section.

8. Shower partition (100, 100') according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the stiffening region (12) of the rail profile (2) is designed as an H-profile with at least two legs (46, 48) laterally delimiting the receiving space (16) and a connecting web (50) connecting the legs (46, 48) to one another.

9. Shower partition (100, 100') according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support region (14) for the movable room divider segment (110) is adjacent to the stiffening region (12, 12') of the rail profile (2, 2'), and / or that the support region (14) has two guide webs (52, 54) which run essentially parallel and at a distance from one another and between which a hollow space is formed, wherein the guide webs (52, 54) preferably protrude laterally approximately at the end on one of the legs (48) of the stiffening region (12, 12').

10. Shower partition (100, 100') according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the movable room partition segment (110) has a movement unit, in particular a plurality of rollers, which are guided on the rail profile (2, 2') within the support area (14) and which are preferably arranged to be movable in the cavity.

11. Shower partition (100, 100') according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a further room separating segment (108) which is held fixedly on the rail profile (2, 2'), and / or that the stiffening region (12, 12') of the rail profile (2, 2') has, on the side of the connecting web (50) facing away from the first receiving space (16, 16'), a second receiving space (58) which is open at the bottom, wherein preferably the fixed room separating segment (108) engages in the second receiving space (58) on the stiffening region (12, 12') of the rail profile (2, 2').

12. Shower partition (100, 100') according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the legs (46, 48) have, on their inner sides laterally delimiting a second receiving space (58), locking profiles (60, 62) for sealing elements which can be brought into contact with a fixed space separating segment (108).

13. Shower partition (100, 100') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rail profile (2, 2') has a first end (4) which is clamped to a room wall and / or a wall panel (102), and an opposite (second) end (4') on which a mounting section (6) is provided for a support profile (8) cooperating with the rail profile (2, 2') or a further guide rail (1, 1') cooperating with the rail profile (2, 2').

14. Guide rail (1, 1') for a shower partition (100, 100'), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 18, which has a rail profile (2, 2') with a support region (14) for guiding a movable room partition segment (110) and a stiffening region (12, 12') for stiffening the rail profile (2, 2'), wherein the stiffening region (12, 12') is assigned a tensioning device (10, 10') for generating a tensioning force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (1, 1'), wherein the guide rail (1, 1') preferably has at least one of the features of the preceding claims 2 to 13.

15. Use of a tensioning device (10, 10') on a guide rail (1, 1') of a shower partition (100, 100') according to one of the preceding claims for generating a tensioning force acting in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (1, 1') and compensating for a deflection on the rail profile (2, 2') thereof.

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