Separation holding device

Abstract

Device (2) for holding a partition (2), comprising a first profile (4) which is essentially U-shaped and can be attached to a wall, and a second profile (6) which is essentially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile (4) and the second profile (6) are nested within one another and have a releasable locking mechanism, wherein at least a first type of adjustment device (30) is provided with which the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, wherein a second type of adjustment device (40) is additionally provided with which the resulting width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, wherein the adjustment device (40) of the second type has a distance (d) from the adjustment device (30) of the first type, wherein the adjustment device (40) of the second type has a bolt-shaped section (52),which extends along the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) and is attached to one profile (4, 6), wherein the bolt-shaped section (52) can be inserted into a - preferably form-fitting - recess (56) of a retaining element (54), wherein the retaining element (54) is arranged on the other profile (4, 6), wherein the bolt-shaped section (52) is displaceable along the recess (56) of the retaining element so that the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, wherein the retaining element has a locking element (58) with which the bolt-shaped section (52) can be locked in the recess (56).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for holding a partition, comprising a first profile, which is essentially U-shaped and can be attached to a wall, and a second profile, which is essentially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile and the second profile are nested within one another and have a releasable locking mechanism, and wherein at least one type of adjustment device is provided with which the width of the nested profiles can be changed. The invention further relates to a system comprising such a device and a partition. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Attaching partitions – such as shower cubicles or shower screens – to a wall is often difficult, as the installer is usually confronted with two problems. Firstly, the wall to which the partition is to be attached is frequently not perfectly vertical or has uneven surfaces. These slopes and unevenness must be compensated for during installation. Secondly, the actual installation situation on site, i.e., the area to be partitioned, often does not correspond to the overall width of the partition, so these discrepancies also need to be addressed.

[0003] To solve these problems, the prior art describes various solutions, most of which involve a U-shaped profile that is attached to the wall, into which a second, also usually U-shaped, profile is inserted. The second profile serves to hold the partition. If the wall-side profile deviates from the vertical, the angled mounting of the wall-side profile can be compensated for by tilting the second profile accordingly. Furthermore, any discrepancy between the overall width of the partition and the installation situation can be compensated for by shifting the second profile relative to the first wall-side profile.

[0004] EP 2 294 957 A2 describes a generic device in which a first U-shaped profile and a second U-shaped profile are inserted into one another and nested, wherein an adjusting device for positioning the second profile is provided which can be operated without tools.

[0005] A solution that also relies on two nested profiles is described in DE 10 2006 016 045 B4. In this solution, the width of two nested profiles is adjusted using an adjustment device, although tools for relative adjustment are required.

[0006] EP 2 382 905 A2 discloses an adjustment device for two nested profiles, in which a pin-shaped element is inserted into a channel-shaped receptacle and clamped therein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The devices described in EP 2 294 957 A2 and DE 10 2006 016 045 B4 essentially solve the problem of attaching partitions to a wall and compensating for unevenness in the wall and deviations in the dimensions of the partition and the building structure. However, the installation of these devices proves to be very complex. The second profile must be nested with the first profile, which is already attached to the wall, and only then can it be aligned and fixed. Since the profiles are often over two meters long, two, and usually even three, adjustment devices are provided, two of which are located at each end of the profile and, if necessary, one in the middle of the profile.

[0008] For optimal adjustment, the aforementioned adjustment devices have a threaded section, allowing adjustment via an actuating element. When this element is actuated, the distance between the two nested profiles changes, i.e., the width of the device. Actuating the element on the first adjustment device creates tension in the other adjustment device(s), which can lead to jamming of the nested profiles. Therefore, after actuating one adjustment device, the other devices must always be readjusted to relieve this tension. If the installation requires extensive adjustment, this procedure is very time-consuming, as the adjustment devices can only be actuated incrementally.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device of the aforementioned type which avoids this disadvantage. In particular, the assembly and adjustment of the device should be possible more quickly.

[0010] This task is solved by a device for holding a partition, comprising A first profile, which is essentially U-shaped and can be attached to a wall, and a second profile, which is essentially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile and the second profile are nested within each other and have a releasable locking mechanism, wherein at least one first type of adjustment device is provided with which the width of the nested profiles can be changed, characterized in that additionally a second type of adjustment device is provided with which the width of the nested profiles can be changed, wherein the adjustment device of the second type is spaced apart from the adjustment device of the first type, wherein the adjustment device of the second type has a bolt-shaped section which extends along the width of the nested profiles and is attached to one profile.wherein the bolt-shaped section can be inserted into a recess of a retaining element, preferably a positive-locking recess, the retaining element being arranged on the other profile, the bolt-shaped section being displaceable along the recess of the retaining element so that the width of the nested profiles can be changed, the retaining element having a locking element with which the bolt-shaped section can be locked in the recess from the side.

[0011] According to the invention, two different types of adjustment devices are provided. The first type of adjustment device is typically used for fine adjustment and is therefore more time-consuming to operate. The second type of adjustment device is faster to operate than the first because it can be operated from the side via a locking element. An advantage of this second type of adjustment device is that it does not need to be locked during adjustment as long as the first type of adjustment device is not in its final position. Since the bolt-shaped section is slidably mounted in the recess of the retaining element and is slidably mounted therein, the previously described problem of stress between the profiles no longer occurs. Only after adjustment has been made using the first type of adjustment device is the final locking action performed on the second type of adjustment device.

[0012] For example, the first type of adjustment device can have a threaded section with a mating thread, allowing the resulting width to be adjusted. The thread runs along the direction of movement of the two profiles as they move towards or away from each other. This would be one way to fine-tune the resulting width. Other types of adjustment devices are also conceivable.

[0013] Preferably, the locking element engages laterally on the bolt-shaped section. This allows for quick locking.

[0014] The locking element can comprise a screw, preferably a setscrew, with an external thread, while the retaining element has a corresponding internal thread. This allows the locking action to be performed using a tool and a tool holder in the screw.

[0015] In this case, it is preferably provided that the thread of the external thread of the screw runs perpendicular to the width of the nested profiles.

[0016] To improve accessibility to the locking element, the profile on which the retaining element is arranged may have a recess.

[0017] The first type of adjustment device is - as already mentioned - typically optimized for the fine adjustment of the width of the nested profiles and can be designed as in the prior art according to EP 2 294 957 A2 or DE 10 2006 016 045.

[0018] Preferably, the first type of adjusting device has a pin-shaped section which extends in the direction of the width of the nested profiles and is attached to a profile, wherein the pin-shaped section has a thread which extends in the direction of the width of the nested profiles, wherein a receiving part engages the other profile and has a corresponding mating thread for the pin-shaped section, wherein the corresponding mating thread extends in the direction of the width of the nested profiles, wherein the receiving part and the pin-shaped section can be rotated relative to each other by means of an adjusting element via thread and mating thread and thus change the resulting width of the nested profiles.

[0019] The second type of adjusting device has a gap along the profile compared to the first type of adjusting device.

[0020] As mentioned at the beginning, the profiles are often very long (one to three meters, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 m), so it is advantageous to have two adjustment devices of the first type.

[0021] The adjusting device of the second type is then preferably arranged between the two adjusting devices of the first type.

[0022] The second profile has a recess for separation.

[0023] Suitable partitions include familiar partitions such as wall panels, door panels, or similar elements. Shower enclosure wall panels or shower enclosure door panels are particularly important.

[0024] Accordingly, the invention also relates to a system comprising a device of the aforementioned type with a partition. The partition can be a wall element or a door element, in particular a shower enclosure wall element or a shower enclosure door element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] They show: Figs. 1a to 1c show a side view, an oblique view and an exploded view of an embodiment of the device. Figs. 2a, 2b show detailed views of section A. Fig. 1a or Fig. 1c Fig. 3a, 3b Detail views of section C of Fig. 1a or Fig. 1c Fig. 4a, 4b Detail views of section B of Fig. 1a or Fig. 1c In Figs. 1a to 1c A device 1 or a system 3 according to the invention is shown in its assembled state. Since the Figs. 2a to 4b If only detailed views are shown, these will be referenced accordingly.

[0026] The figures show the device 1 for holding a partition 2 together with the partition 2. This is therefore a system 3 according to the invention. The device 1 has a first profile 4 which can be attached to a wall.

[0027] The first profile 4 is approximately U-shaped and is attached to the wall such that the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped profile protrude from the wall. The section 22 connecting the two free legs 21 is attached to the wall. Screws 23 and dowels 24 are provided, for example, for attaching the first profile 4 to the wall. Openings 25 or holes may be provided in the connecting section 22 for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, the first profile 4 can, of course, also be glued to the wall on the back side of the connecting section 22.

[0028] Furthermore, a second profile 6 is provided. In the example shown, this profile is also essentially U-shaped with two legs 7, but it can also be H-shaped. The two profiles 4, 6 are nested within each other, meaning that one profile 4, 6 is inserted into the other profile 4, 6 with its legs 7, 21 facing each other. When the two profiles 4, 6 are nested, they have a width B. This width B can be varied depending on how deeply the profiles are nested within each other. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0029] For two U-shaped profiles 4 and 6, the second profile 6 can be nested inside the first profile 4 (as shown here), or vice versa. For an H-shaped second profile 6, it is advantageous to nest the second profile 6 over the first profile 4.

[0030] An anchor element 10 is provided for pre-fixing the second profile 6 to the first profile 4. This anchor element can be pivoted out of the second profile 6 and has a hinge joint 12 for this purpose. The anchor element 10 also has a through-hole 14 in the form of an elongated slot. A fastening element 16 is provided on the first profile 4. This fastening element has a pin 17 which can be inserted into the through-hole 14 in the form of an elongated slot. The fastening element 16 can be attached to two parallel tabs 18 of a support element 19 by means of a screw connection at the nut 15 at one end and a screw head at the other end. The two tabs 18, which are arranged on a support element 19, prevent displacement perpendicular to the width B. However, sliding of the pin along the through-hole 14 along the width B is possible. The support element 19 is attached to the first profile 4.

[0031] The hinge joint 12 has a hinge support 13 in which the anchor element 10 is rotatably mounted. This rotatable mounting is achieved by the anchor element 10 having a bore 11 into which a stud bolt 8 engages, which is secured with the nut 9. The anchor element 10 is thus pivotably mounted along the stud bolt 8 on the hinge support 13 between two tabs.

[0032] Once the first profile 4 and the second profile 6 are pre-fixed to each other via the anchor element 10 and the fastening element 16, the second profile 6 is prevented from falling over or slipping. Even when the second profile 6 is moved relative to the first profile 4, it can still move upwards or downwards, and left and right. The pin-shaped projection 17 in the through-hole 14, forming an elongated slot, allows the second profile 6 to move in two dimensions relative to the first profile 4 via the hinge joint 12 and the fastening element 16, including the anchor element 10.

[0033] The fastening element 16 is detachably connected to the first profile 4. In the Fig. 2a, 2b , 3a und 3b It can be seen that anchor elements 10 together with fastening elements 16 are provided at both one end of the profiles 4, 6 and at the other end of the profiles 4, 6.

[0034] After the two profiles 4, 6 are connected to each other via anchor element(s) 10 and fastening element(s) 16, fine adjustment is carried out using the adjusting devices 30, 40. The resulting width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 is changed via the adjusting devices 30, 40.

[0035] A possible first type for a first type of adjusting device 30 is described, for example, in EP 2 294 957 A2. In this case, the alignment is initially performed without tools.

[0036] In the Fig. 2a, 2b , 3a und 3b A preferred first type of a first adjusting device 30 is shown. With this adjusting device, the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 can be changed. The first type of adjusting device 30 has a pin-shaped section 31 which extends in the direction of the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6. The pin-shaped section 31 is attached to the first profile 4 via the holder 33 and a corresponding screw section. The pin-shaped section 31 is designed as an adjusting screw and has a thread which extends in the direction of the width of the nested profiles 4, 6. A receiving part 38 is provided on the other profile 6, which receives the pin-shaped section 39 and has a corresponding mating thread for the pin-shaped section 31. Consequently, the corresponding mating thread also extends in the direction of the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6.

[0037] An adjusting element 32 moves the receiving part 38 and the pin-shaped section 31 via threads and mating threads that are rotatable relative to each other. This changes the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6, with the width B increasing or decreasing depending on the direction of rotation. For this purpose, the receiving part 38 of the adjusting device 30 is connected to the adjusting element 32 and the pin-shaped section 31 by means of adjustable distances, preferably by screws. The pin-shaped section 31 projects into the opening 35. The adjusting element 32 is thus designed as an adjusting wheel. The adjusting element 32 can have an annular groove at one end, which is inserted between the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped first profile 4. The adjusting element 32 is thus horizontally fixed and can be used to adjust the width B of the profiles 4, 6.To prevent the actuating element 32 from falling out of the space between the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped first profile 4, the bracket 33 is attached and thereby the connecting section 22 between the two free legs 21 of the U-shaped first profile 4 for the actuating element 32 is closed, which also prevents any vertical movement of the actuating element 32.

[0038] In this embodiment, the device 1 has a total of three adjustment devices 30, 40, of which two adjustment devices 30 are located near the ends of the profiles 4 and 6 and one adjustment device 40 is located in the middle.

[0039] The second profile 6 is attached to the receiving part 38 of the adjusting devices 30. Each receiving part 38 has four lugs 34 that engage in the space between the two free legs 7 of the U-shaped second profile 6. This secures the receiving parts 38 vertically and horizontally against rotation. This would also be possible with the partition 2 already mounted on the second profile 6. Preferably, the partition 2 is then hung in place. The partition 2 can be – as shown here – a door 2' with a wall element, a wall element, or just a door 2'. The door 2' shown here is hinged.

[0040] The door 2` is inserted into the lower hinge part, then the upper hinge part 13 is attached over the hinge part of the door 2` and subsequently the upper hinge part 13 is fastened by means of the two screws 44.

[0041] The adjusting device 30 thus creates a rigid connection between the wall and the second profile 6 and subsequently the partition 2 (door 2').

[0042] After the profile 6 has been attached to the receiving part 38, the device 1 can be aligned by turning the adjusting device 30. Turning the adjusting element 32 moves the profile 6 essentially horizontally forwards or backwards along the axis of the pin-shaped section 31. This allows the distance between the door 2 and the first profile 4 or the wall to be changed and adjusted. The arrangement of at least two adjusting devices 30 ensures optimal compensation for unevenness in the wall or the position of the shower tray, support surface, or floor.

[0043] In the Fig. 4a und 4b The second type of adjusting device 40 is shown. The second type of adjusting device 40 also serves to change the resulting width B of the nested profiles 4, 6. While with the first type of adjusting device 40 there is a risk of generating stresses between the profiles 4, 6 when the adjusting element 32 is actuated, this problem does not exist with the second type of adjusting device 40.

[0044] The adjusting device 40 of the second type has a bolt-shaped section 52. The bolt-shaped section 52 extends along the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 and is attached to one of the profiles 4, 6. The bolt-shaped section 52 is attached to the first profile 4 via the bracket 53 and a corresponding screw section.

[0045] This bolt-shaped section 52 has no thread. The bolt-shaped section 52 can be inserted into a positive-locking recess 56 of a retaining element 54. The retaining element 54 is arranged on the second profile 6. The retaining element 54 has four lugs 55 that engage in the space between the two free legs 7 of the U-shaped second profile 6. This secures the retaining elements 54 vertically and horizontally against rotation.

[0046] The bolt-shaped section 52, when inserted into the recess 56, can slide along this recess 56 of the retaining element 54 and is displaceable within the recess 56, so that the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6 can be changed. Due to this relative displaceability of the retaining element 54 relative to the bolt-shaped section 52, coarse adjustment can be made via this adjusting element 40. Fine adjustment, however, is provided by the adjusting devices 30 of the first type. A locking element 58 is provided for holding the retaining element 54, with which the bolt-shaped section 52 can be locked in the recess 56. The locking element 58 engages laterally on the bolt-shaped section 52 – in the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 58 is designed as a screw, namely a setscrew, which includes an external thread. The retaining element 54 has a corresponding internal thread.The thread of this external thread of the screw is arranged perpendicular to the width B of the nested profiles 4, 6.

[0047] Profiles 4 and 6 have a recess 60 to facilitate access to the locking element 58.

[0048] The second-type adjusting device 40 is offset from the first-type adjusting device 30 by a distance d, d'. Typically, the second-type adjusting device 40 is located in the middle of the profiles 4, 6, and the first-type adjusting device 30 is located at the ends of the profiles. Optionally, the first-type adjusting device 30 can be located at one end of the profiles 4, 6, and the second-type adjusting device 40 at the other end. In the illustrated embodiment, two first-type adjusting devices 30 are provided. The second-type adjusting device 40 is located between the two first-type adjusting devices 30.

[0049] When the adjusting device 40 of the second type is locked with the locking element 58, the profiles 4 and 6 are also stably connected to each other via a locking mechanism. The locking connection is preferably releasable to allow for adjustment. Nevertheless, the locking mechanism is so stable that a partition – possibly with a door element 2' as shown in Fig. 1 - is maintained even during continuous use.

[0050] The initial fixation with anchor element 10 and fastening element 16 is only a loose pre-fixation, which merely prevents the second profile 6 from falling laterally but allows movement of profiles 4 and 6 relative to each other to change the width B. However, locking the fastening element 16 and the hinge joint 12 achieves a locking of profiles 4 and 6. In this case, the fastening element 16 is tightened securely to the nut 15 by means of the screw connection, and the stud bolt 8 is tightened on the hinge bracket 13, so that the anchor element 10 does not pivot or move in a translational direction. The required locking of profiles 4 and 6 is thus achieved, and this locking is a releasable connection.

[0051] According to the invention, the second type of adjusting device 40 has the additional function of a first locking mechanism, and the anchor element 10 in conjunction with the hinge 12 and the fastening element 16 has the additional function of a second locking mechanism.

[0052] After completion of the adjustment and assembly, covers can be slid or attached over the long side of profiles 4, 6 and covers can be attached over the hinge part and its fastening screws.

Claims

1. Device (2) for holding a partition (2), comprising a first profile (4) which is substantially U-shaped and can be fastened to a wall and a second profile (6) which is substantially U-shaped or H-shaped, wherein the first profile (4) and the second profile (6) are nested one inside the other and have a releasable lock, wherein at least a first type of adjustment device (30) is provided, with which the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, characterized in thatadditionally, a second type of adjustment device (40) is provided, with which the resulting width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, wherein the adjustment device (40) of the second type has a distance (d) from the adjustment device (30) of the first type, wherein the adjustment device (40) of the second type has a bolt-shaped section (52) which extends along the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) and is fastened to one profile (4, 6), wherein the bolt-shaped section (52) can be inserted into a - preferably form-fitting - recess (56) of a holding element (54), wherein the holding element (54) is arranged on the other profile (4, 6), wherein the bolt-shaped section (52) is displaceable along the recess (56) of the holding element, so that the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) can be changed, wherein the Holding element has a locking element (58),with which the bolt-shaped section (52) can be locked in the recess (56).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first type of adjustment device (30) has a thread with a counter thread, via which the resulting width (B) can be adjusted.

3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in thatthe first type of adjustment device (30) has a pin-shaped section (31) which extends in the direction of the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6) and is fastened to a profile (4, 6), wherein the pin-shaped section (31) has a thread which extends in the direction of the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6), wherein a receiving part (38) engages the other profile (4, 6) and has a corresponding counter-thread for the pin-shaped section (31), wherein the corresponding counter-thread extends in the direction of the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6), wherein with an adjusting element (32), the receiving part (38) and the pin-shaped section (31) are rotatable relative to one another via thread and counter-thread and thus change the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6), 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe locking element (58) engages laterally on the bolt-shaped section (52).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking element (58) comprises a screw, preferably a grub screw, with an external thread, wherein a corresponding internal thread is present in the receiving part (38).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the thread of the external thread of the screw runs perpendicular to the width (B) of the nested profiles (4, 6).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the profile (4, 6) on which the holding element (54) is arranged has a recess (58).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that two adjusting devices (30) of the first type are provided.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe second type adjusting device (40) is arranged between the two first type adjusting devices (30).

10. System comprising a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a partition (2, 2').

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the partition (2, 2) is a wall element (2), door element (2`), preferably a shower cubicle wall element or shower cubicle door element.

Images