FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of sanitary equipment, and
in particular to a telescopic fixing rod assembly for a shower door and a shower door
having the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] At present, in a shower door including a fixed door and a movable door, a glass clip
mounted on the top fixing rod is generally used as a fulcrum to support the fixed
door, and, the support from the fulcrum and the wall on one side of the fixed door
and the support from the floor together form a stable three-point supporting structure
to achieve the installation and fixation of the fixed door. In addition, the fixing
rod is connected with a wall seat of the shower door, and the movable door of the
shower door is pivotally connected with the fixed door via a hinge. Generally, because
the actual size and wall angle of the bathroom are not identical with the design values,
the size of the shower door cannot completely fit the bathroom during installation,
and it is necessary to adjust the fixing rod and then adjust the distance between
the fixed door and the wall surface, so that the fixed door can closely fit with the
bathroom wall surface.
[0003] When adjusting the distance between the fixing rod and the wall surface, the contact
surface between the fixing rod and the wall seat may be reduced, thus reducing the
stability of the fixing rod and limiting the adjustment range. In addition, the fixing
rod with insufficient stability may cause the whole shower door to shift, loosen or
even fail to work normally during use.
SUMMARY
[0004] To solve the technical problem of insufficient stability of adjustment and fixation
of shower doors in the conventional technology, a fixing rod assembly for a shower
door and a shower door having the same are provided according to the present application.
[0005] According to an aspect of the application, a telescopic fixing rod assembly for a
shower door is provided, including: a first fixing rod; a connecting body, where a
first end of the connecting body is slidably connected with the first fixing rod,
so that the connecting body is movable relative to the first fixing rod along a longitudinal
axis of the first fixing rod; a second fixing rod, which is connected to a second
end of the connecting body opposite to the first end of the connecting body; and a
clamper, which is detachably fixed to the connecting body or the second fixing rod.
[0006] Since the door panel of the shower door is at its fixed position associated with
the clamper mounted on the fixing rod assembly and is fastened, it is necessary to
correspondingly adjust a mounting position of the fixing rod assembly fastened with
the clamper when adjusting a mounting position of the door panel. How to adjust a
position of the clamper conveniently while ensuring the stability of the fixing rod
assembly becomes a challenge for those skilled in the art. The fixing rod assembly
provided by the present application can easily adjust a clamping position of the door
through a slidable connection between the connecting body and the first fixing rod.
In addition, since the position of the first fixing rod is allowed to remain unchanged
in the adjustment process, the stability of the fixing rod assembly can be ensured.
In addition, the arrangement of the connecting body enables an overall length of the
fixing rod assembly to be adjustable without changing an overlapping length of the
fixing rod with the wall seat.
[0007] In an embodiment, the corresponding ends of the first fixing rod and the second fixing
rod each have an open cavity for accommodating the first end and the second end of
the connecting body, respectively. That is, the two ends of the connecting body are
inserted into the first fixing rod and the second fixing rod, respectively. Generally,
the fixing rod of the shower door is made of a hollow profile, and in this connection
manner, it is not necessary to replace the material of the existing fixing rod or
modify the structure of the existing fixing rod, and the connection parts can be strengthened.
[0008] In an embodiment, the connecting body may include a sliding groove and a sliding
block in sliding fit with the sliding groove, where the sliding groove is in a form
of a track with two closed ends, and the sliding block slides between the two closed
ends of the sliding groove. In addition, the sliding block can be fixed to the first
fixing rod in a detachable manner. Therefore, the displacement of the connecting body
relative to the first fixing rod is achieved by the relative sliding between the sliding
groove and the sliding block.
[0009] In an embodiment, the sliding groove has a stop opening at its bottom, and an outer
edge of the sliding block is provided with a stepped portion, where, in use, the stepped
portion is engaged with the stop opening to prevent the sliding block from falling
off through the sliding groove.
[0010] In an embodiment, the first fixing rod includes a first through hole, the sliding
block is provided with a threaded hole, where the sliding block is fixed to the first
fixing rod by threaded engagement of a screw member through the first through hole
with the threaded hole of the sliding block, and the screw member is configured to
allow or limit the relative sliding between the sliding block and the sliding groove.
By means of the threaded connection between the screw member and the threaded hole
on the sliding block, the sliding block can be fastened in the sliding groove by screwing
the screw member, or the sliding block can be released from the above fastening state
and can further slide relative to the sliding groove also by screwing the screw member.
In some embodiments, the sliding block includes a nut, and the screw member includes
a bolt, a screw rod, a screw, etc.
[0011] In an embodiment, the second fixing rod is provided with at least one second through
hole, and the connecting body is provided with at least one threaded hole corresponding
to the second through hole, so as to fix the second fixing rod to the connecting body.
[0012] In an embodiment, a third through hole is defined at the center of the connecting
body, and the clamper is fixed to the connecting body through the third through hole.
It is advantages to mount the clamper on the connecting body. First of all, compared
with the slender first and second fixing rods, the clamper is easier to operate when
mounted on the connecting body. Secondly, the connecting body is generally made into
a solid body whose cross section matches the hollow fixing rod, so the connecting
body has higher strength and is more suitable for bearing load. Furthermore, the clamper
can also shield the connecting body.
[0013] In an embodiment, the clamper has a split structure or an integral structure. In
addition, in an embodiment, a bent part bent from two sides toward the middle is formed
at the top of the clamper, thereby shielding a gap between the first fixing rod and
the second fixing rod, so that the connecting body connected between the first fixing
rod and the second fixing rod is completely invisible from the user's perspective.
Therefore, there is no obvious appearance difference between the fixing rod assembly
of the present application in the mounted state and the single-piece fixing rod of
the conventional technology, and the shower door remains beautiful.
[0014] According to another aspect of the application, a shower door is further provided,
which includes a fixed door panel and the fixing rod assembly as described above used
for fixing the fixed door panel.
[0015] The fixing rod assembly provided by the application can be manufactured by using
the existing fixing rod. Through the slidable connection between the connecting body
and the fixing rod, the total length of the fixing rod assembly can be adjusted. Meanwhile,
the support span of the fixing rod assembly is increased by the connecting body, and
the free length of the fixing rod assembly without support is reduced, thereby enhancing
the overall stability of the fixing rod assembly. In addition, the position of the
clamper of the fixing rod assembly is adjustable, and the distance between the clamper
and a pivot axis connecting the movable door remains unchanged, so that the stability
of the fixing rod assembly and the shower door is enhanced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended
to limit the scope of the present application in any way.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural view of a fixing rod for a shower door in the
conventional technology;
FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a shower door including a fixing rod assembly according
to an embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the fixing rod assembly according to an embodiment
of the present application;
FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the fixing rod assembly according to another embodiment
of the present application;
FIG. 5 shows a schematic structural view of a first fixing rod according to an embodiment
of the present application;
FIG. 6 shows a schematic structural view of a second fixing rod according to an embodiment
of the present application;
FIG. 7 shows a schematic structural view of a connecting body according to an embodiment
of the present application;
FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of one half of a split clamper shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of the other half of the split clamper shown in FIG.
3;
FIG. 10 shows a schematic structural view of a one-piece clamper shown in FIG. 4;
and
FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged view of the fixing rod assembly of FIG. 2 in the mounted
state, showing the clamper clamping a fixed door panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit
the present application or an application or use thereof. It should be understood
that the corresponding reference numerals in the drawings always indicate the same
or corresponding parts and features.
[0018] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present application
is sufficient and the scope is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Many specific
details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are clarified
here to provide a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of the present application.
It is apparent to those skilled in the art that, the exemplary embodiments may be
implemented in many different forms without the specific details, and hence all of
them should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. In
some exemplary embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and
well-known technologies are not described in detail.
[0019] When an element or layer is referred to as being "located on", or "bonded", "connected"
or "coupled" to another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly located
on the other element or layer, or directly bonded, connected or coupled to the other
element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when
an element or layer is referred to as being "directly located on", "directly bonded
with", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer,
there is no element or layer intervened therebetween. Other terms for describing relationships
among the elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (for example, "between"
and "directly between", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.). The term, "and/or",
as used herein includes any one of all possible combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items.
[0020] Although the terms, "first", "second", "third" and the like, may be used herein to
describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or portions, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or portions are not limited by these terms. These
terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and/or
portion from another region, layer and/or portion. Unless clearly indicated by the
context, the use of terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms herein
does not imply a certain sequence or order. Therefore, the first element, component,
region, layer or portion discussed below may also be referred to as second element,
component, region, layer or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary
embodiments.
[0021] In the conventional technology, as shown in FIG. 1, one end of a one-piece fixing
rod 1002 of a shower door is sleeved with one end of a wall seat 1001, and is fixed
by pressing the screw. A part of the wall seat 1001 overlaps with the one-piece fixing
rod 1002 to support the one-piece fixing rod 1002. A door clamper is fixed at a position
of the one-piece fixing rod 1002 corresponding to a mounting hole on the shower door.
When the installation position of the fixed door needs to be adjusted, the clamper
is first adjusted, and then the position of the one-piece fixing rod 1002 is adjusted,
so as to change an overlapping length of the one-piece fixing rod 1002 with the wall
seat 1001.
[0022] As is known to all, the overall stability of the fixing rod is affected by the support
span and free length. As shown in FIG. 1, for the one-piece fixing rod 1002 of the
conventional shower door, the longer the free length, that is, the suspended length,
exposed outside the wall seat 1001, the worse the overall stability of the one-piece
fixing rod; the smaller the overlapping length in the wall seat 1001, the smaller
the support span and the worse the overall stability of the one-piece fixing rod.
Therefore, if the overlapping length of the one-piece fixing rod 1002 with the wall
seat 1001 is reduced due to outward stretching, the free length of the one-piece fixing
rod 1002 increases and the support span of the one-piece fixing rod 1002 by the wall
seat 1001 decreases, thereby seriously affecting the overall stability of the one-piece
fixing rod.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, a fixing rod assembly for a shower door according
to an embodiment of the present application is described below. FIG. 2 shows a schematic
view of a shower door including the fixing rod assembly, where the fixing rod assembly
is used as a top fixing rod above the shower door. The present application is not
limited to the top fixing rod, but can also be a fixing rod which uses a clamper to
fix the shower door on other sides. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show exploded views of the fixing
rod assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the fixing rod assembly includes a first fixing rod
10, a second fixing rod 20, a connecting body 30 and a clamper 40/60. Two ends of
the connecting body 30 can be connected with the first fixing rod 10 and the second
fixing rod 20, respectively. On one hand, the connecting body 30 is slidably connected
with the first fixing rod 10, so that the connecting body 30 can move relative to
the first fixing rod 10 along the longitudinal axis of the first fixing rod 10. On
the other hand, the connecting body 30 is also fixedly connected with the second fixing
rod 20, and the clamper 40/60 is detachably fixed to the connecting body 30. In this
way, when the connecting body 30 slides relative to the first fixing rod 10, the position
of the first fixing rod 10 remains unchanged, the connecting body 30, together with
the clamper 40/60 fixed thereon and the second fixing rod 20, is displaced.
[0025] The shower door to be fixed is provided with a fixing hole, and the clamper 40/60
is provided with a corresponding door positioning hole. The shower door is arranged
in a clamping groove formed by the two side walls of the clamper 40/60, and the fixing
hole on the shower door is aligned with the door positioning hole on the clamper 40/60,
and then the shower door can be fastened by a clamping device such as a bolt.
[0026] When mounting the shower door, in the case of adjusting the mounting position of
the shower door relative to the wall according to the actual size and wall angle of
the bathroom, that is, when the fixing hole on the shower door is displaced, it is
convenient to move the connecting body 30 relative to the first fixing rod 10 to adapt
to the position of a threaded hole on the clamper 40/60, while not affecting the cooperation
of the first fixing rod 10 with the wall seat.
[0027] The sliding connection between the connecting body 30 and the first fixing rod 10
can be achieved in any way that is conceivable by those skilled in the art. For example,
the sliding connection can be achieved by shaft-sleeve fitting, sliding-rail sliding-block
mechanism, leadscrew-nut mechanism, etc.
[0028] In some embodiments, the first fixing rod 10 and the second fixing rod 20 are directly
slidably connected, so that the connecting body 30 is omitted. However, the disadvantage
of such arrangement is that the length of the fixing rod needs to be redesigned, and
for the sake of connection and aesthetics, it is necessary to carry out special processing
at least on the structure of the connecting part of the first fixing rod 10 and/or
the second fixing rod 20. Moreover, such processing needs to provide different solutions
for different fixing rod structures.
[0029] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the clamper 40/60 is fixed on the connecting
body 30. However, the present application is not limited to this embodiment, and the
clamper 40/60 may also be fixed on the second fixing rod 20.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in the figures, end faces of the first fixing rod 10 and
the second fixing rod 20 facing the connecting body 30 each have an open cavity, two
ends of the connecting body 30 are inserted into the open cavities of the first fixing
rod 10 and the second fixing rod 20, respectively. In this way, the connecting body
30 can be well hidden in the fixing rod structure.
[0031] The structure and cooperation of each part of the fixing rod assembly according to
the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference
to FIG. 5 to FIG. 11.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, the first fixing rod 10 is made of a hollow profile, and has
an open cavity which is through from a first end face 101 to the other end face. The
first end face 101 is the end face of the first fixing rod 10 facing the connecting
body 30.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the second fixing rod 20 is also made of a hollow profile, and
has an open cavity which is through from a second end face 201 to the other end face.
The second end face 201 is the end face of the second fixing rod 20 facing the connecting
body 30.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting body 30 has a rectangular block shape and is made
of solid material to enhance the overall strength of the fixing rod assembly. In an
embodiment, the thickness of the connecting body 30 is smaller than the cavity height
of the open cavity of the first fixing rod. Preferably, the thickness of the connecting
body 30 is equal to the cavity height of the open cavity, thereby improving the installation
stability of the fixing rod assembly and enhancing the strength of the fixing rod
assembly.
[0035] In the embodiment according to the present application, the outline of the cross
section of the first fixing rod 10, the second fixing rod 20 and the connecting body
30 may be rectangular or of other shapes, for example, hexagonal, runway-shaped, "
[M]" shape, inverted U shaped, oval or rounded rectangular, etc. In order to reduce
the cost and weight of the fixing rod, the fixing rod in the conventional technology
is generally made of hollow profile. The fixing rod assembly according to the embodiment
of the present application can be obtained by cutting off the existing one-piece fixing
rod and inserting a connecting body therebetween. As an example, the materials of
the first fixing rod 10 and the second fixing rod 20 include, but are not limited
to stainless steel, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, copper, etc., such as hollow profiles
containing aluminum or copper pipes.
[0036] As shown in the figures, the connecting body 30 is provided with a sliding groove
302 at the end connected with the first fixing rod 10, where the sliding groove penetrates
through the connecting body 30 in the thickness direction, and the connecting body
30 further includes a sliding block 50 which can be engaged in the sliding groove
302 and in sliding fit with the sliding groove 302. The sliding groove 302 is arranged
along the longitudinal axis of the connecting body 30 and is in a form of a track
with two closed ends. The sliding block 50 can slide between the two closed ends of
the sliding groove 302. According to the adjustment range of the door, by way of example,
the length of the sliding groove 302 ranges between 10mm and 25mm, preferably between
15mm and 20mm.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, the sliding groove 302 has a stop opening 305 at the bottom,
and a stepped portion 502 is formed at an outer edge of the sliding block 50. The
sliding block 50 can fit into the sliding groove from the bottom of the sliding groove
302, and at this time, the top surface of the sliding block is substantially flush
with the top surface of the connecting body 30, the bottom surface of the sliding
block 50 is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the connecting body 30,
and the stepped portion 502 is engaged with the stop opening 305 to limit the vertical
movement of the sliding block 50. The stop opening 305 is in surface contact with
the stepped portion 502, so that the sliding block 50 can only slide on one plane.
This structure is particularly advantageous when the thickness of the connecting body
30 is smaller than the height of the open cavity, which can prevent the sliding block
from falling off through the sliding groove.
[0038] A positioning hole 501 is defined in the center of the sliding block 50. Correspondingly,
as shown in FIG. 5, the first fixing rod 10 is provided with a first through hole
102 on the top surface of the end which is connected with the connecting body 30.
The sliding block 50 is limited via the first through hole 102 to achieve the connection
between the first fixing rod 10 and the sliding block 50. Specifically, according
to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the positioning hole 501 is a threaded
hole, and when the sliding block 50 is positioned in the sliding groove 302, the opening
of the threaded hole 501 faces upward. The threaded hole 501 is aligned with the first
through hole 102, and the position of the sliding block 50 is limited by threading
a screw member through the first through hole 102 and then screwing the screw member
with the threaded hole 501, where the screw member may be a bolt, a screw rod or a
screw, etc. To further control the cost, the sliding block 50 can be a nut. In the
case that the screw member is used to pass through the first through hole 102 to fix
the sliding block 50, the sliding block 50 can be pressed in the sliding groove 302
by tightening the screw, and the sliding block and the sliding groove cannot slide
to each other. If adjustment is required, the screw member can be loosen to release
the sliding block 50, so that the sliding groove 302 can slide relative to the sliding
block 50. At this time, the connecting body 30 can be pulled and displaced relative
to the first fixing rod 10.
[0039] According to another embodiment (not shown), the sliding block 50 may have an elastic
protrusion instead of the positioning hole 501. When the elastic protrusion is not
aligned with the first through hole 102 and is in a compressed state, the thickness
of the sliding block 50 is roughly equal to the cavity height of the open cavity;
and, when the sliding block 50 is located at the position of the first through hole
102, the elastic protrusion recovers and enters the first through hole 102, thus limiting
the sliding block 50.
[0040] According to the embodiment disclosed by the present application, the sliding block
and the first fixing rod are fixed together, and the sliding groove on the connecting
body slides relative to the sliding block, achieving displacement of the connecting
body relative to the first fixing rod. However, the present application is not limited
to this. Instead, a sliding groove can be formed on the first fixing rod and a sliding
block can be formed on the connecting body. In addition, the connection between the
sliding block and the first fixing rod can be achieved in other suitable ways.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, a connecting hole 304 for a clamper is defined at the center
of the connecting body 30, and the clamper can be fixed by threading a screw member,
such as a bolt, a screw rod or a screw, through the connecting hole 304 and screwing
the screw member with the threaded hole on the clamper 40/60, which is described in
detail below. It should be noted that the center of the connecting body 30 refers
to the middle area of the connecting body 30, and is not limited to the right center
of the connecting body. In addition, as required, on the top surface of the connecting
body 30, a boss 306 is formed at one side of the connecting hole 304 close to the
second fixing rod 20, and the boss 306 is used to limit the screw member directed
through the connecting hole 304. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 5, an open groove
107 is further provided on the top surface of the first fixing rod 10. The open groove
107 is closer to the first end face 101 than the first through hole 102, and the open
end of the open groove 107 is formed on the first end face 101. An elongated hole
103 is further arranged on the bottom surface of the first fixing rod 10 at the position
opposite to the open groove 107. The open groove 107 and the elongated hole 103 are
provided for avoiding the screw member in operation, where the screw member is mounted
in the connecting hole 304 and used for fixing the clamper. Therefore, the length
thereof is approximately equal to the length of the sliding groove 302. The size of
the boss 306 is matched with the size of the open groove 107 to guide the movement
of the screw member in the open groove 107, and the end face of the boss near the
connecting hole 304 has the same shape as the connecting hole 304.
[0042] In addition, the connecting body 30 is provided with at least one fixing hole 303
at the end connected with the second fixing rod 20. In the illustrated embodiment,
two fixing holes are provided. The fixing hole 303 is closer to one side of the second
fixing rod 20 than the boss 306. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the second fixing
rod 20 is provided with at least one second through hole 202 in the cavity on a side
close to the second end face 201, where the second through hole is used for fastening
the connection between the connecting body 30 and the second fixing rod 20 with screws.
In some embodiments, the connecting body 30 can be slidably connected with the second
fixing rod 20 in a manner similar to the connection between the connecting body and
the first fixing rod 10.
[0043] The clamper 40/60 is described below with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 8
to FIG. 10. FIG. 3, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show a split clamper 40 according to an embodiment
of the present application. FIG. 4 and FIG. 10 show a one-piece clamper 60 according
to another embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment shown in the figures,
the clamper 40/60 is fixed on the connecting body 30. However, the present application
is not limited to this, and the clamper may also be fixed on the second fixing rod
20 that moves following the connecting body 30.
[0044] Reference is made to FIG. 3, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 for the split clamper 40. The clamper
40 includes a clamping base 401 and a clamping cover 402, where the clamping base
401 and the clamping cover 402 are detachably connected. The clamping base 401 includes
a top wall 4011 and a side wall 4013, and the clamping cover 402 includes a side wall
4021. The top wall 4011 is provided with a threaded connecting hole 4012 at a position
corresponding to the connecting hole 304 on the connecting body 30. The threaded connecting
hole 4012, which is located on the top wall 4011 of the clamping base 401, is aligned
with the connecting hole 304 from the lower side of the connecting body 30, and the
two holes are fastened with a screw member, thereby fixing the clamping base 401 to
the connecting body 30. The clamping base 401 and the clamping cover 402 face each
other, and a clamping groove is formed between the side wall 4013 of the clamping
base 401 and the side wall 4021 of the clamping cover 402. The clamping groove is
used for clamping the door panel and preventing the door panel from swinging. Generally,
the clamping cover 402 is arranged on an outer side of the shower door, and the clamping
base 401 is arranged an inner side of the shower door. The side wall 4013 of the clamping
base 401 is provided with a pressing hole 4014, and the side wall 4021 of the clamping
cover 402 is provided with a projecting portion 4022 having a threaded hole 4023 at
a position corresponding to the pressing hole 4014. During installation, the projecting
portion 4022 is placed in the fixing hole of the door panel to be fixed (shown in
FIG. 3), and the threaded hole 4023 and the pressing hole 4014 (which together constitute
the door positioning hole of the present application) are aligned, and the screw member
is screwed in from the pressing hole 4014 on the inner side of the shower door, so
that the clamping base 401, the door panel and the clamping cover 402 are connected
and fastened together. Further, the top wall 4011 and the side wall 4021 are respectively
provided with tenon-and-mortise structures at the joint positions. For example, the
side wall 4021 is provided with a tenon 4025, and the top wall 4011 is provided with
a mortise 4015. The clamping base 401 and the clamping cover 402 can be connected
by the tenon and mortise to prevent the instability of the fixing rod assembly caused
by the lateral sliding relative to each other, and the tenon-and-mortise structure
is also beneficial to the quick positioning and assembly of the clamping base 401
and the clamping cover 402.
[0045] Preferably, the sidewall 4013 of the clamping base 401 further includes a first bent
part 4016 extending upward in a "]" shape from the top. The height of the first bent
part 4016 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the fixing rods 10, 20. Similarly,
the sidewall 4021 of the clamping cover 402 also includes a second bent part 4024
extending upward in an inverted "L" shape from the top. The height of the second bent
part 4024 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the connecting body 30. When
installed in place, the first bent part 4016 and the second bent part 4024 can form
a clip with respect to the connecting body 30 and the fixing rods 10 and 20. The clip
not only limits the rotation of the clamper 40, but also shields the connecting body
30, which improves the practicability and appearance of the fixing rod assembly provided
by the embodiment of the present application.
[0046] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the tenon-and-mortise structure of the split
clamper 40 is cuboid, which is convenient for relative insertion. In the case of not
providing the bent part, the wedge-shaped tenon-and-mortise structure which allows
the clamping base and the clamping cover to be separated only in the vertical direction
is more advantageous.
[0047] Reference is made to FIG. 4 and FIG. 10 for the one-piece clamper 60. The clamper
60 includes a top wall 601, a first side wall 603 and a second side wall 604, where
the two side walls extend downward integrally from two sides of the top wall 601 to
form a clamping groove. The clamping groove is used for clamping the door panel and
preventing the door panel from swinging. The top wall 601 is provided with a threaded
connecting hole 602 at a position corresponding to the connecting hole 304 on the
connecting body 30. The threaded connecting hole 602, which is located on the top
wall 601, is aligned with the connecting hole 304 from the lower side of the connecting
body 30, and the two holes are fastened with a screw member, thereby fixing the clamper
60 to the connecting body 30. At least one threaded through hole 605 is formed on
one of the first side wall 603 and the second side wall 604, and the door panel in
the clamping groove is pressed and fixed by the screw member. In this embodiment,
no fixing hole is provided on the shower door, and the door panel is pressed by two
screw members. According to the specific installation of the shower door, more or
less through holes 605 and screw members can be provided to fix the door panel.
[0048] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 10, the one-piece clamper 60 further
includes a first housing 606 and/or a second housing 607. The first housing 606 includes
a first side plate part surrounding the first side wall 603 and a first bent part
609 extending upward in an inverted "L" shape from the top of the first side plate
part. The first side plate part may form a semi-enclosing clip for the first side
wall 603, and the first bent part 609 may form a semi-enclosing clip for the connecting
body 30 and the fixing rods. The second housing 607 includes a second side plate part
surrounding the second side wall 604 and a second bent part 608 extending upward in
a "]" shape from the top of the second side plate part. The second side plate part
may form a semi-enclosing clip for the second side wall 604, and the second bent part
608 may form a semi-enclosing clip for the connecting body 30 and the fixing rods.
[0049] The first housing 606 and/or the second housing 607 are connected to the first side
wall 603 and/or the second side wall 604 by snap-fitting with the first side plate
part and/or the second side plate part respectively. The top wall 601 forms a clip
shape with the first bent part 609 and the second bent part 608, respectively, so
as to restrain the one-piece clamper 60 and restrict the rotation of the one-piece
clamper 60. Meanwhile, the housing can also cover the connecting body 30 and its peripheral
seams, thereby beautifying the appearance of the fixing rod assembly.
[0050] The shapes of the bent part 4016 and the bent part 608 are adjusted according to
the overall width of the fixing rod and the clamper, so that the formed clip shape
will not interfere with the fixing rod during installation and adjustment, or the
formed clip may be in an inverted "L" shape. In some embodiments, the bent parts 4016,
4024, 609, and 608 may be replaced by an "I"-shaped stopper extending vertically upward
from the top or by other stoppers with suitable shapes.
[0051] In addition, the one-piece clamper 60 of the present application can also be used
in combination with a door panel with a fixing hole by providing, in the same way
as the split clamper 40, a single threaded hole and a pressing hole on two side walls
respectively.
[0052] Besides, a washer may further be arranged between the clamper and the door panel,
which is used to reduce the damage of the clamper and fastener to the door panel,
enhance the clamping effect and suppress noise. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a
washer 701 is provided between the clamping cover 402 and the door panel to protect
the outer surface and the top edge of the door panel. A washer 702 is provided between
the clamping base 401 and the door panel to protect the inner surface of the door
panel.
[0053] The operation of the exemplary fixing rod assembly provided by the embodiment of
the present application is described with reference to the following drawings.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, a typical hinged shower door includes a fixed door and a movable
door connected by hinges. The door panel of the fixed door is fixed to the wall on
the side close to the bathroom wall, and the top edge of the door panel is fixed by
a clamper mounted on the fixing rod, so that the fixed door is kept on a plane perpendicular
to the ground.
[0055] During installation, firstly, one end of the first fixing rod 10 is fixed to the
wall seat, so that the first end face 101 faces outward. Before the connecting body
30 is inserted into the first fixing rod 10, the sliding block 50 is first fitted
into the sliding groove 302, so that the stepped portion 502 of the sliding block
50 abuts against the stop opening 305 of the sliding groove 302. Then, two ends of
the connecting body 30 are respectively inserted into the open cavities of the first
fixing rod 10 and the second fixing rod 20, the positioning hole 501 of the sliding
block 50 is aligned with the first through hole 102 of the first fixing rod 10, the
screw member is inserted into the positioning hole 501 through the first through hole
102 and is screwed to achieve the fixed connection between the first fixing rod 10
and the sliding block 50. At the other end of the connecting body 30, another screw
member is screwed into the fixing hole 303 of the connecting body 30 through the second
through hole 202 of the second fixing rod 20, so that the connection body 30 and the
second fixing rod 20 are fixedly connected. Then, the connecting body 30 and the second
fixing rod 20 are pushed toward the first fixing rod 10, so that the boss 306 enters
the open groove 107. The screw member for fixing the clamper is inserted into the
hole 304 surrounded by the open groove 107 and the boss 306, and then is directed
into the threaded connecting hole of the clamper through the connecting hole 304 and
the elongated hole 103, and the clamper is connected with the connecting body 30 by
tightening the screw member. At this time, the sliding block 50 and the sliding groove
302 are in a loose fit, and the sliding groove 302 can be pulled relative to the sliding
block 50. A position of the connecting body 30 relative to the first fixing rod 10
is adjusted, and further so is the position of the clamper 40/60 relative to the first
fixing rod 10, so that the position of the clamper matches the fixed position of the
door. The screws on the clamper are tightened to fasten the door panel and the clamper.
The screw in the first through hole 102 is tightened, so that the sliding block 50
and the sliding groove 302 are in a tight fit and the connecting body 30 is fastened
to the first fixing rod 10. At this point, the assembly of the fixing rod assembly
and the shower door is completed.
[0056] When the sliding block 50 is located at the extreme position of the sliding groove
302 in the direction of the second fixing rod, the fixing rod assembly has the shortest
length; and when the sliding block 50 is located at the extreme position of the sliding
groove 302 in the direction of the first fixing rod, the fixing rod assembly has the
longest length. Preferably, the size of the connecting body 30 is such designed that:
at the shortest length position, the second end face 201 of the second fixing rod
20 abuts against the first end face 101 of the first fixing rod 10, the connecting
body 30 is completely hidden in the cavities of the first fixing rod 10 and the second
fixing rod 20, and its assembly state is shown in FIG. 11; at the longest length position,
the gap between the second end face 201 of the second fixing rod 20 and the first
end face 101 of the first fixing rod 10 can be shielded by the bent part of the clamper,
so that the connecting body 30 is invisible from the outside.
[0057] In the above adjustment process, the fixing position of the door can be adjusted
by adjusting the position of the connecting body 30 relative to the first fixing rod
10. Since the overlapping length of the first fixing rod 10 and the wall seat is fixed,
the support of the wall seat to the fixing rod assembly is not reduced, so that the
stability of the fixing rod assembly can be ensured. In addition, since the fixing
rod assembly of the present application adopts a three-section design, and the first
fixing rod 10 and the second fixing rod 20 are connected by the connecting body 30,
so that the raw materials of the fixing rod assembly are interchangeable with the
raw materials of the single-piece fixing rod in the conventional shower door, and
the fixing rod assembly is flexible and adaptive, which is extremely beneficial to
simplifying the production process and controlling the cost.
[0058] In the above description, directional terms "up", "down", "left" and "right" are
for illustrative purposes only, and need to be determined according to the actual
installation situation. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures,
the first fixing rod is connected with the connecting body and the second fixing rod
at the right end. However, in some embodiments of the present application, the first
fixing rod may be connected with the connecting body and the second fixing rod at
the left end. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in the figures, the fixing rod assembly
is arranged at the top of the shower door. However, according to actual needs, the
fixing rod assembly of the present application can be implemented to be arranged at
the side or bottom of the shower door.
[0059] Furthermore, for illustrative purposes, the shower door is shown to be fixed to the
wall, and the fixing rod assembly is shown as including a first fixing rod fixed to
the wall seat and a second fixing rod fixedly connected with the connecting body.
However, this teaching is also applicable to other shower door installation structures
beside walls, and it is suitable for being combined with fixed door panels of many
different types of shower doors. In addition, the fixing rod assembly of the present
application can also be such implemented that two ends of the connecting body are
slidably connected with the first fixing rod and the second fixing rod, respectively.
[0060] Although some embodiments and variations of the present application have been described
in detail, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present application
is not limited to the embodiments and variations described above but may include other
various possible conjunctions and combinations. Other variations and modifications
can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence
and scope of the present application. All these modifications and variations fall
within the scope of the present application. Moreover, all the components described
herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.