EP0821113B1 - Vertical partition system with fastener clips - Google Patents

Abstract

A partitioning system consists of separate panels (A,B) which can slide between lower and upper horizontal rails (4,5) and be fitted and removed individually. Each panel is made from two identical walls (1) with top and bottom ribs (8,8') to engage with the rails, and vertical end ribs (7,7') for fixing connecting strips (2) which join each pair of walls together. The connecting strips (2) have projecting ribs (17) which are joined by fasteners (3) when two adjacent panels are fitted together. Each fastener comprises two components which can be rotated relative to one another one which fits over the edges of the two connecting strips, and the other which locks it in place, e.g. with the aid of cams.

Description

The invention relates to a vertical partitioning system of the type with panels mounted between two horizontal rails, and allowing individual disassembly of the panels without action on adjacent panels. The invention is also designed for cooperate with a cabinet kit combining with elements of partition to form a wall-type furniture.

Generally, partitioning systems require the existence of parts located between the panels, making the fixing different panels between them, and easily detachable. We knows for example panels formed of two facings identical mounted symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the partition, and connected by means of their vertical edge profiles, which have bearing surfaces intended to come into contact with homologous surfaces of the edge profile of the adjacent panel. The fixing adjacent panels is done at said surfaces support, which include appropriate fixing means.

In known systems, the major drawback lies in the complexity of the edge profile, which also induces a gap between panels requiring the installation of an additional room, especially to preserve the aesthetic unity of surfaces exterior of the wall.

This is why, we wanted to reduce the spacing between panels, also for the purpose of using this partitioning system for non- previously known, for example as a furnishing aid, manner which will be explained in more detail below.

GB-A-2 238 071, which presents a system of partitioning having the characteristics of the preamble of the claim 1, discloses a two-panel system identical siding in which each siding has two sides vertical lateral ends, curved edges with respect to said facing, constituting with the profile of the symmetrical facing a groove in which attaches a edge profile whose ends protruding from said grooves are provided with flat portions perpendicular to the facing, forming bearing surfaces in the vicinity of which are applied fixing means making it possible to keep said surfaces in contact with the homologous bearing surfaces of the adjacent edge profile. Clips to U-section allow the panels to be joined together.

Patent LU-A-85,045 relates to a similar system, but the facings are arranged on either side of a frame on which is fixed a lateral profile allowing attachment to the profile of the adjacent panel. Of bearing surfaces of said profiles also cooperate to allow the fixing the panels together.

An element also with a substantially U-shaped cross section, called a joint cover, allows the two profiles to be joined to each other on the whole the height of the panels.

In the context of the invention, the side profiles have a design particular allowing them to adapt to staples also of a type particular, with a locking system that does not exist in aforementioned systems.

To reduce the space between panels, the edge profiles protrude slightly from the throat, about 3 millimeters, where a gap between facings of approximately 6 mm. Given this short distance, it it is necessary that the fixing means are provided to be manipulable in a reduced space.

Visually, the spacings between panels lead to grooves vertical 6 mm wide, which is plugged with joints restoring a aesthetic unity by eliminating the vision of the fixing means.

According to the invention, the vertical partitioning system is composed of panels with two identical facings mounted symmetrically by with respect to the median plane of the partition, and being connected by means of their profiles vertical edge with bearing surfaces intended to come to the contact of the corresponding bearing surfaces of the edge profile of the panel adjacent, the fixing of the adjacent panels being done at the level of said bearing surfaces by fixing means, each facing comprising, at each of its two vertical lateral ends, a flange substantially perpendicular to the large face of said facing, constituting with the edge of the symmetrical facing a groove in which the edge profile whose ends protruding from said groove are provided with flat support edges perpendicular to the large face of the facing, forming the bearing surfaces, said fixing means being applied to said support edges, in contact by their support surface with the edge profiles counterparts of adjacent panels.

In addition, the panels are mounted between two slides horizontal and said ends of the edge profile comprise each an axial vertical groove oriented towards the outside of said profile, and limited on the one hand by said support flange presenting the bearing surface, and on the other hand by a parallel border to the facing forming part of the edge profile (2).

The means of fixing the homologous surfaces of the edge profiles of adjacent panels are so-called "cam" staples adapting to the ends said edge profiles and allowing the joining of two panels adjacent, the design of which allows the use taking into account the spatial constraints mentioned.

In this configuration, said staples join the bearing surfaces in contact with edge profiles placed end to end.

Preferably, the staples-cam are composed of two free parts in rotation relative to each other, the first part having a groove axial intended to accommodate the bearing surfaces of adjacent edge profiles when they are in contact, the second part being intended to lock the first to fix and keep fixed to each other said edge profiles adjacent.

More preferably, said first part has a parallelepipedal appearance elongated, of width less than the width of the gap remaining between two consecutive panels, the second part being embedded in a notch practiced in a face located opposite said groove, but with an axis perpendicular, in which it can rotate.

The assembly constituted by said two parts forming the means of fixing is substantially included in a parallelepiped volume fitting into the gaps between the adjacent panels of a partition.

The second part mentioned also has a body of appearance parallelepiped, with two cylindrical growths having a symmetry of revolution about its axis of rotation, located on either side of the parallelepiped body, one serving as a pivot when inserted into a corresponding hole in the first part, the other having an imprint intended to cooperate with a tool intended to communicate to it a torque.

We can diagram the configuration as follows: the first part has on its face opposite the axial groove two slots between which takes place the second room, which fills approximately the space left free between said slots, and can rotate around an axis centered in this space.

The adaptable tools are of course multiple, ranging from the screwdriver simple to the most complicated forms of specific fingerprints, by the way for example by hexagonal or star-shaped imprints.

The second part locks the securing of the edge profiles carried out by the groove of the first part, by cooperation of its ends with the internal surfaces of the edges of the external axial grooves of the profiles song when rotated.

For this purpose, the surfaces of the second part intended to come into contact with the internal surfaces of said edges are machined so as to constitute cam surfaces favoring the relative movement of the surfaces in contact when turned approximately π / 2 rad. in the sense classic screwing tools.

The name "staple-cam" results from this specific configuration. He is at note that the first effect of rotating is to push the first piece so that the two supporting surfaces of the edge profiles of two adjacent panels come into abutment at the bottom of its groove, then realizes then tightening by cooperation with the internal surfaces of the grooves external axial of the edge profiles.

At the end of tightening, the two parts are perpendicular.

The entire partitioning system of the invention was designed so that it is easy to manufacture and install, without requiring multiple tools or order particular mounting. To this end, symmetries have been systematically researched during design.

Thus, the second piece of the staple-cam has symmetry with respect to to the axis of rotation.

Similarly, the first piece has a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing through the middle of the throat, and in relation to a transverse median plane.

Finally, the edge profiles and facing have a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing through the middle of the edges end, and relative to a transverse median plane.

A partitioning system such as that of the invention can of course develop in several directions.

In this case, the main features of the invention must be find whatever development we give to the wall. So if the latter takes an orientation which is perpendicular to a first direction, the minimum spacing must be preserved at the change of direction.

For this purpose, the edge profiles can be attached to profiles partition, corner and / or change of direction ends, said groove of these end sections being similar to that formed by two facings constituting a panel.

Depending on a possible configuration, the partitioning system of the invention includes direction change profiles of the partitioning, one of the vertical lateral edges of which has a cross section double slot oriented towards the inside of the profile, said slots constituting housings for seals between which are provided orifices intended the passage of threaded screws bolted into said groove of the profile, and the heads are slidable in grooves formed by the axial grooves outside of two edge profiles in contact.

Each slot is designed to accommodate a prismatic seal coming to bear on one of the facings of the panel at which the change is established of management.

These direction change profiles are centered at the level of the gap of a partition, slots pressed against it, the fixing screws sliding via their heads in the external axial grooves of the profiles edge of the panels at which the change of direction is made.

In some cases, the change of direction is done at a corner, and one of the panels is then replaced by an end post substantially reproducing the edge of a panel, and easily replaceable by a complete panel.

For aesthetic reasons, however, it is sometimes preferable that the direction changes provide a smooth, non-extendable external angle later. To be able to secure such a corner piece, it there is a special edge profile, derived from the classic edge profile.

The corner piece in question is also a particular profile to which are fixed, in two perpendicular orientations, half-sections of edge made from a complete section sectioned according to its median plane longitudinal symmetry.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the facings symmetrical panels can be removed from the wall separately.

This feature provides a significant advantage to the new system of partitioning the invention, which is to allow its use as auxiliary for furniture, in particular because it authorizes the realization of cabinet niches. The type of partition described can indeed constitute the bottom and the side walls of a cabinet or equivalent, to which it suffices to add leaves and high and low closures.

In a conventional partitioning of space, the bottom of said cabinet can for example be a corridor panel, while one of said panels side of cabinet is integrated into a transverse partition. The fixing methods and change of direction remain, however, as previously described, the partitioning system not changing as such.

However, the side panels must necessarily include two separately removable facings, so that the system is flexible and allows configuration changes, as will be explained in more detail detail below. To constitute a wardrobe, it is necessary that at least one of said facing is arranged to receive accessories, for example of the type façade accessories and cabinet shelves.

The particular partitioning system of the invention thus adapts to a wide variety of configurations, with or without integrated cabinets.

Cabinets can be placed end to end, with only constraint that the side panel must then consist of two facings individuals fitted to receive shelves, various accessories and hinges for doors.

If a side panel forms the external side of a cabinet, it is by substantial consisting of a conventional dividing wall facing the exterior, and interior facing.

As with a traditional dividing wall, the cabinets created with the system of the invention comprises top and bottom elements fitted a fitting closing the storage volume at ground and floor levels ceiling, and acting as stops for the doors.

In the case where a cabinet is positioned at the corner of the room, one of the side facing is of course simply extended by a panel classic separative.

Apart from the arrangements provided on the facing intended to form a flank panel, the partition system of the invention therefore works on the same principle on two different scales, to partition a room or a wardrobe.

According to possibilities of preferential embodiments, the leaves of the cabinet will be made of wood or glass. Similarly, the bottom of the cabinet (the corridor panels) will have a protective film. Alternatively, stop angles will be installed on the shelves.

The advantages of such a cabinet installation process are multiple: if a cabinet is removed, the particular interior facing is very simply replaced by a classic siding. The protective film of the face rear is also easily removed.

When adding a cabinet, we do the exact opposite: fitting a film on the back side, and change of one of the facings of the panel side of cabinet.

If a transverse partition is moved, added or removed, the cabinets do not move, and the acoustic characteristics between rooms are preserved. For example, if you want to move the transverse bulkhead along of a partition fitted with cupboards, it suffices to transport said partition transverse from one side panel to the other. The different stages of such change will be explained later.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une portion de cloison dont certains éléments ont été enlevés pour clarifier la vue ;
• La figure 1a montre l'agrafe-came agrandie ;
• La figure 2 donne un aperçu général de la forme des profilés de chant et de leur fixation, dans une vue en section d'une portion de cloison ;
• La figure 3 montre un changement de direction extensible en L ;
• La figure 4 représente un autre changement de direction, également en L, mais non extensible ;
• La figure 5 montre une configuration en T, extensible en croix ;
• Les figures 6a à 6f montrent un changement de localisation d'une paroi, ainsi que la suppression d'une armoire.

Now, the invention will be described in more detail, with reference to the appended figures, for which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a partition portion of which some elements have been removed to clarify the view;
• Figure 1a shows the enlarged cam clip;
• Figure 2 gives a general overview of the shape of edge profiles and their attachment, in a sectional view of a portion of partition;
• Figure 3 shows a change of direction extendable in L;
• Figure 4 shows another change of direction, also in L, but not extendable;
• FIG. 5 shows a configuration in T, extensible in cross;
• Figures 6a to 6f show a change in location of a wall, as well as the removal of a cabinet.

Figure 1 shows a simple junction of two panels A, B, one of which (B) is incomplete since it includes only one facing 1, for purposes purely explanatory, because the absence of facing 1 before panel B allows to view on the one hand the edge profile 2, on the other hand the mode of operation of staple-cam 3, as well as internal details of said siding 1.

This figure also shows the lower slides or rails 4 and upper 5 in which the panels A, B are kept.

The top cam clip 3 is shown in two separate states using of a double representation: that which is at a distance from the wall is in insertion position in the vertical gap 6 formed by the two profiles of edge 2 in contact, while the one in gap 6 is in position locked. This last position is clearly visible due to the absence representing an upper section of the edge profile 2 of the panel B, from the top of the upper cam clip 3.

A lower cam clip 3 is also shown, in position locked, in the gap or groove 6 separating the side edges external 18 of the edge profiles 2 when they are supported one on the other.

The only facing 1 shown for panel B shows the configuration internal of the folded sheet forming this facing, and in particular the edges vertical folded inwards 7, 7 ′, generally looking perpendicular to the long side of the facing 1. Folded portions 8, 8 'also exist at the level of upper and lower borders, allowing easy hanging to beams 4 and 5, and also easy disassembly.

Figure 1a is an enlarged representation of the staple-cam 3, also doubled in its two insertion and locking positions. The two pieces 9, 10 making up this clip 3 appear here more clearly, with their body of substantially parallelepipedal appearance.

The first part 9 has on one of its faces an axial groove 11, which can be seen in the fastening position shown in right that it houses the two bearing surfaces 20 of the internal ends of the edge profiles 2.

On its opposite face, it has two slots 12, 12 'framing a notch 13 in which is embedded the body of parallelepiped shape of the second part 10. This comprises a cylindrical projection 14 in which is made a female imprint 15 intended to cooperate with a clamping tool. On the same face, cams 16 are made symmetrically about the axis of rotation, to facilitate the insertion of the part 2 in the outwardly oriented axial grooves 17, against the internal surfaces of the edges 18 parallel to the facings 1 (see following figures), when rotated in the direction of clockwise, i.e. in the direction of tightening. On the other side, a cylindrical stud (not shown) coaxial with the protrusion 14 fits into a corresponding bore of the first part 9, in which it is free in rotation.

Figures 2 to 5 give a more precise idea of the sections of the profiles used, as well as the method of joining the contiguous edge profiles 2, and therefore adjacent panels.

In Figure 2, for example, the exact shape of the edge profile 2 appears in particular at the ends of the partition, and in abutment with a profile 2 counterpart elsewhere. Siding 1 has been deliberately reduced to length, for explanatory purposes, but this does not affect the system operation.

The edge profiles 2 have a central U-shaped area 19, and the two external axial grooves 17 at the two ends of the legs of said U. These two axial grooves 17 are limited by two perpendicular edges, of a the support rim, and the rim located in the extension of the facing 18. The sections of facing 1 make up a T with their vertical border folded at 90 °, at least over most of their height.

In the locked position, the two homologous edge profiles 2 constitute in section a rectangular area in which the two grooves overlap 6 vertical formed by the external grooves 17 when they are end to end.

The fastening clips 3 are arranged in these grooves 6, with the protrusion 14 cylindrical with the imprint 15 for connection with a tool overflowing into the gap 21 between two consecutive panels. These interstices 21 are blocked by seals 22 restoring the flatness of the wall.

Figure 3 introduces two new parts: a change profile direction 23 and a corner profile or end post 24, themselves fixed to a U-shaped profile 25 forming a groove for fixing the profiles of song 2 on one side only. The end post 24 could easily be replaced by a panel if we wanted to extend the wall. Two seals 29, 29 ' are placed between the slots 30, 30 'of the change profile direction 23.

The latter is fixed at a gap 21, between two consecutive panels, or between a panel and a corner profile 24, which can therefore be considered as a partition end post.

A screw 31 is bolted to the profile 23, its head resting on the internal surfaces of the flanges 18 situated in the extension of the facings 1. The heads of said screws 31 can thus slide in the groove 6 formed by the two grooves 17 facing each other, until they are matched with an orifice of the section 23 intended for its passage.

In this configuration, the edge profile which is connected to the upright 24 is actually made up of two sections 26, 26 'which behave functionally exactly the same as an entire profile 2.

In Figure 2, there is shown a non-extensible corner profile 27, it is say no directly replaceable by a panel. This profile is also provided with two edge half-profiles 26, 26 'this time arranged perpendicular to each other. The internal junction of the corner is done by means of a simple L-shaped profile 28.

FIG. 5 represents a T-junction, identical in spirit to the L-shaped junction in Figure 3, but extended by replacing the corner profile 24 by a complete panel.

Figures 6a to 6f give an overview of the integration possibilities cupboards in one or more rooms, along at least one partition, and flexibility of the system, allowing multiple modifications.

They show the dismantling of the left cabinet at the same time as moving the partition, transferring a cabinet at the same time room to another.

To move the partition, first remove the end post 40 to allow the possibility of extending the transverse partition to where it should be placed. Then the lower 4 and upper 5 beams are in turn displaced, and fixed in the extension of those which equip the side panel 41 between the two cabinets. The panels 42 proper, with their facings, are finally transferred, so that complete the new partition, which can be continuous up to a partition perpendicular or partial, in which case an amount is fixed at its end end, as well as where it came from.

The dismantling of the right cabinet starts with the removal of doors 43, revealing shelves 44. The side panel 45 is then dismantled starting with the end upright 46, then the facings 47, 47 ', and finally the upper and lower rails 48, 48'.

Finally, replace the fitted facing 49 with a facing simple, for example the outer end facing 47 of the cabinet which comes to be dismantled.

These modifications do not lead to any degradation of the characteristics walls, can be made fairly quickly, and without having to resort to specific tools.

It should be noted that the system of the invention has been described by means of a preferential example, which cannot however be considered as limiting of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. Vertical partitioning system composed of panels (A, B) including two identical facings (1) mounted symmetrically relative to the median plane of the partition, and being connected by means of their vertical edge sections (2) including bearing surfaces (20) intended to come into contact with homologous bearing surfaces of the edge section (2) of the adjacent panel, adjacent panels (A, B) being fixed at the level of the said bearing surfaces (20) by fixing means (3), each facing (1) including, at each of its two vertical lateral ends, a flange (7, 7') substantially perpendicular to the large surface of the said facing (1), forming with the flange (7, 7') of the symmetrical facing (1) a groove into which is fixed the edge section (2) the ends of which extending beyond the said groove are provided with flat bearing flanges perpendicular to the large surfaces of the facings (1), forming the bearing surfaces, the said fixing means (3) being applied to the said bearing flanges, in contact with their bearing surfaces (20) with the homologous edge sections (2) of adjacent panels (A, B),
      characterised by the fact that the panels (A, B) are mounted between two horizontal guides (4, 5) and by the fact that the said ends of the edge profile (2) each include an axial vertical groove (17) oriented towards the outside of the said section (2) and limited on the one hand by the said bearing flange having the bearing surface (20), and on the other by an edging (18) parallel with the facing, forming part of the edge section (2).
2. Vertical partitioning system as described in claim 1, characterised by the fact that the fixing means (3) consist of clips joining the contacted bearing surfaces (20) of edge sections (2) placed end to end.
3. Vertical partitioning system as described in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that the clips (2) are composed of two pieces (9, 10) free to rotate relative to each other, the first piece (9) including an axial groove (11) intended to house the bearing surfaces (20) of adjacent edge sections (2) when they are in contact, the second piece (10) being intended to lock the first (9) to fix and keep fixed the said adjacent edge sections (2) one against the other.
4. Vertical partitioning system as described in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that the said first piece (9) is of elongate parallelepipedal shape, having a width less than the width of the interstice (6) remaining between two consecutive panels, the second piece (10) being submerged in a notch (13) formed in a face situated opposite the said groove (11), but of perpendicular axis, within which it can turn.
5. Vertical partitioning system as described in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that the second piece (10) includes a body of parallelepipedal shape, provided with two protuberances of cylindrical shape having a symmetry of revolution about its axis of rotation, situated on either side of the parallelepipedal body, one acting as a pivot shaft when it is inserted in a corresponding orifice of the first piece (9), the other (14) being provided with a shape (15) intended to cooperate with a tool intended to convey a torque to it.
6. Vertical partitioning system as described in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that the second piece (10) locks the firm attachment of the edge sections (2) created by the groove (11) of the first piece (9), by co-operation of its ends with the inner surfaces of the edgings (18) of the outer axial grooves (17) of the edge sections (2), when it is rotated.
7. Vertical partitioning system as described in claim 6, characterised by the fact that the surfaces of the second piece (10) intended to enter into contact with the inner surfaces of the said edgings (18) are so machined as to form cam surfaces (16) favouring the relative contacting surface movement when it is rotated by approximately n/2 rad. in the conventional screwing direction of tools.
8. Vertical partitioning system as described in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that the said second piece (10) has symmetry relative to the axis of rotation.
9. Vertical partitioning system as described in any one of claims 4 to 8, characterised by the fact that the first piece (9) possesses double symmetry relative to a longitudinal median plane passing through the centre of the groove, and relative to a transversal median plane.
10. Vertical partitioning system as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that the edge sections (2) and the facings (1) possess double symmetry relative to a longitudinal median plane passing through the centre of the end flanges (7, 7', 18), and relative to a transversal median plane.
11. Vertical partitioning system as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that the edge sections (2) are fixed to end of partition (24), corner (27) and/or direction changing (23) sections, the said groove of these end sections being similar to that formed by two facings (1) constituting a panel.
12. Vertical partitioning system as described in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that it includes sections (23) for changing the direction of the partitioning, one of the vertical lateral edges of which has in cross-section the shape of a double crenellation oriented inwardly of the section, the said crenellations forming housings for joints (29, 29') between which are provided orifices for passage of threaded screws (31) screwed into the said groove of the section, and the heads of which can slide in channels (6) formed by the outer axial grooves (17) of two contacted edge sections, at the level of which the said direction changing sections (23) are fixed.
13. Vertical partitioning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised by the fact that it includes corner sections (27) to which are fixed, in two perpendicular orientations, edge semi-sections (26, 26') made out of an end section (2) divided through its longitudinal median plane of symmetry.
14. Vertical partitioning system as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that the symmetrical facings (1) of the panels are separately detachable from the wall.
15. Vertical partitioning system as described in the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that at least one of the facings (47' 49) is arranged to receive accessories.
16. Vertical partitioning system as described in one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that panels are used as cupboard sides, the internal facings (47' 49) then including accessories of the door and/or shelving support type.

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