EP0974706B1 - Movable partition wall - Google Patents

Abstract

The removable partition comprises a panel and at least one fixing post (1). The post has a hollow rectangular section and is provided with two pairs of symmetrical ribs (6 to 9) arranged at the ends of the large sides (2,3) and extending parallel to the small sides (4,5). At least one projecting hook (10) is formed in the sheet metal of the large side and is withdrawn relative to the ribs.

Description

The present invention relates to the building field, in particularly office premises or any professional premises, and partitioning systems or the like for such offices or premises professionals.

These premises are currently most often fitted with partitions say "dry" or "industrialized". We know two main types of partitions belonging to this category: on the one hand, partitions not removable generally made of plaster, which must be demolished for a redevelopment of the premises; on the other hand, the demountable partitions or removable. Removability is considered the highest degree of possibilities of redevelopment of the premises, a removable partition that can be reused as is without cutting, drilling, or other operation adaptation.

In this latter type of partitioning as described in particular in document EP-A-0 792 975, one can distinguish particularly so-called "frame and cover" systems: panels are hooked by various pieces, on both sides of a framework generally formed of posts and sleepers.

The panels can of course be made of metal (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), wood, plasterboard, glass of all kinds, etc.

The frame partitions are of great importance in the removable partitions due to their great adaptability to all architectural forms and all kinds of technical constraints or regulatory.

In removable frame partitioning systems traditional, the panels are fixed on their framework by means of screws, staples, cleats, elastic clips or not, etc.

It follows a large number of patches necessary for the assembly, resulting in a significant cost and manpower, risks errors, noise, or even unreliability of the fasteners.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks devices mentioned above and to propose a partition device removable, economical to manufacture, easy to use, both assembly than disassembly, and comprising a small number of parts.

The removable partition device according to the invention is of the type comprising at least one panel and at least one post for fixing the sign. The post is a hollow profile with rectangular section provided with two pairs of symmetrical ribs arranged at the ends of the large ones sides and extending parallel to the short sides. The fixing means of the panel are formed integrally with the profile. At least one hook is formed in one long side, the hook remaining recessed by compared to the ribs.

This recessed position reduces the risk of injury to operators of installation, deterioration of the hooks during handling related to the installation of the partition, and deterioration of other objects that may be in contact with the posts.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hook is formed in the metal sheet on the long side.

Advantageously, the hook is formed by cutting and stamping.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hook projects from the big side.

The panel can thus be fixed directly to the post.

In one embodiment of the invention, the long side of the post is arranged parallel to the outer surface of the panel. At less insulation element can be placed in contact with the short side of the post. The insulation or firebreak element can be supported by a internal face of a panel. The panel may include a part end coming back parallel to the long side and cooperating with the fixing means.

The invention also relates to a removable partition device of the type comprising at least one panel and at least one fixing post of the panel, the post being a hollow profile with rectangular section. The post is provided with two symmetrical ribs each arranged at a end of a long side and extending parallel to a short side, means for fixing the panel being formed integrally with the profile, at least one hook being formed in one long side. the remaining hook in shrinkage from the adjacent rib. Such a post can be compared to half a post of the type described above.

In one embodiment of the invention, the post is provided on one last side parallel to the short side and partially closed by two ledges, each from one end of a long side.

Thanks to the invention, there is a partition whose panels are fixed directly on the posts with a real guarantee of resistance mechanical, especially in case of fire, and can be dismantled easily and without risk of deterioration.

The invention eliminates all intermediate parts between the post and the panel for its hanging. This reduces the number of parts to be assembled, reducing the cost of manufacturing, a very fast, inexpensive and low noise implementation. The possibilities of disassembly and reassembly of such a partition are easy and unlimited. The arrangement of the hooks, projecting from the long sides but set back from the ribs, avoids prominence fixing hooks relative to the periphery of the section of the post, hence an increase in safety for operators and a large facility to store and stack posts in any environment whether it be.

The invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above by adequately integrating the fixing system of the posts panels as soon as they are made, by punching and stamping in the mass of hooks required.

The shape of the post profile (H-shaped tubular profile) has has been designed to provide great dimensional stability, static and dynamic during construction. It also avoids prominence hooks for fixing to the bare profile, providing great ease of handling and storage, as well as great security for response personnel.

The system also incorporates all the classic possibilities of fixings, without adaptations or additional work.

la figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale d'un poteau de cloison conforme à l'invention;

la figure 2, semblable à la figure 1, montre la coopération d'un tel poteau avec différents types de panneaux;

la figure 3 est une vue de face en élévation d'un poteau de cloison conforme à l'invention;

la figure 4 est une vue de côté en élévation d'un poteau de cloison conforme à l'invention; et

la figure 5 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une variante de poteau de cloison conforme à l'invention.

The present invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a wall stud according to the invention;

Figure 2, similar to Figure 1, shows the cooperation of such a post with different types of panels;

Figure 3 is a front elevation view of a wall stud according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a wall stud according to the invention; and

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative wall stud according to the invention.

As can be seen in the figures, the post 1 is made at from a hollow metal profile, for example made of sheet steel. The pole 1 is of generally rectangular section with large sides 2 and 3 and short sides 4 and 5, parallel two by two. Longitudinal ribs 6 to 9 are arranged at the ends of each large side 2, 3 and are flush the short sides 4 and 5. The post is symmetrical about a plane parallel to the long sides 2 and 3 and arranged at equal distance from them, and relative to a plane parallel to the short sides 4 and 5 and arranged at equal distance from them. The large side 2 is thus hollow relative to ribs 6 and 7 and the long side 3 is also hollowed out by compared to ribs 8 and 9.

Hooks 10 are permanently attached to each of the long sides 2 and 3. The hooks 10 can be fixed, for example by welding, on the post 1. However, preferably, the hooks 10 will be formed from the material forming the long sides 2 and 3, for example by punching, this which will make posts 1 economically.

In Figure 1, we can see more particularly that two hooks 10 are provided on each long side 2, 3 at a given height, one being designed to cooperate with a panel arranged on the side of the rib 6, while the other is designed to cooperate with a panel arranged on the side rib 7.

Each hook 10 includes a portion 10a parallel to a plane transverse to post 1 and connecting directly to a long side 2, 3. The hook 10 is extended by a portion 10b parallel to the long side 2, 3 from which the hook 10 is derived and directed upwards. Hook 10 ends by one end 10c curved slightly outward. The part 10a allows the hook 10 to be sufficiently offset from the long side 2, 3 from which it comes, to allow the insertion of a portion of panel between the parallel portion 10b and said large side 2, 3.

However, it is expected that the hooks 10 do not exceed ribs 6 and 7, 8 and 9, in order to protect said hooks 10 against the effects a possible handling error in the factory or during assembly, or successive dismantling / reassembly that undergoes a partition comprising such a pole. We can stack the posts 1 without risking that one or several hooks 10 do not deform. The protection offered by ribs 6 and 7, 8 and 9, projecting from the hooks 10, including by relative to their ends 10c, prevents the hooks 10 from coming scratch or cling to other elements present in the room in installation or modification course. The staff having to handle the posts 1 or to work near them, is also protected against all risk of injury.

The post 1 is also provided with various holes provided for the installation of cleats, clips or screws, not shown. We can provide, for example, oval 11 and square 12 holes, on the small sides 4 and 5. The oval holes 11 allow, in addition to the easy passage of the electrical, telephone, IT, etc., direct attachment, without intermediate part, elements provided with slots, for example of sleepers 45 that are placed between two posts 1 in the interior space between two panels. The crosspieces 45 can serve as a support for other elements or means of stiffening between two posts 1.

Circular holes 13 of small diameter can also be expected. On the long sides 2 and 3, we can provide elongated rectangular holes 14, V-shaped holes 15, and small circular holes 16.

In Figure 2, there is shown the attachment to a post 1 of different types of panels. The panel 17 is made of wood or plaster and extends from the side of the rib 6. A U-shaped fastening element 18 was fixed to the panel 17 by means of screws 19 during manufacture in factory.

The attachment element 18 comprises a parallel branch 18a and in contact with the face 17a of the panel 17 disposed on the side of the panel 1 and a branch 18b parallel to the branch 18a and to the long side 2 and arranged between the hook 10 and said long side 2 near the rib 6. The hooking element 18 is completed by a branch 18c perpendicular to the branches 18a and 18b and joining them mutually. To perfect the attachment of the panel 17 to the post 1, provision has been made for elastic wedge 20 disposed between the rib 6 and the face 17a of the panel 17 and ensuring good contact between these two elements. Shim 20 can be fixed in the factory on the surface 17a, for example by gluing. Wedge 20 can be made of foam and allows stable and precise positioning of the panel 17 while ensuring good airtightness and rupture of sound and thermal bridge in the assembly. An elastic wedge 21 is disposed between the branch 18b of the hooking element 18 and the long side 2 of post 1, again to perfect a precise and stable positioning of the panel 17 relative to the pole 1. The wedge 21 can be common for a other panel and has the same advantages as the shim 20.

The panel 22 comprises a metal sheet 23 of low thickness of which the end of the side of the rib 7 is folded at a right angle towards the long side 2 by forming an edge 24 parallel to the short sides 4 and 5. The free end of the edge 24 is itself folded at right angles and forms one end 25 disposed between the hook 10 and the large side 2 nearby of the rib 7. The end 25 is in contact with the shim 21. The panel 22 is completed by an insulating element 26, for example of the fire stop type, fixed on the metal sheet 23 on the side of the rib 7. The two panels 17 and 22 therefore offer coplanar and adjacent exterior surfaces, only a space 27 of small dimension separating the two panels 17 and 22. For aesthetic or functional reasons, this space may vary on the one hand, thanks to the lateral clearance left in the hanging punching of the panel and, on the other hand, to the possible variation of the width of the panel himself. The space 27 reduced to 0 is called "edge to edge". The maximum width allowed by the system is approximately 10 mm.

This particularity of the system makes it possible to adapt to many architectural or decorative choices. It also allows adapt to functional needs by allowing the installation of joints extruded (silicone sealant seals for example) or elastic seals removable, when a reinforced or perfect seal is requested.

Near the rib 8 is mounted a panel 28 which comprises a metal profile 29 provided with an edge 30 and an end 31 similar to the edges 24 and the end 25 of the panel 22. The profile 29 includes a stepped portion 32 on which is mounted an element plane 33 by means of a wedge 34 and a seal made of material synthetic 35.

A panel 36 is mounted near the rib 9. again comprising a flange 37 and an end 38 similar to those of the panel 22. From the edge 37, the panel 36 comprises a wall 39 parallel and coplanar to the adjacent panel 28. The wall 39 is folded to right angle inward to form a wall 40 parallel to the small 5 sides and arranged nearby. The wall 40 is extended by a flange 41 forming a right angle and extending towards the short side 5, its end 42 being folded again at a right angle towards the rib 7 and parallel to the short sides 5.

A wedge 43 is disposed in contact with the flange 41 and the end 42 and receives a planar element 44 similar to the planar element 33 of the panel 28, but set back relative to the planar element 33, which allows a substantial reduction in the thickness of the partition formed by the post 1 and the panels it supports, resulting in a gain in area and volume available in the room where the partition is located.

The four types of panels 17, 22, 28 and 36 described above, have been given as an example. Other types of panels provided, either from one end curved inwards and parallel to the long sides 2, 3, or either of another type of end forming a hook or tab and suitable for cooperate with a hook 10, could be used with the post 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the half-post 46 is made from a hollow metal profile, for example in galvanised steel. The post 46 has a section corresponding to that of a post 1 cut in half in the middle of the long sides 2 and 3 with a ledge stiffening 53, 54 arranged at the cut end 47a, 48a of each semi-large side 47, 48, facing inward and parallel to the short side 49.

In other words, the half-pole 46 is generally shaped rectangular with half long sides 47, 48 parallel, one short side 49 perpendicular to the semi-long sides 47, 48, and a last side 50 on the ends 47a, 48a of the half-long sides 47, 48. The last side 50 is parallel to the short side 49 and partially closed by the edges of stiffening 53, 54 from the ends 47a, 48a. We can predict that each edge 53, 54 closes about a third of the last side 50.

Two longitudinal ribs 51 and 52 are each arranged at one end of each large side 47, 48 and are flush with the small side 49. The half-post 46 is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the large ones sides 47, 48 and arranged equidistant from them. The long side 47 is is thus recessed relative to the rib 51 and the long side 48 is is also recessed with respect to the rib 52.

Hooks 10 as well as all the other hanging means provided on the posts 1 can be arranged on the long sides 47, 48 and on the short side 49. The half-posts 46 are particularly useful for wall intersections and for fixing to a fixed structure.

The intersections of partitions can be achieved by bringing a half post 46 with the last side 50 in contact with the panels a first removable partition in accordance with the invention, at the intersection between two panels 55 and 56, the panel 55 being identical to panel 22 and panel 56 of a slightly different type but provided of the same attachment means. Panels 55 and 56 are hung on a post 1. A connecting element 57 can be arranged passing between the two panels 55 and 56 and hung on the one hand in a bore 14 of the post 1 located behind the panels and, on the other hand, in a bore 11 of the half-pole 46 passing between the flanges 53, 54 partially closing the last side 50. The connecting element 57 can be in the form a rod provided with notches, not shown, able to cooperate with the edges of the holes 11 and 14 of the posts 46 and 1.

Between the posts 46 and 1, there is an elastic block 58, by example of an elastomeric material or any other material having satisfactory elasticity and fire resistance characteristics. The hold elastic 58 has a C section with a central branch main 58a parallel to and in contact with the last side 50 of the half-post 46 on one side and parallel to and in contact with the outer surface panels 55 and 56 on the other hand, a side branch 58b parallel to and in contact with the long side 47, and a lateral branch 58c parallel to and in contact with the long side 48 of the half-post 46. The branches 58b and 58c are each taken between the lateral branch 58b, 58c and the corresponding panel 22 and thus replace the shim 21 used on the pole 1. The main central branch 58a comprises a bore 58d in which the connecting element 57 is arranged. These two parts can be pre-assembled.

Panels, for example of type 22, can then be fixed on the hooks 10 of the half-post 46 and extend perpendicularly to the panels of the first partition.

For fixing the half-post 46 on a fixed structure, it is possible to bring the last side 50 into contact with said fixed structure, pass a fixing means, of the lag screw type, by the hole 11 and screw it into the said fixed structure by exerting a retainer on the flanges 53, 54.

Thanks to the invention, there is a removable partition reusable, suitable for all types of premises, particularly tertiary and this, without height limit which can be annoying. The fact that the hooks come from the material forming the posts, allows the removal of a large number of cleats or the like and a decrease significant number of pieces. As the hooks are made without supply of material, the posts 1 maintain a reasonable mass, which facilitates their handling and reduces the load supported by floors on which they are based.

Claims (10)

1. A removable wall system of the type comprising at least one panel (17) and at least one panel fixing stud, the stud being a hollow section with a rectangular cross section provided with two pairs of symmetrical ribs (6, 7, 8, 9) disposed at the extremities of the longer sides (2, 3) and extending parallel to the shorter sides (4, 5), panel fixing means being formed integrally with the section, characterised in that at least one hook (10) is formed in a longer side, the hook being set back relative to the ribs.
2. A device according to claim 1 characterised in that the hook is formed in the metal plate of the longer side.
3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the hook is formed by cutting-stamping.
4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the hook projects from the longer side.
5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the panel is fixed directly to the stud.
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the longer side of the stud is parallel to the outside surface of the panel.
7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the insulating member is in contact with the shorter side of the stud.
8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the panel has an end part forming a lip parallel to the longer side and cooperating with the fixing means.
9. A removable wall system of the type comprising at least one panel (17) and at least one panel fixing stud (46), the stud being a hollow section with a rectangular cross section, characterised in that the stud (46) has two symmetrical ribs (51, 52) each at one extremity of a longer side (47, 48) and extending parallel to a shorter side (49), panel fixing means being formed integrally with the section, at least one hook (10) being formed in a longer side and the hook being set back relative to the adjacent rib.
10. A system according to claim 9 characterised in that the stud (46) has a final side (50) parallel to the shorter side (49) and partly closed by two rims each originating from one extremity of a longer side.

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