EP2366863B1 - Tunnel formwork including a framework for reinforcing the structure thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tunnel box intended to be implanted at the top of a table receiving a frame of a window, a door.

Recall that a tunnel box is intended to accommodate a roller shutter mechanism able to slide vis-à-vis the frame a blind apron window, the door.

A tunnel box usually comes up, as it appears on the Fig. 1 , in the form of a prismatic-looking CT part which is intended to be integrated into a masonry of a building under construction, above a table T delimiting the frame of a window or of a door.

Such a tunnel trunk CT is often constituted by a molded envelope comprising a longitudinal recess E in the form of a tunnel opening into each of its ends and whose lower part is open to accommodate a shutter mechanism M held between two cheeks J1, J2 lateral closure of the recess, and which is shown schematically here by a center line. The envelope of the tunnel trunk CT is thus delimited by a wall of vault V and by two walls of jamb B, of which only one is visible on this Fig. 1 , and between which is formed the recess E.

Generally, the tunnel box is delivered with its rolling shutter mechanism which is held via the two cheeks closing the lateral ends of the tunnel box. Heels extend, in principle, perpendicular to the cheeks in their lower part to serve as seating tunnel trunk when rests at its ends on the building elements. Each bead is held by its edges in two rails constituting two sections respectively overlapping the two legs on which it also bears on the masonry.

The tunnel box is put in place at the top of the board, then secured, by pouring a binder such as mortar at the back of the cheeks and pouring a lintel on the top of the tunnel box. It can still be fixed under a lintel deposited above the table.

A frame for an opening, for example a door, a window, is fixed in the wall frame. This frame can be fixed off the wall by means of sealing tabs integral with the two side walls of the wall frame and the lower wall thereof. The thickness available between the wall and the frame is intended to receive insulation. The opening is fixed on the integral hinges of the frame.

In the French patent application No. 09 58269 , the applicant has presented a solution to connect the upper cross member of the frame with a jamb of the tunnel box to reinforce it, since it is not normally held, so that the frame deforms as little as possible under the effect of the the action of the wind on the window, the door. The reinforcement implements a connecting rail which overlaps the free edge of a jamb in order to be secured to the upper cross member of the frame to stiffen it by connecting it to him.

We also know the reading of the patent DE-A1-100 34,533 , a tunnel box made of expanded polystyrene foam in a manufacturing mold, and which incorporates stiffening arches arranged parallel to each other. They are placed in the manufacturing mold of the tunnel box to be overmoulded. Each arch has a C-shaped front view and a H-shaped cross-section. Integral excrescences of the arches make it possible to wedge them laterally in the mold during the manufacture of the tunnel trunk tunnel box in order to be correctly positioned at the trunk. inside of it. This document discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

We still know from reading the patent DE-A1-10 2006 038401 , a tunnel box consisting of four walls assembled at right angles one after the other. Each wall is formed of an extruded profile. A bracket is fixed externally on the top wall to connect the tunnel box with a lintel. A U-shaped reinforcing plate, made of steel, is fixed in the tunnel box, perpendicular to its walls to stiffen it. Its upper wing is extended by a lug which passes through the upper wall, and a hole in the part of the bracket in contact with said upper wall. The end of the pin is then folded.

In the present invention, the applicant has sought a solution so that the tunnel box, which must withstand the horizontal forces transmitted by the connecting rail under the effect of the action of the wind on the opening, can withstand this effort by deforming as little as possible.

For this purpose, there is provided a tunnel box for receiving a shutter closure mechanism according to the features of claim 1.

By reinforcing the structure of the tunnel box, the connection between the upper cross member of a frame capable of being fixed to the end of a jamb, for example by means of a connecting rail, is strengthened. tunnel box, being specified that the tunnel box is intended to be secured to the upper part of a reception table of a frame of a window, a door. Thanks to this rigid connection, this upper crossbar and therefore the frame face the action of the wind by deforming well below acceptable standards.

By connecting the vault wall at regular intervals with the jamb wall or walls, the structure of the tunnel box is homogeneously stiffened in transverse planes thereto. This solution is very effective because it can oppose the action of the wind whose direction is perpendicular to the window, the door.

According to a feature of the invention, each arch comprises an intermediate branch disposed at the arch wall of the tunnel box, preferably extended respectively on both sides by two branches respectively disposed at the jamb walls.

The connection of each jamb wall with the arch wall is thus stiffened.

According to a feature of the invention, each arch comprises an intermediate branch disposed at the arch wall of the tunnel box, advantageously extended by one edge by a single branch disposed at a jamb wall.

This arch is suitable for connecting a jamb wall, the one that supports the upper cross member of the frame, with the arch wall of the tunnel box. The tunnel box can be of the type with one or two walls of jamb.

According to a feature of the invention, each arch includes an anchor tab to a lintel.

This anchor reinforces the connection of the tunnel box with the lintel. This may be of the cast type in which case the anchor tab is embedded in it. It can also be of the reported type, in which case the anchor is fixed against him.

According to a feature of the invention, a support wall of the anchor lug extends perpendicularly the intermediate branch in its upper part.

According to an additional feature, the anchoring lug consists of a part having in side view an L-shaped geometry comprising a seat wall on the support wall, extended by a connecting wall to the lintel, the support wall and the seat wall being capable of being joined by a connecting means.

The anchoring lug is secured to the hoop and the projecting portion of the anchor lug is secured to the lintel.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the connecting means comprises notches and corresponding tenons.

According to an alternative characteristic of the invention, the anchoring tab is integrated in the structure of the arch.

The hoop and the anchor are made of one and the same piece.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the support wall is only partially connected to the intermediate branch, making it possible to fold the free portion of this support wall to form a connecting wall.

According to an additional feature of the invention, the reinforcement comprises reinforcing rods arranged longitudinally in the arch wall and / or in the jamb walls of the tunnel box to reduce the strain under stress of these walls.

These rods essentially reduce the longitudinal strains under stress of the jamb walls.

According to an additional feature of the invention, the rods pass through holes provided in the branches of the rollbars so that forces applied on the jamb walls are uniformly distributed over the entire length of the tunnel box.

These components that are integrated during the manufacture of the tunnel box generate a relatively small additional cost to the latter.

• la Fig. 1 représente une vue de face d'un coffre-tunnel intégré de manière connue à la construction d'un mur, au-dessus du tableau d'encadrement d'une fenêtre,
• la Fig. 2 représente une vue en coupe transversale d'un coffre-tunnel connu tenu sur des éléments de construction d'une maçonnerie, le coffre-tunnel est pourvu d'un rail de liaison avec une traverse supérieure et incorpore une armature de renforcement de sa structure,
• la Fig. 3 représente une vue longitudinale d'un coffre-tunnel connu reposant par ses extrémités sur des éléments de construction d'une maçonnerie,
• la Fig. 4 représente une vue d'extrémité d'un rail de liaison pour un coffre-tunnel selon l'invention,
• la Fig. 5 représente une vue en perspective d'un rail de liaison et d'une patte d'ancrage de son extrémité dans une paroi murale,
• la Fig. 6 représente une vue d'extrémité d'une variante de réalisation d'un rail de liaison pour un coffre-tunnel,
• la Fig. 7 représente une vue en perspective d'un coffre-tunnel incorporant une armature de renforcement de sa structure selon l'invention,
• la Fig. 8 représente une vue en perspective d'un arceau constitutif d'une armature pour un coffre-tunnel connu,
• la Fig. 9 représente une vue en perspective d'une première variante de réalisation d'un arceau constitutif d'une armature pour un coffre-tunnel selon l'invention,
• la Fig. 10 représente une vue en perspective d'une seconde variante de réalisation d'un arceau constitutif d'une armature pour un coffre-tunnel selon l'invention,
• la Fig. 11 représente une vue en perspective d'une troisième variante de réalisation d'un arceau constitutif d'une armature pour un coffre-tunnel selon l'invention et,
• la Fig. 12 représente une vue en coupe transversale d'un coffre-tunnel intégré à une construction d'un mur, au-dessus d'un tableau d'encadrement d'une fenêtre, un linteau recouvrant la paroi de voûte du coffre-tunnel selon l'invention.

The characteristics of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will appear more clearly on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment, said description being given in relation to the attached drawings, among which:

• the Fig. 1 represents a front view of a tunnel box integrated in a known manner to the construction of a wall, above the frame of a window,
• the Fig. 2 represents a cross-sectional view of a known tunnel box held on building elements of a masonry, the tunnel box is provided with a connecting rail with an upper rail and incorporates a reinforcing reinforcement of its structure,
• the Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal view of a known tunnel vault resting at its ends on building elements of a masonry,
• the Fig. 4 represents an end view of a connecting rail for a tunnel box according to the invention,
• the Fig. 5 represents a perspective view of a connecting rail and an anchor tab of its end in a wall wall,
• the Fig. 6 represents an end view of an alternative embodiment of a connecting rail for a tunnel box,
• the Fig. 7 represents a perspective view of a tunnel box incorporating a reinforcing reinforcement of its structure according to the invention,
• the Fig. 8 represents a perspective view of a hoop constituting an armature for a known tunnel box,
• the Fig. 9 represents a perspective view of a first variant embodiment of a hoop constituting an armature for a tunnel box according to the invention,
• the Fig. 10 represents a perspective view of a second variant embodiment of a hoop constituting an armature for a tunnel box according to the invention,
• the Fig. 11 represents a perspective view of a third embodiment of a hoop constituting an armature for a tunnel box according to the invention and,
• the Fig. 12 represents a cross-sectional view of a tunnel box integrated into a wall construction, above a window frame, a lintel covering the tunnel wall of the tunnel box according to invention.

The tunnel box 100, presented on the Fig. 3 , is intended to be integrated in a masonry of a building under construction, above a table T delimiting the installation frame of a window or a door. It is in the form of a part of prismatic appearance which is traversed longitudinally by a recess E intended to accommodate a roller shutter mechanism M comprising a winding drum O around which can be rolled, unwound an apron occultation of the window, of the door. The recess E thus opens into each of the ends of the tunnel box and also opens into its lower part over its entire length to accommodate the shutter mechanism and to intervene for maintenance, if necessary.

The tunnel box 100, presented on the Figs. 2 and 3 , consists of a section delimited by a vault wall V, extended by two jamb walls B1 and B2 (visible distinctly on the Fig. 2 ) constituting the front face and the rear face of the tunnel box. The recess E is delimited between these walls. The profile is made of an insulating material from a thermal point of view. In an advantageous mode of manufacture, it is made of expanded polystyrene. It is preferably formed of a monolithic block, in one piece.

On the Fig. 3 two cheeks 200a and 200b close the lateral ends of the tunnel box. Each cheek consists of a closure wall of a lateral end and a flange arranged perpendicularly and whose geometry matches the outlet of the recess E through said lateral end. The shutter mechanism M is held between these two cheeks.

To seat each end of the tunnel box on building elements of the wall P, two profiles 320 and 340, visible separately on the Fig. 2 , are respectively mounted on the free edges of the two legs B1 and B2. Their ends thus rest on the building elements thus protecting the jambs. Moreover, the presence of these two sections makes it possible to stiffen the free edges of the two legs whose thickness is relatively small.

Each profile 320, 340 has a U-shaped section adapted to overlap the free edge of the corresponding leg. A groove 322, 342 longitudinally hollow the inner branch of each section to receive a side edge of a heel 300 for closing locally the recess E and more precisely the area of the recess located vertically above the building elements.

This placement of the heel is distinctly visible on this Fig. 3 . The heel 300 is thus disposed in the extension of the lower part of each cheek being held laterally in the two profiles 320 and 340. It consists of an independent piece prismatic appearance or an extension of the cheek forming with she a monobloc piece.

On the Fig. 2 , a connecting rail 400 overlaps the free edge of a jamb and here the leg B2 to connect the tunnel box to the upper rail TS of a frame D of door window. This arrangement allows, by linking these two components to limit the deformation of the frame under the action of the wind on the opening ov, held closed in the frame. The direction of the wind symbolized by the arrow F tends to bend the upper rail TS which is not normally anchored to the wall. Note that the connecting rail 400 covers the section 340. This profile, which increases the stiffness of the leg, however, in an embodiment not shown, be absent. It is useful to remember that a wind speed exceeding 120 km / h can exert a differential pressure on a window, a door, which can reach 800 Pa.

On the detailed view of the Fig. 4 , the connecting rail 400 consists of a section section U comprising an intermediate branch 410 extended by two lateral branches 420, 430. The distance separating the two lateral branches 420 and 430 is such that they are in contact with the inner and outer faces of the leg B2, when the connecting section overlaps said leg.

The intermediate branch constitutes a support plate intended to be secured to the upper cross member TS of the frame D. This intermediate branch 410 extends below the side branches 420, 430, to provide significant rigidity to the connecting rail in a parallel plane at its intermediate branch, that is to say in the direction of the wind, in order to limit as much as possible the deformation of the upper crossbar TS.

The height position of the connecting rail 400 on the free edge of the leg B2 can be adjusted so that the support plate 410 of the connecting rail 400 can be brought into contact with the upper face of the upper rail TS in order to to be solidarized. This support plate 410 is preferably fixed by screwing on the upper cross member TS.

In an alternative embodiment shown on the Fig. 2 , the support plate 410 is fixed by clipping in a retaining profile 440 secured to the upper cross member TS. This retaining profile 440 comprises a seat wall bordered laterally by two retaining clips of the support plate.

On the Fig. 4 , the lateral branch of the connecting rail 400, intended to be turned towards the inside of the tunnel box, that is to say the branch 420, is provided with a slideway 422 provided for housing a side edge of a closing plate PF of the recess in its portion opening between the heels. This closure plate is commonly called soffit.

The slideway 422 consists of two parallel ridges projecting perpendicularly from said branch 420.

The connecting rail 400 is made of a material having a high rigidity such as steel or a composite material.

On the Fig. 5 , an anchor tab 450 is fixed on one end of the connecting rail 400. In practice, the other end of the connecting rail is also provided with such an anchor tab 450.

The anchoring lugs are intended to be sealed on the wall wall P to hold, by its ends, the connecting rail to increase its maintenance and thereby increase the rigidity of the frame with which it is associated. Each anchor tab presents on this Fig. 5 a Z-shaped cross section comprising a first fixing wall in the end of the connecting rail, a second intermediate wall and a third fixing wall on the wall wall.

In the variant embodiment presented on the Fig. 6 , the support plate 410 of the connecting rail 400 is hollow so that it can receive a stiffening blade 412 to further improve its rigidity in a transverse plane.

This connecting rail 400 and its accessories are elements of the state of the art which are useful for understanding invention.

On the Figs. 2 , 3 , 7 and 12 , tunnel box 100 incorporates a frame 500 capable of increasing its rigidity in a transverse direction to reduce the deformation of the jamb wall which supports the connecting rail 400 relative to the complementary part of the tunnel box.

This armature 500 comprises a plurality of arches 510 arranged regularly in the tunnel box and in transverse planes thereto. Each arch 510 is integrated inside the walls of vault V and jamb B1 and B2 which constitute the tunnel box.

The hoop 510 presents on the Fig. 8 U-shaped geometry returned, comprising an intermediate branch 512, respectively extended on either side by two branches 514 and 516 arranged parallel to one another and oriented in the same direction. The intermediate branch 512 of the arch is intended to be placed at the level of the arch wall of the tunnel box while the branches 514 and 516 are intended to be placed at its jamb walls. The branches are also arranged in the same plane. Their thickness is almost constant. The width of these branches is greater than their thickness to give the arch a great

rigidity in a plane tangent to them. The hoop is preferably made of metal or a composite material to give it a great stiffness compared to its footprint. The hoop is also preferably made in one piece to increase its rigidity. The arches are intended to be placed at regular intervals in the tunnel trunk manufacturing mold, so that they are integrated into its walls at the end of its manufacture. Passages 520 pass through the arch so that the molded material can pass through during the manufacture of the tunnel box and thus ensure a homogeneous structure to the tunnel box. For the same purpose, and as it appears on the Fig. 2 , the thickness of the vault wall V, jamb walls B1, B2 of the tunnel box is greater than the width of the branches of the arch.

In this way, a tunnel box is obtained, the jamb walls of which flex less when attempting to move them apart or closer together, when compared to a conventional tunnel box from the same manufacturing process. The holding of the connecting rail is made more firmly by the tunnel box and results in less deformation of the frame.

Thanks to the presence of these arches, it appeared interesting to increase the anchoring of the tunnel box with the lintel above to bind more the frame with the lintel. In the traditional way, it is possible to pour a lintel over a tunnel box previously seated on each side of masonry elements laterally delimiting the table. Longitudinal grooves R are provided on the Fig. 2 , in the vault wall of the tunnel-box, so that the liquid binder can spread therein to make the tunnel box with the lintel solidary after its solidification. The lintel may also consist of a piece which is reported and it is then secured by a binder to the tunnel box that should be interposed between these two parts.

On the Fig. 9 , the hoop 510 may be secured to an anchor lug 530 with a lintel. A support wall 522 of the anchoring tab perpendicularly extends the intermediate branch 512 in its upper part. It is traversed by notches 524. The anchoring tab 530 consists of a part having in side view an L-shaped geometry comprising a wall 532 of seat on the support wall 522, extended by a connecting wall 534 with the lintel. Studs 536 are arranged under the seat wall 532 to cooperate by hooking with the notches 524 so that said anchoring tab can be made integral with the arch 510, as suggested by the arrow F1. Depending on whether the lintel is poured or is attached, the anchor lug 530 is secured to the lintel by pouring concrete the connecting wall 534 or by fixing this connecting wall on one face of the lintel. For this purpose, holes pass through said connecting wall.

The hoop 510 presented with reference to the Fig. 8 and which has no support wall 522, illustrates the state of the art which is useful for understanding the invention.

In its version presented on the Fig. 10 , the anchoring tab 530 is integrated into the structure of the arch 510. Its support wall 522 is only partially connected to the intermediate branch 512, so that it is possible to fold the free part of this wall of support to form a connecting wall 534, as suggested by the arrow F2.

On the Fig. 11 , the hoop 510 affects an inverted L-shaped geometry comprising an intermediate branch 512 connected to a single branch 514 intended to reinforce the jamb wall which supports the connecting rail. This connecting rail can then be secured to the lintel to further reduce the deformation of the frame under the effect of wind. This rail is suitable to be integrated in the construction of a tunnel box of the type comprising an arch wall and a single wall jamb.

On the Fig. 12 , a lintel L was cast above the tunnel box 100 and the connecting wall 534 of the anchor tab 530 is embedded therein. A protective Ep coating is applied to the wall of the tunnel box which faces outwards. Plaster pl presented in the form of plates is still deposited against the inner wall of the wall P over an insulator Is and so as to mask the tunnel box 100.

On the Figs. 2 , 7 and 12 the reinforcement 500 of the tunnel box 100 further includes reinforcement rods 550 arranged longitudinally in the arch wall V and / or in the jamb walls B1, B2 to reduce the stress strain of these walls. The reinforcing rods 550 advantageously cross holes 552 provided in the branches of the hoops 510 so that forces applied to the jamb walls are uniformly distributed over the entire length of the tunnel box. The jamb walls B1, B2, then maintain their flatness.

The trunk tunnel of the invention is advantageously used with a connecting rail adapted to overlap the free edge of a leg constituting it so that the connecting rail can be secured to the top rail of a frame to stiffen it. It can, however, be used without this connecting rail benefiting from the advantages of its rigid structure.

The tunnel box of the invention has a reinforced structure compared to an earlier tunnel box.

It is advantageously associated with the upper part of a frame to strengthen it, connecting it with the wall to reduce the deformation of the frame under the effect of the action of the wind.

The tunnel box of the invention makes it possible to strengthen the connection of the upper cross member of the frame with the wall wall. It facilitates the compliance of the window and the door with the EN 12210 and EN 12211 standards relating to the wind-permissible deformations of such closing devices.

Its manufacturing cost is interesting, considering the benefits it provides.

Claims (6)

1. Shutter box (100) intended to house a roller-shutter closure mechanism (M), the shutter box being designed to be anchored above a reveal (T) delimiting the casing in which a window or door fixed frame is fitted, the shutter box comprising a tunnel-crown wall (V) extended by at least one jamb wall (B1, B2), the shutter box being made all from the same material that is thermally insulating, the shutter box incorporating a reinforcing framework (500) designed to stiffen the structure thereof, the reinforcing framework comprising a plurality of arches (510) incorporated by over-moulding into the walls of the shutter box in transverse planes thereof, the passages (520) passing through each arch (510) so that the moulded material can pass through these passages as the shutter box is being manufactured, so as to incorporate them into the structure of the shutter box (100) once manufacture thereof is complete, each arch comprising an intermediate leg (512) positioned in the region of the tunnel-crown wall (V) of the shutter box, a support wall (522) extending the said intermediate leg at right angles at its top, characterized in that the support wall (522) is partially connected to the said intermediate leg so that the free part of this support wall can be bent up to form a connecting wall (534) for connecting with a lintel, or in that the shutter box comprises an anchor bracket (530) for anchoring to a lintel and the support wall has passing through it cutouts (524) that are designed to collaborate with corresponding tenons (536) belonging to the anchor bracket (530).
2. Shutter box (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the anchor bracket (530) is made from a component which in side view has an L-shaped geometry comprising a seating wall (532) for seating along the support wall (522), extended by a connecting wall (534) for connecting to the lintel (L), the tenons (536) being positioned under the seating wall (532).
3. Shutter box (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate leg (512) is extended respectively on each side by two legs (514 and 516) arranged respectively in the region of the jamb walls (B1, B2).
4. Shutter box (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate leg (512) is extended on one edge by a single leg (514) positioned in the region of a jamb wall.
5. Shutter box (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing framework (500) comprises reinforcing rods (550) positioned longitudinally in the tunnel-crown wall (V) and/or in the jamb walls (B1, B2) so as to reduce stress-induced deformation of these walls.
6. Shutter box (100) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the rods (550) pass through the holes (552) provided in the legs of the arches (510) so that loads applied to the jamb walls are uniformly distributed over the entire length of the shutter box.

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