EP4033056B1

EP4033056B1 - Connecting rail for window hardware

Info

Publication number: EP4033056B1
Application number: EP22151330.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Emmanuel Diederich Camille VAN PARYS
Original assignee: Sobinco NV
Current assignee: Sobinco NV
Priority date: 2021-01-14
Filing date: 2022-01-13
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2042-01-13
Also published as: PL4033056T3; BE1029013B1; EP4033056A1; BE1029013A1; EP4033056C0; CN114763727A; ES2953396T3

Description

The present invention relates to a window hardware system, more specifically to the connecting rails or rods of such system.
The present invention relates to a new rod system, in particular a snap-in rod.
A window hardware system consists of a number of functional components such as a lock, stay guide, corner drives and connecting rails. These connecting rails are also referred to as the rods.
Typical for aluminium window systems is a hardware groove in which the rods are mounted and can slide. The rods transmit the movement of the hardware from one component to the other. The rods can also be provided with locking points.
The hardware groove is the part of the window profile that is usually standardised in windows. The hardware groove is a profile with an undercut groove which defines a space in which the window hardware can be mounted.
The invention relates to a rod intended for application in a profile with an undercut groove. The rod is fully integrated in the hardware groove.
Traditionally, the rods are slid into the hardware groove. Systems also exist where the rods are snapped in or tilted in. Such systems are described in EP2754805B1 , EP2607583B1 , EP1707719 , EP1867822 and EP3258044B1 .
As windows are made in all kinds of dimensions, the distance between the components to be connected to rods varies. Rod systems are known whereby the rods are made to length. Other rod systems, such as the known Chrono system of the Applicant, comprise several length variants whereby the rod system compensates for the variation in distance.
The Chrono rod system consists of 11 modular synthetic rails, also called rods, with different lengths such that all window formats can be bridged. The rods are provided with coupling toothings for attaching to the window hardware.
The variation in distance is compensated on the one hand by the choice of different lengths of rods, and on the other hand by allowing a greater or lesser overlap between the rods themselves or between the rods and a component. The coupling zone where more or less overlap is possible, is referred to as the adjusting coupling. The other couplings between different rods, or between rods and hardware is referred to as the fixed coupling. With said last coupling an end of the rod connects to an end or base of the coupling.
The Chrono system itself has many advantages, such as the fast assembly, no customisation and cutting tolerances accommodated for by the adjusting coupling. However, a disadvantage of the system is the complexity. The installer must know beforehand which rods need to be mounted in which location. This not only differs depending on the window dimensions, but also depending on the chosen configuration such as the level of burglary resistance and the options to be installed. The installer must consult construction plans, catalogues or software to know which rods must be used. Only trained installers who work with a fixed configuration, know the rod selection criteria by heart.
Another disadvantage remains the fact that several rod sizes must be provided.
EP1447505 describes a carriage. Its function is to adjustably connect the ends of two rods with the fork of the handle. The carriage can be tilted in and snapped in. This is done via a certain type of clamping elements whereby a certain height of the rod is required to obtain sufficient suspension travel without plastic deformation of the clamping elements for a firm clamping. In mounted condition such clamped carriage protrudes a long way from the window profile. A disadvantage is that such snap-in rod is a potential burglary risk as the carriage can be unsnapped from the outside. Furthermore, on the frame near the snap-in rod no components such as for example a locking point can be mounted. Such components would collide with this high component.
EP1867822 describes a snap-in or spring-like synthetic lip which forms a temporary (sliding) attachment in practically all components that can be mounted in the leaf of a window, except in rods. A disadvantage is that the snap-in is a separate loose element. Furthermore, the snap-in and component are made of two different materials, respectively zamak and a synthetic material. Another disadvantage is that the snap-in is quite easily accessible for removing the component from the hardware groove, probably also by an experienced burglar. The snap-in is a temporary security. The eventual coupling is done with another component (rod) which is mounted under the other tooth with the groove and subsequently is connected to each other by means of a punching screw. Consequently, the cooperating components cannot be tilted loose.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the aforementioned and other disadvantages.
To this end, the invention relates to a connecting rail or rod for slotting into an opening of a window hardware, the U-shaped rod in cross-section comprising a median longitudinal plane and on either side thereof two legs or longitudinal sides, whereby the rod is provided with a clamping system for locking the rod in a hardware groove of a window profile, whereby the rod is further provided with a coupling zone in the zones of both ends of the rod for coupling with the window hardware, whereby at least one longitudinal side of the rod is provided with several lateral clamping elements or snap-ins spaced from each other for clamping in or snapping in the rod in the hardware groove, whereby the snap-ins, viewed from above, are arc-shaped, with an arc which for this purpose is elastically movable, whereby the ends of the arc-shaped snap-in are connected to the at least one longitudinal side, whereby the rod has a height or thickness such that the upper plane in snapped in condition in the hardware groove does not protrude or only slightly protrudes from the hardware groove.
In a preferred embodiment of a rod according to the invention, the part of the rod which in a snapped in condition possibly protrudes from the hardware grooveis bevelled and/or rounded.
In a preferred embodiment of a rod according to the invention the ends of the arc-shaped snap-in are diagonally attached to the relevant longitudinal side.
In a preferred embodiment of a rod according to the invention the arc-shaped snap-ins have a smaller cross-section in the curve than in the attachment zones.
The rod is a one-component system. The rod according to the invention consists of one component. No extra elements are required such as for example a cover plate.
Preferably, the snap-ins are provided over the full length of at least one longitudinal side.
Preferably, the interspace between two consecutive snap-ins of a longitudinal side is identical.
Preferably, the lockable snap-in is an arc-shaped snap-in. The snap-ins have an arc-shaped top view, viewed from the upper plane, with an arc which for this purpose is elastically movable, whereby the ends of the arc shape are connected to the longitudinal side plane or the longitudinal side. The snap-ins are lockable in the hardware groove via the arc shapes.
Snap-in and rod are integrated, in the sense that the snap-ins are attached or connected to the rod and form one piece with the rod.
The two longitudinal sides of the rod are lockable in the hardware groove behind, viewed in cross-section, two inwardly oriented legs or undercut longitudinal grooves.
Viewed in cross-section the hardware groove has two inwardly oriented legs or undercut longitudinal grooves for receiving and/or locking the two longitudinal sides of the rod. The undercut longitudinal grooves form a groove under which the snap-in of the rod can hook for attachment of the rod in the hardware groove.
The snap-ins and the lateral protruding arc shapes form clamping elements according to the undercut of the longitudinal groove of a hardware groove.
The snap-in rod according to the invention has a design such that the clamping elements, in snapped in condition, are fully enclosed in the hardware groove. In snapped-in condition, the clamping elements are not accessible from the outside. In addition, the upper plane of the rod preferably lies in the extension of the upper plane of the hardware groove. Preferably, the height or thickness of the rod is not greater than the mounting depth of the hardware groove.
The rod has a limited height such that in mounted condition, said rod's upper plane does not or only slightly protrudes from the groove, more specifically from the longitudinal grooves of the hardware groove. The section possibly protruding from the hardware groove can be bevelled and/or rounded such that a burglar cannot get a grip on it in an attempt to tamper with the rod.
The limited height of the rod not only determines its burglar resistance but also offers the possibility for placing components, such as for example a locking point on the frame, opposite said rod without them colliding with each other when the window is closed or the hardware is operated. The snap-in rod can also be used for windows with increased burglary resistance such as for example RC2 and RC3.
On the one hand the space for the rod is limited by the height of the rod which preferably does not protrude, or should only slightly protrude, from the groove but on the other hand also by the width of the hardware groove in itself. This width (viewed in cross-section) is divided by on the one hand the fixed coupling or adjusting coupling, the 2 legs of the U-shaped cross-section of the rod, the overlap for coupling between these two and the arc-shaped snap-in.
The compact snap-in is integrated in a sufficiently strong and balanced assembly, whereby the different components and aspects achieve a similar tensile strength. To resist a sufficiently big tensile and compressive force, it is recommended that the fixed coupling and the adjusting coupling have a minimum cross-section. The overlap in the coupling which is realised by the toothing must be sufficiently big. It is also recommended that the U-shaped cross-section of the rod is sufficiently big, in particular the legs on which the coupling toothing finds attachment. It goes without saying that the space is limited and is divided widthwise over the aforementioned aspects.
Consequently, it is not obvious to obtain sufficient suspension travel and strength such that the rod in mounted condition is enclosed firmly and sufficiently far under the longitudinal groove of the hardware groove and yet remains slideable.
The arc-shaped snap-in is designed such that the snap-in possesses sufficient suspension travel to be enclosed in every situation, i.e. both with a minimum and maximum tolerance, and with a lacquered or an anodised window profile sufficiently far under the undercut longitudinal groove of the hardware groove. The snap-in may not break or plastically deform upon snapping in whereas the force required to snap in the connecting rail must be acceptable.
A first aspect of said design is that the snap-in in its arc shape in cross-section tapers off toward the middle of the arc. This has a double effect. On the one hand the thin cross-section has a direct increase of the flexibility. On the other hand there is an indirect effect in that due to the thinner cross-section the circulation upon filling the mould with melted synthetic material is reduced, due to which fewer and only shorter (glass) fibres end up in the snap-in, which is also favourable for the flexibility. In the attachment zones the snap-in has a greater cross-section such that the snap-in does not break away upon snapping in.
Another aspect of said design is the diagonal attachment of the arc-shaped snap-in to the leg of the U-shaped cross-section. This ensures an optimum balance between strength and deformability of the snap-in in the available space. The higher in the arc shape, the longer the arc becomes.
The snap-in has, as is usual for snap-in connections, a bevelled inlet (figure 14). Consequently, upon tilting in or snapping in the rod, a force is created which causes the snap-in to deform. Due to the bevelled inlet the deformation or suspension travel is limited in the beginning. As the rod is pushed deeper in the groove, the contact point with the hardware groove moves up further to the end of the bevelled inlet. Consequently, the snap-in is pressed in deeper and the suspension travel is greater at this point. The snap-in is designed such that as the suspension travel increases, further in the inlet the length of the arc also increases such that there is more space for an elastic deformation.
The attachment of the snap-in is also optimised according to this principle. On the level of the beginning of the inlet (figure 12), where the suspension travel is still small, the opening where the snap-in is free of the leg of the U-shaped cross-section is significantly shorter than higher, than where the suspension travel is greater.
The diagonal attachment (figure 13) relates to diagonally ascending ribs departing from the level of the upperside of the snap-in, which in mounted condition corresponds with the underside of the undercut tooth of the groove. These ribs run diagonally viewed from the middle of the snap-in toward the attachment of the snap-in. Consequently, the cross-section of the snap-in and the attachment is increased and thus strengthened in such a way such that its stiffening is limited. Furthermore, said ribs have the freedom to deform inward, in the direction of the leg of the U-shaped cross-section, whereas the ribs in the other direction, to the outside, lean against the undercut teeth of the hardware groove in a mounted condition. Consequently the effect is that said ribs only increase the snap-in to a limited extent, whereas the force needed to snap the rod out increases more proportionally, which together with strengthening the attachment is clearly a desired effect.
As already specified the material cross-section is divided in a balanced way over the different components and aspects. To obtain great strength on the different components, a fibre-reinforced synthetic material is necessary, preferably with a high percentage of fibres. However, the ratio between the length and the wall thicknesses is great, such that filling such rod with synthetic material with a high fibre content is not obvious. Furthermore, the geometry contains thin zones, such as the snap-ins, but preferably the coupling toothing is also as fine as possible to obtain a small step size, said fine teeth as well must get filled with fibres for an efficient operation. The attachment of the coupling toothing is therefore optimised, on the one hand by a distribution over the legs and the upper plane of the U-shaped cross-section, on the other hand by applying the most suitable rounding. Indeed, the shorter the minimum overlap necessary for a sufficiently strong coupling, the smaller the window formats that can be achieved.
The rod according to the invention therefore provides a solution for the following challenges.
By using an arc-shaped snap-in, sufficient suspension travel can be obtained for a non-plastic deformation, whereby the snapped in rod only slightly protrudes from the groove. Consequently the rod cannot be manipulated in the event of an attempted burglary.
It is not obvious to integrate a snap-in, also an arc-shaped snap-in, in a rod with such limited height, in particular in combination with the U-shaped rod cross-section and an under-coupling with toothing on the inside of the downward facing legs.
It is not obvious to combine a snap-in, also an arc-shaped snap-in, with the desired high tensile strength on the whole rod.
To achieve the required high tensile strength and to limit the stretch a fibre-filled synthetic material is needed, preferably with a high concentration of fibres. The stiffer material also stiffens the snap-in, which in turn requires more suspension travel (a longer leg) or narrower cross-sections. Filling a thin cross-section with a synthetic material with a high concentration of fibre filling is not obvious either.
Preferably, the curve of the arc shape, or the central part of the snap-in located between the connected ends, is free and not connected to the longitudinal side to guarantee the necessary flexibility of a snap-in system.
Preferably, the snap-ins are made of an elastic material, such as synthetic material, preferably a glass fibre-filled synthetic material. Preferably, the rod and the snap-in are made of the same material.
Preferably, upon filling the mould fewer glass fibres are provided up into the cavities of the snap-ins to improve the elasticity of the snap-ins.
In its simplest embodiment the rod is executed on one longitudinal side as a tooth partly or fully over the length of the rod to be tilted under a first undercut longitudinal groove of the hardware groove and on the other longitudinal side is provided with snap-ins to lock under a second undercut longitudinal groove of the hardware groove.
Over the length of the one longitudinal side, the rod has a tooth to be tilted under the first leg or groove of the hardware groove. The other longitudinal side of the rod comprises several snap-ins for locking behind the second leg of the hardware groove. This occurs upon tilting the rod further in the hardware groove, whereby the arc-shaped snap-ins are pushed into the groove. When the rod is completely tilted in down to the bottom of the hardware groove, the snap-ins are fully snapped in and the arc shapes relax. The arc shapes are now located under the hardware groove, with the upperside of the arc shapes pushing against the hardware groove, and keep the rod locked in the hardware groove.
The cross-section of the rod is designed or sized such that in the functional position of the rod the snap-ins rest against the base of a longitudinal groove in the window profile.
When the rod is pushed in the longitudinal groove and the snap-ins are accordingly sized, in proportion to the height of the undercut of the longitudinal groove, the snap-ins can be somewhat deformed until the upperside of the snap-in comes to lie against the undercut.
Due to the restoring forces inherent to the elastic snap-ins, the uppersides of the snap-ins are pushed against the undercut when they are supported on the base of the longitudinal groove, such that the rod is firmly clamped in the hardware groove with limited play and thus can slide without much friction in the hardware groove.
As the rod is the last thing to be mounted to be able to intuitively make the selection, they are installed at the one end over the fixed coupling and at the other end over the adjusting coupling of the window hardware. Consequently and typically, the snap-in rod is provided with a toothing on its underside or lower plane, complementary to the upward facing toothing of the couplings. The toothing is substantially located on the sides of the couplings and on the inner sides of the rods. This is to be coupled to a sufficient depth.
To this end the coupling zone of the rod comprises a downward facing toothing which is complementary to the upward facing toothing of the couplings of the window hardware.
The rod is provided with a toothing on the underside of the longitudinal sides. The teeth are vertically protruding strips oriented perpendicularly relative to the median longitudinal plane.
The longitudinal sides of the median plane are provided on the inside or underside with two rows of parallel and spaced apart teeth.
The coupling zone of the rod is provided with two rows of teeth located on the underside or internally on both longitudinal sides and/or sides of the median longitudinal plane.
The toothing is substantially located on the inner sides of the coupling of the rod and on the sides of the couplings. Preferably, the median longitudinal plane of the rod is flat and lies, in mounted condition, in the plane of the hardware groove. The rod does not protrude or slightly protrudes from the groove of the window profile such that said rod cannot be manipulated by any burglars.
The coupling zones on both ends of the rod are in this case symmetrically executed such that it is possible to tilt in and snap in both on the left and right or above or below a lock. The both ends can consequently both couple with the fixed coupling and with the adjusting coupling.
The coupling orientation of the rod is independent of the location in the window and the location of the hinges. There is a preferred tilt-in direction depending on ease of mounting or burglary resistance. The symmetry gives an installer the freedom to always choose the same mounting direction.
In a preferred embodiment of a rod according to the invention the toothing continues on the longitudinal side with the tooth, i.e. the non-snap-in side, over the underside of the tooth, whereby the relevant toothing is provided with an inlet rounding or smaller cross-section than the cross-section of the same tooth continuing further up to the median longitudinal plane.
By letting the toothing continue over the underside of the tooth, both toothing ends to couple are aligned with the toothing of the snap-in rod.
Preferably, one or both coupling ends are executed with a noticeable detail such that the rods are coupled over the coupling in an unambiguous way and position. This detail can, for example, be a thicker tooth in the fixed coupling. By leaving out a tooth in the corresponding location in the snap-in rod, a foolproof coupling is created with the fixed coupling and the snap-in rod still slots into every position over the adjusting coupling.
In a certain embodiment, a coupling detail is provided in the coupling zone of the rod and a cooperative detail in one or both coupling zones of the window hardware such that the rod can be coupled in an unambiguous way and position with the window hardware.
In a specific embodiment of a rod according to the invention, one or both coupling zones of the window hardware comprise a widened tooth which is complementary to a widened space or opening in the coupling zone of the rod.
The widened opening can also be a fully or partly left out tooth.
By applying the widened tooth on the fixed coupling and providing a complementary recess on both ends of the snap-in rod, the effect is created that the rod cannot be wrongly coupled with the fixed coupling and can be coupled with the adjusting coupling in every position.
Preferably, the coupling details for the fixed coupling and the adjusting coupling are different.
In a certain embodiment of a rod according to the invention, the rod, based on the space to be filled or on the window dimensions, is shortened to the right length by, for example, cutting it is at one or both ends provided with a coupling detail by for example punching.
In a certain embodiment, not the full opening of the window hardware provided is filled with the snap-in rod, but first a through-coupling rod is connected at the coupling zone of a certain component. This through-coupling rod may already be provided with locking points or have a number of option zones. In this way they come to stand at fixed positions, which is in turn an advantage to position the components on the frame. In this way, the length to be bridged with the snap-in rod is shorter. Consequently, the selection of rods remains very limited. This is also regardless of the configurations and options thanks to the option zones located on the through-coupling rod.
According to another embodiment of the invention the rod is provided on both longitudinal sides of the median longitudinal plane with several repeating or spaced snap-ins, which, viewed from above, are each arc-shaped, with an arc which for this purpose is elastically moveable.
Preferably, the snap-ins of both longitudinal sides lie opposite each other.
The rod is a snap-in rod which is customised upon mounting without any loss of snap-in capacity.
In a first embodiment the rod is made to length. Preferably, a number of different lengths are provided and upon mounting the rod with approximately the most suitable length is selected.
The most suitable length of the rod is determined by
the available opening of the window hardware that needs to be covered with the rod. The rod will overlap with a certain component at one end. This coupling zone where more or less overlap is possible, is the adjusting coupling. At the other end and between the rods, a fixed coupling is required. This connects directly in cross-section.
At the one end, the opening of the window hardware is provided with a fixed coupling and at the other end with an adjusting coupling.
The one end of the rod is fully coupled on the level of the fixed coupling of the window hardware. The other end of the rod extends between a required minimum overlap and a full overlap with the adjusting coupling. The minimum required overlap is indicated on the adjusting coupling.
The adjusting coupling provides a sufficient maximum number of toothings such that a coupling with a rod coupling zone is possible with an overlapping toothing which is less than or is equal to said maximum number of toothings.
In another embodiment, the rod is cut or sawed to a most suitable length, whereby the cut is required to be located between two snap-ins.
In a preferred embodiment, the rod comprises a number of cut or saw lines at various spacings along which the rod can be safely cut or sawed. The cut or saw lines are located between two snap-ins. The various spacings correspond with certain lengths of the rod. Preferably, a cut or saw line is provided between every snap-in.
In a specific embodiment, cut or saw lines are executed as break lines or break zones along which the rod can be simply and quickly broken away. This offers the advantage that no additional tools such as a saw or pliers are required. The break line also provides for a neat cut of the broken away rod.
The advantage of the invention is a snap-in rod which can be easily made to size on site without loss of snap-in capacity.
In a preferred embodiment of a rod according to the invention, the rod in a coupling zone is provided with one or more break lines or break zones along which the rod can be simply and quickly broken away or cut off, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, whereby the break lines or break zones are located between two consecutive snap-ins.
Preferably, the break lines or break zones are executed as a groove or fully or partly reduced cross-section of the median longitudinal plane and/or the longitudinal sides.
The rod can be broken away, cut off or sawn off along the break lines or break zones in a neat section.
Preferably, the break lines or break zones are provided with a V-groove to encourage tear initiation.
At one or both ends of the break lines, a V-shaped notch is provided on the level of the longitudinal sides of the rod.
The break lines or break zones define one or more segments in the longitudinal direction of the rod, whereby each segment is provided with at least one snap-in on at least one longitudinal side and provided with a coupling zone.
The cut or saw lines and the break lines define a segment of a rod. Preferably, at least one full snap-in is provided per segment. Thus, a rod consists of several segments.
Preferably, the segments of one and the same rod are identical, whereby the break lines or break zones are located at a fixed distance from each other.
In an alternative embodiment certain segments of one and the same rod are smaller or bigger than others, whereby the break lines or break zones are located at a variable distance from each other.
The advantages of the invention are an intuitive and quick rod selection, a quick learning curve, greater flexibility and possibility to deploy lower skilled personnel.
The purpose of the invention is providing window hardware with a drastically simplified rod selection.
A condition for intuitive rod selection and presentation is that the rod can still be slotted into the hardware groove afterwards without the pre-mounted components having to be taken out again or disassembled.
For bridging a variable distance between two components of the window hardware, whereby one component possesses a fixed coupling, for example the corner drive, and the other component possesses an adjusting coupling, for example the lock, a rod that can be mounted afterward (not slid in) can be used, such that the required length can be intuitively measured out between the two components. By presenting a rod in front of the opening to be bridged, the correct length can be selected.
The rods according to the invention can be used in different ways.
In a first way the most suitable rod length is taken which is the most suitable of a number of fixed length rods, for example of four rods 126-206-286-366 mm. The one end of the rod is fully coupled on the level of the fixed coupling of the window hardware. The other end of the rod extends between a required minimum overlap and a full overlap with the adjusting coupling. The minimum required overlap is indicated on the adjusting coupling.
A second way of selecting the suitable rod length is by presenting the rod in front of the relevant opening of the window hardware and shortening it as exactly as possible cutting or sawing it. The adjusting coupling is in this case barely longer than the fixed coupling and only serves to compensate any cutting errors. In this case no distinction needs to be made between the adjusting coupling and the fixed coupling. They could be identical.
In a third way of selecting, the rod is broken or cut to size via breakable or cuttable segments provided beforehand. The rod is presented in front of the opening to be filled whereby the one end corresponds with the beginning of the fixed coupling. Subsequently, the rod is broken away or cut off along the break or cut zone which falls between the minimum and maximum coupling length. The required length is thus greater than the opening of the window hardware to be filled, the other variation (approximately one segment) is compensated by the adjusting coupling.
To this end the rod is divided into segments. Each segment is provided with at least one snap-in on at least one longitudinal side.
Preferably, the segments are identical. In another embodiment, certain segments are smaller or bigger than the others. The segments can, for example, be smaller for a smaller required length of the rod.
To this end, each segment comprises a section of coupling toothing, which preferably but not necessarily fully corresponds with the coupling toothing of the fixed coupling. Between the segments a break or cut zone is provided.
Each segment must have the necessary coupling toothing to still be able to couple after breaking or cutting.
The break or cut zone is a zone with a reduced cross-section, and preferably along the different sides is provided with a V-groove to encourage tear initiation.
On the one hand, the rods must be resistant against a big tensile or pressure load, on the other hand they are locally weakened to be able to be broken away. This contradiction is accommodated by using a fibre-reinforced strip, such as for example a UD-tape.
To this end, the rod is provided with a fibre-reinforced strip, preferably applied over the full length of the rod or at least on the level of the break lines or break zones.
In a preferred embodiment of a rod according to the invention, a fibre-reinforced strip is applied on the underside or the lower plane of the median longitudinal plane preferably over the full length of the rod, or at least on the level of the break lines.
The tape can also be applied on the upperside of the median longitudinal plane or as a U-shape according to the cross-section of the rod.
The fibre-reinforced strip consists of continuous fibres such as glass, carbon or aramide bound in a polymer resin.
Such fibre-reinforced strip is a polyamide based tape, or other polymer resin, provided over the whole length with carbon or glassfibre or other reinforced fibres. In this way the rods are strengthened with continuous fibres (glass, carbon, aramide, flax, etc.) which continue over the full length of the rod, from segment to segment, through the break zones. The continuous fibres in the UD-tape are to transmit the forces from segment to segment, whereas the reduced cross-section in the break zones are to allow the rod to be broken in between two segments.
The invention also relates to a method for slotting into and locking a rod as described above in a hardware groove of a window profile, the method comprising the following steps: a) selection of a suitable rod according to the size of the available opening in the window hardware, whereby the rod is presented in front of the opening to be filled whereby the one end corresponds with the base of the fixed coupling; b) slotting and tilting in the tooth on one longitudinal side of the rod in the first longitudinal groove of the window profile, whereby one end of the rod on the level of the fixed coupling of the window hardware leans against a component of the window hardware; and c) further tilting in and snapping in the snap-ins in the other longitudinal side of the rod down to the bottom of the second longitudinal groove of the window profile, whereby the other end of the rod on the level of the adjusting coupling of the window hardware is slotted in between a minimum and maximum overlap.
In a first embodiment a made to length rod is used or a rod is sawn or cut to size between two consecutive snap-ins in step a).
In a second embodiment a rod is broken away or cut off to the suitable size on a break line or break zone which falls between the minimum and maximum coupling length, whereby the rod is provided on both ends with a suitable coupling toothing in step a).
Step b) and c) also apply to snapping in the snap-in of a rod which on both longitudinal sides is provided with a snap-in.
With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, a preferred embodiment of a connecting rail according to the invention is described hereinafter, by way of an example without any limiting nature, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a connecting rail or rod according to the invention,
figure 2 shows the underside of a rod according to the invention, provided with a coupling toothing over the full length of the rod,
figure 3 shows a detail of the rod of figure 1,
figure 4 shows a cross-section of a rod according to the invention in locked condition in a hardware groove,
figure 5 shows another embodiment of a rod according to the invention,
figure 6 shows a cross-section of a rod according to the invention,
figure 7 shows the slotting in and locking of a rod according to the invention in a hardware groove, figure 8 shows a longitudinal section of a rod according to the invention, provided with a foolproof coupling,
figure 9 shows a rod with continuous toothing on the underside of a longitudinal side,
figure 10 shows a front view of a snap-in 5,
figure 11 shows a top view of a rod 1 and a snap-in 5, and
figures 12-17 show cross-sections according to figure 11.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a connecting rail or rod 1 according to the invention. Figure 1A shows a top view of the rod 1 whereby the upperside or the upper plane A of the rod is provided with an even median longitudinal plane 2. Figure 1B shows a bottom view of the rod 1 whereby the rod is provided with coupling zones 8 on both ends of the lower plane or the underside B.
The rod comprises a median longitudinal plane 2 and two longitudinal sides 3,4. The median longitudinal plane 2 is flat. The longitudinal sides 3,4 are slightly bent and form an angle of approximately 90° with the median longitudinal plane 2.
At one of the longitudinal sides 4, the rod 1 is provided with several arc-shaped snap-ins 5 which extend on the side. The arc shape is clearly visible viewed from above.
The space 6 between the snap-ins 5 is identical. The snap-ins 5 are identical and applied over the full length of the rod 1.
The other longitudinal side 3 of the rod 1 is provided with a tooth 7 which extends over the full length of the rod 1. The tooth 7 protrudes on the side of the rod and slots into a groove of the hardware groove.
This is an example of a fixed length rod for a certain size range of window hardware. To this end, the end of the rod 1 is provided with a coupling toothing 8 on the underside B. Over a certain length from the end of the rod, the coupling toothing 8 comprises two rows of protruding teeth 9 which are substantially provided on the flanks of the longitudinal sides bordering the underside B of the median longitudinal plane, continuing on the free end of the longitudinal sides and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rod.
The tooth 7 is provided on its underside with perpendicular reinforcements or bulges 10,11 at regular spacings.
Figure 2 shows a rod 1 whereby a coupling toothing 8 is provided over the full length of the rod 1. To realise the smallest window formats, it is desirable to shorten the fixed length rods even further by, for example, sawing them off. In this case, toothing 8,9 is necessary over the full length because the sawn off end of the rod must be provided with a coupling toothing.
The rod of figure 2 comprises the same properties as the rod in figure 1, except that the toothing is not only provided on the ends of the rod but over the full length of the rod.
Figure 3 shows a detail of the rod 1 of figure 1, viewed from above (fig 3A) and below (fig 3B).
It can clearly be seen here that the curve 14 of the arc-shaped snap-in 5 is not fastened to the rod and this for maximum flexibility upon snapping in. The ends 13 of the arc shape are attached to the longitudinal side of the rod.
Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a rod 1 according to the invention which is snapped into the two undercut longitudinal grooves 16,17 of a hardware groove 15.
The hardware groove 15is the part of the window profile 23 (the window profile is only partly shown in fig.4 and fig.7) that is usually standardised in windows. The hardware groove is a profile 23 with an undercut groove 16,17 which defines a space 15 in which the hardware can be mounted.
A snap-in 5 is hereby snapped in under longitudinal groove 16 and tooth 7 under longitudinal groove 17. The form of the snapped in section of the snap-in 5 and of the snapped in section of the tooth 7 is such that both sections at the top and bottom almost touch the upperside and underside of the longitudinal groove. This results in a firm locking. There is a minimum play to accommodate for tolerances and allow shiftings.
Figure 4A shows the cross-section lines of a rod 1 of figures 4B and 4C. Figure 4B is a cross-section on the level of the curve of the arc shape of a snap-in 5. Figure 4C is a cross-section on the level of the space between two snap-ins 5.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a connecting rail or rod 1 according to the invention. Figure 5A shows a top view of the rod 1, figure 5B a bottom view of the rod 1.
The rod 1 has the same properties as the rod in figure 2 whereby a coupling toothing 8 is provided on the underside of both longitudinal sides over the full length of the rod 1. In this case, the coupling toothing 8 is necessary over the full length of the rod because the rod is breakable in segments 18.
The segments 18 are delimited by break lines or break zones 19 on the level of the interspace 6 between two consecutive snap-ins 5. The rod 1 can be broken away via the break lines or break zones 19 on a neat line and thus shortened in length.
The specific location of the break lines or break zones 19 ensures a full snap-in 5 is always retained. The rod can thus be shortened per one or more lengths of a segment.
The break lines or break zones 19 are provided as a V-groove on the upperside A of the rod, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, on the median longitudinal plane and continuing on both longitudinal sides.
On the level of the break lines or break zones 19, the tooth 7 is provided with a V-shaped recess 20. On the level of the V-shaped recesses 20, no coupling toothing 8 is provided, or the coupling toothing is interrupted.
Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a rod 1 provided with a UD-tape 21 on the underside B of the median longitudinal plane 2 or the lower plane of the rod.
Figure 7 illustrates the slotting in and locking of a rod 1 according to the invention in an available opening 22 of a hardware groove 15. The available opening is delimited at both ends by two components 32, 33 which are pre-mounted in the hardware groove.
As shown in figure 7A, the opening 22 of the hardware groove is provided at one end with a fixed coupling 24 and at the other end with an adjusting coupling 25. The fixed coupling 24 is situated next to a locking point 31.
The rod 1 is laid with one end 27 adjoiningly against the component 32 with the locking point 31. With the other end 28, the rod is measured out for a sufficient overlap between a minimum and a maximum usable distance from the adjusting coupling. For example, a sufficient overlap is achieved with an engagement of 19 mm or 9 teeth.
According to figure 7B the rod 1 is locked in the hardware groove 15 by first laying the tooth 7 in a first longitudinal groove. This situation is shown in cross-section in figure 7D.
Subsequently the snap-ins 5 are snapped in under the second longitudinal groove 16, as also shown in cross-section in figure 7E.
The locked condition of the rod 1 in the hardware groove 15 is shown in figure 7C.
In a longitudinal cross-section of the longitudinal sides 3,4, figure 7F shows the eventual locking of the coupling toothing 8 on both ends of the rod in the fixed coupling 24 and in the adjusting coupling 25 of the window hardware .
Figure 8 shows a longitudinal section of a rod 1 locked on a coupling whereby the locking is provided with a foolproof coupling against faulty mounting. This means that the rod 1 can only be attached in one way to the (fixed) coupling 24 of the window hardware.
To this end the fixed coupling 24 is provided on both longitudinal sides with a tooth 26 which is wider than any other tooth 29 of the coupling. The wide tooth 26 is located on the end of the fixed coupling 24.
Complementary to this, the coupling toothing 8 of the rod is provided with a wider space 12 after the last tooth 9 in case of a limited length coupling toothing (Fig 8A) or between two teeth 9 in case of a coupling toothing over a greater or the full length (Fig 8B) of the rod. This wider space 12 is applied at a certain distance which corresponds with the distance from the wide tooth 26 of the fixed coupling 24 to the base 30 of said coupling. The distance is such that the end 27 of the rod leans against the base 30 of the fixed coupling 24 upon mounting.
As can also be seen in figure 2, two opposite teeth 9 of the coupling toothing 8 are left out at a certain distance from the end of the rod such that an extra space 12 is created between two teeth 9.
Consequently the rod will always be mounted and locked correctly and in a certain position on the window hardware and faulty mounting is avoided.
Figure 9 shows a rod 1 whereby on the side with the tooth 7, i.e. the non-snap-in side, the toothing 8 continues over the underside 34 of the one longitudinal side or tooth 7. The relevant toothing 8 is provided on the underside 34 of the longitudinal side with a smaller cross-section or thickness 35 than the cross-section or thickness 36 of the same tooth further continuing up to the median longitudinal plane.
This inlet rounding 35 provides for an auto-search function of the toothing of the rod in cooperation with the toothing of the couplings which can also be provided with a top rounding.
Once tilted in, the toothing 8 on the underside 34 makes no contact anymore with the coupling, and it is no longer functional. The toothed section 35 on the longitudinal sides that is not located on the underside, is not provided with the inlet rounding for a maximum overlap and a strong coupling.
The purpose this serves is to facilitate the searching of the toothing. Imagine that the difference in length between two couplings does not correspond with a whole number of teeth, then one of said two couplings must shift a little. The components are also made to allow said little shifting. At worst a situation may occur where tooth-on-tooth coupling is necessary. To ensure a smooth process, the toothing continues over the underside of the longitudinal side provided with a tooth 7.
Figure 10 shows a front view of a snap-in 5 which is connected to the longitudinal side 4 of the rod 1 with a diagonal attachment 37. The diagonal attachment ensures maximum resistance against unsnapping.
Figure 11 shows a top view of a rod 1 and a snap-in 5 which is shown in the following figures in different cross sections. Figure 12-17 respectively show the cross-sections XII-XVII.
The opening 40 below the snap-in arc is less at the bottom than at the top to avoid a weak zone on tensile load near the bevelled edge/notch between the segments.
Figure 17 shows a cross-section of the toothed longitudinal side 3 whereby a bevelled edge 39 is provided for strengthening the male coupling.
The arc-shaped snap-in 5 is provided with a cavity 38 near the attachment which ensures extra flexibility.
The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described as an example and shown in the drawings, but a connecting rail according to the invention as defined by the claims can be realised according to different variants without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Connecting rail or rod (1) for slotting into an opening (22) of a window hardware, the U-shaped rod (1) in cross-section comprising a median longitudinal plane (2) and on either side thereof two legs or longitudinal sides (3,4), whereby the rod (1) is provided with a clamping system (5) for locking the rod (1) in a hardware groove (15) of a window profile (23), whereby the rod (1) is further provided with a coupling zone (8) in the zones of both ends (C,D) of the rod (1) for coupling with the window hardware , whereby at least one longitudinal side (3,4) of the rod (1) is provided with several interspaced lateral clamping elements or snap-ins (5) for clamping in or snapping the rod (1) in the hardware groove (15), characterised in that the snap-ins (5), viewed from above, are arc-shaped, with an arc which for this purpose is elastically movable, whereby the ends (13) of the arc-shaped snap-in (5) are connected to the at least one longitudinal side (3,4), and whereby the rod has a height or thickness such that the upper plane A in snapped in condition in the hardware groove (15) does not protrude or only slightly protrudes from the hardware groove (15).
Rod (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the part of the rod that in snapped in condition possibly protrudes from the hardware groove (15) is bevelled and/or rounded.
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the ends (13) of the arc-shaped snap-in (5) are diagonally attached to the relevant longitudinal side (3,4).
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the curve of the arc shape, or the central part of the snap-in (5) located between the ends (13), is free and not connected to the longitudinal side (3,4).
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the arc-shaped snap-ins (5) have a smaller cross-section in the curve than in the attachment zones.
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the snap-ins (5) are made of an elastic material with a high tensile strength, such as a fibre-reinforced synthetic material, for example a glassfibre-filled synthetic material.
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the two longitudinal sides (3,4) of the rod (1) are lockable in the hardware groove (15) behind, viewed in cross-section, two inwardly oriented legs or undercut longitudinal grooves (16,17).
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the cross-section of the rod (1) is sized such that the snap-ins (5) in the functional position of the rod (1) rest against the base of a longitudinal groove (16,17) in the window profile(23).
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the rod (1) is executed on one longitudinal side (3) as a tooth (7) partly or fully over the length of the rod (1) to be tilted under a first undercut longitudinal groove (17) of the hardware groove (15) and on the other longitudinal side (4) is provided with clamping elements or snap-ins (5) for locking under a second undercut longitudinal groove (16) of the hardware groove (15).
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the opening (22) of the window hardware on one end is provided with a fixed coupling (24) and on the other end with an adjusting coupling (25), whereby the one end (27) of the rod (1) on the level of the fixed coupling (24) is engaged, and the other end (28) extends between a minimum required overlap and a full overlap with the adjusting coupling (25).
Rod (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the coupling zone (8) of the rod comprises a downward facing toothing (9) which is complementary to the upward facing toothing (29) of the couplings (24,25) of the window hardware.
Rod (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the coupling zone (8) of the rod (1) is provided with two rows of teeth (9) which are located on the underside or internally on both longitudinal sides (3,4) and/or sides of the median longitudinal plane (2) .
Rod (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the toothing (9) is substantially located on the inner side of the coupling (8) of the rod and on the sides of the couplings (24,25).
Rod (1) according to claim 9 and any one of the claims 11 to 13, characterised in that on the longitudinal side (3) with the tooth (7), i.e. the non-snap-in side, the toothing (9) continues over the underside (34) of the tooth (7), whereby the relevant toothing (8) is provided with an inlet rounding or smaller cross-section (35) than the cross-section (36) of the same tooth continuing up to the median longitudinal plane (2).
Rod (1) according to any one of the claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the coupling zones (8) on both ends (27,28) of the rod (1) are symmetrically executed and the both ends (27,28) can both couple with the fixed coupling (24) and with the adjusting coupling (25).
Rod (1) according to any one of the claims 11 to 15, characterised in that a coupling detail (26) is provided in the coupling zone (8) of the rod and in one or both coupling zones (24,25) of the window hardware such that the rod (1) can be coupled in an unambiguous way and position with the window hardware.
Rod (1) according to claim 16, characterised in that one or both coupling zones (24,25) of the window hardware comprise a widened tooth (26) which is complementary to a widened space or opening (12) in the coupling zone (8) of the rod (1).
Rod (1) according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the coupling details (26) for the fixed coupling (24) and the adjusting coupling (25) are different.
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the median longitudinal plane (2) is flat and, in mounted condition, lies in the plane of the hardware groove or the window profile (23) .
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the rod (1) in a coupling zone (8) is provided with one or more break lines or break zones (19) along which the rod (1) can be simply and quickly broken away or cut off, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, whereby the break lines or break zones (19) are located between two consecutive snap-ins (5).
Rod (1) according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the rod (1) is provided with a fibre-reinforced strip (21), preferably applied over the full length of the rod (1) or at least on the level of the break lines or break zones (19).
Method for slotting in and locking a rod (1) according to claims 7, 9 and 10, or any one of the claims dependent thereon in a hardware groove (15) of a window profile (23), the method comprising the following steps:
a. selection of a suitable rod (1) according to the size of the available opening (22) in the window hardware, whereby the rod (1) is presented in front of the opening to be filled whereby the one end (27) corresponds with the base (30) of the fixed coupling (24),

b. slotting in and tilting in the tooth (7) on one longitudinal side (3) of the rod (1) in the first longitudinal groove (17) of the window profile(23), whereby one end (27) of the rod (1) on the level of the fixed coupling (24) leans against a component (32) of the window hardware,

c. further tilting in and snapping in of the snap-ins (5) in the other longitudinal side (4) of the rod (1) down to the bottom of the second longitudinal groove (16) of the window profile (23), whereby the other end (28) of the rod (1) on the level of the adjusting coupling (25) is slotted in between a minimum and maximum overlap.