ES2909607T3 - Connection construction comprising polymer-based hollow-chamber profiles connected without welding - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection construction (1) comprising polymer-based hollow chamber profiles for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors comprising: - a first polymer-based profile (2) having a first end (3 ) and at least one first hollow chamber (4) that is accessible through the first end; - a second polymer-based profile (5) having a second end (6) and at least one second hollow chamber (7) that is accessible through the second end, the first end and the second end being arranged to connect to each other the first hollow chamber and the second hollow chamber; - a connection device (8) comprising: - a first connection element (9) which is disposed by form-fitting inside at least a part of the first hollow chamber (4) which is located adjacent to the first end (3 ) of said first profile (2); and - a second connection element (10) that is arranged by form fitting inside at least a part of the second hollow chamber (7) that is located adjacent to the second end (6) of said second profile (5), in where the connection device (8) is completely housed within said first profile (2) and said second profile (5), where at least a part of the first hollow chamber (4) of said first profile (2) is provided with at least one of a first zone (11) of rigidity and a first tubular element (12) of rigidity, the first connecting element (9) being arranged by form-fitting in at least a part of at least one of the first zone (11) of rigidity and the first tubular element (12) of rigidity, and wherein the first connection element (9) has a first end (20) and is provided with a first cavity (22) that is accessible through of the first end (20), and the second connection element (10) has a second end (21) and is provided with a second cavity (23) which is accessible through the second end (21), the first end (20) and the second end (21) being releasably associated with each other, wherein a first reinforcing device (24) is provided having a first part (25) and a second part (26) which are fixedly associated with each other and releasably associated with each other, the first part (25) of the first reinforcing device (24) being disposed within the first cavity (22) of the first end (20) of the first connection element (9) and the second part (26) of the first reinforcing device (24) being arranged inside the second cavity (23) of the second end (21 ) of the second connection element (10), characterized in that the first profile (2) and the second profile (5) are connected without welding; wherein the first part (25) of the first reinforcing device (24) extends along the longitudinal axis of the first connecting element (9) and the second part (26) of the first reinforcing device (24) extends along along the longitudinal axis of the second connection element (10).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Connection construction comprising polymer-based hollow-chamber profiles connected without welding

field of invention

The present invention relates to a connection construction comprising seamlessly connected polymer-based hollow-chamber profiles and a polymer-based hollow-chamber frame comprising at least one such connection construction. The connecting construction and frame can be used in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors.

Background of the invention

Polymer based hollow chamber windows and doors are well known alternatives to windows and doors comprising at least one of wood and metal. On the one hand, they require less maintenance and, on the other hand, they are lighter than windows and doors of comparable dimensions that comprise at least one of wood and metal. In addition, polymer-based hollow-chamber profiles can be connected so that the polymer-based windows and doors to which they are applied optically resemble wooden windows and doors. For example, European patent applications EP-1 726768, EP-1 605 129 and EP-2236723 describe methods for achieving this so-called wood-look connection of polymer-based hollow chamber profiles for windows and doors. A disadvantage of the manufacturing methods described in the aforementioned documents is that they involve welding the ends of hollow-chamber profiles into, for example, a corner region of a polymer-based window or door. Manufacturing polymer-based windows and doors in this way not only adds complexity to the manufacturing process, but also assembly of polymer-based windows and doors on site is complicated, if not complicated at all. it doesn't prevent it at all. Furthermore, flexible adjustment of polymer-based windows or doors is not possible. In addition, the implication of welding the hollow chamber profiles provides restrictions with respect to the dimensions of the polymer-based windows and doors that can be manufactured.

Document EP-1 333 145 A2 describes another example of a polymer-based hollow chamber profile for windows or doors.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide polymer-based hollow chamber windows and doors having an improved construction. In addition, a need exists to provide a process for manufacturing polymer-based hollow chamber windows and doors having this improved construction.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connecting construction which avoids or at least reduces at least one of the aforementioned and/or other disadvantages associated with polymer-based hollow chamber windows and doors known in the art.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a polymer based hollow chamber frame for use in at least one of polymer based windows and doors comprising at least one connection construction according to the invention.

Aspects of the present invention are set forth in the appended independent and dependent claims.

At least one of the aforementioned objects is achieved by a connecting construction as defined in claim 1.

In this way, the first polymeric base profile and the second polymeric base profile can be interconnected without welding using a connection device that is invisible from the outside, since it is completely housed in the connection construction. As the first polymer-based profile and the second polymer-based profile do not need to be interconnected by welding, the connection construction according to the invention reduces the complexity of manufacturing polymer-based windows and doors comprising at least one of these connection constructions. , as fewer process steps are required to assemble them. Another advantage of not needing to weld the polymer-based profiles is that the profiles can be cut or milled to net dimensions without having to take into account losses of molten material. Furthermore, the assembly of polymer-based windows and doors comprising at least one connection construction according to the invention at the site where they are to be installed is less complicated, since fewer tools are required.

Furthermore, a flexible adjustment of polymer-based windows or doors comprising at least one connection construction according to the invention is allowed. If necessary, the first polymer-based profile and the second polymer-based profile can be fitted and interconnected in situ by form-fitting the first connecting element of the connecting device within at least a portion of the first hollow chamber of the connector. first polymeric base profile located adjacent to the first end of said first profile and arranging the second connection element of the connection device within at least a part of the second hollow chamber of the second polymeric base profile located adjacent to the second end of said second profile. After assembling the connection construction according to the invention in the manner described above, the connection device is completely housed within the first polymer base profile and the second polymer base profile.

Due to the form-fitting arrangement of the first connection element and the second connection element within at least a part of the first hollow chamber of the first polymeric base profile and the second hollow chamber of the second polymeric base profile, respectively, the Seamless interconnected hollow chamber profiles produce a robust and stable connection construction. Accordingly, in connection constructions according to the invention the profiles can be applied so as to have lengths greater or less than the lengths of the profiles that can be applied to polymer-based windows and doors known in the art that are made by welding the base profiles. polymeric.

Thus, the connection construction according to the invention allows for an improved use and manufacture of polymer-based hollow-chamber windows and doors.

According to the invention, at least a part of the first hollow chamber of said first profile is provided with at least one of a first zone of rigidity and a first tubular element of rigidity, the first connection element being disposed by form-fitting at the least a part of at least one of the first stiffening zone and the first stiffening tubular element. By providing at least one of a first rigidity zone and a first rigidity tubular element in at least a part of the first hollow chamber of the first polymer-based profile, said first profile is reinforced. Therefore, the length of the first polymer-based profile can be greater than the length of the profile not provided with at least one of a zone of stiffness and a tubular element of stiffness. As a consequence, the connection construction to which said first reinforced profile is applied is reinforced and the frame to which the reinforced connection construction is applied is reinforced.

The first polymeric base profile can be provided with a first zone of stiffness in a part of the first hollow chamber or along the entire length of the first hollow chamber. Alternatively, the first polymeric base profile can be provided with a first tubular stiffening element in a part of the first hollow chamber or along the entire length of the first hollow chamber. Alternatively, the first polymeric base profile can be provided with a first stiffening zone in one part of the first hollow chamber and a first tubular stiffening element in another part of the first hollow chamber. It is noted that reinforced hollow-chamber profiles comprising a first rigidity zone can be more expensive than hollow-chamber profiles that are reinforced using only a first rigidity tubular element.

Furthermore, according to an illustrative embodiment of the connection construction, the first connection element of the connection device is form-fittingly disposed in at least a portion of at least one of the first stiffening zone and the first stiffening tubular element. Thus, the first connecting element is attached and directly connected to at least one of the first stiffening zone and the first stiffening tubular element. In this way, the first connection element is firmly and reliably coupled to the first polymeric base profile.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, at least one of the first stiffening zone and the first stiffening tubular element comprises at least one of metal, a metal-reinforced polymer composition, a fiber-reinforced polymer composition , wood and carbon.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, at least a part of the second hollow chamber of said second profile is provided with at least one of a second stiffening zone and a second stiffening tubular element, the second element being arranged form-fitting connection in at least a part of at least one of the second stiffening zone and the second stiffening tubular element. By providing at least one of a second zone of rigidity and a second tubular element of rigidity in at least a part of the second hollow chamber of the second polymer-based profile, said second profile is reinforced. Thus, the length of the second polymer-based profile can be greater than the length of the profile that is not provided with at least one of a stiffening zone and a stiffening tubular element. As a consequence, the connection construction to which said second reinforced profile is applied is reinforced and the frame to which the reinforced connection construction is applied is reinforced.

The second polymeric base profile can be provided with a second zone of rigidity in a part of the first hollow chamber or along the entire length of the second hollow chamber. Alternatively, the second polymeric base profile can be provided with a second tubular stiffening element in a part of the second hollow chamber or along the entire length of the second hollow chamber. Alternatively, the second polymeric base profile can be provided with a second stiffening zone in one part of the second hollow chamber and a second tubular stiffening element in another part of the second hollow chamber. It is noted that the reinforced hollow chamber profiles that comprise a second zone of rigidity can be more expensive than hollow chamber profiles that are reinforced using only a second tubular stiffening element.

Furthermore, according to this illustrative embodiment of the connection construction, the second connection element of the connection device is form-fittingly disposed in at least a part of at least one of the second stiffening zone and the second stiffening tubular element. Therefore, the second connection element is one of those associated with and directly connected to at least one of the second rigidity zone and the second rigidity tubular element. In this way, the second connection element is firmly and reliably coupled to the second polymeric base profile.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, at least one of the second stiffening zone and the second stiffening tubular element comprises at least one of metal, a metal-reinforced polymer composition, a fiber-reinforced polymer composition , wood and carbon.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, a set of alignment elements is provided which are configured and arranged to align said first profile and said second profile with each other, at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements being arranged crosswise to each other. In this way an effective and robust alignment between the first profile and the second profile is achieved. The alignment elements of the set of alignment elements can be, for example, screws or any other suitable element or combination of elements that the person skilled in the art can conceive and apply in practice.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, a first alignment element of the at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements is configured and arranged to extend through a first through hole in said first profile and to releasably housed within said second profile, a second alignment element of the at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements being configured and arranged to extend through a second through-hole in said second profile and to be reliably received releasably within said first profile. In this way, the first alignment element and the second alignment element are invisible from the outside, except for their respective ends which are disposed in the first through hole and the second through hole, respectively. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the respective ends of the first and second alignment elements can be hidden from view by performing at least one post-processing step. In that case, the first and second alignment elements are completely invisible from the outside.

In one embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, the alignment elements of the alignment element assembly are configured and arranged to be releasably received within the connection device. The alignment elements may be arranged in at least one of the passages through through holes provided in the respective first and second connecting elements of the connecting device and releasably connect in respective cavities provided within the connecting device. respective first and second connection elements of the connection device. In this way, at least one of the first connection element and the second connection element of the connection device can be additionally fixed to at least one of the first profile and the second profile of the connection construction.

In one embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, there is provided one of a slideable connection assembly and a snap-fit connection assembly that is configured and arranged to releasably associate a first end of the first connection element with each other. and a second end of the second connection element. The slideable connection assembly may comprise two parts of a dovetail connection. The first part of the dovetail connection may be provided at the first end of the first connection element and the second part of the dovetail connection may be provided at the second end of the second connection element. By joining the first part and the second part of the dovetail connection, the connection device of the connection construction can be releasably mounted. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, analogously, a first part of a snap-fit connection assembly, for example a hook, may be provided at the first end of the first connection element and a second part of a snap-fit connection assembly may be provided. snap-fit connecting element, for example a hole adapted to receive the hook, at the second end of the second connecting element. Furthermore, any suitable connecting arrangement can be devised by the person skilled in the art and applied in practice.

According to the invention, the first connection element has a first end and incorporates a first cavity that is accessible through the first end and the second connection element has a second end and incorporates a second cavity that is accessible through the second end, the first end and the second end being releasably associated with each other, wherein a first reinforcing device is provided having a first part and a second part which are fixedly connected to each other and releasably attached to each other, being the first part of the first reinforcing device being disposed within the first cavity of the first end of the first connecting element and the second part of the first reinforcing device being disposed within the second cavity of the second end of the second connecting element. The first reinforcing device is completely housed within the connecting device. In this way, the first reinforcing device increases the strength and stability of the connecting device without being visible from the outside of the connecting device. Furthermore, in an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the first end of the first connecting element and the second end of the second connecting element are in mutually supportive contact.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, the first connection element and the second connection element are fixedly connected to each other. In this way, a one-piece connection device is provided which does not need to be assembled. This further reduces the complexity of manufacturing and assembling the connection construction. Furthermore, at least one of the first connecting element and the second connecting element is at least partially solid, is at least partially hollow, and is at least partially reinforced with at least one rib.

In an embodiment of the connecting construction according to the invention, a second reinforcing device is provided comprising a first element and a second element which are one of fixedly connected to each other and releasably connected to each other, the first being associated element of the second reinforcing device to a first outer surface of the first connecting element and the second element of the second reinforcing device being associated with a second outer surface of the second connecting element, the first outer surface and the second outer surface being arranged to connect with each other. Depending on the requirements of the connection construction, it is possible to apply the second reinforcing device to the connection device. However, in this case the advantage that the reinforcing device is invisible from the outside of the connecting device is not achieved. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the second reinforcing device may be disposed on each of the outer surfaces of the connecting device arranged to connect to each other. In the event that the first connecting element and the second connecting element of the connecting device are arranged relative to each other at a predetermined angle, the second reinforcing device could be arranged in at least one of the so-called "inner corners" and of the so-called "outer corner" of the connecting device. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the second reinforcement device can be applied to any type of connection device, that is to say, to connection devices comprising a first and second connection element detachably associated and to connection devices of a piece comprising a first and a second connecting element fixedly connected.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention a third reinforcement device is provided comprising a first construction and a second construction which are fixedly connected to each other and releasably associated with each other, the first construction being connected to the third reinforcing device to a first outer surface of said first profile and the second construction of the third reinforcing device being connected to a second outer surface of said second profile, the first outer surface of said first profile and the second outer surface of said second being arranged profile to connect with each other. In this way, the strength and stability of the connection construction can be further improved. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that, depending on the requirements for the connection construction, the third reinforcement device may be used in conjunction with at least one of the first reinforcement device and the second reinforcement device associated with the connection device.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, said first profile and said second profile are arranged relative to each other at a predetermined angle in a range between 0° and 180°. In this way a connecting construction can be provided for any type of frame comprising polymer based hollow chamber profiles. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first end of the first polymeric base profile can be provided with a first miter and the second end of the second polymeric base profile can be provided with a second miter, where the first miter and the second miter they are configured and arranged to cause the first profile and the second profile to interconnect at an angle of, for example, 90°. The first miter and second miter can have any pair of angles suitable to achieve this, for example 45°/45°, 40°/50°, 30°/60°.

Furthermore, the skilled person will appreciate that the first miter and second miter need not be visible from the outside of the connecting construction. The first miter and the second miter are invisible from the outside when they are connected by the so-called wood-look connection mentioned above.

Furthermore, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the first profile and the second profile may have the same or different cross-sectional contours.

In an embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention, at least one sealing element is provided to seal at least the first hollow chamber of said first profile and the second hollow chamber of said second profile. In this way, a connection construction can be provided which is fluid-tight. The at least one sealing element may be arranged as a separate element around the connecting device and between the first profile and the second profile in order to seal both the first hollow chamber and the second hollow chamber at the same time after assembly of the construction of Connection. However, the at least one sealing element can also be integrated with one of the first profile, the second profile and the connection device to achieve this effect.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a polymer-based hollow chamber frame for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors comprising at least one connection construction according to the invention. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that these frames benefit from the aforementioned advantages provided by the connection construction according to the invention.

According to another aspect not forming part of the claimed invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a connecting construction comprising seamlessly connected polymer-based hollow-chamber profiles for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors. Understanding the method:

- providing a first polymeric base profile having a first end and at least one first hollow chamber that is accessible through the first end;

- providing a second polymeric base profile having a second end and at least one second hollow chamber that is accessible through the second end;

- providing a connection device comprising a first connection element that is configured to be disposed by form-fitting within at least a part of the first hollow chamber located adjacent to the first end of said first profile and a second connection element configured to being disposed by form-fitting within at least a part of the second hollow chamber located adjacent to the second end of said second profile; Y

- establishing a first form-fitting connection between the first connecting element and said first profile by inserting the first connecting element into at least a part of the first hollow chamber through the first end and a second form-fitting connection between the second connection element and said second profile by inserting the second connection element into at least a part of the second hollow chamber through the second end, wherein the connection device is completely housed within said first profile and said second profile after assembly of the connection construction.

In an embodiment of the method that is not part of the claimed invention, the method comprises:

- providing at least a part of the first hollow chamber of said first profile with at least one of a first rigidity zone and a first rigidity tubular element;

- arranging the first connection element in at least a part of at least one of the first rigidity zone and the first tubular rigidity element by form-fitting.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises:

- providing at least a part of the second hollow chamber of said second profile with at least one of a second rigidity zone and a second rigidity tubular element;

- arranging the second connection element in at least a part of at least one of the second rigidity zone and the second tubular rigidity element by form-fitting.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises:

- providing a set of alignment elements that are configured and arranged to align said first profile and said second profile with each other;

- arranging at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements transversely to each other, wherein a first alignment element of the at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements is inserted through a first through hole in said first profile and is releasably housed within said second profile, a second alignment element of the at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements being inserted through a second through hole in said second profile and being releasably housed within the first profile.

In an embodiment of the method not forming part of the claimed invention, the method comprises releasably accommodating the alignment elements of the alignment element assembly within the connecting device.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be deduced from the description of the invention by way of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments of a connection construction according to the invention and a frame with a polymer-based hollow chamber for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors comprising at least one connection construction according to the invention.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the described embodiments of the polymer-based hollow chamber framework and connection construction are illustrative in nature only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection in any way. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative and equivalent embodiments of the connecting construction, and the polymer-based hollow chamber frame, can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Reference will be made to the figures on the accompanying drawing sheets. The figures are schematic in nature and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. Also, like reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. On the attached drawing sheets,

Figure 1A shows an exploded schematic view of a first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 1B shows a partially exploded schematic view of the first embodiment of the connection construction shown in Figure 1A;

Figure 1C shows a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the connection construction shown in Figure 1A after assembly;

Figure 1D shows a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the connection construction shown in Figure 1A after assembly;

Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of a first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction shown in Figures 1A and 1B;

Figure 2B shows a schematic perspective view of a second non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 3A shows a schematic side view of a third illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 3B shows a schematic side view of a fourth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 3C shows a schematic side view of a fifth non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 4A shows a schematic side view of a sixth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 4B shows a schematic side view of a seventh illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 4C shows a schematic side view of an eighth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 5A shows a schematic side view of a ninth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 5B shows a schematic front view of the ninth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the connection device of the connection construction shown in Figure 5A;

Figure 5C shows another schematic side view of the ninth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the connection device of the connection construction shown in Figures 5A and 5B;

Figure 5D shows a schematic side view of a tenth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device of the connection construction according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a second non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the connection construction according to the invention; Y

Figure 7 shows a schematic design of a first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a polymer-based hollow chamber frame for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors comprising connection constructions according to the invention.

Detailed description of achievements

Figure 1A shows an exploded schematic view of a first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection construction 1 according to the invention. The connecting construction comprises a first polymer-based profile 2 having a first end 3 and a first hollow chamber 4 which is accessible through the first end. The connecting construction further comprises a second polymer-based profile 5 having a second end 6 and at least one second hollow chamber 7 that is accessible through the second end. After assembly of the connection construction 1, the first end 3 and the second end 6 are arranged to connect the first hollow chamber 4 and the second hollow chamber 7 with each other.

Furthermore, Figure 1A shows that the connection construction 1 comprises a connection device 8. According to a first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the connection device 8 shown in Figures 1A and 2A, the connection device 8 has a first connection element 9 and a second connection element 10 that are fixedly connected to each other. Furthermore, according to this first embodiment of the connection device 8, both the first connection element 9 and the second connection element 10 comprise two so-called legs 42 that are separated by a slot 43. The slot 43 allows each of the legs, for example, of the first connection element 9 are inserted into a respective hollow chamber of the first profile 2. This can be seen in Figure 1B. The same applies to the legs 42 of the second connection element 10. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that after assembly of the connection construction 1, the first connection element 9 is disposed by form-fitting within a part of the first hollow chamber 4 which is located adjacent to the first end 3 of the first profile. 2, and the second connecting element 10 is disposed by form-fitting within a part of the second hollow chamber 7 which is located adjacent to the second end 6 of the second profile 5. As can be seen in Figure 1C, after assembly of the connection construction 1, the connection device 8 is housed entirely within the first profile 2 and the second profile 5, ie the connection device 8 is not visible from the outside of the connection construction 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the connecting device 8 may comprise at least one of a metal, a metal-reinforced polymer composition, a fiber-reinforced polymer composition, nylon, wood, and carbon. The connection device 8 can be manufactured by any suitable manufacturing technique including 3D printing, extrusion and injection moulding.

Figures 1A and 1B show that the connection construction 1 comprises a sealing element 37 that is configured and arranged to seal both the first hollow chamber 4 of said first profile 2 and the second hollow chamber 7 of said second profile 5 after assembly. of construction 1 connection. In this way, the connection construction is fluid-tight. The sealing element 37 is arranged as a separate element around the connecting device 8 and between the first profile 2 and the second profile 5 to seal both the first hollow chamber 4 and the second hollow chamber 7 at the same time after assembly of the construction 1 connection. However, according to another illustrative embodiment of the connection construction 1, the sealing element 37 can also be integrated with one of the first profile 2, the second profile 5 and the connection device 8 to achieve this effect.

According to the first illustrative embodiment of the connection construction 1 shown in Figs. 1C and 1D, the first profile 2 and the second profile 5 are disposed with respect to each other at a predetermined angle of 90°. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the predetermined angle between the first and second profiles can be chosen in a range between 0° and 180°. In this way, a connecting construction can be provided for any type of frame comprising polymer-based hollow-chamber profiles.

As can be seen in Figure 1A, the first end 3 of the first polymer-based profile 2 incorporates a first miter 39 and the second end 6 of the second polymer-based profile 5 incorporates a second miter 40. In this particular embodiment, the first miter and the second miter have a pair of angles equal to 45°/45°. As described above, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable pairs of angles may be envisaged. Furthermore, Figure 1C shows that the first miter 39 and the second miter 40 are invisible from the outside of the connection construction 1 when the first profile 2 and the second profile 5 are connected by the so-called wood-look connection mentioned above. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first profile 2 and the second profile 5 may have one of the same or different cross-sectional contours.

Figure 1A shows that the connecting construction 1 comprises a first stiffening tubular element 12 and a second stiffening tubular element 14. The first tubular stiffening element 12 is arranged in a part of the first hollow chamber 4 of the first profile 2 located adjacent to the first end 3 of the first profile 2. Similarly, the second tubular stiffening element 14 is arranged in a part of the second hollow chamber 7 of the second profile 5 located adjacent to the second end 6 of the second profile 5. In addition, after the assembly of the first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the connection construction 1, the first connection element 9 is arranged by adjusting formed in a part of the first tubular stiffening element 12 and the second connecting element 10 is arranged by form-fitting in a part of the second tubular stiffening element 14. The first end 20 of the first connection element 9 and the second end 21 of the second connection element 10 respectively incorporate milled surfaces 41 to allow easier insertion of one of the legs 42 of the first connection element 9 and one of the legs 42 of the second connection element 10 in the first rigidity tubular element 12 of the first profile 2 and in the second rigidity tubular element 14 of the second profile 5, respectively. The first connection element 9 and the second connection element 10 have a length of at least 60 mm.

The first connection element 9 and the second connection element 10, respectively, can be further connected to the first rigidity tubular element 12 and to the second rigidity tubular element 14 using at least one of mechanical connection means such as screws, and connecting means. connection adhesives such as adhesive or sealant. One skilled in the art will appreciate that many different arrangements of tubular stiffening elements and connecting elements are conceivable. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the tubular stiffening elements may comprise at least one of metal, a metal-reinforced polymer composition, a fiber-reinforced polymer composition, wood, and carbon.

As described above, it is even possible to provide the hollow chamber of the respective profiles with at least one zone of rigidity. In that case, no tubular stiffening element would be required. However, it is also possible to combine a stiffening zone and stiffening tubular elements depending on the application requirements of the connection construction. One skilled in the art will appreciate that at least one of the stiffening zones and tubular stiffening elements may comprise at least one of metal, a metal-reinforced polymer composition, a fiber-reinforced polymer composition, wood, and carbon.

Figure 1C shows a schematic perspective view of the connection construction 1 shown in Figure 1A after assembly. A set of alignment elements 15 are provided which are configured and arranged to align the first profile 2 and the second profile 5 with each other. A first aligning element 15a and a second aligning element 15b are disposed transversely to each other. The first alignment element 15a can extend through a first through hole 16 in the first profile 2 and can be releasably housed within the second profile 5. The second alignment element 15b can extend through a second through hole 17 in the second profile 5 and can be releasably housed within the first profile 2. The alignment elements allow an effective and robust alignment of the first profile 2 and the second profile 5 with each other. The alignment elements shown in Figure 1C are screws. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any other suitable element or combination of elements may be used. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the respective end portions of the alignment elements 15 can be hidden from view by performing at least one post-processing step. In that case, the alignment elements 15 are completely invisible from the outside. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that, according to another non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the connection construction, no alignment elements 15 are required. As described above, the first connection element 9 and the second connection element 10 can be respectively connected to the first rigidity tubular element 12 and to the second rigidity tubular element 14 using adhesive connection means, such as adhesive or sealant. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that it is also conceivable that, according to a further non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the connection construction, alignment elements are used together with adhesive connection means, e.g. g., adhesive or sealant.

Figure 2B shows a schematic perspective view of a second non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to which both the first connection element 9 and the second connection element 10 comprise one of the so-called legs 42. The first end 20 of the first connection element 9 and the second end 21 of the second connection element 10 respectively incorporate milled surfaces 41 to allow easier insertion of the leg 42 of the first connection element 9 and the leg 42 of the second connection element 10 in the first rigidity tubular element 12 of the first profile 2 and the second rigidity tubular element 14 of the second profile 5, respectively. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of so-called legs of the first connection element 9 and of the second connection element 10 depends on the specific design of the first profile 2 with hollow chamber, of the second profile 5 with hollow chamber, of the first element 12 rigidity tube and of the second rigidity tube element 14 respectively, if said design is applied.

Figure 3A shows a schematic side view of a third non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. A slidable connection assembly 18 is provided which is configured and arranged to releasably join the first end 20 of the first connection element 9 and the second end 21 of the second connection element 10 together. As shown in Figure 2A, the slideable connection assembly 18 comprises two parts of a dovetail connection.

Figure 3B shows a schematic side view of a fourth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. It can be seen that a differently configured sliding connection mount 18 is provided between the first end 20 of the first connection element 9 and the second end 21 of the second connection element 10.

Figure 3C shows a schematic side view of a fifth non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. In this case a press fit connection assembly 19 is provided. It can be seen that a first part of the snap-fit connection assembly is arranged at the first end 20 of the first connection element 9 and a second part of the snap-fit connection assembly is arranged at the second end 21 of the second element 10. of connection. Also, it is appreciated that any suitable connecting arrangement can be devised by the person skilled in the art and applied in practice.

Figure 4A shows a schematic side view of a sixth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. The first connection element 9 is provided with a first cavity 22 which is accessible through the first end 20. The second connection element 10 is provided with a second cavity 23 which is accessible through the second end 21. A first reinforcing device 24 having a first part 25 and a second part 26 fixedly connected to each other. The first part 25 of the first reinforcing device 24 is pushed into the first cavity 22 of the first end 20 of the first connecting element 9 and the second part 26 of the first reinforcing device 24 is pushed into the second cavity 23 of the second end 21 of the second connection element 10. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that when the first end 20 and the second end 21 are releasably attached to each other in a support contact, the first reinforcing device 24 is completely housed within the connecting device 8 . In this way, the first reinforcing device 24 increases the strength and stability of the connection device 8 without being visible from the outside of the connection device 8.

Figure 4B shows a schematic side view of a seventh illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. It can be seen that the first part 25 and the second part 26 of the first reinforcing device 24 are releasably attached to each other through a slidable connection mount 18 . Analogously to that described in relation to Figure 4A, the first part 25 of the first reinforcing device 24 is pushed into the first cavity 22 of the first end 20 of the first connecting element 9 and the second part 26 of the first device 24 reinforcement is pushed into the second cavity 23 of the second end 21 of the second connecting element 10. When the first end 20 and the second end 21 are releasably attached to each other in a bearing contact, the first reinforcing device 24 is completely housed within the connecting device 8 .

Figure 4C shows a schematic side view of an eighth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. The connection device 8 comprises a first reinforcing device 24 as shown in Figure 4A. Furthermore, the connecting device 8 is provided with a second reinforcing device 27 which will be described later in connection with Figures 5A to 5D.

Figure 5A shows a schematic side view of a ninth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. A second bracing device 27 is provided comprising a first element 28 and a second element 29 which are fixedly connected to each other. Although not explicitly shown, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the first element 28 and the second element 29 of the second bracing device 27 may be releasably associated with one another through any suitable connecting arrangement, e.g., a slip-on connection mounting or a press-fit connection mounting.

Figure 5A shows that the first element 28 of the second reinforcing device 27 is associated with a first external surface 30 of the first connecting element 9 and the second element 29 of the second reinforcing device 27 is associated with a second external surface 31 of the second connection element 10. The first outer surface 30 and the second outer surface 31 are arranged to be connected to each other. Depending on the requirements of the connection construction 1, it is possible to apply the second reinforcing device 27 to the connection device 8. As can be seen in Figure 5A, the second reinforcing device 27 is arranged at the so-called "outer corner" of the connecting device 8. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the second reinforcement device 27 can be applied to any type of connection device, that is, to connection devices comprising a first and second connection element detachably associated and to connection devices of a piece comprising a first and a second connecting element fixedly connected.

Figure 5B shows a schematic front view of the ninth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the connection device 8 of the connection construction shown in Figure 5A. It can be seen that two second reinforcing devices 27 are provided. The first elements 28 of the two second stiffening devices 27 connect with the legs 42 of the first connecting element 9. The second elements 29 of the two second reinforcing devices 27 connect with the legs 42 of the second connecting element 10.

Figure 5C shows another schematic side view of the ninth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the connection device 8 of the connection construction shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

Figure 5D shows a schematic side view of a tenth illustrative non-limiting embodiment of a connection device 8 of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. According to this embodiment, the second reinforcing device 27 is arranged at the so-called "inner corner" of the connecting device 8. Although not explicitly shown, it is also possible to apply the second reinforcing device 27 to both the "inner corner" and the "outer corner" of the connecting device 8.

Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a second non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the connection construction 1 according to the invention. A third bracing device 32 is provided comprising a first construction 33 and a second construction 34 which are fixedly connected to each other. The first construction 33 of the third reinforcing device 32 connects to a first outer surface 35 of the first profile 2 and the second construction 34 of the third reinforcing device 32 connects to a second outer surface 36 of the second profile 5. The first outer surface 35 of the first profile 2 and the second outer surface 36 of the second profile 5 are arranged to connect with each other. In this way, the strength and stability of the connection construction 1 can be further improved.

Although not explicitly shown, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the first construction 33 and the second construction 34 of the third bracing device 32 may be releasably attached to one another through any suitable connecting assembly, e.g., a slip-on connection mounting or a press-fit connection mounting.

Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that, depending on the requirements for the connection construction 1, the third bracing device 32 may be used in conjunction with at least one of the first bracing device 24 and the second bracing device 25.

Figure 7 shows a schematic design of a first non-limiting illustrative embodiment of a polymer-based hollow chamber frame 38 for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors comprising connection constructions 1 according to the invention. As described above, the polymer-based hollow chamber profiles of frame 38 are connected without welding. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of connection constructions 1 according to the invention can be applied depending on the requirements of the framework.

The present invention can be summarized in relation to a connection construction 1 comprising a first polymer-based profile 2 having a first end 3 and a first hollow chamber 4 which is accessible through the first end, a second polymer-based profile 5 having a second end 6 and a second hollow chamber 7 which is accessible through the second end. The first profile and the second profile are connected without welding using a connection device 8 comprising a first connection element 9 which is arranged by form-fitting within at least a part of the first hollow chamber and a second connection element 10 which is form-fittingly disposed within at least a part of the second hollow chamber. The connection device is completely housed within said connection construction. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a connecting construction and a polymer-based hollow-chambered frame 38 comprising the same.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but that various changes and modifications are possible thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. attached. Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive.

The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. A person skilled in the art can understand and carry out variations of the described embodiments in the implementation of the claimed invention based on a study of the figures, the description and the appended claims, provided that they fall within the scope of the invention. invention which is defined in the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

reference numbers

1 connection construction

2 polymer-based first profile

3 first end of the first profile

4 first hollow chamber of the first profile

5 second polymer-based profile

6 second end of the second profile

7 second hollow chamber of the second profile

8 connection device

9 first connection element of the connection device

10 second connection element of the connection device

11 first stiffness zone

12 first tubular stiffening element

13 second stiffness zone

14 second stiffening tubular element

15 lineup item set

a, 15b two crosswise arranged alignment elements first through hole

second through hole

slip-on mounting

press fit connection assembly

part of the first end of the first connection element

part of the second end of the second connecting element

first cavity of the first end of the first connection element second cavity of the second end of the second connection element first reinforcement device

first part of the first booster device

second part of the first reinforcement device

second booster device

first element of the second reinforcement device

second element of the second reinforcement device

first outer surface of the first connecting element

second outer surface of the second connection element

third booster device

first construction of the third reinforcement device

second construction of the third reinforcement device

first outer surface of the first profile

second outer surface of the second profile

sealing element

polymer-based hollow chamber frame

first miter

second miter

milling surfaces

legs of the first and second connecting element

groove between two legs of the first and second connecting element

Claims (13)

Yo. A connection construction (1) comprising polymer-based hollow chamber profiles for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors comprising: - a first polymer-based profile (2) having a first end (3) and at least one first hollow chamber (4) that is accessible through the first end; - a second polymer-based profile (5) having a second end (6) and at least one second hollow chamber (7) that is accessible through the second end, the first end and the second end being arranged to connect to each other the first hollow chamber and the second hollow chamber; - a connection device (8) comprising: - a first connecting element (9) which is arranged by form-fitting inside at least a part of the first hollow chamber (4) which is located adjacent to the first end (3) of said first profile (2); Y - a second connection element (10) which is arranged by form-fitting inside at least a part of the second hollow chamber (7) which is located adjacent to the second end (6) of said second profile (5), wherein the connection device (8) is completely housed within said first profile (2) and said second profile (5), wherein at least a part of the first hollow chamber (4) of said first profile (2) is provided with at least one of a first zone (11) of rigidity and a first tubular element (12) of rigidity, being arranged by form-fitting the first connection element (9) in at least a part of at least one of the first rigidity zone (11) and the first tubular rigidity element (12), and wherein the first connecting element (9) connection has a first end (20) and is provided with a first cavity (22) which is accessible through the first end (20), and the second connection element (10) has a second end (21) and is provided with a second cavity (23) which is accessible through the second end (21), the first end (20) and the second end (21) being releasably associated with each other, wherein a first locking device (24) is provided reinforcement having a first part (25) and a second part (26) that are fixedly associated with each other and are associated releasably with each other, the first part (25) of the first reinforcing device (24) being arranged inside the first cavity (22) of the first end (20) of the first connection element (9) and the second part being arranged (26) of the first reinforcement device (24) inside the second cavity (23) of the second end (21) of the second connection element (10), characterized in that the first profile (2) and the second profile (5) are connected without welding; wherein the first part (25) of the first reinforcing device (24) extends along the longitudinal axis of the first connecting element (9) and the second part (26) of the first reinforcing device (24) extends along along the longitudinal axis of the second connection element (10). 2. The connection construction (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first zone (11) of rigidity and the first tubular element (12) of rigidity comprises at least one of metal, a reinforced polymer composition with metal, a fiber-reinforced polymer composition, wood and carbon. 3. The connection construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the second hollow chamber (7) of said second profile (5) is provided with at least one of a second zone (13 ) of rigidity and a second tubular element (14) of rigidity, the second connection element (10) being arranged by form fit in at least a part of at least one of the second zone (13) of rigidity and the second element ( 14) Tubular stiffness. 4. The connection construction (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the second zone (13) of rigidity and the second tubular element (14) of rigidity comprises at least one of metal, a reinforced polymer composition with metal, a fiber-reinforced polymer composition, wood and carbon. The connection construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a set of alignment elements (15) are provided that are configured and arranged to align said first profile (2) and said second profile (5) with each other, at least two alignment elements (15a, 15b) of the set of alignment elements being arranged transversely to each other. The connection construction (1) according to claim 5, wherein a first alignment element (15a) of the at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements is configured and arranged to extend through a first hole through (16) in said first profile (2) and to be releasably housed within said second profile (5), a second alignment element (15b) being configured and arranged for the at least two alignment elements of the set of alignment elements to extend through a second through hole (17) in said second profile (5) and to be releasably housed within said first profile (2). The connection construction (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the alignment elements (15a, 15b) of the set of alignment elements are configured and arranged to be releasably housed within the connection device (8). . The connection construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided one of a sliding connection assembly (18) and a snap-fit connection assembly (19) that is configured and arranged to associate a first end (20) of the first connection element (9) and a second end (21) of the second connection element (10) releasably releasable to each other. The connection construction (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first connection element (9) and the second connection element (10) are fixedly connected to each other. 10. The connection construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second reinforcement device (27) is provided comprising a first element (28) and a second element (29) that are connected to each other in a fixed shape and are releasably associated with each other, the first element (28) of the second reinforcing device (27) being associated with a first outer surface (30) of the first connecting element (9) and the second element ( 29) of the second reinforcing device (27) to a second outer surface (31) of the second connecting element (10), the first outer surface (30) and the second outer surface (31) being arranged to be connected to each other. 11. The connection construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third reinforcement device (32) is provided comprising a first construction (33) and a second construction (34) that are connected to each other in a fixed form and releasably associated with each other, connecting the first construction (33) of the third reinforcing device (32) to a first outer surface (35) of said first profile (2) and connecting the second construction (34) of the third reinforcing device (32) to a second outer surface (36) of said second profile (5), the first outer surface (35) of said first profile (2) and the second outer surface (36) of said second profile being arranged (5) to connect with each other. 12. The connection construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first profile (2) and said second profile (5) are disposed with respect to each other at a predetermined angle in a range between 0° and 180°, and wherein at least one sealing element (37) is provided to seal at least the first hollow chamber (4) of said first profile (2) and the second hollow chamber (7) of said second profile (5). A polymer-based hollow chamber frame (38) for use in at least one of polymer-based windows and doors comprising at least one connecting construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.