FR2516122A1 - Connector fixing thermal insulating lining to metal window frames - has double H=section self tightening bolt with end faces bearing against frame and lining - Google Patents

Abstract

The common wing (2) of the bracing bolt forms a spacing block and its front faces (38,39) bear against the metal frame and insulating lining while its lateral surface (40) forms a tool hold by axial rotation about the web (3). The end wings form pressure plates engaging facing cavities in the frame and lining. The plates rotate about the bolt axis (6) so that their interior faces (7,7',8,8') oppose the internal surface of the lips. The interior end wing faces are oblique to reduce the spacing between them and the front faces of the common wing.

Description

DEVICE FOR FIXING A RICIDAL THERMAL INSULATION LINER
ON THE METAL FRAMEWORK OF BUILDING BAYS, ESPECIALLY WINDOWS
The present invention relates to the coating of the metal frame of building bays, in particular windows, with a rigid thermal insulation lining. More specifically, the invention relates to the fixing of such a lining on the metal sections constituting the frame of the bays.

 It is known, in order to save heating and improve the comfort of premises equipped with modern metal frame bays, to reduce heat losses by making this frame insulating.

 Two techniques are currently used to achieve this.

 The first, relatively expensive and difficult to implement, consists in eliminating the thermal bridges inside the framework itself. To this end, the metal profiles are designed in two separate parts, joined by flexible insulating tabs forcibly inserted between the internal baffles. The whole is possibly consolidated and isolated by injection of a jointing product, such as a neoprene plastic material.

 The second technique, to which the invention relates, succeeds in eliminating the direct contact between the atmosphere of the room and the metal framework by using the latter as a support for a rigid insulating lining, for example a covering in wood or plastic, which is fixed on the metal wall facing the room.

 In its current state of implementation, this solution is not without presenting serious drawbacks. Indeed, the fixing of the lining on the support frame is generally effected by gluing. This results in a rigid composite structure which, due to the phenomena of differential expansion, is subject to repetitive internal mechanical stresses, often responsible for premature degradation and aging of the berries.

 The object of the present invention is to provide a means for fixing the liners which avoids the drawbacks of known insulation solutions.

 Another object of the invention is to be able to produce a simple, robust assembly, within the reach of all and requiring no special equipment or tools.

 With these objectives in view, the invention relates to a device for fixing a rigid heat-insulating lining to the metal framework of building bays, in particular windows, characterized in that it consists of a lock- spacer having a general shape in two "H" joined by a common wing, in that said wing constitutes, on the one hand, a spacer against the front faces of which come into mechanical abutment on either side l metal frame and the insulating lining, and on the other hand, by its lateral surface, a socket for a locking key by rotation of the bolt around the core thereof, in that the end wings constitute presser pads intended first to engage in lip-opening cavities provided facing one another on the metal frame and on the insulating lining respectively, then, under the action of the key lock, pivot axially around the axis of the lock so that e their internal faces come opposite the internal surface of the lips, and in that, in order to ensure the locking by tightening of the lips between the common wing and the end wings, means are provided to reduce the spacings between the front faces of the common wing and respectively the internal faces of the two end wings.

 In accordance with an advantageous embodiment, ensuring progressive tightening, the means for reducing the spacings between the common wing and the end wings consist of an obliquity of the internal faces of each end wing according to their width, so that said wings form clamping cams acting progressively during the rotation of the lock around the axis of the core.

 The subject of the invention is also a composite structure of building bays, in particular of windows, constituted by a metal framework-support and a rigid heat-insulating lining fixed at a distance on said framework by means of bolts-spacers defined above and whose end wings are engaged in cavities arranged opposite one another on the metal framework and on the thermal insulation lining and having a cross section profile in Tee, in particular in the form of Te grooves.

 As will no doubt already be understood, the invention consists, in its essential characteristics, of a remote assembly between the metal frame and the insulating lining using a connecting piece designed for both play a role of spacer by its central part and a lock function acting separately but simultaneously on the elements to be assembled by its two ends cooperating with its central part.

 In addition, the central spacer also serves as a pri- organ.

to a locking tool and, in a preferred embodiment, a quarter-turn maneuver around the axis of the connecting piece is sufficient to lock the assembly of the elements previously suitably positioned.

 The locking tool can also be a simple flat wrench that is quite commonplace.

 It should be emphasized that the composite structure obtained by remote assembly in accordance with the invention no longer poses problems consecutive to the phenomena of differential expansion since.

the metal and the insulation are not directly linked to each other.

 It should also be observed that the spacing between the metal frame and the insulating lining is of great thermal interest. This spacing in fact defines an air space, furthermore confined by the play of the various seals and # metal baffles and which, as is known, is therefore the best thermal insulator after the vacuum.

The invention will in any case be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear more clearly in the light of the description which follows, given by way of illustration and with reference to the plates of attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view slightly from above of a spacer lock according to a preferred embodiment,
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the spacer bolt shown in FIG. 1,
FIGS. 3 and 4 are also side elevation views, illustrating two alternative embodiments of the central part of the spacer bolt,
FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view slightly from above, showing another alternative embodiment concerning the progressive tightening means,
- Figure 6 is a partial horizontal sectional view of a metal frame window internally covered by a rigid thermal insulation lining according to the invention.

 In all the figures, the same elements are designated by identical references.

 The fastening device according to the invention consists, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, by a spacer bolt 1 which is in one piece of molded plastic. This part has a general shape in double "H" joined by a common wing 2 formed, in the example # considered, of a simple square plate 21. The central core 3 is a relatively thick cylindrical core and opens out in "T "at its two ends, or end wings 4 and 5, formed into substantially rectangular plates.

 The size of the common wing 2 has been oversized with respect to the end wings 4 and 5 in order to serve as a grip for a key for locking by rotation of the part 1 by a quarter turn around its longitudinal axis 6, in the direction indicated by the arrow, as will be seen below with reference to FIG. 6.

 Beforehand, it should be observed that the inner faces 7, 7 'and 8, 8' of the four half-wings constituting in pairs the end wings 4 and 5 have a certain obliquity according to their width relative to the axis 6. In addition, this obliquity is reversed on either side of the axis 6 between the two half-wings of the same wing, and symmetrical on the two wings with respect to the plate 21.

 It is understood that these arrangements ensure progressive locking of the elements to be assembled when the lock 1 is turned in the direction indicated by the arrow, that is to say in the direction corresponding to a reduction in the spacings between the common wing and the two end wings.

 Referring now to Figure 6. This figure shows, in partial section, a window whose metal frame is an aluminum profile in two parts, respectively constituting the frame 9 taken in the concrete lintel 10 by lugs sealing 11, and the opening 12 on which a triple glazing 13 is mounted.

 The exterior and the enclosure of the room fitted with the window have been represented respectively by the letter (E) on the left of the figure and by the letter (I) on the right.

 As can be seen, the metal framework 9, 12 is coated at a distance on its inner face with a rigid heat-insulating lining 14 which, in the example considered, is made of wood. This lining consists of a part 15 attached to the frame and a part 16 attached to the opening.

 When the window is closed, the part 15 of the opening cooperates with the part 16 of the frame by means of an elastic seal 17 which provides sealing.

 Furthermore, a multi-lip seal 18 provided on the part 16 of the opening cooperates with its counterpart 19 fixed opposite on a surface of the metal frame to ensure the maintenance of the triple glazing.

 In addition, a central seal 20 is also provided between the opening and the frame. This seal is taken in the space separating the metal frame 9 of the frame from its lining 15 and is supported at its end on a metal surface 26 of the opening. Thus the seal 20 creates a watertight partition between a first pneumatic isolation chamber 27 adjacent to the exterior (E) and a second pneumatic isolation chamber 28 separated from the interior (I) by the insulating lining 14.

To be complete, it is also necessary to point out the presence, in the opening, of an open housing 29 for the window closing mechanism, of a closed housing 30 for the connecting brackets between uprights and crosspieces, and of its counterpart 31 in the dormant,
In accordance with the invention, the two wooden parts 15 and 16 constituting the insulating lining are fixed at a distance on the frame and on the opening respectively using the struts 1 described above.

 The provisions in this regard being identical between the opening and the frame, we will limit ourselves, for simplicity, to explaining the fixing of the insulating part 16 on the opening.

 Two "T" grooves 32 and 33 have been provided facing each other respectively in the metal framework and in the part 16 of the lining to each receive an end wing 4 or 5 of the latch 1. To this end, the lips 34 and 35 of the grooves define between them an opening whose width is slightly greater than the width of the end wings 4 and 5 which engage therein. As a general rule, the difference in width is limited to the simple functional clearance necessary to allow the introduction of the end wings of latch 1.

 It will also be noted that the lengths of the two portions 36 and 37 constituting the core 3 and determining the spacings between the common wing 2 and the end wings 4 and 5 are slightly less respectively than the thicknesses of the lips 34 of the metal profile 12 and lips 35 of the lining 16.

 The person skilled in the art will no doubt have immediately grasped the reasons for this characteristic, which will anyway appear clearly thereafter.

 The assembly operation is carried out as follows.

 The end wing 4 is first introduced into the groove 32 with its long sides oriented parallel to the lips 34. The introduction is terminated by the arrival of the common wing 2 in abutment, by its front face 38 in glance of the wing 4, against the outer surface of the lips 34.

 There are thus, along the groove 32, a plurality of latches 1 spaced from each other by about 20 to 40 cm.

 The wooden insulating part 16 is then placed by engaging it by its "T" groove 33 around the end wings 5 of the various latches 1 until the outer surface of the lips 35 comes into contact with the front face. 39 of the locks 1 turned opposite the wing 5.

 The operations described so far can advantageously be carried out naturally by the simple play of gravity, if the window is arranged flat, the insulating lining 16 coming to rest on the metal framework 12.

 These preliminary operations being carried out, it remains to lock the assembly.

 To do this, we have a simple flat key capable of taking hold on the side wall 40 of the common wing 2.

 It then suffices to operate the key in a single movement imparting to the lock 1 a rotation of 900 around its longitudinal axis 6 in the direction indicated by the curved arrow at the end of the axis 6.

 During this rotation, the edges of the interior faces 7 7 ′ and 8, 8 ′ of the wings 4 and 5 come into contact respectively with the interior surfaces of the lips 34 and 35. Then the obliquity of these faces gives the wings 4 and 5 a role of cam which allows them to sink each a little more into their respective grooves, in accordance with the classic phenomenon of screwing.

 These depressions result in a progressive reduction of the spacings between the common wing 2 and each of the wings 4 and 5, that is to say by a progressive tightening of the lips 34 and 35 against the front faces 38 and 39 of the common wing 2, under the axial forces in opposite directions exerted by the end wings 4 and 5.

 If the grooves 32 and 33 advantageously have a width at least equal to the length of the end wings 4 and 5 which they receive, a maximum tightening effect is achieved, and therefore optimal locking, when the lock 1 has pivoted 900.

 This elementary operation must of course be repeated successively as many times as there are latches 1 along the grooves.

 It will be observed that in the example described, the lengths of the two half-cores 36 and 37 of the spacer latch 1 are not equal. This is explained, as will be understood, by a relatively lower mechanical strength of the wood compared to that of the metal frame. Strictly speaking, the spacings between the common wing 2 and the two end wings 4 and 5 can be freely chosen and independently for the framework and the lining. It is clear that this choice can be determined in each flush depending on the nature of the materials constituting the elements to be assembled.

 It will also have been observed that the spacer latch according to the invention, which can advantageously be made of molded plastic, (possibly filled, for example a polyamide loaded with glass fibers), remains a relatively simple piece that can be produced , at low cost, in large series and at high speed using multi-cavity molds.

 The assembly and disassembly of the lining is carried out with extreme simplicity and ease, both by the tools to be used and by the operating mode itself. Analogous to a building set, assembly (or disassembly) can be carried out both directly in the manufacturing workshops and at and by the user himself, and this for both new windows and for existing windows.

 Furthermore, under normal conditions of realization, the remote assembly obtained by the invention is very solid and perfectly meets all the contractual charges in the construction of building bays.

 It goes without saying that the invention cannot be limited to the example described above, but extends to multiple variants and equivalents insofar as the characteristics set out in the appended claims are respected.

 This is particularly the case with the thickness of the common wing which makes it possible to adjust the spacing between the framework and the lining to a desired value.

 FIG. 3 shows in this respect a spacer bolt, the common wing 2 of which is no longer formed by a plate, but by a thick radial bulge 22 of the core 3, the front support faces of which are in the form of flat crowns 41, 42 and whose circular lateral surface 43 has been knurled to ensure a good grip on a locking tool, which in this case is a pliers.

 A variant derived from the previous one is shown in Figure 4.

 In this example, and for the purpose of saving material, the bulge of the core 3 has been replaced by two plates 23 and 24 (similar to the plate 21 in FIGS. 1 and 2) separated by a neck 44 of section square and serving as a socket for a locking key.

 In this variant, it can therefore be seen that the common wing 2 is itself shaped as an "H".

 Likewise, it should be understood that the obliquity of the internal faces 7, 7 'and 8, 8' of the end wings 4 and 5 respectively are only particular means intended to ensure during locking progressive tightening.

 Other particular means can be fitted for this purpose with the spacer lock according to the invention.

 One of them is illustrated in the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

 In this variant, the inner faces of the end wings 4 and 5 are perpendicular to the axis 6, but it is the front faces of the common wing 2 (formed of a single plate 25) which are equipped with means of progressive tightening. These means, as can be seen, consist of four bosses 45, 45 'and 46, 46' grouped in pairs on each face and located within the limits of the projection of the end wings 4 and 5 on the front faces parallel to the axis 6. These bosses conform to ramps inclined with respect to said axis along the width of the end wings, and each pair is symmetrical with the other with respect to the plane of wing 2, while the inclination of the ramps reverse on either side of axis 6.

 As is understood, the desired progressive tightening is ensured when the part is rotated about the axis 6 in the direction of rotation corresponding to the descent of the ramps, that is to say in the direction leading to the narrowing of the spacings between common wing 2 and end wings 4 and 5.

 It will be understood that a variant of this type also makes it possible to increase the spacing between the elements to be assembled.

 Of course, other variants can also be envisaged.

 For example, the progressive clamping means can be constituted both by bosses with an inclined ramp on the front faces of the common core and by an obliquity of the internal faces of the end wings.

 Likewise, the bosses 45, 45 ′, 4 ~, 46 ′ may be constituted by extra thicknesses of the common wing 2, or by added corners which are inserted between the front faces of the wing 2 and the lips 34 , 35 elements to bring together.

 Similarly, corners of this type can also be provided in the wing 2 itself, and the depression of which widens said wing by elastic deformation. It will be understood that a variant of this type can in particular be implemented in the case of an embodiment of the bolt as described with reference to FIG. 4.

 Likewise, the end wings 4 and 5 are not necessarily parallel to each other but may very well be offset at right angles, in which case the preassembly operation must be carried out by placing the receiving grooves at 900 one compared to each other.

In addition, the invention relates to the fixing of thermal insulation lining of any shape or nature, not only of wood, but also of plastic or other material, insofar as this lining has a certain rigidity giving it sufficient mechanical strength to allow remote fixing using the spacer lock according to the invention,
Furthermore, the application of the invention is not limited to windows, but also extends to doors, skylights, etc., and in general to any opening or opening to metal frames both on the exterior facades of buildings than on interior partitions.

Claims (8)

 1) Device for fixing a rigid thermal insulation lining on the metal frame of building bays, in particular windows, characterized in that it is constituted by a latch-spacer (1) having a general shape in two "H "joined by a common wing (2), in that said common wing constitutes, on the one hand, a spacer block against the front faces (38, 39) from which come in mechanical abutment the metal frame and the lining insulating and, on the other hand, by its lateral surface (40), a socket for a tool for locking by axial rotation around the core (3), in that the end wings (4,  5) constitute presser pads intended first to engage in lip-opening cavities provided for this purpose opposite one another on the metal frame and on the insulating lining, then to pivot axially around the axis (6) of the core (3) so that their internal faces (7, 7 ', 8, 8') come opposite the internal surface of the lips, and in that, in order to ensure locking by tightening the lips between the common wing (2) and the end wings, means are provided to reduce the spacings between the front faces (38, 39) of the common wing (2) and respectively inner faces (7, 7 'and 8, 8') of the end wings (4, 5).  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for reducing the spacings between the common wing (2) and the two end wings (4, 5) are constituted by an obliquity of the interior faces (7, 7 ' , 8, 8 ') of the end wings (4, 5) along their width relative to the axis of rotation (6) of the core (3) so that said wings form clamping cams acting progressively at during rotation about the axis (6).  3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for reducing the spacings between the common wing (2) and the end wings (4, 5) consist of bosses (45, 45 ', 46, 46 ') provided, on the front faces of the common wing (2), facing and within the limits of the end wings (4, 5) and shaped as inclined ramps so as to form clamping cams whose thickness gradually increases in the locking direction of rotation around the axis (6).  4) Device according to claim 3 characterized in that said bosses (45, 45 ', 46, 46') are constituted by thickenings of the common core (2).  5) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for reducing the spacings between the common wing (2) and the two end wings (4, 5) consist of at least one corner provided in the common wing (2) and the depression of which widens said wing by elastic deformation.  6) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer bolt (1) is a one-piece plastic molding part, in particular loaded.  7) Composite structure of window frames, in particular of windows, characterized in that it is constituted by a metallic framework -support (9, 12) and by a rigid heat-insulating lining (14) fixed at a distance on said framework by means of latches- spacers (1) according to claim 1 and in which the end wings (4 and 5) are engaged in cavities (32, 33) having a cross section profile in the shape of a "T" and open facing each other on the metal framework and on the thermal insulation lining.  8) Structure according to claim 7 characterized in that the cavities (32, 33) are constituted by continuous "T" grooves.