FR2705379A3 - Sealing strip for the facade of a building or the like, especially with a glazed wall - Google Patents

Abstract

Sealing strip designed to be inserted in a narrow gap (7) left between the vertical edges of the neighbouring sides (6) of two glazed elements (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) of a facade wall (1) of a building or the like, in which wall these elements are supported by a framework (8) equipped with means for clamping and holding these elements, located behind the wall and comprising strips or covers for partially covering the opposite sides, particularly the opposite horizontal sides, of these elements. According to the invention, this seal is characterised in that it includes a central part (16, 33) capable of being secured to the framework and two lateral extensions (25, 26-34, 35) which are symmetric on either side of this central part, joined to these and designed to come to bear against the neighbouring sides of the two glazed elements, being crushed partially onto the latter when the seal is fitted into its gap. Application to reinforcing the vertical grid element of a framework type facade.

Description

 The present invention relates to a seal, intended in particular to be used in a glazed wall forming the facade of a building or similar construction, of the type of those where the juxtaposed glazed elements which ensure the continuity of the wall are supported by a retaining frame disposed behind it and associated with metal clamping profiles and partial covering of the edges of the glazed elements, constituting a complementary frame, visible from the outside of the construction.

 In conventional facades of the previous type, called joinery, the four sides of each glazed element are thus held by a frame, the metal profiles of which constitute the sides, ensure this tightening and holding function by bordering these sides in the manner of hoods usually called glazing beads, giving the whole a squared exterior appearance. In other embodiments, known in the art under the name of glued glazing, the glazed elements are on the other hand directly fixed and glued on a support frame which is also located behind the wall but which does not include a visible frame of the exterior, the glazed elements being brought closer to each other leaving only narrow gaps between them, forming continuous separation lines over the entire facade, these gaps being obstructed by a sealant suitably injected on site. If necessary, juxtaposed elements can also be attached to the adjacent edges, by gluing, mounting in the manner of a clip on the uprights of the frame or other means of fixing inside these sets, external bars or glazing beads , metallic or other, which underline according to their arrangement the verticality or the horizontality of these lines.

 The present invention aims, using a joint of specific structure, to obtain in a carpentry facade, consequently using a framework where the glazed elements are maintained and clamped by visible support profiles, an external appearance similar to that which until now could only be carried out in a facade with glued glazing, the framing profiles of the glazed elements connected to the framework emphasizing the only horizontal lines of the facade, while the joint is mounted in the vertical clearances left free between neighboring elements without, during the construction of the wall of such clamping profiles.

 The invention therefore relates more particularly to a joint of this type, capable of being inserted between the parallel edges of the vertical sides of two glazed elements of such a wall, to bring out by contrast the horizontal frame of the facade, the horizontal sides. being the only opposites held by clamping profiles forming part of a conventional frame linked to the support frame.

 It also relates to a seal which is such that it makes it possible to adapt either between two fixed glazed elements belonging to the facade, or between a fixed element and a movable element, for example an opening said to be Italian. , which cannot be achieved in a wall with glued glazing, the seal also having many advantages, in particular ease of assembly, this can be achieved in minimal time thanks to a structure allowing the establishment of the joined in the manner of a simple clip, avoiding the usual use, with a wall with glued glazing, lines of mastic delicate to put in place.

 To this end, the joint considered, intended to be inserted in a narrow clearance formed between the vertical edges of the neighboring edges of two glazed elements of a building facade wall or the like, in which these elements are supported by a frame provided of means for clamping and holding these elements, disposed behind the wall and comprising covers or glazing beads partially covering the sides, in particular horizontal, opposite of these elements, is characterized in that it comprises a central part, capable of be secured to the frame and two lateral extensions, symmetrical on either side of this central part, joined thereto and adapted to come to bear against the neighboring edges of the two glazed elements, partially crushing on the latter when the seal is in place in its clearance.

 In a first embodiment of the invention which is at the same time a preferred embodiment, the central part of the joint has the general shape of a U, comprising a bottom and two lateral branches, these being provided for enclose between them a flat support blank, integral with the framework and which extends parallel to the vertical edges of the two glazed elements inside the clearance formed between them, substantially at equal distance from each of the two edges, the lateral extensions consisting of two ears arranged on each of the outer sides of the lateral branches of the central U-shaped part.

 Preferably, the central U-shaped part includes a flexible coating, optionally provided with an internal metal frame, suitable for covering the end edge of the flat blank which is roughly flush with the external surface of the two glazed elements, and internal attachment lips, integral with the coating, bearing on the lateral faces of the blank opposite the neighboring edges of the two glazed elements.

 Also preferably, the internal hooking lips are in even number, two to two symmetrical and carried by the internal faces of the two lateral branches of the central U-shaped part, these lips being inclined towards the bottom of the U which covers the end edge of the flat blank.

 According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the coating of the central U-shaped part and the attachment lips are made of synthetic rubber and even more recommended, in EPDM (Ethylene, Propylene, Diene, Monomer).

However and as a variant, the coating and the lips can be made of different materials, nevertheless having good compatibility between them to allow their mutual joining. Preferably also, the Shore hardness of the material constituting the coating, measured on a plate, is higher than that of the material of the lips.

 According to another characteristic also, the edge of the flat blank has a slightly projecting rib relative to the planes of the lateral faces of this blank, forming a rake for the attachment lips carried by the two lateral branches of the central U-shaped part. Advantageously , these lateral faces are striated or grooved to improve the grip of the lips on the blank.

 According to a first variant, the lateral ears are tubular and have the shape of a hollow cylindrical rod, with a closed section on each of the lateral branches of the central U-shaped part, each ear being connected to the coating at two points, respectively in the vicinity of the bottom of the U and the opposite end part of the two branches. Advantageously, the lateral ears are made of a material identical or analogous to that of the attachment lips.

 Preferably, the rod of each lateral ear has a thick reinforcement close to its connection with each of the lateral branches of the central U-shaped part, in particular in the vicinity of the bottom thereof.

 In another variant, the lateral ears are full and extend from the lateral branches of the central U-shaped part, having a slightly arched profile.

 According to yet another characteristic, the bottom of the central U-shaped part has a hollow area, with a very flared V-shaped section, symmetrical with respect to the median plane of the flat blank and directed towards the outside of the facade.

 In a second embodiment of the joint according to the invention, the central part of the U comprises a solid body, of generally parallelepiped shape, with faces parallel to the vertical edges of the two glazed elements, terminated by an anchor heel in an open groove a profile forming part of the support frame, this groove being located in the median plane of the clearance between the two elements. Preferably, the groove has a dovetail profile but may include any other section.

 Whatever the embodiment adopted, the seal according to the invention achieves perfect water tightness of the clearance between the neighboring glazed elements, also protecting this clearance from the effects of pressure or depression of the air surrounding the facade. It makes it possible to accept wide manufacturing tolerances for the two elements, in particular due to the cutting and positioning of the glazing. Finally, due to the ability to crush its lateral extensions, this joint can be arranged between two fixed panels as well as between a fixed panel and a movable panel.

 Thanks to its shape and the attachment means that it comprises, the joint can be easily mounted in the manner of a clip on the flat support blank or made integral with the frame by the engagement of its heel. anchoring in the retaining groove.

In all cases, it avoids the use of a sealant putty in the game where it is inserted.

Other characteristics of a joint according to the invention will become apparent in the following description of several exemplary embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which
- Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a facade whose wall is formed of juxtaposed glazed elements, delimiting between the vertical edges of their facing edges a narrow clearance for mounting the joint considered.

 - Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of the seal, shown on a larger scale.

 - Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views of two other alternative embodiments of the seal of Figure 2, under the same general embodiment.

 - Figure 5 is a schematic view of a detail of the frame illustrated in Figure 1, but adapted to the implementation of a seal according to another embodiment.

 In FIG. 1, the reference 1 generally designates a facade with a glazed wall for a building or similar construction, this wall being formed by the juxtaposition of glazed elements such as 2a, 2b, 2c, normally extending in the same plane. which materializes the vertical wall. The elements 2a, 2b and 2c may, where appropriate, not all be analogous, at least one of them may for example be constituted by an insulating panel.

In the diagram shown, the element 2a comprises a single pane 3, the neighboring element 2b consisting of two parallel panes, respectively 3 and 4, separated by an insert 5. The elements 2a and 2b are assumed to be fixed in the wall of the facade 1, while the element 2c is movable, for example by constituting an Italian-style opening capable of moving forwards or backwards relative to the vertical plane of the wall.

 Conventionally, in the technique for constructing such walls, the glazed elements 2a, 2b, 2c are supported by a framework vis-à-vis which they are arranged by providing, between their lateral vertical edges 6, a narrow clearance 7 d one element to the next.

 The support frame, generally designated by the reference 8, is formed by means of metal profiles 9 whose structure and mounting do not directly matter to the invention, this frame being designed to immobilize the fixed glazed elements or frames receiving the movable elements, by tightening each element along its sides, and in this case along its horizontal edges by framing means (not shown) which constitute covers or glazing beads bordering the latter. On the other hand, along the lateral vertical edges 6 of the glazed elements 2a, 2b, 2c, inside the games 7 delimited between these elements taken two by two, the framework is by construction devoid of such framing means.

 The metal profiles 9 of the frame 8 also have extensions such as 10 for mounting seals 11 which are applied against the windows 3 and / or 4 of these elements, the shape and positioning of these seals being without direct relation to the object of the present invention.

 On the other hand and according to the latter, in the structure thus produced, each of the narrow clearances 7 between the neighboring glazed elements 2, juxtaposed along the entire surface of the wall of the facade, is underlined by a separate joint 14 engaged in the manner of a clip in the direction of arrow 15, on the vertical edge of a flat blank 13, itself secured to the frame 8 by a support 12, arranged so that this blank extends substantially in the median plane clearance 7, between the vertical and parallel edges 6 of two contiguous glass elements 2.

 Figure 2 illustrates on a larger scale the detail of the embodiment of the seal 14 according to a first embodiment.

 In this figure, we find the support 12 and the flat blank 13, on which is engaged the seal considered. This mainly comprises a central part 16 in the general shape of a U, consisting of a coating 17 formed by a bottom part 18 and two lateral branches, respectively 19 and 20, which are symmetrical to one another opposite the blank and arranged on each side of the latter. The bottom 18 presents towards the outside of the joint, opposite the blank 13, a hollow part 21 having a very flared V profile, facilitating the positioning of the joint while also emphasizing the vertical line which it constitutes. in clearance 7 between the parallel side edges 6 of two neighboring glazed elements.

 The lateral branches 19 and 20 of the coating 17 also comprise hooking lips 22 which project inwards from the central U-shaped part and come to bear against the opposite faces of the blank 13, these lips preferably being oriented so as to incline with respect to the direction of the blank towards the end edge of the latter on which the seal 14 is engaged.

 Advantageously, this end edge comprises a rib 23 lying substantially in the plane of the glazed wall of the facade 1 and projecting slightly on each side of the blank so as to form a stop for the attachment lips 22 when the joint is engaged like a clip on this blank. Furthermore, the opposite faces of the blank on which the lips 22 come to bear preferably have a striated or grooved surface 24.

 The seal 14 further comprises, attached to the lateral branches 19 and 20 of the central part 16 in a U, two ears, respectively 25 and 26, symmetrical to one another and the structure of which is also clearly shown in the Figure 2.

 These ears have a tubular shape and are both connected to the branches 19 and 20 of the central part 16, respectively at a point 27 in line with the bottom 18 and, conversely, at a point 28 nearby from the free end of the corresponding branch. These ears thus delimit between the lateral branches 19 and 20 and their wall a closed region 29 which is liable to change in its volume as a result of partial crushing of the two ears 25 and 26 against the vertical edges 6 of the glazed elements 2 in clearance 7, when the seal 14 is engaged on the flat blank 13. Note that this partial compression of the ears 25 and 26 can occur once and for all when the two glazed elements concerned are fixed elements, or else vary when the 'corresponding ear is either compressed or released, when the glazed element which cooperates with this ear is a movable element in the wall.

In all cases, each of the ears advantageously comprises an additional thickness or reinforcement 30 in the zone where these ears are connected with the central part 16 in order to reinforce them and to ensure better continuity of the barrier formed by the joint across the clearance 7 when this seal is mounted on the blank 13.

 In FIG. 2, the reference d represents the width of the clearance 7 receiving the joint, the reference d corresponding to the proper width of the latter in the absence of any compression, d being in all cases less than d '.

 The coating 17 of the seal 14 and its ears 25 and 26 can be made of any suitable material having sufficient elasticity properties and also resistance to attack by the environment in which the glass wall is located. Preferably, the seal is made of synthetic rubber of the EPDM (Ethylene, Propylene, Diene, Monomer) type, the coating 17, the attachment lips 22 and the ears 25 and 26 may have the same characteristics or, more advantageous, different characteristics. In particular, the attachment lips 22 may have a Shore hardness measured on the plate less than that of the coating, the material of the ears being identical to that of the lips, that is to say having greater flexibility than that of the coating itself. The latter can be produced in a single block or, if necessary, be obtained by molding around an internal metal frame (not shown) improving the rigidity of the central part 16, the technique for manufacturing the seal being similar to that of seals known and used in other fields, in particular in the manufacture of motor vehicles, to form door, tailgate or window seals, surrounding the corresponding body parts.

 Figures 3 and 4 illustrate other alternative embodiments of the seal 14 in which there is nevertheless a central part 16 in a U with a coating 17 formed by a bottom 18 and two lateral branches 19 and 20, hooking lips internal 22 secured to these branches and lateral extensions, in the form of ears or the like.

 In FIG. 3, the ears 25 and 26 are offset towards the outside on the central part 16 in a U, the connection point 28 being situated substantially in the middle of the height of each lateral branch (as opposed to the case of FIG. 2 where this point is practically transferred to the end of the corresponding branch), point 27 being located in front of the bottom 18.

 In the variant according to Figure 4, the previous ears, closed on themselves by connecting at two separate points on the central part 16, are replaced by two solid elements, respectively 31 and 32, secured to the lateral branches 19 and 20 of this central part in the vicinity of its bottom 18, these elements having a slightly arched profile and a length sufficient to come to bear, being crushed slightly against the vertical edges of the two glazed elements delimiting the clearance in which the seal is mounted.

 In another variant, finally, represented in FIG. 5, the seal 14 comprises a central parallelepipedal part 33 which engages in the clearance 7 and ends with two extensions 34 and 35 applying against the vertical edges of the glazed elements 2a and 2b illustrated in this figure. In this case, the opposite end of the joint 14 ends in a heel 35, preferably in the form of a dovetail, which is trapped in a groove 36 in the support 12 which keeps it in position, substantially in the median plane of the game 7.

 A glass facade joint is thus produced which makes it possible to underline the vertical lines, as well as, moreover, that, if necessary, the horizontal lines of the latter when it is mounted and supported by a carpentry frame, comprising means clamping glass elements which extend horizontally between two successive elements. The shape of the joint can of course correspond to many variants from a general structure which includes a central part which extends in the vertical clearance delimited between two glazed elements juxtaposed, this central part comprising two symmetrical extensions coming respectively to bear against one and the other of these two elements ensuring the sealing of the aforementioned clearance.

 The seal achieves in all cases an effective sealing barrier and in particular prevents, as in conventional solutions, that the clearance between the two glazed elements is filled with a line of sealant or other similar product injected directly into the corresponding space, which provides a significant saving of time and in total a reduction in the cost price for the construction of the facade.

 Of course, and as already follows from the above, it goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments more specifically described above with reference to the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, it embraces all its variants.

Claims (16)

 1 - Seal, intended to be inserted in a narrow clearance (7) formed between the vertical edges of the neighboring edges (6) of two glazed elements (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) of a front wall (1 ) of a building or the like, in which these elements are supported by a frame (8) provided with means for clamping and holding these elements, disposed behind the wall and comprising bars or covers for partially covering the sides, in particular horizontal , opposite of these elements, characterized in that it comprises a central part (16, 33), capable of being secured to the framework and two lateral extensions (25, 26 34, 35) symmetrical on either side of this central part, joined to these and adapted to come to bear against the neighboring edges of the two glazed elements, partially crushing on the latter when the seal is put in place in its clearance.  2 - Joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the central part (16) is tubular and has the general shape of a U, comprising a bottom (18) and two lateral branches (19, 20), these being designed to enclose between them a flat support blank (13), integral with the frame (8) and which extends parallel to the vertical edges (6) of the two glazed elements (2) inside the set (7) formed between them, substantially at equal distance from each of the two edges, the lateral extensions consisting of two ears (25, 26) arranged on each of the outer sides of the lateral branches of the central U-shaped part.  3 - Joint according to claim 2, characterized in that the central part (16) in U comprises a flexible coating (17), optionally furnished with an internal metal frame, suitable for covering the end edge (23) of the flat blank (13) which is substantially flush with the external surface of the two glazed elements (2), and internal hooking lips (22), integral with the coating, bearing on the lateral faces of the blank opposite the neighboring edges (6) of the two glazed elements.  4 - Joint according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal hooking lips (22) are in even number, two by two symmetrical and carried by the internal faces of the two lateral branches (19, 20) of the central part ( 16) in a U, these lips being inclined in the direction of the bottom (18) of the U which covers the end edge (23) of the flat blank (13).  5 - Joint according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the coating (17) of the central part (16) in U and the hooking lips (22) are made of synthetic rubber and still more recommended, in EPDM (Ethylene, Propylene, Diene, Monomer).  6 - Joint according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the coating (17) of the central part (16) in U and the hooking lips (22) are made of different materials but having a good compatibility between them to allow their mutual solidarity.  7 - Joint according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the Shore hardness of the material which constitutes the coating (17), measured on the plate, is higher than that of the material of the attachment lips (22) .  8 - Joint according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the end edge (23) of the flat blank (13) has a slightly projecting rib relative to the planes of the lateral faces of this blank, forming stop for the hooking lips (22) carried by the two lateral branches (19, 20) of the central part (16) in a U shape.  9 - Joint according to claim 8, characterized in that the lateral faces of the flat blank (13) are striated or grooved to improve the grip of the attachment lips (22) on the blank.  10 - Joint according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the lateral ears (25, 26) are tubular and have a shape of hollow cylindrical rod, with section closed on each of the branches (19, 20) of the central part (16) in a U, each ear being connected to the coating at two points (27, 28), respectively in the vicinity of the bottom (18) of the U and the opposite end part of the two branches.  11 - Joint according to claim 10, characterized in that the lateral ears (25, 26) are made of a material identical or similar to that of the attachment lips (22).  12 - Joint according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the rod of each lateral ear (25, 26) has a thick reinforcement (30) near its connection with each of the branches (19, 20 ) of the central part (16) in U, in particular in the vicinity of the bottom (18) thereof.  13 - Joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, the lateral ears (-31, 32) are full and extend from the branches (19, 20) of the central part (16) in U, having a slightly arched profile.  14 - Joint according to any one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the bottom (18) of the central part (16) in a U has a hollow area (21), V-shaped section very flared, symmetrical by relative to the median plane of the flat blank (13) and directed towards the outside of the facade (1).  15 - Joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the central part of the U comprises a solid body (33), of generally parallelepiped shape, with faces parallel to the vertical edges (6) of the two glazed elements, terminated by a heel of anchoring (35) in an open groove (36) of a profile (12) forming part of the support frame (8), this groove being located in the median plane of the clearance (7) between the two elements.  16 - Joint according to claim 15, characterized in that the groove (35) has a dovetail profile.