FR2740839A1 - Self contained sections and framework for removable fixing of glass panels onto metallic structure for doors or partitions - Google Patents

Abstract

The sectional elements of a metallic partition are for the fixing of a flat element (14) onto a frame (5). It consists of a sectioned fixing caisson (20) for mounting on the frame. The caisson has a U shaped throat (21) to receive the sheet of the flat element (14), e.g. a sheet of glass. The sheet of glass is held in place with a sealing gasket (22). A cut-out (20) is provided in the fixing caisson for the insertion of a fixing element (16) consisting of a screw (41) and operated from the interior side of the frame.

Description

 The present invention relates to elements of walls or walls of an interior or exterior nature, fixed or even mobile, of the pivoting or sliding type, or even tilt-and-turn, composed of a metal frame carrying a panel of all appropriate materials, the most usually translucent or transparent.

 As a preferred application, the invention relates more particularly to walls or wall elements with a metal structure supporting a glazed panel.

 One of the more particularly preferred applications of the invention relates to movable walls constituting interior or exterior doors of premises or buildings for domestic, commercial or industrial use.

 When the frame on which the glass panel is mounted occupies an external position relative to the room which it contributes to delimit, it is necessary that the removable fixing system of the panel offers, on the one hand, a possibility of mounting and dismounting reliable and simple allowing installation and replacement of the panel by a professional and, on the other hand, a finish that does not reveal the fasteners.

 The prior art has proposed devices meeting these two requirements.

 German patent application DE 24 03 875 describes, for example, a fixing device formed by a frame constituted by sections of the same profile surrounding the glazed panel, and arranged in a metal frame.

 The frame profile has, on a first face, a "U" groove in which the panel is engaged, so that its edge is in abutment on a gasket lining the bottom of said groove. The two outer faces of the panel are then held laterally by the wings of the "U". On a second symmetrical face of the first, the profile comprises a prismatic groove capable of receiving the head of a pressure screw.

 The chassis, in which the panel is mounted, finally has a housing with a shape complementary to that of the panel and at the periphery of which are tapped holes receiving pressure screws.

 The glazed panel is assembled by assembling the frame around the panel, then engaging this trimmed frame in the housing and blocking it by means of pressure screws operated from an outside edge of the frame.

 If such a device appears globally satisfactory, it nevertheless presents defects specific to its structure.

 First of all, it requires the installation of long threads on the chassis. However, the execution of these threads, on a folded and welded sheet frame, increases by its own cost the cost price of the device, which price therefore becomes prohibitive. Then, the method of securing the frame in the housing is likely to cause deformations of the glass panel. Indeed, an exaggerated screwing of the screws can generate a punching effect at the origin of deformations of the profile and induced stresses on the volume of glass. Likewise, the punctual compression of the frame by the screws leaves a lateral play remaining and creates a centripetal stress which is not favorable to the expansion of the glass.

 I1 therefore appears that this device is not suitable for walls in which the panel has a large surface relative to the frame. In fact, in the cases mentioned above, there are problems of differential expansion leading, with a device according to the application DE 24 03 875, to deformations or warping of the wall which, if it is fixed, may be more or less quickly deteriorated or, if it is mobile, can no longer be able to properly perform an opening and closing function.

 In addition, to implement the fixing device according to the German patent application, it is necessary to have access to the outer periphery of the chassis to operate the fixing members, so that such a device cannot be used. on a fixed, fixed, recessed frame or with several oculus.

 The object of the invention is to remedy the above drawbacks by proposing a framing profile and a fixing device offering a possibility of expansion to the glazed panel, as well as great accessibility to the fixing members.

To achieve these objectives, the framing profile includes
- a box for fixing the profile to the chassis,
- And a "U" groove for receiving the edge of the planar element.

For the same purpose, the removable fastening device comprises
- a panel formed by a planar element surrounded by a frame,
- And fixing members by screwing the frame into the housing.

 According to the invention, the framing profile has a fixing box and a "U" groove which, associated with a seal, is capable of receiving and pinching the element, and the fixing members comprise at minus one screw engaged in the box and operated from the inner periphery of the frame.

 Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments and implementation of the subject of the invention.

 Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective showing an example of a preferred application of the device according to the invention.

 Fig. 2 is a section along the plane n-II of FIG. 1.

 Fig. 3 is a cross section of a profile and a mounting trim, characteristics of the device according to the invention.

 Fig. 4 is an elevation along the plane IV-IV of FIG. 1, partially broken away showing a constructive detail of the device according to the invention.

 Fig. 5 is an exploded axial section having fixing means belonging to the device according to the invention.

 Fig. 6 is a section similar to FIG. 2 showing, on a larger scale, a detail of the implementation of the device according to the invention.

 Fig. 7 is a section similar to FIG. 2 showing another example of application of the subject of the invention.

 Figs. 8 and 9 show alternative embodiments of the profile characteristic of the invention.

 Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred application of the invention to a movable wall 1 formed of a pivoting door with respect to a standing frame 2 traditionally made up of two uprights 3 connected by a lintel crosspiece 4. In the illustrated example, the uprights 3 and the crosspiece 4 are made of folded sheet metal profiles, but any other suitable manufacturing method could have been retained.

 The door 1 comprises a metal frame 5 fixed to one of the uprights 3 by means of hinges, hinges or not shown hinges. This chassis 5 can be provided with various locking or opening accessories, such as a handle 6, which do not come within the scope of the invention.

 The chassis 5 defines a housing 10 intended to be occupied by a removable panel 11, preferably glazed.

 The housing 10 has a contour complementary to that of the panel 11 which is, in this case, in the form of a rectangular oculus. The housing 10 is bordered peripherally by a wing 12 parallel to a plane P-P ', in the extension of a facade 13 of the chassis 5.

 The panel 11, comprising a flat or glazed element 14 mounted in a frame 15 formed of sections of a profile, is intended to be fitted into the housing 10 until it stops against the wing 12, puls subject to the frame 5 by l 'Intermediate fasteners 16 by screw, as will be described later.

 According to the invention, the framing profile 17 is made to have a shape suitable for the dual function of retaining and surrounding the glazing 14, and of connection with a wall 18, of the housing 10, perpendicular to the plane P-P '.

 For this double purpose, the profile 17 has a fixing box 20 and a "U" groove 21 which, associated with a mounting trim 22, is capable of holding the edge of the glazing 14.

 In a preferred embodiment more particularly illustrated in FIG. 3, the frame profile has a cross section having substantially the shape of a rectangle. The long sides of this rectangle respectively define a bearing face 23 of the profile 17 in the housing 10 and a receiving face 24 of the glazing 14. These two faces 23, 24 are intended to be perpendicular to the plane PP 'of the glazing 14 and have a length slightly greater than the depth of the housing 10 measured between the wing 12 and an inner face 25 of the chassis 5.

 The box 20 of rectangular shape is oriented transversely to the profile 17, so that its long sides are perpendicular to the support faces 23 and reception 24, and have a length equal to the length of the section of the profile 17. The box 20 is, moreover, divided into two half-boxes 201, 202 by a central rib 26 parallel to the support face 23. The box 20 defines, by its side located on the support face 23, at least one heel support 27 of the profile 17 on the wall 18 of the housing.

 According to this embodiment, the "U" groove 21 is open on the receiving face 24 and comprises two wings perpendicular to this same face. One of these wings forms a lateral face of the profile 17, while the other adjoins the box 20. In this way, the axis of the groove 21 and the major axis of the box 20 are parallel. Finally, the ends of the wings of the groove 21 pile a thread 28 oriented towards the inside of the groove 21, for mounting the lining 22 preferably ensuring a sealing function.

 As shown in the example in fig. 3, the mounting trim 22 has a cross section having substantially the shape of a "U". Each of the two branches of the lining 22 carries, on an internal face, a first lip 29 oriented towards the outside in the extension of the branch and a second lip 30 of orientation opposite to the first, directed towards the bottom and at the inside of the trim. Finally, the branches of the lining 22 carry, on their outer face, a support wing 31 and a mounting notch 32.

 The assembly of the panel 11, from the elements described above, is carried out as follows.

 First of all, the mounting trim 22 is placed astride the edge and around the entire periphery of the glazing 14, which may be formed from one or more sheets of glass joined or separated by a volume of dry air.

 Then, the groove 22 of the sections of profile 17 forming the frame 15, is engaged on the mounting lining 22. During this engagement, the lips 29, 30 undergo a crushing against the external faces of the glazing 14, the threads 28 of the groove 21 are introduced into the mounting notches 32 and the wings 31 of the lining 22 are supported on the ends of the wings of the groove 21. The glazing 14 is thus pinched at its periphery, and immobilized elastically in the frame 15 .

 In order to ensure a certain rigidity in the frame 15, the profile sections 17 are all linked in pairs. In the example illustrated, each link forms a miter assembly, as shown in fig. 4.

 The neighboring ends of two sections 17 "172 are then linked to each other by an assembly member 33 formed by a bracket, each section of which is engaged in the half-box 20, profiles 17 ,, 172. This angle is immobilized by means of two pressure screws in contact with the rib 26 and pressing each branch against the bottom of said boxes opposite the rib 26.

 The half-box 20, being closed, the pressure screws of the bracket 32 are introduced by holes 34 formed in the heel 27 on the bearing face 23.

 It is clear that the same method of assembly can be used for any other form of the panel, the members then having an adapted conformation.

 Finally, the dimensions of the frame 15 are advantageously established so as to allow a clearance of expansion between the edge of the glazing 14 and the bottom of the groove 21 to remain. In the same direction, the lining 22 has preferably, a height, measured between the underside of its support wings 36 and its bottom, less than the depth of the groove 21.

 Thus assembled, the panel 11 is fitted in the chassis 5, one of the wings 26 of the groove 21 abutting against the wing 12 of the housing. The panel 11 and the glazing 14 are then parallel to the plane P-P '.

 Preferably, the bearing face 23 of the profile 17 has a return 35 located opposite the groove 21 and in the extension of a side face.

This return 35 then conceals the continuity solution existing between the frame 15 and the inner face 25 of the chassis 5.

 Once in a palace, the panel 11 is immobilized in the housing 10 by the fixing members 16.

Fig. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the fixing members 16 of the frame 15 on the chassis 5. According to this embodiment, each fixing member 16 comprises
- an insert 40,
- a screw 41,
- an elastic return member of the screw when unscrewing, of the spring type
helical 42,
- and a spacer 43.

 The insert 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has an axial through bore 44. This bore 44 has, near a front face 45, an internal shoulder 46 defining a passage 47 of smaller section than the bore 44. L insert 40 finally comprises, near the front face 45, an external shoulder 48 having a substantially frustoconical shape with apex directed towards a rear face 49, and defining an abutment plane perpendicular to the axis of the insert 40.

 Preferably, the spacer 43 is constituted by a tubular element having, on the one hand, an internal diameter greater than the nominal diameter of the screw 41 and, on the other hand, an external diameter less than the internal diameter of the spring 42.

 For the implementation of the fixing member 16, as just described, the spacer 43 is engaged in the bore 44 until it stops against the internal shoulder 46. The spring 42 is then introduced into the bore 44, followed by the screw 41. The screw head 41 is then close to the rear face 49 of the insert 40, the length of which is slightly greater than that of said screw 41.

 The fastening member 16 thus assembled is intended to be adapted to the profile 17. To this end, the box 20 has a recess 50 of conformation complementary to that of the insert 40. This recess 50, illustrated in phantom on the fig. 3, is formed by two coaxial holes 51, 52 of the same diameter as the insert 40 outside the external shoulder 48, and produced respectively in the bearing face 23 and the central rib 26. The recess 50 is finally completed by a passage circular 53 coaxial with the two holes 51, 52 and formed in the reception face 24. This passage 53 has a diameter less than that of the head of the screw 41.

 The fixing member 16 is then fitted to the profile 17 by the latching of the insert 40 in the recess 50, the external shoulder then being in abutment on the bottom of the half-box 201, located on the face d support 23 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this way, the screw 41, the spring 42 and the spacer 43 are advantageously trapped inside the box 20.

 This embodiment of the fastening members 16 allows rapid installation without welding and offers the possibility of replacing the fixing screws 41.

 The frame 15 is equipped with fastening members 16, of the above type, at the rate of, for example, two sets per side of the panel 11. The frame 15 is then secured to the chassis 5 by means of the screws 41 operated from the inner periphery of the housing 10 by the access offered by the passages 53. When tightening, the thread of the screws 41 engages in a thread formed in the wall 18 of the housing, and the head of said screws abuts on the spacer 43. The spring 42 is then compressed in the space remaining between the spacer and the wall of the bore 44.

The spacer 43 provides the screw 41 with a stable bearing surface allowing reliable immobilization of the profile 17 on the chassis 5. In addition, the spacer 43 prevents the head of the screw 41 from coming into abutment on the turns contiguous with compressed spring 42, thus preserving the integrity of the latter.

 Finally, to ensure an aesthetic finish to the assembly, one of the wings 31 of the mounting trim 22 has a length sufficient to conceal the passage 53 for access to the head of the screw 41. This wing 31 has, more, a beveled end which engages in a groove 54, undercut, formed on the receiving face 24. This groove 54 ensures the immobilization of the wing and integrates the latter in the continuity of the surface of the profile 17.

 As is apparent from the above, the device according to the invention makes it possible to secure a glazing unit 14 on a metal frame 5, in a reliable and aesthetic manner, leaving only the framing profile 17 visible.

 In addition, the device according to the invention cancels all the risks of deterioration and deformation of the wall under the action of temperature variations by allowing the glazing 14 to expand freely.

 Another advantage of the fixing device described above is to offer access to the fixing screws 41 through the inner periphery of the frame 15, so that it is possible to use this device for fixing several oculus of various shapes on a recessed frame 5, as shown in FIG. 7.

 Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the profile 17 which differs from that of FIG. 3 in that the half-box 201 has on the bearing face 23, an opening 55 delimited by two shoulders 56. This conformation of the half-box 201 advantageously simplifies the positioning of the assembly members 33.

 According to this embodiment, the shoulders 56 further define heels 27 for supporting the profile in the housing 10.

 In the foregoing description, the insert 40 has been described with a cylindrical outer shape and a frustoconical outer shoulder 48, but it is clear that any other shape, compatible with a snap-in installation, in an arrangement of the fixing box 20, could have been retained.

 Fig. 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the profile, in which the box 20 has the shape of a "U" open on the support face 23 and arranged head to tail with the groove 21. The free ends of the wings of the box carry then two support heels 27.

 According to this variant, the fixing members 16 are constituted by at least one countersunk head screw, not shown, placed in a frustoconical passage 53 formed on the reception face 24 in the bottom of the box.

 In the above description, the planar element 14 is constituted by glazing, but it is clear that the profile 17 and the fixing device according to the invention are suitable for fixing any other element, decorative or not, capable of be immobilized by its periphery in the groove 21 of the profile 17.

 The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown, since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS:  1 - Frame and fixing profile of a planar element (14) on a chassis (5) characterized in that it has  - a fixing box (20) of the profile on the chassis (5),  - And a "U" groove (21) for receiving the edge of the planar element  (14).  2 - Profile according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a fixing box (20) of substantially rectangular shape with a major axis parallel to the plane P-P 'of the element (14).  3 - Profile according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a fixing box (20) adjoining the groove in "U" (21).  4 - Profile according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a box (20) defining at least one bearing heel (27) on a wall (18) of the frame (5).  5 - Profile according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a box (20) adapted to receive assembly members (33).  6 - Profile according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a fixing box (20), open on a bearing face (23) of the profile on the frame (5).  7 - Profile according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it has a fixing box (20) divided into at least two half-boxes (201), (24) by at least one rib (26).  8 - Profile according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has a return (35), concealing a solution of continuity between the profile and the frame (5).  9 - Device for removable fixing of a planar element (14) in a frame (5) offering a housing (10) of complementary shape to the element (14) characterized in that it comprises  - a panel formed by the planar element (14) surrounded by a frame (15)  consisting of sections of a framing profile according to one of  claims 1 to 8,  - And fixing members (16) comprising at least one screw (41)  engaged in the box (20) and operated from the periphery  inside the frame (15).  10 - Fastening device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a seal (22), whose cross section has substantially a shape of "U", the inner faces of the branches of the "U" comprising , each, two lips (29, 30) of pinching the panel, the first (29) being oriented towards the bottom and inside of the trim and the second (30) outwards in the extension of the branch, the outer faces of said branches each carrying a support wing (31) on the edges of the groove (21).  11 - A fixing device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises - a framing profile (17) whose groove (21) has, on its edges, two  threads (28) for mounting the seal (22), - a seal (22) having two notches (32) complementary to the  nets (28).  12 - Fastening device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises a seal, one of the support wings (31) conceals a passage (53) for access to the head of the screw (41), fixing members (16).  13 - Fastening device according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a seal (22), one of the wings (32) of which has an end which can be engaged in a groove (54) formed on the profile ( 17).  14 - A fixing device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one fixing member (16) formed by an insert (40) containing a screw (41) return to unscrewing, said insert (40) being snapped into a recess (50) in the fixing box (20) of the profile (17).  15 - Metal frame comprising at least one planar element (14) fixed by means of the device according to one of claims 9 to 14.  16 - Metal frame according to claim 15, forming a pivoting door.