FR2780082A1 - Modular partitioning system for buildings - Google Patents

Abstract

The system consists of a series of modules which can be assembled to form a double wall with a gap between e.g. for cables. Each module is made from sheet metal panels (13) with edges shaped to fit together e.g. by means of a recessed fold (16) in one edge and a matching projection (29) on the neighbouring one. The edges of two adjacent panels are fitted together by means of interlocking tongues (34) and slots (36) which allow the panels to be assembled and dismantled as required, but prevent and relative horizontal movement. The partition modules are fitted in place, for example, with the aid of fixed top and bottom rails.

Description

- 1

  "DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING MODULES OF

  PARTITIONING, MODULAR PARTITIONING AND METHOD FOR

RELATED ASSEMBLY "

DESCRIPTION

  The present invention relates to a device

  for assembling modules for modular partitions.

  It also relates to a modular partition comprising such a device, as well as a method of mounting

  partition using this device.

  It is very common to use removable modular partitions to separate two neighboring spaces inside a building, especially in

professional use.

  These partitions are made up of adjacent modules, very often identical to each other, which are assembled together. Generally the modules are panels having a height substantially equal to that of the spaces (living rooms, professional premises, etc.) that one wishes to separate, and a width allowing their easy handling by a single person. Some of them are provided in modules with an opening such as doors or in

glass partitions.

  Devices for assembling modular partitions are already known in the prior art. However, these in particular use posts for the assembly and mutual guiding of the adjacent panels, as well as joint covers which are fixed on the posts to lock the panels relative to the posts and ensure the visual finish of the partition. The posts serve to reinforce the partition with regard to bending along a horizontal axis, and / or to avoid direct sound, thermal and / or optical permeability between the successive modules; and / or to maintain the adjacent panels -2 strictly coplanar. The mounting of

  known partitions is relatively long and complex.

  The volume of elements to bring to the site, the size of the site, and the total cost of the partition installed are important. The object of the invention is to propose a device for assembling partitions which does not have the drawbacks inherent in the devices of the prior art. According to the invention, the device for assembling a first and a second adjacent partitioning modules is characterized in that it comprises first assembly means located on the first of said modules capable of cooperating directly with second assembly means located on the second of said modules, to form between said modules a mechanical connection opposing a relative displacement of the two modules transversely to their

own plan.

  It has in fact been found according to the invention that the posts of the prior art are not essential provided that the modules are provided with mutual assembly means suitably arranged to perform the desired functions, according to the

applications.

  Another object of the invention is to produce an assembly of modules such that no assembly means

  is visible on the surface of the partition.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, said first and second assembly means are located respectively on the side edges in

look of said adjacent modules.

  Another object of the invention is to produce an assembly of modules which does not allow the

  light between two adjacent modules.

  3 - According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second assembly means comprise substantially complementary conformations on at least part of the lateral edge of each of said modules respectively, these two conformations fitting together to achieve

  a contiguous connection between said modules.

  Another object of the invention is to produce an assembly of modules which guarantees a quality visual appearance for the whole of the partition: it is desired that the surface of the partition is uniform and does not have any roughness or reliefs to the

junction between two modules.

  According to one aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the previous ones, said mutual nesting conformations achieve mutual alignment of said modules

substantially in the same plane.

  These conformations allow the centering of the two adjacent modules along their common transverse direction. We can give them a shape that allows

  mutual locking of the two modules.

  Another object of the invention is to produce an assembly of modules which increases the duration of

  heat resistance of the partition.

  According to one aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the previous ones, the first assembly means have at least one first attachment means and the second assembly means have at least one second attachment means capable of cooperating with the first attachment means for attaching the two adjacent modules in the installed position of the partition. It is preferred that the hooking means are arranged to prevent the adjacent modules from spreading horizontally one

  on the other, parallel to their own plan.

  4- Such attachment of the modules to each other keeps the clearance between two modules at a low optimum value and reinforces the firebreak action of the partition in the event of a fire, delaying its deformation and the appearance of passages for the

  flames and smoke between the modules.

  The invention also relates to a modular partition intended to separate two neighboring spaces of a building, comprising at least two adjacent modules. This partition is characterized in that said two adjacent modules are assembled by at

  minus an assembly device according to the invention.

  The device according to the invention is designed for a single partition as well as for a double partition. Thereafter, a single partition will be called a partition comprising a single wall, and a double partition a partition comprising two parallel walls separated by an interval. Said walls, in the case of modular partitions, are each composed of

adjacent modules.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the method for mounting a modular partition, in which, after having set up a first partition module between the top and bottom rails, the following steps are carried out: a second module upwards an interengagement between the upper edge of the second module and the top rail;

  - the lower edge of the second module is folded down

  above the bottom rail, and - the second module is dropped until it rests on the low rail, with interpenetration of the second module and the low rail, -5 $ is characterized in that we combine with said steps a direct interengagement operation between the adjacent sections of the first and of the second module. It has been found according to the invention that the movements of positioning the second module relative to the top and bottom rails could at least partly accompany, or even constitute simultaneously, movements of engagement of the second module with at least one first module already

  installed next to the location of the second module.

  Thus, a movement of the second module in a direction transverse to its own plane as far as the partitioning plane, can simultaneously constitute a latching movement of the second module relative to the first module. And / or a downward movement of the second module to a position installed next to the first module can simultaneously constitute a mutual hooking movement between the adjacent sections of the second module

and at least a first module.

  Other features and advantages of

  the invention will also appear in the description

  below of a preferred embodiment, given by way of nonlimiting example. In the accompanying drawings: - Figure 1 shows the block diagram of a double modular partition, in section along a horizontal plane; - Figures 2 to 4 show an outer shell of the module, in section along a horizontal plane, in section along a vertical plane, and in perspective respectively; - Figure 5 shows in vertical section the upper and lower connections of a module respectively with the ceiling and with the floor; - Figure 6 shows in horizontal section the lateral connection of the modules with the wall; - Figures 7 and 8 show the means of assembling a device for assembling two modules; - Figure 9 illustrates in horizontal section the latching operation of modules; - Figures 10 and 11 illustrate in perspective two modes of attachment of two modules; - Figure 12 shows in double perspective the snap-fastening and attachment of a module; - Figure 13 illustrates in horizontal section the assembled state of two adjacent modules; and - Figure 14 illustrates the obtaining of a module

  by cutting and folding an initial plate.

  The double modular partition shown in

  figure 1 separates two spaces 2 and 3 from a building.

  Each of its ends is linked to a wall or to another partition 4 by means of a guide

end 6.

  The double partition 1 consists of two parallel walls 7 separated by a gap 8, usable

  for the passage of electric cables and the like.

  Each wall 7 is composed of modules 9 assembled together by an assembly device 10 according to the invention. Each module comprises a hollow structure or outer shell 12 having a horizontal profile (Figures 2 and 4) open, substantially rectangular, in the shape of "C". The large closed side 13 of the "rectangular C" corresponds to a front of the module 9, opposite the gap 8 in FIG. 1. The large open side 14 of the "rectangular C" corresponds to the non-visible face of the module 9, adjacent in service at interval 8. The short sides of the "rectangular C"

27800U82

  - 7 correspond to the lateral sections 16 and 17 of the

module 9.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shell 12 has in the upper part two aligned slots 21 which start from the top of the lateral sections 16 and 17. The slots 21 are provided for the connection of the module 9 with a high rail 112 (FIG. 5 ). In the lower part, the lateral sections 16 and 17 have two notches 22 provided for the connection of the module 9 with a bottom rail 114. The front 13 has an upper rim 213 which is short enough not to cover the slots 21, and a rim lower 313 shaped like a groove opening towards the

  bottom in alignment with the notches 22.

  In the case of a double partition shown in Figure 5, the top rails 112 and bottom 114 simultaneously maintain the two walls 7 which are

  face each other, separated by the interval 8.

  The base rail 114 comprises a base 24 profiled in the general shape of "U" open upwards, a support 25 shaped in the shape of an inverted "OMEGA", vertically slidingly covering the branches of the "U", and a set of shims 26 placed between the bottom of the base 24 and the bottom of the support 25 to adjust the relative height of the elements 24 and 25. The grooves defined by the edges 313 of the modules of each wall 7 rest on a respective one of the rounded tops of the support 25 This positions the modules in height, and prevents the base of the modules from moving transversely to the plane of the modules. The top rail 112 has a transverse profile in the general shape of a "U" open at the bottom. Each branch of the "U" is introduced into the slots 21 of the modules of a respective one of the walls 7. This -8 prevents the top of the modules from moving transversely to the plane of the modules. Adjustable elastic seals 23 eliminate the lateral play of the branches of the "U" in the slots 21 and improve the phonic and thermal sealing. To install a module, first engage the corresponding wing of the top rail 112 in the slots 21, lift the module beyond the normal position (central module in Figure 12), fold the base of the module to bring it above the bottom rail as shown by the arrows to the right and left of the central module in Figure 12, then let the module descend to the position

  installed shown in Figure 5.

  FIG. 6 illustrates the connection of a lateral end of the partition 1 with the wall 4. An end guide 6 fixed to the wall 4, has a horizontal profile substantially in the shape of a "U" open laterally, simultaneously embracing the two modules end 90, 91 of the partition, separated by the interval 8. The width available between the branches of the "U" is substantially equal to the thickness

total partition 1.

  Advantageously, each module comprises inside its shell 12 a lining 27 for sound and / or thermal insulation of the partition, for example a plate of glued mineral wool. It is the same for the beams 112 and 114, as well as

for the end guide 6.

  Preferably, the top 112 and bottom 114 heddles and the end guide 6 are made of a material of the same kind as the modules, for example

a metal sheet.

  According to an important feature of the invention, the lateral sections 16 and 17 of the 9- module 9 (FIG. 2) comprise assembly means 18 and 19 respectively provided for directly assembling by their respective lateral sections the module with its neighboring modules in one of the walls 7 of Figure 1. Figures 7 to 11 show in more detail

the assembly means 18, 19.

  According to the embodiment described, these assembly means comprise substantially complementary conformations 28 and 29, as well as attachment means 31 and 32. As illustrated in FIG. 13 when the modules are mounted, the means 18, located on a module 90, and comprising the conformation 28 and the hooking means 31, rub shoulders with the means 19 of the neighboring module 92, and comprising the conformation 29 and the hooking means 32. This situation is automatically achieved because the top and the bottom of the modules are well defined by the slots 21 and respectively by the notches 22 and because all the modules have the means 18 on one side, for example on the left in the representation of FIG. 13, and the means 19 of

the other side.

  The conformations 28 and 29 (see FIGS. 7, 8 and 10) each have four successive rectilinear zones 286, 287, 288, 289, and respectively 296, 297, 298, 299. On each conformation 28, 29 the first zone 286, 296 is substantially perpendicular to the mean plane PM of the module, the second zone 287, 297 is oblique with respect to the first zone, the third zones 288, 298 and fourth zones 289, 299 are respectively symmetrical of the second and first zones with respect to the mean plane of the module. The second and the third zone thus define a general form of concave "V"

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  for conformation 28, and of "V" convex

  complementary for conformation 29.

  FIG. 11 shows that the conformations 28 and 29 can be brought into the interlocking position by horizontal movement 190, in its own plane, from a module 90 already supported by the top rails 112 and bottom 114, towards a module 92 already at its final place. This mounting method is possible for all modules of a partition except the first (which of course has not been interengaged with another previously mounted) and the last, which does not have horizontal freedom of movement in its own plane . Figure 9 illustrates the mounting of the last module of a partition. The space available between modules 90 and 93 corresponds to the size of module 92. However, due to the sinuous profile of sections 16 and 17 of the modules, the total width of module 92 is slightly greater than the free distance between modules 90 and 93 already installed. The mounting of the module 92 will be possible thanks to a certain elasticity of the modules, in particular of their shell 12 (FIGS. 2 to 4), as well as of the insulation 27 (FIG. 6) possibly provided along the end guides 6. This elasticity, and the profile of the mutual nesting conformations 28 and 29, allow the lateral edges of the module 92 to snap relative to those adjacent to the two modules 90 and 93, already in final position, by a movement 40 of the module 92 in the direction transverse to the plane of the modules. The nesting conformations being symmetrical as has been said

  higher, this snap is reversible, i.e.

  say that a reverse movement accompanied by a substantially equal effort will extract the module 92

between modules 90 and 93.

- ll -

  The first and fourth zones 286, 289, 296, 299 of the profiles 28 and 29 serve as guide faces for engagement, prior to snap-fastening

well said.

  Still according to the embodiment described, the assembly device comprises hooking means 31 and 32. As illustrated in Figures and 13, the hooking means 31 comprises a tab 34 integral with the concave edge 16 of each module . The tab 34 extends towards the inside of the partition, that is to say in the direction opposite to the front 13 of the module, the face 286 of the section 16, and therefore protrudes into the concave part of the section 16, above face 287 adjoining the

face 286.

  The attachment means 32 comprises an orifice 36 formed in the face 297 of the convex edge 17 of each module, in other words the face which will be adjacent to the tab 34 of the adjacent module in the

partition finished.

  The orifice 36 has a contour defining a stud 37 directed towards the outside of the partition, therefore in the opposite direction to the tab 34. The tab 34 is placed behind the stud 37 when the hooking means 31 and 32 of two modules adjacent 92, 93 are in the hooked state. The contour 37 further defines an exhaust opening 38, 39 on either side of the

nipple 37.

  FIGS. 10 and 12 illustrate more precisely a method of assembling two modules 92 and 93 by hanging, when the module 92 is inserted by

  latching as described with reference to Figure 9.

  The hooking means 31 and 32 of the first and second modules 92 and 93 pass from an unhooked mutual state to a mutual state hooked by the movement

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  relative (arrow 41) latching of the two modules 92, 93 oriented perpendicular to the plane of the partition. During the movement, it is arranged that the module 92 being inserted is shifted towards the

high compared to module 93.

  Thus, the tab 36 enters the orifice 34 through the exhaust opening 38 located above the stud 37. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower exhaust opening 39 of the wafer 17 of module 92 comes to snap around

of lug 34 of module 90.

  FIG. 12 also shows that the height offset that the module 92 presents with respect to the modules 90 and 93 corresponds to that necessary to engage the module 92 on the low rail 114. The fallout, already described, of the module 92 on the low rail 114 causes a vertical movement 42 (see also FIG. 10) which engages the two legs 34

behind the two pins 37.

  FIG. 13 illustrates the assembled state of two adjacent modules 92 and 93, both by interlocking

mutual and attachment of modules.

  FIG. 11 illustrates the attachment in the case where the two modules to be assembled, 90, 92, are not the last of the partition, as has already been described above with reference to this figure. In this case, the general movement 190 already described corresponds to a pre-engagement movement 47 which is parallel to the heddles, instead of the movement 41 perpendicular to the plane of the partition. It therefore results in the engagement of the tab 34 in one of the exhaust openings 38 or 39, depending on whether it is one or the other of the modules.

  and 92 which is moved to be associated with the other.

  In the example described, where it is the carrier module 90

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  from the lug 34 which is moved towards the module 92, it is the module 90 which is lifted and it is therefore the upper exhaust opening 38 which receives the lug 34. Then the module 90 is dropped on the low boom (not shown in figure 12) for

  carry out the actual attachment movement 42.

  It is also possible to carry out the translation 190 with the module 90 in the low position, then lift and let the module 90 drop when contact is made between the two modules, in order to secure the attachment. In the mutually nested state, the complementary conformations 28 and 29 leave between the modules 90 and 92 assembled relative mobility in the longitudinal direction of their edges

  adjacent sides, to allow disassembly.

  On the other hand, any relative movement of the two modules transversely to their own plane is prohibited by the beams and, locally, by the interlocking conformations. The attachment means prevent the modules from moving away from each other

parallel to the rails.

  Thus, in the installed position of the partition, the lateral edges of the modules 90 and 92 facing each other fit together perfectly, substantially without play or offset. The sinuous profile of the junction between the modules prevents light from filtering between the adjacent modules such as 90, 92 and 93, and constitutes a sound barrier

effective.

  The conformations 28 and 29 ensure the centering of the two adjacent modules 90 and 92 relative to their mean plane, and make it possible to obtain a surface

  perfectly regular bulkhead.

- 14 -

  Figure 14 illustrates the obtaining of the shell 12 of a module. Advantageously, this is carried out at

  starting from a plate 44 of punched and folded sheet metal.

  In this plate are cut the slots 21 and notches 22 intended for the connections of the module with the

smooth high 112 and low 114.

  The first and second attachment means 31 and 32, each three in number distributed over the height, are cut from the substantially hollow structure of each module. Legs 34 are defined

each by a U-shaped slot 48.

  Then this plate 44 is folded along fold lines 46, so as to produce the shell 12 of the module. To dismantle modules when the partition is in place, the reverse operations to those described for mounting must be carried out. To dismantle the first module, it is raised to disengage the attachment means relative to the two neighboring modules and at the same time to disengage this module from the bottom rail. Then the module base is pulled towards you with effort to overcome the elastic resistance due to the snap-fastening of the conformations 28 and 29 with the complementary conformations 29 and 28 respectively of the two neighboring modules, then the module is allowed to drop in front of the stringer low, to release it from the high beam. The following modules can be disassembled in the same way, except that after the vertical stall movement we will then have the possibility of moving the module to be disassembled in its own plane to effortlessly disengage the complementary conformations 28, 29 before pulling it out. the base of the module to release it from the bottom rail. Such a horizontal movement will even be

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  required for modules to be cleared from

end guides 6.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples

  without departing from the scope of the invention.

  The shell or other substantially hollow structure of each module can be made of any other material, metallic or non-metallic, compatible with mutual nesting operations, if necessary snap-fastening and release, and / or snap-on adjacent modules . The modules may include an opening such as a

door, and / or a glazed part.

  The complementary conformations 28 and 29 can be reversed, and be placed on one or

  the other of the lateral sections of the modules.

  Other forms than the "V" shape are also suitable for ensuring the contiguous connection of

  modules and / or snap-in modules.

  The hooking means 31 and 32 can be reversed. Other forms are also possible for carrying out the attachment, in particular

  with a leg oriented vertically.

  The number of hanging devices is variable. All it takes is a hooking device to obtain a stable hooking of two adjacent modules. This number can advantageously be increased when it is desired to improve the fire resistance of the partition by delaying the deformation of the walls under the effect of heat. The dimensions of the various means 34, 36, 37, 38 of the attachment device can also vary depending on the number of devices provided on the modules, for

  further optimize the fire resistance of the partition.

- 16 -

  Of course, the fire resistance of the partition is increased if we use a double partition rather

than a single partition.

- 17 -

Claims (3)

  1. Method for mounting a modular partition, in which, after having set up a first partition module between high (112) and low (114) beams, the following steps are carried out: - a second is carried out by displacement module (92) upwards an interengagement between the upper edge of the second module (92) and the top rail (112); - The lower edge of the second module (92) is folded over the bottom rail (114); and - a fallout of the second module (92) is caused until it rests on the low rail (114), with interpenetration of the second module and the low rail, process by which at least one is combined with said steps direct interengagement operation between the adjacent sections of the first (90, 93) and the second (92) modules, characterized in that the high position of the second module (92), after folding down the lower edge of the second module and interengagement of the sections adjacent to the first and second modules, simultaneously produces an alignment between mutual hooking means (31, 32) provided on the edge of the first and second module, after which the fallout of the second module (92) simultaneously causes the interengagement hooking means (31, 32).   2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting of the second module (92) is done between two first modules (90, 93) separated by a space corresponding to that necessary to receive substantially without play the second module (92) between them. - 18 -   3. Method for dismantling a modular partition, characterized in that it comprises the reverse steps to those defined by at least one of   claims 1 and 2, executed in order reverse.