FR2931865A1 - Wall element for e.g. door in housing, has glasses mounted on chassis, and translucent film comprising two ends respectively rolled and unrolled or vice versa, so as to move active part of film in longitudinal direction of film - Google Patents

Abstract

The element (1) has glasses (61, 62) mounted on a chassis (5), and a strip shaped translucent film (8) covered with a layer made of opaque material such as paint, ink and metal. Upper and lower rollers are mounted on the chassis, and upper and lower ends of the film are connected to the respective rollers. The ends of the film are respectively rolled and unrolled or vice versa, so as to move an active part of the film in a longitudinal direction of the film. An anti-intrusion protection plate is made of polycarbonate material. An independent claim is also included for a wall comprising a frame made of a building material such as concrete block, stone, brick, plaster and wood.

Description

Wall element with progressive opacity and wall comprising such an element.

The invention relates to the field of construction, for homes, industrial premises, commercial or tertiary. The invention relates more particularly to walls provided with opacification means.

Since the dawn of time, men have sought to master the light of the sun. Very old devices have been designed to shield the light or mitigate the passage. Examples include awnings, shutters, blinds or venetian blinds. Different materials have been used to offer different opacities or translucencies. Known blinds are for example made of fabric, paper, reflective films, etc. 15 In recent years, venetian blinds have appeared inside double-glazed walls to protect them from damage and dust. But this type of walls incorporating blinds has a major disadvantage: when a window is broken or the motor animating the blind 20 fails, we must change the complete wall module. In addition, this type of wall makes it possible to control the luminous flux but does not allow progressive and homogeneous opacification. It creates zones of lights and alternating shadows, which are also reflected on the glazing, which disrupts vision and comfort. Other more specialized techniques have been the subject of research: with the discovery of liquid crystals, mainly used for display in computers, electronics and telephony, then the production of glasses glasses Photogray, has very quickly considered the possibility of making opacifying glazing by feeding the crystals with a low electric current to opacify the glazing and cutting it to restore transparency. Applications have been envisaged in many fields such as building, automobile, etc. But these techniques have required and still require huge investments, which do not make it possible to offer prices in relation to the market price. These 2931865 -2

In addition, technologies have been found in a number of other areas, including limited window dimensions, poor resistance of the liquid crystals to ultraviolet light, and unreliable reliability.

Opacification systems for glazing based on the thickness of a semi-opaque liquid have also been the subject of research, as evidenced by the patent document FR 2,667,349. However, such systems are particularly useful. delicate work, which also generates significant costs.

The object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the above disadvantages by providing a relatively simple and inexpensive wall element in its design, which allows to obtain a uniform opacity on the surface of the glass and progressive so as to allow an extremely fine adjustment of the desired degree of opacity.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a wall element comprising at least one window mounted on a frame, characterized in that it comprises a translucent film having the general shape of a strip extending in a longitudinal direction, the film being coated, at least over part of its length, with a layer of opaque material variably distributed in the longitudinal direction of the film, so as to create a variable opacity and in that it further comprises mounted winders on the chassis, near two opposite edges of the window, each end of the film being connected to a respective winder, one and / or the other of said ends having a wound film portion, so as to stretch an active portion a film between the winders, located opposite the window and substantially parallel thereto, the two ends of the film being respectively rollable and unwound or vice versa, so as to lacerate the active part of the film in the longitudinal direction of the film.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, the film comprises a first end devoid of opaque material over a length substantially equal to or greater than the distance separating the two opposite edges of the pane, a second end, opposite the first, comprising a quantity of opaque material evenly distributed 2931865 -3

over a length substantially equal to or greater than said distance, and a median portion between said ends comprising an amount of opaque material distributed progressively between the first and the second end. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the wall element comprises two substantially parallel panes mounted on the frame, forming between them an interior volume in which is located the active part of the film. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the frame comprises an upper cross-member and a lower cross-member on which each of the winders is respectively mounted, these cross-members joining by two lateral uprights located on either side of the winder. glass, so that the frame has the general shape of a frame.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the assembly of the two panes on the chassis is substantially sealed. According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the lateral uprights comprise slots for guiding the lateral edges of the film.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the wall element comprises a motor and transmission means ensuring the automatic winding of one and / or the other of the winders.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the wall element comprises at least two openings formed on a first edge of the frame, such as the top rail, on either side of the plane defined by the active part. of the film, the latter and the winders being arranged to close the direct passage of air between the two openings, close to the first edge, and to allow the diverted passage of air between the two openings, in the vicinity a second edge opposite the 5 20 2931865 -4

first, such as the lower rail, so as to form a baffle circuit for the passage of air in the interior volume defined by the windows and the frame.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the openings may be at least partially obscured by automatic closing means, such as thermal cylinders.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the film 10 is transparent.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the progressive distribution of the opaque material on the median part of the film is carried out by a method chosen from: degradation, screening, application of different thickness or dilution, the material opaque being chosen from a material such as paint, ink, metal.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the wall element comprises at least one burglar protection plate made of a material such as polycarbonate interposed between the active part of the film and one of the panes. .

The invention further relates to a wall comprising a frame made of a traditional building material such as block, stone, brick, plaster, wood characterized in that it comprises an opening on the edges of which is adjusted and fixed a frame, called bay block, the frame hingedly receiving a wall element having all or part of the above features, so as to constitute an opening for a door or a window. The berry block is calculated to support the weight of the wall during the setting of the cement or other binders.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, the wall comprises at least two wall elements fixed rigidly to each other. - 5

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the wall comprises at least two wall elements, at least one of the wall elements being mobile, in particular by pivoting or sliding, with respect to a fixed wall element. The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and in the light of the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a horizontal section of a wall element according to the invention, constituting an opening such as a door or a window, integrated in an opening made in a traditional wall,

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of embodiment details illustrating respectively left and right portions of the wall element of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 represents a vertical section of a wall element according to the invention, constituting an opening such as a window, integrated into an opening made in a traditional wall; FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of details of FIG. FIG. 5 is a detail of an alternative embodiment of the wall element 25 according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 4A, illustrating respectively high and low portions of the wall element of FIG. the possibility of providing thermal cylinders, - Figure 6 shows a horizontal section of a wall according to the invention, provided with a first wall element according to the invention, forming an opening such as a door or window integrated in a second fixed wall element according to the invention; FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of details of embodiment of the wall according to FIG. 6, respectively illustrating the left and right junction zones of the first element of FIG. e wall with the second wall element. FIG. 8 is a vertical section of an embodiment of a wall according to FIG. 6, illustrating a high junction zone of the first wall element with the second junction element, FIG. variant embodiment of a wall according to FIG. 8, illustrating openings made in the first wall element in order to generate a parietodynamic effect,

FIG. 10 represents an alternative embodiment of a wall according to FIG. 7B, showing a first wall element according to the invention rigidly fixed to the second wall element according to the invention;

FIG. 11 shows another alternative embodiment of a wall according to FIGS. 7B and 11, showing a first wall element according to the invention rigidly fixed to the second wall element according to the invention, the first wall element being provided with an anti-burglary protection plate, and

FIG. 12 represents the film of the wall element according to the invention, in a fully unwrapped configuration, thus outside the operating situation, making it possible to visualize the gradient of the opaque material from one end to the other.

FIG. 1 shows in horizontal cross-section a wall element 1 forming a door or a window for an opening in a wall 2 which can be classically a wall, made of conventional building materials (concrete, plaster, etc. .). The wall 2 comprises a frame 3, called a berry block, in the form of a frame adapted to the periphery of the opening, at least in its upper part and its lateral parts. The wall element 1 comprises an opening 4 hinged to the frame 3 and intended to fit into the frame 3 when in the closed position. The frame 3 comprises an intermediate bearing surface 31 conforming to the inner surface of the opening, substantially over the entire thickness thereof. The frame also comprises a flange 32 extending perpendicularly to the intermediate surface 31 at one end thereof, so as to bear on one face of the wall 2. Fastening profiles 33 are connected to the frame, on the side opposite the flange 32 , and rest on the wall so as to take it in pincers and to ensure perfect solidarity of the frame with this wall. The berry block is calculated and sized to support the weight of the wall during the setting of cement or other types of binders. For this purpose, the bay unit also comprises an upper cross member 34 shown in Figures 3, 4A and 5 for supporting the wall above the opening and acting lintel. Such a bay block allows to overcome a specific lintel and its pose.

The berry block can be made in any type of material, for example plastic, aluminum or composite materials, such as composite wood or wood-plastic composite (WPC) in English.

The opening 4 is articulated on its left side in Figure 1 on the frame 3, by means of hinge (not shown). The opening comprises on its right side in Figure 1 handles 41 for gripping and actuating a lock 42, allowing the unlocking of the opening.

It will be noted that the frame 3 and the opening member 4 cooperate in abutment through two peripheral support zones, arranged in a staircase in a horizontal sectional plane (FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B), in which two gaskets are interposed. sealing devices 43, 44.

According to the invention, the wall element 1 that constitutes the opening 4 comprises a frame 5 having the general shape of a frame. This comprises an upper cross member 51 and a lower cross member 52, both substantially horizontal. These crosspieces 51, 52 are joined by two lateral uprights 53, 54 substantially vertical. These sleepers and uprights are profiles extending substantially over the entire width and respectively the entire height of the opening 4. The elements can be assembled together by means of self-tapping screws. 2931865 -8

The opening 4 further comprises two panes 61, 62 applied on each face of the frame of the frame 5. The panes are thus disposed substantially parallel, and spaced from one another, separated by the frame serving as spacer. Note that on each side of the opening 5 4, the windows 61, 62 cover the frame 5, substantially to its outer edges. The assembly of the two panes 61, 62 on the frame 5 is made to form a substantially sealed box, by gluing and / or adding appropriate seals. The windows 61, 62 are preferably made of glass. They contribute to the rigidity of the chassis and protect it from the U.V.

According to the invention, the upper and lower crosspieces 51 and 51 of the chassis respectively receive upper and lower winders 71. These reels 71, 72 are substantially horizontal axes rotatably mounted relative to the chassis 5. According to the invention, a strip-shaped film 8 is connected at each of its ends to the winders 71, 72, in the internal space of the opening 4, defined by the windows 61, 62. The ends 81, 82 of the film 8 are respectively wound and / or unrolled so that the portion of film located between the reels 71, 72 is stretched. The tension must be sufficient to provide a substantially planar shape to the film without being excessive so as not to generate unnecessary stresses or stresses. In an extreme position, the film is wound at its maximum around the upper reel 71, while it is unrolled at its maximum from the lower reel 72. The situation is reversed in the other extreme position. The upper cross 51 and lower 52 form housings in which are housed the reels with their wound film portion. Slots 510, 520 are provided on these crosspieces 51, 52 to allow the passage of the film 8. Note that the technical parts that constitute the reels 71, 72 are very advantageously hidden in the cross members 51, 52, making them virtually invisible , which contributes to the style and overall aesthetics of the wall.

It will be understood that the portion of the film vis-à-vis the panes 61, 62 can be chosen, over the entire length of the strip of the film, by the winding 35 and / or unwinding of the film on each winder 71, 72. Taking into account 2931865 -9

the possibility of changing this part in front of the windows, it will be called active part 83.

The film 8 according to the invention is chosen to have optical qualities of transparency or at least translucency. Such a film will for example be of a material similar to those used for the making of a bouquet of flowers, conventionally referred to as a florist film.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the film 8 is coated with a layer of opaque material distributed in a variable manner, and more precisely in a progressive manner, while traveling from a lower end 82 of the film towards its upper end 81. At its lower end 82, the film 8 is devoid of opaque material, at least over a length corresponding to the height of the opening 4, that is to say the distance 15 between the upper cross 51 and lower 52. A its opposite upper end 81, the film 8 is covered with an amount of opaque material homogeneously distributed over a length also corresponding to the height of the opening 4. The amount of opaque material in this area can be chosen so to pass a certain amount of light, having reached a given threshold, or on the contrary to prohibit any passage of light through the film 8.

Between these two ends there is provided a medial portion comprising an amount of opaque material distributed progressively between the lower end 82 and the upper end 81.

It should be noted that the coating of opaque material can be deposited by various alternative methods, in particular not techniques such as degradation, screening, application of variable thickness, or dilution. The opaque material is selected from a material for carrying out such methods, and may be paint, ink or metal.

Thus, by moving the active part 83 of the film along the strip, downwards or upwards, it is possible to adjust the opacity of the glass part of the opening 5. The displacement of the film 8 towards the bottom will have a tendency to move 2931865 -10-

the active part 83 of the film towards its upper end, that is to say towards the most opaque part of the film. Conversely, moving the film 8 upward will tend to move the active portion 83 of the film towards its lower end, that is to say toward the most transparent film portion. Note that the longer the gradation of opaque material on the film, the more the transition from transparency to opacity will be smooth and gradual, allowing a fine adjustment of the desired opacity. FIG. 12 illustrates the film 8 in a flat configuration, completely unrolled (thus out of normal operating situation), making it possible to visualize the gradient of the opaque material between the two ends 81, 82. The film 8 may have a length of several meters, for a window or a door so the height is of the order of 1 or 2 meters. Of course, this relationship is proportional. For small windows, for example less than 50 cm high, a film strip of 1 or 2 meters may be suitable. For high bay windows, the length of the film strip will have to be adapted accordingly, so that the gradient on the film active part 83 is not clearly discernible. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it may also be desired for the gradient of the opaque material to be clearly visible on the active part 83. In this case, the film strip 20 may be of shorter length.

In addition, it is observed that the light diffused through any door or window generally comes from the top. Thus, positioning the opaque portion at the top is likely to be imperceptible, as this will tend to equalize the scattering of light evenly between the top and bottom regions of the opening. Conversely, positioning with the most opaque part at the bottom would tend to increase the difference in brightness between the high and low regions of the opening.

The opaque portion may be selected from a texture, color or pattern suitable for perfect integration with the architectural style of the building. For example, an opaque white material can be envisioned that integrates with a wide variety of architectural types. 2931865 -11-

According to the invention, the reels 71 and 72 can be actuated manually or automatically, via a motor and transmission means (not shown).

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the fact of arranging between the two panes 61, 62 of an inner wall formed by the active part 83 of the film 8 makes it possible to provide an air flow to create a parietodynamic effect, resulting in a circulation of air inside the opening 4, due to temperature differences. The air gap 10 present in the opening 4 warms up in winter, thanks to the sun's rays. Conversely, in summer, the hot air present in the opening tends to get out. For this purpose, the substantially sealed box formed by the frame 5 and the two panes 61, 62 comprises two openings 55, 56 for the passage of air near the upper cross member 51 of the opening. These openings have the form of slots extending over the width of the opening 4. They are arranged on either side of the film 8, so as to create an inlet and an outlet for a circuit inside the opening. opening 4. This inlet and outlet open on opposite sides of the opening 4, or close thereto. In the circuit, the film 8 forms a baffle that must be bypassed by the air blade 20 present in the opening. In other words, the film 8, the upper cross member 51 and the upper winder 71 are arranged in the upper part of the opening 4 so as to prevent the direct passage of air between the two openings. On the other hand, the film 8, the lower cross member 52 and the lower winder 72 are arranged in the lower part of the opening 4 so as to allow the passage from one side to the other of the active part 83 of the film. 8, so as to form the forced passage of air between the two openings 55 and 56.

This parietodynamic effect contributes to comfort, to hygiene by the renewal of indoor air and to energy savings.

It will be noted that this parietodynamic effect can, in a variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, be improved by management of the section of the openings 55, 56, thanks to the use of thermal cylinders 551, 561 driven by the expansion of wax inside the cylinders. -12-

It will also be noted that the openings 55, 56 may be associated with air filters or grids (not shown) to prevent the penetration of insects. The sound insulation is ensured by the structure and assembly of the different parts: glass, plastic film, air slats, and possibly polycarbonate plate as indicated below.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the lateral uprights 53, 54 comprise guide slots 541 of the lateral edges of the film 8. These slots 541 also contribute to channeling the air to form the tracking circuit for the purposes of the invention. parietodynamic effect.

The wall element according to the invention can also take other forms, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10.

With reference to FIG. 6, a first wall element 1 'according to the invention may constitute an opening for the concealment of an opening formed in a second wall element 1 "according to the invention, which is fixed relative to to construction (and thus forms the frame), and that is commonly called curtain wall.The assembly thus formed has a perfect integration of the opening in the frame.

What has been said previously for the opening 4 of the wall element 1 of the first embodiment of the invention applies in the same way to these wall elements 1 'and 1 ". that is, these wall elements 1 ', 1 "also comprise a frame in the form of a frame, winders housed in upper and lower crosspieces, an opacifying film, and the like. These elements being included and arranged in a similar manner to the preceding statement, they will not be described in more detail later, for these other embodiments.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, the first wall member 1 'and the second wall member 1 "have substantially

equal. The first wall element 1 'is articulated on one side to the second wall element 1 ", by a not shown hinge system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a vertical section of the first wall element 1 'and the second wall element 1 ", the first element being devoid of apertures for creating a parietodynamic effect, the invention also being able to be understood in terms of On the other hand, Fig. 9 illustrates a vertical section of the first wall member 10 'and the second wall member 1 ", the first wall member 1' being provided with openings 55 ', 56' therein. to create a parietodynamic effect.

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, visible in FIG. 10, the first wall element 1 'can be rigidly attached to the second wall element 1 "by suitable fastening means, such as screws, flanges or any equivalent way.

Moreover, it will be seen with reference to FIG. 11 that the wall element 100 'can also be equipped with an anti-burglar protection plate 9 made of a material such as polycarbonate, housed in the interior volume, between the active part of the film 83 and one of the panes 61, 62, preferably the pane located on the outside of the building or the room to be protected.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the means that have just been described and includes all the technical equivalents.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the frame 5 incorporates a resistance, for example in the lower rail 52 to avoid the sensation of cold, especially in winter, near the wall element 1.

The chassis 5 may also include an anti-intrusion device 57 operating for example on the principle of an electric field that can be cut during an intrusion; The anti-intrusion device comprises a wire housed in a groove of the frame 5, as illustrated in particular in Figure 7B. 2931865 - 14 -

The wall element 1 according to the invention and the wall 2 can replace a door or a window plus a traditional roller shutter, plus accessories such as a ventilation grille. The installation is greatly facilitated, simplifying the shell, limiting the size of the elements, given their perfect integration and compactness. The set is also more aesthetic and offers new services: variable opacity, intrusion detection, removal of cold surfaces on glazing, and air renewal.

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. Wall element comprising at least one window (61; 62) mounted on a frame (5), characterized in that it comprises a translucent film (8) having the general shape of a strip extending in a longitudinal direction, the film (8) being coated, at least over part of its length, with a layer of opaque material variably distributed in the longitudinal direction of the film (8), so as to create a variable opacity and in that further comprises winders (71, 72) mounted on the frame (5), near two opposite edges (610; 611) of the window (61, 62), each end (81; 82) of the film (8). being connected to a respective reel (71, 72), one and / or the other of said ends (81; 82) having a wound film portion, so as to tension an active portion (83) of film between the reels (71; 72), located opposite the window (61; 62) and substantially parallel thereto, the two ends (71; 72) of the film respectively being wound and unwound or vice versa, so as to move the active portion (83) of the film in the longitudinal direction of the film. Wall element according to claim 1, characterized in that the film comprises a first end (82) devoid of opaque material over a length substantially equal to or greater than the distance separating the two opposite edges (610; 611) of the glass pane. (61; 62), a second end (81), opposite to the first, having an amount of opaque material homogeneously distributed over a length substantially equal to or greater than said distance, and a medial portion between said ends comprising a quantity of opaque material distributed progressively between the first (82) and the second (81) end. 3. Wall element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises two substantially parallel panes (61; 62) mounted on the frame (5), providing between them an interior volume in which the active part ( 83) of the film (8). 2931865 -16- 4. Wall element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (5) comprises an upper cross member (51) and a lower cross member (52) on which are respectively mounted each of the winders (71; 72), these cross members joining by two lateral uprights (53; 54) located on either side of the window (61; 62), so that the frame (5) has the general shape of a frame. 5. Wall element according to claim 4, characterized in that the assembly of the two panes (61; 62) on the frame (5) is substantially sealed. 6. Wall element according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the lateral uprights (53; 54) comprise guide slots (541) of the lateral edges of the film (8). 7. wall element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a motor and transmission means ensuring the automatic winding of one and / or the other of the winders. 20 8. Wall element according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two openings (55; 56) formed on a first edge (51) of the frame (5), such as the transom upper (51), on either side of the plane defined by the active part (83) of the film (8), the latter, the crosspieces (51; 52) and the reels (71; 72) being arranged so closing the direct passage of air between the two openings (55; 56), near the first edge (51), and allowing the diverted passage of air between the two openings (55; 56), close to a second edge (52) opposite to the first, such as the bottom rail (52), so as to form a baffle circuit for the passage of air 30 in the interior volume defined by the panes (61; 62) and the frame (5). 9. Wall element according to claim 8, characterized in that the openings (55; 56) can be at least partly obscured by automatic closing means, such as thermal cylinders (551; 561). 15 2931865 -17- 10. Wall element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film is transparent. 11. Wall element according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the gradual distribution of the opaque material on the median part of the film (8) is achieved by a method chosen from: degradation, screening, application of different thickness or dilution, the opaque material being selected from a material such as paint, ink, metal. 10 12. Wall element according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one antitheft protection plate (9) made of a material such as polycarbonate, interposed between the active part (83). of the film (8) and one (61) of the panes. 15 13. Wall comprising a frame made of a traditional building material such as cinder block, stone, brick, plaster, wood characterized in that it comprises an opening on the edges of which is fitted and fixed a frame, the receiving frame of articulated manner a wall element according to any one of the preceding claims, so as to constitute an opening for a door or a window. 14. Wall characterized in that it comprises at least two wall elements according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the wall elements being rigidly fixed to each other. 15. Wall characterized in that it comprises at least two wall elements according to any one of claims 1 to 12, at least one of the wall member being movable, in particular by pivoting or sliding, with respect to an element. fixed wall. 25