GB2396364A

GB2396364A - Coupling devices for internal partition wall panels

Info

Publication number: GB2396364A
Application number: GB0329396A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Missier Daniele Del
Original assignee: FARAM SpA
Current assignee: FARAM SpA
Priority date: 2002-12-20
Filing date: 2003-12-19
Publication date: 2004-06-23
Also published as: ITTV20020158A1; CN1523174A; GB0329396D0

Abstract

A panel (A) includes a stanchion (3) along each of two opposing side edges, the stanchion having a recess (30) therein which receives a connecting clip (4). The clip includes a channel shaped part (40), a seal seating (5, 41) and a zigzaged wing (420). In use the sides of two like panels each having a clip are brought together such that the zigzaged wings inter-engage. The panel may be connected to a multi-way connecting post by means of similar clips. The top and bottom of the panel may each be received in a two part adjustable levelling profile (9, 7, 14, 15 Figure 1), where the panel and the levelling profiles are connected by means of closure profiles (6, 12, Figure 1) which are complementary in shape to a recess in the edge of the panel and a recess in each of the levelling profiles.

Description

MONOBLOC WALL FOR THE PARTITION OF INTERNAL WALLS

DESCRIPTION

This invention refers to a wall structure, particularly in the partition of 5 internal walls, of the type with hooking clips for the quick assembly of assembled walls and the connection to the relative interconnection nodes TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention finds particular although not exclusive application in the furniture sector, as an element for the subdivision of multi-purpose surroundings, 10 intended mainly for offices, commercial sites and others.

PRIOR ART

Prefabricated walls for interior furnishing are known. Some of these for their structural peculiarity, as those equipped, find broad use in the civil field, for

example also in association with a certain type of furniture, as they can adapt to 15 adjustable positions for the horizontal support of shelves, containers and every other kind of accessory. Furthermore, always in accordance with their characteristics and particular versatility, prefabricated walls, like interior walls, are predominantly intended to divide the surroundings.

Modular walls with a predominantly vertical assembly, that then evolved into 20 those of the horizontal type make up the first type. The first, walls substantially resorted to the use of a series of flat panels, joined side-by-side by means of the interposition of suitable aluminium stanchion profiles, whose cross-section is somewhat"H"-shaped. Each panel, along both the edges, in this case the larger panels, provides the implementation of a vertical groove within which the 25 corresponding holding tooth, which is formed along the stanchion, is embedded. In

- this way, a logic continuity of the wall made by said panels is obtained, spaced by a series of vertical guides that distance each panel from the next. Alternatively, with a similar interposition system, the use of a classic stanchion with a "U"-shaped profile can be provided by arranging the system coplanar to the wall to allow the 5 anchorage of the latter by means of screws and therefore of the whole structure.

Then there is a second category known as intermediate walls, which can provide a series of walls, of different shapes, by connecting one to the other, as well as to the floor and ceiling, by means of the use of complex accessories and in general, requires too much installation time, not entirely facilitating the following 10 intervention operations such as the wiring installation and the simple removal of single panneling.

Conventionally, said walls solutions provide localised coupling systems by points, such as brackets or small plates, also if necessary allowing the orientability of a wall with respect to another, such as for example hinges, or even head 15 coupling systems of the rigid type and if necesary also with with joint or clamping solutions using traditional screw connection means. Noticeable drawbacks consist in the fact that if they are points, there is no continuity between the walls themselves, so light is produced, therefore giving an antiaesthetic result if the latter are of the continuous type and without the required flexibility in the coupling itself.

20 A solution, for example, has been proposed by the Italian patent for invention no.1 210 108. This uses head profiles along the joining edges, respectively constituting rabbeting means linked to the panel and moblie clamping means against the rabbet, forming two longitudinal grooves that can be extended and clamped, identical and opposite, with a transverse profile preferably shaped 25 that emerge longitudinally along or in the proximity of the respective corners. They

are thus able to embed longitudinally, slideably a corresponding coupling profile made of flexible material comprising corresponding opposite longitudinal embedded edges in said grooves in order that for clamping, said panels can be joined to coincident front edges by means of at least one or two of these profiles, 5 respectively along at least one or both the respective corners opposite the two panels to be connected.

Notably more functional wall systems than the previous systems, to which moreover the majority of the techniques in existence at present refer, require the arrangement of a support skeleton or framework and subsequently the rather lo laborious application interventions application on one side and the other of the facade panels. As an example, a primary and secondary framework can be provided; the first is made up of stanchions, the second of struts. To allow the arrangement of said framework it is necessary to fix to the ground and to the ceiling, a "U"shaped raceway profile, in which orthogonally by means of opportune 15 screws said stanchions are rabbet fixed and fixed frontally. The trimmers are fixed, also frontally, directly and rabbeted on said stanchions. The application of the facade onto the framework is carried out by hooking, hooks suitable for butting receivers preliminarily secured to the framework by similar means being provided on one side of the panel. The disadvantages consist in the holding inefficacy of the 20 panel and the absolute lack of solidity. Moreover, the hooking system seems to be unsafe since it could cause the facades to fall. Furthermore, it could prove to be a non-modular structure, without versatility. Not least, it does not allow a convenient channelization for the distribution of the electrical and water connections, that due to the articulated structure presents certain limitations.

/ A variant to the previous solution, consists in providing a carrier structure including stanchions with thrust terminals for anchorage, linked to the floor and ceiling structural. Also in this case, the stanchions allow the suspension of the facade panels, a guide being obtained longitudinally, within which a small plate is 5 slideable, thus with adjustable height. Notwithstanding, there are noticeable drawbacks very similar to those illustrated previously.

One of the improvements to the mentioned techniques, consists in providing a carrier structure for panneling particularly for the building of dividing partitions, made up of: 10 - a primary framework including panel hooking means that can be actuated simultaneously; - a secondary orthogonal framework, intersecting said first framework, the elements being connected to each other frontally vicing the said primary framework; - facade means, being made up of panels in which corresponding means for the 15 hooking of the first panels on the primary framework are obtained; - thrust terminals of the primary framework for holding profiles by means of the interposition of spacing means.

In the above-mentioned solutions, various common drawbacks are noticeable. Amongst these, firstly is it worth mentioning the fact that somewhat 20 complex manufacturing processes are required, both in terms of the construction of single walls and hardware as well as the other components necessary for installation. Moreover, the complexity of assembly, required by each system, above all in relation to the necessary reciprocal coincidence of hooking means and to the manipulation of the latter, does not allow a fast and flexible installation, nor simple 25 removal of single panels for carrying out maintenance or any type of intervention.

PRIOR ART TO THE INVENTION

Some of problems revealed have been solved by the proposal contained in the Italian Patent Application no. TV98A000014 (Faram). In this application, a wall structure is substantially described, particularly in the partition of internal walls of 5 the type with clips for quick assembly on the visible facades of the buffer panels, including a series of symmetric stanchions linked on their highest point to corresponding floor and ceiling anchorage profiles or socles to which a series of vertical panels are hooked. Said panels, along each vertical side facing said stanchions, in the proximity of the edge, being aimed at providing reciprocal 10 hooking means to the corresponding portion of the stanchion, consisting of clips, introduced in advance into corresponding seats obtained along the soffit, close to vertical end of said panels, and whose said clips, made of harmonic steel, obtaining on one side means for anchorage to the buffer panel and on the other emerging female means for accepting and thus reciprocally holding the male end with 15 wedged head and continuous portion of the coupling stanchion connected in this way. DRAWBACKS

The above-mentioned solutions are not free from problems.

More particularly, in the installation of the intermediate wall, there is the fact 20 that a simple joining is not possible, with stable joints between each other, if required by means of the interposition of a multiway node of the assembled monobloc walls.

Secondly, the structures of existing intermediate walls, present an even higher number of codes, that substantially complicate in a relevant way the 25 assemby of said structures. Besides, there is a natural complexity with the evident

) need for adequate spaces, in the warehouse management of the components themselves, all of the factors that, in conclusion, decisively impact on the costs of

the finished product.

Always due to the high number of components, it proves significant to the 5 applicant, both the excessive assembly time, forcing the use of a high number of specialized personnel as well as the fact that the intrinsic difficulties in assembly structure together with the constructive particularities of certain elements are noticed. The aim of this invention is that of constructing an optimized monobloc wall.

10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This and other aims are achieved with this invention according to the characteristics in the included claims by means of an assembled monobloc wall, particularly in the partition of internal walls, including: - A carrier and buffer structure; that provides in correspondence to the 15 joining heads, at least two profiles that are mounted, parallel and symmetric that co-operate with possible corresponding horizontal end profiles, ceiling and floor anchorage, among these mounted profiles, at least one buffer element is joined; - A first and second clip like a pin for snap hooking, each partially housed 20 along the corresponding vertical seat obtained in the carrier and buffer structure; said seats being obtained along the opposite joining heads of the carrier structure in correspondence to the side facing towards the exterior of the mounted profiles.

Furthermore, it is observed that each assembled monobloc wall, during 25 installation, for fixing the lower and upper side, by means of the lower profile, is

positioned to be introduced on the interior of a counter shaped seat obtained along the upper side of a levelling profile to the ground superimposed positioned astride with respect to the "U"-based profile, whilst said monobloc wall structure is fixed to the upper levelling profile by means of the fixing upper profile, being interposed 5 between the hooking profile case and said upper levelling profile.

AIMS In this way, through the considerable creative contribution whose effect constitutes immediate technical progress, the following aims are achieved.

A first aim, consists in rendering possible the union through contiguous 10 joloning of an assembled monobloc wall to an similar monobloc wall, without the aid of screw fastening means. A solid anchorage is achieved, giving a greater stability of form as a whole to the intermediate wall and an undoubted overall solidity. At the same time, the values relative to acoustic insulation, eliminating or insulating the direct contact points between the different components that previously facilitated 15 the propagation of sonic waves are optimized.

A second achieved aim, relates to the fact that the installation is further accelerated, also rendering more convenient and particularly effective the removal and viceversa of each of the monobloc walls, independently of the type of intervention on the interior of the partition complexes and also without being aided 20 by specific equipment and tools.

A further aim achieved relates to the fact that the entire structure is made lighter. In terms of costs, the aims benefit from reductions, due to the lower personnel requirement, to the reduced installation time and also work to the fact

that the amount of hardware and profiles required is substantially contained, thus rationalizing warehouse management.

In conclusion, it has been made possible to manufacture a product of good

quality, provided with good technological content.

5 These and others advantages will appear from the following specific description of certain preferred embodiments with the aid of the enclosed

schematic drawings whose implementation details are not to be considered limitative but only illustrative.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

10 Figure 1, represents a vertical cross-section view of a monobloc wall with metallic type covering of the buffer structure.

Figure 2, represents a vertical cross-section view of a monobloc wall with double-glazed buffer elements.

Figures 3 to 6 represent, according to the sections on a flat and horizontal 15 surface, the fixing lateral coupling device for joining two single monobloc walls with the relative coupling sequences.

Figure 7 is a view according to a section on a horizontal and reduced surface, of the two way node, for the coupling at 90 of two monobloc walls.

Figure 8 is a view according to a section on a horizontal and reduced 20 surface, of the three way node, for the coupling at 90 to 180 of three monobloc walls. Figures from 9 to 12, represent the sequences, relating to the assembly of the wall with the elements that forming the laker in the lower part on the respective floor support base.

- Finally, Figures 13 to 16, represent sequences, related to the assembly of the wall with the elements that form the latter in the upper part on the respective profile at ceiling level.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES

5 Observing the Figures, it is revealed that an intermediate wall structure, particularly for interior furnishing, is of the modular type allowing, according to the needs of the case, the association in logical continuity of monobloc walls A or the angular connection between these, by means of nodes B with multiway interconnections. A first wall A, is obtained from the sandwich assembly of at least 10 two flat vertical elements, that in this case, can be made up of a respective buffer panel 1, 1a applied on both visible sides of said monobloc wall A, of the metallic type 1, or in melamine, plasterboard or the like, including combinations of materials and transparent materials 1a such as glass, polycarbonate, amongst these, if necessary, a fire resistant insualting layer 2 is interposed.

15 The carrier structure or skeleton that allows vertical, separated anchorage, parallel to said opposite buffer panels 1, 1a is provided by at least two end stanchions 3, made up of closure profiles in metal, that integrate the joining heads, " edge to edge", of the monobloc panels A to each other or alternatively to the node with interconnections B. As a rule, it is observed that the centre distance between 20 said stanchions 3 with respect to the preferably uniform sizes, provided by the length required of the buffer panels 1, 1a. In terms of the ends of said stanchions 3 the upper and lower respectively are to be fixed to the floor and the ceiling, by means of the use of convenient profiles, anchorage staples or socles, in such a way as to guarantee the required stability of the structure.

To allow the association in logic continuity of at least two monobloc walls A or the angular connection between them, by means of nodes B with multiway interconnection, each of the two opposite stanchions 3 of each single monobloc wall A, forms, in correspondence to the side facing towards the exterior, a 5 continuous and vertical seat 30 that comprises at least one base 300, set back with respect to the end edge of the buffer panels 1, 1a. From said base 300 of the vertical seat 30 two opposite walls 301 converging, extend along the sides, which thus protract until arriving in the proximity of the end edge of the buffer panel 1, 1a.

In this way, on the interior of said vertical seat 30 and consequently positioned up 10 against the stanchion 3, a clip like a pin 4 for the snap hooking is to be housed, held in seat 30 by the particular shape of the two opposite walls 301.

In more detail each clip 4 is made up of a single metallic element, folded, for example made of harmonic steel, particularly shaped, in such a way as to provide a first counter shaped portion 40 which is adpated and held, being 15 elastically compressed along the oblique sides 401, on the interior of the seat 30 and at the back of the stanchion 3. Said first portion 40 that is substantially shaped with a form that resembles a "C" proceeds, from a single side of the latter, with development on the exterior of the seat 30. Said external development includes an almost orthogonal first section 402 followed by a second section folded on one side 20 of said first section and therefore by a third orthogonal section, followed at a short distance by an additional series of sections 403 folded for superimposition and perpendicular with respect to said third orthogonal section. In this way, by means of fold clearance and counter fold of the metallic clip 4, a vertical "U"-shaped seat 41, is to be obtained laterally, oriented orthogonally and adjacent with respect to one of 25 the two visible facades of the monobloc wall A, on the inside of which is housed a

l' ' l/ seal 5 to cover leakage and absorb lateral stress. The clip 4, always provides a cantilever wing 42 to follow the seat 41, which is almost parallel with respect to the underlying portion 40. Said cantilever wing 42 is not rectilinear but is for the first part slightly reseeding with respect to the "Up-shaped seat 41 with a subsequent zigzag 5 development 420, to therefore end with a side open towards the exterior 421 which constitutes an introduction surface.

Operatively, as disclosed in Figures 3 to 6, in carrying out the joining for the alignment of two monobloc walls A both provided along the respective heads with a clip 4, oriented in the opposite direction to each other, it reacts in such a way as to 10 arrange each cantilever wing and in an opposite position 42 inserted below the other. In this way, it is found that the respective introduction surfaces of the sides

open towards the exterior 421 are intercepted. Therefore, pushing wall A further towards the other wall, the respective cantilever wings 42, yielding in a forced condition, will be superimposed, locally in contact with the zigzag part 420. Said 15 zigzag part 420 of the wing 42, due to the fact that it provides the succession of inclined surfaces with the characteristic intermediate cusp is significant, since it participates in establishing the stable and alligned positioning of the monobloc walls A. In Figures 7 and 8, the coupling of the monobloc wall to the relative 20 multiway interconnection node B is represented, in this case Figure 7 provides the 90 union of two monobloc walls A, of which one has metallic buffers 1, while the other has glass buffers 1a. In the case of the first the stanchion 3, that attaches vertically to the clip 4, it is to be placed alongside the lateral ends of the base 300, along the two opposite cantilever wings 100 oriented towards the interior of the 25 monobloc wall A. Said cantilever wings 100, are substantially obtained and by

! folding the metal coating sheet, in correspondence to the edge of each of the two panels 1, in such a way as to obtain an "L"-shaped terminal. In terms of the interconnection node B. it is made up of a vertical column, for example in aluminium, quadrilateral, where in correspondence to each side 5 a seat is to be 5 obtained that is vertical, rectilinear and continuous 50. The section of the seat 50, provided along each of the four sides of the node B. presents a very similar shape to the seat 30 obtained from the stanchion 3, thus a base 500, positioned behind with respect to the end edge of the column B. From said base 500 of the vertical seat 50 two opposite converging walls 501 extend along the sides. In this way, on 10 the interior of at least one of said seats 50, a similar anchorage clip 4 is to be linked to the relative cantilever wing 42 thus allowing the joining and attaching of the head of a monobloc wall A. In terms of the lower part of the monobloc wall A, in the case of the solution with metallic panels 1, this provides a lower rolled closure profile 6, longitudinally 15 partially closed, which is to support, with the upper shaped border, against the wings 100 of the metallic facade, of the folded type to re-tum over the edge of the panelling, as previously described for the attachment of the side of monobloc wall A. In this way, the base side of the rolled closure lower profile 6, projecting with respect to the metallic panels 1 is to be introduced into the interior of a longitudinal 20 seat 70, obtained along the top side of the ground levelling profile 7. The main characteristic of the seat 70, is the fact that from being essentially counter shaped with respect to the base side of the closing profile, that in this particular case, longitudinally it has two opposite converging introduction surfaces 60. Viceversa,

the seat 70 of the ground levelling profile 7, longitudinally provides two diverging 25 introduction surfaces 701 originating at the two lateral ends of the base 700. To

- - facilitate the coupling between the two parts, along the seat 70 of the ground levelling profile 7 the interposition of an active part 8 having a shape that fits perfectly is provided, being in adherence, with the seat 70. In this case the ground levelling profile 7, that is an element separate from the monobloc wall A, is to be 5 superimposed over a "Up-shaped profile base 9 provided with joints 91 that push on the floor. In this way, the walls 71 of the ground levelling profile 7 are to be side by side, externally, with respect to walls 90 of the "U"-shaped profile base 9 that therefore proves to be internal with respect to said ground levelling profile 7.

Between said "U"- shaped profile base 9 and the ground levelling profile 7 10 conventional lift means 10 are finally arranged that are adjustable if necessary.

In the case of a monobloc wall A of the type with glass panels 1a, the lower side is engaged by the closing lower profile 11 which also holds and links the glass panels 1a.

In terms of the upper part of the monobloc wall A, it has a longitudinal 15 closure profile 12. A profile 13 for hooking the lateral case 14, of the snap type, right to left respectively is to be joined to said longitudinal closing profile, on the overlying part. Positioning the the monobloc wall A vertically, it is secured on the upper part to an upturned "U" profile 15 by an upper levelling profile 16 superimposed on the overturned "U" the profile 15 that reaches the ceiling. The coupling between the 20 upper levelling profile 16 and the longitudinal closure profile 12 is ensured by means of an intermediate profile 17 which is accepted in the seat 130 defined by the profile 13 for hooking the lateral case 14. Said intermediate profile 17 provides, longitudinally, at least one wing 170 inclined towards the exterior which is to make contact with an inclined surface 160 of the upper levelling profile 16, and therein 25 fixed using screw means.

Finally, the upturned "U" profile 15, contains the thrust pins 18 which, on one side reach along the base of said profile, joined to the ceiling, and on the other along the base of the upper levelling profile 16.

Claims

1. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, including: - a carrier and buffer structure that provides, in correspondence to opposite joining 5 heads of the monobloc wall and a similar monobloc wall, two end mounted profiles that are parallel and co-operate with possible corresponding upper and lower floor and ceiling linking profiles, among the mounted profiles and at least one joining buffer element and wherein is provided at least one first and second clip like a pin, each partially housed along a corresponding seat provided by the carrier and buffer 10 structure, said seats being along the opposite heads of the carrier and buffer structure in correspondence to the side facing towards the exterior of the mounted profiles.

2. Assembled monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to claim 1, wherein along each of the two joining heads a respective clip like a pin with snap 15 coupling is attached, projecting partially and oriented in the the opposite direction to the other.

3. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a lower part provides a lower closure profile supported to introduce on the interior a counter shaped seat along the upper side of a ground levelling profile 20 superimposed with respect to the "U"-shaped base profile.

4. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to any preceding claim, characterized in that an upper part has an upper levelling profile joined to the wall by means of an intermediate profile that provides, longitudinally, at least one fixing wing, said intermediate profile being interposed between a lateral case hooking 25 profile and said upper levelling profile.

l

5. Monobioc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to any preceding claim, wherein each clip is made up of a single metallic element shaped to provide a first portion counter shaped with respect to the seat along the heads of the carrier and buffer structure and a second portion folded over it and cantilevered with respect to 5 said first portion made up of a wing with an introduction surface.

6. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to claim 5, characterized in that between the first and second portions of the clip is a "Up-shaped seat containing a sealing element.

7. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to claim 5 or claim 6, 10 characterized in that the second portion of the clip comprising the cantilever wing forms a zigzag section, ending with one side open towards the exterior which constitutes the introduction surface.

8. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to any preceding claim, wherein the clip adapts and is held, being elastically compressed along respective 15 oblique sides, on the interior of the seat along the heads and behind the mounted profile of the carrier and buffer structure.

9. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the two mounted profiles opposite each single monobloc wall, forms, in correspondence to a side facing towards the exterior, a continuous seat 20 including at least one base, set back with respect to an end edge of the buffer panels, from which base extend, along the sides, two opposite converging walls which thus converge towards the end edge of the buffer panel.

10. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls, according to claim 3, or any of claims 4 to 9 as dependent from claim 3, wherein a longitudinal seat along the 25 upper side of the ground levelling profile is counter shaped with respect to the base

- side of the closure profile that has, longitudinally, two opposite converging introduction surfaces.

11. Intermediate wall with monobloc wall, for the partition of internal walls, according to any preceding claim, wherein is provided between the walls an 5 interconnecting multiway node made up of a column with, laterally, at least one seat that is upright, rectilinear and continous whose shape provides a base set back with respect to an end edge of the column, from which extend, along the sides, two opposite converging walls, and in which on the interior of at least one seat is engaged a relative counter shaped portion of a clip like a pin with a respective 10 cantilever wing whereby the head of a corresponding monobloc wall is joined thereto.

12. Monobloc wall for the partition of internal walls substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.