WO1995027834A1

WO1995027834A1 - Method and device for assembling sections, and collapsible structure using same

Info

Publication number: WO1995027834A1
Application number: PCT/FR1995/000436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raymond Mamane
Original assignee: Raymond Mamane
Priority date: 1994-04-06
Filing date: 1995-04-05
Publication date: 1995-10-19
Also published as: AU2310495A; FR2718510A1; FR2718510B3

Abstract

A device for assembling a first section (1) and a second section (2) with one end abutting one surface of said first section (1) which has two inwardly extending longitudinal flanges (3), by means of a connecting part (5) having two flexible arms (7) and being fitted into one end of the second section (2) of which at least one wall (2a, 2b) is provided with an aperture (10) for a locking cam (6). The flexible arms (7) of the connecting part (5) can be resiliently bent and the arm ends include a projection (8) extending outwardly therefrom. The size ratio between the gripping end (7-8) of the connecting part (5) and the spacing between the flanges (3) is such that the flexible arms (7) are urged towards one another by said flanges (3) before springing apart resiliently when said connecting part (5), inserted between the flanges (3) in a position parallel or slightly oblique thereto, is positioned perpendicularly to said first section (1) by rotating the second section (2) provided with said connecting part (5).

Description

Method and device for assembling profiles, and structure which can be dismantled by application.

The present invention relates to a method and a device for assembling profiles oriented in two intersecting directions, in particular for producing the framework of removable partitions. Consequently, it also relates to dismountable structures comprising application of this device and of this method, such as frames or frameworks of demountable partitions. There is known (FR-A-2,160,785) a device for assembling two profiles, the end of at least one of which is tubular and abuts against one face of the other, the latter comprising, on said face , grooves whose entry is narrower than the bottom. The end of the tubular profile in contact with the other profile enclosing a slide in the shape of an "A" and provided with claws arranged opposite, this slide being capable of moving slightly, Longi tudi na Lement, under the effect of an eccentric, so that its claws penetrate into the grooves and grip the internal edge of the grooves on the face of the other profile and exert traction on it, in order to tighten the end of the first profile on the face of the second, a notch being provided on the end of the first profile to be able to act on the branches of the couissor by means of pliers, in order to allow the assembly or disassembly of the assembly.

This device has at least four drawbacks:

- It requires a special cutting of the end of the profile called to be pressed against the face of the other; ~ it requires the use of a special tool for

The spacing or bringing together the branches of the assembly slide;

- It does not make it possible to securely fix a cross member on an upright constituted by an open profile, without causing a deformation of the latter;

- finally, and above all, it does not solve the problem that installers encounter when it turns out it is necessary to fix horizontal profiles, the ends of which must be abutted against uprights pressed against fixed walls or partitions, or against uprights stiffened by other crosspieces already in place, and which, as a result, cannot be moved or undergo a slight deflection outward allowing the engagement, between said uprights, of said horizontal sections provided with their assembly slides partially emerging from said ends. To remedy this last drawback, it has been proposed

(EP-A-0.359.638) an intermediate connecting piece produced in the form of an open profile having a section approximately in "C" shape with sharp angles and comprising two lateral branches arranged opposite, connected to a end by a bottom wall provided with an oblong and prolonged opening, at the opposite end, by two re-entrant wings separated by a transverse central slot, this part being further provided with lateral notches which open onto one or the other of its two opposite sections and which are formed both in at least one of said wings and, opposite, in the bottom wall. In addition, the two opposite edges of this intermediate connecting piece are bevelled in two parallel directions. The aforementioned part allows the assembly of a first section and a second section oriented one relative to the other in two intersecting directions, this piece coming to engage in each of the sections, the end of the first, in which can slide said piece, abut against a face of the second which has an opening delimited by two lateral flanges extending towards each other and which engage in the notches of said piece. Which under the effect of an eccentric pin acting on the latter through orifices formed at least in said first profile, is liable to deform Lastly substantially in the direction of the first profile to pull the latter by tightening its end against the aforementioned side of the second. Thanks to the aforementioned provisions, it is possible to set up a horizontal profile between two rigid uprights which cannot be moved or bent towards the outside, by orienting the horizontal profile so that its width is parallel to the uprights and engaging , in this position, the ends of said horizontal profile provided with intermediate connecting parts, in the longitudinal groove of said uprights, after which the horizontal profile is tilted around its longitudinal axis, over 90 degrees, so that the edges delimiting L ' entry of the throat of the uprights are introduced into the notches of said intermediate connecting parts.

However, this device also has serious drawbacks, which are highlighted below. The intermediate connecting parts can be fully retracted, during assembly manipulations, inside the profile in which they are housed with a sliding ability, which complicates assembly. If, in theory, the intermediate connecting pieces can be easily cut by cutting a long section, in practice, the bias cut is not easy to obtain, with precision. We must, in fact, ensure that the two connecting pieces placed at the ends of the same profile, have their bevelled edges arranged by L le Lement, failing which The mounting of the profile on two profiles which are perpendicular to it would not be Not possible.

It is difficult to maintain the intermediate connecting pieces in the desirable position so that the re-entrant edges of the profile can engage, if not automatically, at least easily, in the notches of said intermediate pieces, which complicates the mounting operations. In view of the fact that the connecting pieces bear against the bottom of two opposite grooves of the uprights, by means of two diagonally opposite points of one of their branches in the form of a parallelogram, they can easily tilt in one direction. , When assembly manipulations, so that this conformation does not guarantee an assembly of the profiles in strictly perpendicular planes, Which therefore depends on the skill of the performers. The level adjustment of the two ends of the crosspiece. When it is put in place between two uprights, it remains difficult to achieve, due to the fact that there is no immobilizing effect in position of said cross member, before it is permanently locked in the intended location, by means of the eccentric.

The object of the invention is in particular to remedy the abovementioned drawbacks of assembly devices of the aforementioned types.

According to the invention, a first profile comprising, at least on one of its faces, two re-entrant and spaced longitudinal wings, and a second profile intended to be abut, by one of its ends, against said face of said first profile. , are assembled by means of an assembly device comprising a connecting piece comprising two flexible branches and being engaged, with an aptitude for longitudinal movement, in said end of the second profile, at least one of the walls defining The Housing of the said connecting part is provided with an orifice for the passage of a clamping cam making it possible to move the latter, the attachment ends of the flexible branches of the said connecting part delimiting, by their external surfaces, a width and a thickness inscribed in a rectangle, said device and method being notably remarkable by the fact that the flexible branches of the piece of

Connection have an elastic deformation capacity and terminate, each, by a beak oriented towards the outside, and by the fact that the diagonals of said rectangle have a dimension slightly greater than the spacing of the surfaces placed in opposite the two inward wings. The dimensional relationship between these diagonals and this spacing being such that it allows, successively, The bringing together of said flexible branches under the action of the wings reentrant longitudinal, and then their distance, under the effect of their elasticity, when said connecting piece, after having been engaged between said wings in a position parallel or slightly oblique with respect thereto, is then brought into a perpendicular position said first profile by rotation of the second profile provided with said connecting piece.

The method and the device according to the invention provide several interesting advantages. They allow assemblies of profiles of various sections, quickly and easily, the stable and rigorous positioning of a crosspiece between two uprights obtained by simple pivoting of said crosspiece by 90 degrees or approximately, requiring very little effort .

In addition, the crosspiece can be put in place without requiring a displacement or a deflection of the uprights towards the outside, which can therefore be in abutment against a wall or a partition, or already stiffened by one or more crosspieces (upper or lower ) previously implemented.

The connecting piece can be obtained easily and economically, by cutting and cross-cutting a profile. This part is always accessible at the end of the profile, because it cannot be fully retracted inside of it.

The connecting pieces remain engaged in the ends of the cross member in a functional position, before and during the attachment of said cross member to the uprights or posts of the structure.

Absolutely identical connection pieces can be positioned at the two ends of the same crosspiece without a particular position being imposed on each of them, before and during the attachment of said crosspiece to the uprights of the frame.

The above goals, features and advantages, and others, will become more apparent from the description which follows and attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the assembly device according to the invention. Figure 2 is a plan view in partial section, illustrating an amount, a connecting piece and one of the end portions of a cross member, shown before assembly and without the locking cam.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the connecting piece of this assembly device.

Figure 4 is a detail view and on a larger scale of Figure 3, showing a possible conformation of one of the branches of the connecting piece.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the clamping cam of the connecting piece.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the profiles in the assembled position, before locking Lage.

FIG. 8 is a detail view on a larger scale of FIG. 7.

Figure 9 is a sectional view along line 9-9 of Figure 7. Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 7, showing the profiles in the assembled position after locking L lage.

FIG. 11 is a detail view on a larger scale of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

Figure 13 is a plan view with partial section of another example of conformation of the connecting piece and a wedging plate which can advantageously equip the attachment end of said connecting piece.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

Figure 15 is a front view of the wafer aforementioned jamming.

Figure 16 is a side view of this wafer.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are front views illustrating the dimensional relationship between the diagonals of the rectangles delimited by the external surfaces of the attachment ends of the elastic branches of the connecting piece, and the spacing of the opposite surfaces of the two returning wings, of the first profile.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a very simplified configuration of an upright of the type shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

Figures 20 to 22 are schematic views illustrating the different phases of the engagement of the connecting piece between the ai of a profile oriented perpendicularly.

Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the profile assembly device according to the invention.

Figure 24 is a front view in vertical section showing the assembled profiles.

Reference is made to said drawings to describe interesting examples of implementation of the method and embodiment of the profile assembly device according to the invention.

Generally, orthogona Lement vertical profiles are assembled which, for this reason, will most often be called "uprights" in the following description, and horizontal profiles which will be called "sleepers" to distinguish them from the others. However, the invention can also be applied to the assembly of profiles in two intersecting directions, which can form angles greater than or less than 90 degrees. Usually, for the implementation of the type of assembly to which the invention relates, the ends of the crosspieces are abutting against the faces placed opposite two spaced uprights, but one can just as easily abut the ends of the uprights against the faces arranged opposite two superimposed crosspieces.

According to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12, the amount - 8 -

1 and the cross member 2 are constituted by two sections having identical sections, but it will be understood, in the light of the description which follows, that the sections could have different sections. Similarly, the profiles 1 and 2 shown in the above figures are tubular profiles, but as shown in Figure 19, these profiles could also be constituted by open profiles (not tubular) C-shaped, without hampering the capacity of the device assembly to be able to be compressed and blocked between the re-entrant wings of the uprights.

According to the invention, the profiles 1 against one of the faces of which must be abutted One of the ends of the profiles 2, have, on said face, reentrant and spaced longitudinal wings 3, that is to say wings the front parts of which are oriented towards one another.

Advantageously, the internal face 3a of the wings 3 is inclined along a downward slope in the direction of the angle formed by the front part of said wings with their portion 3c of attachment to the body proper of the profile 1, as shown more particularly by the figure 8.

In this way, the wings 3 form kinds of retaining hooks.

On the other hand, the profiles 2, the ends of which must be butted against the face of the profiles 1 provided with re-entrant wings 3, include a housing 4 closed (embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 12) or open (FIG. 19), in which can be engaged, with a Longitudinal sliding ability of limited amplitude, a connecting piece 5 maneuverable by means of a clamping cam 6.

According to the invention, the connecting piece advantageously has a general shape reminiscent of that of the Greek letter " ^π " and comprises two symmetrical flexible branches 7 whose free end ends in a spout 8 directed outwards. These arms have an elastic bending capacity. In addition, they are curved, preferably inward, which gives them a possibility of limited elastic elongation. thickness E of the connecting piece is significantly less than the interval D which separates the free edge 3b of the wings 3 of the sections 1, as shown more precisely in FIG. 20. The ratio of dimensions between the thickness E and the interval D can advantageously be of the order of 1 / 2.75.

The end of the spouts 8 has a bevelled surface 8b extending from the free edge 8c of said spouts, in the direction of the internal face 8d of the latter.

Preferably, the end of the spouts 8 has two oblique faces 8a, 8b converging towards the free edge of said end and connecting to a flat surface 8c. The internal face 8d of the spouts 8 is advantageously inclined along a downward slope in the direction of the angle formed by said spouts with the branches 7, as shown more particularly in FIG. 4, so as to constitute a sort of hook cooperating with the face oblique 3a of the wings 3 of the uprights, the faces 8d and 3a having substantially parallel orientations. However, this is a simple example of a complementary conformation of the surfaces 3a and 8d of the reentrant wings 3 and of the spouts 8, respectively, these surfaces possibly having, according to the invention, any other conformation making it possible to obtain an effect additional attachment.

On the other hand. The branches 7 extend from a bottom plate 9 which can advantageously be shaped and dimensioned so as to be able to slide, without appreciable play, in the housings or slides 4 of the profiles 2, said bottom plate serving as a guide member. when moving the connecting piece 5 in said housing.

It is observed that the free ends of the branches 7 comprise, near the spouts 8, a straight portion 7b oriented longi tudi naely, that is to say by L the Lement to the axis of symmetry of the part 5. When The connecting piece 5 is inoperative, the distance L which separates the external surfaces 7a from these straight portions 7b, is very slightly greater (for example: of the order of 1 mm ⁾ than the distance D which separates the Free edges 3b from the reentrant ai 3 (Figure 17). Alternatively or jointly, the distance L 'which separates the free edges 8c from the spouts 8 is very slightly greater (for example: of the order of 1 mm) than the distance D' which separates the internal surfaces 3d from the connecting portions 3c wings 3 to the body proper of the profile 1 (Figure 18).

The distance which separates the free edge of the spouts 8 is much greater than the distance D "which separates the walls 2c, 2d of the housing or slide 4, between which the connecting piece 5 can be engaged, so that the latter cannot be fully inserted and disappear inside the prof les, the nozzles 8 of said connecting piece always emerging from the end of said profiles. On the other hand, the distance L which separates the external surfaces 7a from the straight portions 7b, when the connecting piece 5 is unused, is slightly greater (for example: + 1 mm) at the distance D "separating the opposite internal surfaces from the side walls 2c, 2d delimiting the housing 4 (FIG. 2). In this way, when the connecting piece 5 is pressed into said housing 4, the external surfaces 7a are pressed against the internal surfaces of the walls 2c, 2d, by the elasticity effect of the branches 7 of said connecting piece, which can thus remain in the position where it is placed, during frame mounting maneuvers.

According to an important characteristic arrangement of the invention, the free attachment ends of the flexible branches 7 of the connecting piece 5 delimit, by their external surfaces, a width L or L ′ and a thickness E inscribed in a rectangle R or R 'and the diagonals d or d' of this rectangle R or R 'have a dimension Slightly greater than the spacing D or D' provided between the surfaces 3b or 3d placed opposite the two returning wings 3 of the profi le 1. The dimensional relationship between the diagonals d or d 'of this rectangle R or R' and this spacing D or D 'is such that it successively authorizes the bringing together of said flexible branches 7 under the action of said reentrants ai and then their spacing under the effect of their elasticity, When said connecting piece 5, after having been engaged between said re-entrant wings in a position parallel or slightly oblique with respect thereto, is then brought into a position perpendicular to the first profile 1 by rotation of the second profile 2 provided with the connecting piece, over 90 degrees or approximately.

As an indication only, The difference:

- between the diagonals d of the rectangle R delimited by the external surfaces 7a of the extreme straight portions 7b of the branches 7 of the connecting piece and the spacing D of the edges 3b of the branches 3 of the profile 1, or

- Between the diagonals of the rectangle R 'delimited by the external surfaces 8c of the spouts 8 of said branches and the spacing D' of the surfaces 3d of said branches 3, can be of the order of 1 to 3 mm.

The surfaces of the branches 7 of the connecting part which come into contact with the surfaces of the re-entrant wings 3, during the rotational movement of said part, preferably have a rounded conformation, facilitating this movement.

According to Figures 13, 14 and 17, these rounded surfaces, as regards the branches 7, are constituted by the outer edges 7c thereof, intended to cooperate with the edges 3b of the reentrant wings 3. They could also be constituted by the angles 8e of the spouts 8 in the embodiments according to which these spouts would be called upon to cooperate with the 3d faces of the re-entrant wings 3 (FIG. 18). The connecting piece 5 thus produced can be obtained economically by cutting off a very long metal profile such as an extruded aluminum profile.

At least one of the walls of the profiles 2 which delimit the housing or slide 4, is provided with a circular orifice 10. However, when possible, aligned orifices 10 or 10 ′ are preferably formed in two walls parallels 2a, 2b (embodiment of the figures 1 to 12) or 2c, 2d (embodiment of Figures 23 and 24) delimiting the Housing 4 of the profiles 2.

The clamping cam 6 can be constituted by a pin having an ovalized section and shaped to be able to be driven in rotation by means of an appropriate tool. This clamping cam comprises, for example, a central orifice or passage 6a of hexagonal section, allowing it to be driven in rotation by means of a hexagon key. On the other hand, the clamping cam 6 has laterally, two opposite flat surfaces connecting to two arcuate surfaces and, in one of the latter is formed a Longitudinal flat 6b of reduced width.

The arcuate surfaces of the clamping cam have a radius of curvature which is approximately equal to the radius of the orifices 10, said cam having to be introduced without appreciable friction into said orifices.

The clamping cam 6 can also be obtained, economically, by cutting a long metal rod, for example made of aluminum or steel.

Figures 20 to 22 explain the engagement of one of the ends of a cross-member (of which only the connecting piece 5 fitted to said end, for a simplification of the drawing) in the parallel grooves delimited by the wings 3 d 'an upright 1 consisting of a simplified profile. If it is considered that a crosspiece is generally fixed on two spaced uprights, it is understood that the fixing of the two ends of the crosspiece takes place simultaneously and in the same way, on Lesd ts amounts.

The cross-member is first of all arranged so that its width is oriented parallel or slightly oblique with respect to the uprights 1 (FIG. 20), which makes it possible to easily introduce the emerging end 7-8 of the connecting piece 5 between the wings 3 of said uprights.

The cross member fitted with its connecting parts is then tilted 90 degrees around its longitudinal axis. In a first step (FIG. 21), the external surfaces 7a of the straight portions 7b of the branches 7 and / or the free edge 8c of the spouts 8 come into contact, via one of their edges 7c or 8e oriented according to the direction of rotation, against the free edge 3b of the wings 3 and / or against the internal face 3d of the connecting portions 3c constituting the bottom of the grooves delimited by said wings.

In a second step (not illustrated) the branches 7 of the connecting pieces 5 are bent in the direction of one another, as a result of the aforementioned contact and the rotational movement.

Finally, in a third step (FIG. 22), the branches 7 of the connecting pieces move apart by elasticity effect, so that the straight surfaces 7a of said branches and / or the straight free edges 8c of the spouts 8 come to bear against the free edge of the wings 3 and / or against the bottom 3d of the grooves delimited by the latter, at the end of the rotational movement, said contact surfaces 7a and free edges 8c then being arranged parallel to the uprights 1.

In this position (Figure 7), each end of the cross member 2 is abutted against a face of an upright 1 and, as indicated above, the nozzles 8 of the connecting piece 5 fitted to this end, are engaged in the grooves delimited by the reentrants ai of said amount (Figures 7 and 9). The bottom plate 9 of the connecting piece 5 is partially interposed between the orifices 10, while allowing the passage of the clamping cam 6 in its inactive position.

It is emphasized that the orthogonal positioning of the uprights 1 and of the crosspieces 2 is always possible and easy, including when the connecting pieces 5 are pressed "fully" into their housing 4, because of the particular profi le of the spouts 8 of said connecting piece which, in the aforementioned situation, will cause a slight withdrawal movement of the latter then allowing their sliding behind the wings 3, during the rotation described above. On the other hand, when the cross member 2 provided with its connecting parts 5 has been engaged, by means of these, between the re-entrant wings 3 of the two uprights 1 to be connected, then tilted over 90 degrees, it can be Released because it remains in position, before it is blocked, under the effect of the elasticity of the arms 7 which tend to move away from one another and are pressed against said wings. This characteristic arrangement greatly facilitates the positioning and precise positioning of the crosspieces. After this positioning, the rotation of the clamping cam over 90 degrees (FIGS. 10 and 12) results in a pushing action on the bottom plate 9 of the connecting piece 5 which is thus pushed back towards the central portion of the crosspiece. This movement leads to an energetic tightening of the internal surface 8d of the spouts 8 against the internal surface 3a of the wings 3 of the uprights 1, while the end of the cross member comes to press strongly on the external surface of the wings 3 of the uprights. At the end of rotation, the clamping cam 6 is in contact against the bottom plate 9, by means of its flat 6b, which makes it possible to obtain a stable positioning of said cam by opposing its untimely rotation. under the effect of the vibrations to which the assembly may be subjected later. In this way, a solid attachment of the crosspieces 2 is obtained on the uprights 1.

It is understood that the dismantling of the structures applying the assembly device which has just been described, takes place just as easily and simply by rotating the clamping cams 6 over a quarter turn to place them in their inactive position, and by tilting the crosspieces 2 to 90 degrees to release them from the uprights 1.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show another embodiment of the assembly device according to the invention.

In these figures, the parts and their parts which fulfill a function identical to those of the embodiment described above, are designated by the same references digital.

This embodiment differs from the previous one, mainly by the fact that the bearing surfaces on which the action of the clamping cam 6 is exerted, are formed in the branches 7 of the connecting piece 5.

According to this alternative embodiment, the branches 7 preferably have, near the bottom plate 9, aligned holes 11, the rear edge of which forms a bearing surface for the clamping cam 6. In this case, the aligned holes 10 'allowing the passage of the cam 6 are formed in the front 2c and rear 2d walls of the profiles 2 intended to be abut, via their ends, against one of the faces of the profiles 1 arranged perpendicularly. When the connecting piece 5 is engaged in the end of the profile 2, a portion of the rear edge of the holes 11 is partially interposed between the holes 10 *, while allowing the passage of the clamping cam 6, in its position inactive. The rotation of the clamping cam over a quarter turn causes the latter to push on the rear edge of the orifices 11, so that the connecting piece 5 is pushed back towards the central portion of the crosspiece. This displacement causes an energetic tightening of the internal surface 8d of the spouts 8 against the internal surface 3a of the wings 3 of the uprights 1, as indicated above.

This arrangement makes it possible to have front access (joint cover side) to the device for assembling the elements of the frame and not an access from the vacuum formed between the filling panels of said frame, as is the case with the execution mode described in the first place. This front access can be interesting, because it allows any adjustments or adjustments that may prove necessary, by removing only the covers, but without dismantling the panel or the filling glass, nor the glazing beads.

In order to improve the blocking or clamping effect of the ends of the crosspieces on the uprights, the device assembly according to the invention may also include a wedge plate 12 made of hard steel and intended to be interposed between the external surfaces of the re-entrant wings 3 of the profiles 1 and the end surfaces of the profile 2. This wedge plate ( Figures 15 and 16) has a rectangular shape and it is provided with a central opening 12a allowing it to be arranged around the extreme portion 7b of the branches 7 of the connecting piece 5. In addition, it is provided, near its ends, of claws 12b, for example obtained by cutting and folding, these claws being oriented in the direction of the returning wings 3 of the profiles 1 for the implementation of the assembly device.

Claims

1. - Device for assembling a first profile ⁽ 1 ⁾ comprising, at least on one of its faces, two re-entrant and spaced Longitudinal wings (3 ⁾ , and a second profile (2) intended to be abutted , by one of its ends, against said face of said first profile (1), by means of a connecting piece (5) comprising two flexible branches (7) and being engaged, with an aptitude for longitudinal movement, in said end of the second profile (2) of which at least one of the walls ⁽ 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d) delimiting the housing (4) for said connecting piece (5), is provided with an orifice (10, 10 ') for the passage of a clamping cam (6) making it possible to move the latter, the hooking ends (7b-8) of the flexible branches ⁽ 7 ⁾ of said connecting piece (5) delimiting, by their external surfaces (7a, 8c), a Width (L, L ') and a thickness (E) inscribed in a rectangle (R, R'), characterized in that the branches flexibl es (7) of this connecting piece (5 ⁾ are endowed with an elastic deformation capacity and end, each, by a beak ⁽ 8 ⁾ oriented towards the outside, and in that the diagonals

⁽ d, d ') of said rectangle (R, R') have a dimension slightly greater than the spacing (D, D ') of the surfaces (3b, 3d) placed opposite, of the two reentrant wings (3) of the first profile (1), the dimensional ratio between these diagonals (d, d ') and this spacing (D, D' ⁾ being such that it allows successively the bringing together of said flexible branches (7) under the action of the reentrant longitudinal wings and then their spacing under the effect of their elasticity, when said connecting piece (5), after being engaged between said wings in a position parallel or Slightly oblique with respect thereto, is then brought into a position perpendicular to said first profile (1), by rotation of the second profile ⁽ 2 ⁾ provided with said connecting piece.

2. - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting piece (5) has a shape reminiscent of that of the Greek letter " ^π ", and in that its symmetrical branches (7) have a curved shape, preferably towards the interior.

3. - Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting piece (5) comprises a bottom plate (9) whose conformation and dimensions are substantially identical to those of the housing section or slide (4) of the end of the profile (2) in which it is intended to be engaged, so as to be able to slide without significant play in said housing.

4. - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the end of the spouts 8 has a bevelled surface (8b) extending from the free edge (8c) of said spouts, in the direction of the internal face (8d) of these.

5. - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the internal face (3a) of the wings (3) of the first sections (1) and the internal face (8d) of the spouts (8) of the connecting piece (5) have complementary conformations (3a, 8d) forming retaining hooks.

6. - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the branches (7) of the connecting piece (5) have, near their beak (8), a straight portion (7b).

7. - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the distance (L) which separates the external surfaces (7a) of the straight portions (7b) of the branches (7) of the connecting piece (5), when the latter is not used, is greater than The distance (D) which separates the Free edges (3b) of the reentrant wings (3) of the first profiles (1).

8. - Device according to any one of claims

1 to 7, characterized in that the distance (L ') which separates the external surfaces (8c) of the spouts (8) of the connecting piece (5), when the latter is not used, is greater than the distance (D ') which separates the surfaces, arranged opposite (3d), from the reentrants (3) of the first profiles (1).

9. - Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The distance (L) which separates the external surfaces (7a) of the straight portions (7b) of the branches (7) of the connecting piece (5 ) When this is not used, is slightly greater than the distance (D ") separating the internal faces, arranged opposite, from the side walls (2c, 2d) delimiting the housing (4) of said connecting piece. (5) provided in the second profiles (2).

10. - Device according to one queLconque of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the surfaces (7c, 8e) of the branches (7) of the connecting piece (5) which come into contact with the surfaces (3b, 3d ) re-entrant wings (3) of the first profiles (1), during the rotational movement of said part, have a rounded conformation.

11. - Device according to one queLconque of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a wedging plate (12) having a central opening (12a) allowing its positioning around the extreme portion (7b) of the branches (7) of the connecting piece (5) and of the claws (12b) provided near its ends, at the locations intended to be in contact with the outer surface of the re-entrant wings (3) of the first profiles (1).

12. - Method of orthogonal assembly of first profiles (1) comprising, at least on one of their faces, two ai the reentrant and spaced longitudinal (3) and second sections (2) abut, by their ends, against said face of the first, by means of connecting pieces ⁽ 5 ⁾ engaged, with a longitudinal sliding ability, in said ends, characterized in that one engages in each end second profiles ⁽ 2 ⁾ intended to be abutted against the faces of the first profiles ⁽ 1 ⁾ , a connecting piece (5) comprising, two flexible and elastic branches (7) each terminating in a spout (8 ⁾ oriented towards The exterior, and in that the emerging ends (8) of the connecting pieces (5 ⁾ are first engaged between the re-entrant wings ⁽ 3 ⁾ of the first profiles (1) arranged perpendicularly, in a parallel or slightly oblique position by with respect to said wings, then said second profiles (2) are rocked around their longitudinal axis, so that they automatically catch on said first profiles (1) under the effect of their flexibility per first putting their approximation, and their elasticity then allowing their automatic spacing in the direction of said reentrant wings.

13. - Load-bearing structures such as frames or frameworks of demountable partitions, characterized in that they are produced using profiles assembled by means of the assembly device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or by implementation of the process according to claim 12.