EP0438951B1 - Modular partition wall for the construction of premises - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular partition wall intended for constructing prefabricated premises. It is formed by assembling solid or glazed panels (2 and 3) which are edged by a retention framework which comprises mullions (4) and gussets (5). According to the invention, the modular partition wall may be constructed either according to the method for self-supporting single-piece panels or according to the technique of framework lined with added-facing (cladding) panels. In order to do this, the mullions (4) are formed from two symmetrical assembly profiles (7 and 8) which are assembled by means of an intermediate connection clip (9) which constitutes internal connection means. The invention is of interest to manufacturers of prefabricated partition walls. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a modular partition intended to build prefabricated premises. It will find its application in particular to realize, in an economical way, offices, workshops, public rooms or other.

Currently, the construction of prefabricated premises from modular partitions has been very widespread in many sectors of activity. The reasons for this breakthrough are multiple and we can notably cite an economic motivation and a great speed of implementation.

The economy is first linked to the product itself which can be mass-produced industrially. This allows to offer for sale a standard product with a certain choice of assembly such as glass partition, or partition with door, solid partition in different colors, door, window or other. Aluminum and PVC profiles are widely used as aluminum and PVC joinery, which considerably reduces subsequent machining work. Generally, only length updates are necessary.

The installer, on the instructions of his client, orders the material necessary to make the premises. Depending on the specific dimensions of these, the installer must take up the width of a few modular partitions, which can be achieved very quickly, then the installer proceeds to the step of installing the partitions on the site. Finally, the cables are laid out and this operation can also be carried out very quickly since all the passages are provided in the prefabricated partition.

Among the modular partitions, however, there are two types of construction depending on whether one uses self-supporting panels in one piece or, on the contrary, a framework for supporting the panels. In the case of freestanding panels, assembly on site is faster since most of the work has been done in the factory. Each panel is delivered already framed by a support frame and it is only necessary to design the connection between the panels. This function is generally fulfilled by joint covers which act as connecting clips.

Monobloc self-supporting panels are unfortunately not universal and for certain applications, they cannot be used. For example, they are designed for standard ceiling heights, which is not always the case. Given their great dimension, they cannot always be routed to the installation site due to the presence of a cramped staircase or a narrow passage. The monobloc panel is more or less bulky. In addition, the one-piece panel is more difficult to pass through cables.

This is why, on certain sites, the installers prefer to use the method of construction by framework which is then covered with panels. Obviously, this construction technique is slower to implement because it requires the installation and use of many parts, which constitutes a significant drawback. However, more flexible, for certain applications, it will be better adapted.

Since the conditions of use impose the choice of the type of partitions to put in place, any manufacturer of modular partitions is obliged to offer both types and this singularly complicates the manufacturing, stock management, cost price , etc ....

The construction technique of modular partitions with self-supporting panels or frameworks is so different for both that currently no intermediate solution has been proposed. In the case of self-supporting panels, the profiles placed at the periphery of the panel are permanently fixed to the panels at the factory. Consequently, the fixing means envisaged at this level do not fall under clipping but rather industrial fixing techniques such as screws and bolts. The peripheral profile must however include bearing and clipping surfaces to allow the fixing of juxtaposed panels.

On the other hand, for frame partitions, these are formed from profiles designed so that they can be fixed on the ceiling and the floor, in addition, the profiles must be able to be connected together to create uprights and sleepers. Then, these same profiles must be able to receive panels which will be fixed by the installation of joint covers.

It therefore appears that the technical specifications of the two types of profiles described above are completely different.

Document GB-A-2,078,816 discloses a modular partition formed by an assembly of panels, bordered by a support frame, made from removable uprights and joint covers. The uprights are formed by the association of two symmetrical profiles assembled by connecting means.

More precisely, the two profiles are arranged distant from each other, parallel and joined by an assembly key, which is placed between the profiles by the gap which remains between them, then, using 'a slight rotational movement is engaged to keep the two profiles parallel and spaced. To fill the space left between these profiles, two joint covers are provided joining the two profiles.

Such an assembly makes it possible to make the monobloc partition, but does not in any case make it possible to apply the technique known as "supporting framework".

Document FR-A-2,546,209 also discloses a modular partition formed from an assembly of panels blocked by uprights formed by the association of two symmetrical profiles assembled by external connection means.

Examination of this document shows that the connection is made by means of eight parts generating a very complicated assembly both in terms of structure and in terms of labor. In addition, we do not find in these documents, the ease of moving from one technique to another using common parts.

The main object of the present invention is to present a modular partition whose implementation can be envisaged according to the technique of the supporting framework or of the self-supporting panel. The resulting advantages are considerable for the manufacturer since he has only one range of equipment to manufacture to meet all the demands of the installers. The cost price can be greatly reduced, the stock reduced, and shorter delivery times.

On the technical level, no concession is made in terms of characteristics since, on the contrary, there is an increased general rigidity.

The modular partition of the present invention can be used in any type of configuration to meet all requirements. At the same time, certain developments have been carried out to increase its comfort, and in particular, when using double-glazed panels, the phenomena of double reflection inherent in two windows have been eliminated.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention, within the reach of ordinary skill in the art, will emerge during the description which follows, which is however given only for information.

• les profils sont prévus en appui l'un contre l'autre et présentent des moyens d'accrochage des dits moyens de liaison,
• les moyens de liaison se présentent sous la forme de clips de liaison intermédiaire, disposés entre les dits profils en appui, et aptes à coopérer avec les dits moyens d'accrochage pour réaliser une liaison interne,
• les profils présentent latéralement d'une part des moyens de fixation externe des couvre-joints pour les retenir sur les dits profils en appui, ainsi que d'autre part une surface d'appui pour les panneaux coopérant avec les couvre-joints.

According to the invention, the modular partition, intended to build prefabricated premises, formed by an assembly of solid or glazed panels, bordered by a support frame, the frame being formed from removable uprights and joint covers, said amounts being formed by the association of two symmetrical profiles, assembled by connecting means, is characterized by the fact that:

• the profiles are provided to bear against one another and have means for hooking said connecting means,
• the connection means are in the form of intermediate connection clips, disposed between said support profiles, and capable of cooperating with said attachment means to produce an internal connection,
• the profiles have laterally on the one hand external fixing means of the joint covers to retain them on the said bearing profiles, and on the other hand a bearing surface for the panels cooperating with the joint covers.

• la figure 1 illustre en vue de coupe transversale le raccordement de deux panneaux,
• la figure 2 schématise le clips intermédiaire,
• la figure 3 représente en vue de coupe le profilé d'assemblage,
• la figure 4 montre l'assemblage de deux panneaux vitrés à double vitrage.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description accompanied by attached drawings, among which:

• FIG. 1 illustrates in cross-section view the connection of two panels,
• FIG. 2 shows schematically the intermediate clips,
• FIG. 3 represents a section view of the assembly profile,
• Figure 4 shows the assembly of two double glazed glass panels.

The present invention relates to a modular partition intended to build prefabricated premises. She will find particularly its application for the realization of offices, rooms, etc ....

Currently, there are two types of modular partitions that identify according to the type of frame. First of all, there are self-supporting panels with integrated reinforcement, that is to say that the construction of the partition is only obtained by the installation of the panels. Modular frame partitions are also known, for which it is necessary to start by installing a frame based on uprights and profiled crosspieces, then the covering which is in the form of wall panels is then put in place.

Each of these achievements has its advantages but also its disadvantages.

The advantage with self-supporting panels is the simplicity of installation. In fact, for the manufacturer, standard constructions are made with, for example, a choice of colors. The installer buys in panels and need only assemble them to constitute the partition. Generally, a lengthening is necessary to adapt very precisely to the dimensions of the room to be manufactured and only one of the panels must be taken up. The self-supporting panels are bordered by profiled uprights and the joint covers act as clips to secure the joined panels.

On the other hand, the self-supporting panels have limits of use linked in particular to a standard ceiling height and to space requirements which require easy passage. For example, very small stairwells or too narrow doors can prevent the panels from being brought to the site.

In this case, you must necessarily use prefabricated modular partitions that have a separate frame. This frame is made up of assembled profiles which are then clad with the wall covering panels. This technique is less advantageous than the first because it takes longer to implement. A large number of parts are used, which increases installation costs. In addition, for the manufacturer, he cannot keep in stock all the profiles likely to be used for each type of configuration.
and therefore lead times are slightly longer.

The modular partition of the present invention proposes precisely to solve the problems encountered with both types of existing modular partitions. In particular, the modular partition of the present invention may be installed, either in the form of self-supporting panels, or in the form of separate frames, which offers the advantage of being able to satisfy all the types of configuration encountered with a single product. This allows to be more economical and more standard. All the difficulty of this realization is located at the connection of the wall panels, whether glazed or solid. To better understand the principle of the present invention, Figure 1 shows schematically in section a modular partition 1 at the connection between a solid wall panel 2 and a glass panel 3. Each panel 2 or 3 is bordered by a support frame 4.5 which notably includes uprights 4 and joint covers 5.

According to the invention, the uprights 4 are removable from the axis 6 of the joint covers 5.

This means that the uprights 4 are produced in several removable parts. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that it is not the joint cover 5 which ensures the fixing of the different parts constituting the upright 4.

This results in two possibilities of construction of the modular partition of the invention, either according to the self-supporting monobloc panel type with integrated frame, or separate frame with a single panel covering.

In practice, the uprights 4 are formed of two profiles 7 and 8 of symmetrical assemblies united by an intermediate clip 9.

According to the technique of the self-supporting monobloc panel, the manufacturer of partitions fixes himself in his workshop panel 2 to the assembly profile 8. Several techniques within the reach of the skilled person can be used for this purpose.

By way of example, in the case of FIG. 1, the panel 2 comprises an interior frame 10 which clips onto the assembly profile 8.

The installer positions the panel 2 for example with a neighboring glazed panel 3 so that the symmetrical assembly profiles 7 and 8 come to bear against one another. Then, it fits the intermediate clip 9 to link the two assembly profiles 7 and 8. The partition 1 is then in place, it suffices to add the joint covers 5 which only play an aesthetic role.

According to the other separate frame construction technique, the installer begins by installing the upright 4 formed by the association of the assembly profiles 7 and 8 already linked at the origin by the intermediate clips 9. All the frame of the modular partition 1 to be installed is thus installed beforehand with the profiles of type 7 and 8. Once this operation has been carried out, the installer comes to install the wall panel 2 which, this time, is composed of two covering surfaces 11 and 12. There is no longer a frame 10 in this case and the connecting pieces 8 cooperate with the joint covers 5 to block the coverings 11 and 12.

In the case of a glazed wall 3, a frame 13 is clipped, generally it is a PVC profile on the assembly profile 7 already laid. The glazing 14 is then positioned, which is immobilized by the installation of a second framing part 15 also clipped onto the assembly profile 7 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Flexible lips 16 integral with the profiles frame 13 and 15 pinch the glazing 14 and immobilize it.

Figure 2 shows schematically, in profile view, the intermediate link clip 9 whose profile has the shape of an X in the example chosen. It is a small part made of a synthetic material such as a polyamide. This part also preferably includes two transverse grooves 17 to allow the attachment of transverse profiles.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in section view, the sectional profile of the assembly profile 7. The general shape of this assembly profile 7 resembles an H, the crossbar 18 of which comprises hooking means 19 to the connecting clips intermediate 9. In the example chosen, it is a double hook whose ends diverge, which allows the intermediate clips 9 to wrap around the hook shape 19.

The connecting piece 7 comprises at the end of its branches 20 and 21 support zones 22 and 23 also provided with means of fixing for the joint covers 5. Here, it is a striated upper surface which will retain the joint covers 5 fitted on these surfaces.

At the other end of the branches 20 and 21, there are dishes projecting 24 and 25 on both sides of the branches 20 and 21. This makes it possible to offer a bearing surface for the frame 10 of the solid panel 2 and at the same time , this allows the linings 11 and 12 to be centered on either side of the plates 24 and 25. The fact of protruding on both sides of the branches 20 and 21 allows the attachment of parts such as, for example, the profiled PVC frames 13 and 15 which are provided with tongues provided with brackets which are fixed on either side of the plates 25 and 25.

Figure 4 shows schematically the application of the invention for the realization of a modular partition with panels 26 with double glazing 27 and 28. In this case, one can always consider, either the installation of the modular partition according to the technique of the panel freestanding monobloc or separate frame. In this case, an inner frame profile 29 is fixed to the assembly profile 8 as illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a frame profile 29 made of PVC and comprising tabs of hooking to the flats 24 and 25 of the assembly profile 8. The ends of the framing profile 29 form a clearance in which the glazing 27 and 28 are engaged. Tabs 30 and 31 are arranged between the glazing and the profile frame 29 to block said glazing. The thickness of the tongues can be adapted according to the thickness of the glazing. Then, the glazing 27 and 28 are blocked by the installation of the joint covers 5 which come to bear on the outside of the windows 27 and 28. The joint covers 5 apply the windows against the tabs 30 and 31.

Advantageously, the surface of the framing profile 29 will be striated to avoid the presence of the double reflection traditionally encountered with the presence of a double glazing discarded.

Other implementations of the present invention, within the reach of those skilled in the art, could also have been envisaged without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims (9)

1. Modular partition, designed for the construction of pre-fabricated premises, formed by an assembly of solid or glazed panels (2; 3) bordered by a supporting framework (4, 5), the framework being formed by dismountable uprights (4) and by butt plates (5), the said uprights (4) being formed by the combination of two symmetrical sections (7, 8), assembled by connecting means (9), characterized by the fact that:

   - the sections (7, 8) bear on one another and have means (19) for engaging the said connecting means (9);

   - the connecting means (9) take the form of intermediate connection clips, placed between the said sections (7, 8) bearing on one another, and suitable for cooperating with the said engagement means (19) to provide an internal connection;

   - laterally, the sections (7, 8) have, on one hand, means (22, 23) for externally fixing the butt plates (5) in order to retain them on the said sections (7, 8) bearing on one another and, on the other hand, a bearing surface (24, 25) for the panels (2; 3) cooperating with the butt plates (5).
2. Modular partition according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the panels (2) comprise a peripheral frame (10) fixed to the assembly section (8).
3. Modular partition according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises shaped framing pieces (13, 15; 29) clipped onto the sections (7, 8) bearing on one another to maintain the elements (14; 27, 28) constituting the panels (3; 26).
4. Modular partition according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the assembly sections (7, 8) cooperate with the butt plates (5) to lock the cladding panels (11, 12).
5. Modular partition according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the assembly section (7) is in the shape of an H, the cross bar (18) of which comprises the said means (19) for engagement with the intermediate connection clips (9).
6. Modular partition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the assembly section (7) comprises, at the end of the arms (20, 21), a bearing area (22, 23).
7. Modular partition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the assembly section (7) has, on the end of the arms (20, 21), flat portions (24, 25) projecting on either side of the said arms (20, 21).
8. Modular partition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the intermediate clip (9) comprises external double grooves (17) which enable it to provide a connection with transverse assembly sections.
9. Modular partition according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the assembly section (8) accomodates a framing section for double glazing (27, 28) having a striated non-reflecting surface.

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