EP0821113A1 - Vertical partition system with fastener clips - Google Patents

Abstract

A partitioning system consists of separate panels (A,B) which can slide between lower and upper horizontal rails (4,5) and be fitted and removed individually. Each panel is made from two identical walls (1) with top and bottom ribs (8,8') to engage with the rails, and vertical end ribs (7,7') for fixing connecting strips (2) which join each pair of walls together. The connecting strips (2) have projecting ribs (17) which are joined by fasteners (3) when two adjacent panels are fitted together. Each fastener comprises two components which can be rotated relative to one another one which fits over the edges of the two connecting strips, and the other which locks it in place, e.g. with the aid of cams.

Description

The invention relates to a vertical partitioning system of the type with panels mounted between two horizontal rails, and allowing individual disassembly of the panels without action on adjacent panels. The invention is also designed for cooperate with a cabinet kit combining with elements of partition to form a wall-type furniture.

Generally, partitioning systems require the existence of parts located between the panels, making the fixing different panels between them, and easily detachable. We knows for example panels formed of two facings identical mounted symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the partition, and connected by means of their vertical edge profiles, which have bearing surfaces intended to come into contact with homologous surfaces of the edge profile of the adjacent panel. The fixing adjacent panels is done at said surfaces support, which include appropriate fixing means.

In known systems, the major drawback lies in the complexity of the edge profile, which also induces a gap between panels requiring the installation of an additional room, especially to preserve the aesthetic unity of surfaces exterior of the wall.

This is why, we wanted to reduce the spacing between panels, also for the purpose of using this partitioning system for non- previously known, for example as a furnishing aid, manner which will be explained in more detail below.

To this end, the new system is characterized in that each facing has, at its two vertical lateral ends, shape edges perpendicular to said facing, constituting with the profile of the facing symmetrical a groove in which is fixed a profile of edge whose ends protruding from said groove are provided with flat edges perpendicular to the facing, forming the bearing surfaces to which are applied fixing means to the homologous bearing surfaces of the profile adjacent song.

Said profiles protrude slightly from the groove, by about 3 millimeters, hence a spacing between facings of approximately 6 mm. Considering from this short distance, it is necessary that the fixing means are designed to be manipulated in a reduced space.

Visually, the spacings between panels lead to grooves vertical 6 mm wide, which is plugged with joints restoring a aesthetic unity by eliminating the vision of the fixing means.

The means of fixing the homologous surfaces of the edge profiles of adjacent panels are so-called "cam" staples adapting to the ends said edge profiles and allowing the joining of two panels adjacent.

In the design of the invention, to allow them to operate in taking into account the spatial constraints mentioned, said ends preferably each define an axial groove oriented towards the outside of the edge profile, limited on the one hand by said flange having the surface support, and secondly by a border parallel to the facing.

In this configuration, said staples join the bearing surfaces in contact with edge profiles placed end to end.

Preferably, the staples-cam are composed of two free parts in rotation relative to each other, the first part having a groove axial intended to accommodate the bearing surfaces of adjacent edge profiles when they are in contact, the second part being intended to lock the first to fix and keep fixed to each other said edge profiles adjacent.

More preferably, said first part has a parallelepipedal appearance elongated, of width less than the width of the gap remaining between two consecutive panels, the second part being embedded in a notch practiced in a face located opposite said groove, but with an axis perpendicular, in which it can rotate.

The assembly constituted by said two parts forming the means of fixing is substantially included in a parallelepiped volume fitting into the gaps between the adjacent panels of a partition.

The second part mentioned also has a body of appearance parallelepiped, with two cylindrical growths having a symmetry of revolution about its axis of rotation, located on either side of the parallelepiped body, one serving as a pivot when inserted into a corresponding hole in the first part, the other having an imprint intended to cooperate with a tool intended to communicate to it a torque.

We can diagram the configuration as follows: the first part has on its face opposite the axial groove two slots between which takes place the second room, which fills approximately the space left free between said slots, and can rotate around an axis centered in this space.

The adaptable tools are of course multiple, ranging from the screwdriver simple to the most complicated forms of specific fingerprints, by the way for example by hexagonal or star-shaped imprints.

The second part locks the securing of the edge profiles carried out by the groove of the first part, by cooperation of its ends with the internal surfaces of the edges of the external axial grooves of the profiles song when rotated.

For this purpose, the surfaces of the second part intended to come into contact with the internal surfaces of said edges are machined so as to constitute cam surfaces favoring the relative movement of the surfaces in contact when turned approximately π / 2 rad. in the sense classic screwing tools.

The name "staple-cam" results from this specific configuration. He is at note that the first effect of rotating is to push the first piece so that the two supporting surfaces of the edge profiles of two adjacent panels come into abutment at the bottom of its groove, then realizes then tightening by cooperation with the internal surfaces of the grooves external axial of the edge profiles.

At the end of tightening, the two parts are perpendicular.

The entire partitioning system of the invention was designed so that it is easy to manufacture and install, without requiring multiple tools or order particular mounting. To this end, symmetries have been systematically researched during design.

Thus, the second piece of the staple-cam has symmetry with respect to to the axis of rotation.

Similarly, the first piece has a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing through the middle of the throat, and in relation to a transverse median plane.

Finally, the edge profiles and facing have a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing through the middle of the edges end, and relative to a transverse median plane.

A partitioning system such as that of the invention can of course develop in several directions.

In this case, the main features of the invention must be find whatever development we give to the wall. So if the latter takes an orientation which is perpendicular to a first direction, the minimum spacing must be preserved at the change of direction.

For this purpose, the edge profiles can be attached to profiles bulkhead, corner and / or change of direction ends having a groove similar to that formed by two facings constituting a sign.

Depending on a possible configuration, the partitioning system of the invention includes direction change profiles of the partitioning, one of the vertical lateral edges of which has a cross section double slot oriented towards the inside of the profile, said slots constituting housings for seals between which are provided orifices intended the passage of threaded screws bolted into said groove of the profile, and the heads are slidable in grooves formed by the axial grooves outside of two edge profiles in contact.

Each slot is designed to accommodate a prismatic seal coming to bear on one of the facings of the panel at which the change is established of management.

These direction change profiles are centered at the level of the gap of a partition, slots pressed against it, the fixing screws sliding via their heads in the external axial grooves of the profiles edge of the panels at which the change of direction is made.

In some cases, the change of direction is done at a corner, and one of the panels is then replaced by an end post substantially reproducing the edge of a panel, and easily replaceable by a complete panel.

For aesthetic reasons, however, it is sometimes preferable that the direction changes provide a smooth, non-extendable external angle later. To be able to secure such a corner piece, it there is a special edge profile, derived from the classic edge profile.

The corner piece in question is also a particular profile to which are fixed, in two perpendicular orientations, half-sections of edge made from a complete section sectioned according to its median plane longitudinal symmetry.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the facings symmetrical panels can be removed from the wall separately.

This feature provides a significant advantage to the new system of partitioning the invention, which is to allow its use as auxiliary for furniture, in particular because it authorizes the realization of cabinet niches. The type of partition described can indeed constitute the bottom and the side walls of a cabinet or equivalent, to which it suffices to add leaves and high and low closures.

In a conventional partitioning of space, the bottom of said cabinet can for example be a corridor panel, while one of said panels side of cabinet is integrated into a transverse partition. The fixing methods and change of direction remain, however, as previously described, the partitioning system not changing as such.

However, the side panels must necessarily include two separately removable facings, so that the system is flexible and allows configuration changes, as will be explained in more detail detail below. To constitute a wardrobe, it is necessary that at least one of said facing is arranged to receive accessories, for example of the type façade accessories and cabinet shelves.

The particular partitioning system of the invention thus adapts to a wide variety of configurations, with or without integrated cabinets.

Cabinets can be placed end to end, with only constraint that the side panel must then consist of two facings individuals fitted to receive shelves, various accessories and hinges for doors.

If a side panel forms the external side of a cabinet, it is by substantial consisting of a conventional dividing wall facing the exterior, and interior facing.

As with a traditional dividing wall, the cabinets created with the system of the invention comprises top and bottom elements fitted a fitting closing the storage volume at ground and floor levels ceiling, and acting as stops for the doors.

In the case where a cabinet is positioned at the corner of the room, one of the side facing is of course simply extended by a panel classic separative.

Apart from the arrangements provided on the facing intended to form a flank panel, the partition system of the invention therefore works on the same principle on two different scales, to partition a room or a wardrobe.

According to possibilities of preferential embodiments, the leaves of the cabinet will be made of wood or glass. Similarly, the bottom of the cabinet (the corridor panels) will have a protective film. Alternatively, stop angles will be installed on the shelves.

The advantages of such a cabinet installation process are multiple: if a cabinet is removed, the particular interior facing is very simply replaced by a classic siding. The protective film of the face rear is also easily removed.

When adding a cabinet, we do the exact opposite: fitting a film on the back side, and change of one of the facings of the panel side of cabinet.

If a transverse partition is moved, added or removed, the cabinets do not move, and the acoustic characteristics between rooms are preserved. For example, if you want to move the transverse bulkhead along of a partition fitted with cupboards, it suffices to transport said partition transverse from one side panel to the other. The different stages of such change will be explained later.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une portion de cloison dont certains éléments ont été enlevés pour clarifier la vue ;
• La figure 1a montre l'agrafe-came agrandie ;
• La figure 2 donne un aperçu général de la forme des profilés de chant et de leur fixation, dans une vue en section d'une portion de cloison ;
• La figure 3 montre un changement de direction extensible en L ;
• La figure 4 représente un autre changement de direction, également en L, mais non extensible ;
• La figure 5 montre une configuration en T, extensible en croix ;
• Les figures 6a à 6f montrent un changement de localisation d'une paroi, ainsi que la suppression d'une armoire.

Now, the invention will be described in more detail, with reference to the appended figures, for which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a partition portion of which some elements have been removed to clarify the view;
• Figure 1a shows the enlarged cam clip;
• Figure 2 gives a general overview of the shape of edge profiles and their attachment, in a sectional view of a portion of partition;
• Figure 3 shows a change of direction extendable in L;
• Figure 4 shows another change of direction, also in L, but not extendable;
• Figure 5 shows a T configuration, expandable crosswise;
• Figures 6a to 6f show a change in location of a wall, as well as the removal of a cabinet.

Figure 1 shows a simple junction of two panels A, B, one of which (B) is incomplete since it includes only one facing 1, for purposes purely explanatory, because the absence of facing 1 before panel B allows to view on the one hand the edge profile 2, on the other hand the mode of operation of staple-cam 3, as well as internal details of said siding 1.

This figure also shows the lower slides or rails 4 and upper 5 in which the panels A, B are kept.

The top cam clip 3 is shown in two separate states using of a double representation: that which is at a distance from the wall is in insertion position in the vertical gap 6 formed by the two profiles of edge 2 in contact, while the one in gap 6 is in position locked. This last position is clearly visible due to the absence representing an upper section of the edge profile 2 of the panel B, from the top of the upper cam clip 3.

A lower cam clip 3 is also shown, in position locked, in the gap or groove 6 separating the side edges external 18 of the edge profiles 2 when they are supported one on the other.

The only facing 1 shown for panel B shows the configuration internal of the folded sheet forming this facing, and in particular the edges vertical folded inwards 7, 7 ′, generally looking perpendicular to the long side of the facing 1. Folded portions 8, 8 'also exist at the level of upper and lower borders, allowing easy hanging to beams 4 and 5, and also easy disassembly.

Figure 1a is an enlarged representation of the staple-cam 3, also doubled in its two insertion and locking positions. The two pieces 9, 10 making up this clip 3 appear here more clearly, with their body of substantially parallelepipedal appearance.

The first part 9 has on one of its faces an axial groove 11, which can be seen in the fastening position shown in right that it houses the two bearing surfaces 20 of the internal ends of the edge profiles 2.

On its opposite face, it has two slots 12, 12 'framing a notch 13 in which is embedded the body of parallelepiped shape of the second part 10. This comprises a cylindrical projection 14 in which is made a female imprint 15 intended to cooperate with a clamping tool. On the same face, cams 16 are made symmetrically about the axis of rotation, to facilitate the insertion of the part 2 in the outwardly oriented axial grooves 17, against the internal surfaces of the edges 18 parallel to the facings 1 (see following figures), when rotated in the direction of clockwise, i.e. in the direction of tightening. On the other side, a cylindrical stud (not shown) coaxial with the protrusion 14 fits into a corresponding bore of the first part 9, in which it is free in rotation.

Figures 2 to 5 give a more precise idea of the sections of the profiles used, as well as the method of joining the contiguous edge profiles 2, and therefore adjacent panels.

In Figure 2, for example, the exact shape of the edge profile 2 appears in particular at the ends of the partition, and in abutment with a profile 2 counterpart elsewhere. Siding 1 has been deliberately reduced to length, for explanatory purposes, but this does not affect the system operation.

The edge profiles 2 have a central U-shaped area 19, and the two external axial grooves 17 at the two ends of the legs of said U. These two axial grooves 17 are limited by two perpendicular edges, of a the support rim 20, and the rim located in the extension of facing 18. The sections of facing 1 compose a T with their vertical border folded at 90 °, at least over most of their height.

In the locked position, the two homologous edge profiles 2 constitute in section a rectangular area in which the two grooves overlap 6 vertical formed by the external grooves 17 when they are end to end.

The fastening clips 3 are arranged in these grooves 6, with the protrusion 14 cylindrical with the imprint 15 for connection with a tool overflowing into the gap 21 between two consecutive panels. These interstices 21 are blocked by seals 22 restoring the flatness of the wall.

Figure 3 introduces two new parts: a change profile direction 23 and a corner profile or end post 24, themselves fixed to a U-shaped profile 25 forming a groove for fixing the profiles of song 2 on one side only. The end post 24 could easily be replaced by a panel if we wanted to extend the wall. Two seals 29, 29 ' are placed between the slots 30, 30 'of the change profile direction 23.

The latter is fixed at a gap 21, between two consecutive panels, or between a panel and a corner profile 24, which can therefore be considered as a partition end post.

A screw 31 is bolted to the profile 23, its head resting on the internal surfaces of the flanges 18 situated in the extension of the facings 1. The heads of said screws 31 can thus slide in the groove 6 formed by the two grooves 17 facing each other, until they are matched with an orifice of the section 23 intended for its passage.

In this configuration, the edge profile which is connected to the upright 24 is actually made up of two sections 26, 26 'which behave functionally exactly the same as an entire profile 2.

In Figure 2, there is shown a non-extensible corner profile 27, it is say no directly replaceable by a panel. This profile is also provided with two edge half-profiles 26, 26 'this time arranged perpendicular to each other. The internal junction of the corner is done by means of a simple L-shaped profile 28.

FIG. 5 represents a T-junction, identical in spirit to the L-shaped junction in Figure 3, but extended by replacing the corner profile 24 by a complete panel.

Figures 6a to 6f give an overview of the integration possibilities cupboards in one or more rooms, along at least one partition, and flexibility of the system, allowing multiple modifications.

They show the dismantling of the left cabinet at the same time as moving the partition, transferring a cabinet at the same time room to another.

To move the partition, first remove the end post 40 to allow the possibility of extending the transverse partition to where it should be placed. Then the lower 4 and upper 5 beams are in turn displaced, and fixed in the extension of those which equip the side panel 41 between the two cabinets. The panels 42 proper, with their facings, are finally transferred, so that complete the new partition, which can be continuous up to a partition perpendicular or partial, in which case an amount is fixed at its end end, as well as where it came from.

The dismantling of the right cabinet starts with the removal of doors 43, revealing shelves 44. The side panel 45 is then dismantled starting with the end upright 46, then the facings 47, 47 ', and finally the upper and lower rails 48, 48'.

Finally, replace the fitted facing 49 with a facing simple, for example the outer end facing 47 of the cabinet which comes to be dismantled.

These modifications do not lead to any degradation of the characteristics walls, can be made fairly quickly, and without having to resort to specific tools.

It should be noted that the system of the invention has been described by means of a preferential example, which cannot however be considered as limiting of the invention.

Claims (17)

Vertical partitioning system composed of mounted panels A, B between two horizontal slides 4, 5, said panels comprising two identical facings 1 mounted symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the partition, and being connected by means of their edge profiles 2 vertical comprising bearing surfaces 20 intended to come into contact with the surfaces counterparts of edge profile 2 of the adjacent panel, fixing the adjacent panels taking place at said support surfaces 2 comprising fastening means therefor, characterized in that each facing 1 has, at its two vertical lateral ends, flanges 7, 7 ′ of shape perpendicular to said facing, constituting with the profile of the symmetrical facing a groove in which is fixed an edge profile 2 whose ends protruding from said groove are provided with flat edges 20 perpendicular to the facing 1, forming the bearing surfaces to which fastening means 3 are applied to the counterpart support surfaces 20 of the edge profile 2 adjacent. Vertical partitioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the ends of the edge profile 2 each define a groove axial 17 oriented towards the outside of said profile 2, limited on the one hand by said rim 20 having the bearing surface, and on the other hand by an edge 18 parallel to the facing. Vertical partitioning system according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the fixing means 3 consist of staples joining the bearing surfaces 20 in contact with edge profiles 2 placed end to end end. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the staples 2 are made up of two parts 9, 10 free to rotate relative to each other, the first part 9 comprising an axial groove 11 intended to accommodate the bearing surfaces 20 of profiles of edge 2 adjacent when in contact, the second part 10 being intended to lock the first 9 to fix and keep fixed one against the other said adjacent edge profiles 2. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first part 9 is of parallelepiped shape elongated, of width less than the width of the gap 6 remaining between two consecutive panels, the second part 10 being embedded in a notch 13 formed in a face located opposite said groove 11, but of perpendicular axis, in which it can turn. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part 10 comprises an allure body parallelepiped, with two cylindrical growths having a symmetry of revolution about its axis of rotation, located on either side of the parallelepiped body, one serving as a pivot when inserted into a corresponding hole in the first part 9, the other part 14 having a shape 15 intended to cooperate with a tool intended to communicate a torque to it. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part 10 locks the joining of the edge profiles 2 produced by the groove 11 of the first part 9, by cooperation of its ends with the internal surfaces of the edges 18 of axial grooves 17 outside edge profiles 2, when it undergoes a rotation. Partitioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that the surfaces of the second part 10 intended to come into contact with the internal surfaces of said edges 18 are machined so as to constitute cam surfaces 16 favoring the relative movement of the surfaces in contact when turned approximately π / 2 rad. in the classical sense of screwing tools. Vertical partitioning system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second part 10 has symmetry by relative to the axis of rotation. Vertical partitioning system according to any one of Claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the first part 9 has a double symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane passing through the middle throat, and with respect to a transverse median plane. Vertical partitioning system according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that the edge profiles 2 and the facings 1 have a double symmetry with respect to a median plane longitudinal passing in the middle of the edges 7, 7 ', 18 at the end, and relative to a transverse median plane. Vertical partitioning system according to any one of Claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the edge profiles 2 can be fixed to partition end profiles 24, corner 27 and / or change of direction 23 having a groove similar to that form two facings 1 constituting a panel. Vertical partitioning system according to claim previous, characterized in that it includes change profiles 23 direction of the partitioning, including one of the vertical side edges presents in section a double slot oriented towards the inside of the profile, said slots constituting housings for seals 29, 29 'between which are provided with holes intended for the passage of threaded screws 31 bolted in said profile groove, and whose heads are sliding in grooves 6 formed by the external axial grooves 17 of two edge profiles 2 in contact, at which said profiles 23 are fixed change of direction. Vertical partitioning system according to any one of Claims 2 to 11, characterized in that it includes corner profiles 27 to which are fixed, in two perpendicular orientations, half-profiles edge 26, 26 'made from a section edge section 2 according to its longitudinal median plane of symmetry. Vertical partitioning system according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that the symmetrical facing 1 of the panels can be removed from the wall separately. Vertical partitioning system according to claim previous, characterized in that at least one of the facings 47 ', 49 is fitted out to receive accessories. Vertical partitioning system according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that panels are used as cabinet sides, the internal facings 47 ′, 49 then comprising accessories of the door and / or shelf support type.

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