OPENING FRAME

Abstract

The invention relates to an opening frame (10) comprising a corner (23) formed by the assembly of: - a first hollow profile (28) which has an outer lateral wall (28B) of the frame (10) and at least one front wing (28E) projecting from the outer lateral wall (28B); - and a second hollow profile (30) having an open axial end face (40) which remains open after assembly of the first profile (28) with the second profile (30); characterized in that the corner (23) has a recess (46) bounded downwards by the open face (40) of the second profile (30) located below the level of the outer lateral wall (28B) of the first profile (28) and extending into an axial end section of the outer lateral wall (28B) of the first profile (28), the recess (46) being bounded forwards at least by the front flange (28E) of the first profile (28). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: OPENING FRAME Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an opening frame comprising at least one corner formed by the assembly:

[0002] - of a first hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which has an axial end joining face and which has an outer side wall of the frame and at least one front wing projecting from the outer side wall;

[0003] - and a second hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which has at one end a joining face with the joining face of the first profile, the second profile having an open upper axial end face which remains open after assembly of the first profile with the second profile. Technical background

[0004] Joinery, such as windows or French windows, generally includes at least one opening frame. Such a frame is generally made by assembling uprights and crosspieces.

[0005] The uprights and crosspieces are, for example, profiles made of thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The profiles have 45° beveled end faces. The profiles are joined by their beveled faces to form the rectangular or square frame.

[0006] The assembly of a frame of exterior joinery made of thermoplastic material is done by welding. Such welding consists of melting the thermoplastic material of each beveled face, then positioning the beveled faces of the PVC profiles opposite each other. The assembly is done after melting by a heating plate, sometimes called a heating mirror, and holding the faces tight against each other during the cooling phase.

[0007] When it is desired to benefit from a greater glazing clearance, it is possible to reduce the section of certain profiles to benefit from a larger glazed surface. However, the section of certain profiles cannot be reduced, in particular the vertical upright in which functional elements such as a cremone bolt must be arranged.

[0008] To solve this problem, it has already been proposed to produce frames comprising profiles of different sections.

[0009] Due to these differences in section, the profile with the largest section generally has an open end. To ensure smooth operation satisfactory and optimal longevity, it is necessary to find a solution to close the profile chambers in a watertight manner according to certain parameters. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention proposes an opening frame comprising at least one corner formed by the assembly:

[0011] - of a first hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which has an axial end joining face and which has an outer side wall of the frame and at least one front wing projecting from the outer side wall;

[0012] - and a second hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which has at one end a joining face with the joining face of the first profile, the second profile having an open upper axial end face which remains open after assembly of the first profile with the second profile;

[0013] characterized in that the corner has a recess delimited downwards by the open face of the second profile located below the level of the outer side wall of the first profile and which extends in an axial end section of the outer side wall of the first profile, the recess being delimited forwards at least by the front wing of the first profile.

[0014] According to another characteristic of the invention, the second profile comprises at least one front wing projecting relative to the open axial end face and which extends in the extension of the front wing of the first profile, said front wing of the second profile delimiting towards the front the recess jointly with the front wing of the first profile.

[0015] According to another characteristic of the invention, the frame comprises a plug for closing the open face of the second profile which has a shape complementary to that of the recess to complete the frame.

[0016] According to another characteristic of the invention, the plug comprises a transverse external face which extends the external lateral wall of the first profile.

[0017] According to another characteristic of the invention, the plug comprises a vertical external face which extends the external lateral wall of the second profile.

[0018] According to another characteristic of the invention, the first profile and the second profile each comprise a sealing joint which is mounted in a groove located at the rear of the front wing, said grooves being trimmed at the level of the recess.

[0019] According to another characteristic of the invention, the plug comprises at least one groove which is intended to extend at least one groove of the first and / or second profile.

[0020] According to another characteristic of the invention, the stopper is equipped with at least one seal separate from the seals equipping the first and second profiles which is fixed in at least one groove of the plug.

[0021] According to another characteristic of the invention, the plug comprises elements for fitting into at least one chamber opening into the open face of the second profile to ensure its positioning by fitting.

[0022] According to another characteristic of the invention, the cap is fixed by screwing to at least one of the profiles.

[0023] According to another characteristic of the invention, the profiles are made of polyvinyl chloride.

[0024] According to another characteristic of the invention, the recess is obtained by machining the first profile and the second profile after their fixing to each other by their respective joining faces. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the attached drawings.

[0026] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view which represents a French window comprising an opening frame produced according to the teachings of the invention.

[0027] [Fig.2] is a front view showing an upper corner of the opening frame of [Fig.l] which are assembled according to the teachings of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.3] is a perspective view from above showing the frame corner of [Fig.2] without its cap.

[0029] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the frame corner at an angle opposite to that of [Fig.3].

[0030] [Fig.5] is a rear view showing the frame corner of [Fig.3].

[0031] [Fig.6] is a perspective view showing the frame corner provided with a cork, the cork being represented filled with dots to make it appear more clearly in relation to the rest of the frame.

[0032] [Fig.7] is a perspective view showing the cap of [Fig.6].

[0033] [Fig.8] is a perspective view similar to that of [Fig.3] which represents the frame corner after assembly of the two profiles but before making the recess by machining. Detailed description of the invention

[0034] In the remainder of the description, elements having similar functions or identical structures will be designated by the same reference.

[0035] In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal, vertical and transverse directions will be adopted without limitation with reference to the trihedron (L, V, T) shown in the figures.

[0036] The terms “front” and “rear” will also be used in reference to the longitudinal direction, as well as “upper” and “lower” or “top” and “bottom” in reference to the vertical direction and finally “left” and “right” in reference to the transverse direction.

[0037] The terms “internal” and “external” will be used to designate elements located respectively in a profile or outside of said profile.

[0038] The terms “interior” and “exterior” will be used to designate elements located respectively towards the inside of the frame or towards the outside of the frame.

[0039] By convention, the rear of the frame is intended to be received against a rebate of an associated frame.

[0040] [Fig.l] shows a frame 10 of joinery 12 such as a window or a French window. This is an opening frame 10.

[0041] Such joinery 12 comprises, for example, a frame 14 which is intended to be fixed in a bay 16 and an opening 18 which is intended to be mounted movably in the frame 14 to close the bay 16.

[0042] The opening 18 comprises the opening frame 10 which is made by assembling profiles made of thermoplastic material. At least one panel 22, here a glazed panel, is housed in the opening frame 10.

[0043] The frame 14 also comprises a frame 20 which is produced by assembling profiles made of thermoplastic material.

[0044] As shown in [Fig.2], the invention is applicable to such an opening frame 10 produced by assembling profiles made of thermoplastic material, in particular polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0045] Such an opening frame 10 comprises at least one corner 23 formed by the junction of an upright 24 and a crosspiece 26. The example shown in [Fig.2] shows only one upright 24 and one crosspiece 26. Such an opening frame 10 preferably comprises two uprights 24 and two crosspieces 26.

[0046] Generally, such an opening frame 10 has a rear part 10A complementary to a rebate 27 of the frame 14 and a front wing 10B forming a projection intended to come to bear against the frame 14 on the periphery of the rebate 27 and / or on the front face of another opening.

[0047] The opening frame 10 comprises at least one first hollow profile 28 forming a crosspiece 26. The first profile 28 extends along a main axis “A”. As shown in [Fig.4], the first profile 28 comprises at least one internal chamber 32 which opens axially into an axial end junction face 34 of the first profile 28 shown in [Fig.2].

[0048] The interior of the first profile 28 is here divided into a plurality of chambers 32 by internal partitions 37. The chambers 32 open into the two axial end faces 34 of the first profile 28.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first profile 28 has an interior lateral wall 28A which internally delimits the opening frame 10, and an opposite exterior lateral wall 28B which externally delimits the rear part 10A of the opening frame 10 intended to be received in the rebate 27 of the frame 14. The first profile 28 also comprises at least one front lateral wall, called facade 28C, and a rear wall 28D.

[0050] A wing 28E extends vertically projecting from the outer lateral wall 28B of the first profile 28. This wing 28E is intended to form a part of the front wing 10B of the opening frame 10.

[0051] The rear wall 28D is intended to be received inside a rebate 27 of the frame 20 of the fixed part 14, while the facade 28C forms a visible part and is intended to remain outside the rebate 27 when the opening 18 is in the closed position.

[0052] The facade 28C also forms the front face of the front wing 28E which projects in relation to the outer side wall 28B.

[0053] The outer side wall 28B is here provided with axial ribs and grooves which are intended to be received against complementary ribs of the frame 14 to guarantee good watertightness and optimal air circulation when the opening 18 is closed.

[0054] The first profile 28 comprises a seal (not shown) which is mounted in a groove 38 parallel to its axis “A” located at the rear of the front wing 28E. This seal is intended to be compressed between the front wing 28E and the periphery of the rebate 27 of the frame 14 when the opening 18 is in the closed position.

[0055] The first profile 28 has a first determined section of determined vertical and longitudinal dimensions.

[0056] The first profile 28 is made of a specific thermoplastic material. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the thermoplastic material is formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is for example obtained by extrusion.

[0057] This is a first structural profile 28 which is intended to support the main forces and to form the framework on which the other elements are fixed, i.e. the panel 22.

[0058] The opening frame 10 also comprises a second hollow profile 30 forming an upright 24. The second profile 30 extends along a main axis “B”. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the second profile 30 comprises at least one internal chamber 39 which opens axially into an open axial end face 40 of the second profile 30.

[0059] The interior of the second profile 30 is here divided into a plurality of chambers 39 by internal partitions 43. The chambers 39 open into the two open axial end faces 40 of the second profile 30.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second profile 30 has an interior lateral wall 30A which internally delimits the opening frame 10, and an opposite exterior lateral wall 30B which externally delimits the part 10A of the opening frame 10 intended to be received in the rebate 27 of the frame 14. The second profile 30 also comprises at least one front lateral wall, called facade 30C, and a rear wall 30D.

[0061] A wing 30E extends transversely projecting from the outer lateral wall 30B of the second profile 30. This wing 30E is intended to form a part of the front wing 10B of the opening frame 10.

[0062] The rear wall 30D is intended to be received inside a rebate 27 of the frame 20 of the fixed part 14, while the facade 30C forms a visible part and is intended to remain outside the rebate 27 when the opening 18 is in the closed position.

[0063] The facade 30C is part of the front wing 30E which projects in relation to the outer side wall 30B. In addition, the front wing 30E also projects in the direction of the axis “B”, here vertically, in relation to the open face 40.

[0064] The outer side wall 30B of the opening frame 10 is provided with ribs and grooves.

[0065] The second profile 30 comprises a seal (not shown) which is mounted in a groove 41 parallel to its axis “B” located at the rear of the front wing 30E. This seal is intended to be compressed between the front wing 30E and the periphery of the rebate 27 of the frame 14 when the opening 18 is in the closed position.

[0066] The second profile 30 is made of a specific thermoplastic material. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the thermoplastic material is formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is for example obtained by extrusion.

[0067] This is a second structural profile 30 which is intended to support the main forces and to form the framework on which the other elements are fixed, that is to say the panel 22 or an opening 18.

[0068] The second profile 30 here has a section of larger dimensions than that of the first profile 28. More particularly, the second profile 30 has a transverse dimension greater than the vertical dimension of the first profile 28. On the other hand, the longitudinal dimensions of the two profiles 28, 30 are substantially identical. This makes it possible in particular to arrange a cremone bolt or a similar locking system for the opening 18 in the second profile 30.

[0069] The first profile 28 and the second profile 30 are assembled end to end by contact between the junction face 34 of the first profile 28 with a junction face 42 of the second profile 30 which is adjacent to its open face 40 as shown in [Fig.2]. The junction face 42 of the second profile 30 has a contour substantially identical to that of the junction face 34 of the first profile 28.

[0070] In this assembled position, the inner and outer edges of the facades 28C, 30C of the first profile 28 and of the second profile 30 are arranged in coincidence so as to form a framing corner as shown in [Fig.2].

[0071] The expression “corner 23 of the opening frame 10” means that the axis “A” of the first profile 28 and the axis “B” of the second profile 30 form a different angle 0°.

[0072] The first profile 28 here belongs to a crosspiece 26, while the second profile 30 here belongs to an upright 24. The two profiles 28, 30 are here fixed perpendicular to each other. Thus, the axis “A” of the first profile 28 is oriented here transversely, while the axis “B” of the second profile 30 is oriented here vertically.

[0073] To allow their fixing forming a corner 23, the junction faces 34, 42 in contact with each profile 28, 30 are here beveled. For example, to form a 90° angle, the junction face 34 of the first profile 28 has a slope of 45° relative to the main axis “A” of the profile 28, and the junction face 42 of the second profile 30 here has a slope of 45° relative to the main axis “B”.

[0074] Due to their different sections, the end face of the second profile 30 remains open and emerging after assembly of the profiles. The junction face 42 of the second profile 30 is adjacent to the open face 40, that is to say that they share a common edge 44. The open face 40 of the second profile 30 extends in a plane parallel to the axis “A” of the first profile 28.

[0075] Alternatively, depending on the shape of the opening frame 10, the two profiles can be assembled at an angle that is different from 90°. In this case, the inclination of the beveled part of their joining face 34, 42 will be adapted to said angle.

[0076] The profiles 28, 30 are generally fixed together by welding the contacting surfaces of the two junction faces 34, 42 between them.

[0077] As shown in [Fig.2], the upright 24 and the crosspiece 26 are assembled perpendicularly by their beveled joining faces 34, 42. Thus, the axis “A” of the profile 28 of the upright 24 extends perpendicularly to the axis “B” of the profile 30 of the crosspiece 26. The profiles 28, 30 are arranged so that the open face 40 of the second profile 30 is arranged in the extension of the outer lateral face 28A of the first profile 28.

[0078] To fix the two profiles 28, 30 together by their respective joining faces 34, 42, it is known to weld the contacting surfaces of the two joining faces 34, 42 together.

[0079] After their fixing, the outer corner of the corner 23 of the opening frame 10 formed by the intersection between the two outer lateral walls 28B, 30B here has a recess 46 delimited downwards by the open face 40 of the second profile 30 located below the level of the outer wall 28B of the first profile 28. The open face 40 extends parallel to the outer edge of the wing 28E of the first profile 28. Furthermore, the recess 46 extends partly in an axial end section of the outer lateral wall 28B of the first profile 28. This means that an axial end portion of the outer lateral wall 28B is interrupted before reaching the joining face 34. The recess 46 is delimited longitudinally towards the front by the front wing 10B carrying the facade 28C, 30C of each of the two profiles 28, 30.

[0080] A rear part of the wing 28E, 30E before each profile 28, 30 carrying the groove 38, 41 is trimmed in the recess 46. Thus the groove 38, 41 is absent at the level of the recess 46 so that it is not possible to directly fix a seal to the profiles 28, 30 at the level of the recess 46.

[0081] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the opening frame 10 further comprises a plug 48 for closing the open face 40 of the second profile 30. The plug 48 has a shape complementary to that of the recess 46 to complete the opening frame 10.

[0082] Thus, the plug 48 has a transverse outer face 50 which extends the outer wall 28B of the first profile 28 when the plug 48 is mounted. The transverse outer face 50 has the same profile as the outer wall 28B of the first profile 28. In the case of the example shown in the figures, the transverse outer face 50 has the same ribs and grooves as the outer lateral wall 28B of the first profile 28.

[0083] The plug 48 also comprises a vertical outer face 52 which extends the outer wall 30B of the second profile 30 when the plug 48 is mounted. The vertical outer face 52 has in particular the same profile as the outer wall 30B of the second profile 30. In the case of the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the vertical outer face 52 has the same ribs and grooves as the outer lateral wall 30B of the second profile 30.

[0084] In the example shown in the figures, the recess 46 has a vertical dimension much smaller than its transverse dimension. As a result, the vertical outer face 52 of the plug 48 has a vertical dimension smaller than the transverse dimension of its transverse outer face 50.

[0085] Finally, the plug 48 is delimited towards the rear by a rear face 54 which extends back or in the same plane as the rear faces 28D, 30D of the two profiles 28, 30.

[0086] The outer transverse and vertical faces 50, 52 of the plug 48 comprise grooves 58, 60 which extend each of the grooves 38, 41 of the first profile 28 and of the second profile 30 when the plug 48 is mounted in the recess 46. These grooves 58, 60 of the plug 48 join at an angle of the plug 48 intended to form the angle outside of the corner 13. Thus, it is possible to fix a seal up to the corner 23 formed between the two outer faces 50, 52 of the plug 48.

[0087] Advantageously, the plug 48 is equipped with two seals 62, 64 distinct from the seals equipping the first profile 28 and the second profile 30, said seals being arranged in the extension of each of the seals of the profiles. This makes it possible to guarantee good watertightness around the entire perimeter of the opening 18, including at its corners 23.

[0088] To allow the fixing of the plug 48 on the opening frame 10 in the recess 46, the plug 48 comprises elements (not shown) for fitting into the chambers 39 opening into the open face 40 of the second profile 30 to ensure its positioning by fitting.

[0089] The plug 48 can thus be fixed by force fitting into the second profile 30.

[0090] However, it is preferable that the plug 48 is fitted with a sliding fit and that the plug 48 is fixed by screwing to at least one of the profiles. For example, the transverse outer face 50 of the plug 48 has fixing holes 66, for example two in number, intended to receive screws which are screwed vertically into each of the profiles.

[0091] A method of manufacturing the opening frame 10 is now described.

[0092] Preferably, the recess 46 is obtained by machining the first profile 28 and the second profile 30 after their attachment to each other by their respective joining faces 34, 42.

[0093] During a first positioning step, the profiles are positioned at right angles to each other so that their beveled joining faces 34, 42 are opposite each other.

[0094] Prior to this step of positioning the two profiles 28, 30, the second profile 30 is cut so that its end face 40B is flush with the free end edge of the wing 28E of the first profile 28 after positioning, as shown in [Fig.8].

[0095] Then, during a second heating step, the beveled end face 34, 40 of each profile 28, 30 is heated to melt a determined thickness of thermoplastic material, for example of the order of a centimeter.

[0096] This heating step is for example carried out by interposing a heating plate between the two beveled faces 34, 40 by sliding the two profiles 28, 30 axially towards each other.

[0097] At the end of this heating step, a third welding step is triggered during which the beveled end faces 34, 40 thus heated are clamped against each other to mix their respective molten material. The clamping is maintained until the molten materials thus mixed have cooled and solidified. At the end of this welding step, a bead of cooled plastic material protrudes at the junction between the profiles 28, 30.

[0098] During a fourth machining step, the bead of material is removed by milling. During this step, the recess 46 is created by machining the open end of the second profile 30 and by machining the outer lateral wall 28B of the first profile 28. During this machining step, a rear portion of the wing 28E, 30E of each profile 28, 30 is also machined to complete the recess 46.

[0099] Finally, during a final plugging step, the plug 48 is fitted into the second profile 30 and fixed in order to complete the opening frame 10 by being housed in the recess 46.

Claims

Claims

1. Opening frame (10) comprising at least one corner (23) formed by the assembly of: - a first hollow structural profile (28) extending along a main axis (A) which comprises an axial end joining face (34) and which comprises an outer lateral wall (28B) of the frame (10) and at least one front wing (28E) projecting relative to the outer lateral wall (28B); - and a second hollow structural profile (30) extending along a main axis (B) which comprises at one end a joining face (42) with the joining face (34) of the first profile (28), the second profile (30) having an open upper axial end face (40) which remains open after assembly of the first profile (28) with the second profile (30);characterized in that the corner (23) has a recess (46) delimited downwards by the open face (40) of the second profile (30) located below the level of the outer lateral wall (28B) of the first profile (28) and which extends in an axial end section of the outer lateral wall (28B) of the first profile (28), the recess (46) being delimited forwards at least by the front wing (28E) of the first profile (28).;

2. Opening frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second profile (30) comprises at least one front wing (30E) projecting relative to the open axial end face (40) and which extends in the extension of the front wing (28E) of the first profile (28), said front wing (30E) of the second profile (30) delimiting towards the front the recess (46) jointly with the front wing (28E) of the first profile (28).

3. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a plug (48) for closing the open face (40) of the second profile (30) which has a shape complementary to that of the recess (46) to complete the frame (10).

4. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cap (48) has a transverse outer face (50) which extends the outer lateral wall (28B) of the first profile (28).

5. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cap (48) has a vertical exterior face (52) which extends the outer side wall (30B) of the second profile (30).

6. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first profile (28) and the second profile (30) each comprise a seal which is mounted in a groove (38, 41) located at the rear of the front wing (28E, 30E), said grooves (38, 41) being trimmed at the level of the recess (46).

7. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plug (48) comprises at least one groove (58, 60) which is intended to extend at least one groove (38, 41) of the first and / or second profile (28, 30).

8. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plug (48) is equipped with at least one seal (62, 64) separate from the seals equipping the first and second profiles (28, 30) which is fixed in the at least one groove (58, 60) of the plug (48).

9. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug (48) comprises elements for fitting into at least one chamber (39) opening into the open face (40) of the second profile (30) to ensure its positioning by fitting.

10. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap (48) is fixed by screwing to at least one of the profiles (28, 30).

11. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiles (28, 30) are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

12. Method of producing the frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (46) is obtained by machining the first profile (28) and the second profile (30) after their fixing to each other by their respective joining faces (34, 42).

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