Connection arrangement

Abstract

A connecting arrangement (1) comprising a frame profile (2) of a window or door, with a rebate surface (5) on its upper side, which has an overlap (6) on one longitudinal side and a glazing bead groove (7) on the opposite longitudinal side, a mullion profile (3) forming a hollow profile, and a mullion connector (4) consisting of an upper part (8) and a lower part (9), by means of which the frame profile (2) and mullion profile (3) are connected to one another, wherein the lower part (9) is fastened to the frame profile (2) on the rebate surface (5), the upper part (8) is placed onto the lower part (9), connected to it, inserted into the hollow profile of the mullion profile (3), and fastened to the hollow profile, and wherein the lower part (9) has a latching formation (12) engaging in the glazing bead groove (7) of the frame profile (2), characterized in thatthat on the lower part (9) of the mullion connector (4) on the side thereof facing the overlap (6) there is provided a shaped formation (10; 10') projecting thereto, which is received in a form-fitting manner in an undercut (11, 11') correspondingly formed on the overlap (6), and on the opposite side of the lower part (9) there is provided a locking formation (12) engaging in the glazing bead groove (7) of the frame profile (2), wherein during assembly of the lower part (9) the shaped formation (10; 10) received in a form-fitting manner in the undercut (11, 11') acts as a hinge point, so that the lower part (9) can be tilted towards the rebate surface (5) of the frame profile until the locking formation (12) is inserted into the glazing bead groove (7) and locked there, wherein the locking formation (12) upon locking insertion into the glazing bead groove (7) is elastically connected to the lower part (9) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement comprising a frame profile of a window or door, with a rebate surface on its upper side, which has an overlap on one longitudinal side and a glazing bead groove on the opposite longitudinal side, a mullion profile forming a hollow profile and a mullion connector consisting of an upper part and a lower part, by means of which the frame profile and mullion profile are connected to one another, wherein the lower part is fastened to the frame profile on the rebate surface, the upper part is placed on the lower part, connected to it, inserted into the hollow profile of the mullion and fastened to the hollow profile,wherein the lower part has a latching formation engaging in the glazing bead groove of the frame profile, and a method for mounting a lower part of a mullion connector consisting of a lower part and an upper part on the frame profile of a window or door during assembly of such a connecting arrangement.

[0002] In connection arrangements of this type, as known from DE 197 45 750 C2, for example, the overlap is designed on its side facing the lower part of the mullion connector in such a way that when the lower part of the mullion connector is mounted on the frame profile, this lower part can first be hooked into the glass retaining groove of the frame profile by means of one or more locking lugs and then tilted around the hooking point(s) onto the rebate surface, whereby in the final state the lower part of the mullion connector rests against the latter with its end surface facing the overlap. The lower part is then usually fastened to the frame profile by means of screws or other locking devices before the upper part of the mullion connector is placed onto its lower part.

[0003] However, if an undercut is provided on the overlap of the frame profile into which a shaped formation projecting towards the lower part is to be inserted when the lower part of the mullion profile is mounted on the frame profile, it is no longer possible with such arrangements to hook the lower part into the glazing bead via the locking lugs and then tilt it into its final position on the frame profile, since in this case the projecting shaped formation of the lower part runs against the upper side of the overlap when tilted and further pivoting of the lower part is then no longer possible.

[0004] In these cases, the side of the lower part of the mullion connector facing the overlap was previously pushed into the undercut with its projecting shaped part from the inside of the frame profile and then the lower part of the mullion connector was fastened to the rebate surface of the frame by means of suitable fastening means (e.g. screws) (as in EP 2 354 419 A2 or DE 10 2013 223 968 B4) or the lower part was designed without a projecting shaped part so that it can be pivoted into its end position with the locking lugs hooked into the glazing bead groove, after which separate filling parts are pushed into the space of the undercut on the overlap, which is present between the lower part and the boundary wall of the undercut, from the side. These filling parts are designed in such a way that their insertion takes place with a slight press fit so that there is no risk of them subsequently slipping out.

[0005] It is obvious that this type of assembly is not satisfactory and that a relatively large amount of time had to be spent on it.

[0006] Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to provide a connecting arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset which enables particularly rapid assembly of the lower part of the mullion connector on the frame profile even in the presence of a shaped formation on the lower part which is to be accommodated in an undercut on the overlap of the frame profile, without the need to introduce additional shaped elements between the undercut in the overlap and the facing side of the lower part of the mullion connector and / or the fastening of the lower part to the frame profile by means of screws.

[0007] The invention is defined in claims 1 and 6.

[0008] In the connection arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, in which a shaped formation projecting thereto is attached to the lower part of the mullion connector on the side thereof facing the overlap, which is positively received in an undercut correspondingly formed on the overlap, wherein on the opposite side of the lower part there is attached a locking formation engaging in the glazing bead groove of the frame profile, which locking formation is elastically connected to the lower part so as to be resiliently reboundable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove when inserted into the glazing bead groove.

[0009] In the connection arrangement according to the invention, firstly, the positive engagement of the shaped formation on the lower part of the mullion connector with the correspondingly formed undercut on the overlap and the locking formation on the lower part of the mullion connector engaging in the glazing bead groove of the frame profile ensure secure mounting of the mullion connector on the frame profile, without it being necessary to additionally fasten the lower part of the mullion connector to the frame profile using any additional fastening means.

[0010] In this case, a rapid assembly of the lower part of the mullion connector is possible with this connection arrangement according to the invention on the mullion profile in that the lower part with its projecting shape is first inserted into the correspondingly shaped undercut on the overlap and then tilted in this receptacle as a hinge point in the direction of the rebate surface of the frame profile, wherein in the last section of the tilting movement the locking formation provided on the lower part is inserted into the glazing bead groove with simultaneous elastic rebound of the locking formation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove and locked there.

[0011] Thus, with the connection arrangement according to the invention, the lower part of the mullion connector can be attached to the frame profile very quickly, since it also only requires the insertion of the shaped formation on the lower part into the undercut on the overlap and then only a tilting movement until the locking formation engages in the glazing bead groove, which can be carried out quickly and without difficulty.

[0012] It is particularly advantageous if the locking structure is designed as a locking lug attached to the lower part via an elastically deformable web, with a corresponding bevel for insertion into the glazing bead groove. Particularly preferably, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the profile frame strip, this locking lug can be designed in the form of a locking strip extending over at least part of the length of the lower part, thereby achieving a particularly stable attachment in the glazing bead groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the projecting shape is advantageously provided as a projection with a cylindrical outer circumference, which engages in an undercut in the form of a cylindrical bore or depression correspondingly introduced in the overlap, which overall results in a form fit that is easy to produce and yet very effective.

[0014] Preferably, the projecting shape is formed integrally with the lower part of the post connector, which simplifies manufacture and eliminates the need for an additional fastening step between the two.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for mounting the lower part of a mullion connector consisting of a lower part and an upper part on the frame profile of a window or door during the assembly of a connection arrangement according to the invention, as described above, wherein the frame profile has an overlap on one long side and a glazing bead groove on its opposite long side, between which a rebate surface is present, wherein the lower part is designed with a shaped projection directed towards the overlap and the overlap is designed with an undercut corresponding to the shape of the shaped projection, wherein the following method steps are carried out: a) first, the shaped projection on the lower part is inserted perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the glazing bead groove into the undercut of the overlap, with the lower part aligned at an angle relative to the rebate surface; b) the lower part is then tilted towards abutment on the rebate surface while maintaining the reception of the shaped projection in the undercut, until a locking formation attached to it is received in a locking manner in the glazing bead groove, namely with elastic deflection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove.

[0016] In the method according to the invention, a shaped projection on the lower part, which projects towards the overlap, is inserted into a correspondingly shaped undercut in the overlap, wherein, in the assembled state, the shaped projection on the lower part is positively received in the undercut on the overlap. At the beginning of the assembly of the lower part on the mullion connector, the former is inserted into the undercut of the overlap perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove and at an angle relative to the rebate surface. After this, the lower part, which runs slightly diagonally to the rebate surface, is now tilted towards abutment against the rebate surface, while maintaining the reception of its shaped projection in the undercut.This is then terminated when a locking device attached to the lower part is inserted with its locking formation into the glazing bead groove in the frame profile, whereby this introduction compensates for the small offset still present between the position of the locking formation and the inlet into the glazing bead groove when the lower part is tilted, with the locking formation being elastically deflected perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove.

[0017] With the assembly method according to the invention, a lower part of a mullion connector provided with a shaped projection, to which a correspondingly shaped undercut in the overlap of the frame profile is assigned, can be installed very quickly by a simple insertion process with subsequent tilting until the lower part is locked in place in the glazing bead groove. However, unlike previously known assembly methods, the lower part is not hooked into the glazing bead groove with a corresponding locking device and then tilted downwards towards the overlap; rather, a tilting movement is used in the opposite direction, whereby the reception of the shaped projection on the lower part by its insertion into a corresponding undercut on the overlap, as used in the method according to the invention, makes precisely such tilting possible.

[0018] This ensures that the lower part of the mullion connector is securely fastened to the upper side of the frame profile, firstly through the positive engagement of the shaped projection in the corresponding undercut of the overlap, and secondly through the locking of a locking device attached to the lower part in the glazing bead groove. This allows for very quick installation of the lower part of the mullion connector on the frame profile without the need for any additional fastening points or means.

[0019] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a connecting arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 a sectional view of the connection arrangement of Fig. 1, according to section plane II-II from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a section of a connecting arrangement according to the invention, in which only the frame profile and the lower part of the mullion connector are shown at the beginning of the assembly of the latter on the former; Fig. 4 the representation from Fig. 3, but in the fully assembled state of the lower part of the mullion connector on the frame profile; Fig. 5 one of the representations of the Fig. 3 corresponding sectional view, but showing a second embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 6 the sectional view according to Fig. 5, but with the lower part fully mounted on the frame profile.

[0020] In Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connecting arrangement 1 which comprises a frame profile 2, a post profile 3 and a post connector 4 connecting these two together, each made of plastic.

[0021] The frame profile 2 has a rebate surface 5 on its upper side between an overlap 6 on one long side and a glazing bead groove 7 on the opposite long side.

[0022] The post connector 4 is now located on the rebate surface 5, which, as can be seen from the sectional view of the Fig. 2, consists of an upper part 8 and a lower part 9, the upper part 8 being placed on the lower part 9 and being fastened to it in a manner not shown in detail (for example by means of screws or snap-in connections or the like).

[0023] On the lower part 9 of the post connector, on the side facing the overlap 6, a shaped formation 10, shown as a shaped projection, is integrally attached, which projects therefrom and engages in an undercut 11 formed on the facing side of the overlap 6. The shapes of the shaped formation 10 and the undercut 11 are designed correspondingly to one another, so that in the Fig. 2, the shaped formation 10 is positively received in the undercut 11. The positive connection between the two is selected such that, in the assembled state, it blocks movement of the shaped formation 10 in the undercut 11 in a direction perpendicular to the rebate surface 5.

[0024] The lower part 9 of the post connector 4 has, on its longitudinal side opposite the shaped formation 10, a locking formation 12 which, in the embodiments shown in the figures, comprises a locking lug 13 which is fastened to the lower part 9 via an elastically spring-loaded web 14.

[0025] For a better illustration, please refer to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, where Fig. 3 shows the condition at the beginning of the attachment of the lower part 9 to the frame 2 and Fig. 4 then shows the final assembly position between the two.

[0026] As can be seen from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the locking lug 13 with the elastically retractable web 14 extends over a certain section of the length of the lower part 9 in the form of a locking strip 16 (cf. Fig. 3).

[0027] The locking lug 13 is provided on its underside, ie the side facing the glazing bead groove 7 during its assembly, with a run-in slope 15 ( Fig. 3). The locking device 12 is designed and dimensioned in such a way that during assembly the locking lug 13 is in contact with the top during a tilting movement (see arrow direction in Fig. 3) when entering the glazing bead groove 7, it first arrives at the groove opening with the inlet bevel 15 and is then guided by the inlet bevel to a precise entry into the glazing bead groove 7, whereby the (albeit small) lateral offset of the locking lug 13 to the inlet opening of the glazing bead groove 7 can be compensated for by the fact that the locking lug 13 can elastically spring out perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove 7 when introduced into the glazing bead groove 7 to such an extent that an unhindered entry of the locking lug 13 into the glazing bead groove 7 is ensured.

[0028] The assembly of the lower part 9 of the mullion connector 4 onto the frame profile 2 is now carried out as follows: First, the lower part 9 is moved in a position oblique to the rebate surface 5 in such a way that the shaped formation 10 (projecting shoulder) is inserted as far as possible into the undercut 11 in this position, as shown in Fig. 3. The inclined position is selected such that the underside of the lower part 9 of the post connector 4 is in a position in which the locking formation 12 with the locking lug 13 and the elastically springable web 14 is located a short distance above the glazing bead groove 7.

[0029] Subsequently, while maintaining the inserted state of the mold formation 10 in the undercut 11, the lower part 9 of the post connector 4 is inserted in the Fig. 3, i.e. in the direction of the rebate surface 5, until the locking formation 12 is locked in the glazing bead groove 7 by the inserted locking lug 13.

[0030] This condition is in Fig. 4 shown.

[0031] In this assembly state, the lower part 9 of the mullion connector 4 is fastened to the frame profile 2, being held on its two opposite longitudinal sides on the one hand by the positive connection with the undercut 11 in the overlap 6 and on the other hand by the locking device 12 in the glazing bead groove 7.

[0032] This allows for very rapid assembly of the lower part 9 onto the frame profile 2, without the need for any additional fastening of the lower part 9 to the rebate surface of the frame profile 2, for example by means of screws. Furthermore, in the final position of this assembly, the state is also achieved in which the lower part 9 of the mullion connector 4 is positively received and held by a protruding shaped projection 10 in an undercut 11 in the overlap 6, and at the same time, locking is also possible on the opposite long side via an elastically deformable locking device 12 in the glazing bead groove 7.

[0033] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of the lower part 9 of the mullion connector 4 and the shape of the undercut in the frame profile 2: Here, the undercut is designed in the form of one (or more) openings 11' (in the illustrated case: in the form of cylindrical holes) drilled through the wall of the overlap 6 on its side facing the lower part 9 of the post connector 4, while the shaped formation 10' on the lower part 9 of the post connector 4 is designed in the form of an annular projection which, in the assembled state ( Fig. 6) engages positively in the corresponding cylindrical opening 11' as an undercut in the overlap 6.

[0034] Fig. 5 again shows approximately the state as it is in Fig. 3 for the example there at the beginning of the assembly of the lower part 9 of the mullion connector 4 on the frame profile 2.

[0035] Here too, the annular projection 10' is inserted into the undercut 11' in an oblique position of the lower part 9 relative to the rebate surface 5, which is facilitated by designing the annular projection 10' with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the undercut 11'.

[0036] Then, by pivoting the lower part 9 relative to the frame 2 (see arrow direction in Fig. 5) the locking device 12 with the locking lug 13 is inserted into the glazing bead groove 7, whereby the final assembly position of the two parts is in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0037] When the lower part 9 is fastened to the frame profile 2 in the form shown in the figures, the upper part 8 can then be inserted into the mullion profile 3 without difficulty and both can be fastened to each other and to the lower part 9 of the mullion connector 4 in a suitable manner, so that the connection arrangement, as shown in Fig. 1 shown, is created.

[0038] In this description of the figures, we will refrain from going into detail about the individual details of the elements fastened to one another, as these are designs familiar to those skilled in the art. Reference is made here only by way of example to the design of the frame profile 2 and the mullion profile 3 as hollow plastic profiles, or to the special design of the lower part 9 and upper part 8 on their mutually facing sides, as these designs are not relevant to the invention described here.

Claims

[1] A connecting arrangement (1) comprising a frame profile (2) of a window or door, with a rebate surface (5) on its upper side, which has an overlap (6) on one longitudinal side and a glazing bead groove (7) on the opposite longitudinal side, a mullion profile (3) forming a hollow profile, and a mullion connector (4) consisting of an upper part (8) and a lower part (9), by means of which the frame profile (2) and mullion profile (3) are connected to one another, wherein the lower part (9) is fastened to the frame profile (2) on the rebate surface (5), the upper part (8) is placed on the lower part (9), connected to it, inserted into the hollow profile of the mullion profile (3) and fastened to the hollow profile, and wherein the lower part (9) has a locking formation (12) engaging in the glazing bead groove (7) of the frame profile (2), characterized bythat on the lower part (9) of the mullion connector (4) on the side thereof facing the overlap (6) there is provided a shaped formation (10; 10') projecting thereto, which is received in a form-fitting manner in an undercut (11, 11') correspondingly formed on the overlap (6), and on the opposite side of the lower part (9) there is provided a locking formation (12) engaging in the glazing bead groove (7) of the frame profile (2), wherein during assembly of the lower part (9) the shaped formation (10; 10) received in a form-fitting manner in the undercut (11, 11') acts as a hinge point, so that the lower part (9) can be tilted towards the rebate surface (5) of the frame profile until the locking formation (12) is inserted into the glazing bead groove (7) and locked there, wherein the locking formation (12) upon locking insertion into the glazing bead groove (7) is elastically connected to the lower part (9) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the glazing bead groove (7). [2] Connecting arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking formation (12) is designed as a locking lug (13) with an inlet slope (15) fastened to the lower part (9) via an elastically deformable web (14). [3] Connecting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a projection (10') with a cylindrical outer circumference is provided as the projecting shape formation (10), which engages in an undercut (11') in the form of a cylindrical recess correspondingly introduced in the overlap (6). [4] Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the frame strip (2), the locking lug (13) is designed in the form of a locking strip (16) extending over at least part of the length of the lower part (9). [5] Connecting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the projecting shape (10; 10') is formed integrally with the lower part (9) of the post connector (4). [6] Method for mounting the lower part (9) of a post connector (4) consisting of a lower part (9) and an upper part (8) on the frame profile (2) of a window or a door, during the assembly of a connecting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame profile (2) has an overlap (6) on one longitudinal side and a glazing bead groove (7) on its opposite longitudinal side, between which a rebate surface (5) is formed, wherein the lower part (9) is formed with a shaped formation (10) projecting towards the overlap (6) and the overlap (6) is formed with an undercut (11) corresponding to the shaped formation, characterized by following steps: a) first, the shaped formation (10; 10') on the lower part (9) is inserted perpendicular to the longitudinal strip of the glazing bead groove (7) into the undercut (11; 11') of the overlap (6) with the lower part (9) aligned obliquely relative to the rebate surface (5); b) the lower part (9) is then tilted in the direction of the rebate surface (5) while maintaining the reception of the shaped formation (10; 10') in the undercut (11; 11') until a locking formation (12) attached to it is inserted into the glazing bead groove (7) in a locking manner, with elastic deflection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latter.

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