Room partition device with integrated glazing and means for reinforcing the cladding arranged around the glazing

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of elements for separating a room, more commonly called joinery.

[0002] A room separation device is traditionally implemented to ensure the closure, reversible or not, of an opening made in a wall of a building, this wall being able to be external and separate the building from the outside or being internal and separating several rooms located in a building.

[0003] The devices for separating a room include windows, roof windows, doors, entrance doors, French windows, garage doors, etc.

[0004] The invention finds particular application in the field of entrance doors. 2. Prior art and its drawbacks

[0005] In reference to the Figures 1 and 2, an entrance door 1 conventionally comprises a frame 10, intended to be permanently secured in an opening provided for this purpose in a wall of a building, and an opening 11 mounted to move relative to the frame 10 between a closed position, in which it closes the opening, and at least one open position, in which it at least partially releases the opening. For this, it is secured to the frame 10 by suitable securing means such as, for example, hinges 12.

[0006] The opening 11 comprises a frame 15 on either side of which an interior facing 16 and an exterior facing 17 are secured at their periphery.

[0007] The frame 15 generally comprises two side uprights 151 as well as an upper cross member 152 and a lower cross member 153. The frame 15 delimits with the facings 16, 17 an interior space 18 which can be filled with insulating foam.

[0008] The door 1 comprises actuating means for moving the opening 11 from one of its positions to the other. These actuating means conventionally comprise a handle 13. It also comprises means for locking the opening 11 in its closed position. These locking means conventionally comprise a lock 14. The door also comprises elements ensuring the sealing of the opening with the frame.

[0009] The interior facing is intended to face the interior of the room while the exterior facing is intended to face the exterior of the room.

[0010] More generally, interior and exterior refer to the inside and outside of a building or a room within a building.

[0011] The opening 11 of such a door may comprise a glazing 19. In this case, the facings 16, 17 are respectively crossed by an opening 161, 171 closed by the glazing 19.

[0012] The sealing between the facings 16, 17 and the glazing 19 is ensured by means of peripheral seals 20 while the cohesion of the assembly is ensured by means of peripheral beads of glue 21.

[0013] The manufacture of the opening of a door of this type is obtained in the following way.

[0014] A facing 16, 17 is placed horizontally on a work surface. A bead of glue is placed on the periphery thereof and a frame 15 is placed there. A seal 20 and a bead of glue 21 are placed on the periphery of the opening 161, 171. A glazing 19 is placed there. A seal 20 and a bead of glue 21 are placed on the periphery of the glazing 19 and a bead of glue is placed on the frame 15. A facing 16, 17 is placed on the frame 15. The assembly is kept compressed while the glue sets. Once the setting is complete, foam is injected into the space 18 between the facings 16, 17, for example through an orifice provided for this purpose in the frame 15. After polymerization of the foam, the opening is completed.

[0015] In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the openings, we tend to reduce the thickness e of the facings.

[0016] Furthermore, in order to improve the aesthetics of such an opening, it is sought to reduce the distance d between the outer surface of the glazing 19 and the outer surface of each facing 16, 17. This in fact makes it possible to obtain glazing that is substantially flush with the facings.

[0017] For this purpose, reducing the thickness e of the facings 16, 17 makes it possible to significantly reduce this distance d and to improve the aesthetics by providing more flush glazing.

[0018] However, the reduction in the thickness of the facings 16, 17 is not without consequences.

[0019] Indeed, during the polymerization of the foam inside the space 18 between the facings, the foam exerts a tensile force on the facings 16, 17 represented by the arrows on the figure 4. Due to these forces, the facings 16, 17 deform at the periphery of the glazing 19 so that a local undulation 22 of the facings 16, 17 is observed there. Such deformations are unsightly insofar as they lead to providing openings whose facings are not flat.

[0020] In another aspect, the outline of the openings 161, 171 has sharp-angled edges. As a result, the surface coating of the facings, generally paint, is thin in this area, leading to an increased risk of corrosion and detrimental to the perceived quality.

[0021] According to yet another aspect, this opening architecture does not allow for the injection of foam, called foaming, between the facings while maintaining them in a vertical position rather than in a horizontal position. Vertical foaming would induce a risk of displacement by gravity of the glazing relative to the facings. However, injection of the foam with the opening in a vertical position is desired. Document JPS60104579U describes a door with a glass panel of the state of the art. 3. Objectives of the invention

[0022] The invention aims in particular to provide an effective solution to at least some of these different problems.

[0023] In particular, according to at least one embodiment, an objective of the invention is to provide a device for separating a room making it possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0024] Another objective of the invention is, in at least one embodiment, to improve the aesthetics of the junction between the facings and a glazing inserted between them.

[0025] In particular, the invention aims, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a device which does not have a zone of deformation of the facings at the periphery of the glazing.

[0026] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to improve the perceived quality of such a device, in particular by providing such a device which makes it possible to avoid the appearance of corrosion at the level of the contour of the openings made in the facings for the installation of the glazing.

[0027] Another objective of the invention is to provide, in at least one embodiment, such a device which makes it possible to optimize the assembly of the opening.

[0028] In particular, the invention pursues the objective, in at least one embodiment, of providing such a device which makes it easier to position the glazing relative to the facings.

[0029] The invention also pursues the objective, in at least one embodiment, of providing such a device which makes it possible to inject the foam into the opening vertically rather than horizontally.

[0030] Another objective of the invention is to provide, in at least one embodiment, such a device whose sealing function between the glazing and the facings is optimized. 4. Presentation of the invention

[0031] For this, the invention proposes a device for separating a room comprising a first and a second sheet metal facing secured at their periphery on either side of a frame, said facings being crossed by at least one opening, said opening being closed by at least one panel at least partly translucent or transparent, said panel being housed between said first and second facings.

[0032] According to the invention, at least one of said first and second facings comprises an inner edge delimiting said opening, at least one of said inner edges being folded towards the inside of said separation device.

[0033] The fact, according to the invention, of folding the facings at the level of their inner edge peripheral to the panel, for example a glazing, makes it possible to locally reinforce the mechanical resistance of the facings and thus to avoid the deformation of the facings at the periphery of the glazing, for example under the effect of the polymerization of the foam present there.

[0034] Folding the facings provides local mechanical strength equivalent to that of conventional facings, but with a thinner thickness. This makes it possible to achieve glazing that is more flush with the facings. This also allows facings to be made from thinner sheets, thereby reducing costs.

[0035] The technique according to the invention thus makes it possible to improve the perceived quality and aesthetics of an opening while reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0036] According to the invention, the folding angle of said inner edge is between 30 and 75°.

[0037] According to a possible characteristic, said edges have several consecutive sides to form a closed contour, the consecutive edges being connected two by two by curved sides.

[0038] According to a possible characteristic, said inner edge is formed on that of the facings intended to be turned towards the exterior of a building to which said separation device is fixed.

[0039] According to a possible feature, an inner edge is formed on that of the facings intended to be turned towards the interior of a building to which said separation device is fixed.

[0040] According to a possible characteristic, the distance between the panel and the end of said inner edge closest to said panel is less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

[0041] According to a possible characteristic, the distance between said panel and the end of said inner edge furthest from said panel is at least equal to 0.7 millimeters.

[0042] According to a possible characteristic, a peripheral joint is placed between said panel and said facing upstream of said inner edge, said facings delimiting with said frame an inner space at least partly filled with at least one insulator, said insulator filling the space between said facing and said panel upstream of said joint.

[0043] According to a variant which is not part of the invention, said inner edge is folded substantially parallel to said facings at its inner edge.

[0044] According to an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the facings are folded substantially parallel to said facings at their inner edge over a distance extending at least in places beyond the peripheral contour of said panel.

[0045] According to an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the facings are folded substantially parallel to said facings at their inner edge over a distance of at least 5 millimeters.

[0046] According to the invention, the facings are folded at their inner edge towards the inside of said separating element.

[0047] According to an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the end of each portion of each of said first and second facings folded substantially parallel to said facings has at least one zone folded substantially perpendicular to said facings.

[0048] According to a possible characteristic, said facings delimit an interior space filled at least in part with a cellular material.

[0049] According to a possible characteristic, a peripheral seal is interposed on each side of said panel between the latter and the inner edge of said facings.

[0050] According to a possible characteristic, the end of each portion of each of said first and second facings folded substantially parallel to said facings has at least one zone folded substantially perpendicular to said facings then substantially parallel to said facings.

[0051] According to a possible characteristic, said ends of the portions of said first and second facings folded substantially perpendicular to said facings (then substantially parallel to said facings) extend in two essentially parallel and distant planes.

[0052] According to a possible characteristic, said ends of the portions of said first and second facings folded substantially perpendicular to said facings form lateral stops against which the edges of said panel bear.

[0053] According to a possible characteristic, said inner edge of said facings is rounded. 5. List of figures

[0054] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which: there figure 1 illustrates a front view of a door according to the prior art; the figure 2 illustrates a sectional view along axis AA of the figure 1 ; THE Figures 3 and 4 illustrate two sectional views along the BB axis of the figure 1before and after polymerization of the foam inside the opening; the Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a door according to an embodiment which is not part of the invention; the figures 6 , 7 , 8 And 9 respectively illustrate sections along the BB, CC, AA and DD axes of the Figure 5 ; there figure 10 illustrates a view of the face facing the inside of the door of a facing according to an embodiment which is not part of the invention; the figure 11 illustrates a perspective detail of the figure 10 and the figure 12 illustrates detail E of the figure 6 according to a first variant; the figure 13 illustrates a perspective detail of the figure 10 and the figure 14 illustrates detail E of the figure 6 according to a second variant; the figure 15 illustrates a front view of a variant of the opening of a device for separating a room according to the invention; figure 16illustrates detail C of the figure 15 ; there figure 17 illustrates a sectional view along axis AA of the figure 15 ; there figure 18 illustrates detail B of the figure 17 ; THE figures 19 and 20 illustrate detail D of the figure 17 . 6. Description of particular embodiments 6.1. Structure of a first embodiment

[0055] It is described in relation to the figures 5 to 14 an embodiment of a device for separating a room which is not part of the invention.

[0056] The embodiment described below concerns a door, in particular an entrance door. The principle can, however, be extended to other types of room separation elements such as a French window, a garage door, a service door or other.

[0057] A door 5 conventionally comprises a frame 51 delimiting a passage and an opening 52 mounted to move relative to the frame between a position for closing the passage and a plurality of positions for opening the passage.

[0058] The opening 52 comprises a frame on either side of which are fixed, at their periphery, two facings, in this case an interior facing 520 and an exterior facing 521.

[0059] The inner 520 and outer 521 facings are each crossed by an opening 53. These openings 53 are arranged opposite one another. They are closed by means of a panel 54 at least partly transparent or translucent like glazing. In the example illustrated, the panel is a triple glazing provided with reinforced outer glazing. It could be a conventional triple glazing, a double glazing, a single glazing or other.

[0060] The frame typically comprises two side uprights 55 as well as an upper crosspiece 56 and a lower crosspiece 57.

[0061] The facings 520, 521 are made of metal sheet, for example aluminum alloy sheet. They could alternatively be made of steel sheet or other.

[0062] The facings 520, 521 each comprise an inner edge 58 delimiting the opening 53.

[0063] The facings 520, 521 are folded at their inner edge 58, their folded portions 59 extending substantially parallel to the facings.

[0064] In the embodiment described, the glazing has four sides. Each facing therefore comprises at least four folded portions, one on each side of the glazing. In the case of triangular glazing, the number of folded portions would be at least three. Each facing therefore advantageously comprises at least as many folded portions as the glazing has sides.

[0065] Each portion 59, of each of the facings 520, 521, folded substantially parallel to the facings: essentially flush with the corresponding facing; extends beyond the peripheral contour of panel 54 as is visible in particular on the figures 7 And 9 ; preferably extends over a distance of at least 5 millimeters; is folded towards the inside of the door, that is to say in the interior space 61 delimited between the facings.

[0066] The folded portions 59 preferably extend along the entire periphery of the glazing, as can be seen in figure 10 However, in a variant (not shown), a plurality of punctually folded portions may be arranged on each side of the glazing.

[0067] In a variant illustrated in figures 11 and 12 , each portion 59, of each of the facings, folded substantially parallel to the facings has at least one zone 60 folded substantially perpendicular to the facings in the direction of the interior space delimited by the facings.

[0068] The folded areas 60 are preferably formed by folding the folded portions 59. Another suitable manufacturing method could however be implemented.

[0069] Each folded zone 60 preferably extends essentially parallel to the corresponding inner edge 58. It may, however, extend essentially perpendicular to the corresponding inner edge 58.

[0070] These folded zones 60 form lateral stops against which the edges of the glazing rest, as can be seen in figures 12 And 14 .

[0071] Each facing includes at least one folded area 60 for each side of the glazing. In the example illustrated in figure 10 , a folded zone 60 is provided for each short side of the glazing and two are provided for each long side of the glazing. The number of these zones will obviously have to be adapted as needed.

[0072] In a variant illustrated in figures 13 and 14, each portion 59, of each of the facings, folded substantially parallel to the facings, has zones 60' folded substantially perpendicular to the facings in the direction of the interior space delimited by the facings then substantially parallel to the facings in a direction opposite to the opening 53.

[0073] Each folded zone 60, 60' thus comprises a wing 600 which extends essentially perpendicular to the facings and preferably essentially parallel to the corresponding inner edge 59, and where appropriate a wing 601 which extends essentially parallel to the facings. The wing 600 may however extend essentially perpendicular to the corresponding inner edge 58.

[0074] When folded areas 60 are implemented, each portion 59, of each of the facings 520, 521, folded substantially parallel to the facings extends beyond the peripheral panel contour 54 as is visible in the figures 7 And 9 only locally, that is to say at least in places, but not at the level of folded zones 60.

[0075] The free ends of the wings 600 facing each other are distant from each other.

[0076] Where appropriate, the wings 601 facing each other extend in two essentially parallel and distant planes. The distance L between these wings is preferably between 5 and 20 millimeters.

[0077] The inner edge 58 of each facing 520, 521 has a non-sharp profile, in this case rounded (cf. figure 14 ).

[0078] The interior space 61 delimited between the facings 520, 521 is filled at least in part with a cellular material such as a foam 62. This foam could for example be of the polyurethane or other type and have thermal and / or acoustic insulation properties.

[0079] A peripheral seal 63 is interposed on each side of the glazing 54 between the latter and the inner edge 58 of the facings 520, 521. 6.2. Advantages

[0080] A door, or more generally a device for separating a room, according to the invention provides numerous advantages.

[0081] The fact that the inner edge 58 of the facings 520, 521 has a folded portion essentially parallel to the corresponding facing makes it possible to reinforce the inner edge of each facing locally at the peripheral contour of the glazing.

[0082] This locally reinforces the mechanical resistance of the facings, which prevents the appearance of undulation of the facings around the glazing, particularly due to the polymerization of the foam inside the opening, as is the case in the prior art.

[0083] Folding the facings at their inner edge constitutes a means of reinforcing the facings at the peripheral contour of the glazing.

[0084] Folding the facings at their inner edge provides local mechanical strength greater than or equal to that of a non-folded facing of greater constant thickness but with a lower local thickness E. This thus makes it possible to reduce the distance d between the outer surface of the glazing and the outer surface of each facing and thus improve the aesthetics of the opening with more flush glazing.

[0085] Folding each facing at its inner edge gives it a rounded edge rather than a sharp one. This improves the durability of the facing's surface treatment. Indeed, the paint covering the facing adheres better to a rounded edge than to a sharp edge, thus limiting the appearance of corrosion in this area. All this helps give the facing a more luxurious appearance.

[0086] The implementation of the folded zones 60 substantially perpendicular to the facings makes it possible to provide lateral stops against which the peripheral edge of the glazing can come to bear. This facilitates the installation and positioning of the glazing during the manufacture of the opening. Indeed, when during the manufacture of an opening, a glazing is placed against a first of the facings, the latter can be placed inside the space delimited by the wings 600. The glazing is thus correctly pre-positioned relative to the opening 53 which it closes. In addition, because the glazing comes to bear against these stops, it cannot move by gravity so that it is possible to assemble the opening and proceed with the injection of the foam while keeping the opening vertical.

[0087] The presence of the wings 601 which extend essentially parallel to the facings makes it possible to improve the sealing between the glazing and the facings. Indeed, during its polymerization, the foam exerts on the wings 601 forces represented by the arrows on the figure 14 which are transmitted to the folded portions 59 of the facings which compress the joints 61. 6.3. Structure of a second embodiment

[0088] We present in relation to the figures 15 to 20 a second embodiment of a device for separating a room according to the invention.

[0089] In this embodiment, the inner edge 58 of the outer facing 521 is folded towards the inside of the separation device. In a variant, the inner edge 58 of the inner facing 520 is also folded towards the inside of the separation device. It may also be provided that only the inner edge 58 of the inner facing 520 is folded towards the inside of the separation device, although it is preferred that it is at least provided on the outer facing.

[0090] The inner edge 58 may preferably be obtained by grooving. It may alternatively be obtained by folding or other means.

[0091] The folded edge may, for example, have a chamfered or rounded shape. The shape will depend on the technique used to form it and the properties of the facing material.

[0092] The angle α of folding of the inner edge from the plane of the corresponding facing towards the inside of the separation device is between 30 and 75°.

[0093] Each inner edge 58 has several consecutive sides 580 to form a closed contour, the consecutive edges 580 being connected two by two by curved sides 581.

[0094] The distance d between the outer surface of the panel 54 and the end of the inner edge 58 closest to the panel 54 is less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

[0095] The distance D between the outer surface of the panel 54 and the end of the inner edge 58 furthest from the panel 54 is at least equal to 0.7 millimeters.

[0096] A peripheral seal 63 is placed between the panel 54 and the facing 520, 521 upstream of the inner edge 58.

[0097] The facings 520, 521 delimit with the frame an interior space at least partly filled with at least one cellular material 62.

[0098] This cellular material 62 fills the space between the facing 520, 521 and the panel 54 upstream of the joint 63. 6.4. Advantages

[0099] The implementation of the folded inner edge makes it possible to locally stiffen the sheet metal and thus prevent it from deforming at the periphery of the opening made for the panel. This improves the aesthetics of the separation device.

[0100] Folding the inner edge of the separation device inwards, in this case towards the panel, makes it possible to locally make the facing flush with the panel. This further improves the aesthetics of the separation device. This also limits the exposure to the weather of the edge of the facing cut to form the opening and thus limits the risk of it corroding.

[0101] Folding the inner edge towards the inside of the separation device, in this case towards the panel, allows the edge of the facing cut to form the opening to be offset from the plane of the facing towards the inside of the device. This edge can be sharp, so any risk of injury is avoided.

[0102] Folding the inner edge towards the inside of the separation device also makes it possible to create a space of thickness D between the face of the facing 520, 521 facing towards the inside of the device and the panel 54. This space makes it possible to accommodate a seal 63 that is thick enough to compensate for the geometric tolerances of the panel 54. Indeed, due to the geometric tolerances of the panel 54, it may happen that the panel is too thick in places and forces itself against the facings in certain areas when the facings are compressed towards each other while a cellular material is injected inside the separation device, causing local deformations in these areas. A seal of sufficient thickness, the installation of which is possible because the space generated by the folded inner edge, makes it possible to locally compensate for the differences in thickness of the panel and to avoid the formation of local deformations of the facings.This improves aesthetics.

[0103] The space of thickness D created by the implementation of the inner edge folded inwards of the separation device also allows the cellular material injected into the inner space to be housed upstream of the joint between the facing 520, 521 and the panel 54. This provides a base for the end of the facing and locally reinforces its rigidity.

[0104] The folded edge also helps prevent the formation of a breaker incipient and thus strengthens the inner edge.

[0105] It also helps prevent water and dust from accumulating around the inner edge, which can degrade the seal in this area.

Claims

1. Device for separating a room, comprising a first (520) and a second (521) sheet metal facing secured at their periphery on either side of a frame, said facings (520, 521) having at least one opening (53) passing through them, said opening (53) being closed by at least one panel (54) at least in part translucent or transparent, said panel (54) being housed between said first (520) and second (521) facings, at least one of said first (520) and second (521) facings comprising an inner edge (58) delimiting said opening (23), at least one of said inner edges (58) being folded towards the inside of said device for separating, characterised in that the bending angle (α) of said at least one inner edge bent towards the inside of said device for separating, with respect to the plane of the corresponding facing, is comprised between 30 and 75°.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said inner edge (58) has a bevelled or rounded shape.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said inner edges (58) have several consecutive sides (580) to form a closed contour, the consecutive edges (580) being connected two to two by sides of curved shape (581).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said inner edge (58) is formed on that of the facings intended to be turned towards the outside of a building to which said device for separating is attached.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an inner edge (58) is formed on that of the facings intended to be turned towards the inside of a building to which said device for separating is attached.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distance (d) between the panel (54) and the end of said inner edge (58) closest to said panel (54) is less than or equal to 1 millimetre.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance (D) between said panel (54) and the end of said inner edge (58) the furthest away from said panel (54) is at least equal to 0.7 millimetres.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a peripheral seal (63) is placed between said panel (54) and said facing (520, 521) upstream of said inner edge (58), said facings (520, 521) delimiting with said frame an inner space at least partially filled with at least one insulator (62), said insulator (62) filling the space between said facing (520, 521) and said panel (54) upstream of said seal (63).

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said facings (520, 521) delimit an inner space (61) at least partially filled with a foam material (62).

10. Device according to claim 9,wherein said foam material is polymerised inside said separating device.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said inner edge (58) is obtained by joggling.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said inner edge (58) is obtained by bending.