Suspended ceiling spacer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spacer for a suspended ceiling frame, the spacer comprising a core for receiving a suspended ceiling plate, the core having two ends, the spacer comprising two fixing modules, each fixing module comprising a snap-on clip, the snap-on clip comprising at least a first tongue and a second tongue, the second tongue having an elastically movable part, the elastically movable part comprising a second face, the second tongue being configured so that the second face rests on an upper face of a furring strip when the spacer is snapped onto the furring strip, the upper face being opposite the bottom face with respect to the furring strip, the snap-on clip having a snap-on module arranged on the second face and opposite the first face.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of suspended ceilings, and in particular to a suspended ceiling spacer that increases the fire resistance of a suspended ceiling. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is common practice to install a modular suspended ceiling beneath the structural ceiling of a room. A modular suspended ceiling consists of hangers and a grid system. The hangers allow the grid system to be suspended from the structural ceiling. The modular suspended ceiling may also include panels mounted directly onto the grid system. These panels may, for example, have properties that delay the spread of fire in a building. They may also have properties that improve the sound insulation of the suspended ceiling and / or provide moisture resistance.

[0003] The framework typically consists of furring strips and cross braces. A furring strip is a rail, usually metallic, supported by the hangers. The furring strips are generally arranged parallel to each other and equidistant from one another.

[0004] A spacer is a rail, usually metallic, placed between two furring strips. The spacer has two ends, each mechanically connected to a furring strip. The spacer maintains the spacing between two furring strips and reinforces the structure.

[0005] Document EP 1854933 describes a framework comprising furring strips and braces. A brace has, at one end, a locking means for a furring strip. Each furring strip comprises side plates. Openings are regularly spaced on each of the side plates. The openings are centered with respect to the thickness of the furring strip, each opening on one side plate being aligned with another opening on the opposite side plate. This document describes a first embodiment in which a locking means for the brace comprises a projecting metal element, intended to be inserted into the opening of the furring strip. An elastic metal tab is arranged on the projecting element, on one face of the projecting element opposite another face of the projecting element facing the bottom of the furring strip. The metal tab is then snapped into place to lock the brace to the furring strip.This document describes a second embodiment in which the locking means for the spacer includes a rib. The rib has a cutout. During locking, the rib is inserted into the opening, and then the spacer is translated in a direction parallel to the main direction of the furring strip, so that an edge of the opening fits into the cutout in the rib, thus locking the spacer to the furring strip. However, the locking means described do not allow for the fabrication of a framework in which the spacing between the individual spacers is variable and can be chosen by a user according to the type of suspended ceiling to be constructed and the desired mechanical strength properties of the framework. Furthermore, the openings in the furring strips must be aligned before attaching the spacers to the strips, which complicates the fabrication of the framework.Furthermore, furring strips with holes cannot be used for other applications, increasing the cost of building construction. Finally, attaching the spacer to two adjacent furring strips requires space above or below the reinforcement, which can be problematic during reinforcement fabrication.

[0006] Document DE295.02.457U1 relates to a spacer for a suspended ceiling frame, the spacer comprising a core intended to receive a suspended ceiling plate, the core having two ends, the spacer comprising two fixing modules, one of the fixing modules being arranged at one end and the other fixing module being arranged at the other end, the core having a main axis, each fixing module comprising a snap-on clip, the snap-on clip comprising at least a first tongue extending from the core in the direction of the main axis, the first tongue having a first face and being configured so that the first face is in contact with a bottom face of a furring strip when the spacer is snapped onto the furring strip. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One aim of the invention is to provide a spacer whose assembly with two adjacent furring strips can be carried out in a plane formed by the two adjacent furring strips.

[0008] This objective is achieved within the framework of the present invention by means of a spacer for a suspended ceiling frame, the spacer comprising a core intended to receive a suspended ceiling plate, the core having two ends, the spacer comprising two fixing modules, one of the fixing modules being arranged at one end and the other fixing module being arranged at the other end, the core having a main axis, each fixing module comprising a snap-fit ​​clip, the snap-fit ​​clip comprising at least a first tab extending from the core in the direction of the main axis, the first tab having a first face and being configured so that the first face bears against a bottom face of a furring strip when the spacer is snapped onto the furring strip, the snap-in clip comprising at least a second tab also extending from the core, the second tab having an elastically movable part extending in the direction of the main axis, the elastically movable part comprising a second face, the second tab being configured so that the second face bears against a top face of a furring strip when the spacer is snapped onto the furring strip, the top face being opposite the bottom face with respect to the furring strip, the snap-in clip having a snap-in module arranged on the second face and opposite the first face.

[0009] The present invention is advantageously complemented by the following features, taken individually or in any of their technically possible combinations: The snap-on clamp is configured so that the elastically movable part is elastically connected to the core by a pivot joint having an axis perpendicular to the main axis; the first face is parallel to the second face; the snap-on module is a projecting element extending from the second face to the first face; the snap-on module is a boss, preferably formed by embossing the second face; the core and the fixing modules are formed from the same folded metal sheet; the core includes a base intended to receive the suspended ceiling plate and extending along a main plane; the first tongue extends from the base in the main plane; the second tongue includes a first part extending from the base in a plane having a component perpendicular to the main plane, and the elastically movable part extends from the first part in a plane parallel to the main plane.The fixing module comprises two first tabs, each of the first tabs being preferably arranged symmetrically to the other first tab with respect to a plane perpendicular to the main plane and including the main axis; the spacer is formed by a profile, the profile comprising the base and two lateral sides,

[0010] Another aspect of the invention is a kit comprising a fur and a spacer, the spacer conforming to a spacer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention is a suspended ceiling frame, comprising at least one furring strip and a first cross brace, the first cross brace being mounted fixed to the furring strip, transversely to the furring strip. the furring strip comprising a bottom face and at least one top face, the first spacer comprising a first snap-on clip, the first face of the first snap-on clip bearing against the bottom face and the second face of the first snap-on clip bearing against the top face, the furring strip having a thickness e defined between la bottom face and the top face(s), the distance separating the first face and the second face of the first spacer being equal to the thickness e.

[0012] Advantageously, the frame comprises at least a second spacer, the second spacer conforming to a spacer according to an embodiment of the invention, and being fixedly mounted to the furring strip transversely to the furring strip, the first spacer and the second spacer being mounted opposite each other with respect to the furring strip, the second spacer comprising a second snap-fit ​​clip, the first face of the second snap-fit ​​clip bearing against the bottom face and the second face of the second snap-fit ​​clip bearing against the top face or another top face, the furring strip having a thickness e defined between la bottom face and the top face(s), the distance separating the first face and the second face of the second spacer being equal to the thickness e.

[0013] Advantageously, the fur comprises a first lateral flank, a first rim presenting a first upper face, a second lateral flank, and a second rim presenting a second upper face. the first side flange extending from the bottom face, the first rim being arranged opposite the bottom face with respect to the first side flange, and extending from the first side flange parallel to the bottom face towards the second rim, the second side flange extending from the bottom face, the first side flange being opposite the second side flange with respect to the bottom face, and the second rim being arranged opposite the bottom face with respect to the second side flange, and extending from the second side flange parallel to the bottom face towards the first rim, the first snap-on clamp surrounding the first side flange and the first rim, and the second snap-on clamp surrounding the second side flange and the second rim.

[0014] Advantageously, a ratcheting module of the first ratcheting clamp is supported against a free edge of the first rim opposite the first lateral side relative to the first rim, and a ratcheting module of the second ratcheting clamp is supported against a free edge of the second rim opposite the second lateral side relative to the second rim.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a suspended ceiling comprising a frame according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising at least one facing plate, the facing plate being fixedly mounted, preferably by screwing, on the base of the core and on the bottom face of the spacer.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention is a method for attaching a spacer to a first furring strip and a second furring strip, the second furring strip being arranged parallel to the first furring strip so as to define the plane of a framework, the method comprising the steps of: a) supplying a spacer according to an embodiment of the invention, b) snapping a first snapping clamp of the spacer to the first furring strip, c) snapping a second snapping clamp to the second furring strip, the second snapping clamp being opposite to the first snapping clamp with respect to the web of the spacer, by pivoting the spacer around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the reinforcement and passing through the first furring strip.

[0017] Advantageously, in step b), the snapping of the first snap-fit ​​clamp of the spacer to the first furring strip is implemented by translating the spacer in a direction perpendicular to a principal axis of the first furring strip. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 illustrates one end of a spacer according to an embodiment of the invention, in a top view. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 illustrates one end of a spacer according to an embodiment of the invention, viewed from below. Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 illustrates a portion of a frame according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising two struts and a furring strip, in top view. Fig. 4] There figure 4 illustrates a step in a manufacturing process for a frame according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 illustrates another step in a manufacturing process for a frame according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 illustrates a suspended ceiling according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Across all figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In reference to figure 1 and to the figure 2 , a spacer 1 for a suspended ceiling frame 2 3 includes a web 4. The web 4 is intended to receive a plate 17 of the suspended ceiling 3. Preferably, the plate 17 may be a plate comprising a fire-retardant material, so as to prevent or delay the spread of fire in a building.

[0021] The core 4 has two ends. The spacer 1 comprises two fixing modules 5. One of the fixing modules 5 is arranged at one end of the core 4, and the other fixing module 5 is arranged at the other end of the core 4. Thus, the spacer 1 allows two furring strips 11 arranged parallel to each other to be separated, so as to form a suspended ceiling frame 2 3.

[0022] The core 4 has a main axis 6. Each fixing module 5 includes a snap-on clip 7. The snap-on clip 7 allows at least a section of the furring strip 11 to be surrounded, and the spacer 1 to be fixed by snapping it onto the furring strip 11. The snap-on clip 7 preferentially surrounds a part of the bottom face 10 of the furring strip 11 and a part of a top face 15 of the furring strip 11.

[0023] The snap-on clamp 7 includes at least one first tab 8. The first tab 8 extends from the web 4, from one end of the web 4, in the direction of the main axis 6. The first tab 8 has a first face 9. The first tab 8 is configured so that the first face 9 bears against the bottom face 10 of the furring strip 11 when the spacer 1 is snapped onto the furring strip 11.

[0024] The snap-on clip 7 includes at least one second tab 12. The second tab 12 extends from the core 4. The second tab 12 has an elastically movable portion 13 extending in the direction of the main axis 6. The elastically movable portion 13 includes a second face 14. The second tab 12 is configured so that the second face 14 bears against an upper face 15 of the furring strip 11 when the spacer 1 is snapped onto the furring strip 11. The upper face 15 is opposite the bottom face 10 with respect to the furring strip 11. "Upper face 15" means any face opposite the bottom face 10 with respect to the furring strip 11.The upper face 15 can be selected from a face extending from a lateral flank 21 of the furring strip 11 (in the case of a "C" or "J" shaped section of the furring strip 11), a face extending between two lateral flanks 21 of the furring strip 11 (in the case of a rectangular or square section of the furring strip 11), and the edge of a lateral flank 21 of the furring strip 11 (in the case of a "U" shaped section of the furring strip 11). The snap-on clip 7 has a snap-on module 16 arranged on the second face 9 and opposite the first face 14. The first face 9 is preferably parallel to the second face 14.

[0025] Thus, it is possible to mount the spacer 1 fixed to the furring strip 11 by rotating the spacer 1 in the plane formed by the different furring strips 11 forming the frame 2. InIndeed, due to the arrangement of the first tab 8 against the bottom face 10 of the furring strip 11, and the arrangement of the second tab 12 against a top face 15 of the furring strip 11, the snap-in clip 7 can come into contact with the furring strip 11 through movements other than a movement perpendicular to a principal axis of the furring strip. It is thus possible to mount the spacer 1 in a frame 2 without requiring space above the frame 2.

[0026] In reference to figure 1 and to the figure 2The snap-on clip 7 can be configured so that the elastically movable portion 13 is elastically connected to the web 4 by a pivot joint having an axis perpendicular to the main axis 6. Thus, before the snap-on clip 7 is engaged on the furring strip 11, when the snap-on module 16 comes into contact with the upper face 15, the elastically movable portion 13 of the second tab 12 can be moved away from the upper face 15 of the furring strip 11 before returning to rest against the upper face 15 during the snap-on process. The elasticity of the position of the elastically movable portion 13 can be achieved by another portion of the second tab 12 connecting the web 4 to the elastically movable portion 13.

[0027] The snap-in module 16 can be a projecting element extending from the second face 14 to the first face 9. The snap-in module 16 can be a boss, preferably formed by embossing the second face 14. The snap-in module 16 is intended to bear against a complementary shape element presented by the furring strip 11. This complementary shape element can be a rib formed on the upper face 15 of the furring strip, or can be a free edge against which the snap-in module 16 can bear.

[0028] The core 4 and the fixing modules 5 can be formed from a single folded metal sheet. The core 4 may include a base 19 for receiving the suspended ceiling plate 17 3. Preferably, the spacer 1 can be formed from a profile. The profile may include a base 19 and two lateral faces 23. The base 19 extends along a principal plane 18. The first tongue 8 may extend from the base 19 in the principal plane 18. The second tongue 12 may include a first portion 20 extending from the base 19 in a plane having a component perpendicular to the principal plane 18. Preferably, the first portion 20 extends in a plane perpendicular to the principal plane 18. Thus, the core 4 and the furring strip 11 can be in contact. The elastically movable portion 13 may extend from the first portion 20 in a plane parallel to the principal plane 18.Thus, it is possible to simplify the manufacture of the ratchet clamp 7 while allowing one of the parts of the ratchet clamp 7 to be elastically mobile.

[0029] The spacer 1 can be formed from at least one material selected from steel, aluminum, a polymer material and a composite material. The spacer 1 is preferably formed from galvanized steel.

[0030] The fixing module 5 can include two first tabs 8. Each of the first tabs 8 is preferably arranged symmetrically to the other first tab 8 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the main plane 18 and including the main axis 6. Thus, when the spacer 1 is fixed to the furring strip 11, it is not possible to pivot the spacer 1 with respect to the furring strip 11 along the main axis 6.

[0031] The fixing module 5 may include two second tabs 12. Each of the second tabs 12 is preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the main plane 18 and including the main axis 6. Thus, when the spacer 1 is fixed to the furring strip 11, it is impossible to pivot the spacer 1 with respect to the furring strip 11 along the main axis 6.

[0032] In reference to figure 3A suspended ceiling frame 2 comprises at least one furring strip 11 and a first cross brace 1. The first cross brace 1 conforms to a cross brace 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The first cross brace 1 is fixedly mounted to the furring strip 11 and transversely to the furring strip 11. The furring strip 11 comprises a bottom face 10 and at least one top face 15. Preferably, the furring strip 11 may comprise a plurality of top faces 15, preferably two top faces when the top faces 15 are formed by edges 22.As defined previously, the upper face 15 can be chosen from an edge 22 defined by a face extending from a lateral side 21 of the furring strip 11 (in the case of a “C” or “J” section of the furring strip 11), a face extending between two lateral sides 21 of the furring strip 11 (in the case of a rectangular or square section of the furring strip 11) and the edge of a lateral side 21 of the furring strip 11 (in the case of a “U” section of the furring strip 11). The first spacer 1 includes a first snap-fit ​​clip 7. The first face 9 of the first snap-fit ​​clip 7 rests on the bottom face 10. The second face 14 of the first snap-fit ​​clip 7 rests on the top face 15. The furring strip 11 has a thickness e defined between the bottom face 10 and the top face(s) 15. The distance separating the first face 9 and the second face 14 of the first spacer 1 is equal to the thickness e. InIndeed, when the first spacer 1 is fixed to the furring strip, the first snap-in clip 7 surrounds the thickness e of the furring strip. Thus, it is possible to fix the first spacer 1 to the furring strip 11 by rotating the first spacer 1.

[0033] Preferably, the furring strip 11 is free of any openings arranged along its wall. The furring strip 11 may also be free of any openings arranged on one of its lateral sides 21. This simplifies the manufacture of the furring strip 11 and makes it more versatile. For example, it can be used for purposes other than constructing a suspended ceiling frame.

[0034] The frame 2 may include at least one second spacer 1. The second spacer 1 conforms to a spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The second spacer is fixedly mounted to the furring strip 11 transversely to the furring strip 11. The first spacer 1 and the second spacer 1 are mounted opposite each other with respect to the furring strip 11. The second spacer 1 includes a second snap-on clip 7. The first face 9 of the second snap-on clip 7 bears against the bottom face 10. The second face 14 of the second snap-on clip 7 bears against the top face 15 or another top face 15. The distance separating the first face 9 and the second face 14 of the second spacer 1 is equal to the thickness e.Thus, two spacers 1 according to an embodiment of the invention can be snapped and fixed to the furring strip 1, opposite each other, on the same section of the furring strip 11, without the furring strip 11 having an opening adapted to receive a spacer different from a spacer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] The furring strip 11 can be made of at least one material selected from steel, aluminum, a polymer material, and a composite material. The furring strip 11 is preferably made of galvanized steel.

[0036] The fur 11 may include a first lateral side 21, a first rim 22 having a first upper face 15, a second lateral side 21, and a second rim 22 having a second upper face 15. The first lateral side 21 extends from the bottom face 10. The first rim 22 is arranged opposite the bottom face 10 with respect to the first lateral side 21 and extends from the first lateral side 21 parallel to the bottom face 10 towards the second rim 22. The second lateral side 21 extends from the bottom face 10. The first lateral side 21 is opposite the second lateral side 21 with respect to the bottom face 10. The second rim 22 is arranged opposite the bottom face 10 with respect to the second lateral side 21 and extends from the second lateral side 21 parallel to the bottom face 10 towards the first rim 22.The first snap-on clamp 7 surrounds the first side flange 21 and the first rim 22, and the second snap-on clamp 7 surrounds the second side flange 21 and the second rim 22.

[0037] A snap-on module 16 of the first snap-on clamp 6 can bear against a free edge of the first rim 22 opposite the first lateral flank 21 with respect to the first rim 22. A snap-on module 16 of the second snap-on clamp 16 can bear against a free edge of the second rim 22 opposite the second lateral flank 21 with respect to the second rim 22. Thus, the snap-on of each of the snap-on clamps 7 is implemented by the support of the snap-on module 16 on the rim 22, which allows the use of a furring strip 11 that can be adapted for uses other than the manufacture of a suspended ceiling frame.

[0038] In reference to figure 4 and to the figure 5Another aspect of the invention is a method for attaching a spacer 1 to a first furring strip 11 and to a second furring strip 11. The second furring strip 11 is arranged parallel to the first furring strip 11 so as to define the plane of a reinforcement 2. The method comprises the steps of: a) supplying a spacer 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, b) snapping a first snap-on clip 7 of the spacer 1 to the first furring strip 11, c) snapping a second snap-on clip 7 to the second furring strip 11, the second snap-on clip 7 being opposed to the first snap-on clip 7 with respect to the web 4 of the spacer 1, by pivoting the spacer 1 around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the reinforcement and passing through the first furring strip 11.

[0039] In reference to figure 5, it is thus possible to mount the spacer 1 fixed to the furring strip 11 by rotating the spacer 1 in the plane formed by the different furring strips 11 forming the frame 2. In Indeed, due to the arrangement of the first tab 8 against the bottom face 10 of the furring strip 11, and the arrangement of the second tab 12 against a top face 15 of the furring strip 11, the snap-in clip 7 can come into contact with the furring strip 11 through movements other than a movement perpendicular to a principal axis of the furring strip. It is thus possible to mount the spacer 1 in a frame 2 without requiring space above the frame 2.

[0040] During step c) of snapping a second snap-on clamp 7, the pivoting of the spacer is preferably implemented in the plane of the frame 2.

[0041] In reference to figure 4, during step b), the snapping of the first snap-fit ​​clamp 7 of the spacer 1 to the first furring strip 11 can be implemented by translating the spacer 1 in a direction perpendicular to a principal axis of the first furring strip 11. In Alternatively, the snapping of the first snap-on clamp 7 of the spacer 1 to the first furring strip 11 can be implemented by pivoting the spacer 1 around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the reinforcement, in the main plane 18.

[0042] In reference to figure 6 Another aspect of the invention is a suspended ceiling 3 comprising a framework 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The suspended ceiling 3 also comprises at least one plate 17. The plate 17 may comprise at least one material selected from gypsum and a cementitious material.

[0043] The plate 17 is fixed, preferably by screwing, onto the base 19 of the web 4 and onto the bottom face 10 of the spacer 1. The suspended ceiling 3 also preferably includes hangers. The hangers can be arranged regularly along the furring strips 11. For example, the hangers can be arranged so that the distance between two adjacent hangers is 1.2 m.

[0044] The center-to-center distance between two adjacent spacers 1 mounted fixed to the same furring strips 11 can be between 500 mm and 700 mm, and preferably be equal to 600 mm. In Alternatively, the center-to-center distance between two adjacent spacers 1 mounted fixed to the same furring strips 11 can be between 1.1 m and 1.3 m, and preferably be equal to 1.2 m.

[0045] The suspended ceiling 3 can also have variable center-to-center distances between two adjacent spacers 1. InIn fact, due to the absence of regularly arranged openings along the furring strips 11, it is possible to vary the center distance between two spacers 1 in the same suspended ceiling 3.

Claims

1. A spacer (1) for a frame (2) of a suspended ceiling (3), the spacer (1) comprising a web (4) intended to receive a panel (17) of the suspended ceiling (3), the web (4) having two ends, the spacer (1) comprising two fastening modules (5), one of the fastening modules (5) being arranged at one end and the other fastening module (5) being arranged at the other end, the web (4) having a main axis (6), each fastening module (5) comprising a snap-fit clip (7), the snap-fit clip (7) comprising at least a first tongue (8) extending from the web (4) in the direction of the main axis (6), the first tongue (8) having a first face (9) and being configured so that the first face (9) rests on a bottom face (10) of a furring channel (11) when the spacer (1) is snap-fit onto the furring channel (11), characterized in that the snap-fit clip (7) comprises at least one second tongue (12) also extending from the web (4), the second tongue (12) having an elastically movable part (13) extending in the direction of the main axis (6), the elastically movable part (13) comprising a second face (14), the second tongue (12) being configured so that the second face (14) rests on a top face (15) of a furring channel (11) when the spacer is snap-fit onto the furring channel (11), the top face (15) being opposite the bottom face (10) with respect to the furring channel (11), the snap-fit clip (7) having a snap-fitting module (16) arranged on the second face (9) and facing the first face (14).

2. The spacer (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the snap-fit clip (7) is configured so that the elastically movable part (13) is elastically connected to the web (4) by a pivot connection having an axis perpendicular to the main axis (6).

3. The spacer (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first face (9) is parallel to the second face (14).

4. The spacer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-fitting module (16) is a projecting element extending from the second face (14) towards the first face (9).

5. The spacer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-fitting module (16) is a boss, preferentially formed by embossing from the second face (14).

6. The spacer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the web (4) and the fastening modules (5) are formed by a single folded metal sheet, the web (4) comprising a base (19) intended for receiving the panel (17) of the suspended ceiling (3) and extending in a main plane (18), the first tongue (8) extending from the base (19) in the main plane (18), the second tongue (12) comprising a first part (20) extending from the base (19) in a plane having a component perpendicular to the main plane (18), and the elastically movable part (13) extending from the first part (20) in a plane parallel to the main plane (18).

7. The spacer (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening module (5) comprises two first tongues (8), each of the first tongues (8) being preferentially arranged symmetrically to the other first tongue (8) with respect to a plane perpendicular to the main plane (18) and comprising the main axis (6).

8. The spacer (1) according to claim 6 or 7, formed by a profile, the profile comprising the base (19) and two lateral faces (23).

9. A kit comprising a furring channel (11) and a spacer (1), the spacer (1) being consistent with a spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A frame (2) for a suspended ceiling (3), comprising at least one furring channel (11) and a first spacer (1), the first spacer (1) being consistent with a spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, the first spacer (1) being fixedly mounted to the furring channel (11), transversely to the furring channel (11), the furring channel (11) comprising a bottom face (10) and at least one top face (15), the first spacer (1) comprising a first snap-fit clip (7), the first face (9) of the first snap-fit clip (7) resting on the bottom face (10) and the second face (14) of the first snap-fit clip (7) resting on the top face (15), the furring channel (11) having a thickness e defined between the bottom face (10) and the one or more top faces (15), the distance separating the first face (9) and the second face (14) of the first spacer (1) being equal to the thickness e.

11. The frame (2) for a suspended ceiling (3) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one second spacer (1), the second spacer (1) being consistent with a spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and being fixedly mounted to the furring channel (11) transversely to the furring channel (11), the first spacer (1) and the second spacer (1) being mounted facing each other with respect to the furring channel (11), the second spacer (1) comprises a second snap-fit clip (7), the first face (9) of the second snap-fit clip (7) resting on the bottom face (10) and the second face (14) of the second snap-fit clip (7) resting on the top face (15) or on another top face (15), the furring channel (11) having a thickness e defined between the bottom face (10) and the one or more top faces (15), the distance separating the first face (9) and the second face (14) of the second spacer (1) being equal to the thickness e.

12. The frame (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the furring channel (11) comprises a first side wall (21), a first lip (22) having a first top face (15), a second side wall (21) and a second lip (22) having a second top face (15), the first side wall (21) extending from the bottom face (10), the first lip (22) being arranged opposite the bottom face (10) with respect to the first side wall (21), and extending from the first side wall (21) parallel to the bottom face (10) towards the second lip (22), the second side wall (21) extending from the bottom face (10), the first side wall (21) being opposite the second side wall (21) with respect to the bottom face (10), and the second lip (22) being arranged opposite the bottom face (10) with respect to the second side wall (21), and extending from the second side wall (21) parallel to the bottom face (10) towards the first lip (22), wherein the first snap-fit clip (7) surrounds the first side wall (21) and the first lip (22), and wherein the second snap-fit clip (7) surrounds the second side wall (21) and the second lip (22).

13. The frame (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein a snap-fitting module (16) of the first snap-fit clip (7) rests against a free edge of the first lip (22) opposite the first side wall (21) with respect to the first lip (22), and wherein a snap-fitting module (16) of the second snap-fit clip (16) is resting against a free edge of the second lip (22) opposite the second side wall (21) with respect to the second lip (22).

14. A suspended ceiling (3) comprising a frame (2) according to one of claims 10 to 13, comprising at least one facing panel (17), the facing panel (17) being fixedly mounted, preferably by screwing, onto the base (19) of the web (4) and onto the bottom face (10) of the spacer (1).

15. A method for fastening a spacer (1) to a first furring channel (11) and to a second furring channel (11), the second furring channel (11) being arranged parallel to the first furring channel (11) so as to define the plane of a frame (2), the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a spacer (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, b) snap-fitting a first snap-fit clip (7) of the spacer (1) to the first furring channel (11), c) snap-fitting a second snap-fit clip (7) to the second furring channel (11), the second snap-fit clip (7) being opposite the first snap-fit clip (6) with respect to the web (4) of the spacer (1), by pivoting the spacer (1) about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the frame and passing through the first furring channel (11).

16. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein step b) of snap-fitting the first snap-fit clip (7) of the spacer (1) to the first furring channel (11) is carried out by translating the spacer (1) in a direction perpendicular to a main axis of the first furring channel (11).

Images