Profile frame systems for sliding elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a profile frame system (1) for sliding elements (2), in particular for sliding doors and sliding windows, comprising a first metal frame profile (10), a second metal frame profile (20) and an integral insulating support bar (30) having a first, upper bar plane (310) and a second, lower bar plane (320) parallel to the first bar plane, said insulating support bar being made of plastic, wherein each bar plane (310, 320) has, on both longitudinal sides, roll-in heads (315, 325) which are rolled into respective grooves in the first and the second frame profile (10, 20) and thus connect the two frame profiles (10, 20), and wherein a snap-in geometry (330) oriented on the longitudinal side is provided in the insulating support bar (30) above the first, upper bar plane (310), a runner (40) being in snap-in engagement with said geometry, wherein the first, upper bar plane (310) is connected to the second, lower bar plane (320) by means of two support struts (340, 350) and these support struts (340, 350) are arranged so as to diverge from one another at an acute angle α, starting from the snap-in geometry (330) in the first, upper bar plane (310) and extending towards the second, lower bar plane (320).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates generally to profile frame systems for sliding elements, in particular for sliding doors and sliding windows, as well as corresponding sliding element profile frames with inserted sliding element. State of the art

[0002] Numerous composite profile frame systems are known from the state of the art. They are typically made of metal or a metal alloy and can be exposed to adverse weather conditions and significant temperature fluctuations between their interior and exterior sides. A large temperature difference between the exterior of the profile frame system, i.e., the side located outside the building, and the interior of the profile frame system generally proves problematic. To prevent thermal bridges, such composite profile frame systems typically connect two metal frame profiles (inner and outer profiles) using a plurality of less thermally conductive plastic insulating strips.

[0003] In profile frame systems suitable for sliding elements, this essentially simple composite construction is complicated by the fact that sliding elements often have heavy multiple glazing as infill. However, the forces generated by the heavy weight of these multiple glazing units, which naturally increase with the size of the windows and doors, must also be reliably and permanently absorbed by the profile frame system without deforming the system structure.

[0004] This problem has led to the development of numerous solutions, but they often have in common the inclusion of more or less complex additional metal support and stiffening profiles in the frame profiles. In some cases, this can result in the thermal separation of the outer and inner profiles provided by the insulating bars being at least partially lost. These additional measures also generally result in a greater overall height of the composite profiles, especially when, for example, in sliding doors, no frame elements protruding above the floor are desired.

[0005] EP 1 772 582 A1 discloses a profile frame system for sliding elements with a plurality of metal profiles connected by a plurality of insulating support webs. Object of the invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a profile frame system for sliding elements, such as sliding doors and sliding windows, with heavy sliding element infills, even for large sliding element dimensions, whose design does not, or only slightly, impair the thermal separation between the inner and outer profiles while simultaneously allowing a low profile frame height. Preferably, the profile frame system should not have any components that protrude above the floor when the sliding element is open. General description of the invention

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a profile frame system for sliding elements, in particular for sliding doors and sliding windows, comprising a first metallic frame profile and a second metallic frame profile, a one-piece insulating support web made of plastic with a first upper web level and a second lower web level parallel to the first web level, each web level having rolling heads on both longitudinal sides which are inserted into respective grooves in the first and second frame profile, e.g.Hollow chamber profiles made of aluminum, are rolled up and thus connect both frame profiles, wherein in the insulating support web above the first upper web level there is provided a longitudinally aligned snap-in geometry into which a guide rail is snapped, wherein the first upper web level is connected to the second lower web level via two support struts and these support struts are arranged diverging from the snap-in geometry in the first upper web level at an acute angle α to the second lower web level.

[0008] In contrast to known solutions, the inventors have discovered that even with very heavy multiple glazing, e.g. with sliding elements weighing up to 2000 kg, the resulting forces can be absorbed by a plastic insulating bar if a combination of a metal rail and a specially shaped double insulating bar or four-head bar as described above is used. This can be achieved in particular by using a double insulating bar whose construction height (distance between the first and second bar level) corresponds to the distance that is quite common between two adjacent individual insulating bars in composite profile frames, namely 2 - 3 cm. This also has the advantage that the overall construction height of a profile frame system according to the invention can be kept very low, even if no components (such as the rail) are to protrude beyond the upper edges of the two frame profiles.

[0009] Thanks to the snap-in geometry, the guide rail can also be attached very easily and without tools, even at the installation site. Subsequent replacement of the guide rail would also be possible without great effort. Advantageously, the cross-section of the guide rail and the cross-section of the snap-in geometry are selected so that the guide rail snaps into the snap-in geometry with both form and force. The guide rail is preferably solid and can be made of any material that allows the forces caused by the weight of a sliding element moving on it to be distributed over a sufficient length of the insulating support web. The guide rail can be made of metal, carbon, ceramic, etc. A favorable design for the guide rail, both technically and economically, is a metallic guide rail with an oval or circular cross-section. It is preferably made of metal, such as:Made of stainless steel, for lighter sliding elements the guide rail can also be made of aluminum or alloys.

[0010] An insulating support web according to the invention therefore has at least two web levels which, by means of at least two support struts aligned in the longitudinal direction, form a triangle with the tip pointing upwards in the cross-section of the insulating support web, i.e. the support struts converge upwards at an angle which diverts at least part of the forces exerted by the sliding element on the guide rail arranged, for example, centrally above the first web levels, laterally to the lower web level and thus closer to the lower curling heads fastened in the grooves in the first and second frame profiles. Depending on the width and height of the insulating support web, the angle α between the support struts can be selected differently. Angles α between 20 ° and 65 °, preferably between 25 ° and 45 °, have proven to be very advantageous.

[0011] The inventors have also discovered that the plastic material and its material thickness do not have to differ significantly from conventional insulating bars. In fact, the insulating support bar can be made of plastics commonly used for this application, e.g. (optionally fiber-reinforced) polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or mixtures or combinations thereof. The optional fiber reinforcement can be achieved, for example, by adding 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 20 to 35 wt. % glass fibers to the plastic(s). The material of the insulating bar is particularly preferably polybutylene terephthalate with approximately 30 wt. % glass fibers.

[0012] The material thickness of the first upper web level, the second lower web level, and the support struts of the insulating support web are also within the usual range, e.g., between 1.8 and 3.5 mm, preferably between 2.0 and 2.8 mm. It may be advisable to make the support struts of the insulating support web somewhat thicker than the web levels. Of course, these dimensions do not refer to the material thickness of the rolling heads, as these naturally have a widening shape towards the end, e.g., a dovetail shape, so that they can be firmly anchored to the frame profiles after being rolled into the groove.

[0013] A further advantage of the insulating support bars according to the invention is the fact that, in principle, no new tools need to be purchased, neither during their production nor during their processing in a profile frame system.

[0014] As already indicated above, it is often desirable that no components of the profile frame system protrude above the upper edge of the first and second frame profiles, while still allowing a low installation height. This is achieved (as described below) by arranging the rollers on the sliding element, and the low installation height of the insulating support bar allows it to be positioned between the first and second frame profiles in such a way that the guide rail is located entirely below the upper edges of the two frame profiles. This also makes the frame of the sliding element (almost) completely invisible, which is also visually advantageous.

[0015] Depending on the design, it may be advantageous if the roller heads are offset upwards or downwards relative to the respective web level. This can ensure, for example, that the upper web level does not form a step after the roller heads are rolled into the corresponding groove in the frame profile, thus creating a flat surface. On the upper side, this facilitates cleaning, for example, and on the lower side, the second lower web level can be better supported on the subfloor.

[0016] A further aspect of the invention is a sliding element profile frame with an inserted sliding element, wherein the sliding element profile frame consists of several profile frame systems surrounding the sliding element and wherein the (after proper installation) lower profile frame system, ie the profile frame system on which the sliding element rests, is as described herein the profile frame system with insulating support web and guide rail.

[0017] The sliding element comprises a filler element arranged in a frame, preferably a multi-pane glazing or composite panel or similar. The sliding element has a number of rollers on the underside of the frame, which are distributed along the length of the frame in such a way that, during use, they allow the sliding element to be moved by guiding the rollers along the guide rail. Depending on the width and weight of the sliding element, this number can be larger or smaller; typically, the number of rollers is between 2 and 10, preferably between 4 and 6.

[0018] The rollers preferably have a groove on their running surface, the shape of which is adapted to the guide rail, thus securely guiding the sliding element. The guide rail preferably has an oval or circular cross-section, and the rollers have a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned groove in their running surface.

[0019] The rollers are attached to the lower frame of the sliding element in a conventional manner using a roller mount. This is preferably done, for example, with a continuous (one-piece) U-shaped metal or plastic profile, preferably a plastic profile, for all rollers, or with individual attachments for each roller, either directly on the frame or by means of a (prefabricated) metal or plastic support profile, preferably a plastic support profile, on the frame.

[0020] As already indicated above, the insulating support web of the profile frame system is preferably arranged between the first and second frame profiles such that the guide rail is located below the upper edges of the two frame profiles. Even more preferably, the insulating support web of the profile frame system is preferably arranged between the first and second frame profiles such that the lower edge of the sliding element is also located below the upper edges of the two frame profiles. Ideally, both the first frame profile and the second frame profile have one or more seals that rest at least partially against the sliding element or its frame. Short description of the characters

[0021] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1a cross-section of an embodiment of a sliding element profile frame with inserted sliding element. Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of an insulating support bar for measuring the von Mises equivalent stress. Fig. 3 the result of the force distribution of the von Mises equivalent stress in a cross-section of the insulating support web of the Fig. 2 . Fig. 4 the result of the deformation of the von Mises equivalent stress in a cross-section of the insulating support web of the Fig. 2 .

[0022] Further details and advantages of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of possible embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying figures. Description of several embodiments of the invention

[0023] The Fig. 1The embodiment of a sliding element profile frame with a profile frame system 1 and with inserted sliding element 2 shown to illustrate the invention will be explained here as an example.

[0024] The profile frame system 1, which serves to move a sliding element 2, in particular a sliding door or a sliding window, laterally within a sliding element profile frame, comprises a first frame profile 10 and a second frame profile 20, both e.g. aluminum hollow profiles, which are firmly connected by means of a one-piece insulating support web 30 made of plastic.

[0025] This insulating support web 30 comprises a first upper web level 310 and a second lower web level 320 parallel to the first web level, wherein both web levels 310, 320 have so-called curling heads 315, 325 on their longitudinal sides. The connection between the two frame profiles 10, 20 is achieved by rolling the preferably dovetail-shaped curling heads into corresponding grooves in the first and second frame profiles 10, 20 during the manufacture of the profile frame system 1. In addition, the insulating support web is designed such that the first upper web level 310 is connected to the second lower web level 320 via two diverging support struts 340, 350. These support struts 340, 350 therefore extend from a position below the (usually centrally provided) snap-in geometry 330 from the first upper web level 310 at an acute angle α to the second lower web level 320.The two support struts 340, 350 thus form an isosceles, acute-angled triangle with a portion of the second lower web plane, the angle at the apex (between the two isosceles sides, the support struts) being α. In the embodiment in . Fig. 1 If α is approximately 30°, smaller or larger acute angles may also be appropriate depending on the dimensions of the insulating support web. Generally, or if possible, the angle α is selected between 20 and 65° so that the support struts join the lateral roll-in heads of the second lower web level (as close as possible) without hindering the roll-in process when connecting the frame profiles.

[0026] In the insulating support web 30, a longitudinally aligned and preferably centrally arranged snap-in geometry 330 is also provided above the first upper web level 310 for fastening a guide rail 40, preferably made of metal, carbon or ceramic, such as stainless steel, and with an oval or preferably circular cross-section, wherein the fastening is carried out by simply snapping the guide rail 40 into the snap-in geometry 330 in a form-fitting manner, preferably with a force and form-fitting connection.

[0027] On this guide rail, rollers 70 attached to the sliding element 2 enable the lateral movement ("sliding") of the sliding element 2 within the sliding element profile frame from the Fig. 1 Only the lower part is shown, which is a profile frame system 1 as described above. At least the side parts of the sliding element profile frame can be designed differently than the profile frame system 1, since no guide rail is required here.

[0028] The sliding element consists mainly of a frame 60 and a filling 50, e.g. as in Fig. 1 shown a triple glazing. On the lower side of the frame 60, the said rollers 70 are attached, preferably via a U-shaped metal or plastic profile, preferably a plastic profile, 720 which is either attached directly to the frame 60, or as in Fig. 1 represented by means of an additional support profile 710 which can be inserted, for example, into a holder provided for this purpose on the frame 60.

[0029] The low overall height of the insulating support web 30 makes it possible to produce a profile frame system 1 into which the sliding element can be inserted to such an extent that, in the case of a glass panel, the lower part of the frame protrudes little or not above the floor, thus creating the impression of a frameless window. One or more seals 80 are expediently provided on the upper edge of the first metallic frame profile 10 and the second metallic frame profile 20, which at least partially lie flush against the sliding element 2 or its frame 60.

[0030] Fig. 2shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an insulating support bar, as well as the point of application of force for measuring the von Mises equivalent stress. The insulating support bar shown here is made of polybutylene terephthalate with a fiber reinforcement of approximately 30 wt.% glass fibers. The tested insulating support bar has a total width of 36 mm and a material thickness of 2.5 mm. A force of 1 ton was applied to the insulating support bar, taking into account the worst case scenario: the entire load was applied to an insulating support bar with a length of only 200 mm.

[0031] Fig. 3 represents the result of the force distribution of the von Mises equivalent stress in a cross-section of the insulating support web of the Fig. 2As can be seen, the stresses in the support struts of the insulating support web are approximately 9-11 MPa at most. In any case, the stresses acting on the insulating support web are far from the tensile strength of polybutylene terephthalate with approximately 30 wt.% glass fibers: 67 MPa.

[0032] Fig. 4 the result of the deformation of the von Mises equivalent stress in a cross-section of the insulating support web of the Fig. 2 Here, too, one can see that even at the high load used here, the vertical displacement / deformation of only 0.07 mm is very small.

[0033] It can therefore be concluded that the solution presented here, profile frame system 1 for sliding elements 2, with the insulating support bar 30 described here and the snap-in guide rail 40, can also guide heavy, multi-glazed sliding elements safely and permanently. This is all the more advantageous because it enables a low installation height, which in turn also allows for seemingly frameless sliding elements. Key to symbols:

[0034] 1Profile frame system 2Sliding element 10First metallic frame profile 20Second metallic frame profile 30Insulating support web 310First upper web level 315Roll-in heads 320Second lower web level 325Roll-in heads 330Snap-in geometry 340, 350Support struts 40Track 50Infill 60Frame of the sliding element 70Roller 710Support profile 720U-shaped profile 80Seals αAngle between the diverging support struts

Claims

1. Profile frame system (1) for sliding elements (2), in particular for sliding doors and sliding windows, comprising a first metallic frame profile (10) and a second metallic frame profile (20), a one-piece insulating support bar (30) made of plastic with a first upper bar plane (310) and a second lower bar plane (320) parallel to the first bar plane, wherein each bar plane (310, 320) has, on both longitudinal sides, roll-in heads (315, 325) which are rolled into respective grooves in the first and second frame profile (10, 20) and thus connect both frame profiles (10, 20), wherein, in the insulating support bar (30) above the first upper bar plane (310), a snap-in geometry (330) oriented on the longitudinal side is provided, in which a runner (40) is snapped in, wherein the first upper bar plane (310) is connected to the second lower bar plane (320) via two support struts (340, 350) and these support struts (340, 350) are arranged so as to diverge from one another at an acute angle α, starting from the snap-in geometry (330) in the first upper bar plane (310) and extending towards the second lower bar plane (320).

2. Profile frame system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the angle α ranges between 20° and 65°, preferably between 25° and 45°.

3. Profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the runner (40) is positively and non-positively snapped into the snap-in geometry (330).

4. Profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the runner (40) is solid and preferably consists of metal, carbon or ceramic.

5. Profile frame system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the runner has an oval or circular cross-section and is preferably made of metal, e.g. stainless steel.

6. Profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating support bar (30) is arranged between the first and the second frame profile (10, 20) in such a way that the runner (40) is located below the upper edges of the two frame profiles (10, 20).

7. Profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roll-in heads (315, 325) are arranged offset upwards or downwards relative to the respective bar plane (310, 320).

8. Profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating support bar (30) consists of a material of polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene, polyvinyl chloride or mixtures or combinations thereof, preferably the material is fiber-reinforced, e.g. glass fiber-reinforced.

9. Profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material thickness of the first upper bar plane (310), the second lower bar plane (320) and the support struts (340, 350) of the insulating support bar (30) ranges between 1.8 and 3.5 mm, preferably between 2.0 and 2.8 mm.

10. Profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame profiles (10, 20) are hollow chamber profiles made of aluminum.

11. Sliding element profile frame with inserted sliding element (2), wherein the sliding element profile frame consists of several profile frame systems surrounding the sliding element (2) and wherein the lower profile frame system is a profile frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Sliding element profile frame with inserted sliding element (2) according to claim 11, wherein the sliding element (2) has a filling element (50), preferably a multiple glazing, arranged in a frame (60), wherein a number of rollers (70) are arranged distributed longitudinally on the underside of the frame (60) in such a way that, in use, the sliding element (2) is displaced by guiding the rollers (70) on the runner (40).

13. Sliding element profile frame with inserted sliding element (2) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the rollers (70) with a U-shaped profile (720) are attached directly to the frame (60) or by means of a support profile (710) to the frame (60).

14. Sliding element profile frame with inserted sliding element (2) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the insulating support bar (30) is arranged between the first and the second frame profile (10, 20) in such a way that the lower edge of the sliding element (2) is located below the upper edges of the two frame profiles (10, 20).

15. Sliding element profile frame with inserted sliding element (2) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first frame profile (10) and the second frame profile (20) are provided with one or more seals (80) which abut at least in sections against the sliding element (2) or its frame (60).

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