Modular panel closure system

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular panel closure system for a shutter, wherein each module (1) has: at least two longitudinal profiles (2) comprising thermal bridge breaking means (2.3) between an inner part (2.1) and an outer part (2.2), and two transverse profiles (3.1) connecting the ends of the longitudinal profiles (2), wherein said modules (1) comprise claddings (4) that can be externally fixed to the longitudinal profiles (2) by fixing means (2.4) that can be fixed to the surface of the longitudinal profiles (2) on each face of the module (1), such that there is a space between both the cladding elements (4) and the profiles (2, 3.1) where an insulating element (5) is arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to modular systems for the construction of shutters or doors, for example, of industrial warehouses or facilities in which said shutters or doors, given their size or way of opening, can be constructed in a modular manner, being known as sectional doors.State of the Art

[0002] The use of sectional doors in facilities such as industrial warehouses, door shutters for trucks, or for opening facilities, with the sectional shutter or door having an outer surface oriented towards the outside of the facility and another inner surface oriented towards the inside of the facility, is known in the state of the art. Said sectional doors usually have a large size and move along side rails from a closed position of the facility to an open position, either by means of a straight movement, in the form of a specific angle, or being rolled up on itself.

[0003] Sectional doors with a plurality of modules, in which a freedom of rotation is established between each of the modules, such that each module can rotate a certain angle with respect to the contiguous modules, are the most widely used today. In this way, the sectional door can be opened at an angle, for example 90 degrees, thereby preventing the need for a raised ceiling. To that end, the side rails along which the sectional door moves must have a radius of rotation in accordance with the freedom of rotation between the modules,with a motor being that which moves the sectional door along the rails by to control its opening or closing.

[0004] In the known modular systems, the modules have longitudinal and transverse profiles that form the frames of each module, generally made of metal, which means that the outside temperature is transmitted thermally to the inside of the facility. To prevent same, the profiles may comprise an intermediate part, for example, a plastic part, which thermally insulates the outer part of the profile from the inner part. Additionally, the module can be made, in whole or in part, of polymer materials that thermally insulate against outside atmospheric temperatures.

[0005] Generally, one of the main problems with known sectional doors and modular systems is the behavior thereof in the case of fire. Commonly, sectional doors of sandwich-type, for example, the inner materials of which are usually made of inflammable materials such as plastics and woods, insulating thermally against outside atmospheric conditions, but are readily inflammable in the case of fire. Metal or fire-resistant sectional doors which are more resistant to fire but do not usually provide thermal insulation or insulation from other parameters, such as humidity, are also known. Furthermore, the modules are block parts, which must be completely substituted in the case of deterioration or a change in the aesthetic appearance of the modular system.

[0006] For example, patent document FR2282294 discloses a modular panel system with isothermal leak-tight chambers for the formation of walls and ceilings. In this case, said insulating material has a vapor barrier that improves its thermal insulation, with the object of the invention being the creation of insulating chambers on the inside. On the other hand, this structure would be readily flammable in the case of fire, since the defined insulation is mainly wood and air spaces which would be quickly consumed by fire.

[0007] On the other hand, sectional doors with double-glass modules within the frame formed by the profiles, which form an air or vacuum chamber to provide thermal insulation against the outside temperature, are known. This entails heavier sectional doors and therefore more powerful and expensive drive systems. On the other hand, glass is fragile and a breakage or crack implies the change of the whole module. However, this type of sectional doors is a barrier in the case of fire as they are fireproof and non-combustible materials.

[0008] Based on the foregoing, a modular closure system that solves the problems raised, such as the modular system that is an insulating system which thermally insulates, for example, the inside from the outside and offers good behavior in the event of fires, and with a module that can additionally be repaired or changed without the need to remove it completely, as well as other mentioned problems, is not known in the state of the art.Object of the Invention

[0009] The object of the invention relates a modular closure system for a shutter, wherein each module has two longitudinal profiles, for example one upper profile and one lower profile, comprising thermal bridge breaking means between an inner part and an outer part of the profile itself, and transverse profiles located between the ends of the longitudinal profiles, connecting both longitudinal profiles at the ends thereof. Furthermore, it comprises cladding elements that can be fixed externally to the profiles by fixing means that can be fixed to the outer surface of the longitudinal profiles on each face of the module, such that there is a space between both claddings and the longitudinal and transverse profiles where an insulating element is arranged.

[0010] Preferably, the insulating element is made of a fireproof or incombustible material, thereby offering the module insulation against fire. Alternatively, the material of the insulating element may have other insulating properties that act as insulation in the module. For example, the insulating element can be made, for example, of expanded polystyrene or polyurethane so that the module can provide insulation against moisture or temperature, such that in facilities in which incombustibility is not necessary, the inner insulating element will be configured to protect against condensation and thermal insulation depending on the moisture and temperature conditions of the facility.

[0011] The modular system preferably comprises two longitudinal profiles and two transverse profiles connecting the ends of the longitudinal profiles to form a rectangle. Conventionally, the transverse profiles have a smaller size since they are the ones that limit the freedom of movement between contiguous modules when the shutter is opened or closed by means of an angle of rotation. The longitudinal profiles will preferably delimit the width of the closure system when the movement is vertical, so the longitudinal profiles are arranged at the upper and lower portions of each module.

[0012] Preferably, a cladding element preferably in the form of a sheet is fixed on the two longitudinal profiles that form the module, on each of the surfaces oriented towards the outside and towards the inside of the facility. In this way, the cladding element can offer a customized aesthetic to the modular system, and the cladding elements can be substituted without having to disassemble the entire module, simply by releasing the cladding element from the fixing means for fixing to the longitudinal profiles.

[0013] The outer surface is understood to be the surface of the longitudinal profile in contact with the outside of the facility to be closed, and the inner surface is understood to be the surface in contact with the inside of the facility to be closed.

[0014] On the other hand, an insulating element is arranged in the space formed between the longitudinal profiles, the transverse profiles, and the cladding elements. Said insulating element does not need to have structural properties since it only occupies the inner space of the module without being subjected to stress. The insulating element can preferably be a thermal insulator, hindering heat exchange through the insulation. Additionally, and due to its properties, the insulating element also as a fire barrier, for example, by means of a fireproof or incombustible material that prevents the passage of flames. However, it could be insulating against other parameters such as moisture or certain gases.

[0015] In this way, preferably, rock wool, for example, which provides thermal insulation and is a non-combustible material, and does not have structural properties, such as rigidity or impermeability, can be used as an insulating element for insulation against fire. Another example of insulating material in the event of a fire could be fireproof foam or incombustible panels.

[0016] Optionally, the module can have at least one separating element within the space occupied by the insulating element in the module. Said separating element allows creating different spaces within the module to arrange the insulating element in different parts. In this way, the module has several different spaces, which would be formed by: a part of the longitudinal profiles, a part of the cladding elements, and two separating elements, or a separating element and a transverse profile.

[0017] Preferably, the separating elements are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal profiles, although the possibility of arranging same at an angle is also contemplated. These separating elements allow making modules with at least two differentiated inner spaces that can have a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or a shape of any other geometry.

[0018] This embodiment allows forming spaces inside the module that are smaller than the entire module, adjusting the spaces to the insulating element. Therefore, it is achieved that in the case of using insulating materials that clump together, the spaces are smaller to mitigate said effect, allowing said insulating element to maintain its position, since due to its density for large volumes, the actual weight of the insulation causes it to move towards the lower portion of the space in which it is housed, so there would not be a uniform distribution of the insulation inside the closure system. Additionally, the separating elements can offer structural reinforcement to the module, thereby making it possible to have transverse profiles that are lighter in weight or with lesser structural conditions.

[0019] Since the insulating element and the separating elements are concealed by the cladding element, whether or not separating elements are used is not visible from the outside, the modular system only offering the aesthetic appearance of the cladding elements and the fixing means for fixing the cladding elements, and optionally of a part of the longitudinal profiles, providing the visual of a continuous sheet in contrast to the state of the art that is divided into a plurality of frames.

[0020] The cladding elements can be fixed by fixing means in the form of a clamp, on each side, to the outer surface of the longitudinal profiles. The fixing means fix the cladding element to the longitudinal profiles such that the cladding element in the closure system is externally immobilized to the longitudinal profiles. The fixing means can be one-off and / or multiple, or a continuous element along the longitudinal profiles.

[0021] Optionally, the clamps can be longitudinal along the profiles, or a plurality of clamps arranged at different points of the longitudinal profiles. Alternatively, the fixing means that retain the cladding element in one of the two longitudinal profiles can form a single piece with the longitudinal profile.

[0022] The clamp can also be fixed in a removable manner. For example, the clamps are fixed by means of one-off elastic fitting or by means of a rail in the profile. In another option, the clamps can be a longitudinal element introduced parallel to the longitudinal profile from one of the ends thereof.

[0023] The material of the fixing means can be elastic or rigid. The fixing means can also be combined by arranging a removable fixing means in one profile and a non-removable fixing means in another profile. In any case, the fixing means are arranged externally on the profiles, retaining the cladding elements but without affecting the movement or rotation of the modules with respect to one another or the movement of the modular system.

[0024] Although the fixing means are preferably in the form of a clamp, any other fixing system may be applicable, for example, the use of fixing means by means of magnets or by means of adhesives, or any other means.

[0025] According to a feature of the invention, the transverse separating elements between the longitudinal profiles are in the form of a hollow tube. This causes them to have a lighter weight while maintaining their mechanical characteristics and being able to provide reinforcement to the structure of the module. Additionally, the inner hollow space is an air chamber between two spaces where the insulating elements of the module are located.

[0026] Preferably, the transverse separating elements are also insulating. More preferably, the separating elements are made of a fireproof and / or incombustible material. This causes the module to be resistant to fire, and the separating element can provide insulation against fire.

[0027] According to another feature of the invention, at least one of the cladding elements has adhesive means on the surface forming the space between the cladding elements for fixing the insulating element. In this way, the insulating element can be adhered to the contact surface of the cladding element, thereby preventing the clumping thereof in the case of a spongy or thin material, such as rock wool, for example. The way of fixing could be by means of double-sided adhesive strips, by means of a viscous layer, or any other equivalent solution.

[0028] Additionally, the adhesive means could help to place or fix the cladding elements on the longitudinal profiles or on the transverse separating elements.

[0029] The present invention provides a modular system for sectional doors with the capacity of being customized by means of claddings and with an insulating material therein, insulating the inside of the facility from the outside. Therefore, said modules constitute, as a whole, insulators and means of protection.Description of the Figures

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the modular closure system with a set of modules in the closed position. Figure 2 shows a side view of a module in which the longitudinal profiles and a transverse profile can be seen. Figures 3.a and 3.b show in detail the longitudinal profiles that can be coupled to one another. Figure 4 shows the attachment between two modules by means of the correspondence of the longitudinal profiles. Figure 5 shows a section of an end of the module in which the insulating element is arranged between two separating elements. The outer cladding is not depicted to enable correctly viewing the inside of the module. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] The figures correspond to non-limiting practical embodiments, where variants in the configuration of the system are possible provided that the essence thereof is not altered. The invention relates to a modular closure system for a shutter, wherein each module (1) has longitudinal profiles (2), transverse profiles (3.1) located between the ends of the longitudinal profiles (2). The modules (1) comprise a cladding element (4) that can be fixed externally to the longitudinal profiles (2) by fixing means (2.5) on the outer and inner faces of the module (1), such that there is a space between both the cladding elements (4) and the profiles (2, 3.1) where an insulating element (5) is arranged.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a set of modules (1) connected to form a modular system. For each module (1), the cladding element (4) on the face of the module oriented towards the inside of the facility and a part of the longitudinal profiles (2) or fixing means (2.5) are shown. It would be the same on the external face. The cladding element (4) therefore conceals the insulating element (5) or the internal structure and provides an aesthetic appearance that can be customized.

[0033] Said cladding element (4) can be fixed to the outer surface of the longitudinal profiles (2), such that they can be easily substituted or replaced using the fixing means (2.5) by simply releasing the cladding element (4) and placing a new one. Said cladding (4) can be in a single part having the same length as the longitudinal profiles (2), or alternatively a plurality of parallel cladding elements (4) that cover the length of the longitudinal profiles (2).

[0034] In some embodiments, such as the one shown, a rotation system (8) can be arranged between the modules (1). Said rotation system (8) can be placed on the surface of the cladding element (4), thus being an additional form of fixing. Alternatively, the rotation system (8) may be fixed only to the longitudinal profiles (2) or it can be a system arranged between the longitudinal profiles (2) which prevents the need to interact with the cladding element (4).

[0035] Figure 2 shows, on the side of the module, the sections of the longitudinal profiles (2) at the ends of the transverse profile (3.1). On both faces of the module (1), i.e., the face oriented towards the inside and the face oriented towards the outside of the facility, there are arranged the cladding elements (4) which are fixed to the longitudinal profiles (2) by the fixing means (2.5). In systems with vertical movement, such as the one shown in the figures, the longitudinal profiles (2) are the upper and lower sides of the module (1). In the case of a horizontal movement of the shutter, the system would be the same, but rotated 90 degrees.

[0036] Both the transverse profiles (3.1) and the separating elements (3.2) can be fixed to the longitudinal profiles (2) in different ways. For example, they can be fixed by means of being fitted in or welded to the longitudinal profiles (2). In Figure 2, the transverse profile (3.1) is fixed by mechanical means such as brackets and nuts and bolts. These attachments must be strong enough to withstand the weights and movements of the modular system.

[0037] Given that the modules (1) rotate with respect to one another when opening the modular closure systems, the geometry of the longitudinal profiles (2) can be different on both upper and lower sides of the module (1) such as in the figures. In this way, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the longitudinal profiles (2) have a different geometry. Figure 3b shows in detail one of the longitudinal profiles (2) of Figure 2, and Figure 3b shows in detail the other longitudinal profile (2).

[0038] Both longitudinal profiles (2) comprise an inner part (2.1) which would be located towards the inside of the facility and an outer part (2.2) located towards the outside of the facility. There are arranged between both thermal bridge breaking parts (2.3) which act as thermal insulation between the two inner part (2.1) and outer part (2.2). In this way, heat transmission through the longitudinal profiles (2) of the module is prevented.

[0039] The fixing means (2.5) are arranged on each of the inner part (2.1) and the outer part (2.2) of the longitudinal profiles (2). In the case of the figures that are shown, the fixing means (2.5) are in the form of a clamp. The embodiment that is shown is a clamp fixed by guiding or by snapping, depending on the material used and its properties. In this way, the cladding element (4) is retained between the fixing means (2.5) and the longitudinal profile (2).

[0040] The attachment of two contiguous modules (1) by means of the longitudinal profiles (2) can be seen in Figure 4, with the rotation system (8) between the modules (1) being arranged on the face of the module (1) located towards the inside of the facility. The longitudinal profiles (2) of each module have a different geometry for coupling with one another, thereby allowing the rotation between the modules (1).

[0041] How the fixing elements (2.5) cover the longitudinal profile (2) when two modules (1) are arranged in the same plane can be seen on the outer face of the modules (1), i.e., the face located towards the outside of the facility. In this way, only the cladding element (4) and the fixing elements (2.5) can be seen from outside the facility. The cladding element (4) on the outer face can be substituted by simply releasing it from the fixing elements (2.5).

[0042] The insulating element (5) in the space which would be formed by the cladding element (4) and another cladding which is not shown, the longitudinal profile (2) and another longitudinal profile which is not shown, and two separating elements (3.2) can be seen in the sectioned view of Figure 5. The longitudinal profile (2) which is not shown would be the same as the one which is shown and would be located at the other end of the transverse profile (3.1) and of the separating elements (3.2), whereas the cladding element (4) which is not shown would be the same as the one which is shown, being fixed in the fixing means (2.5) of the inner parts (2.1) of the longitudinal profiles (2).

[0043] Depending on the length of the module, the module may not have a separating element (3.2), or in contrast, have as many separating elements as necessary. Preferably, they will be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal profiles (2), within the plane formed between the two longitudinal profiles (2), leaving different spaces in which the insulating element (5) is arranged. In the case of the ends of the longitudinal profiles (2), the separating elements (3.2) can be arranged together with the transverse profiles (3.1) in order to obtain a structural reinforcement.

[0044] In the embodiment that is shown, the transverse profile (3.1) and the separating elements (3.2) have a square section and are hollow. These could have a resistant but thin thickness, for example, in the form of a metallic material, which is at least resistant in the case of fire. An alternative embodiment, the transverse profile (3.1) and the separating elements (3.2) may be solid, for example, in the form of a fireproof wood which prevents the passage of flames and is a poor heat conductor.

[0045] The cladding element (4) can have, on the surface in contact with the insulating element (5), adhesive means which allow fixing the insulating element (5) to the cladding element (4). In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the insulating element (5) can be fixed to the cladding element (4) at least partially.

[0046] The insulating element (5) can prevent heat transmission between the outside and the inside of the facility, thereby improving the efficiency of the heating or cooling systems of the facility. Furthermore, the insulating element (5) can prevent the propagation of flames between the inner and outer faces of the module in the case of fire. Therefore, the insulating element (5) can be a fire barrier made of a fireproof or incombustible material.

[0047] In another alternative embodiment, the insulating element (5) can prevent the transmission of moisture or other parameters such as gases. Therefore, the insulating element (5) can be the one which insulates the facility according to the location requirements.

[0048] In the event that the cladding element (4) detaches from one of the faces of the module (1), the adhesive elements arranged in the other cladding element (4) could hold the insulating element (5) in place, preventing it from falling. This allows preventing, in the case of fire or of a module breaking, the window effect produced when one of the modules is missing or damaged for any reason, opening a space between the outside and the inside of the facility. This generates a current which eliminates the insulation effect achieved with the insulating elements (5).

[0049] In an improved embodiment, the cladding element (4) is also an insulating element, for example, in the form of a fireproof or incombustible material, thereby keeping the insulating element (5) in the module (1) in case of being in contact with flames. The insulating element (5) can also be retained with respect to the longitudinal profiles (2), transverse profiles (3.1), and / or separating elements (3.2), for example, by mechanical fixing means such as screws or nails.

[0050] A possible assembly of the module (1) would start with the two longitudinal profiles (2) attached by means of the two transverse profiles (3.1) to form a rectangle. In the case of using separating elements (3.2), they are placed at this point of the assembly, thereby obtaining the structure of the module (1). The cladding element (4) is placed with the fixing means (2.5) on one of the faces of the longitudinal profiles (2). Then, the insulating element (5) would be introduced between the longitudinal profiles (2) and the transverse profiles (3.1), or where appropriate the separating elements (3.2), and on the already placed cladding element (4). Finally, the other cladding element (4) is placed with its fixing elements (2.5), closing the insulating element (5) therein and concealing the internal structure of the module (1).

Claims

1. A modular panel closure system for a shutter, wherein each module (1) has: - at least two longitudinal profiles (2) comprising thermal bridge breaking means (2.3) between an inner part (2.1) and an outer part (2.2), and - two transverse profiles (3.1) connecting the ends of the longitudinal profiles (2), characterized in that said modules (1) comprise claddings (4) that can be externally fixed to the longitudinal profiles (2) by fixing means (2.4) that can be fixed to the surface of the longitudinal profiles (2) on each face of the module (1), such that there is a space between both the cladding elements (4) and the profiles (2, 3.1) where an insulating element (5) is arranged.

2. The modular panel system according to claim 1, wherein the insulating element (5) is fireproof and / or incombustible.

3. The modular panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one separating element (3.2) arranged between the cladding elements (4) and transversely fixed to the longitudinal profiles (2).

4. The modular panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing means (2.5) for fixing the cladding element (4) are in the form of a clamp.

5. The modular system according to the preceding claim, wherein the clamp can be fixed in a removable manner.

6. The modular panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one separating element (3.2) transversely fixed between the longitudinal profiles (2) is in the form of a hollow tube.

7. The modular panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one separating element (3.2) is made of a fireproof and / or incombustible material.

8. The modular panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cladding elements (4) comprises adhesive means on the surface in contact with the insulating element (5).

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