Frame coupling

The frame coupling system with fastening elements and snap-fit covers enables pre-assembly, ensuring secure and weather-resistant connections with reduced on-site work, addressing precision and durability issues in existing methods.

EP4760041A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-17PROFINE GMBH

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
PROFINE GMBH
Filing Date
2025-12-02
Publication Date
2026-06-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing frame coupling methods require precise on-site assembly, are susceptible to weather-induced degradation, and lack easy pre-assembly options, leading to increased construction site work and potential connection failure.

Method used

A frame coupling system using fastening elements with brackets and springs, combined with a snap-fit coupling cover, allows for pre-assembly in a workshop, ensuring secure connection and tolerance compensation, with screws engaging a retaining element for firm fixation.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates easy and secure frame coupling with reduced on-site work, resistant to weathering, and provides a homogeneous material load, minimizing the risk of connection failure due to aging.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

In a coupling for adjacent window or door frames, wherein the frames consist of interconnected frame profiles (1), the frame profiles (1) each have a base (11), and the frames (1) have integrated reinforcement elements and / or hollow chambers containing reinforcement elements (13), first fastening elements (8) at the base (11) of the frame profiles (1) to be connected are connected to the integrated reinforcement elements and / or reinforcement elements (13) via fasteners (4). The first fastening elements (8) have brackets (14) which extend perpendicular to the plane of the window or door and terminate at a distance from the connected frame profile (1). The brackets (14) of the frame profiles (1) to be connected are directed towards the same side of the window or door frame. A fastening clip (6) is connected to the brackets (14) of the frame profiles (1) to be connected.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to the coupling of window or door frames, which also includes window-door elements, fixed glazing frames, front door frames, sliding window-door frames and lift-and-slide door frames. Technical field

[0002] Two- or multi-leaf windows, in which each individual window leaf comprises its own element with its own handle and a mullion remains between the two leaves when open, are also called transom windows, while a double-leaf window in which a profile strip of one leaf serves as a mullion for another leaf is called a casement window.

[0003] To connect adjacent window or door frames, the frame of one frame is drilled completely through the steel chamber from the rebate area. The frame of the adjacent frame is drilled through the steel chamber from the bottom. A long screw is then inserted through these holes in the first frame and screwed into the hole in the second frame, engaging the reinforcing steel of the second frame. The screw is tightened until its head reaches the rebate area of ​​the first frame. If an intermediate coupling also contains steel reinforcement, up to five steel walls must be drilled through.

[0004] The screw length depends on the frame and coupling width.

[0005] The skilled tradesman must ensure that the holes in the frames to be joined are aligned, so that the drilling is often carried out on the construction site and requires a high degree of precision from the skilled tradesman. State of the art

[0006] A frame coupling using connecting screws through the reinforcing steels is known from EP 2000623 A2.

[0007] DE 102006062161 A1 shows a multi-pane window with two identical window panes. The frame profiles are connected by a fixed mullion profile in between.

[0008] EP 1703064 A1 discloses a coupling of adjacent plastic window frames. Spacers are screwed to the base of each frame profile. The two frames are connected by a coupling element that prevents them from shifting relative to each other perpendicular to the glazing plane. On both the interior and exterior sides of the building, the spacers are snapped into place using cover profiles, thus connecting the two frames along the glazing plane. This connection along the glazing plane is achieved solely via spring-loaded clips. This is particularly disadvantageous for the exterior side of the building, which is exposed to sunlight, as the outer cover profile can age and become brittle, potentially leading to breakage of the snap connection. The exterior side of the building is also referred to as the weather side because it is exposed to the elements.

[0009] US 2002 / 0092248 A1 shows the coupling of two windows, in which coupling profiles are mounted and screwed into the base of the two window profiles to be joined. The window profiles are connected by means of a snap-fit ​​mechanism using these coupling profiles, whereby a strip with a further snap engages with the snap of the coupling profiles. Here, too, the problem exists that sunlight and other weather conditions can lead to embrittlement of the plastic, and the snap-fit ​​connection can break after a certain period of time. Task

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a coupling of adjacent frames which is easy to assemble and enables part of the pre-assembly to be carried out in the workshop, so that the number of work steps on a construction site can be reduced. Description of the invention

[0011] The problem is solved by a frame coupling with the features of the independent claim.

[0012] A coupling according to the invention is suitable for window or door frames arranged side by side, where the frames consist of interconnected frame profiles. Side by side window or door frames refers to both horizontal and vertical arrangements. In these window or door frames, the frame profiles each have a base area, and the frames have integrated reinforcement elements and / or hollow chambers containing reinforcing elements. Steel profiles are most commonly used as reinforcing elements; however, reinforced inserts or frame walls can also be used.

[0013] According to the invention, first fastening elements are connected to the integrated reinforcement elements and / or strengthening elements at the base of the frame profiles to be joined, via fasteners. Screws, for example, are suitable as fasteners. These first fastening elements have brackets that extend perpendicular to the plane of the window or door and terminate at a distance from the joined frame profile. Thus, the first fastening elements are attached at the base but extend at a distance from one side of the window or door. The brackets of the frame profiles to be joined are directed toward the same side of the window or door frame and are generally arranged in a mirror image. In this context, the sides of the window or door frame are understood to be the weather-facing / outside and the interior / living space-facing sides.A fastening clamp is connected to the brackets of the frame profiles to be joined, so that the two frames are firmly connected to each other via this clamp.

[0014] Optionally, the first fastening elements are made of metal, preferably steel, and / or reinforced plastic.

[0015] According to the invention, the first fastening elements have springs which are clamped to the fastening clip, so that a secure connection is established simply by the clamping action. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening clip has at least one guide for receiving a screw; this guide, when the coupling is assembled, runs at least approximately, preferably exactly centrally, between the two brackets of the two first fastening elements. A screw is guided through the guide and engages in a thread in a retaining element positioned between the interconnected frame profiles. The retaining element preferably has approximately the shape of a special clamping block similar to a wing nut.

[0016] Advantageous configurations result from the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0017] It is therefore advantageous if a coupling outer profile is connected to the frame profiles to be joined on the side of the window or door frame facing away from the mounting bracket. This coupling outer profile serves both to connect the two frame profiles and to cover the gap. The coupling outer profile can be connected to at least one of the frame profiles via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0018] Optionally, a coupling cover is provided to be connected to the mounting bracket, the connection preferably being a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0019] The first fastening elements may have springs which are clamped to the fastening clip, so that a firm connection is already established by the clamping action.

[0020] Optionally, the first fastening elements can be connected to the mounting bracket via a screw connection. This prevents the mounting bracket from simply being pulled off.

[0021] It is therefore advantageous to arrange insulation in a cavity between the frame profiles to be joined. This insulation can preferably be bonded to the frame profiles using adhesive or insulating strips.

[0022] In cases where the mounting bracket has the guide described above, through which a screw is guided and engages in the retaining element described above, it is advantageous if the minimum width of the retaining element perpendicular to the thread axis is smaller than the minimum distance between the first two mounting elements of two connected frame profiles. This allows the retaining element to be rotated so that it can be slid between the first two mounting elements. The coupling outer profile, the first two mounting elements, the retaining element, the screw, and the retaining element must be matched accordingly.

[0023] It is advantageous if the previously described retaining element has a maximum width perpendicular to the thread axis that is greater than the minimum distance between the first two fasteners of two connected frame profiles. If the screw is turned, it cannot simply be pulled out again. If the maximum width is greater than the inner distance between the first two fasteners at the points where they are connected to the integrated reinforcement elements and / or strengthening elements via fasteners, the retaining element will, upon rotation, strike at least one of the first fasteners and cannot rotate further. If the screw is tightened further into the thread, the distance between the mounting clip and the retaining element decreases.When the retaining element strikes the first fastening elements in the direction of the mounting clamp, a firm connection is created.

[0024] A preferred embodiment provides that the retaining element in which the thread is located has an at least approximately concave shape on the side facing the mounting bracket, and simultaneously, the two first mounting elements downstream of the minimum distance between the two first mounting elements on the side facing away from the mounting bracket form a corresponding, at least approximately convex shape. This allows the two first mounting elements to be clamped together, resulting in a particularly strong connection. Brief description of the drawing

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a coupling of window or door frames according to the prior art; Fig. 2 a coupling of window or door frames according to the invention; Fig. 3 another coupling of window or door frames according to the invention; and Fig. 4 the coupling made of Figure 3 as an exploded view.

[0026] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows two frame profiles 1 coupled together according to the prior art, which have hollow chambers 12 containing reinforcing steel bars 13. A screw 4 leads from the rebate area 18 of the right frame profile 1 through the reinforcing steel bar 13 of the right frame profile 1, and a coupling profile 17 positioned between the two frame profiles 1 leads into the reinforcing steel bar 13 of the left frame profile 1. A reinforcing steel bar 13 is also arranged in the coupling profile 17. In this case, the screw 4 must penetrate four steel walls.

[0027] Figure 2Figure 1 shows the coupling of two frame profiles 1 according to the invention. The frame profiles 1 have a base area 11 opposite the rebate area 18. Furthermore, these frame profiles 1 have several hollow chambers 12, wherein a reinforcing element 13 in the form of a steel profile 13 is arranged in a hollow chamber 12 of each frame profile 1. The reinforcing element 13 is arranged in a hollow chamber 12 between the rebate area 18 and the base area 11. Sash frames 10 with glazing 9 complete the frames to form windows, as is customary.

[0028] At the base 11 of both frame profiles 1 to be joined, first fastening elements 8 in the form of steel brackets are connected to the reinforcing elements 13 of the two frame profiles 1 via screws 4. The first fastening elements 8 have brackets 14 that extend perpendicular to the window or door plane and terminate in a U-shape at a distance from the joined frame profile 1; this U-shape allows for spring-like deformation of the brackets 14. The window or door plane is largely identical to the glazing plane. The first fastening elements 8 are mounted such that both project beyond the frame profiles 1 towards the interior of the building (left in the image). A fastening clamp 6 is clamped to the brackets 14 of the two frame profiles 1, thereby positioning the two frame profiles 1 at a defined distance and firmly connecting them through the spring-loaded brackets 14.Screw connections 5 with grub screws penetrate the mounting bracket 6 and thus additionally secure the first fastening element 8. A coupling cover 15 is connected to the mounting bracket 6 via a snap connection 7 and covers it on the room side.

[0029] For the screw connections 5, screw holes for grub screws or other screws, optionally self-tapping screws, may already be provided in the bracket 8. The same applies to the connection of the first fastening elements 8 via the frame profiles 1 to the reinforcement elements 13. Here, too, screw holes or threads for corresponding screws 4 may already be prepared.

[0030] On the side of the window frame opposite the mounting bracket 6, usually the exterior or weather-exposed side of the building, a coupling outer profile 2 is connected to the frame profiles 1 to be joined. The coupling outer profile 2 is connected to the upper frame profile 1 via a snap-fit ​​connection. This coupling outer profile 2 is designed to fit the connection on the other side of the window. The coupling outer profile 2 serves as a cover and does not transmit any forces between the two frame profiles 1.

[0031] In the cavity between the two frame profiles 1 there is insulation 16, which is connected to the frame profiles 1 via an adhesive and / or a sealing tape 3.

[0032] For assembly, the first fastening elements 8 are screwed to the steel profiles 13 of the two frame profiles 1. The coupling outer profile 2 is snapped into place with one of the frame profiles 1. A sealing strip 3 is applied to the base 11 of both frame profiles 1, and the insulation 16 is placed on one of the frame profiles 1. The two windows are then positioned side by side. The mounting bracket 6 is slid over the brackets 14 of the first fastening elements 8; then the set screws of the screw connections 5 are tightened. Finally, the coupling cover 15 is slid over the mounting bracket 6 and snapped into place.

[0033] Instead of the in Figure 2 According to the invention, a fixed glazing could also be mounted on one or both sides of the wing frame 10 shown in one or both frames 1.

[0034] The Figures 3 and 4show an alternative coupling according to the invention for window or door frames arranged side by side, wherein Figure 3 shows the assembled state and Figure 4 An exploded view is shown above, with the insulation 16 arranged in the assembled state between the coupling outer profile 2 and the two first fastening elements 8.

[0035] The first fastening elements 8 are similar to those of the first embodiment. Starting from the base area 11 of the frame profiles 1, a foot 24 of the first fastening elements 8, standing perpendicular to the base area 11, extends in an arc at a right angle to the inside of the window, which is located in the Figures 3 and 4The first fastening elements 8 then transition via first legs 25 into U-shaped brackets 14, which extend perpendicular to the window or door plane or glazing plane. The U-shaped brackets 14 transition into second legs 26, which run parallel to the base 11 of the frame profiles 1. The two second legs 26 of the first fastening elements 8 together form a gap and lead towards the outside of the window in the direction of the coupling outer profile 2. The second legs 26 of the U-shaped brackets 14 are longer than the first legs 25 of the U-shaped bracket 14, which are positioned closer to the base 11 and are in contact with the base 11 via the base 24. The two second legs 26 of the U-shaped brackets 14 of the two first fastening elements 8 each transition via a curve into a U-shaped arc 27, which is also in contact with the corresponding base 11.The transition from the gap between the second legs 26 to the U-shaped legs 27 occurs at an angle of approximately 100°, so that the two first fastening elements 8 together form a convex shape 30 on the side facing away from the U-shaped brackets 14. From the U-shaped arcs 27, a web 28 again extends perpendicularly from the base 11 towards the other first fastening element 8. During assembly, this U-shape allows for spring-like deformation of the brackets 14.

[0036] In this second coupling according to the invention, the fastening clip 6 has a guide 19 through which a screw 20 is guided. The guide and the screw 20 run centrally between the two brackets 14 of the two first fastening elements 8. The screw 20 has a screw head 21 which is positioned in a recess in the form of a countersunk hole in the fastening clip 6. At the other end of the screw 20, it engages in a thread 22 positioned between the interconnected frame profiles 1 in a retaining element 23. The retaining element 23 is approximately in the shape of a wing nut. Adapted to the coupling according to the invention, the minimum width of the retaining element 23 perpendicular to the thread axis is accordingly smaller than the minimum distance between the two first fastening elements 8 of two connected frame profiles 1.This allows the retaining element 23 to be slid between the first two fastening elements 8 of two connected frame profiles 1 when in the appropriate position. At the same time, the retaining element 23 has a maximum width perpendicular to the thread axis, which is greater than the minimum distance between the first two fastening elements 8 of two connected frame profiles 1. After turning the screw 20, there is at least one position in which the retaining element 23 cannot simply be pulled out again.If the maximum width of the retaining element 23 is greater than the inner distance between the two first fastening elements 8 at the points where the two first fastening elements 8 are connected to the integrated reinforcement elements and / or strengthening elements 13 via fastening means 4, then the retaining element 23 will strike at least one of the two first fastening elements 8 on the outside when rotated and cannot rotate further.

[0037] The retaining element 23, in which the thread 22 is located, has an approximately concave shape 29 on the side facing the mounting bracket 6. Downstream of the minimum distance between the two first mounting elements 8, on the side facing away from the mounting bracket 6, the two first mounting elements 8 together form a corresponding, approximately convex shape. As can be seen particularly in Figure 3As can be seen, the retaining element 23 clamps the two first fastening elements 8 on the side facing away from the fastening clip 6. When the screw 20 is tightened, the retaining element 23 conforms to the two first fastening elements 8, with the spring-like shape of the two first fastening elements 8 providing tension.

[0038] In a cavity between the frame profiles 1 to be joined, insulation 16 is arranged between the coupling outer profile 2 and the first two fastening elements 8. This insulation can be connected to the frame profiles 1 by means of an adhesive or sealing tape 3.

[0039] In the figures, the interior of the building is shown on the left and the exterior, exposed to the weather, is shown on the right. Accordingly, the coupling cover 15 is located on the interior of the window or building, and the coupling outer profile 2 is located on the exterior of the window or window.

[0040] The depicted frame profiles 1, coupling covers 15, and the coupling outer profile 2 are PVC extrusion profiles and have a typical window orientation perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The first two fastening elements 8 are metal profiles. Several first fastening elements 8 can be arranged side by side along a mullion, or a single first fastening element 8 can extend over a substantial length of the mullion. The fastening clips 6 and retaining elements 23 are relatively narrow elements, several of which are distributed along the length of the mullion.

[0041] For assembly, the first two fastening elements 8 are first screwed to the steel profiles 13 of the two frame profiles 1. The in Figure 4Sheet metal screws 4, screwed into the steel profiles 13 on the right, connect the frame profiles 1 to the steel profiles 13. The sheet metal screws 4 on the left are first removed from the Figure 4 unscrewed in the position shown and then reinserted through the first two fastening elements 8 as shown. Figure 4 The steel profiles 13 are connected. The two frame profiles 1 are then joined, with the insulation 16 positioned directly next to the first two fastening elements 8 on the outside of the window. Behind this, the coupling outer profile 2 is connected to the two frame profiles 1 on the outside of the window.

[0042] The fastening clip 6, the screw 20 and the retaining element 23 are installed as shown in Figure 4The connection is shown by first pushing the screw 20 through the guide 19 in the mounting bracket 6 and then screwing it into the thread 22 of the retaining element 23, so that the concave side of the retaining element 23 faces inwards.

[0043] Then the first fastening element 8 is screwed to the two frame profiles 1 by inserting the Figure 4The sheet metal screws 4, shown on the left, are pushed through holes in the first two fastening elements 8 and then screwed to the two frame profiles 1 using the two steel profiles 13. The insulation 16 is positioned between the two frame profiles 1 on the webs 28 of the first two fastening elements 8, the side facing away from the brackets 14. The two frame profiles 1 are then connected on the outside of the window using the coupling profile 2. The insulation 16 is slightly compressed in the process, so that the connection is under some tension and the coupling profile 2 cannot rattle in the wind.

[0044] The retaining element 23 is now slid between the two first fastening elements 8 and between the two frame profiles 1. When the retaining element 23 is positioned behind the convex surface of the two first fastening elements 8, the screw 20 is tightened slightly, causing the retaining element 23 to abut the outer surface of the two first fastening elements 8. As the screw 20 is tightened further, the concave side of the retaining element 23 conforms to the convex surface of the two first fastening elements 8. Once the screw is fully tightened, the coupling cover 15 is slid onto the locking mechanism 7 of the fastening clips 6 of a mullion profile.

[0045] An advantage of the coupling according to the invention is that forces are transmitted over larger areas, whereas, for example, in EP 1703064 A1, a linear force transmission occurs via a clip connection. The larger-area force transmission according to the invention allows for a more homogeneous material load and is therefore, among other things, less susceptible to embrittlement due to aging. Furthermore, it allows for pre-assembly of the frames, including the fastening elements 8, in a workshop, as well as simple coupling of two frames in a building using fewer work steps. Here, the spring-loaded U-shaped brackets 14 allow for a certain degree of tolerance compensation while ensuring a secure fit.

[0046] Windows or doors are typically arranged horizontally side by side. According to the invention, however, they can also be arranged one above the other. In most cases, the surrounding profiles of a window or door are identical, so that similar profiles always face each other. It is essential that a plane runs through the windows or doors to be connected. legend

[0047] 1 Frame profile 2 Coupling outer profile 3 Sealing tape 4 Screw, sheet metal screw 5 Screw connection 6 Mounting clip 7 Latch 8 First fastening element 9 Glazing 10 Sash frame 11 Base area 12 Hollow chamber 13 Reinforcement element / steel profile 14 Bracket 15 Coupling cover 16 Insulation 17 Coupling profile 18 Rebate area 19 Guide 20 Screw 21 Screw head 22 Thread 23 Retaining element 24 Base 25 First leg 26 Second leg 27 U-shaped arch 28 Web 29 Concave shape 30 Convex shape

Claims

1. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames, wherein the frames consist of interconnected frame profiles (1), the frame profiles (1) each have a base (11), the frames (1) have integrated reinforcement elements and / or hollow chambers (12) in which reinforcement elements (13) are located, first fastening elements (8) at the base (11) of the frame profiles (1) to be connected are connected to the integrated reinforcement elements and / or reinforcement elements (13) via fastening means (4), wherein the first fastening elements (8) are preferably made of metal and / or reinforced plastic, the first fastening elements (8) have brackets (14) which extend perpendicular to the plane of the window or door and terminate at a distance from the connected frame profile (1),wherein the brackets (14) of the frame profiles (1) to be joined are directed towards the same side of the window or door frame and a fastening clip (6) is connected to the brackets (14) of the frame profiles (1) to be joined, characterized by the fact that the brackets (14) end with a U-shape, the U-shape allowing a spring-elastic deformation of the brackets (14), and the fastening clip (6) is clamped with the U-shaped, spring-like ends of the brackets (14) of the frame profiles (1) to be connected and / or the fastening clip (6) has at least one guide (19) which runs at least approximately centrally between the two brackets (14) of the two first fastening elements (8), through this guide () a screw (20) is guided which engages in a thread (22) positioned between the connected frame profiles (1) in a retaining element (23).

2. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that on the side of the window or door frame facing away from the fastening clip (6) a coupling outer profile (2) is connected to the frame profiles (1) to be connected.

3. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that a coupling cover (15) is connected to the mounting bracket (6), preferably via a snap-fit ​​connection (7).

4. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the first fastening elements (8) are connected to the fastening clamp (6) via a screw connection (5).

5. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastening clamp (6) has the guide (19) mentioned in claim 1, characterized by the fact that,the minimum width of the retaining element (23) perpendicular to the thread axis is smaller than the minimum distance between the first two fastening elements (8) of two connected frame profiles (1).

6. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fastening clamp (6) has the guide (19) mentioned in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the retaining element (23) has a maximum width perpendicular to the thread axis which is greater than the minimum distance between the two first fastening elements (8) of two connected frame profiles (1) and is preferably greater than the inner distance between the two first fastening elements (8) at the points where the two first fastening elements (8) are connected to the integrated reinforcement elements and / or strengthening elements (13) via fastening means (4).

7. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fastening clamp (6) has the guide (19) mentioned in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the retaining element (23) in which the thread (22) is located has at least an approximately concave shape (29) on the side facing the mounting bracket (6) and the two first mounting elements (8) downstream of the minimum distance between the two first mounting elements (8) on the side facing away from the mounting bracket (6) together form a corresponding, at least approximately convex shape (30).

8. Coupling for adjacent window or door frames according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that Insulation (16) is arranged in a cavity between the frame profiles (1) to be joined, and this insulation is preferably connected to the frame profiles (1) by means of an adhesive or sealing tape (3).