Opening or fixed frame made of thermoplastic material with corner reinforcements

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame (10) for a sash or fixed part comprising: - a first hollow structural profile (28) having a first chamber (32) opening into an axial end face (34); - a second hollow structural profile (30) having a first chamber (38) opening into an axial end face (40); each profile (28, 30) being equipped with at least one insert (50) inserted axially into the first chamber (32, 38) of the profile, and held in a fixed position; the first profile (28) being fixed to the second profile (30) by welding; characterized in that each insert (50) is formed of a single piece which is held in the fixed position by being pressed directly into the corresponding first chamber (32, 38). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: OPENING OR FIXED FRAME MADE OF THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL COMPRISING CORNER REINFORCEMENTS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an opening or fixed frame comprising at least one first profile and at least one second profile assembled to each other by their respective end faces, the first profile being fixed to the second profile by welding the contacting surfaces of the two end faces together. Technical background

[0002] Joinery, such as windows or French windows, generally includes at least one opening or fixed frame. Such a frame is generally made by assembling uprights and crosspieces.

[0003] The uprights and crosspieces are, for example, profiles made of thermoplastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The profiles have 45° beveled end faces. The profiles are joined by their beveled faces to form the rectangular or square frame.

[0004] The assembly of a frame of exterior joinery made of thermoplastic material is done by welding. Such welding consists of melting the thermoplastic material of each beveled face, then positioning the beveled faces of the PVC profiles opposite each other. The assembly is done after melting by a heating plate, sometimes called a heating mirror, and holding the faces tight against each other during the cooling phase.

[0005] In order to have optimal resistance of the angle formed by the two profiles after welding, it is imperative that the profiles used have identical geometry, particularly at the level of the internal partitions.

[0006] When the profiles used for the upright and for the crosspiece are not identical, the internal partitions are not perfectly aligned. As a result, the contact surface between the two profiles is insufficient to allow solid fixing by welding.

[0007] The problem also arises for identical profiles with an insufficient contact surface.

[0008] It has already been proposed to drive an insert into each profile before the welding operation. Such an insert generally has a fixing face which is flush with the beveled face of the profile. Thus, when the two profiles are assembled, the fixing faces of their respective inserts are in contact with each other. These inserts are made of thermoplastic material so that they can be welded together during the welding operation. This advantageously increases the contact surface between the upright and the crosspiece, and thus improves the strength of the fixing.

[0009] However, the inserts already known are complex. They are made in several pieces so that they can be securely fixed to the associated profile. Such inserts are therefore complex and expensive to produce and they require a time-consuming assembly operation. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention is an opening or fixed frame comprising:

[0011] - at least one first hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which comprises at least a first chamber which opens into an axial end face, and which is made of a specific thermoplastic material;

[0012] - at least one second hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which comprises at least one first chamber which opens into an axial end face, and which is made with said determined thermoplastic material;

[0013] each profile being equipped with at least one insert having in section a contour complementary to that of the first chamber, the insert being inserted axially into the first chamber of the associated profile, and held in a fixing position in which a fixing face of the insert is substantially flush with the end face of the associated profile;

[0014] the first profile being fixed to the second profile by welding the contacting surfaces of the two end faces together and by welding the contacting surfaces of the fixing faces of the inserts together.

[0015] The frame according to the invention is characterized in that each insert is formed from a single piece which is held in the fixing position by force-fitting directly into the corresponding first chamber.

[0016] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, each insert has at least one protuberance on at least one external wall to allow it to be force-fitted into the first associated chamber.

[0017] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, the at least one protuberance is arranged in the middle of the insert in the axial direction so that axial end sections of the insert located on either side of a central section comprising the protuberance are capable of being inserted with a loose fit into the corresponding first chamber.

[0018] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, the insert has at least one axial rib which extends over its entire length, locally having a bulge which forms said protuberance.

[0019] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, each insert is made of a thermoplastic material compatible for welding with the determined thermoplastic material constituting the associated profiles to allow irreversible fixing of the inserts with the profiles by welding.

[0020] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, the profiles are made of polyvinyl chloride.

[0021] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, the insert is made of a material selected from polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, polyamide.

[0022] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, each insert has the shape of a hollow profile.

[0023] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, the first profile has a profile of a different shape from that of the second profile.

[0024] According to another characteristic of the frame produced according to the teachings of the invention, at least one of the profiles comprises a metal reinforcing beam which is inserted into the first chamber, the insert being entirely arranged in a free space reserved between one end of the reinforcing beam and the end face of said profile.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a frame according to the teachings of the invention comprising:

[0026] - at least one first hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which comprises at least a first chamber which opens into an axial end face, and which is made of a specific thermoplastic material;

[0027] - at least one second hollow structural profile extending along a main axis which comprises at least one first chamber which opens into an axial end face, and which is made with said determined thermoplastic material;

[0028] each profile being equipped with at least one insert having in section a contour complementary to that of the first chamber, the insert being inserted axially into the first chamber of the associated profile, and held in a fixing position in which a fixing face of the insert is substantially flush with the end face of the associated profile;

[0029] characterized in that it comprises:

[0030] - a first step of forcibly inserting the insert into the first chamber of each associated profile to the fixing position;

[0031] - a second step of positioning the profiles so that their faces respective end points are opposite each other;

[0032] - a third heating step consisting of heating the end face of each profile for melting a determined length of thermoplastic material, the fixing face of each insert being heated simultaneously to melt a length of the thermoplastic material constituting them;

[0033] - a fourth welding step consisting of clamping the end faces as well heated against each other.

[0034] According to another characteristic of the method carried out according to the teachings of the invention, in the fixing position, the fixing face of each insert is arranged at an axial distance less than the determined length of the end face of the profile so that at the end of the heating operation, the fixing face of each insert is flush with the end face of the associated profile.

[0035] According to another characteristic of the method carried out according to the teachings of the invention, in the fixing position, the fixing face of the insert is located slightly projecting relative to the axial end face of the profile. Brief description of the figures

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the attached drawings.

[0037] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view which represents a French window comprising a frame made according to the teachings of the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 2] is a front view showing an upright and a crosspiece of the frame of [Fig. 1] which are assembled according to the teachings of the invention.

[0039] [Fig. 3] is a detail view which represents an end face of a structural profile of the upright equipped with an insert produced according to the teachings of the invention.

[0040] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3] which represents an end face of a structural profile of the crosspiece equipped with an insert produced according to the teachings of the invention.

[0041] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the frame of [Fig.2] along a sectional plane passing through the axes of the profiles.

[0042] [Fig.6] is a perspective view showing the insert fitted to the profiles of the frame in [Fig.2].

[0043] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of the insert of [Fig.6].

[0044] [Fig.8] is a side view showing the insert of [Fig.6].

[0045] [Fig.9] is a front view showing the upright and crosspiece profiles fitted with an insert just before they are welded together to form the frame of [Fig.2]. Detailed description of the invention

[0046] In the remainder of the description, elements having similar functions or identical structures will be designated by the same reference.

[0047] In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal, vertical and transverse directions will be adopted without limitation with reference to the trihedron (L, V, T) shown in the figures.

[0048] The terms “front” and “rear” will also be used in reference to the longitudinal direction, as well as “upper” and “lower” or “top” and “bottom” in reference to the vertical direction and finally “left” and “right” in reference to the transverse direction.

[0049] The terms “internal” and “external” will be used to designate elements located respectively in a profile or outside of said profile.

[0050] The terms “interior” and “exterior” will be used to designate elements located respectively towards the inside of the frame or towards the outside of the frame.

[0051] [Fig.l] shows a frame 10 of joinery 12 such as a window or a French window. This is a frame 10 of a fixed frame, but the invention also applies to opening frames.

[0052] Such joinery 12 comprises, for example, a frame 14 which is intended to be fixed in a bay 16 and an opening 18 which is intended to be mounted movably in the frame 14 to close the bay 16.

[0053] The frame 14 comprises the frame 10 which is made by assembling profiles made of thermoplastic material.

[0054] The opening 18 also comprises an opening frame 20 which is made by assembling profiles made of thermoplastic material. At least one panel 22, here a glazed panel, is housed in the opening frame 20.

[0055] The invention is also applicable to a frame for a joinery comprising only a frame which carries a fixed panel.

[0056] As shown in [Fig.2], the invention is applicable to such an opening or fixed frame 10 made by assembling profiles made of thermoplastic material, in particular polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0057] Such a frame 10 comprises at least one upright 24 and at least one crosspiece 26. The example shown in [Fig.2] shows only one upright 24 and one crosspiece 26. Such a frame 10 preferably comprises two uprights 24 and two crosspieces 26.

[0058] The frame 10 comprises at least one first hollow profile 28. The first profile 28 extends along a main axis “A”. As shown in [Fig. 3], the first profile 28 comprises at least one first internal chamber 32 which opens axially into an end face 34 of the first profile 28. The first chamber 32 opens into the two axial end faces 34 of the first profile 28.

[0059] As shown in [Fig.2], the first profile 28 has a lateral wall 28A interior which is intended to internally delimit the frame 10, and an opposite exterior lateral wall 28B which is intended to externally delimit the frame 10. The first profile 28 also comprises other lateral walls 29, the number and orientation of which depends on the complexity of the outline of the first profile 28.

[0060] The first profile 28 here comprises a plurality of other chambers 36 which open into the axial end face 34. The chambers 32, 36 are delimited by internal partitions 37 and / or by the lateral walls 28A, 28B, 29. The first chamber 32 is preferably arranged close to the internal lateral wall 28A. The first chamber 32 is preferably delimited directly by the internal lateral wall 28A.

[0061] The first profile 28 is made of a specific thermoplastic material. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the thermoplastic material is formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is for example obtained by extrusion.

[0062] This is a first structural profile 28 which is intended to support the main forces and to form the framework on which the other elements are fixed, that is to say the panel 22 or an opening 18.

[0063] The frame 10 also comprises a second hollow profile 30. The second profile 30 extends along a main axis “B”. As shown in [Fig. 4], the second profile 30 comprises at least one first internal chamber 38 which opens axially into an end face 40 of the second profile 30. The first chamber 38 opens into the two axial end faces of the second profile 30.

[0064] As shown in [Fig.2], the second profile 30 has a wall 30A inner side wall which is intended to internally delimit the frame 10, and an opposite outer side wall 30B which is intended to externally delimit the frame 10. The second profile 30 also comprises other side walls 31, the number and orientation of which depends on the complexity of the outline of the second profile 30.

[0065] The second profile 30 here comprises a plurality of other chambers 42 which open into the axial end face 40. The chambers 38, 42 are delimited by internal partitions 43 and / or by the lateral walls 30A, 30B, 31. The first chamber 38 is preferably arranged close to the internal lateral wall 30A. The first chamber 38 is preferably delimited directly by the internal lateral wall 30A.

[0066] The first chamber 38 here has an axial slide 43 which projects from an internal partition 43 opposite the internal lateral wall 30A.

[0067] The second profile 30 is made of a specific thermoplastic material. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the thermoplastic material is formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is for example obtained by extrusion.

[0068] This is a second structural profile 30 which is intended to support the forces main elements and to form the framework on which the other elements are fixed, that is to say the panel 22 or an opening 18.

[0069] The first profile 28 are intended to be assembled end to end by contact between their end faces 34, 40. They are more particularly fixed by welding the contacting surfaces of the two end faces 34, 40 together.

[0070] The first profile 28 here belongs in part to an upright 24, while the second profile 30 here belongs to a crosspiece 26. The two profiles 28, 30 are therefore fixed perpendicular to each other. Thus, the axis “A” of the first profile 28 is oriented vertically here, while the axis “B” of the second profile 30 is oriented transversely here.

[0071] To allow their fixing at right angles, the contacting parts of the end faces 34, 40 of each profile 28, 30 are beveled. Thus, the end face 34 of the first profile 28 here has a slope at 45° relative to the main axis “A” of the profile 28, and the end face 40 of the second profile 40 here has a slope at 45° relative to the main axis “B”.

[0072] Alternatively, depending on the shape of the frame, the two profiles can be assembled at an angle that is different from 90°. In this case, the inclination of the beveled part of their end face 34, 40 will be adapted to said angle.

[0073] According to yet another variant not shown, the profiles are arranged in the extension of one another so that their axes A, B are aligned. In this case, the end faces 34, 40 are not beveled.

[0074] As shown in [Fig.2], the upright 24 and the crosspiece 26 are assembled perpendicularly by their beveled end faces 34, 40. Thus, the axis “A” of the profile 28 of the upright 24 extends perpendicularly to the axis “B” of the profile 30 of the crosspiece 26. The profiles 28, 30 are arranged so that their inner lateral faces 28A, 30A join at an inner angle 44 of the frame 10.

[0075] The profile 28 of the upright 24 here has a profile of a different shape from that of the profile 30 of the crosspiece 26. Indeed, the profile 28 of the upright is in particular a thickness, taken in a direction orthogonal to its main axis “A” between its inner lateral face 28A and its outer lateral face 28B, greater compared to the thickness of the profile 30 of the crosspiece 24, taken in a direction orthogonal to its main axis “B” between its inner lateral face 28A and its outer lateral face 28B. This makes it possible, for example, to benefit from sufficient space in the upright 24 to arrange a cremone bolt and / or a locking device for the frame 10 while making it possible to obtain a greater glazing clearance by reducing the thickness of the crosspiece 26.

[0076] According to a variant of the invention not shown, the two profiles 28, 30 are identical.

[0077] As shown in [Fig.5], each profile 28, 30 may also comprise a beam 46 of metal reinforcement which is inserted into the first chamber 32, 38. This reinforcement beam 46 is inserted with sufficient radial clearance to allow it to slide in the associated first chamber 32, 38. Such a reinforcement beam 46 makes it possible in particular to increase the rigidity and mechanical strength of the associated profile 28, 30. As will be explained in more detail below, the reinforcement beam 46 is shorter than the associated profile 28, 30 so that a free space 48 is reserved in the first chamber 32, 38 between each axial end of the reinforcement beam 46 and each free end face 34, 40 of the associated profile 28, 30.

[0078] Alternatively, the profiles 28, 30 are not equipped with a metal reinforcing beam.

[0079] To fix the two profiles 28, 30 together by their respective faces 38, 40, it is known to weld the contacting surfaces of the two end faces 38, 40 together at an angle. In this position, the first two chambers 32, 38 open out substantially in coincidence with each other.

[0080] However, due to their different shapes, the contacting surfaces often have an insufficient area to ensure good fixing by welding. Indeed, the edges of the internal partitions 37, 43 do not completely overlap.

[0081] The invention proposes to reinforce the angles of the frame 10 by means of inserts 50 in order to reinforce the fixing between the upright 24 and the crosspiece 26, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0082] Each insert 50 is inserted axially into the first chamber 32, 38 of the associated profile. For this purpose, each insert 50 has, in section, an external contour of a shape complementary to the section of the associated first chamber 32, 38.

[0083] Such an insert 50 is shown in more detail in Figures 6 to 8. Each insert 50 has an axis “C” which extends parallel to the axis “A, B” of the profile 28, 30 in which it is inserted. The insert 50 has two axial end faces 52A, 52B, at least one of which forms a fixing face.

[0084] When the faces 34, 40 of each profile 28, 30 have a beveled shape, as is the case here, each end face 52A, 52B of the insert 50 here has a beveled shape as is particularly visible in FIGS. 6 and 8. Each end face 52A, 52B is here oriented at 45°, relative to the axis “C”. This makes it possible to use one or other of the axial end faces 52A, 52B as a fixing face.

[0085] Each insert 50 is held in a fixing position in which one of its end faces 52A, 52B, called the fixing face, is flush with the end face 34, 40 of the associated profile 28, 30, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

[0086] The first two chambers 32, 38 opening out in coincidence, the flush fixing faces 52A, 52B are in contact with each other when the upright 24 is assembled with crosspiece 26.

[0087] Thus, in addition to welding the contacting surfaces of the two end faces 38, 40 together, the two profiles 28, 30 are also fixed together by welding the contacting surfaces of the faces 52A, 52B for fixing the inserts 50 together.

[0088] Each insert 50 here has two axial end faces 52A, 52B with a beveled shape. Thus, the two inserts 50 can have an identical structure and be inserted in one direction or the other so that they can be adapted to different shapes of first chambers 32, 38.

[0089] As shown in [Fig.7], each insert 50 here has the shape of a hollow profile. Each insert 50 here has a substantially rectangular, here trapezoidal, hollow contour in section having four lateral walls 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D. The hollow is divided by crossed partitions 53 in the shape of an “X”. The insert 50 here has a tongue 55 intended to be inserted into the slide 43 of the first chamber 38 of the profile 30 of the crosspiece 26. These shapes make it possible to benefit from a large contact surface between two inserts 50 even when one of them is inverted relative to the other.

[0090] Each insert 50 is formed from a single piece which is held in the fixing position by force-fitting directly into the corresponding first chamber 32, 38 by applying an axial insertion force “F”.

[0091] When the associated profile 28, 30 is equipped with a reinforcing beam 46, as is the case here, the insert 50 is entirely arranged in the free space 48 reserved between the end of the reinforcing beam 46 and the end face 34, 40 of said profile 28, 30, as shown in [Fig. 5]. Thus, the insert 50 is not in contact with the reinforcing beam 46. In other words, the insert 50 is fixed to the associated profile 28, 30 independently of the reinforcing beam 46.

[0092] Each insert 50 has at least one protrusion 54 which projects from the external face of an external wall 50B, 50C to allow it to be force-fitted into the associated first chamber 32, 38. Each insert 50 here has two such protrusions 54 which are arranged on two adjacent lateral external faces. Each protrusion 54 makes it possible to locally increase a radial external dimension “D1, D2” of the insert 50 so that it is slightly greater than the corresponding internal dimension “D1, D12” of the associated first chamber 32, 38, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0093] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, each protrusion 54 is arranged in the middle of the insert 50 in the direction of its axis “C”. The insert 50 thus has, in the direction of the axis “C”, a central section 51B comprising the protrusions 54 and axial end sections 51A, 51C.

[0094] Each axial end section 51 A, 5 IC is received in the corresponding chamber 32, 38 with a loose fit. Thus, they are capable of being inserted more easily into the corresponding first chamber 32, 38. On the contrary, the central section 51B is received in the corresponding first chamber 32, 38 with a tight fit.

[0095] The end sections 51A, 51C of the insert 50 are capable of being pushed in with a force less than the axial pushing force “F” into the corresponding first chamber 32, 38. The end sections of the insert 50 have, for example, radial clearance relative to the corresponding chamber 32, 38 to allow insertion without force.

[0096] In the example shown in the figures, each insert 50 has at least one axial rib 56 whose center has a bulge which forms said protuberance 54.

[0097] The external faces of the walls 50A, 50D opposite the ribs 56 here have axial pads 58 in the form of a pad to allow suitable sliding guidance of the insert 50 in the corresponding first chamber 32, 38. This makes it possible to improve guidance by reducing radial clearances while minimizing friction.

[0098] To allow welding of the inserts 50 together, each insert 50 is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0099] Preferably, to further reinforce the fixing of the inserts 50 in their respective profile 28, 30 as well as the fixing of the inserts 50 with the other profile 28, 30, each insert 50 is made of a thermoplastic material compatible for welding with the thermoplastic material constituting the associated profiles 28, 30. Thus, the inserts 50 are irreversibly fixed by welding between themselves but also with the profiles 28, 30.

[0100] When the profiles 28, 30 are made of PVC, each insert 50 is for example, and in a non-limiting manner, made of a material selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) and polyamide (PA).

[0101] A method of fixing the manufacturing of the frame 10 is now described.

[0102] During a first insertion step, each insert 50 is first inserted axially into the first associated chamber 32, 38, possibly previously equipped with its reinforcing beam 46 during a prior reinforcement step.

[0103] The insertion of the first end section of the insert 50 is carried out without effort, for example manually. When the protrusion 54 comes into contact with the associated face 34, 40 by abutting against an edge of a partition or a wall which delimits the first chamber 32, 38, it is necessary to apply the driving force “F” to continue to drive the insert into the first chamber 32, 38. This driving force “F” is for example carried out using a mallet or a jack.

[0104] Each insert 50 is forced into the first chamber 32, 38 of the associated profile 28, 30 to a fixing position in which the fixing face 52A, 52B is located substantially in the same plane as the end face 34, 40 of the associated profile 28, 30.

[0105] In fact, the fixing face 52A, 25B can be arranged at an axial distance belonging to a tolerance range determined with respect to the associated end face 34, 40. This tolerance range is less than the length of profile 28, 30 which will be melted during the following welding operation.

[0106] Preferably, in the fixing position, the fixing face 52A, 52B of the insert 50 is located slightly projecting relative to the beveled axial end face 34, 40 of the profile 28, 30, as shown in [Fig.9].

[0107] During a second positioning step, the profiles equipped with their insert 50 are positioned at right angles to each other so that their beveled faces 34, 40 are opposite each other.

[0108] Then, during a third heating step, the beveled end face 34, 40 of each profile 28, 30 is heated to melt a determined axial length of thermoplastic material, for example of the order of a centimeter. Due to the position of the inserts 50, the fixing face 52A, 52B of each insert 50 is heated simultaneously to melt a thickness of the thermoplastic material constituting them.

[0109] Thus, at the end of the heating step, the fixing face 52A, 52B of each insert 50 is flush with the beveled end face 34, 40 of the associated profile 28, 30.

[0110] This heating step is for example carried out by interposing a heating plate between the two beveled faces 34, 40 by sliding the two profiles 28, 30 axially towards each other.

[0111] At the end of this heating step, a fourth welding step is triggered during which the beveled end faces 34, 40 thus heated are clamped against each other to mix their respective molten material. The clamping is maintained until the molten materials thus mixed have cooled and solidified.

[0112] Due to their thermoplastic materials compatible with welding, the inserts 50 are permanently fixed to the profiles 28, 30 by welding during the welding step.

[0113] The inserts 50 produced according to the teachings of the invention are simple to produce and their assembly is very easy.

Claims

Claims

1. Frame (10) of opening or fixed frame comprising: - at least one first hollow structural profile (28) extending along a main axis (A) which comprises at least one first chamber (32) which opens into an axial end face (34), and which is made of a specific thermoplastic material; - at least one second hollow structural profile (30) extending along a main axis (B) which comprises at least one first chamber (38) which opens into an axial end face (40), and which is made with said specific thermoplastic material;each profile (28, 30) being equipped with at least one insert (50) having in section a contour complementary to that of the first chamber (32, 38), the insert (50) being inserted axially into the first chamber (32, 38) of the associated profile, and held in a fixing position in which a fixing face (52A, 52B) of the insert (50) is substantially flush with the end face (34, 40) of the associated profile (28, 30); the first profile (28) being fixed to the second profile (30) by welding the contacting surfaces of the two end faces (34, 40) together and by welding the contacting surfaces of the fixing faces (52A, 52B) of the inserts (50) together; each insert (50) being formed from a single piece which is held in the fixing position by force-fitting directly into the corresponding first chamber (32, 38), characterized in that each insert (50) has two axial end faces (52A, 52B) which are beveled.;

2. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each insert has at least one protuberance (54) on at least one external wall (50B, 50C) to allow its force-fitting in the associated first chamber (32, 38).

3. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one protuberance (54) is arranged in the middle of the insert in the axial direction so that axial end sections of the insert (50) located on either side of a central section comprising the protuberance (54) are capable of being inserted with a loose fit into the corresponding first chamber (32, 38).

4. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the insert (50) has at least one axial rib (56) which extends over its entire length locally presenting a bulge which forms said protuberance (54).

5. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each insert (50) is made of a thermoplastic material compatible for welding with the determined thermoplastic material constituting the associated profiles (28, 30) to allow irreversible fixing of the inserts (50) with the profiles (28, 30) by welding.

6. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiles (28, 30) are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

7. Frame (10) according to claim 6 taken in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the insert (50) is made of a material selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyamide (PA).

8. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each insert (50) has the shape of a hollow profile.

9. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first profile (28) has a profile of a different shape from that of the second profile (30).

10. Frame (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each insert (50) has a tongue (55) intended to be inserted into a slide (43) of the first chamber (38) of the second profile (30).

11. Frame, according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the hollow of each insert (50) is divided by partitions (53) crossed in the shape of an “X” making it possible to benefit from a large contact surface between two inserts (50) even when one of them is inverted with respect to the other.

12. Frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the profiles (28, 30) comprises a metal reinforcing beam (46) which is inserted into the first chamber (32, 38), the insert (50) being entirely arranged in a free space (48) reserved between one end of the reinforcing beam (46) and the end face (34, 40) of said profile (28, 30).

13. A method of manufacturing a frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising: - at least one first hollow structural profile (28) extending along a main axis (A) which comprises at least one first chamber (32) which opens into an axial end face (34), and which is made of a specific thermoplastic material; - at least one second hollow structural profile (30) extending along a main axis (B) which comprises at least one first chamber (38) which opens into an axial end face (40), and which is made with said determined thermoplastic material; each profile (28, 30) being equipped with at least one insert (50) having in section a contour complementary to that of the first chamber (32, 38), the insert (50) being inserted axially into the first chamber (32, 38) of the associated profile, and held in a fixing position in which a fixing face (52A, 52B) of the insert (50) is substantially flush with the end face (34, 40) of the associated profile (28, 30); the method comprising: - a first step of forcibly inserting the insert (50) into the first chamber (32, 38) of each associated profile (28, 30) up to the fixing position; - a second step of positioning the profiles (28, 30) so that their respective end faces (34, 40) are opposite each other; - a third heating step consisting of heating the end face (34, 40) of each profile (28, 30) to melt a determined length of thermoplastic material, the fixing face (52A, 52B) of each insert being heated simultaneously to melt a length of the thermoplastic material constituting them; - a fourth welding step consisting of clamping the end faces (34, 40) thus heated against each other. characterized in that in the fixing position, the fixing face (52A, 52B) of each insert (50) is arranged to project at an axial distance less than the determined length of the end face (34, 40) of the profile (28, 30) so that at the end of the heating operation, the fixing face (52A, 52B) of each insert (50) is flush with the end face of the associated profile (28, 30).

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