Cladding cassette, and assembly comprising such cladding cassettes.

Abstract

The invention relates to a cladding cassette (1) comprising: at least two connectors (10) each comprising a first longitudinal wall and a second longitudinal wall, each of said longitudinal walls being extended by a lateral wall (113) adjacent to a blade having curved edges forming a clamp with said longitudinal walls, each of said curved edges being positioned to form a cavity, said blade being adjacent to two edges (115) forming a clamp, each of said edges (115) having two protrusions forming a groove, at least two facade plates (3) each comprising a protrusion (31) intended to fit into one of said cavities (C) of said connector, at least two covers comprising a longitudinal cover wall (501) and two lateral cover walls (502), said longitudinal cover wall (501) being fixed to said connector (10) by fixing means intended to fit into said groove.[Fig. 4].

Description

Title of the invention: Cladding cassette, and assembly comprising such cladding cassettes. Scope of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of materials used in fixed land or sea constructions.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a cladding cassette, and an assembly comprising such cladding cassettes. Previous art

[0003] Cassettes are commonly used in fixed land-based structures, such as buildings, to create facades that meet one or more criteria, which may be aesthetic or functional. Facades may include transparent cassettes to let in light, or cassettes made of a specific material, such as polycarbonate, to enhance the thermal or acoustic insulation of a building.

[0004] It is particularly well known to those skilled in the art of polycarbonate cassettes intended to be mounted on a building facade element, as represented in patent application EP0940517A1.

[0005] Prior art cassettes can be joined together using support structures, thus forming a facade, which can be a building facade. These structures are generally made of metal and have the disadvantage of being unsightly. Indeed, the framework of the support structure is usually visible between two adjacent cladding cassettes.

[0006] It is particularly known to those skilled in the art to have cassettes comprising an additional component, such as a cover positioned at the spaces between the cassettes. These covers partially conceal the fixing of the cassettes to their support structures and improve the aesthetics of the facade.

[0007] Such covers have the disadvantage of not sufficiently concealing the structural elements, particularly the aluminum elements. Furthermore, these covers do not guarantee thermal insulation, and consequently, thermal bridges frequently appear in prior art solutions.

[0008] In addition, cassettes according to the prior art are particularly difficult to assemble, due to the additional parts to be assembled to ensure their attachment to the support structure. Objectives of the invention

[0009] The invention aims in particular to provide an improved connector for cladding cassette, while remedying the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An objective of the invention is to provide cladding cassettes allowing better thermal or acoustic insulation compared to prior art solutions.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide solid cladding cassettes, which are quick and easy to assemble.

[0012] The invention also aims to provide constructions comprising cassettes with limited thermal bridges. Presentation of the invention

[0013] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved using a cladding cassette comprising: - at least two connectors, each comprising a first longitudinal wall and a second longitudinal wall, each of the first and second longitudinal walls being extended by a lateral wall adjacent to a blade having curved edges forming a clamp with the first and second longitudinal walls, each of the curved edges being positioned to form a cavity with the longitudinal wall facing it, the blade being adjacent to two edges substantially parallel to each other and forming a clamp, each of the edges having two protrusions forming a groove, - at least two front panels, each front panel including a protrusion designed to fit into one of the connector cavities, each connector being positioned on one of the two ends of the front panels, and - at least two hoods, each hood comprising a longitudinal cover wall and two lateral cover walls adjacent to the longitudinal cover wall, the longitudinal cover wall being fixed to the connector by means of fixing means intended to fit into the groove, and each of the lateral cover walls being positioned against the inner wall of one of the plates.

[0014] Such cassettes are advantageously easy to assemble on a structure, each of the cassettes being able to be easily slid onto the support structure.

[0015] In particular, the cassette connectors allow for easy assembly of the cassettes relative to one another, and reduce the spaces separating two adjacent cassettes. As a result, when the cassettes are assembled on a facade, the connectors are less visible than the prior art support structures. Therefore, it is not necessary to add a cover to conceal the cassette connectors. Furthermore, thermal bridges between the cassettes are reduced.

[0016] In addition, the combination of the plates, connectors, and covers results in a robust cassette with improved thermal and acoustic insulation.

[0017] The connector also offers the possibility of attaching an additional element inside the cassette itself, such as a plate. To do this, one end of this plate can be held at the edges forming a clamp.

[0018] Preferably, the facade panels are made of translucent material, the material preferably being polycarbonate.

[0019] Preferably, each connector is made of a material having a Young's modulus of at least equal to or greater than 69500 ​​MPa, and is preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

[0020] Advantageously, the cassette further comprises at least one thermal comfort plate.

[0021] Advantageously, the cassette further comprises at least one acoustic comfort plate.

[0022] Advantageously, the edges have two protrusions forming a housing.

[0023] These objectives are also achieved using an assembly comprising: - at least two cassettes as defined above, - a mounting bracket intended to be fixed to a support and featuring a "T" shape, the fixing bracket comprising a support wall, a central wall adjacent to the support wall, and a retaining wall adjacent to said central wall and having two curved ends having a shape complementary to the curved edges of the connecting piece,

[0024] characterized in that at least two of the cassettes are juxtaposed to each other in such a way that the second lower longitudinal walls of the juxtaposed cassettes form a housing.

[0025] Preferably, the housing is intended to accommodate a seal.

[0026] Such assemblies offer improved thermal insulation compared to existing solutions. List of figures

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of an example of implementation, given by way of simple illustration and not limitation, and the accompanying figures comprising:

[0028] [Fig.1] : [Fig.1] illustrates a schematic top view of a cladding cassette according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the covers of the cladding cassette are not shown.

[0029] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic view of the assembly of a connector and of two ends of cladding cassettes according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the cassette covers are not shown;

[0030] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic top view of the assembly of the connector and the cladding cassettes of [Fig.2], additionally including a thermal comfort plate and being fixed to a facade element;

[0031] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic view of a cladding cassette comprising a thermal comfort plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] [Fig. 5]: [Fig. 5] illustrates a schematic profile view of one end of the cladding cassette of [Fig. 4], being fixed to facade elements. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates a cladding cassette according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the cassette consists of two plates, extending longitudinally in substantially parallel directions, preferably rectangular, two connectors positioned at each end, and two covers. These two connectors 10 allow the two plates 3 of the cassette 1 to be joined together, and adjacent cassettes to be linked together.

[0035] In the present description, "substantially parallel" means directions or planes that are parallel to each other at plus or minus 3°.

[0036] Similarly, "substantially perpendicular" means directions or planes that are perpendicular to each other at plus or minus 3°.

[0037] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate a connector according to the invention.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the connector 10 comprises a first longitudinal wall 111 and a second longitudinal wall 112. Each of these first 111 and second 112 longitudinal walls is extended by a lateral wall 113, so that the two lateral walls 113 are oriented in directions substantially parallel to each other.

[0039] In this description, "extended" means a single piece made up of two pieces in one piece.

[0040] The connector 10 also includes a blade 114 which is adjacent to and oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the directions of the side walls 113. This blade 14 has curved edges 1141 facing the longitudinal walls 111 and 112. In this way, each of these curved edges 1141 is arranged so as to form a cavity with the second longitudinal wall 112 or The first longitudinal wall 111 facing it. Each cavity is designed to hold a fastener, such as a plate, and is sized to hold the fastener in place, like a clamp. Preferably, the plate to be fastened has, on at least one of its ends, a protrusion whose dimensions allow it to be fixed in the cavity formed by the curved edge.

[0041] The blade 114 is adjacent to two edges 115 which are oriented in directions substantially perpendicular to the direction of the blade 114. Thus, these edges 115 form a clamp with dimensions suitable for holding the edge of a plate. By way of example, these edges 115 may have dimensions suitable for holding a plate with a width between 500 and 1000 millimeters. This clamp may, for example, hold a plate with a width of 560 or 860 millimeters.

[0042] Each of the edges 115 can also include two protrusions 1151 oriented towards the plates 3. These protrusions 1151 are curved and form a groove 1152. This groove can accommodate fastening means, such as screws, in order to fix a cover 50 to the upper or lower part of the cassette 1.

[0043] Figures 4 and 5 respectively illustrate a schematic view and a schematic profile view of a cladding cassette according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, each cover 50 comprises a longitudinal cover wall 501 adjacent to two lateral cover walls 502. The longitudinal cover wall 501 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes of the panels 3, and at least partially covers the ends of the panels 3.

[0044] The longitudinal cover wall 501 of the hood 50 can be fixed to a connector by means of fixing, such as two screws 5010. More specifically, each of the screws 5010 is housed in a groove formed by the protrusions 1151. By this positioning, the hood 50 forms a stop in translation of the cassette 1 along the longitudinal axis of the connector 10.

[0045] The cover 50 extends longitudinally, so that the longitudinal cover wall 501 covers the upper or lower part of the plates 3, and so that the lateral cover walls 502 run along the inner walls of the plates 3. The lateral cover walls 502 then extend in directions substantially parallel to the planes including the plates 3. When the cover 50 extends over the entire length of the plates 3 of a cassette, it can be fixed, by fastening means, to the connectors positioned on the two ends of the cassette.

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], a cover 50 can be positioned on the upper or lower part of a cassette. The internal volumes 30 of a cassette can thus be partially or totally closed when one or more covers 50 cover the upper part and / or the upper part of the cassette.

[0047] Optionally, a shock-absorbing element, such as foam, can be placed between the hood and the plates, and / or between the hood and the connector in order to cushion potential shocks between these elements.

[0048] The cover 50 can also be connected to fixing elements, allowing the upper or lower end of the cassette to be fixed to a front panel element, such as the upper front panel element 40.

[0049] Optionally, the lower surface of the cassette 1 is housed in an auxiliary support S.

[0050] The cassettes as described herein can be assembled and joined together by means of fastening tabs. More specifically, a fastening tab is suitable for securing two connectors belonging to two adjacent cassettes.

[0051] The fixing bracket 12 includes a support wall 121, a central wall 122 and a retaining wall 123.

[0052] The support wall 121 is longitudinal and has a flat external face, so that it can be applied to a fixed element, such as a building facade element.

[0053] In this application, the term "external face" means any face directed outwards from a part. Conversely, the term "internal face" means any face directed inwards from a part or cavity.

[0054] The central wall 122 is adjacent to the support wall 121, and is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the support wall 121 extends. On its other end, the central wall 122 is adjacent to a retaining wall 123 which has curved ends 1231. These curved ends 1231 are oriented towards the support plate 121 and have a shape complementary to the curved edges 1141 of the connecting piece 1.

[0055] A single mounting tab can be assembled to two connectors. Figures 2 to 3 show constructions in which two connectors 10 are assembled to a mounting tab 12. More specifically, the connectors 10 are positioned on either side of the mounting tab 12. In this way, the longitudinal walls 111 and 112 of the connectors 10 are positioned opposite each other.

[0056] Each of the second longitudinal walls 112 has a recess in the central part of the outer face opposite the adjacent longitudinal wall 112. Thus, when the connectors 10 face each other, the recesses in the longitudinal walls 112 create a housing. A seal can then be added to this housing to limit airflow at the connectors 10.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing created by the second longitudinal walls 112 has a width substantially identical to the space included between the first longitudinal walls 111. Thus, a space intended to house the fixing bracket 12 is created between the first longitudinal walls 111.

[0058] Preferably, the housing created by the longitudinal walls has a width of between 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters. Even more preferably, this housing has a width of 2 millimeters.

[0059] When the cassette is assembled, the plates and connectors define an internal volume 30 into which at least one optional element can be inserted. Depending on the needs and desired effects, this optional element may occupy only part or all of the internal volume 30 of the cassette.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the cassette comprises an acoustic comfort plate positioned between the inner faces of the two cassette plates and oriented parallel to the directions of the two plates. This acoustic comfort plate is longitudinal in shape and its interior is solid. The acoustic comfort plate may, in particular, be made of polycarbonate or glass.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the cassette comprises a thermal comfort plate positioned between the inner faces of the two cassette plates and oriented in a direction parallel to the directions of the two plates. Such thermal comfort plates 5 are partially illustrated in top view in [Fig. 3]. These thermal comfort plates are longitudinal and have a hollow interior consisting of cells. The thermal comfort plate may, for example, be made of cellular polycarbonate.

[0062] Cladding cassettes can be used on all types of buildings. The term "building" is understood in a broad sense, and includes fixed land or marine structures.

[0063] It is possible to construct buildings from these cassettes with facades whose thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance are improved, thanks to the use of connectors which allow neighboring cassettes to be brought closer together.

[0064] It is also possible to improve various physical aspects of the cassettes used. For example, these cassettes can undergo infrared treatments, UV treatments, or anti-reflective treatments.

Claims

1. Demands Cladding cassette (1) comprising: - at least two connectors (10) each comprising a first longitudinal wall (111) and a second longitudinal wall (112) facing each other, each end of the first and second longitudinal walls (111, 112) having a lateral wall (113) perpendicular to said longitudinal walls, each lateral wall (113) being perpendicular to a blade (114) having curved edges (1141) forming a cavity with said first and second longitudinal walls (111, 112), each of said curved edges (1141) being positioned to form a cavity (C) with the longitudinal wall (111, 112) facing it, said blade (114) being perpendicular to two edges (115) substantially parallel to each other, each of said edges (115) having two protrusions (1151) forming a groove (1152), - at least two front plates (3), each of said front plates (3) comprising a protrusion (31) intended to fit into one of said cavities (C) of said connector, each of said connectors (10) being positioned on one of the two ends of the front plates (3) so as to delimit an internal volume (30) with the plates (3), and - at least two hoods, each hood comprising a longitudinal cover wall (501) and two lateral cover walls (502) adjacent to said longitudinal cover wall (501), said longitudinal cover wall (501) being fixed to said connector (10) by means of fixing means intended to fit into said groove (1152), and each of said lateral cover walls (502) being positioned against the wall of one of said plates (3) delimiting the internal volume (30).

2. Cladding cassette according to claim 1, characterized in that said facade plates (3) are made of translucent material, said material preferably being polycarbonate.

3. Cladding cassette according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connector is made of a material having a Young's modulus at least equal to or greater than 69500 ​​MPa, and is preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy

4. Cladding cassette according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one thermal comfort plate (5).

5. Cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises at least one acoustic comfort plate.

6. Cladding cassette according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said edges (115) have two protrusions forming a housing.

7. Assembly comprising: - at least two cassettes as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - a fixing bracket (12) for fixing to a support and having a "T" shape, said fixing bracket (12) comprising a support wall (121), a central wall adjacent (122) to said support wall, and a retaining wall (123) adjacent to said central wall and having two curved ends (1231) having a shape complementary to said side walls (113) adjacent to the blades (114) having said curved edges (1141) forming cavities with said first and second longitudinal walls (111, 112) and being positioned to form said cavities (C), characterized in that at least two of said cassettes are juxtaposed to one another such that said second longitudinal walls (112) of said cassettes placed side by side, they form a dwelling.

8. Assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that said housing is intended to accommodate a seal.

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