CONNECTOR FOR UPRIGHT AND CROSS BEAM COMPRISING TWO CONNECTING ELEMENTS WITH MEANS OF TEMPORARY ASSEMBLY AND LOCKING

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector for connecting a post and a cross member of a building facade structure comprising a first connecting element and a second connecting element intended to be assembled, each connecting element consisting of a plate-shaped base having an external face and an internal face from which extends a curved tab, a cavity being delimited between the base and the curved tab.The first and second connecting elements comprise first and second temporary assembly means respectively, such that when the connecting elements are assembled, the tab of the first connecting element is intended to fit into the cavity of the second connecting element, and the tab of the second connecting element is intended to fit into the cavity of the first connecting element, the cavities defining a channel for receiving means for locking the connecting elements against each other, and the first temporary assembly means of the first connecting element being intended to cooperate with the second temporary assembly means of the second connecting element. Figure for the abstract: 1.

Description

Title of the invention: CONNECTOR FOR UPRIGHT AND CROSS BEAM COMPRISING TWO CONNECTING ELEMENTS A TEMPORARY ASSEMBLY AND LOCKING MEANS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of assembly of building elements in the construction sector. More particularly, the invention relates to a connector for joining a stud and a rail in a building facade structure. Technical background

[0002] It is known to those skilled in the art of connectors for joining two building elements, particularly at right angles, such as a stud and a rail in a building facade structure. In particular, there are connectors configured in two parts, each part being respectively connected to a stud and a rail, these two parts fitting together to ensure the stud / rail connection.

[0003] However, many of these prior art connectors have the disadvantage of not providing a sufficiently secure stile / rail joint. For example, when a stile and rail are joined together by such a connector, the fastening forces can act directly on these stiles and rails, which are generally made of wood, potentially damaging them. Such fastening forces can also cause part of the connector to detach from the stile and / or rail to which it is attached. These two parts of the connector can also separate from each other under the effect of the forces generated by the stile / rail joint.

[0004] To try to overcome these drawbacks, connectors with a relatively complex structure have been developed. For example, two-part connectors are known, each part of which is structured to fit into the other part via several snap-fit ​​means located at different points on these connector parts. There are also very complex connectors made up of a multitude of sub-elements, such as bases, flange pins, and springs. Moreover, many of these prior art connectors have a non-planar external surface, which makes it necessary to provide a recess in the upright (or cross member) to which such a non-planar connector part is attached, so that it can be properly integrated into the upright. All these connectors have Therefore, the disadvantage is that they are complex to manufacture and handle.

[0005] There is therefore a need for connectors that are easy to handle while also being capable of providing a robust and secure connection between a post and a cross member. Such connectors must also have the advantage of being simple and inexpensive to produce. Summary of the invention

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes, according to a first object, a connector for connecting a stud and a rail of a building facade structure comprising a first connecting element and a second connecting element, the first connecting element being intended to be assembled with the second connecting element. Each connecting element of such a connector consists of a plate-shaped base having an external face, intended to be fixed to a stud or a rail respectively, and an internal face from which extends a curved tab having an external face and an internal face, a cavity being defined between the internal face of the base and the internal face of the curved tab.The first and second connecting elements of this connector according to the invention comprise first and second temporary assembly means respectively, such that when the connecting elements are assembled, the tab of the first connecting element is intended to fit into the cavity of the second connecting element, and the tab of the second connecting element is intended to fit into the cavity of the first connecting element, the cavities defining a channel for receiving means for locking the connecting elements against each other, the first temporary assembly means of the first connecting element being intended to cooperate with the second temporary assembly means of the second connecting element.

[0007] Thus, the present invention proposes a new and inventive solution for ensuring a reliable and robust connection between a post and a cross member of a building structure, implemented by a connector whose structure allows for the implementation of two locking phases: a first phase of provisional assembly, corresponding to an intermediate locking phase, allowing the two connecting elements constituting the connector to be locked together by means of provisional assembly integrated into the structure of these elements themselves, and a final locking phase, corresponding to a final clamping, allowing these two connecting elements to be permanently fixed by means of locking to be inserted into the channel formed by the cavities at the level of the tabs of each connector.

[0008] The invention therefore has the advantage of ensuring, in a very simple and reliable initial joining of the two connecting elements of the connector, by means of the temporary assembly means included within these elements, even before More conventional locking mechanisms are integrated into the connector. The final upright / crossbar connection is then secured by these additional locking mechanisms. The upright / crossbar connection is thus achieved through a connector with a simple structure, making it easy to manufacture and handle.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first and second means of temporary assembly each comprise:

[0010] -a temporary assembly projection, formed near the free end of the curved leg, on its outer face, and

[0011] -a temporary assembly housing, formed on the inner face of the base within the cavity,

[0012] the temporary assembly projection of a connecting element being of complementary shape to the temporary assembly housing of the other connecting element.

[0013] Thus, it is sufficient to lower or raise the second connecting element vertically on the first connecting element so that their respective legs fit into their respective cavities, and then to press the external faces of their legs against the internal faces of their bases, so that their respective temporary assembly means cooperate with each other.

[0014] It is also possible to assemble the two connecting elements by horizontal movement, thus aligning the tabs and cavities of these connecting elements. The temporary assembly means advantageously prevent the two connecting elements of the connector from separating, particularly in the vertical direction. This connector assembly is simple to implement, since it is only necessary to move the crossbar up or down to fix it to the upright, or simply move the crossbar horizontally relative to the upright. These temporary assembly means are also very easy to integrate into the connector during the manufacturing of the connecting elements.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, the leg of the connecting elements comprises a first portion extending perpendicularly to the base, the temporary assembly housing being formed near the first portion, the latter being extended by a second end portion extending parallel to the base and bearing on its external face the temporary assembly protrusion.

[0016] The cavity of each connecting element is U-shaped, and therefore perfectly adapted to receive the curved leg of the other connecting element.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the first and second connecting elements have at least one anchoring element on the external face of their respective base.

[0018] This or these anchoring elements penetrate the wood of the upright and the cross member when the connecting elements are fixed to them, thus ensuring resistance optimal mechanics, thus reinforcing the security of the fixing of these connecting elements on the upright and the crossbar respectively.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the locking means are chosen from an axis comprising an internal bore and a screw that fits into the axis to cooperate with the internal bore, or a single screw.

[0020] The connector according to the invention is thus advantageously adapted to cooperate with conventional and easy-to-implement locking means, making it possible to strengthen the robustness and reliability of the upright / cross member connection, in cooperation with the innovative temporary assembly means present in the structure of the connecting elements constituting the connector.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, the external face of the plate-shaped base of the connecting elements is flat.

[0022] Thus, the two connecting elements of the connector can be attached to all types of uprights and crossbeams very easily, for example by screwing, without requiring any special adaptation of these building elements. Unlike some connectors of the prior art, it is therefore not necessary to provide, for example, a recess in the upright or crossbeam to insert the connecting elements of the connector of the invention, as these are simply attached to the surface of this upright or crossbeam.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the plate-shaped base includes screw holes for fixing the first and second connecting elements to a post or cross member.

[0024] Such holes are very easy to make in the connecting elements at the time of their manufacture, and allow these elements to be fixed very simply to all types of wooden surfaces of a building, in particular by screwing.

[0025] It is also possible to provide counterbores in these screw holes, to house the entire screw head, which is then no longer visible and thus not a nuisance.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, the first and second connecting elements are made of metal.

[0027] This very strong material ensures the robustness of the upright / cross member connection. It is also easy to handle in the manufacturing process of the connecting elements. Furthermore, the metal generally exhibits good malleability and ductility, allowing it to deform without breaking.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the temporary assembly projection is circular and has a radius between 0.7 mm and 1.1 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm; and the temporary assembly housing is circular and has a radius between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0029] According to a second object, the invention proposes a method for assembling a connector, comprising the following steps:

[0030] -bringing together the first and second connecting elements;

[0031] -displacement in the vertical direction and / or in the horizontal direction of the second connecting element so that the tab of the second connecting element comes to rest in the cavity of the first connecting element;

[0032] - the second connecting element is pressed against the base of the first connecting element so that the means for the temporary assembly of the second connecting element cooperate with the means for the temporary assembly of the first connecting element; and

[0033] -tightening and locking the first and second connecting elements against each other.

[0034] The geometry of the connector of the invention allows several vertical and horizontal kinematics of positioning the two connecting elements of the connector one inside the other, that is to say of positioning the cross member relative to the upright.

[0035] The choice of such a kinematic depends on the structure of the cross member to be assembled to the upright. Depending on the cross member's profile, the assembly kinematics can be vertical from top to bottom, vertical from bottom to top, or horizontal. A single connector profile thus advantageously allows for the simple and secure assembly of different cross member profiles onto an upright in a building facade.

[0036] In particular, in the case of vertical kinematics, it is possible to temporarily assemble the two connecting elements of the connector by means of the temporary assembly means constituted by the projections and the housings of the connecting elements, and this in a very simple way.

[0037] The interlocking of the protrusions of the connecting elements into the corresponding housings is done simply and quickly by placing the first connecting element above or below the second connecting element, and then moving it in the vertical direction, either from top to bottom or from bottom to top. The assembly steps are therefore greatly reduced. Brief description of the figures

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for understanding which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0039] [Fig.l] - [Fig.l] illustrates a connector according to the invention whose two connecting elements are arranged respectively on a post and a crossbar, before their assembly according to a vertical assembly kinematic from top to bottom;

[0040] [Fig.2] - the [Fig.2] corresponds to the connector of the [Fig. 1], for which the leg of one connecting element is housed in the cavity of the other connecting element, when one of the connecting elements has been brought closer to the other element according to a vertical movement from top to bottom;

[0041] [Fig.3] - the [Fig.3] corresponds to the connector of figures 1 and 2, for which the two connecting elements are assembled with each other by a vertical movement from top to bottom, this assembly being secured by means of the temporary assembly of one connecting element which cooperate with the means of temporary assembly of the other connecting element;

[0042] [Fig.4A] - [Fig.4A] illustrates a particular structure of a cross member suitable for receiving a connecting element of a connector according to the invention according to a vertical mounting kinematic from top to bottom;

[0043] [Fig.4B] - [Fig.4B] illustrates another structure of a cross member suitable for receiving a connecting element of a connector according to the invention according to a vertical mounting kinematic from bottom to top;

[0044] [Fig.4C] - [Fig.4C] illustrates yet another structure of a cross member suitable for receiving a connecting element of a connector according to the invention according to a horizontal mounting kinematic;

[0045] [Fig.5] - [Fig.5] represents a side view of a connecting element of a connector according to a particular embodiment of the invention, for example the first connecting element (it being understood that the second connecting element is identical);

[0046] [Fig.6] - [Fig.6] is an exploded view illustrating a connector according to the invention and locking means, intended to fit into the central channel formed between the legs of the connecting elements when these are assembled, to finalize the upright / crossbar fixing. Detailed description of the invention

[0047] The present invention proposes a novel and inventive solution to ensure a reliable and robust connection between a post and a cross member of a building structure, implemented by a connector whose structure allows for the implementation of two successive locking phases of the two connecting elements.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a first step of a first method for assembling a post 2 and a cross member 3 via a connector 1, which comprises two connecting elements. This first assembly method corresponds to a vertical positioning sequence, from top to bottom, of the two connecting elements of the connector, and thus of positioning the post and the cross member.

[0049] The positioning kinematics depend on the geometry of the cross member. to be assembled to the upright, and more specifically to its cross-section. In this example, the cross member has an L-shaped cross-section and comprises a main body and an extension at its upper part, defining a receiving cavity 310 for a connecting element of the connector. This cross member must be brought close to the upright, and therefore to the other connecting element attached to it, using a downward vertical movement (from top to bottom). Such a positioning kinematic is also illustrated in [Fig. 4A], which will be described later.

[0050] Other positioning kinematics are possible depending on the structure of the cross member, and in particular on the geometry of the receiving cavity of a connecting element of the connector provided in the cross member.

[0051] The connecting elements can thus be assembled according to a vertical kinematic from bottom to top, or according to a horizontal kinematic from inside to outside.

[0052] The vertical positioning kinematics can also allow the connecting elements of the connector to be assembled according to a horizontal kinematic.

[0053] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], a first connecting element 11 of the connector comprises a plate-shaped base 111 and a curved tab 112 extending from one half of the base. This base has an outer face 111a, which is in contact with the upright 2 of the facade structure, and an inner face 111b, which faces the second connecting element 12 of the connector. This first connecting element could also be attached to the cross member 3. The tab 112 of this first connecting element consists of a first portion 1121, which extends from the first half of the base 111 perpendicularly to this base, and a second portion 1122, which extends parallel to the base in the direction of its second half. The final shape of this tab is thus a hook.Such a connecting element has a cavity 113, which is formed between the inner face 111b of the first half of the base and the inner face 112b of the curved leg 112.

[0054] This first connecting element 11 according to the invention also includes a set of first temporary assembly means 114. This set consists of a temporary assembly protrusion 114a, located on the external face 112a of the free end of the curved leg, which corresponds to the portion 1122 of the leg. This set also consists of a temporary assembly housing 114b, located on the internal face 111b of the base, near the base of the portion 1121 of the curved leg, within the cavity 113.

[0055] The connector according to the invention also comprises a second connecting element 12, which is attached to the cross member 3 to be connected to the upright 2, and which is identical to the first connecting element 11. It therefore similarly comprises a base 121 in the shape of a plate and a curved tab 122, formed in the first half of the base. This second connecting element is fixed to the cross member 3 by its outer face 121a, while its inner face 121b faces the first connecting element 11. A cavity 123 is also present between the inner face 121b of the base and the inner face 122b of the curved tab 122. This second connecting element is fixed to the cross member such that its tab 122 fits into the cavity 113 of the first connecting element 11 when the cross member 3 is moved vertically to be assembled to the upright 2, according to this first assembly method. Thus, when the two connecting elements are joined, the second connecting element 12 is positioned above the first connecting element 11.The lug 122 of this second connecting element also includes a first portion 1221 which extends perpendicularly to the base, and a second portion 1222 which returns parallel to the base, in the direction of the second half of the base. Such a second connecting element 12 according to the invention also includes a set of second temporary assembly means 124, which consists of a temporary assembly projection 124a on the external face 122a of the free portion 1222 of the lug, and a temporary assembly housing 124b on the internal face 121b of the base, near the base of the portion 1221 of the lug, within the cavity 123.

[0056] In this [Fig. 1], the upright 2 and the cross member 3, and consequently the first 11 and second 12 connecting elements, are not yet assembled. The cross member 3 is, however, brought closer to the upright 2 and positioned above it so that the connecting element 12 of the cross member overhangs the connecting element 11 of the upright and can then be shifted downwards along a vertical kinematic path (as illustrated by the arrow).

[0057] A subsequent step of the first mode of the method for assembling a post and a cross member via a connector 1 according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. During this step, the cross member 3, to which the second connecting element 12 is attached, is therefore moved vertically downwards to be attached to the post 2, to which the first connecting element 11 is attached. These two connecting elements are thus also assembled. At the end of this downward vertical movement, the two connecting elements first interlock with each other, then the second connecting element 12 is pushed against the base of the first connecting element 11, as illustrated by the arrow in [Fig.2], so that the leg 122 of the second connecting element fits into the cavity 113 of the first connecting element, and in a complementary manner, the leg 112 of the first connecting element fits into the cavity 123 of the second connecting element (see [Fig.3]).This interlocking of the connecting elements' tabs in their respective cavities is facilitated by the U-shape of the connecting elements at the level of their curved tab.

[0058] Figure 3 illustrates the position of the connecting elements 11 and 12 at the end of this step in the assembly process of a post and a cross member via a connector 1 according to the invention. During this step, the cross member 3 is pushed against the post 2, moving closer to it until it is pressed against it. The free portion 1122 of the tab 112 of the first connecting element is then in direct contact with the inner face 121a of the base 121 of the second connecting element, and, complementaryly, the free portion 1222 of the tab 122 of the second connecting element is also in direct contact with the inner face 11la of the base 111 of the first connecting element. A channel 13 for receiving locking means is thus defined between the internal faces 112b and 122b of the second portions 1122 and 1222 of the leg respectively of the first 11 and second 12 linking elements.It is in this channel 13 that locking means 14 are inserted to permanently assemble the two elements of the connector, and ensure the connection between the upright 2 and the cross member 3.

[0059] During this final assembly step of the two connecting elements 11 and 12 of the connector of the invention, the temporary assembly means of one connecting element cooperate with the temporary assembly means of the other connecting element, so as to advantageously secure the connection of these two connector elements even before the locking means 14 are integrated into the connector, and this in a very simple and quick manner. This prevents the two connector elements from separating before final fastening by the locking means 14, thus facilitating the implementation of the upright / cross member connection from the beginning of the assembly process.In particular, such a temporary securing step of the assembly by means of temporary assembly 114 and 124 present in the very structure of the connecting elements 11 and 12 prevents the latter from dislodging if, for example, vertical pressure is applied below the cross member 3, which would cause it to rise. For this purpose, when the cross member is pushed against the upright, the projection 114a of the tab 112 of the first connecting element enters the recess 124b of the second element, which has a complementary shape to it, and the projection 124a of the tab 122 of the second connecting element enters the recess 114b of the first connecting element, which also has a complementary shape to it.

[0060] Figure 4A illustrates the structure of a cross member 3 corresponding to the first assembly method: it is clearly visible that such a cross member has an L-shaped cross-section and comprises a main body and an element 31 projecting at its upper part, defining a receiving cavity 310 for a connecting element of the connector, as previously shown in Figure 1. In order for the two connecting elements 11 and 12 of a connector 1 according to the invention, respectively fixed to such a cross member 3 and to a post 2, to be assembled, the cross member 3 thus structured must be moved in a vertical motion from top to bottom to be positioned against the upright 2 (see the direction of the arrow on [Fig.4A]).

[0061] Figure 4B illustrates the structure of a cross member 3 corresponding to the second assembly method: in this case, the cross member has an L-shaped cross-section and comprises a main body and an element 32 projecting at its lower part, defining a cavity 320 for receiving a connecting element of the connector. For the two connecting elements 11 and 12 of the connector 1 to be assembled, the cross member 3 must be moved vertically, but this time from bottom to top, to be pressed against the upright 2 (see the direction of the arrow in Figure 4B).

[0062] Figure 4C illustrates the structure of a cross member 3 corresponding to the third assembly method: this cross member has a U-shaped cross-section and comprises a main body and both an element 31 projecting at its lower part and an element 32 projecting at its lower part, defining a cavity 330 for receiving a connecting element of the connector. In this case, in order for the two connecting elements 11 and 12 of the connector 1 to be assembled, the cross member 3 must be moved horizontally, from the inside out, to be positioned against the upright 2 (see the direction of the arrow in Figure 4B), as the two elements 31 and 32 do not allow the upright / cross member to be assembled vertically.

[0063] In the first and second modes of assembly of the connector according to the invention, corresponding to a kinematic of vertical positioning, the structure of the cross members 3 also allows them to be assembled to the upright 2 according to a horizontal kinematic.

[0064] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the connecting element 11 has anchoring elements on the outer face 11 of its base 111, taking the form of several edges 1110 with a triangular cross-section. Since the connecting elements 11 and 12 are identical, the element 12 has the same edges on the outer face of its base. These edges 1110 are positioned over at least a portion of the width of the base and extend parallel to each other.

[0065] They advantageously allow penetration into the wood of the upright and the crossbar when the connecting elements are fixed to them, which further secures the fixing of these connecting elements to the upright and the crossbar respectively before the final locking (preventing an untimely separation of the pre-assembled connecting elements) and after the provisional assembly of the connecting elements.

[0066] The connecting elements 11 and 12 may carry one or more anchoring elements taking forms other than edges, such as studs, points, claws or other types of protrusions.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, the connecting elements 11 and 12 do not carry anchoring elements.

[0068] According to a particular embodiment, the temporary assembly projections 114a and 124a are circular and have a radius between 0.7 mm and 1.1 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm, and the temporary assembly housings 114b and 124b are also circular and have a radius between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the projections 114a and 124a have a radius of 0.9 mm and the recesses 114b and 124b have a radius of 0.8 mm. The hooking of the projections in the recesses allows for a simple and reliable temporary mechanical assembly of the connecting elements with one another.

[0070] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a connector 1 according to the invention, in which the two connecting elements are not yet fitted together. It is clearly visible in this figure that the external faces 11a and 12a respectively of the first 11 and second 12 connecting elements are flat, which advantageously allows these connecting elements to be fixed to the upright and the cross member respectively in a simple manner, for example by screwing, without having to adapt the structure of the uprights and cross members to a specific and possibly complex shape of the connecting elements.

[0071] Conversely, some prior art connectors include connecting elements having a non-planar external surface, with, for example, substantial protrusions, making it essential to provide suitable housings in the respective uprights and cross members to receive such connector elements.

[0072] In the example of [Fig. 6], edges 1110 are supported by the flat external faces of the bases 11 and 121 of the connecting elements, to ensure a particularly reliable attachment of each connecting element to a post and a cross member, respectively. To allow this simple attachment of the connecting elements to the post and cross member via the external face of their base to be achieved by screwing, screw holes 15 are provided on the respective bases of these connecting elements. In the example of [Fig. 6], these screw holes 15 are arranged along two horizontal lines along the length of the bases, one at the top of the bases and the other at the bottom. The holes in the upper line are staggered with respect to the holes in the lower line. The number of screw holes can be adjusted according to the length of the connecting elements of the connector.

[0073] The geometry of the screw holes is also not limited to that illustrated and described.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the screw holes have a first hole of The diameter of the first screw hole is between 4 mm and 6 mm, to accommodate the screw body, and a countersink with a diameter between 7.5 mm and 9.5 mm to accommodate the screw head, which is thus completely recessed and therefore not visible from the outside. In one particular embodiment, the diameter of the first screw hole is 5 mm, and the diameter of the countersink is 8.5 mm.

[0075] To definitively assemble the two connecting elements according to the invention, in addition to the mechanical means 114 and 124 provided respectively on each connecting element, locking means 14 are inserted into the channel 13 provided between the lugs of the connecting elements, to finalize the upright / cross member connection process. Such locking means may, for example, comprise a solid shaft 141, including an internal bore, into which a screw 142 is inserted, which cooperates with the internal bore of the shaft, as illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0076] The length of the shaft can vary depending on the length of the connecting elements of the connector, while the length of the screw can be fixed, regardless of the length of the connecting elements of the connector.

[0077] Such locking means may also include, according to another example not illustrated, only a screw, the length of which may vary depending on the length of the connecting elements of the connector.

[0078] Different types of screws can be used depending on the structure of the upright and the cross member on which the connecting elements of the connector are to be fixed.

[0079] A connector according to the invention therefore comprises two distinct means of locking / fixing the connecting elements constituting it, making it possible to reliably and robustly ensure the connection between a post and a cross member of a building facade structure, from the beginning of the assembly process.

[0080] The connecting elements according to the invention are made of metal to ensure optimal strength of the upright / cross member connection. They can be made of any type of metal, for example aluminum or steel, particularly stainless steel. Preferably, they are made of aluminum.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the bases 111 and 121 of the two connecting elements have a length L between 40 mm and 160 mm, in 20 mm increments, a height h between 36 mm and 44 mm, preferably between 38 mm and 42 mm, and a width 1 between 3 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm. According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting elements have a height h of 40 mm and a width 1 of 5.2 mm. Such a range of lengths for these connecting elements makes it possible to assemble uprights and crossbars with lengths between 60 mm and 300 mm.

[0082] The shape of the connecting elements and / or the geometry of the locking means may be different from those illustrated and described above.

Claims

Claims

1. Connector (1) for connecting an upright (2) and a crosspiece (3) of a building facade structure comprising a first connecting element (11) and a second connecting element (12), said first connecting element being intended to be assembled with said second connecting element, each connecting element consisting of a plate-shaped base (111, 121) having an external face (111a, 121a), intended to be fixed on an upright (2) or a crosspiece (3) respectively, and an internal face (111b, 121b) from which extends a curved tab (112, 122) having an external face (112a, 122a) and an internal face (112b, 122b), a cavity (113, 123) being delimited between said internal face (111b, 121b) of the base and said internal face (112b, 122b) of the curved tab, said first and second connecting elements (11, 12) comprising first and second temporary assembly means (114, 124) respectively,so that when said connecting elements (11, 12) are assembled, said tab (112) of the first connecting element is intended to be housed in said cavity (123) of the second connecting element, and said tab (122) of the second connecting element is intended to be housed in said cavity (113) of the first connecting element, the cavities (113, 123) delimiting a channel (13) for receiving locking means (14) of said connecting elements (11, 12) against each other, and said first temporary assembly means (114) of the first connecting element is intended to cooperate with said second temporary assembly means (124) of the second connecting element.,

2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first and second temporary assembly means (114, 124) each comprise: - a temporary assembly projection (114a, 124a), formed near the free end of said curved tab, on its external face (112a, 122a), and - a temporary assembly housing (114b, 124b), formed on said internal face (111b, 121b) of the base within said cavity (113, 123), said temporary assembly projection of a connecting element being of a shape complementary to said temporary assembly housing of the other connecting element.

3. Connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said tab (112, 122) comprises a first portion (1121, 1221) extending perpendicular to said base (111, 121), said temporary assembly housing (114b, 124b) being formed near said first portion, said first portion being extended by a second end portion (1122, 1222) extending parallel to said base and carrying on its external face said temporary assembly projection (114a, 124a).

4. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first (11) and second (12) connecting elements have at least one anchoring element (1110) on said external face (111a, 121a) of their respective base (111, 121).

5. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said locking means (14) are chosen from an axis (141) comprising an internal bore and a screw (142) housed in said axis to cooperate with the internal bore, or a single screw.

6. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said external face (111a, 121a) of the plate-shaped base (111, 112) is flat.

7. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said plate-shaped base (111, 121) comprises holes (15) for the passage of fixing screws for fixing said first and second connecting elements (11, 12) on an upright (2) or a crosspiece (3).

8. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said first and second connecting elements (11, 12) are made of metal.

9. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said temporary assembly projection (114a, 124a) is circular and has a radius between 0.7 mm and 1.1 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm; and wherein said temporary assembly housing (114b, 124b) is circular and has a radius between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm.

10. A method of assembling a connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: - bringing together said first (11) and second connecting element (12); - moving said second connecting element (12) in the direction vertical and / or in the horizontal direction so that said tab (122) of the second connecting element is housed in said cavity (113) of the first connecting element (11); -pressing said second connecting element (12) against said base (111) of the first connecting element so that said temporary assembly means (124) of the second connecting element cooperate with said temporary assembly means (114) of the first connecting element; and - tightening and locking said first and second connecting elements (11, 12) against each other.

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