Assembly piece made from profile sections and frame obtained by such an assembly

Abstract

A joining piece for joining two sections (90) of a profile (2), each section (90) comprising at least one chamber (22) delimited by a tube and at least one first flange (23) projecting from the tube, the first flange (23) having a return (231) extending parallel to a first wall (211) of the tube so as to define a groove (25), the joining piece (91) comprising two arms (910) forming an angle with each other and connected by a pillar (915), each arm (910) being intended to fit into the chamber (22) of one of the sections (90), the piece being characterized in that the pillar (915) has stop means (8) projecting from the arms (910) so that the profile (2) is abutted against the stop means (8) after the arm (910) slides into the chamber (22), the pillar (915) further comprising a dwelling (9155) for the extension of the gorges (25).Assembly and frame made with the assembly piece Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly piece for sections of profiles and frame obtained by such assembly. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a profile section assembly component comprising a chamber, the component having arms that fit into the chambers. It also relates to an assembly between profile sections made with such a component. Furthermore, it relates to a frame comprising such assemblies. Previous technique

[0002] Frames with profile sections comprising at least one chamber are found in many fields. Such frames are particularly common in joinery, whether for fixed parts such as jambs or for moving parts such as windows or doors. These frames are also found in the manufacture of solar thermal or photovoltaic panels, where the frame serves to fix a flat element such as a pane of glass or the active part of the photovoltaic panel. The profiles used for these solar panels have a chamber delimited by a tube and a first flange projecting from the tube. This first flange has a return extending parallel to a first wall of the tube so as to define a groove. The groove is designed to receive the periphery of the flat element. The profiles used to construct the frames are frequently made by extruding aluminum or plastic.

[0003] Document EP 4 258 542 A1 shows an example of such a profile produced by a thermosetting matrix pultrusion process. The profiles are mitered to form a photovoltaic solar panel frame with brackets inserted into the tubular parts, also called chambers.

[0004] The assembly of the brackets and profiles uses nails, which induces mechanical stresses within the profiles and tends to weaken them. Furthermore, such profiles are made of thermosetting resin, resulting in low recyclability of panels made with these profiles.

[0005] During the production of numerous frames, it is very common to create a stack of these frames in order to transport and store the entire stack. However, it has been observed that the relative positioning of the frames is imprecise and that slippage can occur between them.

[0006] In document CN115913085A, the structure of an assembly part is detailed. This assembly part is completely concealed by the profiles once the assembly is complete. The angle of the frame is formed by the junction of the Mitered profiles. Rough-cut profiles can be sharp and prone to sharp edges. It is therefore common to perform a finishing operation to round the angle, for example by sanding to create a chamfer or fillet. This operation has the disadvantage of removing the surface layer of the profiles, and with it its functions, which may be aesthetic or protective against corrosion. Description of the invention

[0007] One objective of the invention is to provide an assembly piece for profile sections that limits the risk of injury during handling of the assembly, while preserving the surface functions of the profiles. Another objective is to provide an assembly whose recyclability is facilitated. A further objective is to provide an assembly piece that facilitates the relative positioning of the assemblies with respect to each other.

[0008] With these objectives in mind, the invention relates to an assembly piece intended to join two profile sections, each section comprising at least one chamber delimited by a tube and at least one first wing projecting from the tube, the first wing having a return extending parallel to a first wall of the tube so as to delimit a groove, the assembly piece comprising two arms forming an angle between them and connected by a pillar, each arm being intended to fit into the chamber of one of the sections, the piece being characterized in that the pillar has stop means projecting from the arms so that the profile is abutted against the stop means after sliding the arm in the chamber, the pillar further comprising a housing for the extension of the grooves,The dwelling is delimited by a first platform intended to face the returns and corner walls intended to face the first wings.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the assembly piece allows for the joining of profiles, particularly suitable for solar panels. The pillar forms the angle of the assembly, allowing for a less aggressive shape without requiring any further machining of the profiles after the frame is formed. The surface quality of the profiles is thus preserved. The recess provided in the pillar also allows for the assembly of the flat element despite the presence of the pillar.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, the stop means comprise, for each arm, a stop face extending perpendicularly to the direction of the arm. This embodiment allows for the reception of profiles in straight cuts, thus eliminating offcuts from the cuts. It also avoids creating a point due to miter cuts.

[0011] According to a second embodiment, the stop means comprise, for each arm, an oblique stop face extending parallel to a plane bisecting the angle formed by the arms. In this embodiment, mitered profiles are assembled with the joining piece. Thus, the joining piece is barely visible.

[0012] According to one design, the pillar has an upper face substantially parallel to the plane defined by the arms and a lower face opposite the upper face. The part includes clamping means comprising a convex shape projecting from one of the faces (either the upper or lower face) and a concave shape on the other face. The convex shape is designed to fit into the concave shape of an adjacent part of the same type placed on top of the pillar. Thanks to the clamping means, the objects that make up the assembly part can be stacked one on top of the other by aligning the assembly parts, such that guidance is achieved between the objects when the concave shapes cooperate with the convex shapes of the adjacent parts. The concave and convex shapes can be easily obtained during the manufacture of the assembly part when it is produced by molding.

[0013] According to one constructive arrangement, the convex shape is a rib and the concave shape is a groove. These shapes have the advantage of being demoldable in their principal direction.

[0014] According to an improvement, the rib and the groove are oriented in a direction parallel to a bisector of the angle formed by the arms. If the assembly part is produced by molding, one manufacturing possibility is to have a mold with a shell, one part of which carries the inner portion of the angle formed by the arms and the other the protruding portion of the angle. In this case, the part is removed from the mold by a movement in a direction along the bisector of the angle. By having the rib and the groove oriented along the bisector, these two shapes do not create obstacles to demolding and can be obtained directly without the need for drawers in the mold.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each arm comprises an elastically deformable web, the web having a lug adapted to cooperate with a notch in the profile to retain the part against withdrawal from the chamber of said profile. A snap-fit ​​assembly is thus achieved, the lug being elastically housed in the notch. The notch is formed, for example, by drilling a hole in a wall of the profile. Since the profile is produced continuously, it is not possible to provide it with a transversely projecting element. It is therefore easier to produce the projecting element on the assembly part and remove material from the profile side.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the assembly part is made of a composite material reinforced with short fibers and a thermoplastic matrix. Such a part can be produced by injection molding using a molten thermoplastic material mixed with short fibers. The fibers are, for example, between 0.1 mm and 10 mm in length. The thermoplastic material is chosen based on its mechanical properties and resistance to environmental conditions, among other factors. Examples include polyamide, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, and polystyrene. The mixture is prepared, for example, in an extruder. The use of a thermoplastic material facilitates the recycling of the assembly part.All types of fibers commonly used as composite reinforcement can be used, such as glass, carbon, aramid, or natural fibers like hemp or flax. The fiber content by volume is, for example, greater than 20%, or even greater than 30% or 40%, depending on the desired mechanical properties.

[0017] According to a constructive arrangement, each branch has a U-shaped cross-section. This shape allows the branch to bear against all faces of a chamber in the rectangular profile, with thicknesses of a dimension compatible with the molding technique. Furthermore, one of the walls of this U-shaped cross-section can be the elastically deformable web.

[0018] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising two profile sections, each section having at least one chamber and at least one first flange projecting from the tube, the first flange having a return extending parallel to a first wall of the tube so as to define a groove, the assembly being characterized in that it comprises an assembly piece as defined above, each arm being inserted into the chamber of one of the sections with the stop means in contact with the end of the respective section and the housing of the assembly piece being in line with the grooves. The alignment of the housing and the grooves allows the periphery of a flat element to be received at the level of the assembly.

[0019] According to a constructive arrangement, in the case of an assembly part with a lug, the assembly includes retaining means comprising the lug and a notch in each section to receive the lug by snap-fitting.

[0020] The invention also relates to a frame comprising a plurality of profile sections, the profiles being assembled two by two by an assembly, characterized in that the assemblies are as defined above.

[0021] The invention also relates to a solar panel comprising a frame as defined above. Brief description of the figures

[0022] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description, the description referring to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0023] - [Fig. 1] is a top view of a frame conforming to a first mode of realization of the invention; - [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an assembly part for one corner of the frame of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the assembly part of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.4] is another perspective view of the assembly part of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.5] is an end view of a profile to form a frame according to [Fig.1]; - [Fig.6] is a view of an assembly with a part according to a second embodiment; - [Fig.7] is a view of an assembly with a part according to a third embodiment; - [Fig.8] is a view of an assembly with one part according to a fourth embodiment. Detailed description

[0024] A frame 9 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig. 1]. Such a frame 9 comprises four sections 90 of profile 2 cut and joined in the form of a rectangle. At each corner, a joining piece 91 has two arms 910 forming an angle with each other. The joining piece 91 serves to join two sections 90 of the profile together. For this purpose, one of the arms 910 of the joining piece 91 is inserted into a chamber 72 of the profile 2, preferably in a tight fit. In addition, the joining piece 91 has stop means 8 against which the ends of the sections 90 bear. The angle of the frame 9 is then formed by the joining pieces 91, which are thus at least partially visible.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, each arm 910 of the assembly part 91 has a U-shaped cross-section with two stiffeners 911 and a central portion 912 extending from the inner side of the angle. Each arm 910 is also connected to a pillar 915 that forms the angle of the frame 9. At each arm 910, the central portion 912 on the end side of the arm 910 opposite the pillar 915 is detached from the stiffeners 911 to form a web 912a. Each web 912a has at its end a lug 30 projecting inward toward the angle.

[0026] The pillar 915 extends between an upper face 917 substantially parallel to the plane defined by the branches 910 and a lower face 918 opposite the upper face. The assembly member 91 includes stop means 8 projecting from the arms 910 so that the profile section 90 abuts against the stop means 8 after the arm 910 slides into the chamber. The stop means 8 are formed by the pillar 915 and have, for each arm 910, a stop face 80 extending perpendicularly to the direction of the arm 910. The pillar 915 is formed by two corner walls 9150 extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the arms 910 and forming a right angle with each other. The pillar 915 further includes two connecting walls 9155 extending from the corner walls 9150 to the base of the central part of the arms 910. The pillar 915 also includes plates extending parallel to the plane defined by the arms 910.The pillar 915 includes, in particular, a first plate 9154 carrying the upper face 917 so as to delimit a housing 9155 with a second plate 9152 and the corner walls 9150. The second plate 9152 is in line with the stiffeners 911 of the arms 910, and a third plate 9153 is substantially in an intermediate position between the second plate 9152 and a fourth plate which carries the lower face 918.

[0027] The assembly piece 91 further includes shimming means 1 comprising a convex shape 11 projecting from the lower face 918, and a concave shape 12 carried by the upper face 917, the convex shape 11 being designed to fit into the concave shape 12 of an adjacent piece of the same type placed on the piece 91. The convex shape is a rib 11, visible on the [Fig.4], and the concave shape is a groove 12, visible on the [Fig.3], these forms being oriented along a direction parallel to a bisector of the angle formed by the branches 910. .

[0028] The profile 2 from which the sections 90 are cut is shown in [Fig. 5]. It comprises a tube 21 delimiting a chamber 22 with a substantially rectangular cross-section, a first flange 23 extending a first wall 211 of the tube 21, and a second flange 24 extending a second wall 212 of the tube 21 perpendicular to the first wall 211. The first flange 23 has a return 231 extending perpendicularly to the first wall 211 and parallel to a third wall 213 to delimit a groove 25. A fourth wall 214, parallel to the first wall 211, has a boss 2140. The profiles 2 are produced, for example, by pultrusion.

[0029] Each arm 910 is inserted into the chamber 22 of one of the sections 90 with the stop means 8 in contact with the end of the respective section 90. The return 231 is thus opposite the first plate 9154 which extends the delimitation of the groove 25 of the profile 2.

[0030] Retaining means 3 are provided and include a lug 30 cooperating with a notch 31 in the section 90 to retain the part against withdrawal from the chamber 22 of said section 90. The sections 90 have a partially straight cut and a partially oblique cut 240 on an inner side at the level of the second wing 24, the part in straight section being against the stop means 8, the parts in oblique section 240 facing each other inside the angle formed by the branches 910. The notch 31 is made by drilling the fourth wall 214 of the section 90.

[0031] The assembly part 91 is made of a composite material reinforced with short fibers with a thermoplastic matrix.

[0032] To assemble the frame 9, sections 90 of the profile 2 are first cut to the desired lengths with a straight cut, followed by a mitered cut of the second flange 24. Notches 31 are also made in the tube walls to receive the lugs 30. Four assembly pieces are then placed at the four corners of the frame 9, with the arms 910 inserted into the chambers 22. At each arm 910, the web 912a flexes to retract the lug 30, and when the end of the section 90 comes to rest against the stop means 8, the lug 30 is lodged in the notch 31 under the elastic effect of the web 912a, thus preventing the arm 910 from being pulled out. The housing 9155 is then aligned with the grooves 25.

[0033] In the second embodiment, as shown in [Fig.6], the assembly piece 91' comprises a pillar 915' whose dimensions correspond to the total width of the profile 2 used to make the sections 90'. As a result, the sections 90' can be cut with a straight cut.

[0034] In the third embodiment, as shown in [Fig. 7], the arms 910” also have a U-shaped cross-section, but the central portion 912” extends over a narrower width than the wings 911”. The lug 30” is located on one of the wings 911”, along an edge opposite the central portion 912”. The snap-lock system operates using the elasticity of the wing 911”.

[0035] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in [Fig. 8], the stop means 8"' of the assembly part 91"' comprise, for each arm 910"', an oblique stop face 80"'' extending parallel to a plane bisecting the angle formed by the arms 910"''. The profiles 90"'' are mitered to abut against the stop means 8"''.

Claims

Demands

1. A joining piece for joining two sections (90) of a profile (2), each section (90) comprising at least one chamber (22) delimited by a tube and at least one first flange (23) projecting from the tube, the first flange (23) comprising a return (231) extending parallel to a first wall (211) of the tube so as to define a groove (25), the joining piece (91) comprising two arms (910) forming an angle with each other and connected by a pillar (915), each arm (910) being intended to fit into the chamber (22) of one of the sections (90), the piece being characterized in that the pillar (915) comprises stop means (8) projecting from the arms (910) so that the profile (2) is abutted against the stop means (8) after the arm (910) has slid into the room (22), the pillar (915) also including a housing (9155) for the extension of the gorges (25),the dwelling (9155) being delimited by a first platform (9154) intended to be opposite the returns (231) and the corner walls (9150) intended to be opposite the first wings (23).

2. Part according to claim 1, wherein the stop means (8) comprise for each arm (910) a stop face (80) extending perpendicularly to the direction of the arm (910).

3. Part according to claim 1, wherein the stop means (8) comprise for each arm (910) an oblique stop face (80) extending parallel to a bisecting plane of the angle formed by the arms (910).

4. A part according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pillar (915) has an upper face (917) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the arms (910) and a lower face (918) opposite the upper face (917), the part having shimming means (1) having a convex shape (11) projecting from one of the faces between the upper face (917) and the lower face (918), and a concave shape (12) carried by the other face, the convex shape (11) being intended to fit into the concave shape (12) of an adjacent part of the same type placed on the part.

5. Part according to claim , wherein the convex shape is a rib and the concave shape (12) is a groove (12).

6. Part according to claim 5, wherein the rib (11) and the groove (12) are oriented in a direction parallel to a bisector of the angle formed by the arms (910).

7. Part according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm (910) comprises an elastically deformable web (912a), the web (912a) having a lug (30) adapted to cooperate with a notch (31) of the profile (2) to retain the part against withdrawal from the chamber (22) of said profile (2).

8. Part according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of a composite material reinforced with short fibers with a thermoplastic matrix.

9. Part according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each branch (910) has a U-shaped section.

10. Assembly comprising two sections (90) of profile (2), each section (90) comprising at least one chamber (22) and at least one first wing (23) projecting from the tube, the first wing (23) comprising a return (231) extending parallel to a first wall (211) of the tube so as to delimit a groove (25), the assembly being characterized in that it comprises an assembly piece (91) according to one of the preceding claims, each arm (910) being inserted into the chamber (22) of one of the sections (90) with the stop means (8) in contact with the end of the respective section (90) and the housing (9155) of the assembly piece (91) being in the extension of the grooves (25).

11. Assembly according to claim 10, wherein the assembly part (91) is according to claim 7, the assembly being characterized in that it comprises retaining means (3) comprising the lug (30) and a notch (31) in each section (90) for receiving the lug (30) by snap-fitting.

12. Assembly according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the sections (90) have a partially straight cut and a partially oblique cut on one inner side, the part with a straight cut being abutted against the abutting means (8), the parts with an oblique cut (240) facing each other inside the angle formed by the arms (910).

13. A frame comprising a plurality of sections (90) of profiles, the profiles being assembled in pairs by an assembly, characterized 10 in that the assemblies are according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. Solar panel, characterized in that it comprises a frame according to claim 13.

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