Glass assembly comprising a glass module capable of being mounted in a structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glass assembly (1) comprising a glass module (4) configured to be mounted in an opening (O) formed in a structure (2), the glass module (4) comprising a glazing unit (40) comprising at least two panes (41) fixed to a spacer (42), characterized in that the glass module (4) further comprises fastening means (5) intended to allow the glass module (4) to be mounted on the structure (2), the fastening means (5) comprising at least one fastening element (50) which is fixed to the glazing unit (40) by adhesive bonding, the fastening element (50) consisting of a U-shaped section comprising at least one body (51) and two arms (52) respectively able to clamp the glazing unit (40) with a layer (C) of adhesive interposed therebetween and, in a direction opposite to the arms (52), at least two hooks (54), the hooks (54) being able to allow the fastening of at least one hinge (70) in order to mount the glass module (4) in an openable manner relative to the structure (2) between at least one open position and one closed position.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Glass assembly comprising a glass module suitable for mounting in a structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a glass assembly comprising a glass module suitable for mounting in a structure, more generally the field of glazing fixing systems on a building type structure. Technological background

[0002] Most glazing installed in apartment buildings or houses is double glazing (DGU for Double Glazing Unit), or even triple glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass joined by a spacer bonded to them. A frame, also called a "mounting frame," is added around the insulating glass unit to allow it to be installed in the structure, specifically in an opening. There are two main types of glazing: fixed and operable. Operable glazing is more complex to manufacture due to the integration of opening / closing mechanisms and sealing systems.

[0003] In the case of an opening window, the assembly formed by the frame and the glazing constitutes a movable part that rotates via hinges relative to a fixed part consisting of another frame attached to the structure. This is why the movable part is generally called the sash and the fixed part the frame. In the sash assembly, the glazing is attached to the frame (made of PVC or aluminum) by clips, and the mechanical forces, such as the tensile forces applied at the hinges, particularly in the open position, are therefore supported by the frame surrounding the glazing, to which some of the hinges are attached.

[0004] Methods for increasing the view are also known. Indeed, the presence of the mounting frame tends to reduce the unobstructed area of ​​the glazing. Existing solutions generally involve modifying the glazing configuration to integrate the mounting frame between the two panes of glass. While these solutions increase the view while reducing thermal bridging, they are complex because they require integrating an additional component into the space between the two panes of glass.

[0005] Furthermore, these existing solutions tend to use different sheets of glass, that is, sheets of glass with different sizes. However, having different sheets of glass tends to complicate the manufacturing process and modify The spacer is used to enable this integration. By modifying the spacer and the glass sheets, standard elements are no longer used.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a design that is simpler, more reliable, and more economical. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, the invention seeks to solve existing problems by providing a system allowing simpler attachment of glazing to a structure, in particular opening glazing.

[0008] The invention relates to a glass assembly comprising a glass module configured to be mounted in an opening in a structure, said glass module comprising glazing comprising at least two panes fixed to a spacer, characterized in that said glass module further comprises fixing means intended to allow mounting said glass module on the structure, said fixing means comprising at least one fixing element which is fixed to the glazing by bonding, said fixing element being constituted by a "U"-shaped profile comprising at least one body and two arms respectively adapted to grip said glazing with an intercalation of a layer of adhesive and, in a direction opposite to said arms, at least two hooks, said hooks being adapted to allow the attachment of at least one hinge in order to mount said glass module in an openable manner relative to the structure,respectively between at least one open position and one closed position.

[0009] According to other features of the invention: - the adhesive of said layer fixing said at least one fixing element to the glazing has a tensile strength greater than 1 N / mm 2 , preferably between 1.5 N / mm 2 and 3.5 N / mm 2 , for example equal to 2.2 N / mm 2 ; - the adhesive of said layer fixing said at least one fixing element to the glazing has a hardness between 20 and 60 Shore, for example equal to 39 Shore; - the adhesive forming said layer is an "Externally Bonded Glazing" type adhesive, i.e. "VEC", in other words a structural adhesive, said adhesive being able to support the weight of the glazing in order to guarantee a reliable and durable fixing between said at least one fixing element and the glazing; - said layer of glue includes at least one bead of glue, called lateral, disposed between each of the arms of the fixing element and the glass of the glazing located opposite; - each of the said lateral glue cords has a thickness between 1 mm and 8 mm, for example a thickness of 6 mm; - in addition to the aforementioned lateral beads of adhesive, the said layer of adhesive also comprises a central bead of adhesive, arranged between the body of the fastener and the glazing, preferably along the entire edge of the glazing, so that the said bead central glue and the said lateral glue beads form a single unit, together constituting the said glue layer; alternatively, the central glue bead is arranged on at least part of the edge of the glazing so that the said glue layer is then formed by three distinct glue beads, respectively by the said central bead and the lateral glue beads; - the body of the fixing element includes at least one spacer which, extending towards the glazing, is capable of positioning said fixing element relative to the glazing, preferably two spacers configured to cooperate with a sealing barrier, called secondary, of the glazing covering at least said spacer; - the parallelepiped-shaped glazing has a fixing element on each of its four edges, each fixing element formed by a profile being fixed by gluing to the associated edge of said glazing; - the glass module includes sealing means configured to cooperate with complementary sealing means, such as a surface of the structure or a seal, when said glazing of the glass module is in the closed position; - the sealing means are carried by the fixing elements fixed by gluing around the glazing, preferably by one of the arms and / or by the body of the fixing element; - said hooks have, in cross-section, an "L" shape and extend along the entire length of the fixing element so as to form parallel rails delimiting a groove between them; - said at least one fixing element is of the Eurogroove type; - the glass module includes at least one hinge, said hinge having articulation means defining an axis of rotation respectively for a first part configured to be fixed to said fixing element and a second part configured to be fixed to the structure, either directly via fixing means such as screws, or indirectly via a receiving rail, preferably of the Eurogroove type; - the glass module includes a locking mechanism carried by part of the fixing elements glued to the glazing, said locking mechanism including locking means cooperating with complementary means carried by the structure so as to allow said glass module to be locked in the closed position.

[0010] As is well known, "Eurogroove" is a widely used industry standard in the field of aluminum, PVC, and wood windows and doors. More specifically, the term "Eurogroove" refers to a standardized groove in window and door profiles that enables the interchangeability of hardware (hinges, cremones, locks, etc.) between different manufacturers, and ensures compatibility with accessories without specific adaptation and a simplification of assembly for carpenters and manufacturers.

[0011] The present invention relates to a structure such as a wall or partition of a building comprising an opening in which the glass module is placed to be fixed there. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Non-exhaustive examples will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0013] [Fig.1] is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a double glazing according to the state of the art comprising two sheets of glass joined by means of a spacer.

[0014] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates double glazing equipped with fixing means according to the invention.

[0015] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view that illustrates fastening means according to the invention.

[0016] [Fig.4] [Fig.5] are cross-sectional views which schematically represent a glazing unit equipped with the fixing means according to the invention and which respectively illustrate the mounting of the glazing unit (before / after) in a structure via said fixing means.

[0017] [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] illustrate variations of the fastening methods.

[0018] [Fig.8] illustrates variant implementations of fastening means equipped with compensation means.

[0019] [Fig.9] illustrates a glass module attached indirectly to the structure.

[0020] [Fig.10] is a perspective view which represents, in exploded view, a preferred embodiment of a glass module comprising double glazing equipped with fixing means according to the teachings of the invention and which illustrates such a glass module before its assembly in the opening of a structure by means of a pair of hinges.

[0021] [Fig.11] is a cross-sectional view which represents part of the glass module according to [Fig.10] and which illustrates the fixing element attached to the glazing by a layer of glue.

[0022] [Fig.12] and [Fig.13] are cross-sectional views of the glass module according to [Fig.10] which represent one of the hinges having a Eurogroove compatible plate fixed to the fixing element glued to the glazing and whose other plate is fixed directly to the structure by screwing and which respectively illustrate the glass module equipped with sealing means formed by a gasket in open position and in closed position.

[0023] [Fig.14] is a cross-sectional view similar to that of [Fig.13] which represents a variant embodiment of the sealing means comprising a first seal and a second complementary seal and illustrates the cooperation of the first seal with the second seal in the closed position of the glass module. Detailed description

[0024] In the embodiment(s) of the invention, a glass module 4 comprising a glazing unit 40 is described. This glazing unit 40 comprises panes or sheets of glass 41 visible in [Fig. 1]. Preferably, the glazing unit 40 is double-glazed, but alternatively, said glazing unit could be, for example, triple-glazed.

[0025] Each pane of glass or sheet of glass can be monolithic, meaning it consists of a single sheet of material, or composite, meaning it consists of several sheets of material with at least one intermediate layer of bonded material inserted between them, as in the case of laminated glass. The sheet(s) of material can be mineral, particularly glass, which may have undergone annealing or tempering, or organic, particularly plastic such as PMMA. The intermediate layer preferably contains at least one thermoplastic material, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).However, the thermoplastic intermediate layer may also contain, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic intermediate layer may be formed from one or more superimposed thermoplastic films.

[0026] The panes of glass 41 in the glazing unit 40 can be, for example, monolithic sheets of glass with a thickness between 2 and 6 mm. Alternatively, they can be made of two sheets of glass bonded together with a laminating interlayer, for example, made of polyvinyl butyral, also known as PVB. This assembly gives the glass burglar-resistant and / or sound-insulating and / or safety properties, such as shatterproof properties. The surfaces of the panes can be coated with stacks of thin films, giving the glazing unit 40 various functionalities.For example, the outer surface of the glass panes may be coated with a self-cleaning stack containing at least one photocatalytic layer, in particular titanium oxide, notably at least partially crystallized in anatase form, and / or with an anti-condensation stack comprising at least one low-emissivity layer such as a layer of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), notably indium tin oxide (ITO) or doped zinc oxide. The other surfaces of the glass panes may be coated with stacks of low-emissivity thin films comprising at least one silver layer.

[0027] The panes of glass 41 are fixed to a spacer 42 extending continuously along their edges. The spacer's function is, in particular, to create an air gap between the two panes. This air gap provides thermal insulation. The cold wall effect is reduced, leading to a decrease, or even elimination, of condensation. In winter, heat loss is reduced, and in summer, heat transfer from the outside to the inside of the building is limited. Thus, the building's air conditioning system is more energy-efficient. The spacer can be made of metal and / or polymer material.

[0028] Metallic materials such as aluminum or stainless steel and polymers such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, polyesters, polyurethanes, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer are well-suited. The spacer, when made of polymer material, can be reinforced with fibers, for example, glass or carbon fibers.

[0029] To ensure the airtightness of the volume containing the air gap, sealing strips are placed between the inner surfaces of the panes and the lateral edges of the spacer. These sealing strips are made, for example, of polyisobutylene. These sealing strips form a primary sealing barrier. A secondary sealing barrier typically covers the spacer around the entire perimeter of the glazing.

[0030] A desiccant material can be added to the spacer to absorb any residual moisture that may be present in the volume containing the air gap. The desiccant material can be any material capable of dehydrating air, such as molecular sieve, silica gel, CaCl2, Na2SO4, activated carbon, zeolites, and / or a mixture thereof.

[0031] The glass module 4 further includes fixing means 5. These fixing means 5 include at least one fixing element 50. This fixing element 50 is used to fix said glazing 40 to a structure 2. This structure 2 is for example a wall or partition of a building including an opening in which the glass module 4 is placed to be fixed.

[0032] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 9], the structure 2 is equipped with receiving rails 3. These receiving rails 3 are preferably of the Eurogroove type. These receiving rails include hooks 31. It is then understood that the fixing elements 5 are arranged to cooperate with the receiving rail(s) 3. Thus, the glass module 4 and the receiving rails 3 form a glass assembly 1.

[0033] The fastening element 50 comprises a main body 51. This main body is arranged to include means for attaching to the glazing. These attachment means comprise two arms 52 extending from the main body. These two arms extend parallel to each other or at an angle so as to converge. These two arms 52 then form a clamp capable of gripping the glazing. It is understood that the main body 51 has a length corresponding to the distance between the arms, this length being similar to the thickness of the glazing.

[0034] Preferably, the fixing element 50 is attached to the glazing 40 by adhesive bonding. Indeed, the force exerted by the parallel or converging arms is not necessarily sufficient to ensure optimal retention. In this case, the main body 51 is longer than the glazing to accommodate the adhesive; the bonding ensures that the fixing element 50 is attached to the glazing 40.

[0035] Advantageously, adhesive 60 is chosen to have a tensile strength greater than 1 N / mm² 2 , preferably between 1.5 N / mm 2 and 3.5 N / mm 2 .

[0036] Advantageously, glue 60 is chosen to have a hardness between 20 and 60 Shore.

[0037] Preferably, the adhesive 60 of the "Externally Bonded Glazing" type, most often designated by its acronym "VEC", in other words, a "structural" adhesive. Advantageously, such a VEC-type adhesive 60 is particularly suitable for ensuring a reliable and durable fixing between said at least one fixing element 50 attached to the hinges and the glazing 40, supporting the weight of the glazing 40 and therefore the mechanical stresses as well as the tensile stresses.

[0038] As a non-limiting example, a SIKASIL SG-20 type adhesive with a relatively high hardness of 39 Shore A and a tensile strength of 2.2 N / mm² may be used. 2 .

[0039] The fastening element 50 further includes means 53 for attaching it to the structure. These means 53 for attaching the fastening element 50 comprise two hooks 54, advantageously having an "L" shape in cross-section. These two hooks 54 project from the main body 51 in the direction opposite to the glazing 40. These two hooks 54 extend parallel to each other, like rails, so as to define a groove between them.

[0040] Advantageously, the fixing element 50 consists of a profile comprising said hooks 54 and which, of Eurogroove type, is suitable for receiving compatible accessories such as hinges meeting this standard.

[0041] The hooks 54 of the fixing element 50 are arranged to cooperate with the receiving rail(s). It is then understood that the hooks 54 form a male element and that the receiving rail(s) 3 form a female element cooperating together.

[0042] This configuration allows for quick and easy fixing of the glazing 40 since the operator only has to associate the male hooks 54 of the fixing element 50 with the female hooks 31 of the rail 3. This association is done by snapping or sliding the hooks into each other.

[0043] Preferably, the rail(s) 3 have a Eurogroove type configuration. This configuration is advantageous because it uses an existing standard, making the fixing element 50 universal.

[0044] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], the fixing element 50 is in the form of a profile. This profile preferably extends along the entire length of the side of the glazing to which it is bonded. It is thus understood that a glazing unit with four sides is associated with four profiles, so that the profiles together form a frame around the glazing unit 40.

[0045] According to another embodiment visible in [Fig.7], the fixing element 50 is in the form of a clip, i.e., a profile extending over a length limited to 5 cm. It is then understood that the glazing is provided with a plurality of fixing elements, the fixing elements being positioned at specific locations.

[0046] In the first variant, the 50 fixing means are arranged to allow for flexibility of use. This means that the 50 fixing means are arranged to be used with a wide range of glazing types, including glazing of varying thicknesses.

[0047] In this first variant shown in [Fig. 8], the fixing element 50 is associated with a compensation system 6. This compensation system includes, for example, one or more shims. These shims are used to fit between the arms 52 and the glazing 40. This shim can be in the form of a layer of adhesive 60 or a plate 61. It is therefore understood that if the gap between the arm 52 and the glazing 40 cannot be filled with a layer of adhesive, then one or more shims are advantageously used.

[0048] If the fixing element(s) 50 allow direct fixing of the glazing 40 to the structure 2, indirect fixing is also possible. In this case, the fixing element 50 is associated with an intermediate piece 7, which is itself fixed to the structure as shown in [Fig. 9]. This intermediate piece 7 is, in particular, a hinge or articulation system. Such a hinge system comprises at least one hinge 70, i.e., two plates 71, each comprising links 72 at one end. The hinges 72 of the plates cooperate with a pin to allow the two plates 71 to be articulated. One plate is arranged to be fixed to the structure 2, while a second plate is arranged to be fixed directly to the glazing 40.

[0049] It is then understood that each plate 71 is equipped with hooks allowing the hinge 70 to be attached to the fixing element 50 and to the structure 2.

[0050] In one variant, the fixing element 50 includes locating means (not shown). These locating means include at least one protrusion. This protrusion may be in the form of a line. This line is used as a reference point to align the glazing 40 with the fixing element 50 before bonding.

[0051] According to the embodiments illustrated by the figures just described, a glass assembly 1 is proposed, comprising a glass module 4 and at least one receiving rail 3 suitable for being fixed to a structure 2. The glass module 4 comprises glazing 40 comprising at least two panes 41 fixed to a spacer 42, said glass module 4 further comprising fixing means 5 including at least one fixing element 50. Said fixing element 50 comprises at least two arms 52 suitable for being fixed by bonding to said glazing 40 and at least two hooks 54, said hooks 54 being suitable for fixing the glazing 40 to the receiving rail 3.

[0052] According to one example, the said fastening element is a profile, in particular a single profile.

[0053] According to one example, the glass assembly 1 further includes a compensation system 6 between the arm(s) 52 of the fixing element 50 and the glazing 40.

[0054] According to an important feature, the fixing element 50 is glued to the glazing 40.

[0055] Preferably, the assembly further includes an intermediate piece 7 arranged to attach to the fixing element 50 and the receiving rail 3, said intermediate piece 7 being a hinge 70.

[0056] Advantageously, the hooks 54 of the fixing element 50 and the receiving rail 3 are of the Eurogroove type.

[0057] A preferred embodiment of the glass assembly 1 according to the invention will be described below with reference to figures [Fig.10] to [Fig.13], as well as [Fig.14] illustrating a variant embodiment.

[0058] As illustrated in [Fig. 10], the glass assembly 1 mainly comprises a glass module 4 and a structure 2, said structure 2 having an opening O with a parallelepiped shape and dimensions complementary to those of said glass module 4 intended to be mounted thereon. Preferably, the structure 2 is made of wood.

[0059] As described previously with reference in particular to [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the glass module 4 comprises a glazing unit 40 including at least two panes of glass 41 fixed to a spacer 42. As is known, the two panes of glass 41 and the spacer 42 are fixed by means of a first sealing barrier (not shown), said spacer 42 being further covered by a second sealing barrier 44, more particularly visible in the cross-sectional view of [Fig. 11]. In the example described and represented in the application, glazing 40 is double glazing (or "DGU") but this is not limiting in any way and glazing 40 could for example be triple glazing.

[0060] The glass module 4 is configured to be mounted in the opening O provided in the structure 2, such as a partition or a wall, and particularly in a way that can be opened relative to said structure 2.

[0061] Thus, the glass module 4 is mounted movable relative to the structure 2, respectively between at least one open position and one closed position in which the module 4 closes said opening O.

[0062] To achieve this, the glass module 4 is mounted movably by means of a pair of hinges 70, each of which constitutes an intermediate piece 7 between said glass module 4 and the structure 2, similar to that described previously with reference to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 9]. In this embodiment, each hinge 70 comprises a first plate 71 with holes 73 for fasteners 74, such as screws, to attach a portion of the hinge 70 to the structure 2 and, by extension, to attach the glass module 4 to said structure 2 in an openable manner. Thus, and in comparison to the embodiment of [Fig. 9], there is no receiving rail 3 attached to the structure 2 in this embodiment. Advantageously, the first plate 71 of the hinge 70 is therefore fixed directly to the structure 2 by screws.Furthermore, the hinge 70 includes articulation means 72 connecting said first plate 71 to a second plate 75 intended to be fixed to the glass module 4.

[0063] Like the links previously described in [Fig.9], the articulation means 72 define an axis of rotation, of vertical orientation, around which the second plate 75 is capable of pivoting relative to the first plate 71 fixed to the structure 2, by which means the glass module 4 is capable of occupying at least one open position and one closed position.

[0064] Compared to the embodiment in [Fig. 9], the first plate 71 and the second plate 75 of the hinge 70 are therefore not identical here. As in the embodiment of [Fig. 9], the plate 75 of the hinge 70 is compatible with the Eurogroove standard, intended to be mounted in a groove R delimited by the two hooks 54 (see [Fig. 11]) corresponding to this standard, provided that the fixing element 50 of the fixing means 5 (which will be described in more detail later) is advantageously a Eurogroove type profile.

[0065] The second plate 75 of the hinge 70 is made according to a fixing example corresponding to the Eurogroove standard. The second plate 75 has holes 76 intended to be passed through by screws 77 which then engage in holes 79 (visible in [Fig.12] and [Fig.13]) of a pad 78. Thus, the fixing of the hinge 70 to the glass module 4 is achieved by the cooperation of Eurogroove-compatible shapes.

[0066] As in the embodiments described above, the glass module 4 further includes fixing means 5 intended to allow mounting of said glass module 4 on the structure 2, said fixing means 5 comprising at least one fixing element 50 which is fixed to the glazing 40 by bonding.

[0067] Advantageously, the glass module 4 comprises four identical fixing elements 50 which surround the glazing 40, said fixing elements 50 being of the Eurogroove type.

[0068] As illustrated in [Fig.1 1], the fixing element 50 consists of a "U" profile comprising at least one body 51 and two arms 2 respectively suitable for gripping said glazing 40 with intercalation of a layer (C) of glue.

[0069] In a direction opposite to said arms 52, the profile forming the fixing element 50 has at least two hooks 54, said hooks 54 defining a groove R intended to allow the fixing of the hinge 70. More precisely, the slider 78 is mounted in the groove R, typically by sliding it from one end to the desired position.

[0070] Preferably, the plate 75 of the hinge 70 is then fixed to the pad 78 by means of the screws 77 but, in the absence of tightening, there is between the pad 78 and the plate 75 sufficient play to be able to move the hinge 70 relative to the groove R delimited by the two hooks 54 in the shape of "L" and the body 51 of the fixing element 50.

[0071] When the screws 77 are tightened, the plate 75 and the pad 78 will come together to pinch the hooks 54 and thereby immobilize the hinge 70 in position, the hinge 70 is then fixed to the fixing element 50 and thus integral with the glass module 4. Thanks to the hinges 70, the glass module 4 is mounted in an openable manner relative to the structure 2, respectively between at least one open position illustrated by [Fig.12] and one closed position illustrated by [Fig.13].

[0072] The fixing of the plate 75 of the hinge 70 with the pad 78 by cooperation with the hooks 54 delimiting the groove R of the fixing element 50 which has just been described is more particularly visible on the cross-sectional views of [Fig.12] and [Fig.13].

[0073] As illustrated previously in [Fig. 8], the adhesive layer (C) comprises at least one adhesive bead, referred to as a lateral bead, situated between each of the arms 52 of the fastener 50 and the pane 41 of the glazing unit 40 located opposite it. Preferably, each of these lateral adhesive beads has a thickness of between 1 mm and 8 mm, for example, a thickness of 6 mm.

[0074] In the embodiment and as illustrated in particular by [Fig.1 1], in addition to the said lateral glue beads, the said glue layer (C) also includes a glue bead, called central, disposed between the body 51 of the fixing element 50 and the glazing 40.

[0075] Preferably, the central bead of glue extends over the entire edge of the glazing 40 so that said central bead of glue and said lateral beads of glue form a single unit, together constituting said layer (C) of glue.

[0076] In an alternative (not shown), the central bead of glue is arranged on part of the edge of the glazing 40 so that said layer (C) of glue is then formed by three distinct beads of glue, respectively by said central bead and the lateral beads of glue.

[0077] Advantageously, and as illustrated by [Fig. 11], the body 51 of the fixing element 50 comprises at least one spacer 55 which, extending towards the glazing 40, is able to position said fixing element 50 relative to the glazing 40. Preferably, the body 51 of the fixing element 50 comprises two spacers 55 configured to cooperate with the sealing barrier 44, referred to as secondary, of the glazing 40 covering at least said spacer 42.

[0078] In this embodiment, as in that of [Fig. 9] in particular, the layer (C) of adhesive fixing the fixing element 50 to the glazing 40, to which the hinges 70 are attached, is subjected to significant stresses, especially tensile stresses, when the glazing module 4 is in an open position. Indeed, the fixing between the fixing element 50 and the glazing 40 of the glazing module 4 results solely from bonding, without the addition of any other fastening means, thus simplifying manufacturing.

[0079] By comparison, it is worth noting that in a conventional casement window, such mechanical stresses are exerted on the mounting frame, to which the hinges are generally attached. This is why the glazing is likely to be mounted in said frame by, for example, simply being pinched in place. In a glazing module 4 according to the present invention, the elimination of the mounting frame has led to a complete redesign of the fixing with the glazing 40.

[0080] According to a particularly advantageous feature, the glazing module 4 offers excellent visibility compared to a conventional window with a mounting frame around the glazing. Indeed, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the arms 52 of the fixing element 50, respectively bonded to the panes 41 of the glazing unit 40, have a reduced dimension, which is why the glazing module 4 according to the invention offers this excellent visibility.

[0081] Advantageously, the adhesive 60 of said layer (C) fixing said at least one fixing element 50 to the glazing 40 has a tensile strength greater than 1 N / mm 2 , preferably between 1.5 N / mm 2 and 3.5 N / mm 2 .

[0082] Advantageously, the adhesive 60 of said layer (C) fixing said at least one fixing element 50 to the glazing 40 has a hardness between 20 and 60 Shore.

[0083] Preferably, the adhesive 60 forming said layer (C) is an "Externally Bonded Glazing" type adhesive, often referred to by its acronym "VEC," in other words, a "structural" adhesive as it is also described. Advantageously, such a VEC-type adhesive 60 is particularly well-suited to ensuring a reliable and durable bond between said at least one fixing element 50 attached to the hinges and the glazing 40, supporting the weight of the glazing 40 and therefore the aforementioned mechanical stresses such as tensile stresses.

[0084] As a non-limiting example, a SIKASIL SG-20 type adhesive with a relatively high hardness of 39 Shore A and a tensile strength of 2.2 N / mm² can be used, as before. 2 .

[0085] As illustrated in [Fig.10] and following, the glass module 4 includes sealing means 8 configured to ensure air and water tightness when said glazing 40 of the glass module 4 is in the closed position as in [Fig.13] or [Fig.14],

[0086] Advantageously, the glass module 4 includes sealing means 8 configured to cooperate with complementary means, such as a surface 28 of the structure 2, when said glazing 40 of the glass module 4 is in the closed position.

[0087] Preferably, the sealing means 8 are carried by the fixing elements 50 fixed by bonding around the glazing 40, preferably by one of the arms 52 and / or by the body 51 of the fixing element 50. Alternatively, the sealing means 8 are carried by the structure 2.

[0088] As illustrated by [Fig.10], the sealing means 8 are for example formed by at least one seal 82 which, in this case rectangular parallelepiped shape, is fixed on the arms 52 of the fixing elements 50 surrounding the glazing 40, said seal 82 being disposed on the side of the glazing module 4 facing the structure 2.

[0089] In the embodiment of [Fig.10], the joint 82 cooperates with the complementary sealing surface 28 of the structure 2. The sealing surface 28 belongs, for example, to an "F" profile or a batten having a frame shape which is fixed inside the opening O of the structure 2. Alternatively, the sealing surface 28 is made out of material, i.e. monobloc, with the structure 2.

[0090] Figure 12 represents the glass module 4 in the open position, and as illustrated, the seal 82, forming the sealing means 8, is carried by the glass module 4 and therefore movable with it. In the closed position shown in Figure 13, the seal 82 cooperates with the sealing surface 28 of the structure 2, the seal 82 being slightly compressed to ensure a seal.

[0091] Figure 14 [Fat] represents an alternative embodiment of the sealing means 8. According to this alternative, the sealing means 8 comprise respectively a first seal 81 carried by the body 51 of each of the fastening elements 50 and a second seal 83 supported by structure 2. Preferably, the first seal 81 and the second seal 83 are lip seals. In the closed position of the glass module 4, the first seal 81 then cooperates with the second seal 83 so as to guarantee the sealing of the opening O on both sides of the glass module 4.

[0092] Advantageously, the glazing module 4 includes a locking mechanism 9 to hold it in the closed position. The locking mechanism 9 is supported by a portion of the fixing elements 50 bonded to the glazing 40. Because the fixing elements 50 are made of a Eurogroove profile, it is possible to integrate a locking mechanism 9 into the glazing module 4 simply and economically using means compatible with this standard.

[0093] Thus, the locking mechanism 9 includes a handle 90 suitable for allowing the actuation of means of the mechanism such as a cremone bolt, or even rods, in order to control the movement of bolts 94 intended to engage in associated strikes 96 that comprise the structure 2.

[0094] In the embodiment, the locking mechanism 9 includes, for example, four bolts 94 and four strikes 96, i.e., four locking points, so as to allow the said glass module 4 to be locked in the closed position.

Claims

Demands

1. A glass assembly (1) comprising a glass module (4) configured to be mounted in an opening (O) provided in a structure (2), said glass module (4) comprising glazing (40) comprising at least two panes (41) fixed to a spacer (42), characterized in that said glass module (4) further comprises fastening means (5) intended to allow mounting of said glass module (4) on the structure (2), said fastening means (5) comprising at least one fastening element (50) which is fixed to the glazing (40) by bonding, said fastening element (50) being constituted by a "U"-shaped profile comprising at least one body (51) and two arms (52) respectively capable of gripping said glazing (40) with an intercalation of a layer (C) of adhesive and, in a direction opposite to said arms (52), at least two hooks (54),said hooks (54) being adapted to allow the attachment of at least one hinge (70) in order to mount said glass module (4) in an openable manner relative to the structure (2), respectively between at least one open position and one closed position.

2. A glass assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive of said layer (C) fixing said at least one fixing element (50) to the glazing (40) has a tensile strength greater than 1 N / mm 2 , preferably between 1.5 N / mm 2 and 3.5 N / mm 2 , for example equal to 2.2 N / mm 2 .

3. Glass assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adhesive of said layer (C) fixing said at least one fixing element (50) to the glazing (40) has a hardness between 20 and 60 Shore, for example equal to 39 Shore.

4. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adhesive forming said layer (C) is an "Externally Bonded Glazing" type adhesive, i.e. "VEC", in other words a structural adhesive, said adhesive being able to support the weight of the glazing (40) in order to guarantee a reliable and durable fixing between said at least one fixing element (50) and the glazing (40).

5. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said layer (C) of glue comprises at least one bead of glue, called lateral, disposed between each of the arms (52) of the fixing element (50) and the pane (41) of the glazing (40) located opposite.

6. Glass assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of said lateral glue cords has a thickness between 1 mm and 8 mm, for example a thickness of 6 mm.

7. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that, in addition to said lateral glue beads, said glue layer (C) also comprises a glue bead, said central, disposed between the body (51) of the fixing element (50) and the glazing (40), preferably over the entire edge of the glazing (40) so that said central glue bead and said lateral glue beads form a single unit, together constituting said glue layer (C), alternatively the central glue bead is disposed over at least a part of the edge of the glazing (40) so that said glue layer (C) is then formed by three separate glue beads, respectively by said central bead and the lateral glue beads.

8. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (51) of the fixing element (50) comprises at least one spacer (55) which, extending towards the glazing (40), is able to position said fixing element (50) relative to the glazing (40), preferably two spacers (55) configured to cooperate with a sealing barrier (44), referred to as secondary, of the glazing (40) covering at least said spacer (42).

9. Glass assembly (1) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the parallelepiped-shaped glazing (40) comprises a fixing element (50) on each of its four edges, each fixing element (50) formed by a profile being fixed by bonding to the associated edge of said glazing (40).

10. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the glass module (4) comprises sealing means (8, 81, 82) configured to cooperate with complementary sealing means, such as a surface (28) of the structure (2) or a gasket (83), when said glazing (40) of the glass module (4) is in the closed position.

11. A glazing assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing means (8) are carried by the fixing elements (50) fixed by bonding around the glazing (40), preferably by one of the arms (52) and / or by the body (51) of the fastening element (50).

12. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hooks (54) have, in cross-section, an "L" shape and extend over the entire length of the fixing element (50) so as to form parallel rails delimiting between them a groove (R).

13. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one fixing element (50) is of the Eurogroove type.

14. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the glass module (4) comprises at least one hinge (70), said hinge (70) comprising articulation means (72) defining an axis of rotation respectively for a first part (75, 76, 78) configured to be fixed to said fixing element (50) and a second part (71, 73) configured to be fixed to the structure (2), either directly through fixing means (74) such as screws, or indirectly through a receiving rail (3), preferably of the Eurogroove type.

15. Glass assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the glass module (4) comprises a locking mechanism (9) carried by a part of the fixing elements (50) bonded to the glazing (40), said locking mechanism (9) comprising locking means (94) cooperating with complementary means (96) carried by the structure (2) so as to allow said glass module (4) to be locked in the closed position.

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