EP1518034B1 - System for fixing a panel made of brittle material - Google Patents

Abstract

A fixing system for fixing a panel of fragile material to a bearing structure, including at least one point fastener engaging with at least one first contact region produced in the panel. The point fastener includes a first anchoring part at a first contact region and a second anchoring part at a second contact region situated on the panel. The first and second anchoring parts are connected by at least one adjusting device configured to bring the first and second anchoring parts to bear against the first and second contact regions respectively and are situated in the plane of the panel.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of fixing means and relates more particularly to a system for fastening panels of fragile material to a bearing structure by means of point fasteners.

Particularly in the field of glazing fixing on building load bearing structures, there are numerous point fixing systems designed to preserve maximum visibility through the glazing, thanks to point fasteners occupying only a very small area. glazing. Thus, it has been proposed point fastening systems with fasteners that hold it by clamping on both sides of the glass panel, where appropriate on both sides of a through hole. Such systems are described in particular in the documents FR-A-2,739,406 and DE-A-195 14 818 .

These systems provide a solution adapted to the problem of fixing a panel in a plane substantially coplanar with the supporting structure but do not offer an optimal solution when it comes to immobilize the panel in the plane of the supporting structure . Indeed, the fastening systems known from the prior art are positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the panel, thereby generating an additional space between the bearing structure and the plane of the panel for their implantation, this projecting implantation by relation to the plane of the panel inducing a moment that harms the durability of the fixation.

All this entails a significant cost which risks limiting the implementation of these systems to prestigious achievements.

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple point fixing system but still satisfactory from the point of view of aesthetic requirements and which fits substantially in the plane of the panel.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a system for fastening a panel of fragile material to a supporting structure, comprising at least one point fastener in engagement with at least one first contact zone made in the panel, which is characterized in that said point fastener comprises a first anchoring portion at a first contact area and a second anchoring portion at a second contact area, the first and second anchoring portions being on the one hand, connected by at least one adjusting device adapted to bear the first and second anchoring parts against respectively the first and second contact areas and on the other hand, located in the plane of the panel.

With this fastening system, the forces resulting from the fixing of the panel to the supporting structure are directed in the plane of the panel and substantially in its extension, thus not inducing additional thickness between the panel and the supporting structure.

The invention is thus adapted to the fixing of glass panels of all types: monolithic, laminated, or multiple with optionally laminated glass sheets separated by blades of air or other gas, the glass not being necessarily tempered, or if necessary with less stringent quenching requirements.

The presence of adjustment device makes it possible to induce in the plane of the panels compressive stresses which will oppose the mechanical stresses, in particular traction forces, during the fixing of said panel to the supporting structure, or to another panel.

• la deuxième zone de contact est située sur le panneau,
• la deuxième zone de contact est située sur le chant du panneau,
• la deuxième zone de contact est située sur le côté du panneau,
• la deuxième zone de contact est située sur la structure porteuse,
• la première et/ou la deuxième zone de contact est réalisée au sein d'un orifice borgne,
• la première et/ou deuxième zone de contact est réalisée au sein d'un orifice débouchant,
• la première et/ou la deuxième zone de contact est réalisée au sein d'une encoche,
• la première et/ou la deuxième zone de contact est réalisée à l'aide d'une pluralité de zones en relief,
• la première et/ou la deuxième zone de contact est réalisée par pinçage,
• les première et deuxième zones de contact sont positionnées respectivement selon deux côtés adjacents du panneau,
• les première et deuxième zones de contact sont positionnées de part et d'autre d'un axe de symétrie du panneau,
• le système de fixation comporte deux attaches ponctuelles positionnées chacune de part et d'autre d'un plan médian sensiblement parallèle au panneau, ce plan médian étant par ailleurs sensiblement perpendiculaire aux première et deuxième zones de contact,
• le système de fixation comporte une couche intermédiaire rigide positionnée entre l'une des première ou deuxième zones de contact et l'une des première ou deuxième parties d'ancrage,
• le dispositif de réglage comporte un dispositif de mise en tension,
• le dispositif de mise en tension comporte un dispositif vis-écrou,
• le dispositif de réglage comporte un dispositif limiteur de couple,
• la couche intermédiaire comprend un élément intercalaire rigide et un matériau adhésif, l'élément intercalaire rigide contribuant à la stabilité dimensionnelle de la couche en reprenant des forces alors que le matériau adhésif permettant de réaliser une liaison adhésive,
• l'élément intercalaire est en un matériau de dureté Shore D de l'ordre d'au moins 70 à 75,
• le matériau constituant l'élément intercalaire est choisi parmi les matériaux transparents, tel que du polycarbonate ou du silicone dur, qui n'affecte pas l'esthétique de l'ensemble,
• le matériau adhésif a notamment une dureté Shore A de l'ordre de 30 à 35 et est choisi parmi des adhésifs silicones couramment employés avec du verre,
• l'élément intercalaire est disposé selon l'axe du plan médian du panneau,
• l'une des première ou deuxième zones de contact est pourvue d'une virole, cette dernière étant traversée par les attaches ponctuelles.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following may also be used:

• the second contact zone is located on the panel,
• the second contact zone is located on the edge of the panel,
• the second contact zone is located on the side of the panel,
• the second contact zone is located on the supporting structure,
• the first and / or the second contact zone is formed in a blind hole,
• the first and / or second contact zone is formed within an opening opening,
• the first and / or the second contact zone is made within a notch,
• the first and / or the second contact zone is made using a plurality of raised areas,
• the first and / or the second contact zone is made by clamping,
• the first and second contact areas are positioned respectively on two adjacent sides of the panel,
• the first and second contact areas are positioned on either side of an axis of symmetry of the panel,
• the fastening system comprises two point fasteners each positioned on either side of a median plane substantially parallel to the panel, this median plane being moreover substantially perpendicular to the first and second contact zones,
• the fastening system comprises a rigid intermediate layer positioned between one of the first or second contact zones and one of the first or second anchoring portions,
• the adjusting device comprises a tensioning device,
• the tensioning device comprises a screw-nut device,
• the adjusting device comprises a torque limiting device,
• the intermediate layer comprises a rigid intermediate element and an adhesive material, the rigid intermediate element contributing to the dimensional stability of the layer by taking up forces while the adhesive material making it possible to produce an adhesive bond,
• the intermediate element is made of a material of Shore D hardness of the order of at least 70 to 75,
• the material constituting the intermediate element is chosen from transparent materials, such as polycarbonate or hard silicone, which does not affect the aesthetics of the assembly,
• the adhesive material has in particular a Shore A hardness of the order of 30 to 35 and is chosen from commonly used silicone adhesives with glass,
• the intermediate element is arranged along the axis of the median plane of the panel,
• one of the first or second contact zones is provided with a ferrule, the latter being traversed by the point fasteners.

The fastening system according to the invention allows the attachment of vertical or inclined panels, especially for screens or facade facings right, point fasteners taking only the weight of the glazing or other.

The system makes it possible to resume almost completely the vertical component of the forces to which the panel is subjected.

The invention also relates to the application of a fastening system as described above to the realization of a roof or facade panels of fragile material, including glass.

It also applies to the use of a fastening system as described above to the achievement of a connection between at least two panels, these panels may have a relative movement between them, such as in particular a sliding, a pivoting

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un écran suspendu à une structure porteuse ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective d'un détail de la figure 1;
• la figure 3 représente une variante de l'invention, représentée en perspective,
• la figure 4 est une vue de côté de la figure 3.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 represents a perspective view of a screen suspended on a supporting structure;
• the figure 2 represents a perspective view of a detail of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 represents a variant of the invention, represented in perspective,
• the figure 4 is a side view of the figure 3 .

In the accompanying drawings, certain elements may be represented in larger or smaller dimensions than in the real world, in order to facilitate understanding of the figures.

The figure 1 has a screen or more commonly called "diffuser screen" in this technical field, consisting of at least one glass panel 1, this glass panel being intended to be suspended from a support structure using at least one system fixing 2 according to the invention.

In the example shown in figure 1 there are four fastening systems 2 per panel 1, respectively acting in each corner of the panel. It is understood that the number and location of the fastening systems on the panel can be modified according to the architectural wishes.

For large glazed surfaces comprising a large number of juxtaposed glass panels, two or more adjacent point fasteners can be attached to the structure via a connecting piece with two or more arms.

The figure 2 presents a detail of realization of the panel 1 of the figure 1 , at one of its corners.

The panel 1 is provided with a first contact zone 3 and a contact zone 4 positioned substantially on either side of an axis of symmetry of said panel 1, in this case according to one of its diagonals . These first and second contact areas 3, 4 are located respectively at two adjacent edges 5, 6 of the panel 1 and have an open portion allowing the passage of at least one point fastener 7. Alternatively, these contact areas may be located on one of the sides of the panel, in a blind hole or opening, or through notches or raised areas (asperities, grooves, lugs ...), or by a pinch type connection.

The fastening system 2 represented in figure 2 comprises two point fasteners 7, 8 positioned each on either side of a median plane to said panel. This median plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the panel and is perpendicular to the first and second contact zones 3, 4.

Each of the point fasteners is in the form of a U-shaped jumper and is preferably made of a metallic material, in particular stainless steel.

Each of the riders (represented in section at the level of the figure 3 ) comprises a central portion 9, 10 and two lateral portions 11, 12, 13, 14. The central portion 9, 10 of each rider bears on the right of each of the first and second contact zones 3, 4 respectively at first and second anchoring portions, while each of the side portions 11, 12, 13, 14 of each of the jumpers positioned on the same side of the panel are interconnected by adjusting devices 15, 16, which are adapted for bring the central parts 9, 10 of the jumpers or within the contact zones 3,4.

In the embodiment shown in figure 3 , the adjustment device is a tensioning device which consists of a screw-nut system, the part serving as a nut being for example constituted by a ring, provided with a tapping on its inner wall, this ring being slidably mounted on the a side portion of the jumper, the nut portion being constituted for example by a threaded end of the side portion of the second jumper positioned on the same side of the panel.

By bringing the point fasteners closer to each other thanks to the adjustment devices 15, 16, it is possible to induce, in the zone of the panel opposite the anchoring parts, compressive stresses, which may be opposed to those which will be generated during the attachment of the panel to the supporting structure.

Of course, depending on the mass of the panel, the nature of the material constituting the panel, the intensity of the induced stresses, one will adapt the material forming the point fasteners. It will be possible to choose plastic materials, composites.

Similarly, according to a variant not shown in the figures, may be added to the adjustment devices 15, 16, a torque limiting device, including friction for example.

On the figures 3 and 4 another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. This is different from that represented in figure 2 in that one of the contact areas (the first or second) is not located on the periphery of the panel but in a remote part of the edge.

Moreover, on the figure 4 it may be noted that the point fasteners of the fastening system 2 do not bear directly on the edge of the panel at a contact zone, but at an intermediate layer 17.

The intermediate layer 17 comprises an intermediate element disposed in the vicinity of the bearing zone and optionally an adhesive material deposited on the intermediate element.

The intermediate element is a rigid plate, preferably transparent, for example polycarbonate or hard silicone having a Shore D hardness of the order of at least 70 to 75.

The glue is advantageously also transparent, especially based on a silicone or acrylic material crosslinkable by UV.

Due to the presence of the rigid intermediate element, the adhesive can be relatively flexible, of lower hardness than that of the intermediate element. Thus, an adhesive material having in the cured state a Shore A hardness of the order of 30 to 35, for example of the silicone type, makes it possible to form an effective adhesive junction between the intermediate element and the glass panel, whereas the intermediate element confers the necessary rigidity on the intermediate layer 17.

Once the adhesive material has hardened, the intermediate layer 17 allows an integral transmission of the weight of the panel to the structure without risk of crushing the layer over time through the rigid intermediate element.

In the variant embodiment shown in figure 3 , the remote contact zone of the periphery of the panel comprises a ferrule 18, made of a metallic material. This shell bearing support at the walls of the contact zone makes it possible to mechanically strengthen the walls of the contact zone and consequently to withstand forces induced by the larger fastening system.

As a variant, not shown in the figures, this collar 18 is provided with a hinge to allow the transmission of any relative movements during assembly of the panel and / or under the effect of localized loads (weight of snow deposit) or thermal expansion of the panel.

In this embodiment not shown, the joint is constituted by a ball joint or any other equivalent articulation system, which preferably allows an amplitude of movement of at least 5 ° angle in each direction.

The fastening system 2 according to the invention provides a powerful solution that does not require special shaping of the glass panel, the contact areas being easily achievable machining.

By choosing advantageously transparent materials to form the intermediate layer, and possibly the fastening system, the fixing solution obtained satisfies the aesthetic requirements of maximum transparency often asked by the architects.

The detailed description of the invention has just been made in the case of particular screen embodiments, to which the invention is not limited.

Finally, the panels to be fixed can be monolithic glazings, laminated, mixed, decorated, but also display panels or panels of fragile natural material such as stone, marble, or synthetic.

With this fastening system, it is possible to connect at least two panels, or at least one panel to a supporting structure, these panels can have relative movements between them (pivoting, sliding) or to perform functions opening, sleeping.

Claims (25)

1. A fixing system (2) for fixing a panel (1) of fragile material to a bearing structure, comprising at least one point fastener (7, 8) engaging with at least one first contact region (3) produced in the panel, characterized in that said point fastener (7, 8) comprises a first anchoring part at a first contact region (3) and a second anchoring part at a second contact region (4) situated on the panel (1), the first and second anchoring parts being, on the one hand, connected by at least one adjusting device (15, 16) designed to bring the first and second anchoring parts to bear against the first and second contact regions (3, 4) respectively and, on the other hand, situated in the plane of the panel (1).
2. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second contact region (4) is situated on the edge face of the panel (1).
3. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second contact region (4) is situated on the side of the panel (1).
4. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second contact region (4) is situated on the bearing structure.
5. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first and/or the second contact region (3, 4) is produced within a blind orifice.
6. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first and/or the second contact region (3, 4) is produced within an open orifice.
7. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first and/or the second contact region (3, 4) is produced within a cut-out.
8. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first and/or the second contact region (3, 4) is produced using a number of raised regions.
9. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first and/or the second contact region (3, 4) is produced by pinching.
10. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second contact regions (3, 4) are positioned on two respective adjacent sides (5, 6) of the panel (1).
11. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the first and second contact regions (3, 4) are positioned one on each side of an axis of symmetry of the panel (1).
12. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing system comprises two point fasteners (7, 8) each positioned on each side of a mid-plane roughly parallel to the panel (1), this mid-plane also being roughly perpendicular to the first and second contact regions (3, 4).
13. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a rigid interlayer (17) positioned between one of the first and second contact regions (3, 4) and one of the first or second anchoring parts.
14. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (15, 16) comprises a tensioning device.
15. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the tensioning device comprises a screw-nut device.
16. The fixing system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the adjusting device (15, 16) comprises a torque-limiting device.
17. The fixing system (2) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the interlayer (17) comprises a rigid interlayer element and an adhesive material, the rigid interlayer element contributing to the dimensional stability of the layer by reacting the forces while the adhesive material allows an adhesive bond to be achieved.
18. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the interlayer element is made of a material with a Shore D hardness of the order of at least 70 to 75.
19. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the material of which the interlayer element is made is chosen from transparent materials such as polycarbonate or hard silicone which does not adversely affect the esthetics of the whole.
20. The fixing system (2) as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the adhesive material in particular has a Shore A hardness of the order of 30 to 35 and is chosen from silicone adhesives commonly used with glass.
21. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the interlayer element is arranged along the axis of the mid-plane of the panel (1).
22. The fixing system (2) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the first or second contact regions (3, 4) is fitted with a ferrule (18), the latter having the point fasteners (7, 8) passing through it.
23. The application of a fixing system (2) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims to the production of a screen or facade made of panels of fragile material, particularly glass.
24. The application of a fixing system (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 to the making of a connection between at least two panels (1), it being possible for these panels to move relative to one another, particularly in sliding or in pivoting.
25. The application as claimed in one of claims 23 or 24, in which the panels (1) are vertical or inclined to the vertical, and the fixing system (2) is a system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22.

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