DEVICE FOR FORMING A STRUCTURE

Abstract

 Device (1) for forming a structure connectable to at least one wall (11) of the structure, comprising a metal profile (2) and a polymer profile (3), the metal profile (2) defining in section at least one first closed chamber (4), the polymer profile (3) defining in section a second closed chamber (5) and an insulating component (7) arranged between, and into contact with, said first and second chambers (4, 5), wherein said insulating component (7) forms at least one insulating chamber (7a, 7b, 7c), said metal profile (2), insulating component (7) and second closed chamber (5) being arranged in series, so as to prevent contact between the metal profile (2) and the second closed chamber (5) of said polymer profile (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns devices for forming a structure, and in particular concerns devices for forming a structure which are arranged between the walls of a structure for cooling, heating or fluidic treatment purposes in general and which must thus ensure effective thermal insulation between the environment inside and outside the structure.

[0002] It should be noted that the term "structure" is herein used to denote an organized set of parts of a construction, typically comprising a plurality of walls, for example constituted by panels, and a corresponding plurality of forming devices which constitute a framework for such walls or panels.

[0003] Such devices for forming a structure generally have one or more metal profiles of different shapes, which are connected to the walls, for example to the panels, of a structure to allow its erection.

[0004] In case of a typically closed structure which must allow a given thermal state to be preserved therein, the walls and the respective devices for forming the structure usually have insulating properties.

[0005] Different solutions, and in particular geometries, of such devices are known, which solutions however typically lack adequate thermal insulation capacity.

[0006] Object of the present invention it is therefore to provide a device and related structure which are easy to manufacture while providing effective thermal insulation between the inside and the outside of the structure.

[0007] These and other objects are solved by a device and a structure according to one or more of the appended claims.

[0008] A device and a structure according to claims 1 and 9 are thus object of the present invention, while preferred aspects of this invention are set forth in the respective dependent claims.

[0009] In particular, according to an aspect of the present invention, a device for forming a structure, connectable to at least one wall of the structure, comprises a metal profile and a polymer profile, the metal profile defining in section at least one first closed chamber, the polymer profile defining in section a second closed chamber. The polymer profile comprises an insulating component arranged between, and in contact with, said at least one first chamber defined by the metal profile and said second chamber defined by the polymer profile, wherein said insulating component forms at least one insulating cavity, wherein said metal profile, insulating component and second closed chamber defined by the polymer profile are arranged in series, so as to prevent direct contact between the metal profile and the aforesaid second chamber defined by said polymer profile.

[0010] Profiles are elements made in a way known in the art and are typically individual elements made in one piece, extended along a main direction and which can form one or more closed chambers.

[0011] It should be observed that the expression "in section" is herein used to denote that section of the profile substantially orthogonal to the main direction of extention of the profile itself. Recalling that a profile is generally a cylindrical or prismatic body elongated along the aforesaid main direction, the expression according to which the profiles described herein have one or more chambers "in section" will mean that such profiles are provided, i.e. inside them, with such chambers on the sections orthogonal to their main direction.

[0012] The metal profile and the polymer profile, the latter comprising the insulating component, are arranged in series, i.e. are arranged consecutively one after the other in the same direction, like the links of a chain (obviously without any intersection of the respective chambers), wherein the insulating component is interposed between the metal profile and the aforesaid second chamber defined by the polymer profile.

[0013] The polymer profile, arranged in use towards the inside of the structure, has the aforesaid second chamber closed which can be filled with air or possibly filled with insulating material, for the purpose of insulating the chamber.

[0014] Moreover, the insulating component can be made integrally, in one piece, with the polymer profile. Such component is typically made of the same polymer material as the polymer profile and is thus composed of a less thermally conductive material than the material of the metal profile. As mentioned, such insulating component prevents contact between the second closed chamber defined by the polymer profile and the metal profile and contributes to the insulating properties of the device and the structure.

[0015] The metal profile, arranged in use towards the outside of the structure, has at least one first closed chamber which, thanks to the ambient air contained therein, provides a further contribution to the thermal insulation of the structure.

[0016] Preferably, the metal profile comprises precisely one closed chamber. This ensures a good compromise between the compactness, simplicity and insulating functions of the device.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the insulating component comprises at least one insulating chamber interposed between the metal profile and the second closed chamber of the polymer profile.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the at least one insulating chamber comprises at least one polymeric insulating chamber, whose walls all belong to the polymer profile or are anyhow made of the same material as the polymer profile, and/or preferably comprises at least one mixed insulating chamber, whose walls consist of walls belonging to the polymer profile or which are anyhow made of the same material as that of the latter, and of walls belonging to the metal profile.

[0019] Generally, the mixed insulating chambers of the insulating component have a single wall belonging to the metal profile, while the rest of the walls belong to the polymer profile.

[0020] According to a possible aspect of the invention, the insulating component contributes to forming a single mixed insulating chamber whose walls consist of walls belonging to the polymer profile and walls belonging to the metal profile.

[0021] According to a further possible aspect of the invention, the insulating component comprises precisely one or more (for example two) polymeric insulating chambers whose walls all belong to the polymer profile, and a mixed insulating chamber whose walls consist of walls belonging to the polymer profile and of at least one wall belonging to said metal profile.

[0022] Finally, according to a further possible aspect, the device is provided with connecting elements which, in section, are typically in the shape of an open or closed eyelet and which are made in one piece with one of the walls of the metal profile or polymer profile. Such connecting elements are typically configured so as to allow the connection to the device of covering elements for protecting the device itself.

[0023] An object of the present invention further concerns a structure comprising at least one device according to one or more of the preceding aspects and at least one wall, for example at least one panel, constrained to such device.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect, the structure defines at least one space inside and one space outside it, wherein the metal profile faces the outer space and the polymer profile faces the inner space.

[0025] According to a preferred aspect, the wall comprises two metal sheets connected to one another by means of at least one connecting polymer profile. The device is connected to the connecting polymer profile and/or at least one of the sheets, preferably by means of at least one connection selected from: at least one screw connecting the connecting polymer profile of the wall to the polymer profile of the device; a hinge connecting the metal profile of the device to one of the sheets of the wall; inserts or retainers arranged with interference between said metal profile of the device and one of the sheets of the wall.

[0026] With reference to the accompanying figures, exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are now discussed, wherein:

• figure 1A schematically shows a first embodiment of the device in which the metal profile defines in section a first closed chamber and the polymer profile defines in section a second closed chamber and an insulating component which forms two insulating chambers;
• figure 1B schematically shows a second embodiment of the device in which the metal profile defines in section a first closed chamber and the polymer profile defines in section a second closed chamber and an insulating component which forms an insulating chamber;
• figure 1C schematically shows a third embodiment of the device in which the metal profile defines in section a first closed chamber and the polymer profile defines in section a second closed chamber and an insulating component which forms two insulating chambers;
• figure 1D shows a fourth embodiment of a device according to the present invention, in which the metal profile defines in section a first closed chamber and the polymer profile defines in section a second closed chamber and an insulating component which forms three insulating chambers;
• figure 1E shows a fifth embodiment of the device in which the metal profile defines in section a first closed chamber and the polymer profile defines in section a second closed chamber and an insulating component which forms three insulating chambers;
• figure 1F shows a sixth embodiment of the device in which the metal profile defines in section a first closed chamber and the polymer profile defines in section a second closed chamber and an insulating component which forms three insulating chambers;
• figure 2A shows a possible connection between a wall and the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1A;
• figure 2B shows a possible connection between a wall and the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1B;
• figure 2C shows a possible connection between a wall and an assembly of two devices according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1C;
• figure 2D shows a possible alternative connection to that of figure 2A between a wall and the polymer profile of the device according to the first embodiment of figure 1;
• figure 2E shows a possible connection between a wall and the metal profile of the device according to a variant of the first embodiment shown in figure 1A, with an enlarged view of a detail of such connection;
• figure 2F shows a further configuration of the third embodiment shown in figure 2C;
• figure 3 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention in which different embodiments of the device 1 are used.

[0027] Considering first figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, according to an aspect of the present invention a device 1 for forming a structure 10, i.e. a structure comprising a plurality of walls 11 (see figure 3 by way of example) which define an inner space with respect to the outer environment, comprises a metal profile 2 and a polymer profile 3.

[0028] Such device 1, whether by itself or coupled to further devices 1, can constitute a post or a pillar of the structure 10, adapted for joining two walls, preferably side walls, of the same structure 10 to one another.

[0029] The metal profile 2 defines in section at least one first closed chamber 4, whereas the polymer profile 3 defines in section one second closed chamber 5 and comprises an insulating component 7 which contributes to forming at least one insulating chamber 7a, 7b, 7c interposed between the metal profile 2, for example interposed between the aforesaid first closed chamber 4 defined by such metal profile 2, and the second closed chamber 5 defined by the polymer profile 3.

[0030] It should be noted (see figure 3 still by way of example) that, when the device 1 is in use, the closed chambers 4, 5 are defined by side walls respectively of the metal profile 2 and the polymer profile 3, and are closed on top and bottom by further elements, such as for example crosspieces of the structure 10 and/or also by specific covers. In the same way, when the respective device 1 is in use, the insulating component 7a, 7b, 7c, which can be defined by side walls of the polymer profile 3, is closed on top by cross elements, such as for example crosspieces of the structure 10 and/or by appropriate covers which can coincide with that or those of the closed chambers 4 and 5 of the profiles 2 and 3.

[0031] The construction in succession along a given direction, for example the one which joins the outside with the inside of the structure comprising the device 1 (and which is generally orthogonal to the direction of extension of the profiles 2, 3), of the closed chamber 4 of the metal profile 2, of the insulating component 7 and possibly also of the respective one or more insulating chambers 7a, 7b, 7c and of the closed chamber 5 of the polymer profile 3 provides a significant contribution to the reduction of the transmission of heat from the outside towards the inside, or vice-versa, of the structure.

[0032] In other words, the fact of having made the device 1, which involves arranging in series the metal profile 2 with the respective at least one closed chamber 4 (first closed chamber of the device 1), the insulating component 7 with the respective one or more insulating chambers 7a, 7b, 7c and the polymer profile 3 with its closed chamber 5 (second closed chamber of the device 1) along a direction which connects the outside with the inside of the respective structure, or vice-versa, increases the insulating effect of such device 1.

[0033] The metal profile 2 and the polymer profile 3 are both typically elements made in one piece, made for example by extrusion.

[0034] The insulating component 7 is preferably made in one piece with the polymer profile 3 and is thus constituted, at least partly as will be seen, by a polymer material.

[0035] Aluminum, or anyhow an aluminum alloy, is the preferred material for the metal profile 2, whereas materials with a polymer matrix, among which PVC (polyvinyl chloride), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), polypropylene, polythene and polyamide are the preferred materials for the polymer profile 3 and the insulating component 7. Please note that the polymer materials have greater insulating properties than those of metals.

[0036] It is not excluded that the polymer profile 3 and the insulating component 7 can be made by means of a plurality of different polymer materials.

[0037] The Applicant found that the PVC material provides the polymer profile 3 and the insulating component 7 with a good compromise in terms of mechanical and thermal properties.

[0038] According to a preferred aspect, the device 1 precisely comprises two profiles, i.e. a single metal profile 2 and a single polymer profile 3 joined to one another by the aforesaid insulating component 7.

[0039] According to another preferred aspect, considering the respective section, i.e. considered in plan view, the metal profile 2 typically comprises a single closed chamber 4, which can simply and preferably be a gap, i.e. a cavity full of air, i.e. or which can be filled with an insulating material.

[0040] In the same way, considering the respective sections, the closed chamber 5 of the polymer profile 3 and the at least one insulating chamber 7a, 7b, 7c of the insulating component 7 can also preferably be full of air or, alternatively, filled with an insulating material.

[0041] As will be seen, such second closed chamber 5, i.e. the closed chamber 5 of the profile 3, can be internally subdivided into a plurality of small areas 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h closed by specific partition walls extended longitudinally like the respective profile 3.

[0042] The insulating component 7 can take different shapes in different embodiments, some of which are described hereunder with reference to the figures.

[0043] Generally, as mentioned, the insulating component 7 is shaped so as to form at least one insulating chamber 7a, 7b, 7c to avoid contact between the metal profile 2, and the respective closed chamber 4, and the closed chamber 5 of the polymer profile 3.

[0044] Preferably, the insulating component 7 comprises a polymeric insulating chamber 7a, 7b whose walls all belong to the polymer profile 3 or are anyhow all made of polymer material, and/or a mixed insulating chamber 7c whose walls consist of walls belonging to the polymer profile 3, or otherwise made of a polymer material, and walls belonging to the metal profile 2.

[0045] Different combinations of polymeric insulating chambers 7a, 7b and mixed chambers 7c of the insulating component are possible. Preferred embodiments are discussed hereunder.

[0046] In possible embodiments, such as those shown in figs. 1A and 1C, the insulating component 7 forms a polymeric insulating chamber 7a and contributes to forming a mixed insulating chamber 7c. Typically, as in fig. 1A, the insulating chambers 7a, 7c are arranged in series. As discussed, the mixed insulating chamber 7c is formed by walls which partly belong to the polymer profile 3 and partly to the metal profile 2.

[0047] In alternative embodiments such as that shown in fig. 1B, the insulating component 7 forms only one mixed insulating chamber 7c, thus without the presence of polymeric insulating chambers 7a, 7b. The mixed insulating chamber 7c has walls which partly belong to the polymer profile 3 and partly to the metal profile 2.

[0048] In possible alternative embodiments such as those shown in figs. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the insulating component 7 forms two polymeric insulating chambers 7a, 7b and a mixed insulating chamber 7c arranged in series.

[0049] Generally, different solutions are possible for the connection between the insulating component 7 of the polymer profile 3 and the metal profile 2. According to a preferred aspect, the insulating component 7 has protrusions 20 which are typically interlockingly coupled in respective seats of the metal profile 2.

[0050] As can be seen in the embodiments of figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F, the insulating component preferably comprises at least one mixed insulating chamber 7c whose walls are partly defined by polymer material and partly by metal material, since such mixed insulating chamber 7c is in these cases formed by walls of the insulating component 7 preferably made in one piece with the polymer profile 3, and by walls of the metal profile 2 which are connected to one another, for example, by means of an interlocking coupling of the type described above.

[0051] It should be noted that the embodiments of figures 1A, 1C, 1D and 1F concern devices 1 for forming a structure, which are typically configured for being arranged in a lateral position of the structure itself, whereas the devices 1 illustrated in figures 1B and 1E are configured for being arranged in an angular position of the structure.

[0052] The polymer profile 3 can further comprise one or more walls which have stiffening portions, not shown in detail in the figures, of greater thickness than the rest of the wall.

[0053] In addition or as an alternative to the stiffening portions, the polymer profile 3, and for example at least one wall of the closed chamber 5 of the polymer profile 3, can have one or more walls provided with reinforcing inserts 9a, 9b, 9c preferably in the form of metal foil. The reinforcing inserts 9a, 9b, 9c can facilitate connecting elements to be fastened between the device 1 and outer elements, such as better described hereunder.

[0054] Such reinforcing inserts 9a, 9b, 9c provide greater rigidity to the respective walls for the insertion of screws or similar connections.

[0055] Preferably, the reinforcing inserts 9a, 9b, 9c are made of metal material, such as steel, which is co-extruded with the polymer material of the polymer profile 3, aluminum or its alloys.

[0056] It should be noted that the reinforcing inserts 9a, 9b, 9c are visible in the embodiments of figs. 1D, 1E and 1F but can also be used in different embodiments of the present invention, for example such as those shown in figures 1A - 1C.

[0057] Finally, in some embodiments, the device 1 can be provided with an open or closed eyelet 8 typically made in the polymer profile 3, as shown by way of example respectively in figs. 1A and 1D, or also made in the metal profile 2, as shown by way of example in figs. 1B, 1C, 1E and 1F, to allow further attaching elements of the structure to be fastened.

[0058] For example, once the device 1 is arranged between the respective walls 11, these eyelets 8 can constitute seats for making the connection with covering elements 22 shown in figure 3, for protecting each device 1.

[0059] With reference to figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 3, the device 1 is preferably used in a closed structure 10 provided with a plurality of walls 11 typically in the form of panels. For example, such closed structure 10 can be a closed structure of a refrigeration warehouse or can be an insulating structure.

[0060] The walls 11 are typically mounted on a frame made up of posts 10a and crosspieces 10b, generally constrained orthogonally to one another. In particular, the devices 1 are typically used for forming at least part, if not all, of the posts 10a and crosspieces 10b.

[0061] In use, the structure 10 has a frame which comprises a plurality of posts 10a and crosspieces 10b that are constituted at least partly by the devices 1 described above, to which the walls 11 are constrained, so as to form a closed structure.

[0062] The closed structure, as illustrated in figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, usually provides that the metal profile 2 of each device 1 faces the outside of the structure 1, while the respective polymer profile 3 faces the inside of the structure 10 and the respective at least one wall 11 is indeed placed side by side to at least the metal profile 2, along a direction substantially orthogonal to the one along which the set of the components of the device 1, i.e. the metal profile 2, the insulating component 7 and the polymer profile 3, extend in series.

[0063] The walls 11 typically have sheets 11a, 11b arranged substantially parallel to one another, which sheets are mutually connected by means of at least one connecting polymer profile 12 and define a closed inner space 11c between one another.

[0064] The inner space 11c can typically be filled by means of an insulating material which can comprise a mineral material, for example rock wool. Different solutions are possible for the insulating material, for example expanded polymer material, as it is possible that such inner closed space 11c is filled with air only.

[0065] Typically, the sheets 11a, 11b are constrained to one another by four connecting polymer profiles 12 which define the aforesaid closed inner space 11c and which can this way form a prismatic panel of the walls 11.

[0066] Preferably, the sheets 11a, 11b with the connecting polymer profiles 12 constitute a panel of at least part of the walls 11.

[0067] In the most basic solution (for example partially visible in figure 3), a wall 11 of the structure 10, for example a panel, has a substantially rectangular section and is constituted by the sheets 11a, 11b which form the long sides the rectangle, whereas the connecting polymer profiles 12, and possibly the folded ends of the same sheets 11a, 11b, are arranged at the two short sides of the rectangle.

[0068] In the preferred case in which the sheets 11a, 11b, generally parallel to one another, have their own ends folded, the latter are inserted into specific seats (slits) of the connecting polymer profiles 12. In possible embodiments of the invention, connecting elements, such as screws, rivets or the like, can be used to constrain the sheets 11a, 11b to the connecting polymer profiles 12 at these seats (slits).

[0069] Alternatively, especially in the case where an expanded polymer product is used as an insulating material within the closed inner space 11c between the sheets 11a, 11b, the interlocking coupling of such parallel sheets 11a, 11b, even devoid of folded ends, with the respective connecting polymer profiles 12, is sufficient for ensuring effective coupling of such elements to one another, also thanks to the constraining action provided by the insulating material at the seats (slits) of such connecting polymer profiles 12.

[0070] The connecting polymer profile 12, typically made by extrusion, can typically form a closed chamber therein.

[0071] Various materials can be used to make the connecting polymer profile 12. In a preferred solution, the connecting polymer profiles 12 are made of PVC.

[0072] In the structure 10, each device 1 is coupled to at least one wall 11. Typically, as in figures 2A, 2B, 2D and 2E, the device 1 is interposed between (and thus connected to) two walls which can be arranged parallel (as for example in the embodiments of figs. 2A, 2D, 2E) or angled to each other (as for example in the embodiment of figure 2B).

[0073] However, for example in case of joints of several posts and crosspieces in the structure 10, as shown for example in figure 2C, two devices 1 can be coupled to one another. In particular, each of the two devices 1 is coupled to a wall 11 on one side, and the other device 1 on the other side.

[0074] In the case of two devices 1 coupled to one another, and in particular side by side to one another, it is possible to have a further configuration, as shown for example in figure 2F, in which each of the two devices 1 provides a specific housing 24 made in each polymer profile 3 facing the inner space and a single "U" shaped connecting element 23 which is inserted into each housing 24, thus improving the mechanical connection between the two devices 1 and the airtightness of the joint between the two devices.

[0075] The two housings 24 of the two facing polymer profiles 3 can be specular to one another with respect to the coupling line of the two devices 1 and the connecting element 23, and the respective housings 24 of the two coupled devices 1 can be shaped so as to allow the connecting element 23 to be snap-fit into these housings 24, thus forming an elastic interlocking between such components.

[0076] In the embodiment of figure 2F, it is noted that the inside of the second closed chamber 5 is subdivided by longitudinally extending partition walls which define a plurality of closed areas 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h inside the same closed chamber 5.

[0077] Generally, the coupling between a device 1 of the structure 10 and the respective wall 11 (or the respective walls 11) can occur in different ways.

[0078] For example, the device 1 and the wall 11 can be coupled by means of screws 13, such as for example shown in the embodiment of figure 2D.

[0079] In particular, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, at least one screw 13 can be arranged into a respective sleeve 21 which is in turn inserted into an end portion of the wall 11, i.e. of a respective panel, and which is typically inserted into at least one of the connecting polymer profiles 12 of the wall 11.

[0080] The sleeve 21 is shaped to keep the connecting polymer profile 12 to which the respective screw 13 is coupled engaged, which is in turn fastened by screwing into the polymer profile 3 of the respective device 1.

[0081] The screws 13 can preferably be screwed to the polymer profile 3 of the device 1 at the stiffening portions and/or at the reinforcing inserts 9a, 9b, 9c of the polymer profile 3, if provided (see figures 1D, 1E and 1F).

[0082] In addition or as an alternative, the wall 11, in particular one of the respective connecting polymer profiles 12, can be provided, at a coupling end thereof, with elastic fins 16 which, in use, are deformed elastically upon contact with the device 1, as shown for example in figures 2A, 2B and 2C, so as to locally achieve an interference coupling between the device 1 and, for example, the adjacent outer walls of the metal profile 2, and the respective wall 11.

[0083] In addition or as an alternative, it is possible to arrange inserts or retainers 15, visible for example in figure 2E, between the wall 11 and the respective device 1. Such retainers 15 are generally constituted by shaped bodies with at least one elastic portion which engages in seats formed in the device 1, for example at the respective metal profile 2, and with at least one jutting out portion which elastically restrains, by shape fitting, a portion of the wall 11, for example comprising the connecting polymer profile 12, against another portion of the device 1, for example an outer wall of the polymer profile 3.

[0084] In possible embodiments, such as those of figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E, the structure 10 further comprises at least one gasket 17 arranged between at least one of the devices 1 present in the structure 10 and the at least one respective wall 11 connected to such device 1.

[0085] The gasket 17 contributes to the thermal insulating function of the device 1, typically by preventing and obstructing the entry of air from inside the structure into the space between the device 1 and the wall 11 (or the walls 11) connected to the device 1. The gasket 17 is preferably arranged between the polymer profile 3 (typically the second closed chamber 5 of the polymer profile) of a device 1 and a sheet 11a, 11b (typically a folded end thereof) of the wall 11.

[0086] According to a further possible aspect, the structure 10 comprises a sealing element 18 positioned between the connecting polymer profile 12 and the polymer profile 3, preferably coupled to the second chamber 5 of the polymer profile 3, as shown by way of example in figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E. This sealing element 18 ensures better sealing in the presence of liquid, for example as a result of condensation.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the coupling between the device 1 and the wall 11 may not be rigid. For example, a wall 11 could act as a door for the structure 10.

[0088] In such a case it is possible, for example, to constrain a device 1 and a wall 11 together by means of a hinge 14, so that the wall 11 can be rotated with respect to the device 1. The wall 11 that acts as a door can be typically operated to be opened or closed by at least one handle 19 or a related operating device.

Claims

1. Device (1) for forming a structure (10) connectable to at least one wall (11) of the structure (10), comprising a metal profile (2) and a polymer profile (3), the metal profile (2) defining in section at least one first closed chamber (4), the polymer profile (3) defining in section a second closed chamber (5) and an insulating component (7) arranged between, and into contact with, said first and second chambers (4, 5), wherein said insulating component (7) forms at least one insulating chamber (7a, 7b, 7c), said metal profile (2), insulating component (7) and second closed chamber (5) being arranged in series, so as to prevent contact between the metal profile (2) and the second chamber (5) of said polymer profile (3).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one insulating chamber comprises:

• At least one polymeric insulating chamber (7a, 7b), whose walls all belong to said polymer profile (3)
and/or

• A mixed insulating chamber (7c) whose walls consist of walls belonging to said polymer profile and walls belonging to said metal profile (2).

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said insulating chamber consists in a single mixed insulating chamber (7c) whose walls consist of walls belonging to said polymer profile and walls belonging to said metal profile (2).

4. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one insulating chamber comprises exactly one or two polymeric insulating chambers whose walls all belong to said polymer profile (3) and a mixed insulating chamber (7c) whose walls consist of walls belonging to said polymer profile and walls belonging to said metal profile (2).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal profile (2) comprises a single closed chamber (4) arranged inside the device (1) in a position opposite the second closed chamber (5) of the polymer profile (3).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said polymer profile (3) comprises one or more walls having stiffening portions of greater thickness than the rest of the wall.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said polymer profile (3) has one or more walls provided with reinforcing inserts, preferably in the form of metal foil.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said polymer profile (3), on an outer face of the respective closed chamber (5), comprises at least one housing (24) for the coupling to a connecting element (23) shaped for connecting said device (1) to a further device (1) placed side by side.

9. Structure (10) of the type comprising a plurality of walls defining an inner space, characterized by further comprising at least one device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims and at least one wall (11) constrained to said device (1).

10. Structure (10) according to claim 9, defining at least one space inside and one space outside the structure, wherein said metal profile (2) faces said outer space and said polymer profile (3) faces said inner space.

11. Structure (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said wall (11) comprises two metal sheets (11a, 11b) connected to one another by means of at least one connecting polymer profile (12), said device (1) being connected to said connecting polymer profile (12) and/or to at least one of said sheets (11a, 11b), preferably by means of at least one connection selected from:

• at least one screw (13) connecting said connecting polymer profile (12) of said wall (11) to said polymer profile (3) of said device (1);

• a hinge (14) connecting said metal profile (2) of said device (1) to one of the sheets (11a, 11b) of said wall (11);

• inserts or retainers (15), arranged with interference between said metal profile (2) of said device (1) and one of the sheets (11a, 11b) of said wall (11).

12. Structure according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising at least two devices (1) according to claim 8 which are placed side by side to one another and joined by a connecting element (23) constrained to the housings (24) of said at least two devices (1).

Drawing