[0001] The present disclosure refers to a connection article suitable for support structures,
or load-bearing structures, of false ceilings, i.e. support structures for walls or
panels placed underneath a regular ceiling.
[0002] Support structures for false ceilings comprise a support frame intended for supporting
or propping of panels or plates, which are connected to the ceiling by a so-called
hanger, steel rods or other coupling articles. The support frame includes metal profiles,
preferably but not exclusively C- or U-shaped (i.e., made of a side wall and two opposed
lateral sides or shoulders). The metal profiles are cross-like overlapped to ideally
form a grid, the grid defining a plane for the panels of the false ceiling. The above-mentioned
connection article is intended to connect and fix the metal profiles to each other
in the region of areas of crossing between two metal profiles in the grid-like configuration.
[0004] In particular, at the basis of the present disclosure there is a recognition by the
Inventors that currently known connection articles are not sufficiently effective
for fixing metal profiles. Moreover, known connection articles require many manual
steps for the fixing to the profiles by an operator, with an entailed slowness in
assembling. Moreover, the need to perform various manual steps entails in some cases
a lack of safety, owing to profiles not completely locked or not fixed in a workmanlike
manner.
[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure stems from the technical problem of providing a
connection article for a support frame of a false ceiling allowing to overcome the
drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art, and/or attain further advantages
or features.
[0006] Such a technical problem can be solved by a support frame for supporting a false
ceiling according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 10. Specific embodiments
of the subject-matter of the present disclosure are set forth in the corresponding
dependent claims.
[0007] In particular, the connection article according to the present disclosure is a C-
or U-shaped sheet metal body (comprising a top wall and two side walls) and intended
to be arranged straddling a pair of metal profiles cross-like placed the one on the
other, i.e., it is a body intended to be arranged astride or straddling in the region
of a crossing of a upper metal profile and a lower metal profile, so as to connect
the two profiles in a crossed condition. In particular, the top wall of the connection
article rises above, or lies on, lateral sides of the upper metal profile, whereas
the side walls of the same connection article are partially inserted in the lower
metal profile, and cooperate with end edges of the lateral sides of the lower metal
profile.
[0008] Each of the side walls of the connection article, according to the present disclosure,
has lateral projections in the region of end areas. Such projections, when the article
is arranged astride the metal profiles, are able to interfere (with a stable engagement)
with opposite edges of the lower metal profile, so as to lock or trap the upper metal
profile between the top wall of the connection article and the lower metal profile
itself.
[0009] Moreover, the sheet metal body includes two finnings, on each side of the top wall,
in which each finning is comprised between the side walls. In particular, each finning
defines, with the respective side wall, a seat, recess or niche. The edge of each
of the lateral sides of the upper metal profile is stably received into the niche,
and interferes with a corresponding finning of the connection article.
[0010] In practice, the lower metal profile is engaged by, or interferes with the projections
of the side walls of the connection article, whereas the upper metal profile is locked
between the top wall of the connection article, where it cooperates with the finnings,
and the lower metal profile.
[0011] The edges of the upper metal profile, by being received into the niches and interfering
with the finning, prevent a collapse of the upper metal profile on itself, i.e. a
closing of the lateral sides of the upper metal profile the one towards the other.
[0012] This locked/trapped position allows a stable connection between the metal profiles,
and prevents movements of the components in a vertical direction.
[0013] It has to be noted that, in such configuration, a relative sliding of the upper metal
profile, the lower metal profile and the connection article may be allowed in order
to modify a pitch in a grid made of plural metal profiles placed cross-like.
[0014] In an embodiment, in order to insert at least partially the side walls of the connection
article in the lower metal profile, the lower metal profile is slightly spread apart
elastically during insertion, so that after an elastic return the lateral sides of
the lower metal profile cooperate with the projections of the connection article.
To foster this step, said projections are bent and cambered towards the outside, so
that the lateral sides of the lower metal profile can slide thereon during the spreading
apart.
[0015] In an embodiment, the connection article is sized so that a distance between the
pairs of side walls is less than a distance between the lateral sides of the upper
metal profile. For instance, the distance between the pairs of side walls is measured
at the height of the above-mentioned seat or niche. This feature allows, when the
connection article is placed on the metal profiles, to flex the sides of the upper
metal profile the one to the other, so as to ensure more stable contact with the connection
article.
[0016] Even more specifically, in an embodiment, the above-mentioned distance between the
pairs of side walls of the connection article is selected less than a distance between
the lateral sides of the upper metal profile, so that the upper metal profile defines
a convex-radius camber area facing the lower metal profile, said camber area being
in pressing contact against said other metal profile.
[0017] It will be understood that, in accordance to this embodiment, when the connection
article is placed on the metal profiles the lower metal profile is trapped or locked,
both by the projections of the connection article, and by the camber area of the upper
metal profile pressing towards the lower metal profile. This solution can improve
stability of the connection and further prevent plays of the components in a vertical
direction.
[0018] Other features and the operation modes of the subject-matter of the present disclosure
will be made evident from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments
thereof, given by way of a non-limiting example.
[0019] It is also to be understood that all possible combinations of embodiments described
with reference to the following detailed description fall within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0020] Reference will be made to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein:
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connection article according to the present
disclosure;
- Figure 2 shows a side view of a connection article according to the present disclosure,
from a first angle;
- Figure 3 shows a side view of a connection article according to the present disclosure,
from a second angle;
- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a connection article and of two metal profiles
in a first assembled condition;
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the connection article and of two metal profiles
in a second assembled condition;
- Figure 6 shows a view from one side, in the direction of arrow VI of Figure 5, of
a portion of a support frame according to the present disclosure.
[0021] With reference to the figures, a connection article for a support frame of a support
structure of a false ceiling according to the present disclosure is denoted by reference
number 1. A support or load bearing frame of a support structure of a false ceiling
is denoted by reference number 100 and comprises a plurality of metal profiles 2a,
2b, also referred to as "C profiles" or "U profiles", which are cross-like overlapped
to define a grid-like configuration (partially visible in Figures 4-6). In practice,
in the support frame 100, metal profiles 2a of a first set are arranged in parallel,
evenly spaced the one from the other, and metal profiles 2b of a second set are arranged
in parallel, evenly spaced the one from the other. The metal profiles 2a of the first
set are overlapped to the second set of metal profiles 2b along a direction orthogonal
to the first set.
[0022] It follows that in the grid-like configuration each metal profile 2a of the first
set, which lies above, or upper metal profile, is arranged in a configuration overlapped
and crossed, or cross-like, to at least one metal profile 2b of the second set, which
lies below, or lower metal profile.
[0023] More specifically, the connection article 1 is intended to be arranged straddling
the two metal profiles 2a, 2b in the area of crossing in order to connect in a stable
way such two metal profiles 2a, 2b.
[0024] The connection article 1, once installed on-site, is therefore, e.g., arranged with
an orientation like that visible in Figures 1, 4-6. It follows that any spatial reference
in the present description and in the claims hereinafter, such as, e.g., "top", "above",
"upper", "bottom", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical", is to be understood as merely
by way of example, with reference to the above-mentioned orientation.
[0025] The connection article 1 is a sheet metal body 10 bent and including two side walls
12 connected by means of first bends P1, for instance forming an angle β greater than
90° (Figure 3), to a top wall 11. In practice, the side walls 12 are portions of the
sheet metal body 10 facing and opposed to each other.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 12 are slightly spread apart with respect
to a vertical, for instance of an angle α of 5°, to form said angle β of 95°. In other
words, the side walls 12 are in a mutually converging position. The top wall 11 is
interposed between the side walls 12.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, referring specifically to Figure 1, the sheet metal
body 10 has a shape substantially similar to an upturned U or C. In particular, the
top wall 11 forms the base of the U or C, whereas the two side walls 12 are the two
end sections of the U or C.
[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, the peculiar shape of the sheet metal body 10, and in
particular the arrangement of the top wall 11 and of the side walls 12, define an
internal housing A intended to receive, as will be seen hereinafter, one of the two
metal profiles 2a.
[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, moreover, referring specifically to Figures 2 and 3,
the connection article 1 is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane, identified
in the figures by a dashed line denoted by reference letter L, orthogonally intersecting
the two side walls 12, and is also symmetrical with respect to a transversal plane,
identified in the figures by a dashed line denoted by reference letter T, crossing
the centre of the housing A.
[0030] In particular, the longitudinal plane L and the transversal plane T actually correspond,
in the example, to symmetry planes.
[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, each side wall 12 includes, starting from bend P1, a
central portion 12a, which therefore is contiguous to the top wall 11, and an end
portion 13, corresponding to the edge area of the side wall 12 far from the top wall
11. More in particular, referring specifically to Figure 2, the end portion 13 has
a lateral extension greater than the central portion 12a and, sideways, defines coupling
projections 17, which therefore project from opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal
plane L.
[0032] In practice, the end portion 13 is wider in a lateral direction starting from the
longitudinal plane L.
[0033] In the exemplary embodiment, the sheet metal body 10 includes two coupling projections
17 in the region of each side of the end portion 13. In particular, the sheet metal
body 10 overall includes four coupling projections 17.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, like that visible in Figure 1, it is possible to note
the peculiar configuration of the sheet metal body 10 in which the end portion 13
is bent towards an area external to the housing A. In practice, each end portion 13
is a free-end edge bent towards the outside of the sheet metal body 1 and wider than
the central portion 12a.
[0035] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the end portion 13 is not only bent but
also rounded or cambered with a concavity facing upwards in the figures, i.e., on
the side of the top wall 11. It follows that also the coupling projections 17 have
a shape curved upwards, i.e. with the concavity facing towards, or on the side of
the top wall 11.
[0036] In other words, the end portion 12b is bent cup-like.
[0037] More specifically, the end portion 13 comprises a connecting part 12b coplanar with
the central portion 12a and a bent end part 12c.
[0038] Between the connecting part 12b and the end part 12c a second bend P2, having an
angle of about 90°, is provided.
[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, the sheet metal body 10 includes two finnings 16. In
particular, the finnings 16 are sheet metal portions projecting from the top wall
11 on each side of the top wall 11 in an area comprised between the side walls 12.
In the exemplary embodiment, the finnings 16 extend along a direction substantially
parallel to the longitudinal plane L and orthogonally to the plane T.
[0040] In the example illustrated, each finning 16 is separated from the top wall 11 by
third bends P3, for instance 90° ones. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment
illustrated the finnings 16 are substantially trapezoidal-shaped (trapezium-shaped)
sheet metal portions, bent downwards with respect to the top 11, on the side of the
coupling projections 17 or towards the housing A.
[0041] It is observed that the trapezoidal shape of the finnings 16 defines, on each side
of a respective finning 16, a respective seat, niche, or recess 160.
[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the sheet metal body 10 further includes two reinforcing
ribs 15. In particular, the reinforcing ribs 15 are essentially drawn sections of
the sheet metal body 10. More specifically, the ribs 15 have a rounded or curved section
and extend along the top wall 11, on the central portion 12a and towards the coupling
projections 17. In particular, the two ribs 15 extend parallel on the top wall 11,
on the central portions 12a of the side walls 12 to the connecting part 12b, and bend
in a direction diametrically opposite to the longitudinal plane L to end each in the
region of the coupling projections 17.
[0043] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment it is observed that the sheet metal body 10
includes two reinforcing drawn sections 14. In particular, the drawn sections 14 are
located in the region of the first bends P1, and are essentially sink marks or depressions,
or hollows, located in the region of the bends P1. More specifically, the drawn sections
14 are located in a median zone of the bends P1 and define grip areas for the sheet
metal body 10.
[0044] Referring to Figure 4 and to Figure 5, hereinafter it is described each of the two
metal profiles 2a, 2b, extending along a respective longitudinal axis Z1, Z2. In particular,
the metal profile 2a, 2b has a U-like shape, from which the above-mentioned "U profile"
name derives, with a bottom wall 22 and two lateral sides 21. In the exemplary embodiment,
the metal profile 2a, 2b has the cavity 24 of the U facing upwards.
[0045] The bottom wall 22 connects to the side walls 21 by means of corners 23.
[0046] Each side wall 21 ends with a bent edge 20, in the example rounded, which, in the
example, is rounded. In particular, the bent edge 20 is obtained by bending the lateral
side 21 onto itself. More specifically, the bending faces the cavity 24 of the metal
profile 2a, 2b. It follows that, in the exemplary embodiment, the bent edges 20 define
a projection oriented towards the cavity 24 of the metal profile 2a, 2b.
[0047] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a distance D between the pairs
of side walls 12 of the connection article 10 is less than a distance between the
lateral sides 21 of the metal profile, i.e. is less than the width of the cavity 24,
width that is measured along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis Z1, Z2.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, as the one illustrated, the distance D between the pairs
of side walls 12 is measured in the region of a connection zone between each side
wall 12 and the top wall 11, in the region of the first bends P1 or of the niches/seats
160.
[0049] Thus, when the connection article is arranged astride of or straddling a metal profile
2a, 2b, and the side walls 12 of the connection article 10 embrace from the outside
the corresponding lateral sides 21 of the metal profile 2a, 2b, forcing the sides
21 in a converging direction, the bottom wall 22 of the metal profile 2a, 2b is bent
to have/define a camber area 30 substantially central and facing downwards. (Figure
6)
[0050] It has to be observed that, in the configuration illustrated, the upper metal profile,
the lower metal profile and the connection article are joined to each other so as
not to prevent a sliding in the longitudinal direction.
[0051] Referring to Figure 4 and to Figure 5, hereinafter it is described a step of connecting
and fixing between the connection article 1 and the metal profiles 2a, 2b. In particular,
referring to Figure 4, the two metal profiles are arranged in a relationship overlapped
the one to the other, both with the cavity 24 of the "U" facing upwards. More specifically,
as mentioned, the metal profiles 2a, 2b are arranged cross-like or X-like, that is,
with the longitudinal axes Z1, Z2 arranged orthogonally to each other.
[0052] With the metal profiles 2a, 2b in this position, the connection article 1 is inserted
on the upper metal profile 2a so that the housing A be facing the cavities 24.
[0053] The connection article 1 is arranged straddling so as to embrace the upper metal
profile 2a. In particular, the bent edges 20 and the lateral sides 21 of the upper
metal profile 2a are received inside the housing A of the connection article 1.
[0054] The connection article 1 is inserted with a certain tilt with respect to the horizontal,
and in particular with the side walls 12 tilted with respect to the lateral sides
21, as illustrated in Figure 4. In other words, the connection article 1 is inserted
so that the longitudinal plane L be tilted with respect to the lateral sides 21 of
the lower metal profile 2b.
[0055] In this configuration, the two coupling projections 17 of the side wall 12 lying
lower are inserted first, under the bent edge 20 of the lower metal profile 2b, whereas
the two coupling projections 17 of the opposite side wall 12 are rested above the
other edge 20 of the same lower metal profile 2b. The respective bent edges 20 of
the other metal profile, i.e. of the upper metal profile 2a, are received into the
respective seats 160 of the connection article 1. The configuration described hereto
is visible in Figure 4.
[0056] From this position, a downwards pressure is applied on the connection article 1,
in the region of the top wall 11, towards the metal profiles 2a, 2b. In particular,
the coupling projections 17, favoured in the exemplary embodiment by the respective
rounded and cambered shape, slide and slip on the edges 20. At the same time, the
lateral sides 21 of the lower metal profile broaden out or move away the one with
respect to the other, until obtaining the desired coupling.
[0057] More specifically, following the broadening out of the bent edges 20, referring now
to Figure 5, the coupling projections 17 pass over the bent edges 20 of the lower
metal profile 2b. In particular, in this configuration the four coupling projections
17 of the connection article 1 lie below the bent edges 20 of the lower metal profile
2b. Moreover, it is noted that in said configuration the edges 20 of the upper metal
profile 2a are received into the respective seats 160, so as to interfere with the
finnings 16, and be locked there.
[0058] It has to be noted that in this position it is prevented a collapse of the lateral
sides 21 of the upper metal profile 2a, the one towards the other one.
[0059] Moreover, in an embodiment as the one illustrated, when each of the two coupling
projections 17 engages with a respective bent edge 20 of the lower metal profile 2b,
the lateral sides 21 of the upper metal profile 2a are forced to adhere to the side
walls 12 of the connection article and the bottom wall 22 of the upper metal profile
bends to form a camber area 30, in which said camber area presses against the bent
edges 20 of the lower metal profile 2b.
[0060] More specifically, when each of the two coupling projections 17 engages with a respective
bent edge 20 of the lower metal profile 2b and each edge 20 of the upper metal profile
2a is received into the niche or seat 160 of the connection article 1, the bottom
wall 22 of the upper metal profile 2a bends and creates a pressing contact with the
lower metal profile 2b.
[0061] It is pointed out that, in the exemplary embodiment, when each of the coupling projections
17 is in a position, that is when the fixing has been successfully concluded, a peculiar
sound (
click) is heard, which can confirm that the fixing of the connection article 1 to the metal
profiles 2a, 2b has been completed and the coupling has been successfully concluded.
To an operator, such a sound can also be the indicator of a correct and safe assembly.
[0062] The article for false ceiling according to the present disclosure can improve the
modes of assembly between article for false ceiling and metal profiles, without vibrations.
In particular, the shape and structure of the coupling projections of the article
for false ceiling according to the present disclosure allow a quick, simple and safe
coupling of article for false ceiling and metal profiles.
[0063] Moreover, according to some aspects of the present disclosure, the peculiar cambered
and rounded shape of the coupling projections and their strength enable the coupling
projections to elastically deform the side walls of the lower metal profile, by acting
as a sort of wedge, and allowing to quickly obtain a connection between the connection
article and the metal profiles.
[0064] In addition, thanks to the peculiar shape of the housing and to the solidity of the
coupling projections, the article for false ceiling is perfectly integral to the metal
profiles, both thanks to the constraints deriving from the coupling of the coupling
projections on the edges of the lower metal profile, and thanks to the constraints
deriving from the receiving, inside the housing, of edges and side walls of the upper
metal profile.
[0065] Therefore, such a configuration can allow to minimize the risk that on-site plays
or vibrations be generated between metal profiles and article for false ceiling, and
can further prevent that the metal profiles be subject to deformations on-site.
[0066] In particular, the peculiar shape of the housing and of the finnings can allow to
lock in position the side walls and the edges of the upper metal profile. Essentially,
the upper metal profile can keep a constant contour and section, remarkably increasing
the capacity.
[0067] Moreover, in an embodiment, the distance between the side walls, e.g. measured between
the first bends, is less than the distance between the lateral sides of the metal
profile.
[0068] This causes, by applying a certain pressure on the top wall of the connection article,
a flexing of the lateral sides or shoulders to occur in the region of both edges of
the upper metal profile.
[0069] The result of this elastic deformation of the upper metal profile manifests itself
in a (convex-radius) camber towards the point of contact with the edges of the lower
metal profile, creating a recovery of plays between the two metal profiles, the upper
and the lower one.
[0070] In fact, the upper metal profile is held stationary by the edges of the lower metal
profile, which under the action of the projections of the connection article push
upwards, and by the top wall and the finnings of the connection article, which pushes
downwards. The lower metal profile is held stationary by the projections of the connection
article, which push upwards, and by the camber area which pushes downwards.
[0071] In practice, a spring structure is obtained in the region of the bottom wall of the
upper metal profile that compresses the lower metal profile, all in a single assembly
movement concluding with the full rotation of the connection article on the two orthogonally
overlapped profiles.
[0072] This is obtained without necessarily providing further interference-recovering contrivances,
and with a final and reliable coupling ensured by the end-of-step "
click".
[0073] In practice, it results that the three components (connection article, upper metal
profile, lower metal profile), though sliding towards each other to facilitate the
steps of centring the required pitch, can be integral as one piece. The subject-matter
of the present disclosure has hereto been described with reference to preferred embodiments
thereof. It is understood that there may be other embodiments referable to the same
inventive concept, all falling within the protective scope of the claims set forth
hereinafter.
1. A support frame (100) of a structure for supporting a false ceiling, the support frame
(100) including a combination of two cross-like overlapped metal profiles (2a, 2b)
and a connection article (1) suitable for connecting the two metal profiles (2a, 2b),
said connection article (1) including a sheet metal body (10) having a pair of opposed
side walls (12), and a top wall (11) interposed between the side walls (12) to define
a housing (A), wherein each of the side walls (12) defines a first bend (P1) with
the top wall (11), and wherein each side wall (12) includes, starting from the first
bend (P1), a central portion (12a) and an end portion (13), wherein the end portion
(13) has a lateral extension greater than the central portion (12a) and, sideways,
defines coupling projections (17), and wherein the sheet metal body (10) includes
two finnings (16), each projecting from the top wall (11) on each side of the top
wall (11) in an area comprised between the side walls (12), each finning (16) defining,
with a respective side wall (12), a niche (160),
wherein each metal profile (2a, 2b) includes a bottom wall (22) and lateral sides
(21), and wherein said bottom wall (22) and said lateral sides (21) define a cavity
(24), said metal profiles (2) being arranged cross-like and overlapped the one on
the other in an area of crossing, both said cavities (24) being facing the housing
(A) of the connection article (1),
wherein a metal profile (2a) lying above in the area of crossing, or upper metal profile,
is received inside the housing (A) and edges (20) of the lateral sides (21) of said
upper metal profile (2a) are in engagement into the respective niches (160) of the
connection article, and wherein said coupling projections (17) of the connection article
(10) are in engagement with respective edges (20) of the lateral sides (21) of the
other metal profile (2b) lying below in the area of crossing, or lower metal profile,
and wherein the lateral sides (21) of the upper metal profile (2a) are forced into
a converging position, and characterised in that
in such condition the bottom wall (22) of the upper metal profile (2a) has a camber
area (30) facing the lower metal profile (2b), said camber area (30) being in pressing
contact against said lower metal profile (2b).
2. The support frame (100) according to claim 1, wherein each end portion (13) is an
edge of the sheet metal body (10) at least partially bent towards an area external
to the housing (A) of the sheet metal body (1).
3. The support frame (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end portion (13) is
an at least partially rounded or cambered edge of the sheet metal body (10).
4. The support frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each
side wall (12) forms an angle greater than 90° with the top wall (11).
5. The support frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
side walls (12) are in a mutually converging position.
6. The support frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third
bend (P3) is interposed between each finning (16) and the top wall (11).
7. The support frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each
finning is trapezium-shaped.
8. The support frame (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
sheet metal body (10) includes at least two reinforcing ribs (15), said ribs (15)
being defined by drawn sections obtained in the sheet metal body (10), said ribs extending
along the top wall (11), on the central portion (12a) and to the coupling projections
(17).
9. The support frame (100) according to claim 1, wherein the lateral sides (21) of the
upper metal profile (2a) adhere to the side walls (12) of the connection article (1).
10. A method of fixing two metal profiles (2a, 2b) by a connection article of a support
frame (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the steps
of
- overlapping cross-like the two metal profiles (2a, 2b) so that the one of the two
metal profiles (2a), or upper metal profile, be arranged above the other one of the
metal profiles (2b), or lower metal profile;
- placing the connection article (1) straddling the upper metal profile (2a) so that
said upper metal profile (2a) be partially received inside the housing (A),
- tilting the connection article (1) so that the side walls (12) of the connection
article (1) be tilted with respect to the lateral sides (21) of the lower metal profile
(2b),
- inserting two coupling projections (17) under a respective edge (20) of a lateral
side (21) of the lower metal profile (2b) and resting other two coupling projections
(17) on the opposite side on a respective edge (20) of a lateral side (21) of the
lower metal profile (2b);
- applying a pressure on the top wall (11) towards the metal profiles (2a, 2b), until
the other two coupling projections (17) resting on the edge (20) pass over said edge
(20) and engage with said edge (20), and until the edge (20) of the upper metal profile
(2a) is received into the respective niche (160) of the connection article and interferes
with the finning (16), characterised in that when each of the two coupling projections (17) engages with a respective edge (20)
of the lower metal profile (2b), the bottom wall (22) of the upper metal profile (2a)
bends to form a camber area (30), wherein said camber area (30) presses against the
metal profile (2b).
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein when each of the two coupling projections
(17) engages with a respective edge (20) of the lower metal profile (2b) and the bottom
wall (22) of the upper metal profile (2a) bends, the lateral sides (21) of the upper
metal profile (2a) are forced into a converging position.
1. Tragrahmen (100) einer Struktur zum Halten einer Deckenunterkonstruktion, wobei der
Tragrahmen (100) eine Kombination aus zwei überkreuz übereinanderliegenden Metallprofilen
(2a, 2b) und einem Verbindungselement (1) umfasst, das sich zum Verbinden der zwei
Metallprofile (2a, 2b) eignet,
wobei das Verbindungselement (1) einen Blechkörper (10) mit einem Paar gegenüberliegender
Seitenwände (12) und einer oberen Wand (11) umfasst, die sich zwischen den Seitenwänden
(12) befindet, um einen Aufnahmeraum (A) zu bilden, wobei jede der Seitenwände (12)
einen ersten Biegebereich (P1) mit der oberen Wand (11) bildet, und wobei jede Seitenwand
(12), ausgehend vom ersten Biegebereich (P1), einen Mittenabschnitt (12a) und einen
Endabschnitt (13) umfasst, wobei der Endabschnitt (13) eine seitliche Erstreckung
hat, die größer als der Mittenabschnitt (12a) ist und zu den Seiten hin Kopplungsvorsprünge
(17) definiert, und wobei der Blechkörper (10) zwei Verrippungen (16) umfasst, die
jeweils von der oberen Wand (11) auf jeder Seite der oberen Wand (11) in einem Bereich
vorstehen, der zwischen den Seitenwänden (12) liegt, wobei jede Verrippung (16) mit
einer jeweiligen Seitenwand (12) einen Eckenbereich (160) definiert,
wobei jedes Metallprofil (2a, 2b) eine Bodenwand (22) und Seitenflächen (21) umfasst,
und wobei die Bodenwand (22) und die Seitenflächen (21) einen Hohlraum (24) definieren,
die Metallprofile (2) überkreuz angeordnet sind und in einem Überkreuzungsbereich
übereinanderliegen, wobei beide Hohlräume (24) dem Aufnahmeraum (A) des Verbindungselements
(1) zugewandt sind,
wobei ein Metallprofil (2a), das im Überkreuzungsbereich oben liegt, oder das obere
Metallprofil, innerhalb des Aufnahmeraums (A) aufgenommen ist und Ränder (20) der
Seitenflächen (21) des oberen Metallprofils (2a) in die jeweiligen Eckenbereiche (160)
des Verbindungselements eingreifen, und wobei die Kopplungsvorsprünge (17) des Verbindungselements
(10) mit jeweiligen Rändern (20) der Seitenflächen (21) des anderen Metallprofils
(2b) in Eingriff sind, das im Überkreuzungsbereich unten liegt, oder unteren Metallprofils,
und wobei die Seitenflächen (21) des oberen Metallprofils (2a) in eine aufeinander
zulaufende Position gezwungen werden, und dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
in diesem Zustand die Bodenwand (22) des oberen Metallprofils (2a) einen Wölbungsbereich
(30) hat, der dem unteren Metallprofil (2b) zugewandt ist, wobei der Wölbungsbereich
(30) einen Druckkontakt gegen das untere Metallprofil (2b) ausübt.
2. Tragrahmen (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jeder Endabschnitt (13) einen Rand des Blechkörpers
(10) darstellt, der mindestens teilweise zu einem Bereich außerhalb des Aufnahmeraums
(A) des Blechkörpers (1) gebogen ist.
3. Tragrahmen (100) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Endabschnitt (13) einen mindestens
teilweise abgerundeten oder gewölbten Rand des Blechkörpers (10) darstellt.
4. Tragrahmen (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Seitenwand (12)
einen Winkel von mehr als 90° mit der oberen Wand (11) bildet.
5. Tragrahmen (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich die Seitenwände
(12) in einer aufeinander zulaufenden Position befinden.
6. Tragrahmen (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich zwischen jeder
Verrippung (16) und der oberen Wand (11) ein dritter Biegebereich (P3) befindet.
7. Tragrahmen (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Verrippung trapezförmig
ist.
8. Tragrahmen (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Blechkörper (10)
mindestens zwei Verstärkungsrippen (15) umfasst, die Rippen (15) durch gezogene Teilbereiche
definiert sind, die im Blechkörper (10) erhalten sind, und die Rippen sich entlang
der oberen Wand (11), am Mittenabschnitt (12a) und bis zu den Kopplungsvorsprüngen
(17) erstrecken.
9. Tragrahmen (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich die Seitenflächen (21) des oberen Metallprofils
(2a) an die Seitenwände (12) des Verbindungselements (1) anschließen.
10. Verfahren zum Befestigen zweier Metallprofile (2a, 2b) durch ein Verbindungselement
eines Tragrahmens (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei das Verfahren folgende
Schritte umfasst:
- die zwei Metallprofile (2a, 2b) überkreuz übereinanderzulegen, so dass das eine
der zwei Metallprofile (2a), oder das obere Metallprofil, über dem anderen der Metallprofile
(2b), also dem unteren Metallprofil, angeordnet ist;
- Aufsetzen des Verbindungselements (1) in übergreifender Weise auf das obere Metallprofil
(2a), so dass das obere Metallprofil (2a) teilweise innerhalb des Aufnahmeraums (A)
aufgenommen ist,
- Verkippen des Verbindungselements (1), so dass die Seitenwände (12) des Verbindungselements
(1) in Bezug auf die Seitenflächen (21) des unteren Metallprofils (2b) gekippt sind,
- Einsetzen zweier Kopplungsvorsprünge (17) unter einen jeweiligen Rand (20) einer
Seitenfläche (21) des unteren Metallprofils (2b) und Auflegen der anderen zwei Kopplungsvorsprünge
(17) auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite auf einen jeweiligen Rand (20) einer Seitenfläche
(21) des unteren Metallprofils (2b);
- Aufbringen eines Drucks auf die obere Wand (11) in Richtung zu den Metallprofilen
(2a, 2b), bis die anderen zwei Kopplungsvorsprünge (17), die auf dem Rand (20) aufliegen,
sich über den Rand (20) hinwegbewegen und am Rand (20) angreifen, und bis der Rand
(20) des oberen Metallprofils (2a) in dem jeweiligen Eckenbereich (160) des Verbindungselements
aufgenommen ist und an der Verrippung (16) anliegt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass,
wenn jeder der zwei Kopplungsvorsprünge (17) an einem jeweiligen Rand (20) des unteren
Metallprofils (2b) angreift, sich die Bodenwand (22) des oberen Metallprofils (2a)
verbiegt, um einen Wölbungsbereich (30) zu bilden, wobei der Wölbungsbereich (30)
gegen das Metallprofil (2b) drückt.
11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei, wenn jeder der beiden Kopplungsvorsprünge (17)
an einem jeweiligen Rand (20) des unteren Metallprofils (2b) angreift und sich die
Bodenwand (22) des oberen Metallprofil (2a) verbiegt, die Seitenflächen (21) des oberen
Metallprofils (2a) in eine aufeinander zulaufende Position gezwungen werden.
1. Bâti de support (100) d'une structure pour supporter un faux plafond, le bâti de support
(100) comprenant une combinaison de deux profilés métalliques chevauchés en forme
de croix (2a, 2b) et un article de raccordement (1) approprié pour raccorder les deux
profilés métalliques (2a, 2b),
ledit article de raccordement (1) comprenant un corps de métal en feuille (10) ayant
une paire de parois latérales (12) opposées, et une paroi supérieure (11) intercalée
entre les parois latérales (12) pour définir un boîtier (A), dans lequel chacune des
parois latérales (12) définit un premier pli (P1) avec la paroi supérieure (11), et
dans lequel chaque paroi latérale (12) comprend, à partir du premier pli (P1), une
partie centrale (12a) et une partie d'extrémité (13), dans lequel la partie d'extrémité
(13) a une extension latérale supérieure à la partie centrale (12a) et, latéralement,
définit des saillies de couplage (17), et dans lequel le corps de métal en feuille
(10) comprend deux gerces (16), chacune faisant saillie à partir de la paroi supérieure
(11) de chaque côté de la paroi supérieure (11) dans une zone comprise entre les parois
latérales (12), chaque gerce (16) définissant, avec une paroi latérale (12) respective,
une niche (160),
dans lequel chaque profilé métallique (2a, 2b) comprend une paroi inférieure (22)
et des côtés latéraux (21), et dans lequel ladite paroi inférieure (22) et lesdits
côtés latéraux (21) définissent une cavité (24), lesdits profilés métalliques (2)
étant agencés en forme de croix et chevauchés l'un sur l'autre dans une zone de croisement,
deux desdites cavités (24) faisant face au boîtier (A) de l'article de raccordement
(1),
dans lequel un profilé métallique (2a) se trouvant au-dessus dans la zone de croisement,
ou un profilé métallique supérieur est reçu à l'intérieur du boîtier (A) et des bords
(20) des côtés latéraux (21) dudit profilé métallique supérieur (2a) sont en mise
en prise dans les niches (160) respectives de l'article de raccordement, et dans lequel
lesdites saillies de couplage (17) de l'article de raccordement (1) sont en mise en
prise avec des bords (20) respectifs des côtés latéraux (21) de l'autre profilé métallique
(2b) se trouvant au-dessous dans la zone de croisement, ou profilé métallique inférieur,
et dans lequel les côtés latéraux (21) du profilé métallique supérieur (2a) sont forcés
dans une position convergente et caractérisé en ce que :
dans une telle condition, la paroi inférieure (22) du profilé métallique supérieur
(2a) a une zone de cambrure (30) faisant face au profilé métallique inférieur (2b),
ladite zone de cambrure (30) étant en contact de pression contre ledit profilé métallique
inférieur (2b).
2. Bâti de support (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque partie d'extrémité
(13) est un bord du corps de métal en feuille (10) au moins partiellement plié vers
une zone externe au boîtier (A) du corps de métal en feuille (10).
3. Bâti de support (100) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel la partie d'extrémité
(13) est un bord au moins partiellement arrondi ou cambré du corps de métal en feuille
(10).
4. Bâti de support (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel chaque paroi latérale (12) forme un angle supérieur à 90° avec la paroi supérieure
(11).
5. Bâti de support (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel les parois latérales (12) sont dans une position mutuellement convergente.
6. Bâti de support (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel un troisième pli (P3) est intercalé entre chaque gerce (16) et la paroi supérieure
(11).
7. Bâti de support (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel chaque gerce est en forme de trapèze.
8. Bâti de support (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel le corps de métal en feuille (10) comprend au moins deux nervures de renforcement
(15), lesdites nervures (15) étant définies par des sections étirées obtenues dans
le corps de métal en feuille (10), lesdites nervures s'étendant le long de la paroi
supérieure (11), sur la partie centrale (12a) et vers les saillies de couplage (17).
9. Bâti de support (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les côtés latéraux (21)
du profilé métallique supérieur (2a) adhèrent aux parois latérales (12) de l'article
de raccordement (1).
10. Procédé pour fixer deux profilés métalliques (2a, 2b) grâce à un article de raccordement
d'un bâti de support (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, le procédé
comprenant les étapes suivantes :
faire chevaucher les deux profilés métalliques (2a, 2b) selon une forme de croix de
sorte que l'un des deux profilés métalliques (2a) ou le profilé métallique supérieur,
soit agencé au-dessus de l'autre des profilés métalliques (2b) ou du profilé métallique
inférieur ;
placer l'article de raccordement (1) à cheval sur le profilé métallique supérieur
(2a) de sorte que ledit profilé métallique supérieur (2a) soit partiellement reçu
à l'intérieur du boîtier (A),
incliner l'article de raccordement (1) de sorte que les parois latérales (12) de l'article
de raccordement (1) soient inclinées par rapport aux côtés latéraux (21) du profilé
métallique inférieur (2b),
insérer deux saillies de couplage (17) sous un bord (20) respectif d'un côté latéral
(21) du profilé métallique inférieur (2b) et appuyer les deux autres saillies de couplage
(17) sur le côté opposé d'un bord (20) respectif d'un côté latéral (21) du profilé
métallique inférieur (2b) ;
appliquer une pression sur la paroi supérieure (11) vers les profilés métalliques
(2a, 2b), jusqu'à ce que les deux autres saillies de couplage (17) s'appuyant sur
le bord (20) passent sur ledit bord (20) et se mettent en prise avec ledit bord (20)
et jusqu'à ce que le bord (20) du profilé métallique supérieur (2a) soit reçu dans
la niche (160) respective de l'article de raccordement et interfère avec la gerce
(16), caractérisé en ce que :
lorsque chacune des deux saillies de couplage (17) se met en prise avec un bord (20)
respectif du profilé métallique inférieur (2b), la paroi inférieure (22) du profilé
métallique supérieur (2a) se plie pour former une zone de cambrure (30), dans lequel
ladite zone de cambrure (30) appuie contre le profilé métallique (2b).
11. Profilé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel lorsque chacune des deux saillies de
couplage (17) se met en prise avec un bord (20) respectif du profilé métallique inférieur
(2b) et la paroi inférieure (22) du profilé métallique supérieur (2a) se plie, les
côtés latéraux (21) du profilé métallique supérieur (2a) sont forcés dans une position
convergente.