CN116981817A

CN116981817A - Device for tensioning fabric

Info

Publication number: CN116981817A
Application number: CN202180072263.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·拉波吉
Original assignee: Facade Textile International Co ltd
Current assignee: Facade Textile International Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-27
Filing date: 2021-08-19
Publication date: 2023-10-31
Also published as: FR3113688A1; FR3113688B1; WO2022043174A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1"') for tensioning a web material (3, 3', 3", 3"'), which is constructed to fit with a groove (9, 9') formed by two walls (13, 13'; 15), one wall (13, 13') being smooth, and the other wall (15) having at least one notch. The tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1"') includes at least one component (17, 17', 17", 17"') for maintaining the tensioned web (3, 3', 3", 3"') in the fixing bracket (11); The main body (5, 5', 5", 5"') and at least one blocking member (7, 7", 7"', 7""), the at least one blocking member having a free end that fits with the concave part of the groove (9, 9'). The main body (5, 5', 5", 5"') is equipped with a joint surface (29), which is configured to fit with the smooth walls (13, 13') of the groove (9, 9') to wedge the material (3, 3', 3", 3"') into the groove (9, 9'). At least one blocking member (7, 7", 7"', 7"") is installed to pivot around the axis of the main body (5, 5', 5", 5"') through a pivot joint, thereby occupying a fixed position and an unlocked position. The tensioning device also includes elastic elements (47) that push the blocking elements (7, 7", 7"', 7"") towards the fixed position.

Description

Device for tensioning fabric

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for tensioning fabric.

Background

There are many devices for securing stretch fabrics, particularly on the facade of a building. They generally comprise a polygonal holding support, made up of straight portions, each of which comprises a recess in which an insert can be fixed, the fabric being held clamped between the holding support and the insert. The insert is made of a plastic material based on an aluminium alloy or a composite material to have the elastic properties required for its insertion. Such a device is described in detail in patent EP1809913 in the name of the applicant. This document describes an insert with a specific profile which ensures an effective fixing of the fabric to its support.

According to another solution described in WO2009095200, the fastening device comprises a fixed bracket having at least one groove formed by two opposite walls, one of which is smooth and the other has a recess. The membrane is attached to the insert and is secured to the smooth wall of the groove by a stop of the insert. The insert itself is locked in the groove by means of a foot located opposite the stop and cooperating with the recess portion of the groove. Tension applied by the fabric to the edge of the insert causes the feet to press against the recess, thereby holding the insert in the locked position. However, due to its configuration, this solution does not allow easy insertion and removal of the insert from the support being held, in particular for replacement, substitution or maintenance of the fabric, making these operations exhaustive. Furthermore, the tensioning of the fabric creates very localized stress points that can tear the fabric, especially in the case of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene fabrics, and can damage the glass fibers that make up the PTFE fabric. This process also does not allow the implementation of technical tissue. Thin materials require saccharification at the periphery. Furthermore, it is complex to implement and must be handled by trained professionals.

Disclosure of Invention

Furthermore, the present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a device for tensioning a fabric which allows a quick mounting and dismounting operation of the fabric in a holding support and minimizes the risk of tearing the fabric during tensioning.

To this end, the object of the present invention is a device for tensioning a fabric, configured to cooperate with a groove formed by two walls facing a holding support, one wall of the groove being smooth and the other having at least one notch, the tensioning device comprising at least one holding member for holding the fabric in the holding member in an installed condition under tension, characterized in that the tensioning device comprises a body and at least one locking member having a free end for cooperation with the teeth of the holding member groove, the body being provided with a leading surface configured to cooperate with the smooth wall of the groove, thereby wedging the fabric in the groove, said at least one locking member being pivotally mounted on the body about an axis by a pivot hinge so as to be able to occupy: a holding position in which the free end of the locking member is remote from the body and engages with the recess portion of the slot, and a position in which the free end of the locking member is adjacent to the body and spaced from the recess portion of the slot in the installed condition, and which further includes a resilient member biasing the locking member towards the holding position.

The tensioning device can be conveniently moved into and out of the groove of the fixed support through the movable locking device of the tensioning device, so that the material can be conveniently installed and detached. Furthermore, the engagement surface of the tensioning device ensures a force distribution of the tensioning device on the fabric such that the material is clamped against the smooth wall of the groove. The surface thus allows avoiding material tearing, because the forces are distributed over the surface, and on the other hand a better grip of the material is ensured by increasing the contact surface.

During installation of the tensioning element according to the invention in a slot of a holding bracket, movement of the locking element from its holding position to another holding position will allow the device to move from one tooth of the recess area of one slot wall to another, thereby moving. Thus, the device can be moved toward the bottom of the tank to increase the tension of the fabric or moved back to increase the tension of the film.

The tensioning device may be removed for maintenance purposes or simply to release the tension of the fabric. The tensioner is held in place in the groove by a resilient member that holds the locking member in its holding position. Tensioning of the fabric causes a recoil force of the tensioner in the slot that will be applied to the retainer.

As a result of this recoil force, the contact area between the free end of the locking element and the opposing notch area acts as a ball joint which converts this force into a force which presses the leading surface against the material and wedges it into the smooth surface of the groove. Thus, the tighter the fabric, the stronger the recoil force, and the more the leading surface will wedge the fabric against the smooth walls of the slot.

This cycle of effort ensures that the fabric is held securely in the groove. This force circulation ensures that the fabric is well secured in the groove of the holder.

The elastic element may be a seal or a spring, in particular a seal. The spring or O-ring has two arms for attachment to the body and the locking member. The elastic member may be made of steel (spring) or silicone (O-ring). When the spring member is an O-ring, a part of the spring member of the O-ring rests on, for example, the holder and the opposite part is arranged in the holder but not fixed thereto. Alternatively, the elastic member may be attached to the main body and the holder.

Specifically, the surface area of the body is 3 to 70cm2. Such a size range allows ensuring a consequent clamping force and a significant distribution of the force of the fabric to protect the fabric.

The stretched fabric is made of a composite material. It may be made of fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). It may have a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. The fabric may be single or multi-layered.

The pivotal connection between the body and the holder is in particular a cylindrical connection. The cylinder connection is for example formed by a solid cylinder carried by the holder and a longitudinally open hollow cylinder carried by the body, or vice versa.

In particular, the locking member has a rotational displacement about the pivotal connection of 30 to 60 degrees, for example 45 degrees.

In the holding position, an axis passing through the free end of the blocking member and through the axis of rotation of the pivot joint is at an angle of 45 to 80 degrees to an axis passing through the axis of rotation of the pivot joint and perpendicular to the engagement surface.

The locking member may in particular be configured such that when the device is mounted in said slot, its free end is arranged beyond an axis of the smooth wall perpendicular to the axis of rotation through the pivot joint in the direction of the opening of the slot. In particular, the free end is arranged less than 5mm, in particular less than 3mm, or even less than 1 mm from the axis. The free end of the blocking member is arranged closest to an axis perpendicular to the smooth wall, which axis passes through the rotation axis of the pivot joint, which enables the travel of the fabric to be prolonged when the fabric is under tension, while ensuring a good wedging of the fabric between the attack surface and the smooth wall of the slot, and thus a greater tension capacity.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element comprises a retaining fin having the free end. In particular, the elastic member holds the holding fin against the main body, and in particular against the holding member. In particular, again, the blocking member comprises a stiffener which enables the blocking member to rest against the body according to an additional stop, the two stops of the blocking member being able to be arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. Such support of the blocking member makes it possible to enhance the pressure of the attack surface against the fabric by means of the above-mentioned pivoting movement of the blocking member. In particular, the two stops match the shape of the body in the holding position. In particular, the stiffener and the body are configured such that when the tensioner is installed in the groove, the abutment of the stiffener against the body is disposed substantially parallel to the smooth wall of the groove.

The retaining fin may have an arcuate shape at its free end. Alternatively, the free ends of the retaining fins are straight.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the body includes a planar tool base positioned perpendicular to the cutting surface and configured to be exposed at the slot opening. The sledgehammer is used to strike the bottom of a flat tool placed on a placement base, effectively driving the tensioner into the slot by the impact force of the sledgehammer or a calibrated leverage tool developed by the FTI.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the leading surface of the body is extended by a leading fin. The leading fin serves two functions. In one aspect, it allows for an increase in the leading surface of the body, thereby increasing the wedging force of that surface.

On the other hand, when the stop is present, it can protect the material from the impact of the flat tool, which can cause it to tear, the latter coming out of contact with the stop when following the impact of the mass.

For the leading edge, the tool tip rests on the leading edge and therefore does not leave the laying edge in the direction of the fabric. In particular, the mounting stop is arranged at the proximal end of the leading edge, i.e. at the bottom thereof.

In particular in the latter aspect, the body comprises guide fins arranged opposite the guide fins, the guide fins and the guide fins forming guides for the flat laying tool and being arranged on both sides of the laying stop. The guide fins have various functions. The guide fins guide the flat tool towards the placement stop and protect the holding device by preventing the flat tool from leaving the placement stop in the direction of the holding device when striking the mass. In particular, the guide flares towards the free ends of the leading fins, thereby helping to guide the flat tool towards the stop. In this aspect, the guide fin extends in a direction intersecting with the direction of the leading fin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the leading surface of the body and/or the leading fin has a notched portion. The notched portions ensure that the membrane is better wedged against the smooth wall of the groove. In particular, the rows of teeth of the serrated portion are configured to be directed towards the slot opening when the tensioner is arranged in the holder. Thus, when the web is tensioned and the device is back-flushed, the serrated portion holds the device against the web and provides better retention of the leading surface and/or leading fin against the fabric.

In particular, the notch portion corresponds to a rib formed in the leading surface and/or the leading fin. Thus, the teeth of the recess are at the same height as the leading surface but do not exceed the leading surface. This aspect allows the serrated portion to perform the above-described function while minimizing stress points that may be generated and improving the maintenance of film integrity.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stop comprises a release fin associated with the retention fin, the release fin being arranged opposite the retention fin and defining a guide for a flat installation tool. The release fin allows the flat tool to press on it and tilt the locking member from the holding position to the release position. This helps to remove the film. In particular, the guide widens towards the free ends of the holding fins, which facilitates the insertion of the flat tool into the guide.

In particular, the free distal portion of the release fin has a thickening which acts as a reinforcement to better resist the forces generated by the flat tool. The distal portion extends in particular parallel to the leading surface, or to the leading fins (if present), when the locking member is in the holding position, so that the flat tool is supported on the distal portion. Further, the proximal portion of the release fin may extend parallel to the guide fin of the body when the lock is in the release position. The guide fins thus act as stops for the release fins and limit their travel so that their contact defines the release position of the lock.

In addition, the mounting stops and release fins may be configured to interact with the same flat tool, which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the canvas.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tensioning device comprises a plurality of clamping elements carried by a single body, the axes of the pivot joints of which are coaxial. In this case, the body has an elongated shape and the surface area is correspondingly larger. This construction is particularly suitable for ethylene tetrafluoroethylene and fiberglass fabrics because the clamping force is distributed over a large area.

In particular, the tensioning device comprises two holders separated by an air gap of 15 to 30cm. Further, the length of the body is 20 to 40cm, for example 30cm. The two holders may be provided on both sides of the body, i.e. on each side of the body, or the body may extend on each side of the holders. The holder may extend along the entire length of the body, or it may be present only at the holder. When the holder extends over the entire length of the body, it is provided with a groove for inserting the elastic member, in particular when it is an O-ring.

In one embodiment, the pivot joint is arranged equidistant from the free end of the leading surface and the free end of the retainer. Thus, the pivot axes, which are equidistantly arranged from opposite ends of the body, allow a uniform pressure to be applied across the leading surface to wedge material into the groove.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the holder is integrally formed with the body.

Alternatively, a part of the holder is formed by the locking member and another part is formed by the body.

In one embodiment of the invention, the holder forms a receptacle configured to mate with the cylindrical member by a sliding pivot connection and define a space between the cylindrical member and the holder for receiving and clamping material or a flip cap attached to the material. Flip covers are also known in the art as wrapping strips (keys). Furthermore, such a holding system makes it possible to wedge the edges of the fabric and a portion of the fabric arranged further inside. In the second case, when the holding device is mounted in the slot, the edge of the fabric may be returned under the attack surface, so that the attack surface presses against the two layers of fabric corresponding to the aisle and presses when the fabric is returned from the holding member. This ensures that the fabric is better wedged in the groove.

In this aspect of the invention, there is a retaining system formed by a retaining member and a cylindrical member. This aspect of the invention is very interesting because it can significantly reduce breakage of fragile fabrics (e.g. glass fibre fabrics), as will be seen later. Furthermore, the fabric can be easily inserted into and removed from the holder, allowing adjustment thereof during assembly. The holder can be reused to secure a new fabric and avoids the need to discard the tension release device when changing fabrics as in the system of WO 2009095200.

The walls of the cylindrical member may be smooth or ribbed. The cylindrical member may be made of, for example, PVC or silicone. The cylindrical member may be a pin or a cylindrical ring. In particular, the cylindrical member has a length of 35 to 400mm and a diameter of 3 to 9 mm. When it is a pin, the cylindrical member has a length of, for example, 35 to 70mm, particularly 40 to 50 mm. When it is a cylindrical ring, the cylindrical member has a length of 200 to 400mm, in particular 300 to 350mm, or continuously around the periphery.

The cylindrical member may have a uniform diameter. Alternatively, the cylindrical member may have a diameter that tapers from the region of engagement with the rim of the housing towards its end to allow for easier insertion into the recess.

The cylindrical member may cooperate with one or more channels, particularly in the presence of multiple retainers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical member is longer than the holder receptacle so that it protrudes from both sides of the receptacle. This embodiment allows the length of the stretched material to be adjusted, with both ends of the cylindrical member being exposed from the housing as clamping members to rotate the pin in place in the housing about the sliding pivot link and, by extension, the material disposed in the space between the holder member and the cylindrical member about the cylindrical member. Thus, in one direction, rotation of the cylindrical member allows material to be drawn into the holding support, thereby reducing the length of material beyond the holding support, and vice versa. Thus, the length problems of the material can be handled at the installation site, either too long, and thus not stretched enough, or too short, and thus not stretched enough. For each case, the length of the material can be adjusted by simply rotating the holding means in the correct direction. This means that by releasing or restoring the material length, new constraints of measurement errors or accidents can be easily accommodated at the material installation site.

Alternatively, the length of the cylindrical member is configured to: once the cylindrical member is inserted into the recess, no portion comes out.

In particular, the cylindrical member has blisters (blister) arranged at two areas cooperating with the wall of the casing or at least one casing, and the groove or grooves have flares (flares) at its wall. This aspect makes it possible to limit or even prevent lateral movement of the cylindrical member in the housing and thus to better retain the cylindrical member in the retaining member.

The cylindrical member may be attached directly or indirectly to the material. In particular, when it is indirectly attached, a sleeve surrounding the cylindrical member is arranged in the space between the cylindrical member and the wall of the housing. The sleeve may simply be in contact with the cylindrical member or the cylindrical member may be directly or indirectly attached to the material. In particular, when indirectly attached, a sleeve surrounding the cylindrical member is arranged in the space between the cylindrical member and the wall of the receptacle. The sleeve may simply be in contact with the cylindrical member or it may be attached to the cylindrical member. The sleeve is intended to be secured to the material and allows the holder to better hold the material. In fact, the surface area for securing the sleeve to the material may be greater than the surface area for securing the material directly to the cylindrical member. In particular, the sleeve includes an extension to increase the attachment area with the material. The attachment of the sleeve to the cylindrical member and the attachment of the material to the sleeve may be achieved in particular by welding, gluing or stitching.

The receptacle may comprise a protrusion towards the holder. When the elastic member is an O-ring, the protrusion allows the elastic member to pass through. This position of the O-ring is also advantageous because it will be in contact with the material or sleeve and thus be involved in its retention in the holder.

The tensioning device may comprise two side channels formed in the body and a holder for the passage of the side edges of the elastic element in the form of an O-ring. In this way, the O-rings protrude little or no from each side of the tensioner and the space requirements of the latter are reduced. In particular, these channels open on one side into the gap between the retaining fin and the release fin and on the other side into the receptacle of the holder.

In particular, the holder is in the form of a clamp or a pair of clamps, surrounds the cylindrical member and defines an opening for the passage of the fabric into the space between the holder and the cylindrical member. The housing of the retaining member may have a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 3mm, in particular from 3 to 12mm.

When the retainer is in the form of a clip, it protrudes from the body and surrounds the cylindrical member. The receptacle for the holder has an opening for the passage of the fabric (or sleeve) which opens onto the leading surface of the body. The portion of the body connecting the leading surface and the holder may have a circular shape, possibly provided with a recess area. For example, the engagement portion has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 5mm, in particular from 5 to 12mm, in particular from 5 or 10mm. The housing of the holding member may also have a radius of curvature of greater than or equal to 5mm, in particular from 5 to 12mm, in particular from 5 or 10mm. In fact, if the radius of curvature is not considered and is too low (less than 5 mm), these fabrics are likely to break, which will greatly reduce their performance after stretching.

In one embodiment, the holder is formed by two clamps with the body protruding opposite each other. Alternatively, the locking member extends beyond the pivot joint to form one of the clamps and the other clamp is formed by the body.

The invention also envisages a holder comprising at least one groove formed by two opposite walls, one of which is smooth and the other has at least one recess, said at least one groove cooperating with a fabric tensioning device as described above.

The constrained support is in particular an aluminium profile.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises at least one guide rail and at least one anchor mounted by translation of its head for attaching the holder to the holder. The support may be a wall or a frame. In particular, the anchor is made of galvanized steel. In this case, the head of the anchor is covered by an insulating element, for example made of plastic. In particular, the anchor is a screw.

The invention also provides a spine element comprising a holding bracket as described above for attachment to a spine of a building, a fabric for screening out parts of the building and a fabric tensioning device as described above.

The invention also relates to a method for releasing a fabric from a constraint support as described above, in particular for replacing it, for replacing it or for performing maintenance, comprising the following steps: the free end of the blocking member is moved from the restrained position to an unlocked position in which the free end of the blocking member is closer to the body and further from the teeth of the slot in the installed state.

The invention finally contemplates a method of adjusting the tension of a fabric clamped in a holder, as described above, the retaining member of the fabric tensioning device forming a groove, the cylindrical member having a length longer than the length of the seat such that its ends protrude from the seat to form the retaining member.

A method of clamping a cylindrical member comprising the step of rotating the cylindrical member in a channel through an end thereof.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1a is an exploded view of an apparatus for tensioning fabric according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a fabric tensioning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted in a holder and tensioning a fabric.

Fig. 2 is a set of views (2 a to 2 c) showing the kinematic arrangement of the tensioning device in the holder according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a set of views (3 a to 3 c) showing the kinematics for releasing an energizing means fixed in a holding means according to a first mode of realisation.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a ridge to which a holding support according to the invention is attached, wherein two devices for tensioning a fabric according to the first and second modes of realization are mounted, each device tensioning the fabric.

Fig. 5a fig. 3a is a top view of a fabric tensioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5b fig. 3b is a top view of a web tensioning device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a fifth embodiment of the tensioning device (1 ").

Detailed Description

We will first refer to fig. 1a and 1b, which show a first implementation of a tensioning device 1 for a fabric 3 according to the present invention. This method is particularly suitable for PVC fabrics. The tensioner 1 comprises a body 5, and a locking member 7 is movably mounted on the body 5 by a pivot joint. The tensioner 1 is configured to be mounted in a slot 9 (visible in fig. 1 b) of a holding bracket 11. The groove 9 comprises a smooth wall 13 opposite the wall with the recess area 15.

The opening of the slot 9 is closed by a cover 51. For the remainder of the description, the front, rear, bottom and top of the de-tensioning device are defined relative to their position when installed in the slot of the holder. The front of the device or one of its components is turned towards the bottom of the slot and the rear is turned towards the slot opening. The top portion turns to a wall with a notched portion and the lower portion turns to a smooth wall.

The body 5 of the tension release device 1 has a front end carrying a holder 17, the holder 17 being in the form of two clamps 19 (upper and lower clamps) separated by a cylindrical channel 21. The recess 21 is configured to receive a cylindrical member 23 in the form of a pin. The side walls of the recess 21 are open and their lateral edges are flared outwardly to facilitate entry of the pin 23. The front of the receptacle has an opening for the passage of the fabric or a sleeve attached to the fabric. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1b, the fabric 3 is fixed to the sleeve 25. The sleeve 25 encases and attaches to the pin 23. The sleeve 25 also has an extension that extends into the front opening of the recess 21 and attaches to the fabric 3.

The pin 23 has a slot shape at each end to facilitate its penetration into the channel 21. In addition, the pin 23 is longer than the length of the passage 21, and has two blisters 27, the blisters 27 being provided at the flared portion of one side edge of the recess 21. This shape facilitates mounting of the membrane, as described above.

The lower surface of the body 5 forms a leading surface 29 for wedging the fabric 3 into the smooth wall 13. The leading surface 29 is provided with a recess allowing limiting the movement of the tensioner 1 relative to the fabric 3, thereby improving the retention of the smooth wall 13 by the fabric 3. The leading surface 29 extends from a fin at the rear end of the body.

At the bottom of the leading fin 31 there is a laying abutment 33 arranged perpendicular to the leading surface 29. The placement stop 33 is configured to be impacted by a flat placement tool, allowing the tensioner 1 to advance toward the bottom of the groove 9. Thus, the lower portion of the body is massive to withstand the impact of the flat tool. A guide fin 35 extends from the front of the body. The guide fin 35 extends in a direction opposite to that of the leading fin 31 so that the guide opens toward the rear of the main body 5. The guide fin 35 extends in a direction auxiliary to the direction of the leading fin 31 so that the guide extends to the rear of the main body 5.

The guide provides for better positioning of the flat tool and also better avoidance of damage to the fabric and locking means, as described above.

The blocking element 7 is connected to the body 5 by a cylindrical connection, for which purpose it carries a solid cylinder 37 at the front, which cooperates with a longitudinally open hollow cylinder 39 arranged in the region of the body 5. The hollow cylinder 39 is provided in the region of the solid portion of the main body 5 and equidistant from the rear end formed by the leading fin 31 and the front end formed by the lower clip 19.

By means of its pivot joint, the locking member 7 is movable between a holding position (visible in fig. 1 b) and a release position. As can be seen in fig. 1b, in the holding position the locking element 7 cooperates with the recess of the wall 15 of the slot 9 by its rear free end. More specifically, in this embodiment, the locking element 7 has a retaining fin 41 carrying said free end. The front surface of the locking member 7 has a stop 43 which in the holding position contacts a corresponding counter stop (not visible) at the body. The counter stop here represents the rear of the upper clamp.

By tilting the release means backwards, the blocking member is moved from the restraining position to the release position. This tilting allows the retaining fin to be released from the notch portion and the tension release device to be moved into the slot. The tensioning device may thus be moved towards the bottom of the tank to increase the tension of the fabric or moved back towards the opening of the tank to reduce the tension of the canvas. When the blocking member is brought into the retaining position, the retaining fins are locked back into the recess of the wall of the fabric. Moving the locking member to the holding position locks the holding fin back into the recess of the slot wall and locks the tensioner in its new position.

Opposite the retaining fins 41 are locking fins 45. Together, the holding fins 41 and the release fins 45 form a guide for the flat installation tool, the function of which is to tilt the release fins backwards. To this end, the free distal portion of the release fin 45 has an extra thickness as a reinforcement to better resist the forces generated by the flat tool. The distal portion extends parallel to the guide fins 31 when the lock 7 is in the holding position, so that the flat tool is supported on the distal portion. When the locking member 7 is in the release position, the proximal portion of the release fin 45 extends parallel to the guide fin 41 of the body 5. The guide fins 41 thus act as abutments for the release fins 45 and their contact defines the release position of the locking member 7.

The locking member 7 is held in its holding position by the elastic member 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient member 47 is an O-ring. As can be seen in fig. 1b, this O-ring 47 is arranged at its front in the housing 21 of the holder 17 and at its rear in a gap separating the holding fin 47 from the release fin. In this respect, the receptacle 21 has a bulge at its rear, so that the O-ring 47 does not encroach on the space allocated to the pin 23. The O-ring 47 is in contact with the sleeve 25 and thus helps to retain it between the clamps 19. The sides of the O-ring 47 are arranged in grooves 49 formed in the sides of the body 5 and the locking member 7, respectively. The elastic element 47 does not protrude beyond the lateral edges of the tensioning device 1, reducing the space requirements of the latter.

In order to better understand the utility of the tensioning device according to the invention for tensioning and releasing fabrics from the facade of a building, we will focus on fig. 2a to 2c and fig. 3a to 3c, which show the kinematics of setting the tensioning device according to the first mode of realization in the constraint support, and the kinematics of releasing from the same constraint support, respectively.

Fig. 2a shows the power plant 1 at the entrance of the slot 9 of the holding device 11. The tensioning device 1 is attached to the fabric 3 in a relaxed state. In the illustrated configuration, the fabric is attached at its opposite end and the purpose of the operation is to attach it in tension to the visible end in the holding bracket. In this starting position, the locking element 7 is in the holding position. A mass 52, in this case a hammer 52, is also visible, which hits the bottom of the flat installation tool 50 in order to push the tensioning device 1 towards the bottom of the groove 9. In fig. 2b, the tensioner 1 has advanced towards the bottom of the groove 9 due to the impact of the hammer 52 shown in fig. 2 a. It can be seen that the blocking member 7 is tilted to the release position by a change in position. In fact, as the tensioner 1 moves forward in the slot 9, the blocking member 7 itself tilts from the holding position to the release position with each pass of the teeth of the notched area of the slot wall 15. Then, between the two teeth, it returns to its holding position under the action of the elastic element 47. It can also be seen that the fabric 3 starts to tighten. Since the fabric 3 is not yet tensioned, the bottom of the flat laying tool 50 will continue to be struck until the fabric 3 is tensioned. In fig. 2c, the tensioning device 1 has reached the position in which the fabric 3 is tensioned, which is the same as shown in fig. 2 b. The tensioning device 1 is locked in this position by the locking member 7, the locking member 7 being in its holding position and its free end resting against the teeth of the toothed region of the wall 15 of the slot 9. As shown, the flat installation tool 50 can thus be removed from contact with the setting stop 33 without the risk of the tensioner 1 moving from its position.

We will then turn to fig. 3a, in which the tensioner 1 is in the same position as shown in fig. 2 c. The flat tool 50 is here placed against the release fin 45 of the locking member 7. In practice, it can be seen that the flat tool for release is the same as the tool for placement in fig. 2a to 2 c. To unlock the tensioner 1, pressure will be applied to the free ends of the release fins 45 in the direction of the smooth wall 13 of the slot 9. As a result of this pressure, the locking member 45 will tilt towards its unlocked position, as shown in fig. 3 b. Turning to this figure, it can be seen that the release fin 45 has abutted against the guide fin 35 of the body 5. The locking member 7 is held in this position due to the pressure applied by the flat tool 50 to the free ends of the release fins 45. If the installation tool ceases to exert this pressure, the locking member returns to its holding position under the influence of the elastic element. In this figure, the tensioning device 1 maintains its position in which the fabric 3 is stretched, since the blocking member 7 has changed position, but the flat tool 50 has not moved backwards. In fig. 3c, the flat tool 50 has been sprung back while maintaining the pressure on the free ends of the release fins 45. This immediately causes the effect of the recoil of the tensioner 1 in the direction in which the slot 9 opens, by the force exerted by the tension of the canvas. It can be seen that the fabric 3 appears to be loose. If the setting tool is continued to be retracted until the slot is open, the tensioner can be pulled out of the holder bracket. If the pressure stops on the release fin during the recoil stroke, the locking member will resume its unlocking position against the notch portion under the influence of the resilient member and block the tensioner in a new position where the canvas is not stretched. Thus, tension can be easily released from the fabric to adjust its length, particularly at the level of the opposite ends of the fabric. Thus, at the canvas laying site, by releasing the canvas tension on one side and restoring the tension on the other side, it is possible to easily accommodate a measurement error or a new unexpected constraint that has been generated in advance.

Turning now to fig. 4, fig. 4 shows a facade element 53 with a holding bracket 11' attached to the facade element 53. The holding bracket 11 'comprises two slots (9 and 9') arranged in an inverted "V" shape with respect to the front panel. The groove 9 contains a tensioning device 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. In the groove 9' is shown a tensioning device 1' for a fabric 3' of the second embodiment, which is particularly suitable for tensioning glass fibres, whether or not covered with a PTFE layer. In this second embodiment, the holder 17' is different from the holder of the first embodiment.

Here, only one clamp 19' extends from the top of the body 5', which encloses the pin 23'. The pins 23 'here have a larger diameter than in the first embodiment, due to the bending radius of the fabric 3' as described below. The clamp 19 'defines a receptacle, the opening for the fabric or sleeve (here sleeve 3') being arranged opposite the smooth wall 13', i.e. opposite the rear lower part of the tensioning device 1'. The toothed portion of the leading surface extends in front of the curved portion in the direction of the pin 23'. The opening of the receptacle for the holder 17 'faces the curved portion of the body 5'. In this embodiment, it is ensured that the fabric 3 'has a curvature with a radius of curvature of at most 10mm as much as possible, in order to prevent breakage of the glass fibers and to prevent impairment of the properties of the fabric 3'.

The two grooves 9 and 9' are separated at their respective openings by a cover 51 clamped in the holder 11. The holding bracket 11 is fixed to the front element 53 by means of an anchor 55, in this case a screw, the head of which is covered with an insulator 57. The insulator 57 is movably mounted in a guide rail 59 and the screw shaft 55 passes through the facade element 53 and is fixed to the facade element 53 by means of bolts 61.

Finally, we turn to fig. 5a and 5b, which show a third and fourth embodiment of the device for tensioning (1 ";1 '") the fabric (3 "; 3'") respectively, particularly for ethylene tetrafluoroethylene and fiberglass fabrics. In both embodiments, the body (5 ";" ') 5' ") has a larger contact surface than in the first and second embodiments to achieve a more uniform contact force of the contact surface on the fabric. These tensioning devices are arranged in particular in the grooves holding the support when the fabric is tensioned, so that the contact force is completely uniform. In both embodiments, the leading fin (31 ";31 ') and trailing fins (35'; 35 '") is continuous along the entire length of the body (5 "; 5'"). The body (5 '; 5' ") with two locking elements (7"; 7' ") which are separated by an air gap as described for the first embodiment. Holder (17 '; 17') with a cylindrical ring (23 '; 23') which pass through the receptacles of the two holders (17 '; 17') and are held there. The pivot joints of the holders (17 '; 17') are coaxial with each other. Fabric (3 ";3 '") is directly attached to the cylindrical ring (23 "; 23'").

In the third embodiment, two locking pieces 7 "are arranged at the side edges thereof on both sides of the main body 5". In this embodiment, the holder 17″ has two clamps 19″ as in the first embodiment. Here, however, the lower clamp 19 "is continuous along the entire length of the body 5", whereas the upper clamp 19 "is present only opposite the blocking member 7.

In the fourth embodiment, the two locking pieces 7 '"are separated by an air gap but are not arranged at the side edges of the main body 5'". As in the first embodiment, the holder 17 '"also has two clamps 19'". The upper and lower clamps 19 '"extend on both sides of the main body 5'". 19' "the lower clamp 19 '" is continuous and the upper clamp 19' "has four slots 63 each provided at a side of the locking member 7 '" to allow for the insertion of an O-ring at each locking member 7' ".

Finally, we turn to fig. 6, which depicts a fifth embodiment of a fabric tensioning device (1') particularly suited for use with tetrafluoroethylene and fiberglass fabrics. This implementation corresponds to the second embodiment except for the blocking member. The locking element 7 "of the depicted embodiment comprises an air inlet reinforcement 65, the top of which is located in the clamp 19' in the restrained position. Thus, in the restrained position, the lock presses down on the extrusion nozzle guard and the top nozzle guard 19'. By its orientation, supporting this upper layer of defence work can strengthen the attack surface support on the grid. The blocking member is held in the constrained position by the resilient member 47. Furthermore, it can be seen that the 4L restraining wings of the locking element 7 "are here shorter than in the other embodiments. Thus, the free end of the 4L clamping wing is closer to the axis perpendicular to the clamping wing direction and passes through the rotation axis of the clamping member 7'. This particular arrangement helps to lengthen the travel of the fabric when energized while ensuring that the fabric remains well wedged between the attack surface and the smooth slit wall, thereby increasing the tensioning capacity.

Claims

1. Device for tensioning a fabric (1, 1', 1", 1'") fabric (3, 3', 3", 3'") configured to cooperate with a groove (9, 9 ') formed by two walls (13, 13'; 15) facing a holding bracket (11), one wall (13, 13'; 15) of the groove (9, 9') being smooth, while the other wall (15) has at least a notched portion, the tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1'") comprising at least one retaining member (17, 17', 17", 17'") for retaining the fabric (3, 3', 3", 3'") in the holding bracket (11) in a mounted state in the tensioned state (1, 1', 1", 1'"), characterized in that the tensioning device comprises a body (5, 5', 5", 5'") and at least one blocking member (7, 7", 7 '") having a surface (9', 9", 3', 3", 9' ") configured to cooperate with the leading surface (9 ', 3", 9' ") of the groove (9, 5', 9'") so as to wedge the free end of the groove (9, 3', 3", 3'") into engagement with the surface (9, 9 '") of the groove (9, 3'") in the mounted state 7 '") is pivotally mounted on said body (5, 5', 5", 5 '") by means of a pivot joint, so as to be able to assume a holding position and an unlocking position, wherein in the holding position, the free ends of the locking elements (7, 7') extend from the body (5, 5 '; 5', 5 ') are moved apart and cooperate with the recess portions of said grooves (9, 9'), and a release position in which the free end of the locking element (7, 7 ') is removed from the groove (9, 9'),

in the unlocked position of the device, the device is in the locked position, said locking means (7, 7";7 ') is adjacent to the body (5, 5', a free end 5 '") and away from the recess portion of the groove (9, 9') in the mounted state,

and the tensioning device (1, 1 ') further comprises an elastic element (47), for pushing the locking element (7, 7') into a restraining position.

2. The tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1 '") according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one locking piece (7, 7", 7 '") comprises a retaining fin (41) having said free end.

3. Tensioner (1, 1', 1", 1 '") according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said body (5, 5', 5", 5 '") comprises a mounting stop (33) for a flat tool (50) arranged perpendicular to said leading surface (29) and configured to be exposed at a notch (9, 9 ').

4. A tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1 '") according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the leading surface (29) of the body (5, 5', 5", 5 '") is extended by a leading fin (31, 31", 31 '").

5. Tensioner (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said body (5, 5', 5", 5'") comprises guide fins (35, 35", 35 '") positioned opposite to the guide fins (31, 31", 31'"), said guide fins (31, 31", 31 '") and said guide fins (35, 35", 35'") constituting guides of said flat tool (50) and being arranged on both sides of said stop (33).

6. The tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1 '") according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the leading surface (29) and/or leading fin (31, 31", 31 '") of the body (5, 5', 5", 5 '") is notched.

7. The tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1 '") according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said blocking member (7, 7", 7 '") comprises a release fin (45) associated with said holding fin (41), said release fin (45) being arranged opposite said holding fin (41) and jointly defining a guide for a flat tool (50).

8. The energizing device (1, 1', 1", 1 '") according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tensioning device comprises several locking elements (7, 7", 7 '") carried by a single body (5, 5', 5", 5 '") and whose pivot joint axes are coaxial.

9. Tensioner (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pivot joint is arranged equidistantly at the free end of the leading surface (29) and the free end of the holder (17, 17', 17", 17'").

10. Fabric tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said retaining element (17, 17', 17", 17'") is made in one piece with said body (5).

11. Tensioner (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the holder (17, 17', 17", 17'") forms a housing configured to cooperate with a cylindrical member (23, 23', 23", 23'"), the cylindrical member (23, 23', 23", 23'") and the holder (17, 17', 17", 17'") being connected to each other by a sliding pivot connection and defining a space between them for receiving and wedging the fabric (3, 3', 3", 3'") or a sleeve (25) attached to the fabric (3, 3', 3", 3'").

12. Tensioner (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 11, characterized in that said retaining member (17, 17', 17", 17'") is in the form of a clamp (19, 19', 19", 19'") or a pair of clamps (19, 19', 19", 19'") surrounding said cylindrical member and defining an opening for the passage of said fabric (3, 3', 3", 3'") to the cylindrical member and the space between said cylindrical member (17, 17', 17", 17'") and cylindrical member.

13. Tensioner (1 "") according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking element (7 "") comprises a reinforcement element (65) which abuts the upper surface of the jaw (19') in the holding position.

14. Holder (11) comprising at least one groove (9, 9 ') formed by two opposite walls (13, 15), one (13, 13 ') of the walls (13, 15) being smooth, while the other wall (15) has a notch at hand, the notch having a groove (9, 9 ') at hand, cooperating with an energizing device (1, 1', 1", 1 '") according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Facade element (53) comprising a holding bracket (11) according to claim 13, intended to be fixed to a facade of a building, a fabric (3, 3', 3", 3'") intended to conceal a part of the building, and a tensioning device (1, 1', 1", 1'") for the fabric (3, 3', 3", 3'") according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. Method for releasing a fabric (3, 3', 3", 3 '") from a holding bracket (11) as described above, in particular for replacing it, for replacing it or for performing maintenance, comprising a moving step of the free end of the locking element (7, 7", 7 '") from a holding position to a releasing position in which the free end of the locking element (7, 7", 7 '") is in the mounted state close to the body (5, 5', 5", 5 '") and away from the recess of the groove (9, 9 ').