CA3209329A1 - Fastening arrangement for facade elements - Google Patents

Abstract

Fastening arrangement or device (10) for facade elements (2), in particular glass facades of buildings, having a metal frame (1) and having an L-shaped retaining element (5) which engages the facade elements (2) toward the outside, is made of a thermal-conduction-reducing material and is fastened releasably on the metal frame (1) by fastening means (11), wherein the metal frame (1) is formed with at least one hollow chamber (14) and comprises a facade retaining portion (12) and a supporting portion (13) which from the facade element (2) is oriented inward from a facade outside substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the facade elements (2), wherein, at the supporting portion (13), a beam module (4) is provided which is made of non-metallic material and is mounted by a form fit at at least two fastening points (7, 8) provided at a distance from one another, the beam module extending continuously along the entire length of the respective metal frame (1) and being coupled with the metal frame (1) on an inside of the facade element (2) such that, in the installed state of the fastening device (10), the beam module is statically effective as a result of the form fit, for increasing the bending stiffness and the torsional stiffness of the fastening device (10).

Description

Fastening arrangement for facade elements The present invention relates to a fastening arrangement or device for facade elements, in particular for glass facades of buildings, which are to be fastened at a frame structure or at a shell structure of the building. The invention relates in particular to such fastening devices for facade elements which are provided with a metal frame or supporting elements, which can be assembled as a kind of prefabricated product together with the plate-shaped facade elements, glass panels, metal sheets or the like at the buildings by means of fastening means corresponding to the manufacture of the building facade.
Such fastening devices are used in particular for the assembly of prefabricated glass facade parts. On the other hand, such fastening devices are also used for the assembly of other facade elements of buildings, in order to realize the respective facade elements at the shell structure or at a prefabricated frame structure of the building for extensively closing the weather side as an outer shell of the building.
Hereby, there are problems to the effect that for one thing the glass facades or other facade elements must be sufficiently securely and stably fastened at the building. For another thing, due to the relatively large surfaces of the glass facade elements, the fastening devices must have sufficiently high strength values with regard to the bending stiffness and stability even in the case of strong wind forces or the like, in order to fulfil the statics requirements for such building structures. Another problem of such fastening devices for facade elements up to now consists in that, at the places of the frame parts usually made of aluminium profiles, the fastening devices represent direct cold bridges in the structure of the facades. Even when high-grade insulated glass surfaces with for example triple glazing are used, it is the case that the fastening devices, due to the metallic frame parts required for the stability, locally increase the heat transfers between the outside of the facade and an inside of the building.
To address this problem, in the past fastening devices for facade elements were proposed, in which a metal frame or metallic profile element was used as basic element of the fastening device, and which are provided with a substantially L-shaped retaining element with reduced thermal conductivity, which engages or overlaps the outside of the facade parts, like for example glass surfaces, as is disclosed for example in EP 2 438 248 B1.
This construction has proved effective for the assembly and thermal insulation of such glass facades of buildings. However, because there are increasingly stricter regulations with regard to energy efficiency and the political requirements regarding the environment as to thermal insulation characteristics and CO2-saving measures for such facades of buildings, there is a given need for a further improvement in the insulating characteristics, the corresponding thermal insulation values, and the use of CO2-neutral materials, in the case of such facade fastening devices. Moreover, in such fastening devices known up to now, it is a disadvantage that the application possibilities are comparatively limited in particular in the case of an inside construction of the building with such facades, as the inward-projecting metal frames form the inside space of the building at these areas or have to be clad with extra inside frame parts, if an alternative to the usual powder coatings is desired as surface finish.
With this in mind, it is the object of the present invention to provide a fastening device for such facade elements, in particular glass facades of buildings, by means of which high energy materials (for example aluminium) can be replaced by or completed with low-energy and CO2-neutral materials in accordance with the aim of protecting the environment (for example wood) and nevertheless the statics requirements with regard to the bending stiffness and strength of such facade fastenings are fulfilled.
For another thing, with the fastening device according to the invention, a fastening device is to be provided which is optimized with regard to environmental aspects and sustainability, which allows a cost-efficient manufacture and simple assembly at the building site.
This object is solved by a fastening device with the features of claim 1 and claim 15.
Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

- 2 -According to the invention as it is defined in claim 1, a fastening arrangement or device for facade elements is proposed, with a metal frame, with a substantially L-shaped retaining element made of a thermal-conduction-reducing material, which engages the facade elements toward the outside and which is releasably fixed at the metal frame by means of fastening means, wherein the metal frame is formed with at least one hollow chamber and comprises a facade retaining portion and a supporting portion which, from a facade outside, faces inward from the facade element substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the facade elements, wherein the fastening device is characterized in that, at the supporting portion of the metal frame, a beam module is provided which is made of non-metallic material and is mounted by a form fit at at least two fastening points provided at a distance from one another, the beam module extending continuously along the entire length of the respective metal frame or metal frame part and being coupled with the metal frame on an inside of the facade element in such a way that, in the installed state of the fastening device, the beam module is statically effective by means of the form fit, for increasing the bending stiffness and the torsional stiffness of the fastening device. The metal frame according to the fastening device of the invention is therefore not a merely metal frame anymore, but instead, at the supporting portion provided on the inside of the facade, it has a beam module formed from a second material, a non-metallic material like, for example, wood, synthetic material or the like, which is formed and constructed for the supporting function, statics and stability of the fastening device and therefore of the facade as a whole.
The fastening device is therefore provided with a non-metallic beam module at the inside of the facade element which is fixed with the supporting portion of the metal frame by means of a form fit such that it itself is incorporated in the structure in a way that is effective for the statics. The beam module which can for example be a wood beam is mounted by means of a simple form fit at the at least two fixing points of the metal frame. The mounting is hereby such that the at least two fixing points are provided at a distance from one another so that with the beam module the stiffness and in particular bending stiffness of the frame part of the fastening device is considerably increased, in order to obtain a required entire bending stiffness of the facade fastening which is prescribed for such facade elements, together with the metal part of the supporting portion of the metal frame. The form-fitting kind of

- 3 -connection hereby takes into consideration the specific characteristics of the individual materials and, at the same time, in cooperation leads to a statically effective combination effect by means of which the project requirements with regard to the bending and tensile strengths of such facade fastenings can be fulfilled. The different materials within the structure are specifically inserted and arranged in each case according to the functional suitability with regard to the environmentally relevant stresses due to weathering influences. The long-term suitability for use resulting therefrom leads in turn to an extremely effective sustainability of the fastening device as, even at the end of the phase of use, the structure can be disassembled into its individual parts, recycled or re-used without great effort. The most different aesthetic aspects in respect of the surface finish/design of the combinations of materials and ecological and economic requirements can be fulfilled with the fastening device according to the invention.
As the additional beam module mounted by form-fit at the fastening device consists of a non-metallic material, in this way the thermal insulation value of the fastening device is clearly improved compared to purely metallic fastening devices of this kind.
With a non-metallic material with a clearly lower thermal coefficient of conductivity like wood, synthetic material or other such materials, the whole thermal insulation characteristic at the critical areas, known as cold bridges, of the frame parts of such facade fastenings can be further optimized. Considerably better insulating properties of the thermal insulation can be obtained, which play a role in particular in the case of highly insulated multiple glazings. In this way, the energy efficiency and the thermal insulating characteristic of the building are further considerably improved by means of the invention. Furthermore, by means of the form fit, the fastening device according to the invention can be realized relatively easily, by means of providing for example the beam module and corresponding counter fastening points at the metal frame with correspondingly shaped grooves or recesses, so that by means of a mere form fit without the necessity of additional fastening methods like bonding, threaded connection etc. a secure and statically effective connection of the elements, namely of the beam module and of the metal frame of the fastening device, is obtained.
Furthermore, in determined application variants, besides the mere form fit further fastening means for the beam module at the metal frame can additionally be provided.

- 4 -The fastening device according to the invention also has clear advantages with regard to fire safety specifications. By means of the hybrid design, more easily combustible elements like the beam modules made of wood can be positioned completely inwards from the outside, and one can also use only metallic elements in the connection places to the building ceilings. Therefore, at the transition between the storeys, which is critical for fire, no materials are necessary which are dangerous in this regard, like wood or synthetic material.
The manufacture of the facade fastening is therefore considerably simplified.
Also, a recycling or a dismounting of the devices is easily possible according to the invention.
The beam modules can simply be separated again from the metal frame. Not least, with the device according to the invention it is also possible to obtain an improved sustainability due to the CO2-neutrality of, for example, wood materials. The respective materials can be disassembled, unmixed again, in the recycling, without it coming to problems with the disposal of such building materials.
Also, with the fastening device according to the invention the design possibilities, the multiplicity of variants and the variability in the structure of the inside of such facades can be considerably improved: for example, different materials and shapes of beam modules can be used according to the requirements of the respective building structure. One is not limited anymore to the purely metallic inside profiles, substantially made of aluminium, of such frame parts of fastening devices.
Nevertheless, the device according to the invention provides a good and thermally highly insulated sealing of the weather side inwards with an improved thermal insulation altogether for the whole building at the usually critical places of the frame parts as cold bridges.
Furthermore, the invention makes it possible for the beam modules to be used in different kinds and shapes, as well as size and dimensions without complex changes, so that a large variability in the structure of the fastening devices for facade elements is given. Different shapes, sizes or materials can therefore be easily used, without the basic way of building and therefore the actual manufacturing process of the fastening device and the assembly by means of the form fit having to be complexly changed.

- 5 -With the fastening device thus proposed according to the invention, a beam module, that is, an element substantially consisting of a solid material like for example a wood beam or a beam made of another non-metallic material, is provided, which, by means of the form fit with the supporting portion of the metal frame, in the assembled state is fixedly connected at at least two points with the fastening device and its metallic component parts. In this way, the beam module functions as a statically co-supporting part in addition to the supporting metal frame, which therefore does not need to have such a strongly distinct structure and shape. Therefore, relatively delicate facades can be realized. The fastening device nevertheless has a sufficiently high bending stiffness and is provided with material properties considerably improved with regard to thermal insulation by means of the non-metallic beam module.
The at least two fastening points for the beam module at the supporting portion of the metal frame are preferably provided in a portion lying parallel to the facade surface and a portion of the metal frame projecting perpendicular thereto towards the inside of the facade. By means of such a crossed-over arrangement of the fastening points, an even better stiffness of the entirety of the facade fastening is obtained.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the supporting portion of the metal frame has a substantially L-shape in cross section, corresponding to a shape and width of the beam module for accordingly-shaped receiving at the metal frame. Thus the beam module abuts in a flat manner in at least two planes at the side areas of the supporting portion of the fastening device so that an even better statically effective connection is obtained for increasing the stability of the structure at the connection points of the facade elements in two directions, namely on the one hand in the direction of the plane of the facade element and on the other hand transverse to the direction of the facade element. In this way, a high bending stiffness and torsional strength of the fastening device is obtained with the solution according to the invention. With the supporting and flat abutting of the beam module at the L-shaped portion quasi in two planes inwards and laterally in the direction of the plane of the facade element, due to the form fit and only by means of the simple mounting of the beam module on the fastening points, an increased stability of the whole structure is obtained with at the same time very good thermal insulation properties. The L-shape

- 6 -thereby does not have to be an exact L-shape and can vary corresponding to the shapes of the respective beam module, which is mounted at the fastening points: the respective width and lateral area of the beam module can thereby be taken into consideration such that a complete covering inwards into the inside is obtained by the beam module. By means of the flat abutment in at least two planes, preferably also in a quasi S-shape in a plurality of planes, in this way a considerably increased stability and bending stiffness of the fastening device at the facade elements can be obtained.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam module is provided with accordingly-shaped recesses or grooves corresponding to a shape of retaining ridges or fixing projections of the fastening points at the metal frame and at the supporting portion of the metal frame for sliding on or mounting of the beam module. The recesses or grooves, which can easily be incorporated for example in a wood beam by milling, are substantially provided along the whole longitudinal extension of the respective beam module and in a shape corresponding to respective retaining ridges or fixing projections of the projections or fastening points at the metal frame. Therefore, by simple sliding on of the beam module, a form-fitting mounting of the modules, flush with the adjacent areas, at the supporting portion of the metal frame can take place. The production is thus relatively simple and not very cost-intensive and can also easily be prefabricated in a fabrication process away from the installation site. Not least, a re-use of the individual elements for a recycling is well possible, as the unmixed disposal of different materials is made possible by means of simple removal of the beam module from the metallic frame parts.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam module has substantially an L-shape in cross section with an L-leg overlapping the metal frame at the facade inside. In this way, the beam module can overlap the metal frames completely towards the inside of the facade (building inside) on a plurality of planes and in a plurality of directions. Therefore the metallic basic structure of the fastening device is not necessarily visible from the inside anymore. The overlap with the beam modules further has the advantage that the abutting surfaces are provided quasi on a plurality of planes and in a plurality of directions vertically and longitudinally to the facade plane between the beam module and the metal frame, which in turn increases the stiffness, bending stiffness and torsional strength of the

- 7 -assembled fastening device. The fastening device is therefore even more stable than before despite the considerably improved values with regard to thermal insulation, sustainability (CO2-neutrality) and the possibility of recycling of the individual, unmixed elements.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam module is a wood beam or a beam made of a wood material, in particular a wood composite material. The beam module can therefore advantageously be formed from a wood beam, for example of solid wood, or of a material realized from wood layers or sawdust, like for example chipboards, MDF or the like. The beam module can likewise be a wood composite material, for which a plurality of wood layers or wooden slats are bonded together with one another in order to guarantee the longevity of the beam module. Also, wood materials with for example synthetic material parts can be used as composite material. A beam module formed in this way has the advantages of a wood composite, in particular of a considerably improved thermal insulation value, sustainability in the manufacture, easy processability for the manufacture of the composite with the metal frame and a lightness altogether in comparison to other materials like for example metallic materials. The use of different kinds of materials like for example wood for the beam module further has the advantage that with regard to the design of the inside further possibilities and freedoms in the structure are provided. Also, in this way, different spaces with differently designed fastening devices and differently formed beam modules can easily be realized, as by means of simple mounting of the beam modules an exchange of individual elements can be accomplished in a problem-free way. Therefore a complete module structure for the facade assembly is provided.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam module is at a distance from a weather-side seal of the fastening device toward the outside of the facade. In this way, it is guaranteed that the beam module does not come into direct contact from the outside with the influences of the weather like moisture, cold or heat. The outside of the facade and of the fastening device for the facade is realized substantially by means of weather-uncritical parts, namely the facade retaining element, an L-shaped retaining element made of synthetic material and reduced in thermal conductivity, and the glass elements themselves as facade elements.
The

- 8 -statically effective beam module itself, which can be a wood module, is however arranged at a distance from the seal outwardly between these elements and the inside of the building, so that no disadvantageous adverse effects by means of damp, moisture, or weather conditions can arise here at the beam module.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam module is arranged by means of a portion in the form of a hollow chamber of the metal frame at a distance from the facade element itself. This has the advantage that condensation water possibly arising at the inside, often at the edge of such window facades, cannot penetrate through to the beam module. The beam module is therefore securely protected from a wetting or damp formation and thus damage at these critical areas for the thermal insulation of glass facades.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam module is arranged substantially directly adjacent to the facade element or to a seal of the facade element. With such an embodiment, the structure of the metal frame can be completely overlapped towards the inside by the beam module. In this way, larger statically effective areas of the form-fitting connection between facade element and the beam module result, and to be precise in a plurality of planes. In this way, the stability and bending stiffness of the whole fastening device is further increased.
Furthermore, in this way at the inside merely the beam module itself is recognizable as a visual element, and the structure of the metal frame positioned thereunder is completely covered by the beam module. The choice of material for an inside construction is thereby increased.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the fastening points, serving for the form fit, of the fastening device is realized in the form of a dovetail connection. The dovetail connection can be realized for example in the form that there is a projection ridge, broadened conically outwards, in the supporting portion of the metal frame and that a corresponding groove broadened conically inwards is milled into the beam module. In this way, the beam module can be fixed simply by mounting, and by means of such a fastening point in the form of a dovetail connection a fixing is obtained not only in one direction (vertical to the plane of the facade element), but quasi in two directions, namely also in a direction parallel to the

- 9 -plane of the facade element. The dovetail connection therefore increases the stability of the connection and the stability of the fastening device altogether with regard to the bending stiffness, which is an essential point for such facade elements.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the fastening points serving for the form fit is realised in the form of a tongue and groove joint. This form of a connection for the form fit between the beam module and the metal frame has the advantage that by means of simple milling-in of a linear groove along the whole longitudinal extension of the beam module and by the providing of a simple projecting linear ridge at the supporting portion of the metal frame, a secure plug connection by mounting or inserting is obtained. The form fit can thus be guaranteed with relatively simple means. The two fastening points can also have alternative embodiments with regard to a form fit, as long as they allow a form-fitting connection and fixing for increasing the bending stiffness. It is for example also possible, instead of a dovetail connection, to realize a tongue and groove connection arranged on two sides. On the other hand, it is also possible to realize other forms of the connection which allow a firm fixing of the beam module. For example, ridges extending inclined to a longitudinal direction of the supporting portion and corresponding grooves extending inclined in the beam module are also imaginable, in order to obtain a support in two directions without requiring conical forms (dovetail).
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the facade element comprises a multiple glass insulation glazing with at least two, preferably three glass panels. The insulation effect of the facade elements is thereby further increased. Together with the high thermal insulation characteristic of the glazing, the fastening device for the facade element altogether has an improved thermal insulation value so that, in particular in the critical corner areas of the frame parts which due to the metal have a normally lower temperature than the synthetic material parts or seals, it does not come to critical areas with moisture, condensation water etc. Also, instead of a multiple insulation glazing, the facade element can comprise other elements which can be mounted at facades, for example metal or stone plates, individual elements, or the like. Also in the case of such elements, the fastening device according to the invention has the advantage that due to the beam module at the inside of the fastening device it has a clearly better thermal insulation value than

- 10 -conventional other fastening devices of this kind with a frame structure made of substantially metallic elements.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the L-shaped retaining element at the outside of the fastening device consists of a synthetic material or of a synthetic composite material and is releasably fastened at the metal frame by means of retractable or sunken threaded connections in the inside of the retaining element. With this, the construction and the assembly of the fastening devices and facade elements are considerably facilitated. The facade elements can be prefabricated in a factory together with the beam module, the metal frame and the facade element (glazing) and then, on site, easily fixed by means of the retaining elements. In this way a completely automatized prefabrication is realized, which leads to considerably lower costs than a construction of the individual elements, supporting elements, facade elements, sealing elements and retaining elements etc. on-site.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, seals are provided at the beam module or at the supporting portion of the metal frame, sealing toward the inside of the fastening device. The seals prevent on the one hand the penetration of dust, moisture or the like. On the other hand, the seals allow the supporting and absorbing of vibrations of movements between the individual elements of the fastening devices on the inside, in particular in cooperation with the beam module.
They also prevent a penetration of cold into the inside of the building.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, between the metal frame and the facade element, retaining elements made of metal or a spring steel are provided, which have a first leg for engaging the facade element at its front end or outside and a second leg for being in engagement with or for abutting at the supporting portion of the metal frame. The retaining elements formed in this way provide an absorbing and securing of the fastening device at the facade elements.
Thus the sometimes very high forces of pressure, lateral forces and movements of the individual elements of a facade of the building are absorbed and effectively cushioned by means of the elasticity of the retaining elements. In this way, the fastening device has an even more secure strength, a high stability and bending stiffness and nevertheless a best possible cushioning of occurring forces and

-11 -movements of the structural elements. The retaining elements are a kind of statically effective joining member of the facade element to the retaining structure. By means of the mechanical securing improved in this way, the prevention of falling down of the glass panels is guaranteed.
The invention is likewise aimed at a fastening device for facade elements according to claim 15. The fastening device, which serves in particular for an assembly and fixing of glass facades at buildings, has a metal frame and an L-shaped retaining element, which engages the facade elements, for example the window panes, at the outside, wherein the metal frame is provided with at least one hollow chamber and a facade retaining portion and a supporting portion facing inward from a facade exterior, away from the facade element and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the facade elements, wherein the fastening device is characterized in that, at the supporting portion, at the inside a beam module or a cover profile is provided, which is made of at least partly non-metallic material, is mounted by form fit at at least two fastening points provided at a distance from one another, extends along the length of the respective metal frame at least section-wise, and is coupled with the metal frame on an inside of the facade element such that it is statically effective in the installed state of the fastening device by means of the form fit or of the fixing at the at least two fastening points, for increasing the bending stiffness and the torsional stiffness of the fastening device. In this way, different kinds and forms of elements at the supporting portion of the metal frame of the fastening device can be mounted in a modular way by form fit at the two fastening points without additional fastening means.
Combinations of non-metallic beam modules, for example wood beams, together with metallic or non-metallic hollow profiles or cover profiles likewise mounted at the same metal frame, can also be provided. In this way, the individual fastening devices can be easily and individually adapted according to requirement corresponding to the respective structural conditions. A supporting function and increase in the static stability is nevertheless guaranteed by means of the combination of the individual parts. The metal frames forming the basic structure are directly connected at the two fastening points spaced apart from one another by means of form fit with connection elements like beam modules, profiles or the like, so that an increase in the bending stiffness and torsional strength is also given for such a combined application of different materials for the beam modules, the cover profiles etc.

- 12 -For example, in this way also at a central metal frame of a fastening device according to the invention, on the one side a beam module consisting of a wood beam can be mounted by means of the two fastening points by means of form fit connections, while on the opposite second side, a cover profile formed from aluminium profile is mounted, by means of one and the same fastening points and fastening means.
According to the invention, in this way a very high modularity and variability in the application possibilities is given. The different individual component parts can also be changed and re-built on site according to requirement. The modular construction likewise allows individual elements to be easily repaired after damage caused, or to be easily changed after a conversion. With such a modular embodiment of the fastening device also possible combined, the possibilities for use are considerably increased. A high stability in relation to forces attacking the facade and static strength is nevertheless guaranteed at all times, even with different material shapes or kinds of beams and cover profiles.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at the supporting portion of the metal frame of the fastening device, screw channels are provided at in each case determined same positions and in identical shape for the flexible and modular bracketing and receiving of beam modules, cover profiles, fixing elements or end profiles. In this way, the end profiles and the beam modules can be easily fixed and mounted without any difference at respective screw channels at the metal frame of the fastening device. It is not required that different metal frames or extra fixing means like threaded connections be used according to whether beam modules, aluminium cover profiles or connection profiles for further connection elements or technical means are to be provided at the corresponding insides of the fastening devices. As end profiles, for example profiles which are used for receiving lighting means like for example LED strips etc. or other technical functional elements, can be inserted into the screw channels. On the other hand, with cover profiles at the building inside, which are inserted into the screw channels and fixed there for example by form-fitting, simple cover strips or decorative strips can also be used at the inside (front end) of the respective fastening devices in the buildings. Not least, with the screw channels provided in this way to identical shape and at identical positions, also different kinds of beam modules, profile covers etc. can be securely fixed at the same

- 13 -fastening points and by means of the screw channels. The screw channels have the advantage that for example by means of simple projecting ridges at the elements, the elements can be mounted and, by means of the multiple point fixing according to the invention or by means of additional clips or flexible seals etc., can be securely fixed there.
According to the invention, the screw channels are provided at the respective metal frames at corresponding heights for example in same planes in relation to the plane of the facade elements. Furthermore, the screw channels according to the invention are advantageously formed in same embodiments, in particular inside dimensions and the receiving areas. Not least, the screw channels according to the invention are preferably provided in the same orientation. For example, at a free end at an inside of the metal frames, screw channels are provided which either face inwards or toward one another, that is, quasi laterally and parallel to the plane of the facade elements.
With similar embodiment or identical embodiment of the screw channels in this way a high variability and possibility of use of the facade elements is given when using beam modules made preferably of wood at least section-wise or at least on one side of the fastening devices.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at the inside of the facade element in the metal frame form-fittingly insertable end profiles are provided, in particular profiles with a projecting plug-in portion and an end portion.
The end profiles therefore have a T-shape, wherein the plug-in portion insertable in the screw channels is provided as a projecting ridge, for example projecting linearly or diagonally from the end portion forming the actual end. The end portion itself can be for example a linear or slightly curved profile wall section. Alternatively the end portion can also have a U-shape or an 0-shape and so form an element also for a functional inclusion of technical parts like for example LED lights or the like. The U-shape further has the advantage that the outside of the end elements can be provided, if required, with further insertable or mountable elements. An 0-shape of such insertable end profiles has the advantage that it has a higher inherent stability and can also be easily adapted in its size and dimension by means of beam modules to be mounted laterally and forms an additionally supporting device for this.

- 14 -According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least at the supporting portion of the metal frame of the fastening device, a plurality of screw channels formed same in their inside shape are provided at respective identical positions and with same orientation per metal frame for the flexible mounting of profiles, modules or fixings. By means of such screw channels formed and arranged the same, different kinds of connections, fastenings or beam modules can be easily fixed and mounted without any difference at one and the same basic element of the fastening device, namely the metal frame. The device has the advantage that the screw channels, in the case of, for example, use of additional elements for the fixing thereof, can be used by means of simple insertion. On the other hand, with such screw channels at identical positions, the different beam modules or cover profiles can similarly also be mounted at one and the same fastening element of the facade.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, end profiles provided with a substantially U-shaped cross section for receiving lighting means or other technical means and for form-fitting insertion in the metal frames are provided.
The end profiles therefore have U-portions either facing toward the inside of the facade or oriented parallel to the plane of the facade elements and open, in which for example LED lights can be used as lighting elements and can be covered by means of covers. With such an inclusion of U-shaped end profiles, further functionalities can be realized at the fastening devices of the facade elements toward the inside.
Lighting means can be directly integrated in the facade, and in this way also for example cable installations or the like can be integrated in the fastening devices of the facade elements. Other technical functions can likewise be integrated in this way, like for example air ventilation ducts or heating/cooling lines or the like.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at an inside of the fastening device between respective seals, insertable T-profiles are provided as room-side end elements. When two opposite facade elements of window facades adjacent to one another are combined with one another in this way, the gap and the joint between the two metal frames can thereby be visually and technologically closed-off and insulated. With the T-shaped profiles, the abutting insides of the two beam modules or cover profiles can be closed/finished room-side flush with the adjacent areas by means of such a T-profile. In this way, a completely continuous

- 15 -inside can be obtained at the transition place between facade elements positioned adjacent to one another. The insertable T-profiles can be realized as synthetic material profiles, as metal or aluminium profiles or also as wood profiles according to requirement corresponding to the respective requirements. The insertable T-profiles preferably have an integrated retaining element like a conical barb at an insertable part of the T-profile. With such a conical barb, the T-profiles can be simply inserted between for example opposite flexible seals and fixed there. An easy assembly and disassembly is therefore guaranteed. Nevertheless, an end of the joint which is flexible and compensates movements is given toward the inside.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the T-profiles have between the two metal frames of the fastening device a form-fitting fastening means, which is preferably provided in order to provide a floating assembly of additional cover strips or function strips at an inside of the facade elements. The form-fitting fastening means for the cover strips can for example be provided in the form that at the T-profile at the surface facing the inside, conically broadened V-shapes are present, which can engage with a corresponding V-groove of fastening strips, for example simple wooden strips or synthetic material strips. In this way, form-fitting ends, preferably also made of identical materials, can be realized continuously at the inside of the fastening devices.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at a metal frame of the fastening device, beam modules made of non-metallic solid material and also metallic or non-metallic cover profiles with a form fit at at least two fastening points in each case, are provided combined. In this way, with one and the same fastening device, different requirements of the technology or of the spatial givens can easily be individually fulfilled in each case. The metal frame is formed with its module-shaped fastening means and shapes, provided substantially in same kind, such that beam modules for example of solid wood and metallic cover profiles or other kinds of supporting profiles can be mounted without any difference at the metal frame at the respective fastening points. The variability and the possibilities for use and adaptability on-site are therefore further considerably increased in relation to conventional facade fastenings of this kind.

- 16 -According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a substantially U-shaped receiving means is provided at the side of the supporting portion facing away from the beam module or from the cover profile, at the metal frame for fastening means which engage component parts, in particular for transport profiles or connection profiles. Therefore, the supporting portion substantially has a linear shape in the direction vertical to the plane of the facade elements, wherein however, at the inside of the supporting portions opposite one another, in each case U-recesses are provided. The connections for the fixing at facade elements of other storeys thereabove or therebelow, can be integrated in the fastening device in these U-recesses without projecting elements, for example, by means of flat steel. On the other hand, in this way the metal profiles or reinforcements required for the static connection to the building ceilings can also be easily built into the U-recesses and fixed there by means of corresponding fixing threaded connections or the like.
A
secure inclusion and mounting of the fastening devices for facade elements according to the invention is thereby guaranteed, also with regard to the fastenings at the side of the building (concrete ceilings) and adjacent facade elements or wall parts of the building.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least in one fastening point for beam modules or cover profiles of the metal frames, a form-fitting part, in particular a dovetail kind of ridge or the like, is provided and, as well, a screw channel is provided for the mounting and fixing of other elements or additional fixings like grub screws. The screw channel is for example incorporated in the broadened V-part of the form-fitting part at a front end and, when beam modules of solid material are not used, can be used to securely fix other elements there. Here too, the variability and the possibility of use is further greatly increased and the fastening device is indiscriminately very well equipped, without any difference, for different kinds of applications and embodiments, in particular on sides of the beam modules or cover profiles.
Further features, aspects and advantages of the invention are described in more detail in the following by means of different embodiments of the invention with regard to the attached drawings and the Figures included therein, wherein

- 17 -Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention with beam module, according to the example of a triple glazing as facade element;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention with beam module and triple glazing;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention with beam module and triple glazing;
Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention with two different shapes of beam modules;
Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c show cross-sectional views of examples of different shapes of end profiles for the use in a fastening device according to the invention;
Fig. 6a, 6b and 6c show cross-sectional views of examples of alternative shapes of metal frames for fastening devices according to the invention;
Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention with a combined beam module and a cover profile made of metal;
Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention with different alternatives of cover profiles with identical metal frame;
Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention with, on both sides, beam modules made of wood and a cover strip provided on the inside; and Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention in an area and for illustrating the connection elements at fastening devices and building ceilings positioned thereabove and therebelow.
In Fig. 1 to Fig. 10, different embodiments of fastening devices 10 according to the invention for facade elements 2 in the area of glass facades or other facade parts for buildings, are represented. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment in a cross-sectional view, wherein the embodiments of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 only differ therefrom in some details of

- 18 -structure, so that, with the exception of the differences, the description of the embodiments takes place using the same reference numbers of the elements. Fig.

to Fig. 10 show further embodiments of the invention.
The fastening device 10 serves for the assembly and mounting of facade elements 2 with a metal frame 1. The facade elements 2 are preferably glass facade elements, as for example illustrated by means of the triple glazing of a fixed insulation glazing with three glass panels 3 on the right-hand side in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. The fastening device 10 serves however for the fastening and assembly of different kinds of facade elements 2 and can for example also serve for the fastening of non-fixed window elements 20 for opening or other plate-shaped facade elements 2 as glass facades.
The fastening device 10 according to the invention comprises substantially a metal frame 1 which is realized out of a facade retaining portion 12 provided at the side of the facade element 2 in the form of at least one or a plurality of hollow chambers 14 of a metal profile. The metal frame is furthermore formed on the inside of the building, that is, on the side facing inward starting from the facade element 2, with a supporting portion 13 which serves for the holding and stability of the fastening device together with a beam module 4 in the built-in state. Such fastening devices 10 are mounted for example at frames of a shell structure or at the shell itself of buildings and serve preferably for the large-scale formation of the whole outer facade for protection in relation to the weather side of the building.
The fastening device 10 according to the invention is provided with a substantially L-shaped retaining element 5 mounted at the metal frame 1, which can be releasably fixed by means of threaded connections 11 at the facade retaining portion 12 of the metal frame 1, wherein a leg of the L-shaped retaining element 5 holdingly engages the facade element 2, in these examples a glass facade, toward the outside.
The fastening device 10 further comprises different seals on sides of the mounting of the facade element 2 and a ridge-like seal 6 provided on the weather side in the inside area of the fastening device 10. Furthermore, a seal 9 is mounted at the inward-facing side at the end of the supporting portion 13 of the metal frame. The seal 6 serves for sealing off towards the outside, so that no moisture can penetrate into the inside of the fastening device and the building. The optional seals 9 provided at the inside at the end of the supporting portion 13 serve for sealing off against dirt, dust and the

- 19 -like. At the outside, between the facade retaining portions 12 in each case a seal 22 is inserted in grooves provided for them. According to the invention the fastening device 10 is provided at the supporting portion with a beam module 4 fastened by means of form fit at the supporting portion 13. The beam module 4 is preferably a beam module 4 made of wood or of a wood composite, can however also include other, non-metallic materials.
According to the invention, the beam module 4 is connected by means of a form fit at at least two fastening points 7, 8 with the supporting portion 13 of the metal frame 1, that is, through the accordingly-shaped elements and recesses at the beam module 4 at the respective fastening points 7, 8 the beam module is mounted by simple sliding on or mounting on the metal frame 1. The form fit is guaranteed in such a way that the beam module 4 further abuts at the surfaces of the substantially L-shaped supporting portion 13 in corresponding shape and embodiment in two planes which are vertical in relation to one another. As can be seen in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the beam module 4 in this embodiment is likewise formed substantially L-shaped, so that it slightly engages or overlaps the metal frame 1 at the end portion at the inside of the facade element 2. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the beam module 4 is furthermore formed such that it also projects toward the facade element 2 in the form of the three glass panels 3 up to the glass panels 3 and a seal of theirs ¨
that is, quasi has a double-L-shape for the flat form fit. In this way, a large surface of the form fit between the beam module 4 and the metal frame 1, and therefore a higher static effectiveness of the beam module 4, is also obtained.
While the metal frame 1 is manufactured from a metallic material like for example aluminium in the extrusion process, the additional stability and bending stiffness of the fastening device 10 is obtained with a beam module 4 made of a non-metallic material, mounted by means of form fit. According to the invention, in this way a better thermal insulation characteristic is obtainable with nevertheless sufficiently high bending stiffness, which is an essential factor for such facade elements or fastening devices 10. The bending stiffness is guaranteed in that the beam module 4 with the supporting portion 13 of the metal frame 1 is in each case mounted in a form-fitting manner at at least two fastening points 7, 8 provided at a distance from one another.
In the shown embodiments of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the fastening point 7 is realized with a

- 20 -form fit in a kind of dovetail connection, in that a retaining ridge broadening outward (Fig. 1) or a retaining ridge made of solid material and conically broadened (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) is provided at the metal frame 1 and a corresponding groove is provided at the beam module 4. In the shown embodiments, a simple tongue and groove connection is provided at the fastening point 8 between the beam module 4 and the supporting portion 13 of the metal frame 1. This can be manufactured by realizing a continuous groove extending in the beam module 4 along the entire length thereof corresponding to the shape and dimension of the projecting ridge at the fastening point 8 of the metal frame 1.
The shapes and the kind of different form fit connections possible at the fastening points 7, 8 can, however, vary according to the invention. Also, more than two fastening points 7, 8 can be provided between the metal frame 1 and the beam module 4, as long as the connection and assembly take place by means of a form fit.
The beam modules 4 are for example realized as wooden elements, so that altogether they provide a high sustainability, CO2-neutrality and very good thermal insulation characteristics additionally to the thermal insulation by means of the L-shaped retaining element 5, made from non-thermally conductive material, for the fastening device 10. Therefore an improved thermal insulation value is also obtainable on the building inside, which was not previously possible in the case of purely metal such frames 1 of fastening devices 10.
Not least, the invention provides further advantages with regard to the improved recyclability. By means of the combination with unmixed materials like for example wood for the beam module 4 and aluminium for the metal frame 1, during waste management the individual parts of the fastening device 10 can be easily re-used in an environmentally-friendly manner without a large effort. The sustainability with the use of wood as a material for the beam module 4 is moreover very high, and a neutrality, which is of more and more relevance in the building trade, can be considerably improved. The fastening device according to the invention nevertheless has the strength values necessary for such glass facades, in particular a high torsional strength and bending stiffness. With the combined stiffness values of the beam module 4 and the metal frame 1, comparable stiffness values can be obtained with only slightly larger dimensions than with purely metallic such fastening devices.

- 21 -This is achieved by the invention in particular by mounting the beam modules 4 at the metal frame 1 with a form fit such that the beam modules 4 themselves are also statically effective due to the form-fitting connection at the two fastening points 7, 8.
Furthermore, the beam modules 4 do not have to be mounted by means of other, costly, separate fastening elements, like for example threaded connections or bonding connections, at the metal frame I. The use of threaded connections as fastening means would lead anyway to an undesirable weakening of the material and of the core of the beam modules 4, which in turn are bad for an assembly of, for example, comparatively thin wood elements as beam modules 4. In this way, according to the invention, besides the statics also the design possibilities for the inside spaces of such buildings are clearly increased. Different shapes of beam modules can be used according to requirement without using fastening means like threaded connections on the inside, in order to realize, for example, a wood interior of the building. Hereby, as in the example of Fig. 3, the beam module 4 formed in wood form can also completely overlap the metal frame 1 at the inside up to adjacent to the facade element 2. In this way, the metal part of the metal frame 1 is quasi completely covered from the inside and is therefore not visible. Not least, further mountings of elements at the beam modules 4 can also take place, which would not be so easily possible up to now for fastening devices 10 consisting purely of metal. For example, further functions and component parts or elements can be easily mounted at the inside at the beam module 4, without requiring costly threaded connections or the like.
The manufacture of the fastening device 10 according to the invention takes place by simple milling of grooves, corresponding in shape to the fastening points 7, 8, in the beam module 4 and by extrusion molding or strand casting of for example metal profiles made of aluminium for the metal frame 1, corresponding in shape to the form fit connection elements at the fastening points 7, 8. Subsequently, the beam module 4 corresponding in length to the metal frame 1 can be simply fixedly mounted by sliding on at the fastening device 10 and is directly ready for use and statically effective in the completed building. In this way, the fastening devices 10 according to the invention can be very well prepared, also in series, in a manufacturing process and then only have to be built together in a usual way on site, namely by means of the

- 22 -assembly and fixing at a frame of the shell structure or at the shell of the building itself.
According to the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the beam module 4 is arranged at a distance from the inside of the facade element 2 by means of a portion of the facade retaining element 12 in the shape of a hollow chamber 14. By means of this distancing, it can be avoided that possibly-occurring residue moisture, which often occurs at the corner areas of glass facades of facade elements 2, reaches the beam modules 4 realized for example in wood form. By this, a long-term durability and strength of the material of the beam modules 4 is guaranteed. The beam modules can alternatively also be manufactured from other materials than wood or wood composite materials: for example, beams made of synthetic material, stone, glass or other recycling products can be used, in order to vary the interior design of the building according to requirement. Preferably, the beam modules 4 are however of a material with a better thermal insulation characteristic in comparison to metal and are for example realized from a synthetic material or from wood, for example solid wood.
Such beam modules 4 can be easily mounted at the supporting portions 13 of the metal frame 1 by form fit with corresponding tongue and groove connections, dovetail connections, or other form-fitting connection methods. In the embodiments shown, furthermore, a holding bracket 15 is mounted at the facade retaining element 12 of the metal frame 1 on the side of the facade element 2, wherein the latter is engaged on the outside by the holding bracket 15 and provides a resilience at a side of the metal frame 1 and of the retaining element 5. The holding brackets 15 have a slightly bent V-shape and are for example realized as stainless steel leaf springs. In this way, the forces can be better compensated even in strong winds or the like, and the strength and stability of the fastening device 10 is further increased.
Furthermore, prevention of falling down of the facade parts is guaranteed by this additional mechanical securing.
The retaining element 5, which is substantially L-shaped in cross section, and which is mounted at the outside of the facade element 2 at the metal frame 1 with retractable or sunken threaded connections 11, preferably consists of synthetic material. Synthetic material has a lower thermal conductivity than metal, so that here

- 23 -too the occurrence of cold bridges is further prevented and an even better thermal insulation characteristic can be provided, also at the area of the fastening device 10.
Fig. 4 to Fig. 10 represent further embodiments according to the invention for illustrating the high modularity and variability of adaptation possibilities of the fastening device 10 according to the invention with different beam modules 4 and cover profiles 16 and different kinds of metal frames 1. The further embodiments of Fig. 4 to Fig. 10 can also be combined with the previous embodiments of the Fig. Ito Fig. 3 with regard to the distinguishing features which are described here. As the basic function and the construction of the fastening devices 10 in the already described embodiments of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, also correspond to those of the examples of Fig. 4 ff., same elements and parts which are provided with same reference numbers are not described again, even though they are likewise completely included in the further examples in each case.
In the fourth embodiment according to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4, the fastening device 10 is formed with a somewhat differently formed metal frame 1 in relation to the embodiment of Fig. 1, namely in the form that screw channels 17 are provided at the metal frame 1, which are opened toward the inside (facade inside), that is, vertically to the plane of the facade elements 2. The screw channels 17 serve for inserting end profiles 18 according to the invention, which can be provided in different shapes and which optionally complete the already described elements of the fastening devices 10, in particular of the beam modules 4, cover profiles 16 and metal frames 1. In another regard, namely as to the fastening points 7 and 8 for the beam modules 4, which are provided for example as wood beams, the arrangement and embodiment of the metal frames 1 is substantially the same as the first embodiment of Fig. 1. The shape of the conically broadened fastening points 7 and their position and the shape of the second fastening points 8 as tongue and groove elements is the same, so that different beam modules 4 or also different kinds of cover profiles 16 can be inserted in the metal frame 1 at the supporting portion 13 of the fastening device 10 without any difference according to requirement. The form fit for fastening the beam modules 4 or the cover profiles 16 is therefore identical on both sides of the fastening device 10 (left and right in Fig. 4) and can in this way be used for different

- 24 -embodiments of the geometric ends at the inside, namely the building inside, with such end profiles 18 or other elements.
As is shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4, different kinds of end profiles 18 according to requirement are inserted into the screw channels 17 positioned at the side furthest up (inside). For the beam module 4 on the left-hand side in Fig.
4, a substantially T-shape end profile 18 is provided with a diagonal plug portion 18.1, which can be fixed by means of form fit and mounting in the correspondingly formed screw channels 17. The end profile 18 furthermore has an end portion 18.2, which is formed linear in an angular shape in order to abut at the inside of the L-shaped projection of the left-hand beam module 4 according to its shape. The end profile 18 is fixed by a light, flexible pressure by means of seals 9, which are inserted between the two left-hand and right-hand metal frames 1 for sealing the joint.
At the right-hand side of this embodiment of Fig. 4, an alternative shape of an end profile 18 is shown, namely an end profile 18 with a plug portion 18.1, which can be inserted in the screw channel 17 and fixed there by means of the corresponding shape and design. The end portion 18.2 is formed here by a substantially U-shaped receiving means, which serves for the receiving of a lighting means 18.3, for example of an LED light, as strip lighting. At the upper end, the end profile 18 is closed by means of a cover 18.4 formed from synthetic material, so that here a lighting effect is provided with a strip-shaped lighting means along the fastening device for the lighting of the interior of the building. The beam module 4 on the right-hand side of Fig. 4 in this embodiment is slightly projecting in relation to the end profile 18 with a one-sided rounding of the edge. Alternative shapes and different kinds of geometric ends at the beam module 4 can be selected without complex adaptation, in order to design the inside corresponding to the specifications or in order to perform and fulfil architectural modifications and specifications. Both beam modules 4 are here too fixed by means of at least two fastening points 7, 8, which respectively fix the beam modules 4 at the metal frames 1 of the fastening device by means of a form fit. The kind of form fit can here too either be a kind of dovetail connection or a ridge/tongue and groove connection. Alternative shapes of a form fit are also imaginable, for example circular or semi-circular projections, which engage in correspondingly shaped grooves at the beam modules 4 or at receiving portions of cover profiles 16.

- 25 -Besides the different shape, dimension and thickness of beam modules 4, in this way also modular-type metal frames 1 and, in the case of same embodiment of the metal frames 1 forming the basic construction, other geometric ends can be inserted in the fastening points 7, 8. For example, metallic cover profiles 16 or profiles formed from synthetic material or non-metallic materials can be inserted at the metal frames 1 of the fastening device for increasing the bending stiffness and torsional strength.
Hereby, the kind of material and shape of the beam modules 4 can vary according to the respective spaces. For example, in wet areas, instead of beam modules 4 made of wood, corresponding metallic cover profiles 16 or synthetic material modules can be used. The end profiles 18 at the inside of the facade elements 2 can have different shapes and fulfil technical functions. They can, for example, be used as lighting strips, as cable channels or simply as decorative end elements. By means of simple insertion into the screw channels 17, in cooperation with the slight pressure by the seals 19, the end profiles 18 are securely fixed without the necessity of threaded connections etc. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, furthermore, an optional T-profile 21 with a kind of arrow-shaped barb is inserted between the two flexible seals abutting at one another. Further, the T-profile 21 can make the end flush and also serve for the colored design of the butt joint between the two metal frames 1 of the fastening device provided laterally in each case. Alternatively, the metal frame 1 can also be provided in a one-piece form instead of in a left-hand and right-hand version for the respective fastenings of the facade elements 2, as is described further below with reference to Fig. 6a and Fig. 8. Also, in the case of such a form, the height, position and shape of the respective screw channels 17 and of the fastening points 7, 8 is identical in each case, so that a modular adaptation and exchangeability of the connection elements for the fastening devices 10 is given.
In Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c, different examples of alternative shapes of end profiles 18 are shown. Figure 5a shows an example of a cross section of the end profile 18, in which a U-shaped end portion 18.2 and a plug portion 18.1 extending diagonally downward are provided with recesses and a profiling. The diagonally-extending plug portion 18.1 is a kind of lengthening of the right-hand arm of the "U" and is provided with recesses and projections, which being accordingly shaped can be inserted in the screw channels 17 (cf. Fig. 4). By means of the insertion, a kind of form fit is obtained, which allows a fixing of the end profiles 18 in the screw channels 17, either together with a

- 26 -lateral pressure of a seal 9 or of an extra retaining element or by means of the beam modules 4 or cover profiles 16 mounted thereon (cf. Fig. 4). In the example of Fig. 5a, a lighting means 18.3 is inserted in the U-shaped receiving means 18.2 and closed by means of a cover 18.4 for example of synthetic material. The lighting means 18.3 can for example be an LED-strip, which allows a linear-shaped lighting of an inside of the building. The U-shaped end portion 18.2 of the end profile 18 can also be used for other purposes, for example as a cable channel or as a bracket for further elements or connection parts located in the inside of the building. In the further example of Fig.
5b a cross section of an end profile 18 is shown, wherein an identical plug portion 18.1 to that of the previous example is provided. The U-shaped end portion 18.2 here faces laterally to the left (parallel to the plane of the facade) instead of upward, so that the lighting effect of the lighting means 18.3 for example allows an indirect lighting of an inside of the building. The further example of Fig. 5c shows a cross section of an 0-shaped end profile 18, which can be correspondingly built into the screw channels 17 of the fastening device 10 in a form-fitting manner through the plug portion 18.1. In this way, colored designs at the inside can be varied. The end profiles 18 as they are hereby shown can also have a simple T-shape as shown on the left-hand side in Fig.
4, wherein the end portion 18.2 can then be formed linear or slightly curved.
The end profiles 18 according to the invention can therefore be easily inserted and fixed in the corresponding screw channels, without tools or additional fastening means, so that the assembly and disassembly are considerably simpler than in previous such elements.
Some examples of different alternative shapes of the metal frames 1 for the fastening devices 10 according to the invention are shown in cross-sectional views in Figs. 6a, 6b and 6c. Fig. 6a shows for example a metal frame 1 at the fastening device 10, which is formed for a two-sided mounting of beam modules 4 or cover profiles 16.
Instead of the parted shaped of the metal frames 1 for a left-hand side and a right-hand side of the fastening device 10 as provided in the previous examples, here a one-piece metal frame 1 is provided, at which the form-fitting fastening points 7, 8 for the beam modules 4 at the supporting portion 13 and a plurality of screw channels 17 are provided. The facade fastening portion 12 likewise has for a left-hand and a right-hand facade fastening the corresponding screw channels and receiving grooves for the fastening screws for the L-shaped retaining elements 5 (not shown). The metal

- 27 -frame 1 formed in this way therefore has a shape closed in itself, with uniform hollow chambers and inside spaces, and the fastening points 7, 8 to be used for the form fit with the beam modules 4, are located at the outside.
Figures 6b and 6c, on the other hand, show two examples of a metal frame 1 in which the cover profile 13 is quasi formed on in one piece at a side. These shapes of metal frame 1 can be used, corresponding to the fifth embodiment of Fig. 7, to provide a combined modular construction of a building facade with on the one hand beam modules 4 and on the other hand cover profiles 16 consisting of for example aluminium profiles. In Fig. 7, on the left-hand side a beam module 4 is provided in an L-shape above the two fastening points 7, 8 realized with form fit, that is, engaging toward the building interior. At the right-hand side, the metal frame 1 of this fastening device 10 is realized in one piece with an aluminium profile or cover profile 16. Both elements can be combined at will, for example according to whether a living space, a wet room or determined fire safety requirements are to be realized and taken into consideration. In this way, the fastening device 10 of the invention can be variously modified in a modular way according to the corresponding requirements, without it being necessary to use different shapes of metal frames 1 as the basis of the fastening device 10 in each case.
In Fig. 8, too, a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the fastening device 10 according to the invention is shown, in which the one-piece shape of the metal frame 1 with left-hand and right-hand side corresponding to Fig. 6a is used. At the left-hand side of Fig. 8, a cover profile 16 made for example of aluminium with a substantially L-shape and reaching up to the glass front of the facade elements 2, is provided by means of simple insertion of a fastening ridge into the upper screw channel as a first fastening point 7 and a projecting portion into the groove or recess of the second fastening point 8. At the right-hand side, here another cover profile 16 is shown, which is inserted at the supporting portion 13 quasi flush with a lateral area of the hollow chamber 14 of the metal frame 1. Instead of this cover profile 16, partly also a beam module 4 made of non-metallic material can be used, as is schematically shown in Fig. 8. Therefore it is also possible to provide a change of different materials or modules inside a facade element, for example cover profiles 16 made of aluminium, combined with partly beam modules 4 made of wood. The corresponding

- 28 -fastening points 7, 8 are formed without any difference for both kinds of fixings of the respective elements 4, 16. A high flexibility and modularity of the facade 10 is thereby given.
A seventh embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention is represented in a cross-sectional view in Fig. 9. At the upper fastening points 7, in each case conically broadened elements with integrated screw channels 17 are provided at the metal frame 1 at the supporting portion 13. In the wood modules 4, correspondingly milled grooves are provided for inserting on the projections at the fastening points 7. The beam modules 4 in this embodiment also have in their middle a projecting conical ridge which engages in the opening of the screw channels 17 at the fastening points 7 for further increasing the stability and strength of the connection beam module 4/metal frame 1. The beam modules 4 are realized here as simple wood beams without an L-shaped portion. At the inside of the facade elements 2, an optional cover strip 19 is provided at the metal frame 1 as an end, which is inserted above a kind of floating support between the two beam modules 4. For this purpose, substantially L-shaped profiles are provided as end profiles 18, which, by means of a plug portion 18.1 are inserted correspondingly-shaped into the screw channels and held there. The end portion 18.2 is slightly curved and engages a lateral groove, provided for this, of the seals 9 which hold the end profiles 18 in their position by means of the slight elastic pressure outwards. A T-profile 22 is inserted in the middle between the two seals 9 by means of a kind of barb (arrow shape of part 22) and has at the top side two ridges projecting conically outward. These ridges are formed accordingly-shaped to a conically broadened groove in the cover strip 19, so that the floating support of the cover strip 19 between the two wood modules 4 is made possible with a relatively small tolerance of some millimetres and a compensation for movement. By means of such a kind of floating support of the cover profile 22, a fastening device 10 is provided which is completely closed, also in the gap between the beam modules 4, and which can be realized for example continuously in wood materials. A cover strip 19 can however also be manufactured from other materials like for example synthetic material or aluminium, according to requirement and intended purpose of the fastening device 10.

- 29 -Fig. 10 shows an eighth embodiment of a fastening device of the invention in a cross-sectional view at the level of the connection at a building ceiling 26. As also in the previous embodiments, a U-shaped receiving means 25 is provided at an inside of the metal frame 1 at the level of the supporting portion 13, in which a flat steel 23 cooperates with adjacent fastening parts of the facade, positioned thereabove or therebelow, for the fastening. The flat steel 23 is fixed in the receiving means 25 by means of threaded connections. Moreover, for connecting and fastening at a concrete ceiling 26 of the building, fixing profiles 24 are provided, which in Fig. 10 are formed at the top side with a kind of T-shape and eyelet shape and are incorporated into the material of the concrete ceiling 26 in order to transfer the forces to the building. Here too, the fastening device 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 10 is provided with beam modules 4 mounted laterally by means of form fit, which are fixed at at least two fastening points 7, 8. At the facade retaining element 12, the glass panels 3 are used as facade element 2 and fixed there by means of an L-shaped retaining element 5 (not shown in Fig. 10) and corresponding holding brackets 15 (cf. Fig. 1 to Fig. 3).
Also in the eighth embodiment of Fig. 10, the metal frames 1 are provided with screw channels 17 identical in shape and in position, which can be used for an assembly of for example end portions 18 or the mounting of aluminium cover profiles 16 or beam modules 4 made of wood. Also in this embodiment of Fig. 10, in this way a high modularity is given, as different kinds of connection elements, cover elements or statically effective beam modules can be used here in different ways according to requirement.

- 30 -

Claims (25)

Claims

1. Fastening device (10) for facade elements (2), in particular glass facades of buildings, having a metal frame (1) and having an L-shaped retaining element (5) which engages the facade elements (2) toward the outside, is made of a thermal-conduction-reducing material and is releasably fastened on the metal frame (1) by fastening means (11), wherein the metal frame (1) is formed with at least one hollow chamber (14) and comprises a facade retaining portion (12) and a supporting portion (13) which from the facade element (2) is oriented inward from a facade outside substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the facade elements (2), characterized in that, at the supporting portion (13), a beam module (4) is provided which is made of non-metallic material and is mounted by a form fit at at least two fastening points (7, 8) provided at a distance from one another, the beam module extending continuously along the entire length of the respective metal frame (1) and being coupled with the metal frame (1) on an inside of the facade element (2) such that, in the installed state of the fastening device (10), the beam module is statically effective as a result of the form fit, for increasing the bending stiffness and the torsional stiffness of the fastening device (10).

2. Fastening device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting portion (13) has in cross-section an L-shape corresponding to a shape and width of the beam module (4) for accordingly-shaped receiving at the metal frame (1).

3. Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the beam module (4) with accordingly-shaped recesses or grooves corresponding to a shape of retaining ridges or fixing projections of the fastening points (7, 8) is provided at the metal frame (1) for sliding on or mounting the beam module (4).

4. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam module (4) substantially has an L-shape with an L-leg overlapping the metal frame (1) at the inner surface of the facade.

5. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam module (4) is a wood beam or a beam made of a wood-based material, in particular a wood composite.

6. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam module (4) is arranged at a distance from a weather-side seal (6) in the direction of the facade outside.

7. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam module (4) is arranged through a portion in the shape of a hollow chamber (14) of the metal frame (1) at a distance from the facade element (2).

8. Fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the beam module (4) is arranged directly adjacent to the facade element (2) or to a seal of the facade element (2).

9. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the fastening points (7) serving for the form fit is realized in the form of a dovetail joint.

10. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the fastening points (8) serving for the form fit is realized in the form of a tongue and groove joint.

11. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the facade element (2) comprises a multiple insulating glazing with at least two, preferably three glass panels (3).

12. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (5) consists of a synthetic material or a composite synthetic material and is releasably fixed at the metal frame (1) by means of retractable or sunken screws (11) in the inside of the retaining element (5).

13. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the beam module (4) or at the supporting portion (13) toward the inside of the device, sealing seals (9) are provided.

14. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that holding brackets (15), which are made of metal and are provided between the metal frame (1) and the facade element (2), have a first leg (15.1) for engaging the facade element (2) at its front end or outside and a second leg (15.2) for being in engagement with or abutting at the facade retaining portion (12) of the metal frame (1).

15. Fastening device (10) for facade elements (2), in particular glass facades of buildings, having a metal frame (1) and having an L-shaped retaining element (5) which engages the facade elements (2) toward the outside, is made of a thermal-conduction-reducing material and is fastened releasably on the metal frame (1) by fastening means (11), wherein the metal frame (1) is formed with at least one hollow chamber (14) and comprises a facade retaining portion (12) and a supporting portion (13) facing inward from a facade exterior, away from the facade element (2) and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the facade elements (2), characterized in that, at the supporting portion (13), a beam module (4) or cover profile (16) is provided which is made of at least partly non-metallic material, is mounted by a form fit at at least two fastening points (7, 8) provided at a distance from one another, extends along the length of the respective metal frame (1) at least section-wise, and is coupled with the metal frame (1) on an inside of the facade element (2) such that it is statically effective in the installed state of the fastening device (10) by means of the form fit or of the fixing at the at least two fastening points (7, 8), for increasing the bending stiffness and the torsional stiffness of the fastening device (10).

16. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the supporting portion (13) of the metal frame (1), screw channels (17) are provided at respective determined same positions and in identical shapes for flexible and modular bracketing and receiving of beam modules (1), cover profiles (16), fixing elements or end profiles (18).

17. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the inside of the facade element (2) in the metal frame (1), form-fitting insertable end profiles (18), in particular profiles with a plug section (18.1) and in an end portion (18.2), are provided.

18. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least at the supporting portion (13) of the metal frame (1), a plurality of screw channels (17), formed same as to their inner shape, are provided at respective identical positions and with same orientation for each metal frame (1), for the mounting in a modular way of profiles, modules or fixings.

19. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that end profiles (18) provided with a U-shaped cross-section are provided for the receiving of lighting means (18.3) and for form-fitting inserting into the metal frame (1).

20. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at an inside of the fastening device (10) between seals (9) insertable T-profiles (21) are provided as room-side end elements for the closing of joints between facade elements (2) adjacent to one another.

21. Fastening device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the T-profiles (21) comprise a conical barb for fixing.

22. Fastening device (10) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the T-profiles (21) have a fastening means, in particular a form-fitting fastening means for a float mounting of cover strips (19) or functional strips provided at the inside of the facade elements (2) preferably between two adjacent metal frames (1).

23. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, combined, beam modules (4) made of non-metallic solid material and metallic or non-metallic cover profiles (16) made of non-solid material with a form fit at at least two fastening points (7, 8) are provided at a metal frame (1).

24. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the side of the supporting portion (13) facing away from the beam module (4) or cover profile (16), a substantially U-shaped receiving means for fastening means engaging across component parts, in particular for transportation or connection profiles (23, 24), is provided.

25. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one fastening point (7) for beam modules (4) or cover profiles (16), a form-fitting part, in particular a dovetail ridge, and a screw channel (17) are provided in an integrated form.