EA044522B1 - CURTAIN WALL - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The invention relates to curtain walls or so-called curtain facades.

State of the art

A curtain wall is a post-and-beam structure in which panels, usually glass panels but possibly solid panels as well, are placed to form the exterior wall of a building.

A disadvantage of known curtain walls, such as the curtain wall known from Korean Patent No. KR 20130075240, is the fact that the posts and crossbars are designed in such a way that they must be assembled from the outside to form a profile structure. Also, the panels must subsequently be installed externally. Particularly when it has to be done at height, it is complex and requires scaffolding or suspended work platforms and is dangerous for the people doing the work and for people below.

Moreover, known post and crossbar systems require a large number of components and a large number of assembly steps.

US Pat. No. 3,266,210 discloses a curtain wall design with crossbars that are installed between the studs. In this known design, the cross members snap into place in the posts, which has the disadvantage that the cross members may undesirably snap out again. Another major drawback of this known design is that it does not offer a solution to the tolerance problem. There are two different types of tolerances for a curtain wall: on the one hand, manufacturing tolerances resulting from manufacturing precision constraints, and on the other hand, installation tolerances resulting from on-site installation. Manufacturing tolerances include both extrusion tolerance and additional processing tolerance for specific profiles. In addition, the cross members must be installed between the posts with a gap at their ends to take into account, on the one hand, compensation for thermal expansion of the cross members, and, on the other hand, the differential settlement of the building, which is inevitable and typical for a concrete or steel main frame structure . However, this results in the connection between the mullions and cross members not being watertight, which can lead to leaks, which is obviously unacceptable for a façade.

The curtain wall design in US Patent 3,266,210 is not very versatile. It only allows you to work with panels of one given thickness, such as glass panels.

A curtain wall is known from WO 2017/201588, in which the connection between the crossbar and the stud forms a barrier to water, so that water that penetrates into the chambers of the studs, for example through the rubber seal on which the window is mounted, can be diverted to the crossbar and there removed outside. Additionally, the system in WO'588 allows for different panel thicknesses, such as glass panels, to be handled by selecting suitable glass beads that hold the panel in place along the inside of the curtain wall. The curtain wall from publication WO'588 can be installed from inside the building.

The essence of the invention

The present invention relates, firstly, to an alternative curtain wall which, according to various preferred embodiments, provides a solution to one or more of the curtain wall problems of the prior art.

To this end, the present invention relates to a curtain wall, which is characterized in that said curtain wall comprises at least an inwardly opening panel, more particularly a window. This inward opening panel preferably comprises, but is not limited to, at least one of the following embodiments: a tilt window with a handle, a tilt window without a handle suitable for power operation, a pivot window, a tilt/turn window or a parallel inward opening window.

In prior art curtain walls, it is possible to install outward opening panels and other panels that open in a less aesthetically pleasing manner, but in particular windows. The present invention provides a long-awaited technical solution for outwardly opening curtain wall panels. Preferably, the above-mentioned curtain wall further comprises at least one fixedly mounted panel, in particular a window.

Preferably, the above-mentioned curtain wall comprises one or more posts and one or more cross members. The most important embodiment includes a curtain wall of a continuous type, namely a curtain wall that is constructed of studs (vertical profiles or mullions) and crossbars (horizontal profiles), wherein at least the studs or at least the crossbars extend along several of the above panels, either fixed or openable.

Preferably, the above-mentioned posts consist of at least an inner profile and an outer profile connected by one or more plastic profiles, wherein at least the inner profile consists, for example, essentially of steel or aluminum.

Preferably, the posts are substantially configured such that the edges of any

- 1 044522 fixed panels are at least inserted into studs, one or more studs extending vertically and provided, on two opposite sides, with a groove with an access hole, the grooves forming a quarter in which the lateral edge of the above-mentioned fixedly installed panels, wherein one or more cross members extend horizontally between two posts and their ends are inserted, for example, into the aforementioned grooves of these two posts.

Preferably, one or more of the above-mentioned posts is locally adapted to receive an inwardly opening panel, i.e. opening into the building. Preferably, the corresponding post comprises an inner chamber on the inner side of the curtain wall, and wherein said local adaptation comprises at least removing a side wall of said inner chamber.

Preferably, the above-mentioned adaptation provides space for the installation of an openable frame in which or on which the glazing is fixedly fixed.

Preferably, the outer side of the openable panel, in particular the glazing of the openable window, is located in the same or substantially the same plane as the outer side of the fixed panel, more particularly the glazing of the fixed window.

Preferably, the aforementioned cross member also consists of at least an inner profile and an outer profile connected by one or more plastic profiles.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned crossbar includes an actuator for automatically opening and/or closing a corresponding opening panel. In this case, it may be a chain drive, such as a rigid chain drive type drive, also known as a "linear chain drive", "two-position chain drive", "electric chain drive" or "column chain drive", but others are not excluded drives. Preferably, the corresponding drive is integrated into a cross member, which is located on the upper side of the opening profile. Preferably, the corresponding opening panel, which is operated by a drive, is a hinged window without a handle.

According to the most preferred embodiment, the curtain wall refers to a curtain wall with posts and crossbars, which, in addition, have the properties of one or more claims from publications WO'588, WO 2017/201587 (WO'587), WO 2017/201589 and/or preferred embodiments thereof, for example:

curtain wall (1) that contains posts (5), crossbars (14) and one or more panels (4), wherein the posts (5) extend vertically, each crossbar (14) is attached to two posts (5) and extends horizontally , the posts (5) are provided with grooves (9, 10) on each side for receiving a side edge (33) of the panel (4), the grooves (9, 10) having an access hole (12), the access hole having a first fixed size or width (A1) in the horizontal direction, the crossbars (14) have a second dimension (A3) in the horizontal direction and at right angles to the profile direction of the crossbars (14), the second dimension (A3) is larger than the first size (A1), and the crossbars (14) have a third dimension (A4) in a non-horizontal direction at right angles to the direction of the profile, and a third dimension (A4) smaller than the first dimension (A1), preferably, but not necessarily, characterized in that the cross members (14) are provided with a groove (30) with an undercut , which goes in the direction of the profile, and a rod (32) inserted into the groove (30) with an undercut, while the posts (5) are equipped with a second groove (13) for receiving the end of the said rod (32) protruding beyond the groove (30) with undercut, thereby blocking the rotational movement of the crossbars (14), the parenthetical reference numerals used herein referring, without limitation, to the figures from WO'588, and/or a curtain wall (1) that contains one or more posts (5 ), one or more crossbars (14) and one or more panels (4), wherein said one or more uprights (5) extend vertically, with one or more crossbars (14) attached at right angles to one or more uprights (5 ), said one or more crossbars (14) and one or more posts (5) form rectangular openings, said one or more panels (4) are placed in said openings to thereby close these openings, and the panels (4) are inserted at their sides edges (33, 39, 44) into a quarter (11, 34) of the posts (5) and crossbars (14) using seals (35), characterized in that the quarter (11) in the posts (5) has a fixed indivisible width (A1 ) and that said one or more panels (4) are fixed on the inside of the curtain wall (1) in the studs (5) by means of first glass beads (34), which are made of a rigid material and provided with the above-mentioned seal, and which are attached to said stud ( 5) by means of the first fastening means (36), wherein the first fastening means (36) and one or more of said posts (5) are intended for fastening the first fastening means (36) to the specified post (5), and the first fastening means (36) and the first glass beads (34) are designed to fasten or fix, for example to snap the first glass beads (34) to the first fastening means (36), preferably, but not necessarily, in a direction parallel to the plane of the corresponding panel (4), whereby the used herein, reference numerals in parentheses refer, without limitation, to the figures from WO'587, and/or

- 2 044522 curtain wall (1), which contains one or more posts (5) and one or more crossbars (14) and panels (4) inserted with their edges (33, 39, 44) into the posts and into the crossbars, while said one or more posts (5) continue vertically and are provided on two opposite sides with an undercut groove (9, 10) with a hole (12) for access with a fixed width (A1), the grooves (9, 10) form a quarter into which the side edge (33) of the aforementioned panel (4), said one or more crossbars (14) extend horizontally between two posts (5) and are inserted with their ends into the aforementioned grooves of these two posts, at these ends of the crossbars (14) a seal (28, 29), which forms a barrier to water, this barrier is designed to drain that water to said crossbar (14), and the crossbars (14) are designed to drain that water outward from the curtain wall (1), the parenthetical reference numerals used herein being , without limitation to the figures from publication WO'589.

Preferably, said inner profile of the mullion at least partially defines an undercut in said groove, wherein it is preferred that at least one fastening means is installed in said undercut to attach one or more glass beads thereto for securing the fixed panel or window. The fastener may be made of plastic, preferably a thermoplastic such as polyvinyl chloride. Thermoplastics can be easily shaped, for example by extrusion or injection molding.

Preferably, the groove formed on the side edge of the post has an elongated section that is configured with a rounded portion at one or more transverse ends, and/or has no radiuses of less than 2 millimeters at one or more transverse ends, or even has no radiuses of less than 5 millimeters. The circumstance that one or more transverse ends of the undercut groove have a rounded portion or a rounding of 2 millimeters or more, or even 5 millimeters or more, can lead to various advantages. With this undercut groove geometry it is easier, for example, to achieve a fully or partially watertight connection between the aforementioned cross members and the posts than with an undercut groove having a rectangular cross-section. In the latter case, it is difficult to achieve hydraulic sealing at the corner locations.

Preferably, at least one, and preferably at both ends of the cross member, is provided with an attachment which engages one or more of the aforementioned transverse ends of the groove formed at the lateral edges of the post. At the point of said contact, compression of the nozzle material preferably occurs. By deforming the surface material of the nozzle, a watertight and/or airtight connection between the cross member and the post can be achieved, even when there is a difference in geometry between the nozzle and the corresponding transverse end, for example due to tolerances. Preferably, the attachment consists entirely, or at least on its surface on which the connection is to be made, of a material which is more easily compressible or softer than the material of the aforementioned cross member. The attachment preferably consists of a separate section which is attached to the end of a corresponding cross member.

Preferably, the connection between the cross member, more particularly the attachment mounted thereon, and the post, more particularly the groove formed on its side edge, is effected solely by mechanical means, namely the positioning of the cross member, more particularly the attachment, in the groove. Preferably, the above connection is detachable and reconnectable. Thus, the above joint is preferably free of adhesive or other fastening means such as sealant. As mentioned above, the nozzle-groove connection preferably provides a seal at the connection point between the cross member, more particularly the nozzle, and the post, more particularly the groove formed on a side edge thereof.

From the above, it is clear that a seal which forms a barrier to water is preferably provided at the aforementioned ends of the cross members. Here, said barrier preferably comprises at least one seal of said groove, said seal being formed at least in part by said nozzles and, more particularly, by contact of said nozzles with one or more transverse ends of a groove formed at a side edge racks. Said seal is preferably achieved by connecting the nozzle in question to all the walls of said groove. In other words, the shape of the nozzle is preferably adapted so that it forms contact along both full transverse ends and along the innermost transverse wall of the groove.

It should be noted that sealing at the connection points between crossbars and studs can lead to control of water infiltration into a particular façade section or panel, a so-called field effect. When all connection points between the crossbars and the mullions surrounding the façade section are sealed, preferably at least by contact between the cap in question and the groove, a so-called field effect can be obtained. This field effect makes it easy to detect, or rather localize, the cause of water seeping inside. This

- 3 044522 infiltration occurs with a field effect, namely due to leakage present in the relevant section of the facade, and not from adjacent or overlying sections of the facade, unlike traditional curtain walls, where infiltration water is collected along several sections of the facade in studs and drained .

It is clear that leaks in sections of the facade and the risk of water seeping into the interior should be minimized as much as possible and even prevented.

Preferably, the water is drained away from the posts through one or more holes provided in the cross member, these holes being preferably located at a distance from the posts, for example at a distance between 10 mm and 300 mm. In this way, water drainage can be achieved for each panel or section of the facade. As mentioned above, this drainage is useful in finding the cause of any water leaking inside. Of course, water seepage inside is undesirable and must be prevented. In this embodiment, there is no need for water drainage, which would be provided in the studs, and any water infiltration in the curtain wall is drained outwards along the façade section.

Preferably, in cases where the nozzle is mounted in one piece or in multiple parts, but in a separate portion above the end of the cross member, a sealing fastener is installed between said nozzle and the corresponding cross member. The sealing fastener may be, for example, an elastic or plastic sealant and/or a silicone-based fastener, a relatively liquid butyl sealant or the like. This will prevent water that is on the crossbar from getting between the nozzle and the crossbar, for example, as a result of slight deformations of the nozzle.

As mentioned above, preferably, one or more glass bead fastening means is glued to at least one of the above-mentioned transverse ends, preferably to a transverse end that is located on the inside of the curtain wall. By gluing the fasteners, the geometry of the struts can be simplified compared to the mechanical connection of the prior art, for example WO 2017/201587. In the case where the attachments on the crossbars are installed in the groove of the posts by means of a rotating movement, this is achieved without the blocking elements of the mechanical connection forming an obstacle.

Preferably, the above-mentioned fastening means are glued in the undercuts of the above-mentioned groove. Preferably, each of the aforementioned first glass beads is secured by means of a plurality of first fastening means spaced apart along the post. As stated above, gluing fasteners can lead to a simplified design of the posts. This simpler design can be configured so that cavities in the post are more easily sealed, for example, by the ends or caps of the crossbars, as may be the case with posts and a groove on their side edge.

Additionally, it should be noted that securing each of the above-mentioned first glass beads by means of several first fastening means spaced apart along the post is also advantageous in the case where the fastening means are attached to the post by mechanical closure, or in other words, in the case , when the fasteners are installed by snapping.

Preferably, the fastening means have a surface with one or more ridges. These ribs preferably form a surface that is easier to attach with adhesive to the aforementioned transverse ends of the groove. The apexes of these ribs preferably engage the surface of one of the aforementioned transverse ends of the groove, while between two adjacent ribs there is a space for receiving adhesive or some other cured fastener. The transverse ends of the groove are preferably as such free of large irregularities such as ribs, so that a good seal is still possible at the attachment points between the cross member and the post based on the aforementioned attachments.

Preferably, the curtain wall of the invention further has the features that the aforementioned grooves on the side edge of the post have an access hole, wherein the access hole has a first fixed dimension or width in the horizontal direction, wherein the crossbars have a second dimension in the horizontal direction and at right angles to the profile direction of the crossbars, wherein the second dimension is larger than the first dimension, and the crossmembers have a third dimension in a non-horizontal direction at right angles to the profile direction, wherein the third dimension is smaller than the first dimension, so that the ends of the crossmembers in the rotated state of the crossbars, in which the direction of the third size is horizontal, extending through the access hole, the cross members being provided with a locking element, for example in the form of a movable rod, wherein the posts are provided with a locking groove for receiving a section of said locking element, for example a section of said rod, so as to lock, thereby , rotary movement of the crossbars. The presence of a lock for the crossbars increases the structural stability of the curtain wall at significantly elevated temperatures, such as in a fire.

From the above it is clear that the curtain walls of the invention can be configured in such a way that they can be installed from the inside of a building without too much

- 4,044,522 operations. For example, in a positioned state where they are rotated about their longitudinal axis, the crossbars can be placed in the access holes and then through rotation they take the desired orientation and are secured or snap-fitted into the undercut grooves, preferably achieving airtight and/or waterproof groove seal with undercut. When constructing a curtain wall, the cross members can be secured using a locking member and a locking groove. For example, by simply displacing a locking element, such as a rod or strip, sufficient closure can be achieved against loosening cross members installed between the posts.

Preferably, the inner profile, the plastic profile and the outer profile are fastened to each other and preferably permanently from each other, preferably so that the width of the aforementioned access hole is of a fixed size. The corresponding studs extend from the inside of the curtain wall to the outside of the curtain wall and perform all the functions that a prior art stud built on the outside would have, namely thermal break, drainage of each section of the façade, etc. It will be understood that the posts are preferably prefabricated, with most of the interlocking partial profiles already attached to each other before the curtain wall is installed on site. Preferably, the posts on the one hand and/or the cross members on the other hand are delivered to the construction site in a fixedly connected form. The ability to work with a prefabricated stud that can still provide drainage to a section of façade is unique, and in preferred embodiments, the curtain wall of the present invention may offer an ideal solution for this.

Preferably, an airtight and/or watertight seal is achieved at the attachment points between the crossbars and the uprights, for example solely through the aforementioned contact between the optional attachments on the crossbar and a groove on the side edge of the upright.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more groove walls are provided with a recess in which a portion of the cross member is located, the cross members being supported vertically by the lower edge of said recess. The above recess preferably extends in a horizontal direction through one or more transverse walls which define the undercuts of the above groove. This is a simple way to attach crossbars to posts without additional fasteners. In addition, this type of suspension allows the crossbars to have some clearance in the direction of their profile, which is desirable in order to be able to absorb the stresses in the curtain wall. The cross members "hang" in this recess and are preferably supported on the post on both the front side and the inside. Thus, the loads on the cross members are transferred to the racks.

The above recess may be formed in the posts by milling, stamping or cutting.

Preferably, the aforementioned locking groove containing a locking element, such as a rod, for locking the rotation of the crossbars is located on the inner side of the second leg. This makes it easier for the rod to slide from the inside when constructing the curtain wall, in other words, away from the floor to which the curtain wall is attached.

Preferably, said grooves have different depths on different sides of the posts. This also allows panels to be installed from the inside by placing the panel in the deepest groove at an angle, then sliding it in the desired direction, then sliding it towards the shallow groove.

Preferably, the panels are glass panels. According to a specific embodiment, the panels are so-called "smart glazing" panels, namely glass panels whose transparency, reflection, heat transfer or other properties can be adjusted based on electronic signals.

It is clear that the outer side of the curtain wall is the side that is exposed to the elements.

As mentioned above, in the horizontal section, the grooves are preferably undercut and, apart from the access hole, preferably have an elongated shape, with the transverse ends preferably having a rounded portion or configured with roundings of 2 millimeters or more.

In a further preferred embodiment, the crossbars and posts define rectangular openings, wherein one or more panels are placed in said openings, thereby closing the openings, wherein one or more panels are secured by means of first glass glazing beads, which are secured to said post by means of first fasteners means, wherein the first fastening means and the posts are configured to secure the first fastening means to said post, preferably as stated above, by firmly gluing them into the above-mentioned groove with an undercut, or by being fixedly snap-fitted by means of mechanical locking elements, wherein the first fastening

- 5 044522 the means and the first glass glazing beads are preferably designed to be connected or installed, for example by snapping the first glass glazing beads onto the first fastening means.

In this way, the first glass glazing beads can be easily secured, for example by simply snapping them into place. This makes it possible to install the panels from the inside. As mentioned above, it is preferable to use multiple fasteners spaced along the rack.

Alternatively, for securing the fastening means by or in combination with adhesive, the first fastening means and said posts may be configured to snap the first fastening means onto said post in a direction at right angles to the plane of the panel in question, wherein the first fastening means and the first glass the beads are configured to be attached or installed, for example snapping the first glass beads onto the first fastening means, for example, but not only in a direction parallel to the plane of the panel in question. However, preferably, the fastening means are attached to the post only by means of an adhesive connection. Installation of the mounting hardware on the racks may be performed prior to installation of the associated rack, for example, as a component of a completed rack delivered as such to the site. However, it is also possible to attach the fastening means to the posts after the posts have been installed, for example in connection with the installation of panels and/or glass beads.

In another preferred embodiment, one or more of said mullions and first glazing beads are configured such that the first glazing beads rest on the mullion with their side facing away from the panel in question.

In another preferred embodiment, one or more panels are secured by means of second glass beads that are secured to said cross member by means of second fastening means, wherein the second fastening means and one or more of said cross members are configured such that the second fastening means can be attached to said cross member, wherein the second fastening means and the second glass beads are configured such that the second glass beads can be attached, for example, but not exclusively by snapping to the second fastening means. Thus, the advantages mentioned for the first glass beads and posts also apply to the crossbars and second glass beads. It will be understood that the fasteners for the second glass beads can be attached to the crossbars in the same way that the fasteners for the first glass beads are attached to the posts.

Preferably, the first and/or second fastening means are made of plastic such as PVC, PP, PA, PE, PET, and the first glass beads are preferably made of aluminum .

Detailed description

To show the features of the invention in more detail, certain preferred embodiments are described below by way of example and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a curtain wall which illustrates some features of the invention but is not part of it;

fig. 2 and 3 show, on an enlarged scale, a section along sections II-II and III-III, respectively, shown in FIG. 1;

fig. 4 and 5 show in perspective the attachments which, according to the invention, can be mounted on the ends of the crossbars;

fig. 6 and 7 illustrate, in section along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 1, how a cross member with attachments can be installed in a groove with an undercut;

fig. 8 and 9 show a view similar to that of FIG. 2, for an embodiment according to the invention; and figs. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line X-X shown in FIG. 1, curtain wall with features of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a curtain wall 1 under construction. The curtain wall 1 contains posts 2 and crossbars 3. Panels 4, for example glazing, are located with their edges 5 in the posts 2 and crossbars 3. The posts 2 extend vertically, and the crossbars 3 extend horizontally. In this example, this applies to profiles 2-3, which are delivered to the site in a finished state. A complete curtain wall 1 including panels 4 can be installed from the inside.

Fig. 2 shows that the posts 2 are provided on two opposite sides 6 with an undercut groove 7 and an access hole 8. The groove 7 defines a quarter into which the side edge 5 of the above-mentioned panels 4 can be installed. The cross members 3 extend horizontally between two posts 2. The illustrated posts 2 contain several profile parts 2A-2B2C, fastened to each other, but not removable from each other, including profile part 2B forming a thermal break.

Fig. 3 shows that the ends of the crossbars 3 are fixed in the above-mentioned grooves 7 of the racks 2. For this purpose, nozzles 9 are installed at the ends of the crossbars 3.

- 6 044522

The above-mentioned undercut groove 7 has an elongated cross-section which is provided with a rounded portion on one or more of the transverse ends 10, and in this case, there are no radiuses of less than 2 millimeters on the transverse ends 10. Fig. 2 and 3 clearly show that the long axis 11 of the above-mentioned elongated section is oriented transversely or even perpendicular to the above-mentioned panels 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the above-mentioned panels 4 are secured along the inner side 12 of the curtain wall 1 by means of glass beads 13, which are attached, for example, to the above-mentioned post 2, as in this case, by means of fastening means 14, to which corresponding glass beads 13 can be attached by means of a mechanical locking the means 15 are more particularly attached or mounted, for example, but not only, by snapping or gripping, preferably but not only, as explained in more detail in WO 2017/201587. In the example, the fastening means 14 are connected by gluing to the post 2 at the location of the transverse end 10 of the undercut groove 7, which is located on the inner side 12 of the curtain wall 1. For this purpose, in the example, the fastening means 14 are provided with a surface with ribs 16, the tops of which come into contact with the surface of the corresponding transverse end 10, while between two adjacent ribs there is a space for receiving glue or some other curable fastening agent. The transverse ends 10 of the undercut groove 7 are substantially free of irregularities such as ridges.

It should be noted that the fasteners 14 can be made to be the same length or nearly the same length as the glass beads 13 for which they are intended. However, preferably, the glass bead 13 is secured by means of a plurality of fasteners 14 spaced apart from each other, for example three per glass bead 13. This embodiment is an example of the second independent aspect mentioned in the introduction. For example, the fastening means 14 may extend, in each case, over a distance of 2 to 20 cm, for example about 5 cm, in the post 2, with a distance between two adjacent fastening means 14 from 10 to 50 cm, for example from 20 to 30 centimeters.

Fig. 3 clearly shows that the aforementioned attachments 9 have a geometry that is complementary to the undercut section of the groove 7, and in this example comes into contact with both of its transverse ends 10. As mentioned above, due to the said contact between the cross member 3 and the post 2, a watertight and /or airtight connection. Preferably, the contact between the nozzle 9 and the undercut groove 7, such as here, is formed along the entire perimeter of the walls of the undercut groove 7.

Fig. 4 and 5 show a perspective view of the attachments 9 used in FIGS. 3. Said nozzles 9 contain a plurality of holes 17 through which a sealing agent can be applied or introduced. The purpose of the bonding agent is to provide a barrier to moisture that is located on the crossbar 3 and which might otherwise find its way between the crossbar 3 and the nozzle 9.

Fig. 6 shows that the cross member 3 with the nozzle 9 installed on it can initially be placed on the upper side and/or at an angle between two posts 2, namely with the nozzle 9 in the groove 7 with an undercut. Then the cross member 3 and the nozzle 9 are rotated at the location of the notch 18 in the post 2 to the final position shown in FIG. 7, for example, in a manner similar to that described in more detail in WO 2017/201589. During this rotational movement W, compression can occur, preferably of the material of the nozzle 9, at the contact points between the corresponding nozzle 9 and the undercut groove 7, so that the sealing effect at the connection or attachment point between the cross member 3 and the post 2 can be increased.

Fig. 6 and 7 clearly show that the undercut groove 7 has an access hole 8 which in the horizontal direction H has a width B1 which is less than the width B2 of the cross members 3 measured in the horizontal direction H and at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the cross member 3. In the non-horizontal direction, for example in the vertical direction V, at right angles to the longitudinal direction, the cross member 3 has a dimension A that is smaller than the width B1 of the access hole 8 of the undercut groove 7, so that the ends of the cross members 3 are in a rotated state, for example, the state in FIG. . 6 pass through the access hole 8. Preferably, the cross member 3 and/or the post 2 further comprises means for locking the rotation of the cross member 3 in its final position, for example as shown in FIG. 7. Although not shown here, it can be configured in a similar manner to what is described in more detail in WO 2017/201589.

It is clear that the installation of the posts 2 and the crossbars 3, as well as the installation of the panels 4, can be carried out completely without screws and on the inside 12 of the building, while still achieving an airtight and/or watertight connection between the posts 2 and the crossbars 3. In this way, field effect for water drainage, as stated in the introduction.

Fig. 6 and 7 furthermore also show that the cross members 3 comprise several profile parts 3A-3B-3C which are fastened to each other and are not removable from each other, including a profile part 3B which forms a thermal break. Preferably cross members 3

- 7 044522 are manufactured in advance or, in other words, they are delivered to the site in assembled condition.

It is also clear from the example that the undercut grooves 7 on opposite edges 6 of the posts 2 preferably have different depths. This embodiment allows panels 4, such as glazing panels 4, to be positioned in the curtain wall 1 by means of a so-called repositioning technique, in which one edge of the panel 4 is positioned in the deepest undercut groove 7 and then the panel is rotated in the plane of the glazing and is pushed into a smaller groove 7 with an undercut. The glazing is preferably secured in its final position at least by means of the aforementioned glass beads 13.

Fig. 6 and 7 clearly show that the crossbars 3 can be configured with at least a first leg 19 that projects upwardly and which is located on the inside of the crossbar 3, and preferably with a second leg 20 that projects downwards and that is located on the outer side of the cross member 3. One or more legs 19-20 provide additional bending strength of the profile. The first leg 19 preferably has a height H1 of 20 millimeters or more, so that there is only a risk that the water on the cross member 3 will move inward with a hydrodynamic pressure difference of 200 Pa.

Fig. 8 shows a curtain wall 1 with features of the invention. The shading serves to indicate that the wall of the inner chamber of the struts can be removed. In this case, three internal chambers are provided. This makes it possible to locally remove the inner chamber wall on either side of the post while maintaining the required structural integrity of the profile.

Fig. 9, in turn, shows that an openable frame can be installed in place of the local adaptation. Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of the corresponding cross members.

In addition, the following should be noted in connection with the invention and the drawings.

Most conventional curtain wall systems can integrate outward opening overhead sash windows, as well as all types of standard operating window systems. Both solutions either functionally do not meet the building user's requirements or aesthetically do not meet the architect's requirements.

The present invention makes it possible to create a curtain wall system, in particular of a continuous type, with inward opening windows that are invisible neither from inside nor from the outside of the building.

If the opening window is designed as a tilting window with a completely invisible built-in chain drive, then the window no longer even has a handle and from the inside the window is almost indistinguishable from the fixed glazing, with the exception of a possible small gap around the perimeter between the mullion/crossbar and the window.

The curtain wall according to the invention and its installation is extremely simple.

In the solution according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 8 by 10, the jumper, existing from 2 profiles, can be installed as follows:

install the outer portion (Te) of the jumper in the same way as for any other jumper, as illustrated in FIG. 6;

install the inner part of the lintel (Ti) by horizontal movement, with both parts of the lintel connected to each other with a waterproof continuous tongue and groove connection;

fix the side screws in the upper and lower jumpers and racks on the left and right;

enter the end parts (Fig. 4 and 5) as for other jumpers;

the glazed working part is moved directly to the grid of posts and lintels using a movable mounting table, and two scissor hinges (not shown) are attached to the working part;

connect the chain drive;

complete the installation and close the window.

The resulting curtain wall provides ideal ventilation. Additional profiles are not displayed and no handles are required.

The result is an extremely elegant window in the curtain wall, which at the same time allows for a top-class solution in terms of ventilation.

According to a preferred embodiment:

1. Install the lower jumper by snapping it in place (as in Fig. 6).

2. Install the upper jumper by snapping it into place.

3. Install the “inner” cavity of the jumper with a horizontal movement (a small groove on the front of the profile is installed in the “nose” of the outer part) both at the top and bottom.

4. Install the screws in the lower jumper both in the internal cavity and in the external cavity, whereby they are screwed motionless between the posts.

5. Install the screws in the upper jumper.

6. Insert the yellow end piece into the lower and upper bridge.

7. The glazed sash is installed horizontally into the façade using an assembly table, and the lower part 2 of the hinge is attached to the sash.

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8. The sash is almost closed and a chain with an electric motor is attached to the sash at the bottom.

9. The sash is closed and installation is completed.

Thus, the installation of the facade is carried out in the same way as in the main facade according to publication WO'588.

Some additional clarifications:

1. See fig. 8, The inside of the façade rack is different from the ordinary rack.

2. The bridge consists of an inner part Ti and an outer part Te.

3. The tubular section on the inside is designed in such a way that when milling the zone (see the shaded part near the post on the left in the drawing), both a chamber is created, similar to a classic window consisting of an external frame, and a sash frame, but in this case, external the chamber is formed by the preserved part of the post.

Thus, the sash frame and outer frame are created not by adding “something”, but by milling part of the mullion.

This has several advantages:

A. The stand is milled only in height where it is necessary, or in the height of the sash (opening panel), which is de facto always in the viewing area. This means that the post remains intact and thus retains its full rigidity in the parapet area, which is usually subject to significant loads. Thus, the bending of the rack is minimized as much as possible.

b. Can be used both on the left and on the right.

With. More economical since a separate external frame for hanging the sash is not required.

d. Much more elegant.

4. The opening block is airtight and watertight with 3 rubber seals (see drawing B) - as with any standard window concept.

A. R1: represents the usual standard rubber for our façade, which in this case serves as a stop rubber.

b. R2: central seal, which is preferably vulcanized at the corners to ensure a perfect seal.

This central seal is installed in a groove that extends vertically into the post and horizontally into the internal cavity of the Ti horizontal lintel.

With. R3: inner rubber that serves as sound insulation.

5. The glazing (see drawing C) is connected by bonding with structural silicone “SS or SG” - that is, structural silicone or structural glazing - along the entire periphery of the sash profile.

In addition, it should be noted that where the interior part 12 of the curtain wall 1 is mentioned above, it is meant that part of the curtain wall 1, namely the lintels 3 and the posts 2, which is directed towards the interior of the building. This inner portion 12 does not necessarily begin only on the innermost surface of the curtain wall 1, but begins behind the glazing surface.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above, but such curtain walls can be manufactured while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

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Claims (12)

CLAIM 1. A curtain wall comprising one or more posts (2) and one or more cross members (3), wherein said one or more posts (2) extend vertically, said one or more posts consisting of at least an internal profile (2C) and an outer profile (2A) connected by one or more plastic profiles (2B), the inner profile (2C), the outer profile (2A) and said one or more plastic profiles (2B) cannot be disassembled from each other, said one or several posts (2) are provided on two opposite sides (6) with a groove (7) and an access hole (8), said one or more crossbars (3) extending horizontally between the two posts (2), and their ends are inserted into the grooves ( 7) of these two racks (2), characterized in that the above-mentioned curtain wall contains at least one panel that opens inward, while the openable panel is installed between two racks (2), two racks (2) adjacent to the openable panel contain one or multiple internal chambers in their internal profile (2C), said two pillars (2) adjacent to the opening panel are locally adapted to receive the opening panel, the local adaptation of the two pillars (2) adjacent to the opening panel includes at least the removal of the directional sideways the wall of the inner chamber of each of the two posts (2) along the height of the opening panel, and the opening panel is mounted in a local adaptation of the two posts (2) adjacent to the opening panel so that when the opening panel is closed, the opening panel is indistinguishable from the fixed panel (4) neither on the inside nor on the outside of the curtain wall. 2. Curtain wall according to claim 1, in which nozzles (9) are installed at the ends of the crossbars (3), and the nozzles (9) are inserted into the grooves (7) of the racks (2), and the nozzles (9) have a geometry that complements the cross-section of the grooves (7), so that a watertight and/or airtight connection is formed between the crossbars (3) and the uprights (2). 3. Curtain wall according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two crossbars (3) adjacent to the opening panel are attached to two posts (2) adjacent to the opening panel by means of screws. 4. A curtain wall according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said curtain wall further comprises at least one fixedly mounted panel (4). 5. Curtain wall according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed panel (4) is a fixed window and contains glazing. 6. Curtain wall according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal profile (2C) of the posts (2) consists essentially of steel or aluminum. 7. Curtain wall according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the side edges (5) of the fixedly installed panels (4) are at least inserted into the grooves (7) of the posts (2). 8. A curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the openable panel is an openable window and contains an openable frame, the glazing being fixedly mounted in or on the openable frame. 9. Curtain wall according to one of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the outer side of the openable panel is located in the same or practically the same plane as the outer side of the fixedly installed panel (4). 10. Curtain wall according to claim 8, characterized in that the glazing of the openable panel is located in the same or almost the same plane as the glazing of a fixedly installed window. 11. Curtain wall according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned crossbar (3) also consists of at least an internal profile (3C) and an external profile (3A) connected by one or more plastic profiles (3B). 12. A curtain wall according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inwardly opening panel comprises at least one of: folding window with handle; tilting window without handle, suitable for operation by means of a drive; turning window; tilt/turn window; window opening parallel to the inside. -