EP1582643B1 - Mullion-Transom system with less visible supports - Google Patents

Abstract

The system comprises a supporting structure including mullions (1) and transoms (4). Pressure strips (2) are connected by especially thin securing elements (3) to the supporting structure. To receive the weight of plates (G), supports are attached to the transoms.

Description

The invention relates to a mullion-transom system with a narrow face width.

Post-and-beam systems are used to construct buildings that use glass or other panels. Examples are shop windows, glass or clad facades, conservatories and similar uses. Basically, these mullion and transom systems have a supporting structure comprising elements in the vertical direction (posts) and elements in the horizontal direction (bars). This support structure can be made for example of a steel profile.

By means of profiles called horizontal and vertical pressure strips glass plates are pressed against the support structure or held in a predetermined position. On the other hand seals are provided between the pressure bars and the glass plates on the one hand and between the glass plates and the posts or bars (hereinafter referred to as supporting elements), which inter alia prevent direct contact of the glass with the metallic construction elements.

In order to obtain the required surface pressure forces for holding the glass plates, the pressure bars are connected by screws to the support elements. Since a direct contact between the glass and the metallic material of the screw is to be prevented in this case, these screws must be coated with a sheath made of a suitable material, for example with a plastic. For reasons of strength, these screws must have a predetermined minimum diameter.

Due to the construction of such a mullion-transom system, a final assembly of the individual Elements only on the construction site allows, there is a variety of steps required.

Due to this minimum diameter of the screws, the width of the protective casing and the dimensions of the necessary seals resulting minimum widths for the pressure bars, which are referred to as view width. These face widths can not be further reduced for post-tie systems of the prior art for strength reasons, which disadvantageously limits the architectural design possibilities.

In the DE 43 32 406 A1 For example, a mullion and transom system is disclosed, in which between the support elements and the pressure bars existing dividers both serve as a protective coating as well as in connection with a screw as a connecting element. Also in this example according to the prior art predetermined minimum diameter for the screws and thus minimum widths for the dividers are necessary.

It is the object of the invention to provide a slender mullion and transom system for a building with a supporting structure which has a small face width and in which the supporting structure is suitable for receiving slabs.

An advantageous aspect of the invention is that this post and beam system can be mounted on the site easier and thus cheaper.

The object of the invention is achieved by a mullion and transom system according to claim 1 and according to claim 2.

A post-and-rail system according to the invention for constructing a building is constructed as follows:

Vertical posts together with horizontal transoms form a supporting structure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is particularly suitable for use in the roof area, the posts are not arranged vertically, but inclined. The slope can be adapted to the slope of a roof.

These support elements are preferably made of a metallic material such as steel tubes, profiles or aluminum profiles, but according to the structural requirements also suitable non-metallic materials such as multiple compound glass can be used. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, glass swords made of triple laminated glass are used.

Vertical and horizontal pressure bars are connected by fasteners so with the support members, that between them the plates are held. The fastening elements have a substantially rectangular shape with a small thickness and are connected to these in the region of openings provided in the support elements. The weight forces of the plates are absorbed by at least one support, which supports the lower end face of the plates.

According to the invention, a fastening element is produced in one piece from a metal plate. This allows a thin design of the fastener over its entire surface, so that the fastener can be considered essentially as a two-dimensional element. Due to the material used is also a sufficient Strength for the intended use namely the secure attachment of pressure bars and the holding of plates on the formed of vertical posts and horizontal beams support structure ensured.

For this purpose, the vertical fastening elements on a hook-shaped by a recess connecting portion which is positively engageable in the assembled state with a wall of a post in engagement. The strength of the fastener is a maximum of 1mm.

The horizontal fasteners have a connection portion provided with a hole. In the assembled state, the hole is engageable by a bolt with a wall of the bolt. The axis of the hole is normal to the fastener. Fasteners with connecting portions formed in this way are not limited to the range of horizontal bars, but for example, also in sloping roof posts or trained in glass swords post used.
In the following, the side facing the support elements of the elements described in each case as the inside and the pressure bars facing side is referred to as the outside.

The fasteners according to the invention are therefore extremely simple in design, since they are simply executed as a two-dimensional component, for example by punching.

In addition, the proposed attachment of the vertical fasteners allows by means of positive Connection possible manufacturing inaccuracies, however, do not affect the function of the components.

Even with the horizontal fasteners, it is possible to bring them by means of a guided through the hole bolt in a form-fitting manner with the wall of the bolt. In this case, only the hole in the connecting portion of the fastener and the bolt with greater accuracy to manufacture.

To produce a bias, the spring force of seals is used, which are provided on the one hand between the pressure bars and the outside of the plate and on the other hand between the support members and the inside of the plate. In the event that more than one plate is provided, the plates are spaced apart by spacers, wherein the seals are provided respectively at the outside of the outermost plate and the inside of the innermost plate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plates consist of a double glazing, wherein the spacer is designed in the form of the edge bond of the two glass panes.

Since the plates according to the invention are prevented only from shifting in a horizontal direction by the pressure ledges and the biasing force of the gaskets, the large weight forces of the plates are absorbed by at least one support of a high-strength material. Preferably, these supports are coated with a protective layer to prevent direct contact between the plate and the bearing material. In a preferred embodiment, the supports are made of a manganese steel and the protective layer is made of a plastic. In the preferred Embodiment, the supports are formed plate-like with a rectangular shape. But it is also possible, the supports with an L, T, C, or H-shaped cross section in such a way that the supports project beyond the upper or upper and lower edge region of the plate.

For receiving the connecting elements, the support elements have openings provided at regular intervals, wherein these openings are formed in a preferred embodiment as elongated holes. In another preferred embodiment, the openings are formed as recesses in a central glass post, wherein the vertical edge of the opening is formed by adjacent provided glass posts.

In a preferred embodiment, the vertical fasteners have at their inner end on the underside a recess which serves to engage with the post wall below the respective opening so as to positively connect the fastener to the post. The recess is preferably made rectangular, but it may for example also be trapezoidal, or trapezoidal in the lower region and be rectangular in the upper region to facilitate the attachment of the fastener to the post wall. But it is also possible to connect the fasteners by means of a screw, a welded joint or a combination of screw and welded connection with the post.

The horizontal fastening elements are preferably connected by a screw connection with the bolts. The connection between the horizontal fasteners and the bars may alternatively be carried out as a welded joint or as an adhesive bond.

To connect to the pressure bars on the outside of both the horizontal and the vertical fastening elements fitted elements, which are preferably carried out in a cylindrical shape. Each of these fitting elements is engaged with a groove in the pressure bar, wherein the shape of the groove corresponds to the shape of the fitting element. In order to prevent displacement of the fitting elements within the grooves, the fitting elements are secured by means of a suitable screw or adhesive. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure bars and the fastening elements are connected by means of a clamping pin.

The mating elements and the grooves may have any polygonal shape instead of a cylindrical shape. In particular, a shape with an elliptical or a hexagonal cross-section is possible.

Instead of providing a single fastener in each fitting element, it is also possible to provide a single fitting element with the length of the entire pressure strip, the fastener elements being mounted on the fitting element in accordance with the spacings of the elongated holes. The connection of the fastening elements with the fitting elements is preferably carried out by a weld.

This part of the final assembly activities of the mullion-and-transom system can be carried out at the factory, rather than at the construction site, under more favorable installation conditions, which is an advantage in terms of both work and cost.

Alternatively, it is also possible, the pressure bars together with the fasteners in a single extrusion process and a further operation, for example. Punching or integrally forming thermal cutting.

After attaching the fasteners and the outer sealing elements to the pressure bars the vertical pressure bars are connected by connecting the connecting portions of the vertical fasteners in the region of the respective openings with the posts, and the horizontal pressure bars by connecting the horizontal fasteners in the region of the respective openings with connected to the bars. The pressure bars are provided with at least one further groove and a recess to receive the outer sealing elements. The shape of the pressure bars to the outside is not limited. For example, they may be straight without gradations, with at least one step, with a curved outer surface, U-shaped, or any other shape. It is also possible to combine pressure bars of different shapes. In addition, it is possible to additionally attach a Klipsleiste as a cover of the pressure bar on the pressure bars. In a preferred embodiment, two grooves or recesses are executed on the inside of the pressure bars. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seals are designed as wedge seals and are attached only after the Druckleistenmontage.

The fasteners are preferably formed of a stainless steel material, but may be formed depending on the static requirements, for example, an aluminum alloy or even a non-metallic material.

• Fig. 1a und 1b zeigen die Druckleistenbefestigung an den Pfosten im Bereich eines Befestigungselementes, wobei Fig. 1a eine Schnittansicht von der Seite und Fig. 1b eine Draufsicht ist.
• Fig. 2a und 2b zeigen die Druckleistenbefestigung an den Riegeln, wobei Fig. 2a eine Schnittansicht von der Seite und Fig. 2b eine Draufsicht ist.
• Fig. 3a und 3b zeigen die Plattenauflager, wobei Fig. 3a eine Draufsicht und Fig. 3b eine Schnittansicht von der Seite ist.
• Fig. 4a und 4b zeigen die Druckleistenbefestigung an den Pfosten gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wobei Fig. 4a eine Draufsicht und Fig. 4b eine Schnittansicht von der Seite ist.
• Fig. 5a und 5b zeigen die Druckleistenbefestigung im Dachbereich gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wobei Fig. 5a eine Draufsicht und Fig. 4b eine Schnittansicht von der Seite ist.
• Fig. 6a und 6b zeigen die Druckleistenbefestigung im Dachbereich gemäß dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wobei Fig. 6a eine Draufsicht und Fig. 6b eine Schnittansicht von der Seite ist.

In the following, an embodiment of the invention is described in detail with reference to the figures using the example of a post and a bolt.

• Fig. 1a and 1b show the pressure bar attachment to the post in the region of a fastener, wherein Fig. 1a a sectional view from the side and Fig. 1b is a top view.
• Fig. 2a and 2b show the pressure bar attachment to the bars, where Fig. 2a a sectional view from the side and Fig. 2b is a top view.
• Fig. 3a and 3b show the plate support, where Fig. 3a a top view and Fig. 3b is a sectional view from the side.
• Fig. 4a and 4b show the Druckleistenbefestigung to the post according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein Fig. 4a a top view and Fig. 4b is a sectional view from the side.
• Fig. 5a and 5b show the Druckleistenbefestigung in the roof area according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein Fig. 5a a top view and Fig. 4b is a sectional view from the side.
• Fig. 6a and 6b show the Druckleistenbefestigung in the roof area according to the third embodiment of the invention, wherein Fig. 6a a top view and Fig. 6b is a sectional view from the side.

According to the post-and-rail system according to the invention, vertical posts 1 and horizontal bars 4 form one Support structure, are attached to the vertical pressure bars 2 and horizontal pressure bars 2. Between the support structure and the pressure bars 2, two plates Gi, Ga are held according to the embodiment on both sides of the post 1, as well as above and below the bolt 4. In the described embodiment, the plates Gi, Ga are designed as glass panes, which together with an edge seal 10 form a Isolierglaspaneel.

Fig. 1a and 1b show the attachment of the vertical pressure bar 2 to the post 1. At the pressure bar 2 facing narrow side of the post 1 long holes 1a are provided at regular intervals. Between the post 1 and the two inner glass plates Gi an EPDM seal 6 is provided, whose length coincides with the length of the post 1. The inner and outer glass plates Gi, Ga are connected to a marginal composite 10, which ensures that the distance between the inner and outer glass plates Gi, Ga remains the same. Between the outer glass plates Ga and the pressure bar 2 an existing of a silicone wedge seal 7 outer glazing gasket 7 is provided. The length of the outer glazing gasket 7 corresponds to the length of the vertical pressure strip 2. In both seals 6, 7 corresponding holes are provided in the region of the slots 1a.

To connect the pressure bar 2 with the post 1 is a vertical fastener 3, which has a substantially rectangular shape with a thickness of 1mm. The fastener 3 is made according to the embodiment of a stainless steel. On the outer narrow side of the fastening element 3, a cylindrical bolt 3a is welded according to the embodiment, whose outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of a cylindrical groove 2a in the pressure bar 2. In the upper area of the bolt 3a is provided a threaded hole for receiving a locking screw, which is designed in the described embodiment as a grub screw 12. In the region of the opposite narrow side of the fastening element 3, a rectangular recess 3b extending from the underside is provided, so that the side of the fastening element opposite the bolt 3a is hook-shaped.

To attach the vertical pressure bar according to the embodiment, the first of the bolt 3 a of the fastener 3 is inserted into the groove 2 a provided with the seal 7 pressure bar 2 and secured with the grub screw 12, which is guided by the threaded hole present in the bolt 3 a. The pressure bar 2 is provided with a groove 2b and a recess 2c to receive the seal 7. The process up to this condition can already be carried out in advance in the factory.

Next, the insulating glass panel Gi, Ga, 10 is held to the post 1 provided with the gasket 6. In this case, the weight of the glass plates of supports 8 is recorded, which will be described later.

Finally, the now provided with a corresponding number of fasteners 3 pressure bar 2 is pressed against the outer glass Ga, the seals 6 and 7 are elastically deformed, and then the recesses 3b of the fasteners 3 with the post wall below the respective elongated holes 1a engage , By the spring-back of the elastically deformed seals 6, 7 a possible play between the individual elements is prevented.

Out Fig. 2a and 2b the attachment of the horizontal pressure bar 2 on the latch 4 can be seen. This attachment takes place in an analogous manner, such as the attachment of the pressure bar 2 to the post 4, wherein the only difference in the attachment of the respective fastening element 5 to the latch 4. In each horizontal fastening element 5, a threaded hole 5b is provided in the region of the inner narrow side instead of the recess 3b, which serves to fasten the horizontal fastening element 5 by means of a threaded pin 5c in the region of the slot 4a on the latch.

This attachment process takes place after the bolt 3a corresponding bolts 5a of the fasteners 5 were introduced into the groove 2 and secured against slipping, as described above. Finally, the pressure bar provided with the fastening elements is likewise pressed against the outer glass plate Ga and the individual screw connections between the respective fastening elements 5 and the latch 4 are produced.

To prevent direct contact between the glass plates Gi, Ga and the steel fastening elements 3, 5, the glass plates G1, Ga are provided with a cell belt 9 in the area between pressure bar 2 and post 1 or bar 4.

Out Fig. 3a and 3b the arrangement of the supports 8 can be seen. As already mentioned, the supports 8 serve to absorb the weight of the glass plates Gi, Ga. According to the embodiment, two supports 8 are provided in the region of the interface of posts 1 and 4 bars. These supports 8 are made of a manganese steel and in an area left and right of the Post 1 attached to the latch 2 when the entire construction is viewed from the outside. The attachment is made according to the embodiment by means of a welded connection. The supports 8 are substantially rectangular, plate-shaped and have a thickness of 3mm. To avoid direct contact between glass and steel, the supports 8 are coated on their upper side with a plastic support block 13, on which the glass plates Gi, Ga rest.

Fig. 4a and 4b show a second embodiment of the invention. In this, the support elements consist of glass swords 21, which are made of a triple laminated glass. According to the embodiment, two outer glass members 21a hold a middle glass member 21m therebetween. In the edge region of the central glass element 21m recesses 21b are formed, which serve to receive the corresponding fastening elements 3. The fastening elements 23 are rounded in the connection area and provided with a bore 23 b. They are connected by means of a bolt 23c with the glass elements 21a.

The remaining construction according to the second embodiment corresponds to the already executed first embodiment and will therefore not be described again.

Fig. 5a and 5b show the attachment of the pressure bars in the roof area according to a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the fastening elements 5 for the roof posts are the same as the fastening elements 5 for the bars according to the first embodiment. The fasteners So are connected by means of a screw 5b, 5c with the post 1.

In order to prevent direct contact between the metal of the fastening element 5b and the insulating glass panel, a round cord 16 is wound around the fastening element in the region of the edge composite 10. The area between the outer glass panes Ga is additionally sealed by a permanently elastic seal made of silicone, wherein the round cord 16 serves as the substrate of the seal and prevents the silicone seal from sagging before curing. The connection between the fastening element 5 and the pressure bar 32 on the fastening element is effected by a clamping pin 15 which is guided by the pressure bar 32 and a slot 5d provided in the fastening element 5.

Finally, a clip strip 33 is placed over the pressure bar 32, engaging lateral projections 32d of the pressure bar. The clip strip serves as an additional weather protection, but also fulfills a creative function.

Fig. 6a and 6b correspond with the exception of the fastener 5 substantially Fig. 5a or 5b. The fastening element 5 is welded at its inner edge vertically to the central region of a metal plate 5e. Above and below the fastening element 5 is in each case a through hole in the metal plate, so that the metal plate 5e and thus the fastening element 5 can be screwed by means of two screws to the post 1.

It should be noted that all, in the individual embodiments set forth attachment and connection options of the individual elements can be combined with each other as desired and are not limited to the individual embodiments.

By the construction described according to the embodiments of the invention, a mullion and transom system with a very narrow face width of 30mm is provided. Moreover, with the construction just described, it is possible to perform some of the required assembly work in advance in the factory under more favorable working conditions than at the construction site.

Claims (25)

1. A post-catch system for embodying a structure comprising:

   vertical posts (1) as part of a support construction, which together with vertical pressure strips (2) and sealing elements (6, 7) fix at least one disc (Gi, Ga) on the vertical edge areas thereof, so as to hold it, wherein they are connected by means of vertical fastening elements (3); and

   horizontal catches (4) as part of the support construction, which together with horizontal pressure strips (2, 32) of a material and sealing elements (6, 7) clamp at least one disc (Gi, Ga) on the horizontal edge areas thereof, so as to hold it, wherein they are connected by means of horizontal fastening elements (5),

   at least one bearing (8) of a material having a high stability, which supports the weight of the discs (Gi, Ga) on the lower front face thereof,

   wherein the posts (1) and the catches (4) encompass openings (1a, 4a) provided at even distances for accommodating the fastening elements (3, 5), which are embodied so as to be substantially rectangular and disc-like, each fastening element (3, 5) encompassing on its inner end a connecting section (3b, 5b), which is connected to the post (1) and/or to the catch (4) in the area of the respective opening (1a, 2a) and each fastening element (3, 5) encompassing on its outer end an adjusting element (3a, 5a, 23a), which engages with a corresponding groove (2a), which is provided in the pressure strips (2, 32),

   wherein the connecting section (3b) of the vertical fastening elements (3) is embodied in a hook-shaped manner by means of a recess, which can be positively engaged with a wall of the post (1) in an assembled state, and the thickness of the fastening elements (3) is not more than 1.0 mm.
2. The post-catch system for embodying a structure comprising:

   vertical posts (1) as part of a support construction, which together with vertical pressure strips (2) and sealing elements (6, 7) fix at least one disc (Gi, Ga) on the vertical edge areas thereof, so as to hold it, wherein they are connected by means of vertical fastening elements (3); and

   horizontal catches (4) as part of the support construction, which together with horizontal pressure strips (2, 32) of a material and sealing elements (6, 7) clamp at least one disc (Gi, Ga) on the horizontal edge areas thereof, so as to hold it, wherein they are connected by means of horizontal fastening elements (5),

   at least one bearing (8) of a material having a high stability, which supports the weight of the discs (Gi, Ga) on the lower front face thereof,

   wherein the posts (1) and the catches (4) encompass openings (1a, 4a) provided at even distances for accommodating the fastening elements (3, 5), which are embodied so as to be substantially rectangular and disc-like, each fastening element (3, 5) encompassing on its inner end a connecting section (3b, 5b), which is connected to the post (1) and/or to the catch (4) in the area of the respective opening (1a, 2a) and each fastening element (3, 5) encompassing on its outer end an adjusting element (3a, 5a, 23a), which engages with a corresponding groove (2a), which is provided in the pressure strips (2, 32),

   wherein the connecting section of the fastening elements (3, 5) is provided with a hole (5b, 23b), which can be engaged with a wall of the post (1) or of the catch (4), respectively, via a bolt (5c, 23c) in an assembled state, wherein the axis of the hole stands normally on the fastening element (3, 5) and the thickness of the fastening elements (3, 5) is not more than 1.0 mm.
3. The post-catch system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjusting elements (3a, 5a, 23a) and the groove (2a) are embodied in a cylindrical manner and/or comprising a polygonal cross section.
4. The post-catch system according to each of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening elements (3, 5), in the area of a pressure strip (2, 32), encompass a common adjusting element (3a, 5a, 23a), which extends across the entire length of the pressure strip (2, 32).
5. The post-catch system according to each of claims 1 to 4, wherein each adjusting element (3a, 5a) is secured against displacement.
6. The post-catch system according to claim 5, wherein, to secure against the displacement of the fastening elements (3, 5), a stud screw (12), which is guided against the pressure strip (2) from the side of the support construction through a threaded hole in the corresponding adjusting element (3a, 5a, 23a) arranged above the fastening element (3) or on the side of the fastening element (5), respectively.
7. The post-catch system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical and/or the horizontal pressure strips (2, 32) are embodied in one piece with the vertical and/or horizontal fastening elements (3) across their entire length.
8. The post-catch system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vertical and/or the horizontal pressure strips (2, 32) are connected to the respective fastening elements (3, 5) by means of a locking pin (15).
9. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 8, wherein the recess in the connecting section (3b) of the vertical fastening elements (3) is embodied as rectangular recess or as trapezoidal recess or as polygonal recess.
10. The post-catch system according to claim 2 to 9, wherein a threaded hole (3b) is embodied in the connecting section of the vertical fastening elements (3), wherein the fastening element (3) can be fastened to the post (1) by means of a threaded pin (3c).
11. The post-catch system according to claim 2 to 9, wherein provision is made on the inner end (3b) of the vertical fastening elements (3) for a disc, which is screwed to the post (1), so as to fasten the fastening element (3) to the post (1).
12. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 11, wherein the horizontal and vertical fastening elements (3, 5) are made of high-grade steel or from an aluminum alloy or from a non-metallic material.
13. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 12, wherein the fastening elements (3, 5) are coated to prevent direct contact of the disc material with the material of the fastening elements (3, 5).
14. The post-catch system according to claim 13, wherein the coating takes place by means of a cell binding (9) and/or by means of a round cord (16).
15. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 14, wherein the hole (5b) of the horizontal fastening elements (5) is embodied as threaded hole (5b) to connect to the catch.
16. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 15, wherein the horizontal fastening elements (5) are connected to the respective catch (4) by means of welding and/or by means of adhesion.
17. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 16, wherein the bearings (8) are made of manganese steel.
18. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 17, wherein the bearings (8) are attached to the respective catch (4) by means of welding and/or by means of a screw connection.
19. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 18, wherein the bearings (8) are embodied to overlap so as to project beyond the lower front face of the upper disc (Ga).
20. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 19, wherein the bearings (8) are embodied with a T-shaped cross section, so as to project beyond the upper front face of the lower disc (Ga) as well as beyond the lower front face of the upper disc (Ga).
21. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 20, wherein the posts (1) and/or the catches (4) are made of a metal material or of a laminated glass.
22. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 21, wherein the openings (1a, 4a) are embodied as elongated holes (1a, 4a).
23. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 22, wherein the horizontal and vertical pressure strips (2, 32) are made of an aluminum material and/or of brass and/or of a bronze alloy and/or of a non-metallic material.
24. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 23, wherein furthermore at least one groove (2b, 32b) and at least one recess (2c, 32c) are embodied in the profile of the pressure strips (2, 32), so as to accommodate the sealing elements (7).
25. The post-catch system according to claim 1 to 24, wherein provision is made above the pressure strip (2, 32) for a clip-on strip (33).

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