EP3736391B1 - Façade element holder - Google Patents

Description

The present invention deals with a facade element holder as part of a system for facade fastening. This facade element bracket is suitable, among other things, for a curtain wall, rear-ventilated facade, as is often used today in new buildings and renovations. The present invention also relates to a method for installing facade elements with such a facade element holder.

BACKGROUND

Today, the building envelope is understood as the entirety of all components that close off a building from the outside. In modern residential and commercial construction, a building envelope must fulfill a variety of functions; as a barrier against weather influences, as thermal and acoustic insulation and last but not least as a design element that gives a building its recognition value. A curtain wall is a building shell that is not attached directly to the load-bearing outer wall like a layer of plaster or paint, but is attached to it at a distance. In the context of this invention, a combination of at least one substructure on the supporting outer wall, the actual, visible facade elements fastened to it and the facade element holder as a fastener or connecting element in between is considered a facade system or facade fastening system.

One advantage of curtain-type, rear-ventilated facades is that the load-bearing building shell can be designed essentially functionally and statically, with the exception of the mounting points of the substructure. The substructure defines a volume between the structurally load-bearing outer wall, which can be used to accommodate thermal insulation and supply lines. In the present context, a facade element is understood to be the building element that visibly closes the building shell to the outside.

STATE OF THE ART

A large number of facade variants are known in the prior art. In general, a curtain facade requires a substructure that specifies the distance between the load-bearing outer wall or building structure and a facade element. For this purpose, it is known to use support and spacer elements for load dissipation, the first end of which is fastened at certain points to the load-bearing outer wall. At its other end, long profiles made of steel or aluminum are attached, preferably horizontally and/or vertically, largely parallel to the supporting building structure. The facade elements are in turn attached to these profiles via the said facade brackets.

A frequent requirement is that a curtain wall is attached "invisibly", i.e. that the mechanical connection points between the wall elements and the substructure are not visible from the outside. A solution to this task must not mean compromising on installation work and safety.

It is also important that a facade can be dismantled again. This may be necessary when repairing or replacing individual facade elements or when dismantling the entire facade.

The font DE10 2007 052407 A1 describes a facade system for cladding a building, using two metal profile rails designed to correspond to one another and which can be hooked into one another in a form-fitting manner. The first metal profile rail serves as a substructure to be attached to the building, while the second is attached to the facade support plate. Furthermore, screws are proposed as fixing elements, which ensure the connection of the metal profile rails.

The object of the invention is therefore to describe a facade system whose safety mechanism is improved in such a way that maintenance of the facade, in particular the removal of facade panels, is made easier without compromising on safety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, "facade elements" are components that are to be attached to a substructure as part of a building envelope. These facade elements are usually large, flat and have a square or rectangular basic shape. They are often made of fiber cement, plastics, metal plates, natural stone, glass or composite materials. They are used for protection, insulation, cladding and/or decoration of the building envelope. Functionally active facade elements such as solar panels, electronic displays or illuminated surfaces are also included.

The holder for such facade elements described in the present invention essentially comprises two profile elements which—when mounted as intended—can engage in a form-fitting manner in the sense of a (single) suspension connection. For use in construction, it is important that the connection is detachable.

A facade element holder therefore comprises a first profile element, which is designed as a longitudinal profile to be mounted horizontally and as such is or becomes a component, in particular a final element, of the substructure of a facade attachment. It is therefore preferably designed as a longitudinal profile that is mounted horizontally on spacers or spacer elements. The parallel spacing of these horizontally aligned longitudinal profiles depends, among other things, on the dimensions and weight of the facade elements and is specified in an assembly or installation plan.

A second profile element complements the first profile element to form the core of the bracket. It has the function of an adapter or suspension element to be attached to a facade element. The second profile element is attached to the back of the facade element; this can be done by screwing, riveting, gluing or some other known way. The second profile element can be attached to the facade element as a strip or several times as a short section - depending on the requirement or specification. These profile elements can preferably also be attached ex works during the production or assembly of the facade elements instead of at the installation site.

In order to ensure the form-fitting engagement mentioned above, it is proposed that both the first and the second profile element be designed in such a way that they can engage in one another in two areas. Interlocking means that the two profile elements are joined during assembly in such a way that they are then positively connected to one another. In the usual definition, positive locking means that the two profile elements are restricted in movement in at least one spatial direction even without a third element - according to the usual understanding, the positive locking causes the facade element - correctly installed - to be secured against falling.

At the same time, the suspension connection after normal assembly causes a frictional connection in the horizontal direction. The securing element described below also has the effect that the facade element is also horizontally secured in a form-fitting manner.

In order to ensure the "interlocking in two areas" - in generalized formulation - there must be two sections A, B on the first profile element, with section A having a first surface shape X and section B a second surface shape Y. Sections are areas or Sections of the profile body are meant that are functionally designed in such a way that they can ensure the form fit in interaction with a counterpart or the area of another profile. For this purpose, the surface is designed in such a way that its contour corresponds to the contour of the counterpart. That requires automatically that the dimensions of the surfaces are selected so similarly that the form fit is possible.

Specifically, the second profile element will also have two sections C, D, with section C having a first surface shape X' and section D having a second surface shape Y'. In order to achieve the form fit mentioned, X and X′ as well as Y and Y′ in opposite pairs have essentially the same contour. Furthermore, the distances from A to B and C to D are chosen to be essentially the same size and the spatial orientation of A and B in the first and C and D in the second profile element is designed so that the first and second profile element in section A and section C as well as in section B and section D can interlock positively.

These are the geometric boundary conditions to harmonize the two form-fitting areas A/C and B/D with their surface contours or shapes X/X' and Y/Y'.

It is not implied that the form fit can only be achieved in a single relative position of A/C or B/D or only in one end position. As will be explained further below in relation to the adjustment element, the form fit (in the sense of "secured against falling out") can definitely be achieved in different arrangements of A and C or B and D relative to one another.

In the simplest case, the surface shape X and the surface shape Y are essentially the same, which helps to reduce the production costs.

The first as well as the second profile element are preferably made of aluminum, e.g. in an extrusion process, alternatively of steel, e.g. as a stamped/formed part. Depending on the admissibility, plastics are also conceivable that can be designed to be fire-retardant, high-melting and/or fiber-reinforced.

In the following, the design, arrangement and function of an adjustment and a safety element are to be described. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the second profile element is already prepared for receiving at least one such element, since it improves handling safety and reduces the effort at the installation site. For this purpose, it is advantageous to provide a threaded hole in section C or D on the second profile element. The exact position and orientation can be found in the functional description for a person skilled in the art figure 4 . In addition, it can be advantageous to provide a through hole in section C or D in the second profile element. Threaded bore and/or through bore can preferably be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the profile.

The safety element mentioned has the task of securing the mounted facade element against lateral (horizontal) displacement. At the same time, however, the securing element should not impair lifting/lifting, i.e. the intended dismantling. For this purpose, the securing element is designed as a screw pin. In the context of the invention, a screw pin means a fastener which has a short threaded section which, however, is only effective as a safeguard in the first profile element. If the design is correct and the assembly is correct, the thread does not engage in the first profile element. Considered in the order from the tip to the head, the screw pin or the securing element has at its first end a drill tip which merges into an unthreaded shank, which in turn borders on a threaded section, to which a head designed as a flange with a power attack follows. The threaded section is therefore essentially designed as an underhead thread.

During handling, the screw pin can be guided through the (optional) through hole in the second profile element described above and then drills into the first profile element. The thread under the head digs itself into the through hole in the second profile element and thus secures itself when the head hits. In other words, although the screw pin is in the first profile element and fixes the position relative to the second profile element (against horizontal displacement), it does not prevent the holder from being separated, i.e. the second profile element being lifted off, since this movement takes place parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw pin . Both the drill tip and the unthreaded shank act as a pin element. If no through-hole is provided at the factory, the hole in the second profile element can also be made with the drill bit. In a useful development, an adjustment element can be provided, which can be designed as an adjusting screw. This is inserted into the above-mentioned threaded hole and allows the first profile element to be moved relative to the second profile element. Due to the self-locking of the thread, the selected position is retained. In the intended mounting position, a height adjustment of the facade element relative to the first profile element is therefore possible.

The positive fit mentioned by matching the surface shapes X, X' and Y, Y' can be achieved in various ways. Based on the functional and structural boundary conditions described above, a preferred embodiment can be implemented in that the surface shape X is essentially formed from three mutually perpendicular surfaces which have external angles α, α′=270°. That's it Meant outer surfaces of a U-shaped body. Correspondingly, the surface shape X′ is essentially formed from three mutually perpendicular surfaces which have interior angles β, β′=90°. This means the inner surfaces of a U-shaped body.

1. a) Bereitstellen von zweiten Profilelementen und Fassadenelementen
2. b) Anbringen der zweiten Profilelemente an der Rückseite der Fassadenelemente

In summary, a method for installing facade elements with a facade element holder as described above can be described as follows:

1. a) Provision of second profile elements and facade elements
2. b) Attaching the second profile elements to the back of the facade elements

• c) Bereitstellen von ersten Profilelementen
• d) Horizontales Verbauen der ersten Profilelemente als äussere Abschlusselemente einer Unterkonstruktion an einer tragenden Gebäudehülle.

As mentioned, these steps can be carried out on site or as a process step during the production of the facade elements.

• c) providing first profile elements
• d) Horizontal installation of the first profile elements as outer terminating elements of a substructure on a load-bearing building envelope.

As mentioned above, the way in which these first profile elements are fastened has no influence on the invention. It can be done according to a specified laying plan with state-of-the-art elements.
e) Hanging in individual facade elements by bringing the second profile element(s) into engagement with the first profile elements in such a way that a form fit is achieved.

• f) Ausrichten des Fassadenelementes mittels einer Justageschraube
• g) Sichern des Fassadenelementes durch Verstiften eines zweiten Profilelementes an das erste Profilelement mittels eines Schraubstiftes

In the preferred procedure, the method is supplemented by:

• f) Alignment of the facade element using an adjustment screw
• g) Securing the facade element by pinning a second profile element to the first profile element using a screw pin

The above-described function of the screw pin makes it possible to swap steps f) and g).

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

• Figur 1 zeigt die Profilelemente 100 und 200 unmontiert nebeneinander im Querschnitt
• Figur 2 zeigt drei verschiedene Stadien des Fügens bzw. ineinander Greifens zweier Profilelemente
• Figur 3 illustriert einen Schraubstift 400
• Figur 4 zeigt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform einer Halterung

The figures show the invention in different views:

• figure 1 shows the profile elements 100 and 200 unassembled side by side in cross section
• figure 2 shows three different stages of joining or interlocking of two profile elements
• figure 3 illustrates a screw pin 400
• figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a holder

figure 1 shows a cross-section in the left half of a profile element 200 in an exemplary connected state via spacers 350, 350' with a facade element 300. In the picture "top" corresponds to "top" in the assembly situation. The upper end includes section C, 210 which essentially forms an inverted U. The inner surfaces of the U form the surface shape X', 211. The lower end of the profile element 200 forms the section D, 220 with the surface shape Y', 222. D is designed essentially as an L-shaped component. Nevertheless, as indicated by the arrows, the component includes three surfaces that can contribute to the form fit. This also includes the outer end surface of the lower leg of the L-component (Section D).

Next to it is the counterpart, a profile element 100. It is clear to the viewer that in the special case shown, the cross-sectional profile of element 200 represents the profile of element 100 rotated through 180°. However, this is not mandatory, like the comparison with figure 4 shows. Analogously to the profile element 200, 100 has a section A, 110, which is L-shaped and provides three surfaces as a surface shape X, 111, analogously to the above. The lower end of profile 100, section B, 120 has the surface shape Y or 121. The design as a trough (Y, X') and L-angle (X, Y') allows adjustment of the two elements 100 during assembly, 200 to each other without losing the form fit. The position of a threaded hole is marked with reference number 250 .

The sequence of drawings 2a) to c) shows the process of interlocking or the assembly of two profile elements as in figure 1 shown. Figure 2a shows how sections AC and BD are aligned, Figure 2b ) shows the production of the form fit and Figure 2c shows how the two profile elements interlock in the end position. In Figure 2c the reference sign 399 (securing element) indicates schematically the position of a screw pin, the underhead thread of which engages in the profile element 200 and fixes the relative position. Due to the thread freedom of the pin (up to the underhead section in engagement with profile element 200), it is achieved that, in reverse of the assembly, profile element 200 can be lifted out of profile element 100 without loosening screw pin / securing element 399 being necessary.

Figure 2c ) shows a complete form fit between the two profile elements 100, 200 without the use of an adjustment screw 500 ( figure 4 ). In 2c), all three surfaces Y, 121 with Y', 222 are therefore involved in the form fit. If an adjustment screw is used, a situation as shown in 2b) becomes possible. Only 2 of the 3 surfaces are engaged, but the form fit is still effectively achieved.

figure 3 explains the structure of a screw pin 400 in comparison with the securing element 399. Starting from the head 440 with a force attack 450, a sub-head thread section 430 follows. The unthreaded shank 420 and drill bit 410 are shown below. The diameter of the drill bit 410 and the diameter of the unthreaded shank 420 are chosen so that together they allow pinning.

figure 4 shows an oblique view of a partially cut version of a real facade element holder. The two profile elements 100 and 200 are engaged and form-fitting. The adjustment element 500, anchored in a threaded hole in the profile element 200, allows the vertical distance between the two elements to be adjusted by twisting, without giving up the positive connection. The screw pin 400 is shown anchored and in axial extension from the mounting position.

With 600 and 600 'two fasteners are marked, which could connect the profile element 200 with a (not shown here) facade element. This type of connection with the facade element is just one of many possible.

Claims (8)

1. Facade element holder, comprising

   - a first profile element (100), designed as a longitudinal profile to be mounted horizontally and component of the substructure of a facade fastening;

   - a second profile element (200), designed as an adapter to be attached to a facade element (300);

   - wherein the first profile element (100) has two sections A, B (110, 120), wherein section A (110) has a first surface shape X (111) and section B (120) has a second surface shape Y (121); and

   - the second profile element (200) also comprises two sections C, D (210, 220), wherein section C (210) has a first surface shape X' (211) and section D (220) has a second surface shape Y' (222); and

   - X and X' as well as Y and Y' have substantially the same contour in pairs diametrically opposite to each other; and

   - the distances from A to B as well as C to D are selected to be substantially equally large, and

   - the spatial orientation of A and B in the first profile element (100) as well as C and D in the second profile element (200) is designed in such a way that the first and second profile elements (100, 200) can engage positively in one another in section A (110) and section C (210) as well as in section B (120) and section D (220);

   wherein the facade element holder comprises a securing element (400);
   characterized in that
   the securing element is designed as a screw pin (400) which has at its first end a drill tip (410) which merges into a thread-free shank (420) which in turn adjoins a threaded section (430) which is adjoined by a head (440) in the form of a flange with a force application (450), wherein the threaded section (430) engages only in the second profile element (200) when assembled in accordance with the regulations, wherein the screw pin (400) acts only as a securing device in the first profile element (100).
2. Facade element holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface shape X (111) is designed substantially the same as the surface shape Y' (222).
3. Facade element holder according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the second profile element (200) has a threaded hole (250) in section C (210).
4. Facade element holder according to claim 1-3, further comprising an adjustment element, designed as a set screw (500).
5. Facade element holder according to claim 1-4, characterized in that the surface shape X (111) substantially comprises three mutually perpendicular surfaces having exterior angles o, a'=270°.
6. Facade element holder according to claim 1-5, characterized in that the surface shape X' (211) substantially comprises three mutually perpendicular surfaces having interior angles β, β'=90°.
7. Method for assembling facade elements having a facade element holder according to claim 1-6 with the following steps:

   a) providing second profile elements (200) and facade elements (300);

   b) attaching the second profile elements (200) to the rear side of the facade elements (300);

   c) providing first profile elements (100);

   d) horizontal installation of the first profile elements (100) as outer end elements of a substructure on a load-bearing building envelope;

   e) suspending individual facade elements (300) by bringing the second profile element(s) (200) into engagement with the first profile elements (100) in such a way that a form fit is achieved.
8. Method according to claim 7, comprising the further steps:

   f) aligning the facade element (300) by means of an adjusting screw;

   g) securing the facade element (300) by pinning a second profile element to the first profile element by means of the securing element (400) designed as a screw pin.

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