EP3988734A1

EP3988734A1 - Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system and method for arranging a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system

Info

Publication number: EP3988734A1
Application number: EP21203067.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Torsten Davidsen
Original assignee: Vandockumgroup
Current assignee: Vandockumgroup
Priority date: 2020-10-23
Filing date: 2021-10-18
Publication date: 2022-04-27
Also published as: DK202001195A1; DK180595B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system for covering at least a part of an existing building surface or structure, such as a building column, a wall surface or a ceiling surface, hereby enhancing the fire retarding and acoustic properties of the building. The cladding system comprises a number of base elements arranged to be fastened directly to the building surface, and a number of elongated panel elements arranged to be fastened to the base elements without the need of any tools and for covering the building surface. The base elements have a first part arranged as an elongated base flange, for parallel connection to the building structure/surface, and a second part, arranged as a connection flange for connection to the panel elements. The connection flange has a flange locking portion, preferably two flange locking portions, and the panel elements have a cooperating panel locking portion, preferably two panel locking portions, for arranging the base elements in a snap-fit connection with the panel elements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system.
The fire retarding and acoustic cladding system according to the present invention provides a building structure with approved fire retarding as well as sound absorbing properties, which is flexible, lightweight and can be adapted to various building construction surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When constructing buildings, both for private and commercial use, it is known to construct the walls and ceilings of a building with fire retarding and sound absorbing properties, both when erecting the building and in a retrofitting process.
One example of prior art systems is disclosed in EP 2335916 B1 . The referred document discloses an acoustic panel, which is constructed as a laminate and comprises a plurality of openings in contact with an intermediate space comprising a sound absorbing material. This acoustic panel is however premanufactured, time consuming to produce, and leaves the installation process with very limited degrees of variation, and further provides for limited fire protection.
As the panel is mainly manufactured from wood, the panel is heavy and leaves a need for improvement of the overall fire retarding and sound absorbing properties.
Other ceiling/wall systems disclose acoustic panels in which wooden laths are attached to a mounting panel prior to installing the panel to the wall or ceiling, where the laths are fastened to the panels by screws extending from the back of the panel, through the panel and into the laths. It is not desirable to fasten the laths to the mounting panel by screws which are fastened through the laths from a front surface and into the mounting panel, as these screws would be visible to persons inside the room.
The above-mentioned systems are all time consuming to construct and install, and therefore costly in terms of labour.
It is an object of the invention to provide a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system, which is suitable for being mounted to a building surface or structure, such as a building column, a wall surface or a ceiling surface, where the cladding system is lightweight, easy to mount and creates a surface having fire retarding and sound improving properties.
The above object and advantages, together with numerous other objects and advantages, which will be evident from the description of the present invention, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by:
A fire retarding and acoustic cladding system for covering at least a part of an existing building surface or structure, such as a building column, a wall surface or a ceiling surface, hereby enhancing the fire retarding and acoustic properties of the building, the cladding system comprising:

a number of base elements arranged to be fastened directly to the building surface, and a number of elongated panel elements arranged to be fastened to the base elements without the need of any tools and for covering the building surface or structure,
the base elements being elongated and profiled elements, such as profiled steel or aluminum elements, having a first part arranged as an elongated base flange, for parallel connection to the building surface, and a second part arranged as a connection flange for connection to the panel elements. The connection flange has a flange locking portion, preferably two flange locking portions, and the panel elements have a cooperating panel locking portion, preferably two panel locking portions, for arranging said base elements in a snap-fit connection with the panel elements.

Hereby is defined a cladding system which is lightweight, easy to install, creates a structure/surface having fire retarding and sound improving properties. The system requires a minimum of tools as the elongated panel elements can be fixed to the base elements without the use of any tools.
The cladding system preferably comprises at least two base elements which are to be arranged at ends of the elongated panel elements. The base elements which are to be fastened directly to the building surface/structure are preferably laser cut elements, such as steel or aluminum base elements. Other materials such as zinc, cobber, or other metals can be used. The base element has a base flange arranged to lie against the building structure/surface and defining a mounting part of the base element, such that the base element is mounted to the structure/surface via the base flange.
Arranging the base flange as a strip of material, such as steel or aluminum, creates the possibility of mounting the base element and hereby the cladding system to a variety of different building structures such as round columns, any polygon shaped columns, concave and convex shaped structures as well as planar shaped structures and is even suitable to be arranged in inner and outer corners.
The base element further comprises a connection flange arranged for connection to the elongated panel elements. The base elements are manufactured from the same strip of material, such as steel or aluminum, and the connection flange is laser cut out of the strip of material such that the connection flange can be bent outwards and inwards from the base flange and preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base flange. The connection flange may however be arranged at any angle above 0 degrees in relation to the base flange which arranges the connection flange for connection with the elongated panel elements.
The elongated panel elements are preferably arranged as aluminum panel elements and the connection flange comprises a flange locking portion which is suitable for cooperation with a panel locking portion, such that the elongated panel elements can be connected to the base elements with a snap-fit connection.
It is hereby avoided that the elongated panel elements are connected to the base elements with visible connection means, such as visible screws.
When mounting the cladding system, the base elements are first connected to the building structure/surface with suitable fastening means. If the base element is to be connected to a wall surface, the base flange comprises a number of openings such as holes, for receiving a fastening means such as a screw, such that the base element can be screwed onto the wall surface. The holes may be circular or oblong.
If the base element is to be connected to a column structure, it can also be screwed onto the column, but can in a preferred embodiment be fastened onto the column without the use of and direct fastening means such as screws. As the base flange of the base element is arranged as a strip of metal, such as steel or aluminum, the base element can be wrapped around the column structure such that the ends of the base element meet or overlap, and a fastening means such as a metal screw band can be arranged over and in parallel with the base flange and tightened, such that the base element is fastened onto the column structure.
Thereafter, the elongated panel elements are simply pressed by hand towards the base element such that the panels interconnect with a connection flange in a snap-fit connection.
According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the elongated panel elements are arranged as profiled panel elements, such as profiled aluminum elements, having a cavity and two profile parts. One or both of the profile parts has a panel locking portion arranged to engage with the flange locking portions.
The elongated panel elements are in a preferred embodiment arranged as a profiled panel element, such as a profiled aluminum element having a cavity with two profile parts arranged for connection with the base flange on opposite sides of the base flange. Preferably both of the profile parts comprise a panel locking portion, arranged to connection with a flange locking portion, arranged on the connection flange and on opposite sides thereof. It is hereby achieved that the panel elements can be connected to the base elements in a simple and secure manner.
According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the base elements comprise a number of individually spaced connection flanges, the flanges being arranged on the same side edge of the base flange, or the base elements comprise a number of individually spaced connection flanges being arranged on both side edges of the base flange.
In a preferred embodiment, the base element comprises a number of connection flanges for securing a number of elongated panel elements such as a number of two or more. The number and also the size of the flanges may vary dependent on the required number of elongated panels and the desired size of elongated panels.
Arranging the base element with a number of spaced connection flanges has the surprising technical effect that the elongated panel elements are arranged onto the building structure/surface with an intermediate distance, but also that the cladding system can comprise any number of spaced elongated panel elements and still be arranged on a building structure/surface which is not planar. When the base element is arranged on a non-straight structure/surface, the base flange is bent and adapted to the curvature of the structure/surface, and the spaced connection flanges are due to the spacing not affected, such that the elongated panel elements can be connected onto the connection flanges, and the connected panel elements follow the curvature of the structure/surface. The same applies when the base element is to be connected to an outer corner construction.
When the base element is to be connected to an inner corner construction, the spacing between the connection flanges in the corner region may not be sufficient such that the connection flanges collide when the base element is bent and pressed into the corner. In this situation, it may be necessary to remove a number of flanges, such as one or two flanges, in order to arrange a sufficient spacing between flanges. The colliding flanges may in an alternative, simply be bent in a direction parallel with the wall structure/surface in order not to collide with the connection flanges serving to support the panel elements in the corner.
According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the spaced connection flanges define an intermediate space, arranged as a flange opening being inwards tapered towards the base flange, such that the connection flanges have a first distance towards the panel elements and a second smaller distance towards the base element.
According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the connection flange comprises a first outer part for connection to the panel elements and having substantially planar side surfaces, and a second inner part arranged between the outer part and the base element, where the inner part has a conical configuration.
Experiments have shown that arranging the connection flange with an outer part having substantially planar side surface, and arranging the flange locking portions on the substantially planar side surfaces, provides the most efficient connection between the base element and the elongated panel elements.
According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the connection flanges, toward the panel elements, comprise a number of projections arranged for abutment with a number of abutment flanges arranged within the cavity of the panel element.
The connection flanges of the base elements, preferably comprise a projection arranged on the outermost part of the flanges, and the elongated panel elements comprise a number of inner abutment flanges, arranged for abutment with the connections. Hereby, the projections act as a stop and a specific distance is established between the connecting flange and the panel elements. The projections further provide a ventilating space between the panels and the base elements such that the panels can be ventilated.
According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the panel elements comprise an outer profile part and two inner profile parts extending between the outer profile part and the connection flange and the system comprises a number of panel elements with different lengths of the inner profile parts, respectively.
The elongated panel elements may be arranged as any desired shape for creating the desired visual appearance of the structure/surface. The elongated panel elements may thus be arranged as any round, oval, triangular or polygon shaped profiles.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantages are obtained by:
A method for arranging a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system on a building column structure, such as a round concrete column, the method comprising the following steps:

arranging a number of base elements onto the building column structure, such that the base elements circumferentially surround the structure,
fixing the base elements onto the building column structure, such that ends of the base elements, respectively, abut or overlap each other,
fastening the panel elements onto the base elements by pressing the panel elements into engagement with the connection flanges in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base elements, such that the flange locking portions interconnect with the cooperating panel locking portions.

The above defined method for arranging the claimed cladding system onto a column provides a method which requires a minimum of tools and enables a person to mount the cladding system onto a column structure without the need of fixing the base elements onto the structure with direct fastening means such as screws. It is hereby avoided that and fastening means such as screws and fastened through the base element and into the column.
The base flange of the base element is preferably arranged as a strip of metal, such as a steel or aluminum strip, the base element can be wrapped around the column structure such that the ends of the base element preferably meet or overlap, and a fastening means such as a metal screw band can be arranged over and in parallel with the base flange and tightened, such that the base element is fastened onto the column structure. Thereafter, the elongated panel elements are simply pressed by hand towards the base element such that the panels interconnect with a connection flange in a snap-fit connection.
Alternatively, the base flange may be arranged with holes at each end, such that each end part comprising a hole can be bend outwards and when wrapped around the column, the bend ends meet and the holes line up, and a suitable fastening means such as a screw can be fastened through the hole. Hereby the need for any direct fastening means, such as screws, through the base flange and into the column is avoided.
According to an alternative of the second aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantages are obtained by:
A method for arranging a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system on a building surface, such as a wall or ceiling, the method comprising the following steps:

arranging a number of base elements onto the building surface,
fixing the base elements onto the building surface,
fastening the panel elements onto the base elements by pressing the panel elements into engagement with the connection flange in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base elements, such that the flange locking portions interconnect with the cooperating panel locking portions.

When the cladding system is to be arranged on a wall surface, the base elements comprise a number of openings in the base flange which serve for fastening a fixing means, such as a screw through the opening and into the wall.
Thereafter, the elongated panel elements can be pressed by hand towards the base element such that the panels interconnect with the connection flange in a snap-fit connection.
According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the number of base elements includes at least two base elements being arranged on the building column structure or building surface in a displaced manner, where the connection flanges of a first base element are staggered in relation to the connection flanges of a second base element, such that a longitudinal direction of the elongated panel elements is arranged in a direction being different from a longitudinal direction of the column structure or a height or width of the building surface.
The cladding system preferably comprises two base elements arranged at opposite ends of the elongated panel elements for safely securing both ends of the panel elements to the structure/surface. The panel elements may in a first preferred embodiment be arranged in parallel with e.g. a column structure on which the panels are arranged or in vertical or horizontal direction on a wall surface. The panel elements may in a different embodiment be arranged diagonal in relation to the column or wall/ceiling surface.
It is, however, due to the construction of the connection flanges possible to arrange the two base elements individually displaced, such that the connection flanges of a first base element is staggered in relation to the connection flanges of a second base element. Hereby it is possible to arrange the elongated panel elements in an inclined angle in relation to a longitudinal direction of the column structure, or an inclined angle in relation to a vertical or horizontal direction of a wall surface.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a cladding system arranged on a column structure.
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cladding system arranged on a wall surface.
Figs 3A-3B show perspective views of the cladding system.
Fig. 4A shows an upper/lower view of a base element.
Fig. 4B shows a side view of the base element.
Fig. 4C shows a perspective view of the base element.
Fig. 5A shows a base element.
Fig, 5B shows a building column with a cladding system.
Fig. 5C shows a base flange connection.

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will thus not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.
Figs 1 and 2 show perspective views of a cladding system 10 arranged on a column structure 36 and a building surface such as a wall/ceiling surface 38. The cladding system 10 according to the invention is able to be mounted onto a variety of different surface structures having both planar and non-planer surfaces. As the base element 12 is bendable, the cladding system can be mounted on plane as well as any curved surfaces and even around and into corners. As shown in fig. 1, the base element 12 is mounted directly onto the column structure 36 and the wall/ceiling surface 38.
The base element 12 comprises a number of openings 18 (shown in fig. 3A) for receiving fastening elements, such as screws, which can be driven through the openings 18 and into the column 36 or wall/ceiling surface 38 for fastening.
The base element 12 may, however, in a preferred embodiment be fastened into the column structure 36 with indirect fastening means, such as a metal screw band (not shown) arranged over and in parallel with the base flange and tightened, such that the base element is fastened onto the column structure without any screws.
The base elements 12 fastened to the column 36 and/or wall/ceiling surface 38 can receive a number of elongated panel elements 26-26"', which are preferably arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the column 36 or horizontal or vertical direction of the wall/ceiling surface 38.
The elongated panel elements 26-26" are shown as square shaped profiles, and are in fig. 2 shown as profiles having different heights. Fig. 2 also shows panel elements 26"' of triangular cross section. The elongated panel elements 26-26'" may thus be arranged as any round, oval, triangular or polygon shaped profile for creating the desired visual appearance of the column 36 or wall/ceiling surface 38.
Figs 3A-3B show perspective views of the cladding system 10. In the figures, only part of the cladding system 10 is shown, where a part of the base element 12 and part of three elongated panel elements 26 are shown.
The base element 12 comprises a base flange 14 having a number of openings 18 for receiving fastening means such as screws, and a number of connecting flanges 16 arranged to be connected to the elongated panel elements 26. The connecting flange 16 is preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the base flange 14 and is at an outer end thereof arranged with flange locking portions 22 suitable to be connected to panel locking portions 28 arranged on the panel elements 26. The connecting flanges 16 further comprise a number of projections 24 arranged on the outermost part of the flanges 16, and the elongated panel elements 26 comprise a number of inner abutment flanges 30 arranged for abutment with the projections 24. Hereby, the projections 24 acts as a stop and a specific distance is established between the connecting flange 16 and the panel elements 26.
The connecting flanges 16 are arranged with an intermediate distance, such that a flange opening 20 is arranged between the connecting flanges 16. Hereby, the base element 12 can be arranged on a non-planar structure/surface, where the base flange 14 is bent and adopted to the curvature of the structure/surface, and the spaced connection flanges 16 are due to the spacing/flange opening 20 not effected, such that the elongated panel elements 26 can be connected to the connection flanges 16, and the connected elongated panel elements 26 follow the curvature of the structure/surface.
Fig. 3A shows two elongated panel elements 26 connected to the base element 12 and a third elongated panel element 26 being moved towards the base element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base element, such that the connection flange 16 can interlock with the panel element 26.
Figs 4A-4C show different views of a base element 12 as described in relation to figures 3A-3B.
Fig. 5A shows a possible example of a base element 12 according to the invention. As can be seen in the figure, each end part of the base flange 14 comprises a hole, such that when the base element 12 is wrapped around a column, the outer most parts of the base flange 14 is bend and the holes lines up such that a fastening means 40 such as a screw can be inserted through the holes and tightened.
5B shows a building column 36 having a base element 12 and a number of panel elements 26.
Fig. 5C is an enlarged view of part of the building column in figure 5B and shows a base flange connection where the base element 12 is fastened to a column without the need of any screws going through the base flange 14 and into the column. Also, this embodiment avoids the need of any metal screw band. Each end the base flange 14 comprises a hole, and is bend outwards away from the column, such that the bend ends meets and the holes line up and a fastening means 40, shown as a screw, is fastened through the holes and tightened.
In order to compensate for any irregularities of the column surface structure, a rubber backing can be arranged between the column and the base element 12.
In the following is given a list of reference signs that are used in the detailed description of the invention and the drawings referred to in the detailed description of the invention.

10: Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system
12: Base element
14: Base flange
16: Connection flange
18: Openings
20: Flange opening
22: Flange locking portion
24: Projection
26-26"': Panel elements
28: Panel locking portion
30: Abutment flange
32: Outer flange part
34: Inner flange part
36: Building column
38: Building surface
40: Fastening means

Claims

A fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) for covering at least a part of an existing building structure or surface, such as a building column, a wall surface or a ceiling surface, hereby enhancing the fire retarding and acoustic properties of said building, said cladding system (10) comprising:
a number of base elements (12) arranged to be fastened directly to said building structure/surface, and a number of elongated panel elements (26) arranged to be fastened to said base elements (12) without the need of any tools and for covering said building structure/surface,

said base elements (12) being elongated and profiled elements, such as profiled steel or aluminum elements, having a first part arranged as an elongated base flange (14) for parallel connection to said building structure/surface, and a second part arranged as a connection flange (16) for connection to said panel elements (26), said connection flange (16) having a flange locking portion (22), preferably two flange locking portions, and said panel elements (26) having a cooperating panel locking portion (28), preferably two panel locking portions, for arranging said base elements (12) in a snap-fit connection with said panel elements (26).
Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to claim 1, wherein said elongated panel elements (26) being arranged as profiled panel elements (26), such as profiled aluminum elements, having a cavity and two profile parts, one or both of said profile parts having a panel locking portion (28) arranged to engage with said flange locking portion (22).
Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said base elements (12) comprise a number of individually spaced connection flanges (16), said flanges being arranged on the same side edge of said base flange (14), or said base elements (12) comprise a number of individually spaced connection flanges (16) being arranged on both side edges of said base flange in a staggered configuration such that a number of panel elements (26) can be connected to said base elements (12) in a parallel configuration.
Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to claim 3, wherein said spaced connection flanges (16) define an intermediate space, arranged as a flange opening (20) being inwards tapered towards said base flange (14), such that said connection flanges (16) have a first distance towards said panel elements (26) and a second smaller distance towards said base element (12).
Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said connection flange (16) comprises a first outer part (32) for connection to said panel elements (26) and having substantially planar side surfaces, and a second inner part (34) arranged between said outer part (32) and said base element (14), said inner part (34) having a conical configuration.
Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to any of claims 2-5, wherein said connection flanges toward said panel elements (26) comprise a number of projections (24) arranged for abutment with a number of abutment flanges (30) arranged within said cavity of said panel element (26).
Fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to any of claims 2-6, wherein said panel elements (26) comprise an outer profile part and two inner profile parts extending between said outer profile part and said connection flange (16), said system (10) comprises a number of panel elements (26) with different lengths of said inner profile parts, respectively.
A method for arranging a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to any of claims 1-7 on a building column structure, such as a round concrete column, said method comprising the following steps:
• arranging a number of base elements (12) onto said building column structure, such that said base elements (12) circumferentially surround said structure,

• fixing said base elements (12) onto said building column structure, such that ends of said base elements (12), respectively, abut or overlap each other,

• fastening said panel elements (26) onto said base elements (12) by pressing said panel elements (26) into engagement with said connection flanges (16) in a direction substantially perpendicular to said base elements (12), such that said flange locking portions (22) interconnect with said cooperating panel locking portions (28).
A method for arranging a fire retarding and acoustic cladding system (10) according to any of claims 1-7 on a building structure/surface, such as a wall or ceiling, said method comprising the following steps:
• arranging a number of base elements (12) onto said building structure/surface,

• fixing said base elements onto said building structure/surface,

• fastening said panel elements (26) onto said base elements (12) by pressing said panel elements (26) into engagement with said connection flange (16) in a direction substantially perpendicular to said base elements (12), such that said flange locking portions (22) interconnect with said cooperating panel locking portions (28).
A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said number of base elements (12) includes at least two base elements being arranged on said building column structure or said building structure/surface in a displaced manner, where said connection flanges (16) of a first base element (12) are staggered in relation to said connection flanges (16) of a second base element (12), such that a longitudinal direction of said elongated panel elements is arranged in a direction being different from a longitudinal direction of said column structure or a height or width of said building structure/surface.