TECHNICAL FIELD
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The present invention is an anchoring device and system for modular facade panels, that belongs to the field of construction, and more specifically to the field of facade construction, specifically modular building facades. The anchoring device of the invention allows the fixing of the modular panels as well as their adjustment in three axes of freedom.
STATE OF THE ART
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Modular construction is a construction technique which involves the prefabrication of 2D panels or 3D volumetric structures in off-site factories and their transportation to construction sites for assembly. This process has the potential to be superior to traditional building in terms of both time and costs.
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Buildings can be constructed using modular parts such as walls, frames doors, ceilings, and windows, or several complete prefabricated modular building units.
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Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in modular buildings, with a recognition, not only that they can be aesthetically pleasing but also, they can achieve a very high building quality and can be both long lasting and sustainable.
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The gap between modular structures and traditional buildings has narrowed, even with traditionally constructed buildings which have been restored using modular structures.
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Among the modular structures, modular facades stand out, being an industrialized architectural solution to create a complete, high-performance building envelope, improving the final quality of the finish and reducing execution times.
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The facade modules are bidimensional, and they comprise frames with insulation on the inside, an anchoring system and an exterior finish. These are adapted to the particularities of the building, selection of finish materials, and the required architectural design. The frames have mechanical functions but are also used for the installation of sealing materials and to facilitate the installation process.
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The modules comprise anchoring means, with a first part attached to the module itself and a second part that must be installed in the facade beforehand. They are installed and are connected to each other by a "plug and play" system, which connects them.
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In general, the modular buildings and more in particular the modular facades are fast to supply and install, they reduce costs compared to traditional buildings, they improve quality control and can be deconstructed and relocated in other sites.
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However, they can have the disadvantage of a restricted flexibility, as module sizes and shapes can be limiting. This is because most times the facades of the buildings, which can be new or old in case the building is being restored, have irregularities. Additionally, sometimes the facade modules can also have different shapes or defects. In this case, the panel module would need to adjust and be adaptable, so those irregularities do not appear in the final facade of the building.
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The current anchoring systems known in the state of the art do not provide enough flexibility, as they are only adaptable in two freedom axes at maximum (the adaptation in the other freedom axe must be provided by a part attached to the module), and therefore, there is a need for an anchoring device which solves said problems and which allows the positioning of each module individually and in an adaptable way.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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The object of the invention is an anchoring device and system for modular facade panels, that facilitates the adjustment of the panels in the three main axis X, Y, Z, correcting tolerance errors of the panels or of the building.
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A first aspect of the invention is an anchoring device for modular facade panels, which comprises:
- at least a connector, intended to be fixed to a facade panel,
- a base, which comprises at least a support for the connector, of a size that allows the displacement of the connector along an X-axis,
- a depth adjuster, coupled to the base and intended to be fixed to a building structure, for adjusting the position of the base along a Y-axis, and
- a vertical position adjuster, coupled to the base, for adjusting the position of the base along a Z-axis.
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The three main axis are the ones known from the state of the art which, applied to a building and to the present invention would be: X for the horizontal axis, parallel to the floor of the building; Y axis, also parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the X axis; Z parallel to the height of the building and perpendicular to the other two axis.
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A paneled facade is a type of building exterior that is composed of individual panels that hook or clip onto a building structure, such as an external wall frame. The panels can be made from various materials such as glass, metal, concrete, wood or composite materials (such as grassfibre reinforced concrete), between others.
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The building structure can be, for example, an external wall frame or a metallic structure (forging) to which the device can be coupled. As it can be understood, the building structure is not part of the invention but, when the device is in use, it is coupled to said building structure.
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In the device of the present invention, the base is compatible with different designs of the connector which is fixed to the facade panel. This is especially interesting because depending on the material of the panel (concrete, metal, wood, etc.) the fixing to the connector is different. This is a great difference in relation to the anchoring devices in the state of the art, since each device is exclusive to a type of facade panel, while the device of the present invention can be adapted to any existing type, or that may be developed in the future. The fact that the base integrates the degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z) simplifies the connector so that it can be easily adapted to any structural material of the facade panels.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the connector additionally comprises a fastener, for fixing the connector to the at least a support for the connector.
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This guarantees that the connector is securely fixed along the X-axis, avoiding unwanted repositioning of the facade panels.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the depth adjuster comprises a fixing portion, intended to be unmovably fixed to the building structure and being the base movably coupled to the fixing portion, and a first retainer for fixing the base to the fixing portion once a desired position of the base along the Y-axis has been reached.
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This guarantees that the base is securely fixed along the Y-axis, avoiding unwanted repositioning of the facade panels.
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In an embodiment of the invention the vertical position adjuster connects the at least a support and the base and comprises a guide on which the support is movable relative to the base and a second retainer, for fixing the support to the base once a desired position along the Z-axis has been reached.
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This guarantees that the base is securely fixed along the Z-axis, avoiding unwanted repositioning of the facade panels. Especially when the facade panels are of large size and weight, it is essential to install a position adjuster in the Z-axis to avoid displacement in this axis over time. Conventional anchoring devices either do not have this type of Z-axis adjusting system because it is not necessary (size and weight of the panels is reduced) or they use additional systems for fastening, increasing the cost of the building.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises two supports and two connectors intended to be fixed to a facade panel each.
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This embodiment has the advantage that each connector and therefore each facade panel can be repositioned independently along the X-axis, improving the final placement of the panels.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a first vertical position adjuster and a second vertical position adjuster, each coupled to the base and to a support for the connectors.
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This embodiment has the advantage that each connector and therefore each facade panel can be repositioned independently along the Z-axis, improving the final placement of the panels.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the support for the connector is bar-shaped.
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This shape of the support facilitates the adjustment of the position of the connector along the X-axis.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the connector in in the form of a hook attachable to the support.
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In this way, the connector and with it the facade panel hangs from the support, and it is very easy to install, even if the panel is heavy. In addition, it does not tip over, in case the panel is made of glass or any other delicate material.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the connector comprises a hook shaped section, attachable to the support and a facade panel fastening portion, configured to be fastened to a facade panel when the device is in use.
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The facade panel fastening portion can be adapted depending on the type of facade panel it carries. In this way, all the elements of the device except the connector are common for all the types of facade panels, reducing the costs of manufacturing and the adaptability of the device to all kinds of buildings.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the panel fastening portion comprises a metal horizontal profile, intended to be embedded in a concrete facade panel.
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This embodiment ensures the fastening of the facade panel, even when it is relatively heavy, such as concrete.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the panel fastening portion comprises a vertical metal laminated profile, intended to be attached to a metal facade panel.
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This embodiment provides a kind of profile adapted and easily attachable to a metal facade panel.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the panel fastening portion comprises a vertical profile, intended to be attached to a wood facade panel.
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The vertical profile can be screwed to the wood facade panel.
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The panel fastening portion is the only part of the device which varies depending on the type of facade panel that is used. This is because the three degrees of freedom are all provided by the base and therefore, the fastening portion of the connector can be adapted easily and accordingly. Therefore, the device can be easily adapted to any type of building, while maintaining the three degrees of freedom to correct tolerance errors, all in a device that is simple to manufacture and low cost.
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A second aspect of the invention is an anchoring system, which comprises an anchoring device for modular facade panels as previously described and at least a facade panel attached to the at least a connector of the device.
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This system facilitates the quick fixation of the panels to the façade of the building, allowing to adjust their position along the three main axis X, Y, Z.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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To complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate an embodiment of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but just as an example of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures:
- Figure 1 shows a general view of the anchoring device for modular facade panels.
- Figure 2 shows the three degrees of freedom of the device of the invention.
- Figure 3 shows the horizontal support for the connector which provides a degree of freedom along the X-axis.
- Figure 4 shows a detailed profile view of the connector.
- Figure 5 shows the depth adjuster which provides a degree of freedom along the Y-axis.
- Figure 6 shows the vertical position adjuster, which provides a degree of freedom along the Z-axis.
- Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the invention when the device comprises two connectors and two supports for them.
- Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the device comprises a metal horizontal profile fixed to a concrete facade panel.
- Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the device comprises a metal laminated profile fixed to a metal facade panel.
- Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the device comprises a vertical profile fixed to a wood facade panel.
DESCRIPTION OF A WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
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The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is given solely for the purpose of describing the broad principles of the invention. Next embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the above-mentioned drawings, showing apparatus and results according to the invention.
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Figure 1 shows a general view of the anchoring device for modular facade panels 2, object of the present invention. The device of the invention comprises two main elements, a connector 1, intended to be fixed to a facade panel 2, and a base 3, intended to be attached to a building structure 4, which is intended to be covered with the facade panels 2. In an embodiment of the invention, shown for example in figure 4, the connectors 1 have the shape of hooks.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the facade panels 2 are industrialized modular facade panels 2 of large size (heigh and width of each panel > 3 m) and high weight (>80kg/m2).
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The anchoring device of the invention allows the adjustment of each panel 2 individually in the three axis X, Y, Z with respect to the building structure 4 on which it is placed, as represented in figure 2.
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The device comprises at least a connector 1 or, in the embodiment of figure 7, two connectors 1, intended to be fixed to a facade panel 2 each. The connectors 1 are then fixed to a base 3, as shown in figure 1. To do so, the base 3 comprises at least a support 5 for the connector 1. In the embodiment of figure 7, the base 3 comprises two supports 5, one for each connector 1. In an alternative embodiment of the invention shown in figure 1, the device can comprise two connectors 1, each one fixed to a different facade panel 2, and a single support 5, so that both connectors 1 are coupled to the same support 5. In an embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figure 3 for example, the support 5 has the shape of a bar.
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As illustrated in figure 3, the support 5 is of a size that allows the displacement of the connector 3 along an X-axis, providing a first degree of freedom of the facade panel 2 with respect to the building structure 4. In an embodiment of the invention, when the device comprises two connectors 1 coupled to the same support 5, they can still be adjusted along the x-axis. In an embodiment of the invention, presented in figure 7, the device comprises two supports 5, and each connector is coupled to one of them. In this case, both connectors can be also adjusted along the X-axis.
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Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the connector 1. As illustrated in this figure, in an embodiment of the invention, the connector 1 can comprise a fastener 8, which fixes the position of the connector 1 with respect to the support 5 once a desired position with respect to the X-axis has been reached. In an embodiment of the invention, the fastener 8 is a screw which goes through the connector 1 and into the support 5.
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As shown in figure 1, the device of the invention also comprises a depth adjuster 6, coupled to the base 3 and intended to be fixed to a building structure 4, for adjusting the position of the base 3 along a Y-axis. This provides a second degree of freedom along the Y-axis for the facade panels 2 when installing them. This is illustrated in further detail in figure 5.
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It can be seen in figure 5 that, in an embodiment of the invention, the depth adjuster 6 comprises a fixing portion 17, in the shape, for example, of a rectangle. The fixing portion 17 is unmovably fixed to the building structure 4 and the base 3 is movably coupled to the fixing portion 17. To do so, in an embodiment of the invention represented in figure 5, the base 3 comprises two rails. The fixing portion 17 is fixed to the building structure 4 with two first retailers 20, which in this case comprise a screw and a nut, were the screws go through the rails and into the building structure 4. In this way, while the fixing portion 17 is unmovable with respect to the building structure 4, the base 3 can move in the Y axis thanks to the rails which are guided with the screws.
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In the embodiment of figure 5, the fixing portion 17 also comprises a bolt which goes through the base 3 and which can be maintained in a fixed position with a retainer 18, which in this case comprises two nuts that fix the bolt to the base 3. In this way, when the base 3 in in a desired position in the Y axis, said nuts 18 are tightened and the base 3 remains in the desired position with respect to the fixing portion 17.
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Finally, as presented in figure 1, the device further comprises a vertical position adjuster 7, coupled to the base 3, for adjusting the position of the base 3 along a Z-axis. The vertical position adjuster 7 illustrated in more detail in figure 6, which shows on the left and on the right two different positions of the device. The vertical position adjuster 7 provides the third degree of freedom, when installing the facade panels 2.
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As shown in the embodiment of figure 6, the vertical position adjuster 7 connects the support 5 and the base 3, and it can regulate the position in the Z-axis of the support 5 with respect to the base 3 and a consequence, the position of the connector 1 and the facade panel along said Z-axis.
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In the embodiment of figure 6, the vertical position adjuster 7 comprises a guide 21 on which the support 5 is movable relative to the base 3. The support 5 is also guided along the Z-axis thanks to two rails 22 placed on both sides. To fix the support 5 once a certain position has been reached along the Z-axis, the vertical position adjuster 7 also comprises a second retainer 23, 24. In the embodiment of figure 6, the second retainer 23, 24 comprises two opposing nuts that, when turned in opposite directions, can hold the guide 21 in position.
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In the embodiment previously described and represented in figure 7, the device comprises two supports 5 and two vertical position adjusters 7, each attached to a support 5. Usually, two connectors 1 that are fixed to two different facade panels 2 are coupled to the same base 3. In this case, thanks to the two different vertical position adjusters 7, the position of the facade panels 2 along the Z-axis can be adjusted independently.
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The shape of the connectors 1 may vary depending on the shape and material, between others, of the facade panels 2. As previously described and as shown in figure 4, the connectors 1 comprise a hook shaped section 9, attachable to the support 5 and a facade panel fastening portion 10, configured to be fastened to a facade panel 2 when the device is in use.
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Attached to the facade panel fastening portion 10, the device may comprise alternative elements, depending on the facade panel 2 that the connector 1 holds. For example, in figure 8, the panel fastening portion 10 comprises a metal horizontal profile 11. This metal horizontal profile 11 is the one used for concrete facade panels 12. Usually, the metal horizontal profile 11 is embedded in the concrete facade panel 2 when it is fabricated.
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Particularly, in this embodiment the horizontal profile 11 is joined to the hook shaped section 9 by means of screws or welding. Subsequently, the complete connector 1 is inserted into the concrete facade panel 2, and for this purpose a mould is created and inside the mould, in addition to a steel mesh, the connector 1 is included, then the concrete is poured and, once it has set, modular concrete facade panel 2 with the connector 1 integrated in it is obtained.
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Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 9, the panel fastening portion 10 can comprise a vertical metal laminated profile 13, which can be attached to the hook shaped section 9 also by means of screws or welding. In the embodiment of figure 9, the laminated profile 13 has a rectangular shape and it is intended to be attached to a metal facade panel 14. It can be attached to the metal facade panel 14 laterally by means of self-tapping screws, or even by welding.
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Finally, the panel fastening portion 10 can additionally comprise a vertical profile 15, which can be attached to the hook shaped section 9 also by means of screws or welding. This kind of vertical profile 15 is intended to be attached to a wood facade panel 16 by means of multiple self-tapping screws. In an embodiment of the invention, the vertical profile 15 is of the same hight as the wood facade panel 15 which allows a multitude of connections so as not to concentrate the stresses (the wood deforms if the stress is too high) and to distribute it among many self-tapping screws.
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The numerical signs and corresponding components indicated in Fig. 1 to 10 are further listed below:
- connector 1
- facade panel 2
- base 3
- building structure 4
- support 5
- depth adjuster 6
- vertical position adjuster 7
- fastener 8
- hook shaped section 9
- facade panel fastening portion 10
- metal horizontal profile 11
- concrete facade portion 12
- metal laminated profile 13
- metal facade portion 14
- vertical profile 15
- wood facade portion 16
- fixing portion 17
- first retainer 18, 20
- rails 19
- screw-bolt 20
- guide 21
- rails 22
- second retainer 23, 24