ES2399171B1 - COATING SYSTEM FOR FACADES OF BUILDINGS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cladding system for building facades, in which the cladding is formed using panels (1) which comprise a metal or similar structure and which are secured to the facade, said facade (2) being provided with externally projecting holding means that can be removably coupled to the panels (1) by means of corresponding securing means arranged on the panels (1). The holding means include two upper cords and two lower cords (3) which are associated with a respective panel and which project through corresponding through-holes provided in a metal structure of the facade (2), one end of said cords (3) having a closed ring that can be attached to corresponding cable loops (12) that form part of the securing means.

Description

Cladding system for building facades.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention patent application is to register a coating system that incorporates notable innovations and advantages over currently known mounting systems and methods.

More specifically, the invention proposes the development of a new cladding system for building facades that reduces the use of complex machinery or assembly structures and with a low risk for operators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, systems for covering facades of buildings, whether homes or offices, are well known, using panels with a metal structure or similar in order to improve the appearance, comfort and aesthetics of the building, so that such panels they must be securely attached to profiles of the wall of the building's facade so that they do not come off unwantedly.

However, in practice, depending on the location or land on which the building is located, it requires the use of complex techniques that make its installation more expensive and imply a considerable risk for the operators during the installation of the covering structure. In addition, due to the complex layout and configuration of the structural elements involved in the union between the panel and the facade, disassembly operations are significantly more expensive, this being the main reason to dismiss the feasibility or assembly on facades of the characteristics described.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in order to provide a coating system that resolves the aforementioned drawbacks, also providing additional advantages that will be apparent from the description that follows.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cladding system for building facades, in which the cladding is carried out through panels formed by a metal structure fixed to said facade. In particular, the invention is characterized by the fact that the façade is provided with externally projecting gripping means, which are capable of being coupled in a removable way to the panels through the provision of corresponding fastening means that are arranged in such panels, the gripping means presenting in association with a respective panel two upper ropes and two lower ropes adopting a rectangular arrangement that protrude through their corresponding through holes made in a metal structure of the facade, in which the ropes they have a closed loop at one end and are fixed in corresponding loop-shaped cables that are part of the fastening means.

Thanks to these characteristics, the installation of panels in buildings is facilitated, which are built in those areas where, due to terrain reasons, they are only accessed by scaffolding, cranes, platforms, facilitating installation operations for operators without the use of complex structures, such as curtain walls or also called light facades, allowing the assembly of auxiliary elements of low weight and thickness. This described system is suitable in buildings where it can only be accessed by means of scaffolding, cranes, sliding platforms, etc.

This new system makes it easier for operators to install or uninstall without the use of complex structures, considerably reducing assembly and disassembly costs, and also avoiding the risk of accidents.

An important point of the invention is the fact that thanks to the configuration of the system, the disassembly of the panels from the interior of the building is considerably facilitated in the case of any breakage of its structure or maintenance tasks, unlike the systems known which do not allow economically viable disassembly.

Advantageously, positioning means can be provided for coupling a panel to a corresponding region of the facade, so that the correct assembly of multiple panels along the entire wall of a facade is ensured.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the positioning means consist of at least one fixing screw insertable in a through hole made in the metal structure, for example, of

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aluminum of the wall of the facade and in a threaded through hole in the cladding panel that is aligned with respect to the through hole in a position positioned on the panel.

Additionally, a guide tube can be provided inside the hole made in the metal structure of the facade to facilitate the correct placement of the fixing screw. Advantageously, the guide tube has an externally threaded section at least near one of its ends to facilitate its placement inside the hole and a blunt edge termination that prevents chafing.

Preferably, the aforementioned fastening means comprise fastening elements housed in holes made in the associated panel, each fastening element being associated with a respective loop-shaped cable.

Preferably, said fastening element is formed by a central tubular element through which a section of the cable and pressure washers passes, two of the pressure washers arranged between the wall of the metal structure or the like of the panel when they are acting, and associated with threaded nuts in said tubular element that are at opposite ends with respect to said tubular element, at least one of the pressure washers housed inside a cap protruding outward from the face of the panel facing with with respect to the outer face of the facade, said cap having a through hole through which the loop-shaped cable protrudes.

The function of the hood, in addition to avoiding chafing with the facade, during the ascent maneuver, is to act as a guiding element of connection between the panel and the structure of the facade, since once the panel connects with the structure of the facade The cap is positioned by closing the hole, leaving the structure hole and the threaded hole of the panel fully aligned, for a correct fixation of the aforementioned fixing screw.

Preferably, the loop-shaped cables used in the system of the invention are made of steel to ensure a good resistance considering that they have to withstand the passage of time, since they will be housed inside the metal structure indefinitely, to be used whenever necessary for disassembly.

According to another aspect of the invention, the washers used in the fastener are of the grower type.

Other features and advantages of the coating system object of the present invention will be apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.- It is a perspective view of a section of the facade of a building provided with two additional panels, one of them being placed while the other is in a mounting position;

Figure 2.- It is a detailed perspective view of a panel in a pre-assembled condition its final position;

Figure 3.- It is a detailed perspective view of a panel in a condition mounted on the facade;

Figure 4.- It is a schematic view of the arrangement of components comprising the system according to the present invention;

Figure 5.- It is an exploded schematic view of a fastener provided in the system of the invention; Y

Figure 6.- It is a schematic view of the clamping element in which the positioning of the panel has been represented in broken lines and in a schematic way.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the attached figures, a preferred embodiment of the invention system devised for the placement of a plurality of panels (1) formed by an aluminum structure (10) or the like on a facade generally indicated with the reference (will be described) 2), more specifically, each panel (1) is linked to each fixed structure window (not practicable) provided in the building.

The facade (2) is provided with externally projecting gripping means that allow the coupling of the panels (1) in a removable way through the arrangement of corresponding fastening means that are arranged in such panels (1).

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Returning to the gripping means, they present in association with a respective panel two upper and two lower ropes (3) located in a rectangular arrangement (see Figures 2 and 3) that protrude through corresponding holes (4) made in the facade (2), in which the ropes have a closed loop (30) at the end end from the arrangement of a clipping element (31) are coupled to corresponding steel cables in the form of a loop (12) that they are part of the fastening means, as will be explained later. To ensure that the closed loop (30) is maintained during the lifting operation of the panel to be manipulated, a double loop can be made inside the clipping element (31).

Additionally, positioning means are arranged to couple a panel to a corresponding region of the façade (2) consisting of four fixing screws (5) that during installation operations are inserted into respective through holes (6) that are they practice on the facade (2), (in particular, in this case shown in the frames of the fixed metal structure not practicable of the windows) and in corresponding also threaded holes (7) made in the corners of the aluminum structure (10 ) of the panel (1). Each of these threaded holes (7) must be aligned with respect to the through hole (6) in a final position of the panel (1).

With particular reference again to the clamping means they comprise clamping elements.

(8) that are housed in holes (9) made in the panel (1), each clamping element (8) being associated with a respective loop-shaped cable (12).

As can be seen in greater detail in Figures 5 and 6, each of these fasteners (8) is formed by a central elongated tubular element (80) through which a section of the cable (12) and four runs internally pressure washers (81), for example of the grower type, one of them being housed inside a plastic cap (82) protruding outwardly from the face of the panel (1) facing the outer face of the facade (2). Said cap (82) has a through hole (820) through which the loop-shaped cable (12) protrudes externally. As can be seen in figure (6), and returning to the grower type washers, two of the pressure washers (81) are together and act as a means of fixing one end of the steel cable (12) while the two Pressure washers (81) remaining, are each in contact with an opposite side of the wall of the panel structure (1) (see Figure 6). Additionally, three nuts (83) are provided with a threaded inner hole that are coupled to the tubular element (80) that allow to fix the position of the pressure washers (81), said nuts (83) being associated with the arrangement of the washers (81), such that they are arranged at opposite ends with respect to the tubular element (80).

It should be mentioned that at least one of the fasteners (8) also allows the passage of electrical cables for connection to drive means to effect the displacement of the panels (1) in an upward or downward direction as required.

The following describes more precisely the assembly of a panel (1) with a square or rectangular frame structure on the wall of the facade (2) of a building:

First, the threaded holes (7) and the holes (9) are made in the metal structure (10) of the panel (1) to be installed by using conventional tools and placed inside the holes (9) the fasteners (8);

Next, the holes are made in the metal structure of the façade to later pass through one of them guide tubes (13), made of plastic material of the PVC type (Polyvinylchloride), through which the ropes (3) that initially include a counterweight at the end that protrudes outwards from the facade (2) in order to be manipulated by operators who are at ground level. Mention that this guide tube (13) includes an externally threaded section (130) near at least one of its ends and a blunt edge termination on the flange of the end end linked to the threaded section;

Subsequently, the weights placed on each of the ropes (3) are extracted and said ropes (3) are coupled with the corresponding loop-shaped cables (12);

The ascent of the panels (1) is started from inside the building, either manually with the help of the operators stretching the ropes (3) or by means of motors, such as pulleys driven by an electric motor (not shown) . The panel (1) will be accompanied with a ribbon (not shown) attached at the bottom, to avoid possible contact with the facade (2), in which once the panel (1) is pulled up the other end of the aforementioned tape being released, falling outside;

Then and once the panel (1) has been approached to the determined point of the facade wall (2), the holes (6) and holes (4) made in the facade wall (2) are aligned with respect to the panel ( 1) and the fixing screws (5) and additional rubber washers and grower type are placed; Y

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Finally, the ropes (3) are removed and the steel cables (12) are passed through their corresponding holes (4) of the facade (2), covering the interior access to such holes (4) and (6) by means of plastic caps (14).

To always ensure the same distance between holes and holes for each panel to be installed, a template can be used previously that has the different holes to be made in the panel (1) and then mark on the structure of the facade (2).

On the contrary, to carry out the uninstallation of the lining panels (1) the same steps are performed in reverse without the need for special devices, rejoining ropes (3) to the steel cables (12) (which remained housed inside the guide tube (13)) and again applying counterweights on the

10 end of two of the four strings (3) located at the bottom with respect to the upper strings (3). The fact of dropping two of the four ropes (3) with the counterweights to the outside, once in the street, allows to catch the ends and can use them as guides when pulling them, so as to avoid contact with the facade.

The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the materials used in the manufacture of the coating system of the invention may be conveniently substituted by others that are technically equivalent and do not depart from the essentiality of the invention or of scope

defined by the claims included below.

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Claims (11)

one.

 Cladding system for building facades, in which the cladding is carried out by means of panels (1) formed by a metal structure or the like fixed to said facade, characterized by the fact that the facade (2) is provided with means of grip that protrude externally which are capable of being coupled in a removable way to the panels (1) through the provision of corresponding fastening means that are arranged in such panels (1), presenting the gripping means in association with a respective panel two upper ropes and two lower ropes (3) protruding through corresponding through holes made in a metal structure of the facade (2), in which the ropes (3) have a closed loop at one end and are fixed in corresponding loop-shaped cables (12) that are part of the fastening means.

2.

 Cladding system according to claim 1, characterized in that positioning means are available for coupling a panel to a corresponding region of the facade (2).

3.

 Cladding system according to claim 2, characterized in that the positioning means consist of at least one fixing screw (5) inserted in a through hole (6) made in the metal structure of the facade (2) and in a threaded hole (7) through the panel (1) of the liner that is aligned with respect to the through hole in a position positioned on the panel (1).

Four.

 Cladding system according to claim 3, characterized in that a guide tube (13) is provided inside the through holes made in the facade (2) through which the ropes (3) pass, in which said tube guide (13) has an externally threaded section (130) at least near one of its ends and a blunt edge termination.

5.

 Cladding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means comprise fastening elements (8) housed in holes (9) made in the associated panel (1), each fastening element (8) being associated with a respective loop-shaped cable (12).

6.

 Cladding system according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping element (8) is formed by a central tubular element (80) through which a section of the loop-shaped cable (12) and washers of pressure (81) associated with threaded nuts in said tubular element (80) that are at opposite ends with respect to said tubular element (80), at least one of the pressure washers (1) being housed inside a cap ( 82) protruding outward from the face of the panel (1) facing with respect to the outer face of the facade (2), said cap having a through hole (820) through which the loop-shaped cable (12) protrudes ).

7.

 Cladding system according to claim 6, characterized in that the clamping element (8) has two pressure washers (81) that are arranged between the wall of the metal structure

or similar panel (1).

8.

 Cladding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the loop-shaped cables (12) are made of steel.

9.

 Coating system according to claim 6, characterized in that the pressure washers (81) are of the grower type.

10.

 Coating system according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide tube (13) is made of PVC type plastic material.

SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application number: 201131433 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 31.08.2011 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: E04G21 / 14 (2006.01) E04B2 / 90 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

56 Documents cited Claims Affected

TO

US 3982372 A (HAEUSSLER ERNST) 09/28/1976, column 3, lines 3-12; claims 1-2; 1.8

Figures 1.5-7.

TO

JP 7062871 A (TATEYAMA ALUMINUM KOGYO KK ET AL.) 03/07/1995, (summary), one

[online] [retrieved on 12/13/2012]. Recovered from: EPODOC / EPO; Figure 1.

TO

DE 3508506 A1 (MUELLER VOLKER) 11/09/1986, (summary), [online] [retrieved on 12/12/202 one

]. Recovered from EPODOC / EPO; Figure 1.

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 11.01.2013

Examiner M. Sánchez Robles Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201131433 Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) E04G, E04B Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201131433 Date of Completion of Written Opinion: 11.01.2013 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-10 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-10 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201131433  1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 3982372 A (HAEUSSLER ERNST) 28.09.1976

D02

JP 7062871 A (TATEYAMA ALUMINUM KOGYO KK et al.) 07.03.1995

D03

DE 3508506 A1 (MUELLER VOLKER) 11.09.1986

 2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement Document D01 discloses (see figures 1, 5, 6) a facade cladding system (1) of buildings with panels (2), in which the facade (1) is provided with gripping means (4) that protrude externally , which are capable of being coupled in a removable way to the panels (2) through the provision of corresponding fastening means (5) which are arranged in such panels (2), with (see figures 5-7) presenting the gripping means (4) protruding ropes (23,24) having an end end with a closed loop (see figure 6) and are fixed in corresponding loop-shaped cables that form the clamping means. In this document, the façade and panels are made of concrete and non-metallic, in addition to the fact that the gripping means do not protrude through through holes made in the metal structure of the facade, presenting two upper and two lower ropes with respect to a panel as in the request Documents D02 and D03 show systems of facade cladding by means of panels (5 of D02, 11 in D03), in which the facade has gripping means that protrude externally and are removably coupled to the panels. In both documents the uprights of the curtain wall structure are used as a guide for the elevation of the panel, but the ropes do not pass through holes made in the structure. The object of claim 1 is therefore new (Art 6.1 LP11 / 1986) and has inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP 11/1986) and consequently also its dependent claims. State of the Art Report Page 4/4