ITPD20130049A1 - EQUIPPED PANEL FOR CONTINUOUS FACADE - Google Patents

Description

PANEL EQUIPPED FOR CONTINUOUS FACADE

Field of application

The present invention refers to an equipped panel for curtain wall, according to the preamble of the main independent claim n.1.

The panel in question is intended for the construction of continuous facades whether they are of the mullion and transom type or of the independent cell type. The aforementioned facades are obtained by fixing these panels to the load-bearing structure and fully perform the functions of a normal external wall, bearing the load of its own weight and capable of resisting the thrust of the wind and the infiltration of air and water.

State of the art

It is known the realization of equipped panels for curtain walls formed by a glass panel, single but more commonly of the type formed by two sheets coupled with double glazing, and by a support frame, generally in aluminum, fixed perimetrically to the glass panel to form a frame integral to it.

The frame of the support frame of the glass panel is therefore mechanically connected to an internal load-bearing structure integral with the building and, for example, made up of steel or aluminum uprights and crosspieces constrained to each other at the intersection points.

In the sector of the creation of curtain walls, there is a need to fasten the equipped panels to the internal load-bearing structure in an easy and safe way.

The equipped panels can, in particular, provide for the fixing of the glass panel to the support frame by gluing with structural polyurethane glues.

In accordance with a known construction solution of equipped panels, for example illustrated in figure A and described in the patent WO 2003106799, the frame of the support frame is fixed to the glass panel sheets without wrapping them laterally so as to allow the creation of external facades exposed completely in glass.

More in detail, in accordance with this known type of construction solution, the equipped panel is fixed by means of a layer of structural silicone to a frame formed by sections of a plastic or aluminum profile; the frame is directly joined to the internal load-bearing structure by means of mutually combinable ribs present both on the frame and on the load-bearing structure.

In accordance with the embodiment of equipped panels illustrated in figure B, the frame of the support frame of the equipped panel is obtained with two parts mechanically rigidly coupled to each other by means of plastic bridge connections inserted in engagement relationship in counterfaced grooves of the two parts of the support frame. The two parts of the frame are then fixed, one to the glass panel by means of a layer of structural silicone glue, and the other to the internal load-bearing structure, by means of an intermediate profile. The aforementioned bridge connections in plastic material create an important thermal break which allows to reduce the transmission of heat from the external environment to the internal support structure of the building.

Although these solutions of equipped panels have proved to be mechanically safe in their normal operation, they nevertheless have drawbacks in the event of a fire.

In fact, all the plastic components are destined to collapse quickly with heat, with the result that the glass panels are no longer mechanically bound to the internal load-bearing structure and can thus dangerously separate from it and therefore ultimately fall.

Presentation of the invention

The main purpose of the present invention is therefore to obviate the drawbacks manifested by known solutions, by providing a panel equipped for curtain walls, which allows to keep the glass panels rigidly bound to the internal load-bearing structure of the building even in case of fire.

A further object of the present invention is to make available an equipped panel for curtain wall, which has a high thermal insulation.

A further object of the present invention is to make available an equipped panel for curtain wall, which is economical to produce.

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a panel equipped for curtain walls, which safely holds the glass panel firmly anchored to its frame and to the internal load-bearing structure, without requiring retaining means penalizing the aesthetics of the equipped panel.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a panel equipped for continuous façade, which uses retaining means which are not particularly conspicuous in a front view.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an equipped panel for curtain walls, which allows the glass panel to be retained on the frame in a precise and reliable way, regardless of the skill of the operators who assemble the equipped panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an equipped panel for curtain walls, which optimally resists stresses transversal to the plane of the equipped panel.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforementioned purposes, are clearly verifiable from the content of the claims reported below and the advantages thereof will become more evident in the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent a purely exemplary embodiment. and not limiting in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cell-type curtain wall portion, at the junction to an upright of two equipped panels object of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the curtain wall of Figure 1 in correspondence with a crosspiece;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a curtain wall of the upright and transverse type, at the junction to an upright of two equipped panels object of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the curtain wall of Figure 3 in correspondence with a crosspiece;

- figure 5 shows the curtain wall of figure three with the lower panel in the open position;

- figure 6 shows four adaptation profiles that can be used to connect the equipped panel object of the present invention to the curtain wall with mullions and transoms.

Detailed description of an example of a preferred embodiment With reference to the attached drawings, the equipped panel for curtain wall object of the present invention has been indicated as a whole with 1.

In the following of the present description reference will be made to a panel equipped for curtain wall 1, consisting in particular of an assembly formed by a glass panel and a support frame assembled together in the factory and then assembled on site, it being understood, however, that, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present patent, the invention may refer to any other type of curtain wall such as for example the type with mullions and transoms. Furthermore, the equipped panel may be of the type with fixed door or with mobile door, for example rotatably with respect to a horizontal axis or with respect to a vertical axis.

The cellular curtain wall is notoriously made up of modules or, in fact, prefabricated cells including both the aluminum support profile and the infill part, that is the blind panel or in transparent or opaque glass. The cells are assembled in the factory and then transported to the construction site where they are mounted on the internal load-bearing structure of the building.

The curtain wall with mullions and transoms usually includes vertical and horizontal aluminum profiles, which form a structural grid to which the infill panels of transparent or opaque glass panels are then applied from the outside.

In the following, with reference to the attached drawings, reference will be made to an embodiment with cells in figures 1 and 2 and to an embodiment with uprights and transoms in figures 3 - 6, however the same invention may also be applied for the construction of facades continuous panels not exactly falling within the two known types indicated above, it being understood that in this case the infill panels are equipped with a support frame capable of allowing easier assembly on the load-bearing structure.

With reference to both embodiments, the equipped panel 1 object of the present invention is formed, in a traditional way, by a glass panel 2 equipped with at least one plate, and by a support frame 3 having a development perimeter in the shape of a continuous frame defined by profiles converging at the vertices of the equipped panel 1.

The supporting frame 3 is intended to be rigidly connected to the supporting structure 4 (be it the structure of a cell of a curtain wall with cells as in the example of figures 1 and 2, or be it the internal structure of the building of a facade with mounts and transoms as in the example of figures 3-5), to create, together with other equipped panels 1 next to it, a curtain wall.

The support frame 3 is composed, in a per se known way, of four support profiles 12, so as to assume the traditional shape of a rectangular frame with the profiles joined orthogonally to each other at the ends at the vertices of the panel equipped 1. The latter defines an internal face 50 and an external face 60, substantially parallel and of which one facing the building and the other facing the external environment.

The support frame 3 is advantageously fixed to the glass panel 2 by means of retaining means obtained for example with a layer of structural sealant 6, capable of keeping the glass sheet completely visible externally, concealing the frame 3.

This closed development of the support frame 3 delimits a gap which is engaged by the glass panel 2. The latter is advantageously as said of the so-called â € œstructuralâ € type, ie rigidly fixed to the support frame 3 by means of a layer of sealant structural 6 without requiring the use of glazing bead strips or seats for holding the perimeter edge of the glass panel.

In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the support frame 3 comprises at least one support profile 12 at least partially in plastic material, and preferably all four support profiles at least partially in plastic material and converging at the vertices to define a continuous frame. Each support profile 12 is internally provided with a longitudinal cavity 13 and is provided with a substantially C-shaped cross section obtained with a connecting portion 14, arranged transversely to the position of the glass panel 2 and with two arms 15, 16 connected by the aforementioned connection portion 14.

The two arms 15, 16 extend from the same side of the connection portion 14 parallel to each other and substantially coplanar with respect to the position of the glass panel 2.

More in detail, a first internal arm 15, preferably having the free end of a rounded shape, is intended to mechanically engage the support structure 4 inside the building, and a second external arm 16 externally engages at least one slab of the glass panel 2 to keep it mechanically bound to the support profile 12.

The support frame 3 also provides a C-shaped core 17, substantially counter-shaped with respect to the longitudinal cavity 13 in which it is housed for at least a portion of its extension. This core 17 is obtained in a material which melts at a higher temperature than the support profile 12, and in particular it is made of metal, such as steel for example. Operationally, the core 17 fulfills the purpose of retaining the glass panel 2 mechanically bound to the load-bearing structure 4 so that, in the event of collapse of the plastic support profile 12 which can occur for example in the event of a fire, the glass remains bound to the supporting frame 3 and, through the core 17, to the supporting structure 4 of the building.

Preferably, the support profile 12 is obtained, for example by extrusion, in plastic reinforced with glass fiber and, for example, in polyamide reinforced with glass fiber.

Advantageously, the glass panel 3 comprises, in a completely traditional way, an internal plate 7 and an external plate 8, larger in size than the internal plate 7 and fixed to the latter by at least one perimeter bead of material. sealant 9 (for example of structural silicone) as well as spaced from the same internal plate 7 by means of a channel 10 defining together with the glass plates 7, 8 at least one double glazing 11.

The two internal and external plates 7, 8 extend peripherally outside the double glazing 11, or beyond the perimeter cord 9, for respective protruding portions 7â € ™, 8â € ™, between which a perimeter seat 18 remains defined, in which the second outer arm 16 of the support profile 12 fixed to the glass panel 2 is inserted into engagement.

The second outer arm 16 of the support profile 12 is preferably fixed to the glass panel 2 by means of the previously mentioned layer of structural sealant 6. The latter can be obtained with a separate layer with respect to the perimeter cord of sealing material 9 that connects the two plates 15, 16, or it can be obtained in whole, or only in part, from this perimeter cord of sealing material 9.

In accordance with the example illustrated in the attached figures, which provide for the use of a panel 2 with double glazing 11, the layer of structural sealant 6 aimed at connecting the support frame 3 to the glass panel 2 is obtained by the perimeter cord of sealing material 9 which connects the two plates 7, 8 and which is in contact with the free end of the second outer arm 16 of the support profile 12, as well as with a specific layer of structural sealant 6 interposed between the surface external 8 of the second external arm 16 of the support profile 12 and the internal face of the external plate of the glass panel 2.

The support profile 12 therefore forms a rigid covering shell for the core 17, advantageously closed to retain the core 17 inside its longitudinal cavity 13. Therefore, the connection portion 14 and the two arms 15 , 16 of the support profile 12 are defined by pairs of opposite and parallel walls spaced apart to define the longitudinal cavity 13. The core 17 is inserted with minimum play in the aforementioned longitudinal cavity 13 and is advantageously fixed inside it by means of a layer of glue 19 delimited by two projections 20, 21 internal to the same longitudinal cavity 13 as illustrated in figures 1 and 2 or by screws 19 as illustrated in figures 3-5.

In accordance with the preferential embodiment of the equipped panel 1 object of the present invention, the second external arm 16 of the support profile 12 comprises an external wall 22 fixed (in a single body) by means of a connecting shank 23 parallel to the walls of the external arm 16 which delimit the aforementioned longitudinal cavity 13. The aforementioned external wall 22 is fixed to the internal face of the external plate 8 of the glass panel 2 by means of the aforementioned layer of structural sealant 6 and defines a first groove 24, in which a first gasket 25.

The core 17 mentioned above may be in the form of a continuous frame closed inside the longitudinal cavity 13 of the support profiles 12 which form the support frame 3 of the glass panel 2, or it may be made with one or several corner squares, each of which inserted with its arms, in the longitudinal cavities 13 of the ends of two support profiles 12 converging in one vertex of the equipped panel 1.

Between two squares associated with two vertices, another portion of the core 17 can be inserted with or without a solution of continuity with respect to the arms of the two squares, obtained with a straight bar inserted in the longitudinal cavity of the support profile 12.

Advantageously, in the case of equipped panels 1 of modest dimensions, the core 17 can only be provided in the form of squares placed at the vertices of the support frame 3, while in the case of equipped panels 1 of considerable size, the core 17 will be obtained with a continuous frame or at least with straight bars inserted between one team and the other.

With reference to Figure 1 relating to an upright of a continuous cellular facade, the support frame 3 is advantageously provided with a first shaped rib 26, which protrudes from the connection portion 14 between the two arms 15, 16 and is capable of mechanically coupling in engagement relationship with a first hooking appendix 270 of a first closing profile 27, mechanically in turn engaged to the supporting structure 4 of the cell. For this purpose, this first closing profile 27 has a second hooking appendix 271 capable of mechanically coupling in engagement relationship with a second rib 29 of the support structure 4 (of the upright of the support structure). The shape of the first closing profile 27 described above is further clarified in the right part of the attached figure 1.

This first closing profile 27 prevents the rotation of the relative door of the equipped panel 1. Otherwise, a second closing profile 27â € ™ shown in the left part of the same figure 1 lacks the first hooking appendix 270 and allows the rotation of the relative door of equipped panel 1.

The aforesaid closing profile 27 is intended to create a structural continuity between the support profile 12 of the glass panel 2 and the supporting structure 4 of the curtain wall. More in detail, the hooking appendix 270 of the closing profile 27 is a flexible flap equipped at the free end with a hooked portion capable of engaging as a result of elastic deformation, with a portion of the bent end of the first shaped rib 26 .

The same first closing profile 27 can be used to lock the door to the crosspiece of the support structure 4 of the cell as illustrated in the upper part of figure 2. The lower part of the same figure 2 illustrates an equipped panel used as a door. movable and for the purpose rotatably directly engaged by means of its rounded arm 15 to a cylindrical seat 150 of a crosspiece of the support structure 4.

Advantageously, a second and a third shaped rib 31, 32 are also provided, which protrude from the connecting portion 14 of the support profile 12 starting from the side opposite to that from which the arms 15, 16 extend. ribs 31, 32 are parallel to each other and spaced apart so as to define a second groove 33, in which a second gasket 34 is engaged.

The second shaped rib 31 is arranged in proximity to the first internal arm 15 and defines with the wall of the connecting portion 14 of the support profile 12 also a third groove 35 for containing a third gasket 36.

With reference to Figure 3 relating to an upright of a curtain wall with uprights and transoms, the support frame 3 is advantageously provided with a first shaped rib 26, which protrudes from the connection portion 14 between the two arms 15, 16 and It is capable of defining, together with an arm 15 of the frame 3, a seat in which a first hooking appendix 270 of a first closing profile 27, mechanically in turn engaged to the supporting structure 4 of the cell, is inserted in a mechanical engagement relationship.

For this purpose, this first closing profile 27 has at least a second hooking appendage 271 capable of mechanically coupling in engagement relationship with a second rib 29 of an adaptation profile 30 which is in turn fixed for example with screws 300 to the upright of the structure. support 4 to uprights and transoms of the curtain wall.

The shape of the first closing profile 27 described above is further clarified in the right part of the attached figure 3.

This first closing profile 27 prevents the rotation of the relative door of the equipped panel 1. Otherwise, a second closing profile 27â € ™ shown in the left part of the same figure 3 lacks the first hooking appendix 270 and allows the rotation of the relative door of equipped panel 1.

The same first closing profile 27 can be used for locking the door to the crosspiece of the support structure 4 with uprights and crosspieces as illustrated in the upper part of figure 4. The lower part of the same figure 4 illustrates an equipped panel used instead as a movable leaf and for the purpose rotatably directly engaged by means of its rounded arm 15 to a cylindrical seat 150 of a third closing profile 27â € ™ â € ™, in turn fixed to the crosspiece of the upright and transom structure by means of screws 301.

In accordance with this embodiment, preferably the first closing profile 27 has at least a second hooking appendage 271â € ™ capable of mechanically coupling in engagement relationship with a second rib 29â € ™ of the third closing profile 27â € ™ â € ™ in turn fixed for example with screws 301 to the crosspiece 4.

In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3-5, the closing profile 27 has at least a third hooking appendix 272 capable of engaging a gasket 273 fixed directly to the upright or to the crosspiece of the upright and cross-member structure.

The equipped panel for curtain wall thus conceived therefore achieves the set purposes.

It can be used both for the construction of continuous facades, both of the mullion and transom type and of the cell type.

In particular, the equipped panel for curtain wall according to the invention allows to achieve numerous advantages.

In the first place, thanks to the C-shaped core 17, it always maintains a mechanical safety connection between the glass panel 2 and the supporting structure 4 integral with the building in all circumstances. In fact, thanks to this core 17, in the event of a fire, the glass panel 2 always remains bound to the load-bearing structure 4 so as not to allow the glass panels 2 to detach and fall dangerously.

Secondly, thanks to the plastic cladding consisting of the support profile 12, the thermal transmission between the external environment and the load-bearing structure 4 of the building is severely limited. This plastic material defines an important thermal break capable of significantly reducing the thermal transmittance associated with the curtain wall.

Thirdly, the production cost of the support profile 12 in plastic material is considerably lower than that of traditional aluminum extrusions, making it possible to significantly reduce the costs of curtain walls.

Obviously, in its practical embodiment, it may also assume forms and configurations other than the one illustrated above without thereby departing from the present scope of protection.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements and the dimensions, shapes and materials used can be any according to the needs.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Panel equipped for curtain walls, which includes: - a glass panel (2); - a frame (3), which supports said glass panel (2), has a perimeter development in the form of a continuous frame, comprises support profiles (12) converging at the vertices of said equipped panel (1), is intended for be rigidly mechanically connected to a load-bearing structure (4) to create a curtain wall together with other equipped panels adjacent to it; characterized in that at least one support profile (12) of said support frame (3) is at least partially made of plastic, is provided with a longitudinal cavity (13) and has a substantially shaped cross section in the shape of a C obtained with a connection portion (14) transversal to the position of said glass panel (2) and with two arms (15, 16) connected by said connection portion (14), substantially coplanar to the position of said glass panel ( 2), and of which a first inner arm (15), intended to mechanically engage with said bearing structure (4) and a second outer arm (16) intended to engage externally to at least one plate of said glass panel (2) to hold it mechanically; said support profile (12) of said support frame (3) comprising a core (17), also substantially C-shaped, made of melting material at a higher temperature than that of said support profile (12), in particular in metal, inserted in at least a portion of the longitudinal cavity (13) of said support profile (12) capable of retaining said glass panel (2) mechanically constrained to said supporting structure (4) in case of collapse of said support profile (12). 2. Equipped panel for curtain wall according to claim 1, characterized in that said glass panel (2) comprises at least one internal plate (7) and at least one external plate (8), fixed together by means of a perimeter cord (9) of sealing material and spaced apart by means of a channel (10) defining together with said sheets at least one double-glazing, said internal and external sheets extending peripherally outside said double-glazing for at least respective protruding portions (7â € ™, 8â € ™), between the which is defined as a perimeter seat (18) in which the second outer arm (16) of said support profile (12) is inserted into engagement. 3. Panel equipped for curtain wall according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second outer arm (16) of said support profile is fixed to said glass panel (2) by means of a layer of sealing material (6) . 4. Panel equipped for curtain wall according to claim 3, characterized in that the layer of sealing material (6) comprises at least one bead interposed between the external surface of the second external arm (16) of said support profile (12) and the face interior of the external plate of said glass panel (2). 5. Panel equipped for curtain wall according to claim 4, characterized in that the second outer arm (16) of said support profile comprises at least one outer wall (22), fixed by means of a connecting shank (23) parallel to the walls of the external arm that delimit said longitudinal cavity, and fixed to the internal face of the external plate of said glass panel (2) by means of said bead of sealing material (6), in particular said external wall defining with said remaining part of the external arm (16) a first groove (24) in which a first gasket (25) is engaged. 6. Panel equipped for curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said core (17) comprises at least one angular square and is inserted in the longitudinal cavities of two support profiles converging in a vertex of said equipped panel. 7. Equipped panel for curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said core (17) comprises at least one bar inserted in the longitudinal cavity of at least one support profile (12). 8. Panel equipped for curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said core (17) defines a continuous frame closed inside said support profile (12). 9. Equipped panel for curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first shaped rib (26), which protrudes from the connection portion of said support profile (12) between said two arms (15, 16) and can be mechanically coupled in engagement with a closing profile (27) aimed at creating a continuity between said support profile (12) of the glass panel (2) and said load-bearing structure (4) of the facade keep on. 10. Panel equipped for curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least a second and a third shaped rib (3031, 32), which protrude from the connection portion (14) of said support profile (12) ) on the side opposite to said arms, parallel to each other and spaced apart, defining a second groove (33) in which a second gasket (34) is engaged. 11. Panel equipped for curtain walls according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second shaped rib is arranged in proximity to said first internal arm and defines a third groove with the wall of the connection portion of said support profile (35) to contain a third gasket (36). 12. Panel equipped for curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a layer of glue inside said longitudinal cavity (13) or a screw (19) to hold said core (17) rigidly bound to said profile support (12).