Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
1
Curtain wall
The present invention relates to curtain walls or curtain walling.
A curtain wall is a structure of mullions and transoms in which panels,
usually glass
panels, but possibly also dense panels, are placed so as to form an external
wall of a
building.
A disadvantage of the known curtain walls, for example the curtain wall known
from
KR 20130075240, is that the mullions and transoms are designed in such a way
that
they must be built up from outside into a structure of profiles. Also, the
panels must
then be installed from outside. When this has to take place at a height, this
is complex
and requires scaffolding or suspended working platforms and is dangerous for
the
people doing this work and for people located underneath.
Moreover, the known systems of mullions and transoms require a large number of
components and a large number of operations for assembling them.
A curtain wall structure is known from US 3,266,210 with transoms that are
mounted
between the mullions. In this known structure the transoms are clicked into
place in the
mullions, which has the disadvantage that the transoms can also click loose
again
undesirably. Another important disadvantage of this known structure is that it
does not
offer a solution for the problem of tolerances. With a curtain wall there are
two
different kinds of tolerances, on the one hand the manufacturing tolerances as
a result
of the limitations in connection with the accuracy in production, and on the
other hand
placement tolerances as a result of placement in situ. The production
tolerances
comprise both the extrusion tolerance and the tolerance in further processing
of the
particular profiles. Moreover, the transoms should be mounted between the
mullions
with a clearance at their ends to allow for receiving, on the one hand, the
thermal
expansion of the transoms, and on the other hand the differential settlement
of a
building, which is unavoidable and is typical of a concrete or steel rough
structure.
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
2
However, this has the result that the joint between the mullions and transoms
is not
waterproof, which may give rise to leaks, which obviously is inadmissible for
a façade.
The curtain wall structure in US'210 is not very versatile. It only allows
working with
one predetermined thickness of panels such as glass panels.
A curtain wall is known from WO 2017/201588 wherein the joint between the
transom
and the mullion forms a barrier to water, so that water that penetrates into
the chambers
of the mullions, for example via the rubber seal against which the window is
fitted, can
be led to the transom and there it is removed to the outside. The system from
WO '588
in addition allows working with different thicknesses of panels such as glass
panels by
choosing suitable glazing beads that hold the panel in question in place along
the inside
of the curtain wall. The curtain wall in WO'588 can be installed from inside
the
building. The curtain wall in WO'588 may lose structural strength quickly in a
fire.
The curtain wall from the aforementioned KR 20130075240 is at least built up
on the
basis of mullions consisting of roll-formed steel. However, the curtain wall
from
KR'240 forms a thermal bridge between inside and outside, and, as already
mentioned,
has the disadvantage that it must be installed from outside.
The present invention relates firstly to an alternative curtain wall, which
according to
various preferred embodiments offers a solution for one or more problems with
the
curtain walls from the prior art.
For this purpose, the invention relates to a curtain wall that comprises one
or more
mullions and one or more transoms, and panels that are mounted with their
edges at
least in the mullions and optionally in the transoms, wherein the one or more
mullions
extend vertically and on two opposite sides are provided with a groove with an
access
opening, said grooves forming a rebate in which the lateral edge of an
aforementioned
panel is fitted, wherein the one or more transoms extend horizontally between
two
mullions and, for example, have their ends fitted in the aforementioned
grooves of
these two mullions, with the characteristic feature that the aforementioned
mullion is
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
3
assembled from at least one inner and one outer profile joined together by
means of one
or more plastic profiles, wherein at least the inner profile consists
substantially of steel.
Fabricating the mullions at least partially from steel increases the stability
of the
structure, even at high temperatures, such as in the case of a fire. The
plastic profile
.. provides a thermal break between the inner profile and the outer profile.
The steel used may be for example stainless steel, galvanized steel, chromium-
plated
steel, or steel with some other coating.
Preferably the steel is corrosion-resistant per se, or is protected against
corrosion by
means of a coating. The coating may comprise zinc and/or aluminum. The steel
may
for example be hot dip galvanized or electroplated. In hot dip galvanizing,
the object
may be immersed in a bath of liquid zinc at a temperature of about 450 C.
After
cooling and solidification, the zinc layer is attached to the surface of the
steel. In
electroplating, the liquid is not heated, but electric current provides the
adhesion. When
the protecting material consists of zinc, this technique is also called
electrolytic zinc
plating. In the case of a coating that comprises aluminum, aluminizing may be
employed. This technique is particularly interesting in the case of profiles
for a curtain
wall that require high heat resistance. According to a particular example, a
so-called
.. TSA technique (Thermal Spray Aluminum or Thermally sprayed zinc and
aluminum
layers) is employed for applying the respective coating.
The curtain wall of the invention may be produced in various ways in practice.
According to a first possibility, the aforementioned inner profile comprises a
steel tube.
According to a second possibility the inner profile comprises a roll formed
profile.
According to a third possibility, the aforementioned inner profile comprises a
steel tube
and a roll formed profile made of steel. In this last case the inner profile
may for
example be assembled from a tube and a roll formed profile fastened thereon.
Fastening
may be carried out for example by means of one or more welded joints and/or
screwed
joints and/or riveted joints. Purely mechanical hook-in joints are not
excluded.
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
4
The outer profile may consist essentially of steel or aluminum. Preferably the
outer
profile also consists of steel. For this, the same or some other steel may be
used as for
the inner profile. Preferably the steel used is rustproof per se, or is
protected against
corrosion by means of a coating. Preferably the outer profile comprises a roll
formed
profile.
In cases where both the inner profile and the outer profile are made of steel,
it is
possible that the panels of the curtain wall are held in the rebates even at
greatly
increased temperature, such as in a fire, and that there is limited risk of
falling panels.
Preferably, the aforementioned plastic profile is fire-resistant and/or
consists of a fiber-
reinforced composite. A plastic profile of this kind increases the structural
stability of
the curtain wall at high temperatures, such as in a fire.
Preferably, the resin of the fiber-reinforced composite is thermosetting.
Thus, for
example, the plastic profile may consist of a fiber-reinforced composite, the
matrix of
which, in other words the resin, is made fire-retardant by adding additives
and/or
fillers. For example, aluminum nitrate or silicon carbide may be added. For
example
polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy or acrylate may be used as resin. For example,
the resin
known by the name Modar may be used. This is a modified acrylate resin.
According to
another example, the plastic profile may consist of a fiber-reinforced
composite, the
matrix of which, in other words the resin, is fire-retardant per se, on
account of its
chemical composition. For example, bisphenol (A) polyester, bisphenol vinyl
ester and
epoxy resin may be used as the resin.
Preferably, the fibers of the fiber-reinforced composite are fire-retardant
per se, as is
the case for example when the fibers consist of glass fiber, aramid fiber
and/or carbon
fiber. Preferably aramid fibers are used, since these offer increased thermal
insulation.
According to other examples, S-glass fibers, quartz glass fibers, boron,
graphite or
ceramic fibers are used. These last-mentioned examples are of particular
interest when
increased resistance to very high temperatures is required.
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
Preferably the aforementioned inner profile forms at least partially an
undercut of the
aforementioned groove, wherein, preferably, at least one fastening attachment
is
mounted in the aforementioned undercut for fixing one or more glazing beads
thereon.
The fastening attachment may be made of plastic, preferably a thermoplastic,
for
5 example polyvinyl chloride. Thermoplastics are easy to form, for example
by extrusion
or injection molding.
Preferably, the aforementioned transom is also assembled from at least one
inner and
one outer profile joined together by means of one or more plastic profiles,
wherein at
least the inner profile consists substantially of steel. For the inner and
outer profiles and
for the plastic profile, the same materials may be used as described above in
connection
with the transom.
Preferably, the groove formed in the lateral edge of the mullion has an oblong
cross
section, which at one or more of the transverse ends is configured with a
rounded
section and/or at one or more of the transverse ends is free from rounding
with a radius
less than 2 millimeters, or even is free from rounding with a radius less than
5
millimeters. Owing to the fact that one or more of the transverse ends of the
undercut
groove is configured with a rounded section or with rounding of 2 millimeters
or more,
or even 5 millimeters or more, various advantages may be achieved. For
example, with
said geometry of the undercut groove it is easier to obtain a completely or
partially
waterproof joint between the aforementioned transoms and the mullions, than is
the
case with an undercut groove with a rectangular section. In this last case it
is difficult to
achieve waterproofing at the location of the vertexes.
Preferably, on at least one, and preferably on both, of the ends of the
transoms, a head
piece is provided that comes into contact with one or more of the
aforementioned
transverse ends of the groove formed in the lateral edges of the mullion. At
the location
of said contact there is preferably compression of the material of the head
piece.
Through deformation of the material of the surface of the head piece, a water-
tight
and/or air-tight joint may be obtained between the transom and mullion, even
with a
difference in geometry between the head piece and the transverse end in
question, for
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
6
example owing to tolerances. Preferably the head piece consists, completely or
at least
on the surface thereof where the joint is to be formed, of a material that is
more easily
compressible or softer than the material of the aforementioned transom. The
head piece
preferably consists of a separate part that is fixed on the end of the
respective transom.
Preferably, the joint between the transom, more particularly the head piece
fitted
thereon, and the mullion, more particularly the groove formed in the lateral
edge
thereof, is produced exclusively by mechanical means, namely by positioning
the
transom, more particularly the head piece, in the groove. Preferably the
aforementioned
joint is disconnectable and reconnectable. The aforementioned joint is thus
preferably
free from adhesives, or other fastening means, such as sealant. As mentioned
above, the
joint of the head piece and the groove preferably provides a seal of the point
of
connection between the transom, more particularly the head piece, and the
mullion,
more particularly the groove formed in the lateral edge thereof.
It is clear from the foregoing that on the aforementioned ends of the
transoms,
preferably a seal is provided that forms a barrier to water. The
aforementioned barrier
preferably comprises at least one seal of the aforementioned groove, wherein
this seal
is formed at least partially by the aforementioned head pieces, and more
particularly by
the contact of the aforementioned head pieces with one or more of the
transverse ends
of the groove formed in the lateral edge of the mullion. Preferably said seal
is obtained
by connection of the head piece in question with all walls of the
aforementioned
groove. In other words the shape of the head piece is preferably configured in
such a
way that it forms a contact over both complete transverse ends, and over the
innermost
transverse wall of the groove.
It is to be noted that a seal on the points of connection between transoms and
mullions
may lead to control of infiltration water per individual façade section or
panel, namely
a so-called field effect. When all points of connection between transoms and
mullions
surrounding a façade section are sealed, preferably at least by means of
contact
between the head piece in question and the groove, a so-called field effect
can be
obtained. This field effect allows simple detection, more particularly
localization, of the
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
7
cause of inward seeping water. Such seeping is, with a field effect, namely
due to a leak
present in the relevant façade section, and not from façade sections adjacent
or above,
in contrast to traditional curtain walls wherein infiltration water is
collected over
several façade sections in the mullions and is led away. It is clear that
leaks in façade
sections and the risk of inward seeping water must be minimized as far as
possible and
even prevented.
Preferably, the water from the mullions is led away via one or more openings
made in
the transom, wherein these openings are preferably located at a distance from
the
mullions, for example at a distance of between 10 and 300 mm. In this way,
discharge
of water may be obtained per panel or façade section. As mentioned above, such
drainage is advantageous for detecting the cause of any inward leaking water.
Inward
leaking water is not of course the intention and should emphatically be
avoided. In this
kind of configuration, no discharge for water needs to be provided in the
mullions, and
any infiltration water in the curtain wall is led away to the outside per
façade section.
Preferably, in the cases wherein the head piece is fitted as a single-part or
multi-part,
but separate portion over the end of the transom, a sealing fastening means is
fitted
between the aforementioned head piece and the relevant transom. The sealing
fastening
means may for example be an elastic or plastic sealant and/or a fastening
means based
on silicone, a liquid butyl sealant or similar. This will prevent water that
is located on
the transom from finding its way between the head piece and the transom, for
example
as a result of small deformations of the head piece.
As mentioned above, preferably one or more fastening attachments for fastening
glazing beads are glued in at least one of the aforementioned transverse ends,
preferably in the transverse end that is located on the inside of the curtain
wall. Gluing
of the fastening attachments makes it possible to simplify the geometry of the
mullions,
in comparison with the mechanical connection from the prior art, for example
WO
2017/201587. In the case wherein the head pieces on the transoms are fitted
into the
groove of the mullions by means of a rotating motion, this is achievable
without
locking elements of a mechanical connection forming an obstruction.
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
8
Preferably, the aforementioned fastening attachments are glued in undercuts of
the
aforementioned groove. Preferably the aforementioned first glazing beads are
each
fastened by means of several first fastening attachments positioned at a
distance from
one another along the mullion. As stated above, gluing of the fastening
attachments
may lead to a simpler design of the mullions. This simpler design may be
configured so
that the cavities in the mullion are easier to seal, for example by means of
the ends or
head pieces of the transoms, such as may be the case with the mullions and the
groove
in the lateral edge thereof.
It should further be noted that fastening of the aforementioned first glazing
beads each
by means of several first fastening attachments positioned at a distance from
one
another along the mullion is also advantageous in the case wherein the
fastening
attachments are fastened to the mullions by means of mechanical locking, or in
other
words in the case wherein the fastening attachments are fastened with clips.
Preferably the fastening attachments have a surface with one or more ribs.
These ribs
preferably form a surface that is easier to glue in the aforementioned
transverse ends of
the groove. The tops of these ribs preferably come into contact with the
surface of one
of the aforementioned transverse ends of the groove, whereas between two
adjacent
ribs there is space for receiving glue or some other cured fastening means.
The
transverse ends of the groove are preferably free per se from large
irregularities such as
ribs, so that good sealing is still possible at the fastening points between
transom and
mullion on the basis of the aforementioned head pieces.
Preferably the curtain wall of the invention further displays the
characteristic features
that the aforementioned grooves in the lateral edge of the mullion have an
access
opening, wherein the access opening has a first fixed dimension or width in
the
horizontal direction, wherein the transoms have a second dimension in the
horizontal
direction and at right angles to the profile direction of the transoms,
wherein the second
dimension is greater than the first dimension, wherein the transoms have a
third
dimension in a nonhorizontal direction at right angles to the profile
direction, wherein
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
9
the third dimension is less than the first dimension, so that the ends of the
transoms, in
a rotated state of the transoms in which the direction of the third dimension
is
horizontal, pass through the access opening and wherein the transoms are
provided with
a locking element, for example in the form of a movable rod, wherein the
mullions are
provided with a locking groove for receiving a portion of the aforementioned
locking
element, for example a portion of said rod, so as to block a rotational motion
of the
transoms thereby. The presence of locking of the transoms increases the
structural
stability of the curtain wall at greatly increased temperatures, such as in a
fire.
The foregoing makes clear that the curtain walls of the invention may be
configured in
such a way that they can be installed from the inside of a building without
too many
operations. For example, the transoms, in a state when rotated about their
longitudinal
axis, are placed in the access openings and then by rotation they receive
their desired
orientation and are fixed or clicked in the undercut grooves, wherein
preferably an
airtight and/or watertight seal of the undercut groove is achieved. During
construction
of the curtain wall, the transoms may be secured by means of the locking
element and
the locking groove. For example, with a simple displacement of a locking
element, for
example a rod or strip, sufficient locking may be achieved against loosening
of the
transoms fitted between the mullions.
Preferably, the inner profile, the plastic profile and the outer profile are
fastened to each
other, and preferably are not dismountable from one another, preferably so
that the
width of the aforementioned access opening has a fixed dimension. The relevant
mullions extend from the inside of the curtain wall to the outside of the
curtain wall and
perform all functions that a mullion from the prior art, erected from outside,
may have,
namely thermal break, drainage per façade section and the like. It is clear
that the
mullions are preferably prefabricated, wherein most of the part-profiles that
are
fastened to one another are already fastened to each other before the curtain
wall is
installed at the construction site. Preferably the mullions on the one hand
and/or the
transoms on the other hand are delivered to the construction site as an
assembled
whole. The possibility of working with a prefabricated mullion, with which
drainage
per façade section may nevertheless be achieved, is unique and the curtain
wall of the
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
present invention can offer an ideal solution for this, according to preferred
embodiments.
The installation of the curtain wall of the invention, namely the fastening of
transoms
5 and mullions together, is preferably screw-free. Preferably, an airtight
and/or watertight
seal is obtained at the fastening points between transoms and mullions, for
example
exclusively by means of the aforesaid contact between the optional head pieces
on the
transom and the groove in the lateral edge of the mullion.
10 In a preferred embodiment, one or more walls of the grooves are provided
with a recess
in which a portion of the transoms is located, wherein the transoms are
supported
vertically by a bottom edge of said recess. The aforementioned recess
preferably
extends in the horizontal direction through one or more of the transverse
walls that
delimit undercuts of the aforementioned groove. This is an easy way of
obtaining
fastening of the transoms to the mullions, without additional fastening
pieces. In
addition, this kind of suspension allows the transoms to have some clearance
in their
profile direction, which is desirable for taking up stresses in the curtain
wall. The
transoms "hang" in this recess and are preferably supported on the mullion
both at the
front and on the inside. In this way the loads on the transoms are transmitted
to the
mullions.
The aforementioned recess may be formed in the mullions by milling out,
punching out
or cutting out.
In a further preferred embodiment, the transoms are Z profiles, with a first
vertical leg
that projects upward and that is located on the inside of the transom, a
second vertical
leg that projects downwards and that is located on the outside of the transom,
and a
horizontal connecting piece between the first and the second leg. As a result,
the
vertical legs provide sufficient stiffness, while the horizontal connecting
piece leaves
.. sufficient space for installing a panel above the transom. In addition,
this kind of
transom limits inward seeping of water. The height of the first vertical leg
is preferably
20 millimeters or more, so that it is only at a pressure difference of 200Pa
that there is a
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
11
risk of water on the transom moving inwards as a result of a hydrodynamic
pressure
difference.
Preferably, for blocking the rotation of the transoms, the aforementioned
locking
groove with the locking element, for example the rod, therein is fitted to the
inside of
the second leg. This makes it easy, when constructing the curtain wall, to be
able to
move the rod from inside, in other words from a floor against which the
curtain wall is
fitted.
.. Preferably said grooves have a different depth on the different sides of
the mullions.
This makes it possible for the panels also to be placed from inside, by
fitting a panel
slanting in the deepest groove, then setting it in the desired orientation and
then moving
it toward the shallow groove.
Preferably the panels are glass panels. According to a particular embodiment,
the
panels are so-called "smart glazing" panels, namely glass panels whose
transparency,
reflection, heat transfer or other properties can be regulated on the basis of
electronic
signals.
.. It is clear that the outside of the curtain wall is the side that is
exposed to atmospheric
effects.
As mentioned above, in horizontal cross section the grooves preferably have
undercuts
and, not counting their access opening, preferably have an elongated shape
wherein the
transverse ends preferably have a rounded section or are configured with
rounding of 2
millimeters or more.
In a further preferred embodiment, the transoms and the mullions define
rectangular
openings, wherein one or more panels are placed in said openings, thereby
closing
.. these openings, wherein the one or more panels are fixed by means of first
glazing
beads, which are fastened to an aforesaid mullion by means of first fastening
attachments, wherein the first fastening attachments and the mullions are
arranged in
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
12
order to be able to fasten the first fastening attachments to an aforesaid
mullion,
preferably as stated above by fixing it by gluing it in the aforementioned
undercut
groove or by fixing it by clipping it by means of mechanical locking elements,
wherein
the first fastening attachments and the first glazing beads are preferably
arranged in
order to be able to fix the first glazing beads by clicking them on the first
fastening
attachments. In this way, first glazing beads may be fastened easily, simply
by clicking.
This makes it possible to fit the panels from the inside. As mentioned above,
preferably
several fastening attachments are used, spaced apart along the mullion.
According to an alternative to fixing the fastening attachments by gluing, or
in
combination therewith, the first fastening attachments and said mullions may
be
arranged in order to be able to fix the first fastening attachments by
clicking to an
aforesaid mullion in a direction at right angles to the plane of the panel in
question,
wherein the first fastening attachments and the first glazing beads are
arranged so as to
be able to fix the first glazing beads by clicking to the first fastening
attachments in a
direction parallel to the plane of the panel in question. Preferably, however,
the
fastening attachments are only attached to the mullion by gluing. Fitting of
the
fastening attachments on the mullions may be carried out before mounting the
respective mullion, for example as a component of a prefabricated mullion,
delivered as
such to the site. It is, however, also possible for the fastening attachments
to be fixed on
the mullions after mounting the mullions, for example in connection with
placement of
the panels and/or the glazing beads.
In another preferred embodiment, the one or more said mullions and the first
glazing
beads are arranged so that the first glazing beads rest against the mullion,
on their side
turned away from the panel in question.
In another preferred embodiment, the one or more panels are fixed by means of
second
glazing beads, which are fixed to an aforesaid transom by means of second
fastening
attachments, wherein the second fastening attachments and the one or more said
transoms are arranged in such a way that the second fastening attachments can
be fixed
to an aforesaid transom, wherein the second fastening attachments and the
second
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
13
glazing beads are arranged so that the second glazing beads can be clicked
onto the
second fastening attachments. The advantages mentioned in connection with the
first
glazing beads and the mullions are thus also applicable to the transoms and
the second
glazing beads. It is clear that the fastening attachments for the second
glazing beads can
be fixed to the transoms in a similar way as the fastening attachments for the
first
glazing beads are fixed to the mullions.
Preferably the first and/or the second fastening attachments are made of
plastic, such as
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PA (polyamide), PE
(polyethylene),
PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and the first glazing beads are preferably
made of
aluminum.
For better illustration of the features of the invention, some preferred
embodiments are
described hereunder, as examples without any limiting character, referring to
the
appended drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a curtain wall, which illustrates some features of the invention,
but
does not form part thereof;
Figs. 2 and 3 show, on a larger scale, a cross section according to the
section lines
II-II and III-III, respectively, shown in Fig. 1;
Figs. 4 and 5 show head pieces in perspective, which according to the
invention
can be fitted on the ends of the transoms;
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate, in a cross section according to line VI-VI shown in
Fig. 1,
how the transom with the head pieces can be fitted in the undercut groove;
Fig. 8 shows, in a view similar to that in Fig. 3, a curtain wall with the
features of
the invention;
Fig. 9 shows an alternative in one and the same view;
Fig. 10 shows, on a larger scale, a cross section according to the line X-X
shown
in Fig. 1, for a curtain wall with the features of the invention; and
Figs. 11 and 12 show, in a view similar to that in Figs. 8 and 10
respectively, a
variant with the features of the invention.
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
14
Fig. 1 shows a curtain wall 1 under construction. The curtain wall 1 comprises
mullions
2 and transoms 3. Panels 4, such as glazing, are secured with their edges 5 in
the
mullions 2 and in the transoms 3. The mullions 2 extend vertically, and the
transoms 3
extend horizontally. In the example, they are profiles 2-3 that are delivered
prefabricated to the site. The complete curtain wall 1, including panels 4,
can be
installed from inside.
Fig. 2 shows that the mullions 2 are provided on two opposite sides 6 with an
undercut
groove 7 with an access opening 8. The groove 7 forms a rebate into which the
lateral
edge 5 of the aforementioned panels 4 can be fitted. The transoms 3 extend
horizontally
between the two mullions 2. The mullions 2 shown comprise several part-
profiles 2A-
2B-2C fastened to each other, and not dismountable from each other, including
a part-
profile 2B that forms a thermal break.
Fig. 3 shows that the ends of the transoms 3 are secured in the aforementioned
grooves
7 of the mullions 2. For this purpose, head pieces 9 are fitted over the ends
of the
transoms 3.
The aforementioned undercut groove 7 has an oblong cross section, which is
configured with a rounded section at one or more of the transverse ends 10,
and, in this
case, at the transverse ends 10 is free from rounding with a radius less than
2
millimeters. Figs. 2 and 3 clearly show that the aforementioned oblong cross
section is
oriented with its long axis 11 transverse, or even perpendicular, to the
aforementioned
panels 4.
As shown in Fig. 2, the aforementioned panels 4 are fixed along the inside 12
of the
curtain wall 1 by means of glazing beads 13, which are fastened to the
aforementioned
mullion 2, for example, as here by means of fastening attachments 14 to which
the
respective glazing beads 13 can be secured by means of mechanical locking
means 15,
more particularly clicked or snapped, preferably as explained in more detail
in WO
2017/201587. In the example, the fastening attachments 14 are glued to the
mullion 2 at
the location of the transverse end 10 of the undercut groove 7 that is located
on the
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
inside 12 of the curtain wall 1. For this purpose, in the example the
fastening
attachments 14 are provided with a surface with ribs 16, the tops of which
come into
contact with the surface of the respective transverse end 10, while between
two
adjacent ribs there is space for receiving glue or some other cured fastening
means. The
5 transverse ends 10 of the undercut groove 7 are free per se from
irregularities such as
ribs.
It is to be noted that the fastening attachments 14 may be made as long or
almost as
long as the glazing beads 13 for which they are intended. Preferably, however,
a
10 glazing bead 13 is secured by means of several fastening attachments 14
located at a
distance one above another, for example three per glazing bead 13. This kind
of
configuration forms an example of the second independent aspect mentioned in
the
introduction. For example, the fastening attachments 14 may extend in each
case over a
distance of 2 to 20 cm, for example about 5 cm, in the mullion 2, with a
distance
15 between two adjacent fastening attachments 14 of 10 to 50 cm, for
example 20 to 30
centimeters.
Fig. 3 clearly shows that the aforementioned head pieces 9 have a geometry
that is
complementary to the cross section of the undercut groove 7, and in the
example comes
into contact with both transverse ends 10 thereof. As mentioned above, owing
to said
contact, a water-tight and/or air-tight joint is formed between the transom 3
and the
mullion 2. Preferably, contact between head piece 9 and undercut groove 7,
such as
here, is formed over the complete perimeter of the walls of the undercut
groove 7.
Figs. 4 and 5 show a perspective view of the head pieces 9 used in Fig. 3.
Said head
pieces 9 comprise several openings 17, along which a sealing fastening means
may be
applied or injected. The fastening means is intended to provide a barrier to
moisture
that is located on the transom 3, and that otherwise would find its way
between the
transom 3 and the head piece 9.
Fig. 6 shows that the transom 3 with the head piece 9 fitted thereon can
initially be
represented from the upper side and/or at an angle between two mullions 2,
namely
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
16
with the head piece 9 in the undercut groove 7. Then the transom 3 and the
head piece 9
are rolled, at the location of a recess 18 in the mullion 2, into the final
position, shown
in Fig. 7, for example in a manner similar to that described in more detail in
WO
2017/201589. During this rolling motion W, compression, preferably of the
material of
the head piece 9, may occur at the contacts between the respective head piece
9 and the
undercut groove 7, so that the sealing effect at the connecting or fastening
point
between transom 3 and mullion 2 can be increased.
Figs. 6 and 7 clearly show that the undercut groove 7 has an access opening 8,
which in
.. the horizontal direction H has a width B1 that is less than width B2 of the
transoms 3
measured in the horizontal direction H and at right angles to the longitudinal
direction
of the transom 3. In a nonhorizontal direction, for example in the vertical
direction V,
at right angles to the longitudinal direction, the transom 3 has a dimension A
that is less
than the width B1 of the access opening 8 of the undercut groove 7, so that
the ends of
the transoms 3, in a rotated state, for example the state in Fig. 6, pass
through the
access opening 8. Preferably the transom 3, and/or the mullion 2 further
comprise
means for locking the rotation of the transom 3 in the final position, for
example that
shown in Fig. 7. Although not shown here, it may be configured similarly to
that
explained in more detail in WO 2017/201589.
It is clear that the fitting of mullions 2 and transoms 3, and the
installation of the panels
4, can be carried out completely without screws, and from the inside 12 of the
building,
yet obtaining an airtight and/or watertight joint of mullions 2 and transoms
3. In this
way, a field effect for water drainage, as stated in the introduction, is
obtained.
Figs. 6 and 7 further show that the transoms 3 also comprise several part-
profiles 3A-
3B-3C that are fastened to each other, and are not dismountable from one
another,
including a part-profile 3B that forms a thermal break. Preferably the
transoms 3 are
prefabricated, or in other words they are delivered to the site in the
assembled state.
It is also clear from the example that the undercut grooves 7 on the opposite
edges 6 of
the mullions 2 preferably have a different depth. This configuration allows
the panels 4,
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
17
such as panels 4 for glazing, to be brought into the curtain wall 1 by means
of a so-
called shuffle technique, wherein one edge of the panel 4 is fitted in the
deepest
undercut groove 7, the panel is rotated in the plane of the glazing, and is
then pushed
into the shallower undercut groove 7. The glazing is preferably fixed in its
final
position at least by means of the aforementioned glazing beads 13.
Figs. 6 and 7 clearly show that the transoms 3 may be configured with at least
a first leg
19 that projects upward and that is located on the inside of the transom 3,
and
preferably with a second leg 20 that projects downwards and that is located on
the
outside of the transom 3. The one or more legs 19-20 provide additional
bending
strength of the profile. The first leg 19 preferably has a height H1 of 20
millimeters or
more, so that it is only at a hydrodynamic pressure difference of 200 Pa that
there is a
risk of the water on the transom 3 moving inwards.
Fig. 8 shows a curtain wall 1 with the features of the invention. In this case
the inner
profile 2C of the mullion 2 is made of steel. More particularly, in this case
the inner
profile 2C consists of a roll-formed steel profile. The inner profile 2C is
connected via
two plastic profiles 2B, which form a thermal break, to the outer profile 2A,
which in
this example also consists of steel, more particularly a roll-formed steel
profile.
Otherwise the figure shows similar components and features as Fig. 2. The
practical
configuration of the fastening attachments 14 and the glazing beads 13 may be
identical
or similar to those from the example in Fig. 2. Just as in the preceding
examples, the
panels 4 are fixed with their edges in the groove 7 by means of glazing beads
with seals
21, more especially rubber seals, for example seals made of EPDM.
Fig. 9 shows another example, wherein the inner profile 2C is assembled per se
from a
steel tube 22 and a roll formed profile 2D fastened thereon. A tube 22 means a
hollow
profile with a closed perimeter. Assembling profiles 2C and 2D gives a similar
geometry as profile 2C in Fig. 8.
Fig. 9 further shows that the fastening attachments 14 may extend over the
full distance
between the two opposite transverse edges 10 of the groove 7. At the location
of the
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
18
two opposite transverse edges 10, the fastening attachments 14 may be glued or
may be
fastened in some other way, for example by means of a mechanical hooking or
clicking
connection. The practical configuration of the glazing beads 13 may be
identical or
similar to that of the example in Fig. 2.
Fig. 10 shows an example of a transom 3 which, according to a preferred
embodiment,
as shown here, may be assembled from at least one steel inner profile 3C, at
least one
plastic profile 2B and an outer profile 2A. Otherwise the transom 3 has
similar features
as the transom 3 shown in the context of Figs. 6 and 7.
It should further be noted that the transom 3 may be covered along the outer
side of the
curtain wall 1 by means of a separate profile 23. This separate profile 23 may
also be
constructed from steel, or may be made from some other material such as
aluminum. In
the example in Fig. 10, the separate profile 23 also comprises a rubber seal
21, which
on the underside of the panel 4 comes into contact with the edge thereof. This
need not
necessarily be so, and the separate profile 23 may fulfill a merely aesthetic
function,
while the rubber seal 21 on the underside of the panel 4 may then be fastened
for
example on the outer profile 2A.
Fig. 11 shows a variant for a mullion 2, which has substantially identical
features as
described on the basis of Fig. 8, but wherein the inner profile 2C, consisting
of a roll-
formed steel profile, is connected via only one plastic profile 2B, which
forms a
thermal break, to the outer profile 2A, which in this case also consists of a
roll-formed
steel profile.
Fig. 12 shows a variant for a transom 3, which has substantially identical
features as
described on the basis of Fig. 10.
It should further be noted that mention in the foregoing of an inside 12 of a
curtain wall
1 means the portion of the curtain wall 1, namely of the transoms 3 and the
mullions 2,
that is directed toward the inside of the building. This inside 12 does not
necessarily
CA 03131055 2021-08-20
WO 2020/188431
PCT/IB2020/052277
19
begin at the innermost surface of the curtain wall 1, but begins behind the
plane of the
glazing.
The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described
above, but
curtain walls of this kind may be produced while remaining within the scope of
the
present invention.
