Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
Fastening arrangement for facade elements
The present invention relates to a fastening arrangement or device for facade
elements, in particular for glass facades of buildings, which are to be
fastened at a
frame structure or at a shell structure of the building. The invention relates
in
particular to such fastening devices for facade elements which are provided
with a
metal frame or supporting elements, which can be assembled as a kind of
prefabricated product together with the plate-shaped facade elements, glass
panels,
metal sheets or the like at the buildings by means of fastening means
corresponding
to the manufacture of the building facade.
Such fastening devices are used in particular for the assembly of
prefabricated glass
facade parts. On the other hand, such fastening devices are also used for the
assembly of other facade elements of buildings, in order to realize the
respective
facade elements at the shell structure or at a prefabricated frame structure
of the
building for extensively closing the weather side as an outer shell of the
building.
Hereby, there are problems to the effect that for one thing the glass facades
or other
facade elements must be sufficiently securely and stably fastened at the
building. For
another thing, due to the relatively large surfaces of the glass facade
elements, the
fastening devices must have sufficiently high strength values with regard to
the
bending stiffness and stability even in the case of strong wind forces or the
like, in
order to fulfil the statics requirements for such building structures. Another
problem of
such fastening devices for facade elements up to now consists in that, at the
places
of the frame parts usually made of aluminium profiles, the fastening devices
represent
direct cold bridges in the structure of the facades. Even when high-grade
insulated
glass surfaces with for example triple glazing are used, it is the case that
the
fastening devices, due to the metallic frame parts required for the stability,
locally
increase the heat transfers between the outside of the facade and an inside of
the
building.
To address this problem, in the past fastening devices for facade elements
were
proposed, in which a metal frame or metallic profile element was used as basic
element of the fastening device, and which are provided with a substantially L-
shaped
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
retaining element with reduced thermal conductivity, which engages or overlaps
the
outside of the facade parts, like for example glass surfaces, as is disclosed
for
example in EP 2 438 248 B1.
This construction has proved effective for the assembly and thermal insulation
of such
glass facades of buildings. However, because there are increasingly stricter
regulations with regard to energy efficiency and the political requirements
regarding
the environment as to thermal insulation characteristics and CO2-saving
measures for
such facades of buildings, there is a given need for a further improvement in
the
insulating characteristics, the corresponding thermal insulation values, and
the use of
CO2-neutral materials, in the case of such facade fastening devices. Moreover,
in
such fastening devices known up to now, it is a disadvantage that the
application
possibilities are comparatively limited in particular in the case of an inside
construction of the building with such facades, as the inward-projecting metal
frames
form the inside space of the building at these areas or have to be clad with
extra
inside frame parts, if an alternative to the usual powder coatings is desired
as surface
finish.
With this in mind, it is the object of the present invention to provide a
fastening device
for such facade elements, in particular glass facades of buildings, by means
of which
high energy materials (for example aluminium) can be replaced by or completed
with
low-energy and CO2-neutral materials in accordance with the aim of protecting
the
environment (for example wood) and nevertheless the statics requirements with
regard to the bending stiffness and strength of such facade fastenings are
fulfilled.
For another thing, with the fastening device according to the invention, a
fastening
device is to be provided which is optimized with regard to environmental
aspects and
sustainability, which allows a cost-efficient manufacture and simple assembly
at the
building site.
This object is solved by a fastening device with the features of claim 1 and
claim 15.
Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject
matter of the dependent claims.
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According to the invention as it is defined in claim 1, a fastening
arrangement or
device for facade elements is proposed, with a metal frame, with a
substantially L-
shaped retaining element made of a thermal-conduction-reducing material, which
engages the facade elements toward the outside and which is releasably fixed
at the
metal frame by means of fastening means, wherein the metal frame is formed
with at
least one hollow chamber and comprises a facade retaining portion and a
supporting
portion which, from a facade outside, faces inward from the facade element
substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the facade elements, wherein the
fastening device is characterized in that, at the supporting portion of the
metal frame,
a beam module is provided which is made of non-metallic material and is
mounted by
a form fit at at least two fastening points provided at a distance from one
another, the
beam module extending continuously along the entire length of the respective
metal
frame or metal frame part and being coupled with the metal frame on an inside
of the
facade element in such a way that, in the installed state of the fastening
device, the
beam module is statically effective by means of the form fit, for increasing
the bending
stiffness and the torsional stiffness of the fastening device. The metal frame
according to the fastening device of the invention is therefore not a merely
metal
frame anymore, but instead, at the supporting portion provided on the inside
of the
facade, it has a beam module formed from a second material, a non-metallic
material
like, for example, wood, synthetic material or the like, which is formed and
constructed for the supporting function, statics and stability of the
fastening device
and therefore of the facade as a whole.
The fastening device is therefore provided with a non-metallic beam module at
the
inside of the facade element which is fixed with the supporting portion of the
metal
frame by means of a form fit such that it itself is incorporated in the
structure in a way
that is effective for the statics. The beam module which can for example be a
wood
beam is mounted by means of a simple form fit at the at least two fixing
points of the
metal frame. The mounting is hereby such that the at least two fixing points
are
provided at a distance from one another so that with the beam module the
stiffness
and in particular bending stiffness of the frame part of the fastening device
is
considerably increased, in order to obtain a required entire bending stiffness
of the
facade fastening which is prescribed for such facade elements, together with
the
metal part of the supporting portion of the metal frame. The form-fitting kind
of
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connection hereby takes into consideration the specific characteristics of the
individual materials and, at the same time, in cooperation leads to a
statically effective
combination effect by means of which the project requirements with regard to
the
bending and tensile strengths of such facade fastenings can be fulfilled. The
different
materials within the structure are specifically inserted and arranged in each
case
according to the functional suitability with regard to the environmentally
relevant
stresses due to weathering influences. The long-term suitability for use
resulting
therefrom leads in turn to an extremely effective sustainability of the
fastening device
as, even at the end of the phase of use, the structure can be disassembled
into its
individual parts, recycled or re-used without great effort. The most different
aesthetic
aspects in respect of the surface finish/design of the combinations of
materials and
ecological and economic requirements can be fulfilled with the fastening
device
according to the invention.
As the additional beam module mounted by form-fit at the fastening device
consists of
a non-metallic material, in this way the thermal insulation value of the
fastening
device is clearly improved compared to purely metallic fastening devices of
this kind.
With a non-metallic material with a clearly lower thermal coefficient of
conductivity like
wood, synthetic material or other such materials, the whole thermal insulation
characteristic at the critical areas, known as cold bridges, of the frame
parts of such
facade fastenings can be further optimized. Considerably better insulating
properties
of the thermal insulation can be obtained, which play a role in particular in
the case of
highly insulated multiple glazings. In this way, the energy efficiency and the
thermal
insulating characteristic of the building are further considerably improved by
means of
the invention. Furthermore, by means of the form fit, the fastening device
according to
the invention can be realized relatively easily, by means of providing for
example the
beam module and corresponding counter fastening points at the metal frame with
correspondingly shaped grooves or recesses, so that by means of a mere form
fit
without the necessity of additional fastening methods like bonding, threaded
connection etc. a secure and statically effective connection of the elements,
namely
of the beam module and of the metal frame of the fastening device, is
obtained.
Furthermore, in determined application variants, besides the mere form fit
further
fastening means for the beam module at the metal frame can additionally be
provided.
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The fastening device according to the invention also has clear advantages with
regard to fire safety specifications. By means of the hybrid design, more
easily
combustible elements like the beam modules made of wood can be positioned
completely inwards from the outside, and one can also use only metallic
elements in
the connection places to the building ceilings. Therefore, at the transition
between the
storeys, which is critical for fire, no materials are necessary which are
dangerous in
this regard, like wood or synthetic material.
The manufacture of the facade fastening is therefore considerably simplified.
Also, a
recycling or a dismounting of the devices is easily possible according to the
invention.
The beam modules can simply be separated again from the metal frame. Not
least,
with the device according to the invention it is also possible to obtain an
improved
sustainability due to the CO2-neutrality of, for example, wood materials. The
respective materials can be disassembled, unmixed again, in the recycling,
without it
coming to problems with the disposal of such building materials.
Also, with the fastening device according to the invention the design
possibilities, the
multiplicity of variants and the variability in the structure of the inside of
such facades
can be considerably improved: for example, different materials and shapes of
beam
modules can be used according to the requirements of the respective building
structure. One is not limited anymore to the purely metallic inside profiles,
substantially made of aluminium, of such frame parts of fastening devices.
Nevertheless, the device according to the invention provides a good and
thermally
highly insulated sealing of the weather side inwards with an improved thermal
insulation altogether for the whole building at the usually critical places of
the frame
parts as cold bridges.
Furthermore, the invention makes it possible for the beam modules to be used
in
different kinds and shapes, as well as size and dimensions without complex
changes,
so that a large variability in the structure of the fastening devices for
facade elements
is given. Different shapes, sizes or materials can therefore be easily used,
without the
basic way of building and therefore the actual manufacturing process of the
fastening
device and the assembly by means of the form fit having to be complexly
changed.
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With the fastening device thus proposed according to the invention, a beam
module,
that is, an element substantially consisting of a solid material like for
example a wood
beam or a beam made of another non-metallic material, is provided, which, by
means
of the form fit with the supporting portion of the metal frame, in the
assembled state is
fixedly connected at at least two points with the fastening device and its
metallic
component parts. In this way, the beam module functions as a statically co-
supporting
part in addition to the supporting metal frame, which therefore does not need
to have
such a strongly distinct structure and shape. Therefore, relatively delicate
facades
can be realized. The fastening device nevertheless has a sufficiently high
bending
stiffness and is provided with material properties considerably improved with
regard to
thermal insulation by means of the non-metallic beam module.
The at least two fastening points for the beam module at the supporting
portion of the
metal frame are preferably provided in a portion lying parallel to the facade
surface
and a portion of the metal frame projecting perpendicular thereto towards the
inside of
the facade. By means of such a crossed-over arrangement of the fastening
points, an
even better stiffness of the entirety of the facade fastening is obtained.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the supporting
portion of
the metal frame has a substantially L-shape in cross section, corresponding to
a
shape and width of the beam module for accordingly-shaped receiving at the
metal
frame. Thus the beam module abuts in a flat manner in at least two planes at
the side
areas of the supporting portion of the fastening device so that an even better
statically
effective connection is obtained for increasing the stability of the structure
at the
connection points of the facade elements in two directions, namely on the one
hand in
the direction of the plane of the facade element and on the other hand
transverse to
the direction of the facade element. In this way, a high bending stiffness and
torsional
strength of the fastening device is obtained with the solution according to
the
invention. With the supporting and flat abutting of the beam module at the L-
shaped
portion quasi in two planes inwards and laterally in the direction of the
plane of the
facade element, due to the form fit and only by means of the simple mounting
of the
beam module on the fastening points, an increased stability of the whole
structure is
obtained with at the same time very good thermal insulation properties. The L-
shape
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
thereby does not have to be an exact L-shape and can vary corresponding to the
shapes of the respective beam module, which is mounted at the fastening
points: the
respective width and lateral area of the beam module can thereby be taken into
consideration such that a complete covering inwards into the inside is
obtained by the
beam module. By means of the flat abutment in at least two planes, preferably
also in
a quasi S-shape in a plurality of planes, in this way a considerably increased
stability
and bending stiffness of the fastening device at the facade elements can be
obtained.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam
module
is provided with accordingly-shaped recesses or grooves corresponding to a
shape of
retaining ridges or fixing projections of the fastening points at the metal
frame and at
the supporting portion of the metal frame for sliding on or mounting of the
beam
module. The recesses or grooves, which can easily be incorporated for example
in a
wood beam by milling, are substantially provided along the whole longitudinal
extension of the respective beam module and in a shape corresponding to
respective
retaining ridges or fixing projections of the projections or fastening points
at the metal
frame. Therefore, by simple sliding on of the beam module, a form-fitting
mounting of
the modules, flush with the adjacent areas, at the supporting portion of the
metal
frame can take place. The production is thus relatively simple and not very
cost-
intensive and can also easily be prefabricated in a fabrication process away
from the
installation site. Not least, a re-use of the individual elements for a
recycling is well
possible, as the unmixed disposal of different materials is made possible by
means of
simple removal of the beam module from the metallic frame parts.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam
module
has substantially an L-shape in cross section with an L-leg overlapping the
metal
frame at the facade inside. In this way, the beam module can overlap the metal
frames completely towards the inside of the facade (building inside) on a
plurality of
planes and in a plurality of directions. Therefore the metallic basic
structure of the
fastening device is not necessarily visible from the inside anymore. The
overlap with
the beam modules further has the advantage that the abutting surfaces are
provided
quasi on a plurality of planes and in a plurality of directions vertically and
longitudinally to the facade plane between the beam module and the metal
frame,
which in turn increases the stiffness, bending stiffness and torsional
strength of the
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
assembled fastening device. The fastening device is therefore even more stable
than
before despite the considerably improved values with regard to thermal
insulation,
sustainability (CO2-neutrality) and the possibility of recycling of the
individual,
unmixed elements.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam
module
is a wood beam or a beam made of a wood material, in particular a wood
composite
material. The beam module can therefore advantageously be formed from a wood
beam, for example of solid wood, or of a material realized from wood layers or
sawdust, like for example chipboards, MDF or the like. The beam module can
likewise be a wood composite material, for which a plurality of wood layers or
wooden
slats are bonded together with one another in order to guarantee the longevity
of the
beam module. Also, wood materials with for example synthetic material parts
can be
used as composite material. A beam module formed in this way has the
advantages
of a wood composite, in particular of a considerably improved thermal
insulation
value, sustainability in the manufacture, easy processability for the
manufacture of the
composite with the metal frame and a lightness altogether in comparison to
other
materials like for example metallic materials. The use of different kinds of
materials
like for example wood for the beam module further has the advantage that with
regard
to the design of the inside further possibilities and freedoms in the
structure are
provided. Also, in this way, different spaces with differently designed
fastening
devices and differently formed beam modules can easily be realized, as by
means of
simple mounting of the beam modules an exchange of individual elements can be
accomplished in a problem-free way. Therefore a complete module structure for
the
facade assembly is provided.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam
module
is at a distance from a weather-side seal of the fastening device toward the
outside of
the facade. In this way, it is guaranteed that the beam module does not come
into
direct contact from the outside with the influences of the weather like
moisture, cold or
heat. The outside of the facade and of the fastening device for the facade is
realized
substantially by means of weather-uncritical parts, namely the facade
retaining
element, an L-shaped retaining element made of synthetic material and reduced
in
thermal conductivity, and the glass elements themselves as facade elements.
The
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
statically effective beam module itself, which can be a wood module, is
however
arranged at a distance from the seal outwardly between these elements and the
inside of the building, so that no disadvantageous adverse effects by means of
damp,
moisture, or weather conditions can arise here at the beam module.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam
module
is arranged by means of a portion in the form of a hollow chamber of the metal
frame
at a distance from the facade element itself. This has the advantage that
condensation water possibly arising at the inside, often at the edge of such
window
facades, cannot penetrate through to the beam module. The beam module is
therefore securely protected from a wetting or damp formation and thus damage
at
these critical areas for the thermal insulation of glass facades.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beam
module
is arranged substantially directly adjacent to the facade element or to a seal
of the
facade element. With such an embodiment, the structure of the metal frame can
be
completely overlapped towards the inside by the beam module. In this way,
larger
statically effective areas of the form-fitting connection between facade
element and
the beam module result, and to be precise in a plurality of planes. In this
way, the
stability and bending stiffness of the whole fastening device is further
increased.
Furthermore, in this way at the inside merely the beam module itself is
recognizable
as a visual element, and the structure of the metal frame positioned
thereunder is
completely covered by the beam module. The choice of material for an inside
construction is thereby increased.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one
of the
fastening points, serving for the form fit, of the fastening device is
realized in the form
of a dovetail connection. The dovetail connection can be realized for example
in the
form that there is a projection ridge, broadened conically outwards, in the
supporting
portion of the metal frame and that a corresponding groove broadened conically
inwards is milled into the beam module. In this way, the beam module can be
fixed
simply by mounting, and by means of such a fastening point in the form of a
dovetail
connection a fixing is obtained not only in one direction (vertical to the
plane of the
facade element), but quasi in two directions, namely also in a direction
parallel to the
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
plane of the facade element. The dovetail connection therefore increases the
stability
of the connection and the stability of the fastening device altogether with
regard to the
bending stiffness, which is an essential point for such facade elements.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one
of the
fastening points serving for the form fit is realised in the form of a tongue
and groove
joint. This form of a connection for the form fit between the beam module and
the
metal frame has the advantage that by means of simple milling-in of a linear
groove
along the whole longitudinal extension of the beam module and by the providing
of a
simple projecting linear ridge at the supporting portion of the metal frame, a
secure
plug connection by mounting or inserting is obtained. The form fit can thus be
guaranteed with relatively simple means. The two fastening points can also
have
alternative embodiments with regard to a form fit, as long as they allow a
form-fitting
connection and fixing for increasing the bending stiffness. It is for example
also
possible, instead of a dovetail connection, to realize a tongue and groove
connection
arranged on two sides. On the other hand, it is also possible to realize other
forms of
the connection which allow a firm fixing of the beam module. For example,
ridges
extending inclined to a longitudinal direction of the supporting portion and
corresponding grooves extending inclined in the beam module are also
imaginable, in
order to obtain a support in two directions without requiring conical forms
(dovetail).
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the facade
element comprises a multiple glass insulation glazing with at least two,
preferably
three glass panels. The insulation effect of the facade elements is thereby
further
increased. Together with the high thermal insulation characteristic of the
glazing, the
fastening device for the facade element altogether has an improved thermal
insulation
value so that, in particular in the critical corner areas of the frame parts
which due to
the metal have a normally lower temperature than the synthetic material parts
or
seals, it does not come to critical areas with moisture, condensation water
etc. Also,
instead of a multiple insulation glazing, the facade element can comprise
other
elements which can be mounted at facades, for example metal or stone plates,
individual elements, or the like. Also in the case of such elements, the
fastening
device according to the invention has the advantage that due to the beam
module at
the inside of the fastening device it has a clearly better thermal insulation
value than
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
conventional other fastening devices of this kind with a frame structure made
of
substantially metallic elements.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the L-shaped
retaining element at the outside of the fastening device consists of a
synthetic
material or of a synthetic composite material and is releasably fastened at
the metal
frame by means of retractable or sunken threaded connections in the inside of
the
retaining element. With this, the construction and the assembly of the
fastening
devices and facade elements are considerably facilitated. The facade elements
can
be prefabricated in a factory together with the beam module, the metal frame
and the
facade element (glazing) and then, on site, easily fixed by means of the
retaining
elements. In this way a completely automatized prefabrication is realized,
which leads
to considerably lower costs than a construction of the individual elements,
supporting
elements, facade elements, sealing elements and retaining elements etc. on-
site.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, seals are
provided
at the beam module or at the supporting portion of the metal frame, sealing
toward
the inside of the fastening device. The seals prevent on the one hand the
penetration
of dust, moisture or the like. On the other hand, the seals allow the
supporting and
absorbing of vibrations of movements between the individual elements of the
fastening devices on the inside, in particular in cooperation with the beam
module.
They also prevent a penetration of cold into the inside of the building.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, between the
metal
frame and the facade element, retaining elements made of metal or a spring
steel are
provided, which have a first leg for engaging the facade element at its front
end or
outside and a second leg for being in engagement with or for abutting at the
supporting portion of the metal frame. The retaining elements formed in this
way
provide an absorbing and securing of the fastening device at the facade
elements.
Thus the sometimes very high forces of pressure, lateral forces and movements
of
the individual elements of a facade of the building are absorbed and
effectively
cushioned by means of the elasticity of the retaining elements. In this way,
the
fastening device has an even more secure strength, a high stability and
bending
stiffness and nevertheless a best possible cushioning of occurring forces and
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
movements of the structural elements. The retaining elements are a kind of
statically
effective joining member of the facade element to the retaining structure. By
means of
the mechanical securing improved in this way, the prevention of falling down
of the
glass panels is guaranteed.
The invention is likewise aimed at a fastening device for facade elements
according
to claim 15. The fastening device, which serves in particular for an assembly
and
fixing of glass facades at buildings, has a metal frame and an L-shaped
retaining
element, which engages the facade elements, for example the window panes, at
the
outside, wherein the metal frame is provided with at least one hollow chamber
and a
facade retaining portion and a supporting portion facing inward from a facade
exterior,
away from the facade element and substantially perpendicular to the plane of
the
facade elements, wherein the fastening device is characterized in that, at the
supporting portion, at the inside a beam module or a cover profile is
provided, which
is made of at least partly non-metallic material, is mounted by form fit at at
least two
fastening points provided at a distance from one another, extends along the
length of
the respective metal frame at least section-wise, and is coupled with the
metal frame
on an inside of the facade element such that it is statically effective in the
installed
state of the fastening device by means of the form fit or of the fixing at the
at least two
fastening points, for increasing the bending stiffness and the torsional
stiffness of the
fastening device. In this way, different kinds and forms of elements at the
supporting
portion of the metal frame of the fastening device can be mounted in a modular
way
by form fit at the two fastening points without additional fastening means.
Combinations of non-metallic beam modules, for example wood beams, together
with
metallic or non-metallic hollow profiles or cover profiles likewise mounted at
the same
metal frame, can also be provided. In this way, the individual fastening
devices can
be easily and individually adapted according to requirement corresponding to
the
respective structural conditions. A supporting function and increase in the
static
stability is nevertheless guaranteed by means of the combination of the
individual
parts. The metal frames forming the basic structure are directly connected at
the two
fastening points spaced apart from one another by means of form fit with
connection
elements like beam modules, profiles or the like, so that an increase in the
bending
stiffness and torsional strength is also given for such a combined application
of
different materials for the beam modules, the cover profiles etc.
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For example, in this way also at a central metal frame of a fastening device
according
to the invention, on the one side a beam module consisting of a wood beam can
be
mounted by means of the two fastening points by means of form fit connections,
while
on the opposite second side, a cover profile formed from aluminium profile is
mounted, by means of one and the same fastening points and fastening means.
According to the invention, in this way a very high modularity and variability
in the
application possibilities is given. The different individual component parts
can also be
changed and re-built on site according to requirement. The modular
construction
likewise allows individual elements to be easily repaired after damage caused,
or to
be easily changed after a conversion. With such a modular embodiment of the
fastening device also possible combined, the possibilities for use are
considerably
increased. A high stability in relation to forces attacking the facade and
static strength
is nevertheless guaranteed at all times, even with different material shapes
or kinds of
beams and cover profiles.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at the
supporting
portion of the metal frame of the fastening device, screw channels are
provided at in
each case determined same positions and in identical shape for the flexible
and
modular bracketing and receiving of beam modules, cover profiles, fixing
elements or
end profiles. In this way, the end profiles and the beam modules can be easily
fixed
and mounted without any difference at respective screw channels at the metal
frame
of the fastening device. It is not required that different metal frames or
extra fixing
means like threaded connections be used according to whether beam modules,
aluminium cover profiles or connection profiles for further connection
elements or
technical means are to be provided at the corresponding insides of the
fastening
devices. As end profiles, for example profiles which are used for receiving
lighting
means like for example LED strips etc. or other technical functional elements,
can be
inserted into the screw channels. On the other hand, with cover profiles at
the building
inside, which are inserted into the screw channels and fixed there for example
by
form-fitting, simple cover strips or decorative strips can also be used at the
inside
(front end) of the respective fastening devices in the buildings. Not least,
with the
screw channels provided in this way to identical shape and at identical
positions, also
different kinds of beam modules, profile covers etc. can be securely fixed at
the same
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fastening points and by means of the screw channels. The screw channels have
the
advantage that for example by means of simple projecting ridges at the
elements, the
elements can be mounted and, by means of the multiple point fixing according
to the
invention or by means of additional clips or flexible seals etc., can be
securely fixed
there.
According to the invention, the screw channels are provided at the respective
metal
frames at corresponding heights for example in same planes in relation to the
plane
of the facade elements. Furthermore, the screw channels according to the
invention
are advantageously formed in same embodiments, in particular inside dimensions
and the receiving areas. Not least, the screw channels according to the
invention are
preferably provided in the same orientation. For example, at a free end at an
inside of
the metal frames, screw channels are provided which either face inwards or
toward
one another, that is, quasi laterally and parallel to the plane of the facade
elements.
With similar embodiment or identical embodiment of the screw channels in this
way a
high variability and possibility of use of the facade elements is given when
using
beam modules made preferably of wood at least section-wise or at least on one
side
of the fastening devices.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at the inside
of the
facade element in the metal frame form-fittingly insertable end profiles are
provided,
in particular profiles with a projecting plug-in portion and an end portion.
The end
profiles therefore have a T-shape, wherein the plug-in portion insertable in
the screw
channels is provided as a projecting ridge, for example projecting linearly or
diagonally from the end portion forming the actual end. The end portion itself
can be
for example a linear or slightly curved profile wall section. Alternatively
the end portion
can also have a U-shape or an 0-shape and so form an element also for a
functional
inclusion of technical parts like for example LED lights or the like. The U-
shape further
has the advantage that the outside of the end elements can be provided, if
required,
with further insertable or mountable elements. An 0-shape of such insertable
end
profiles has the advantage that it has a higher inherent stability and can
also be easily
adapted in its size and dimension by means of beam modules to be mounted
laterally
and forms an additionally supporting device for this.
- 14 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least at
the
supporting portion of the metal frame of the fastening device, a plurality of
screw
channels formed same in their inside shape are provided at respective
identical
positions and with same orientation per metal frame for the flexible mounting
of
profiles, modules or fixings. By means of such screw channels formed and
arranged
the same, different kinds of connections, fastenings or beam modules can be
easily
fixed and mounted without any difference at one and the same basic element of
the
fastening device, namely the metal frame. The device has the advantage that
the
screw channels, in the case of, for example, use of additional elements for
the fixing
thereof, can be used by means of simple insertion. On the other hand, with
such
screw channels at identical positions, the different beam modules or cover
profiles
can similarly also be mounted at one and the same fastening element of the
facade.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, end profiles
provided with a substantially U-shaped cross section for receiving lighting
means or
other technical means and for form-fitting insertion in the metal frames are
provided.
The end profiles therefore have U-portions either facing toward the inside of
the
facade or oriented parallel to the plane of the facade elements and open, in
which for
example LED lights can be used as lighting elements and can be covered by
means
of covers. With such an inclusion of U-shaped end profiles, further
functionalities can
be realized at the fastening devices of the facade elements toward the inside.
Lighting
means can be directly integrated in the facade, and in this way also for
example cable
installations or the like can be integrated in the fastening devices of the
facade
elements. Other technical functions can likewise be integrated in this way,
like for
example air ventilation ducts or heating/cooling lines or the like.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at an inside
of the
fastening device between respective seals, insertable T-profiles are provided
as
room-side end elements. When two opposite facade elements of window facades
adjacent to one another are combined with one another in this way, the gap and
the
joint between the two metal frames can thereby be visually and technologically
closed-off and insulated. With the T-shaped profiles, the abutting insides of
the two
beam modules or cover profiles can be closed/finished room-side flush with the
adjacent areas by means of such a T-profile. In this way, a completely
continuous
- 15 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
inside can be obtained at the transition place between facade elements
positioned
adjacent to one another. The insertable T-profiles can be realized as
synthetic
material profiles, as metal or aluminium profiles or also as wood profiles
according to
requirement corresponding to the respective requirements. The insertable T-
profiles
preferably have an integrated retaining element like a conical barb at an
insertable
part of the T-profile. With such a conical barb, the T-profiles can be simply
inserted
between for example opposite flexible seals and fixed there. An easy assembly
and
disassembly is therefore guaranteed. Nevertheless, an end of the joint which
is
flexible and compensates movements is given toward the inside.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the T-
profiles have
between the two metal frames of the fastening device a form-fitting fastening
means,
which is preferably provided in order to provide a floating assembly of
additional cover
strips or function strips at an inside of the facade elements. The form-
fitting fastening
means for the cover strips can for example be provided in the form that at the
T-
profile at the surface facing the inside, conically broadened V-shapes are
present,
which can engage with a corresponding V-groove of fastening strips, for
example
simple wooden strips or synthetic material strips. In this way, form-fitting
ends,
preferably also made of identical materials, can be realized continuously at
the inside
of the fastening devices.
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at a metal
frame of
the fastening device, beam modules made of non-metallic solid material and
also
metallic or non-metallic cover profiles with a form fit at at least two
fastening points in
each case, are provided combined. In this way, with one and the same fastening
device, different requirements of the technology or of the spatial givens can
easily be
individually fulfilled in each case. The metal frame is formed with its module-
shaped
fastening means and shapes, provided substantially in same kind, such that
beam
modules for example of solid wood and metallic cover profiles or other kinds
of
supporting profiles can be mounted without any difference at the metal frame
at the
respective fastening points. The variability and the possibilities for use and
adaptability on-site are therefore further considerably increased in relation
to
conventional facade fastenings of this kind.
- 16 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a
substantially U-
shaped receiving means is provided at the side of the supporting portion
facing away
from the beam module or from the cover profile, at the metal frame for
fastening
means which engage component parts, in particular for transport profiles or
connection profiles. Therefore, the supporting portion substantially has a
linear shape
in the direction vertical to the plane of the facade elements, wherein
however, at the
inside of the supporting portions opposite one another, in each case U-
recesses are
provided. The connections for the fixing at facade elements of other storeys
thereabove or therebelow, can be integrated in the fastening device in these U-
recesses without projecting elements, for example, by means of flat steel. On
the
other hand, in this way the metal profiles or reinforcements required for the
static
connection to the building ceilings can also be easily built into the U-
recesses and
fixed there by means of corresponding fixing threaded connections or the like.
A
secure inclusion and mounting of the fastening devices for facade elements
according
to the invention is thereby guaranteed, also with regard to the fastenings at
the side of
the building (concrete ceilings) and adjacent facade elements or wall parts of
the
building.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least in one
fastening
point for beam modules or cover profiles of the metal frames, a form-fitting
part, in
particular a dovetail kind of ridge or the like, is provided and, as well, a
screw channel
is provided for the mounting and fixing of other elements or additional
fixings like grub
screws. The screw channel is for example incorporated in the broadened V-part
of the
form-fitting part at a front end and, when beam modules of solid material are
not
used, can be used to securely fix other elements there. Here too, the
variability and
the possibility of use is further greatly increased and the fastening device
is
indiscriminately very well equipped, without any difference, for different
kinds of
applications and embodiments, in particular on sides of the beam modules or
cover
profiles.
Further features, aspects and advantages of the invention are described in
more
detail in the following by means of different embodiments of the invention
with regard
to the attached drawings and the Figures included therein, wherein
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CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of
a fastening device
according to the invention with beam module, according to the example
of a triple glazing as facade element;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
fastening device
according to the invention with beam module and triple glazing;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
fastening device
according to the invention with beam module and triple glazing;
Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment
of a fastening
device according to the invention with two different shapes of beam
modules;
Fig. 5a, 5b
and 5c show cross-sectional views of examples of different shapes of
end
profiles for the use in a fastening device according to the invention;
Fig. 6a, 6b
and 6c show cross-sectional views of examples of alternative shapes of
metal
frames for fastening devices according to the invention;
Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of
a fastening device
according to the invention with a combined beam module and a cover
profile made of metal;
Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a fastening
device according to the invention with different alternatives of cover
profiles with identical metal frame;
Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment
of a fastening
device according to the invention with, on both sides, beam modules
made of wood and a cover strip provided on the inside; and
Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment
of a fastening
device according to the invention in an area and for illustrating the
connection elements at fastening devices and building ceilings
positioned thereabove and therebelow.
In Fig. 1 to Fig. 10, different embodiments of fastening devices 10 according
to the
invention for facade elements 2 in the area of glass facades or other facade
parts for
buildings, are represented. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment in a cross-
sectional view,
wherein the embodiments of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 only differ therefrom in some
details of
- 18 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
structure, so that, with the exception of the differences, the description of
the
embodiments takes place using the same reference numbers of the elements. Fig.
4
to Fig. 10 show further embodiments of the invention.
The fastening device 10 serves for the assembly and mounting of facade
elements 2
with a metal frame 1. The facade elements 2 are preferably glass facade
elements,
as for example illustrated by means of the triple glazing of a fixed
insulation glazing
with three glass panels 3 on the right-hand side in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. The
fastening
device 10 serves however for the fastening and assembly of different kinds of
facade
elements 2 and can for example also serve for the fastening of non-fixed
window
elements 20 for opening or other plate-shaped facade elements 2 as glass
facades.
The fastening device 10 according to the invention comprises substantially a
metal
frame 1 which is realized out of a facade retaining portion 12 provided at the
side of
the facade element 2 in the form of at least one or a plurality of hollow
chambers 14
of a metal profile. The metal frame is furthermore formed on the inside of the
building,
that is, on the side facing inward starting from the facade element 2, with a
supporting
portion 13 which serves for the holding and stability of the fastening device
10
together with a beam module 4 in the built-in state. Such fastening devices 10
are
mounted for example at frames of a shell structure or at the shell itself of
buildings
and serve preferably for the large-scale formation of the whole outer facade
for
protection in relation to the weather side of the building.
The fastening device 10 according to the invention is provided with a
substantially L-
shaped retaining element 5 mounted at the metal frame 1, which can be
releasably
fixed by means of threaded connections 11 at the facade retaining portion 12
of the
metal frame 1, wherein a leg of the L-shaped retaining element 5 holdingly
engages
the facade element 2, in these examples a glass facade, toward the outside.
The
fastening device 10 further comprises different seals on sides of the mounting
of the
facade element 2 and a ridge-like seal 6 provided on the weather side in the
inside
area of the fastening device 10. Furthermore, a seal 9 is mounted at the
inward-facing
side at the end of the supporting portion 13 of the metal frame. The seal 6
serves for
sealing off towards the outside, so that no moisture can penetrate into the
inside of
the fastening device and the building. The optional seals 9 provided at the
inside at
the end of the supporting portion 13 serve for sealing off against dirt, dust
and the
- 19 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
like. At the outside, between the facade retaining portions 12 in each case a
seal 22
is inserted in grooves provided for them. According to the invention the
fastening
device 10 is provided at the supporting portion with a beam module 4 fastened
by
means of form fit at the supporting portion 13. The beam module 4 is
preferably a
beam module 4 made of wood or of a wood composite, can however also include
other, non-metallic materials.
According to the invention, the beam module 4 is connected by means of a form
fit at
at least two fastening points 7, 8 with the supporting portion 13 of the metal
frame 1,
that is, through the accordingly-shaped elements and recesses at the beam
module 4
at the respective fastening points 7, 8 the beam module is mounted by simple
sliding
on or mounting on the metal frame 1. The form fit is guaranteed in such a way
that
the beam module 4 further abuts at the surfaces of the substantially L-shaped
supporting portion 13 in corresponding shape and embodiment in two planes
which
are vertical in relation to one another. As can be seen in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3,
the beam
module 4 in this embodiment is likewise formed substantially L-shaped, so that
it
slightly engages or overlaps the metal frame 1 at the end portion at the
inside of the
facade element 2. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the beam module 4 is
furthermore formed such that it also projects toward the facade element 2 in
the form
of the three glass panels 3 up to the glass panels 3 and a seal of theirs ¨
that is,
quasi has a double-L-shape for the flat form fit. In this way, a large surface
of the form
fit between the beam module 4 and the metal frame 1, and therefore a higher
static
effectiveness of the beam module 4, is also obtained.
While the metal frame 1 is manufactured from a metallic material like for
example
aluminium in the extrusion process, the additional stability and bending
stiffness of
the fastening device 10 is obtained with a beam module 4 made of a non-
metallic
material, mounted by means of form fit. According to the invention, in this
way a
better thermal insulation characteristic is obtainable with nevertheless
sufficiently high
bending stiffness, which is an essential factor for such facade elements or
fastening
devices 10. The bending stiffness is guaranteed in that the beam module 4 with
the
supporting portion 13 of the metal frame 1 is in each case mounted in a form-
fitting
manner at at least two fastening points 7, 8 provided at a distance from one
another.
In the shown embodiments of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the fastening point 7 is
realized with a
- 20 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
form fit in a kind of dovetail connection, in that a retaining ridge
broadening outward
(Fig. 1) or a retaining ridge made of solid material and conically broadened
(Fig. 2
and Fig. 3) is provided at the metal frame 1 and a corresponding groove is
provided
at the beam module 4. In the shown embodiments, a simple tongue and groove
connection is provided at the fastening point 8 between the beam module 4 and
the
supporting portion 13 of the metal frame 1. This can be manufactured by
realizing a
continuous groove extending in the beam module 4 along the entire length
thereof
corresponding to the shape and dimension of the projecting ridge at the
fastening
point 8 of the metal frame 1.
The shapes and the kind of different form fit connections possible at the
fastening
points 7, 8 can, however, vary according to the invention. Also, more than two
fastening points 7, 8 can be provided between the metal frame 1 and the beam
module 4, as long as the connection and assembly take place by means of a form
fit.
The beam modules 4 are for example realized as wooden elements, so that
altogether they provide a high sustainability, CO2-neutrality and very good
thermal
insulation characteristics additionally to the thermal insulation by means of
the L-
shaped retaining element 5, made from non-thermally conductive material, for
the
fastening device 10. Therefore an improved thermal insulation value is also
obtainable on the building inside, which was not previously possible in the
case of
purely metal such frames 1 of fastening devices 10.
Not least, the invention provides further advantages with regard to the
improved
recyclability. By means of the combination with unmixed materials like for
example
wood for the beam module 4 and aluminium for the metal frame 1, during waste
management the individual parts of the fastening device 10 can be easily re-
used in
an environmentally-friendly manner without a large effort. The sustainability
with the
use of wood as a material for the beam module 4 is moreover very high, and a
CO2-
neutrality, which is of more and more relevance in the building trade, can be
considerably improved. The fastening device according to the invention
nevertheless
has the strength values necessary for such glass facades, in particular a high
torsional strength and bending stiffness. With the combined stiffness values
of the
beam module 4 and the metal frame 1, comparable stiffness values can be
obtained
with only slightly larger dimensions than with purely metallic such fastening
devices.
- 21 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
This is achieved by the invention in particular by mounting the beam modules 4
at the
metal frame 1 with a form fit such that the beam modules 4 themselves are also
statically effective due to the form-fitting connection at the two fastening
points 7, 8.
Furthermore, the beam modules 4 do not have to be mounted by means of other,
costly, separate fastening elements, like for example threaded connections or
bonding connections, at the metal frame I. The use of threaded connections as
fastening means would lead anyway to an undesirable weakening of the material
and
of the core of the beam modules 4, which in turn are bad for an assembly of,
for
example, comparatively thin wood elements as beam modules 4. In this way,
according to the invention, besides the statics also the design possibilities
for the
inside spaces of such buildings are clearly increased. Different shapes of
beam
modules can be used according to requirement without using fastening means
like
threaded connections on the inside, in order to realize, for example, a wood
interior of
the building. Hereby, as in the example of Fig. 3, the beam module 4 formed in
wood
form can also completely overlap the metal frame 1 at the inside up to
adjacent to the
facade element 2. In this way, the metal part of the metal frame 1 is quasi
completely
covered from the inside and is therefore not visible. Not least, further
mountings of
elements at the beam modules 4 can also take place, which would not be so
easily
possible up to now for fastening devices 10 consisting purely of metal. For
example,
further functions and component parts or elements can be easily mounted at the
inside at the beam module 4, without requiring costly threaded connections or
the
like.
The manufacture of the fastening device 10 according to the invention takes
place by
simple milling of grooves, corresponding in shape to the fastening points 7,
8, in the
beam module 4 and by extrusion molding or strand casting of for example metal
profiles made of aluminium for the metal frame 1, corresponding in shape to
the form
fit connection elements at the fastening points 7, 8. Subsequently, the beam
module 4
corresponding in length to the metal frame 1 can be simply fixedly mounted by
sliding
on at the fastening device 10 and is directly ready for use and statically
effective in
the completed building. In this way, the fastening devices 10 according to the
invention can be very well prepared, also in series, in a manufacturing
process and
then only have to be built together in a usual way on site, namely by means of
the
- 22 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
assembly and fixing at a frame of the shell structure or at the shell of the
building
itself.
According to the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the beam module 4 is
arranged at
a distance from the inside of the facade element 2 by means of a portion of
the
facade retaining element 12 in the shape of a hollow chamber 14. By means of
this
distancing, it can be avoided that possibly-occurring residue moisture, which
often
occurs at the corner areas of glass facades of facade elements 2, reaches the
beam
modules 4 realized for example in wood form. By this, a long-term durability
and
strength of the material of the beam modules 4 is guaranteed. The beam modules
4
can alternatively also be manufactured from other materials than wood or wood
composite materials: for example, beams made of synthetic material, stone,
glass or
other recycling products can be used, in order to vary the interior design of
the
building according to requirement. Preferably, the beam modules 4 are however
of a
material with a better thermal insulation characteristic in comparison to
metal and are
for example realized from a synthetic material or from wood, for example solid
wood.
Such beam modules 4 can be easily mounted at the supporting portions 13 of the
metal frame 1 by form fit with corresponding tongue and groove connections,
dovetail
connections, or other form-fitting connection methods. In the embodiments
shown,
furthermore, a holding bracket 15 is mounted at the facade retaining element
12 of
the metal frame 1 on the side of the facade element 2, wherein the latter is
engaged
on the outside by the holding bracket 15 and provides a resilience at a side
of the
metal frame 1 and of the retaining element 5. The holding brackets 15 have a
slightly
bent V-shape and are for example realized as stainless steel leaf springs. In
this way,
the forces can be better compensated even in strong winds or the like, and the
strength and stability of the fastening device 10 is further increased.
Furthermore,
prevention of falling down of the facade parts is guaranteed by this
additional
mechanical securing.
The retaining element 5, which is substantially L-shaped in cross section, and
which
is mounted at the outside of the facade element 2 at the metal frame 1 with
retractable or sunken threaded connections 11, preferably consists of
synthetic
material. Synthetic material has a lower thermal conductivity than metal, so
that here
- 23 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
too the occurrence of cold bridges is further prevented and an even better
thermal
insulation characteristic can be provided, also at the area of the fastening
device 10.
Fig. 4 to Fig. 10 represent further embodiments according to the invention for
illustrating the high modularity and variability of adaptation possibilities
of the
fastening device 10 according to the invention with different beam modules 4
and
cover profiles 16 and different kinds of metal frames 1. The further
embodiments of
Fig. 4 to Fig. 10 can also be combined with the previous embodiments of the
Fig. Ito
Fig. 3 with regard to the distinguishing features which are described here. As
the
basic function and the construction of the fastening devices 10 in the already
described embodiments of Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, also correspond to those of the
examples
of Fig. 4 ff., same elements and parts which are provided with same reference
numbers are not described again, even though they are likewise completely
included
in the further examples in each case.
In the fourth embodiment according to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4, the
fastening
device 10 is formed with a somewhat differently formed metal frame 1 in
relation to
the embodiment of Fig. 1, namely in the form that screw channels 17 are
provided at
the metal frame 1, which are opened toward the inside (facade inside), that
is,
vertically to the plane of the facade elements 2. The screw channels 17 serve
for
inserting end profiles 18 according to the invention, which can be provided in
different
shapes and which optionally complete the already described elements of the
fastening devices 10, in particular of the beam modules 4, cover profiles 16
and metal
frames 1. In another regard, namely as to the fastening points 7 and 8 for the
beam
modules 4, which are provided for example as wood beams, the arrangement and
embodiment of the metal frames 1 is substantially the same as the first
embodiment
of Fig. 1. The shape of the conically broadened fastening points 7 and their
position
and the shape of the second fastening points 8 as tongue and groove elements
is the
same, so that different beam modules 4 or also different kinds of cover
profiles 16 can
be inserted in the metal frame 1 at the supporting portion 13 of the fastening
device
10 without any difference according to requirement. The form fit for fastening
the
beam modules 4 or the cover profiles 16 is therefore identical on both sides
of the
fastening device 10 (left and right in Fig. 4) and can in this way be used for
different
- 24 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
embodiments of the geometric ends at the inside, namely the building inside,
with
such end profiles 18 or other elements.
As is shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4, different kinds of end
profiles 18
according to requirement are inserted into the screw channels 17 positioned at
the
side furthest up (inside). For the beam module 4 on the left-hand side in Fig.
4, a
substantially T-shape end profile 18 is provided with a diagonal plug portion
18.1,
which can be fixed by means of form fit and mounting in the correspondingly
formed
screw channels 17. The end profile 18 furthermore has an end portion 18.2,
which is
formed linear in an angular shape in order to abut at the inside of the L-
shaped
projection of the left-hand beam module 4 according to its shape. The end
profile 18
is fixed by a light, flexible pressure by means of seals 9, which are inserted
between
the two left-hand and right-hand metal frames 1 for sealing the joint.
At the right-hand side of this embodiment of Fig. 4, an alternative shape of
an end
profile 18 is shown, namely an end profile 18 with a plug portion 18.1, which
can be
inserted in the screw channel 17 and fixed there by means of the corresponding
shape and design. The end portion 18.2 is formed here by a substantially U-
shaped
receiving means, which serves for the receiving of a lighting means 18.3, for
example
of an LED light, as strip lighting. At the upper end, the end profile 18 is
closed by
means of a cover 18.4 formed from synthetic material, so that here a lighting
effect is
provided with a strip-shaped lighting means along the fastening device for the
lighting
of the interior of the building. The beam module 4 on the right-hand side of
Fig. 4 in
this embodiment is slightly projecting in relation to the end profile 18 with
a one-sided
rounding of the edge. Alternative shapes and different kinds of geometric ends
at the
beam module 4 can be selected without complex adaptation, in order to design
the
inside corresponding to the specifications or in order to perform and fulfil
architectural
modifications and specifications. Both beam modules 4 are here too fixed by
means
of at least two fastening points 7, 8, which respectively fix the beam modules
4 at the
metal frames 1 of the fastening device by means of a form fit. The kind of
form fit can
here too either be a kind of dovetail connection or a ridge/tongue and groove
connection. Alternative shapes of a form fit are also imaginable, for example
circular
or semi-circular projections, which engage in correspondingly shaped grooves
at the
beam modules 4 or at receiving portions of cover profiles 16.
- 25 -
CA 03209329 2023- 8- 22
Besides the different shape, dimension and thickness of beam modules 4, in
this way
also modular-type metal frames 1 and, in the case of same embodiment of the
metal
frames 1 forming the basic construction, other geometric ends can be inserted
in the
fastening points 7, 8. For example, metallic cover profiles 16 or profiles
formed from
synthetic material or non-metallic materials can be inserted at the metal
frames 1 of
the fastening device for increasing the bending stiffness and torsional
strength.
Hereby, the kind of material and shape of the beam modules 4 can vary
according to
the respective spaces. For example, in wet areas, instead of beam modules 4
made
of wood, corresponding metallic cover profiles 16 or synthetic material
modules can
be used. The end profiles 18 at the inside of the facade elements 2 can have
different
shapes and fulfil technical functions. They can, for example, be used as
lighting
strips, as cable channels or simply as decorative end elements. By means of
simple
insertion into the screw channels 17, in cooperation with the slight pressure
by the
seals 19, the end profiles 18 are securely fixed without the necessity of
threaded
connections etc. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, furthermore, an optional T-
profile
21 with a kind of arrow-shaped barb is inserted between the two flexible seals
9
abutting at one another. Further, the T-profile 21 can make the end flush and
also
serve for the colored design of the butt joint between the two metal frames 1
of the
fastening device provided laterally in each case. Alternatively, the metal
frame 1 can
also be provided in a one-piece form instead of in a left-hand and right-hand
version
for the respective fastenings of the facade elements 2, as is described
further below
with reference to Fig. 6a and Fig. 8. Also, in the case of such a form, the
height,
position and shape of the respective screw channels 17 and of the fastening
points 7,
8 is identical in each case, so that a modular adaptation and exchangeability
of the
connection elements for the fastening devices 10 is given.
In Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c, different examples of alternative shapes of end
profiles 18 are
shown. Figure 5a shows an example of a cross section of the end profile 18, in
which
a U-shaped end portion 18.2 and a plug portion 18.1 extending diagonally
downward
are provided with recesses and a profiling. The diagonally-extending plug
portion 18.1
is a kind of lengthening of the right-hand arm of the "U" and is provided with
recesses
and projections, which being accordingly shaped can be inserted in the screw
channels 17 (cf. Fig. 4). By means of the insertion, a kind of form fit is
obtained, which
allows a fixing of the end profiles 18 in the screw channels 17, either
together with a
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lateral pressure of a seal 9 or of an extra retaining element or by means of
the beam
modules 4 or cover profiles 16 mounted thereon (cf. Fig. 4). In the example of
Fig. 5a,
a lighting means 18.3 is inserted in the U-shaped receiving means 18.2 and
closed by
means of a cover 18.4 for example of synthetic material. The lighting means
18.3 can
for example be an LED-strip, which allows a linear-shaped lighting of an
inside of the
building. The U-shaped end portion 18.2 of the end profile 18 can also be used
for
other purposes, for example as a cable channel or as a bracket for further
elements
or connection parts located in the inside of the building. In the further
example of Fig.
5b a cross section of an end profile 18 is shown, wherein an identical plug
portion
18.1 to that of the previous example is provided. The U-shaped end portion
18.2 here
faces laterally to the left (parallel to the plane of the facade) instead of
upward, so that
the lighting effect of the lighting means 18.3 for example allows an indirect
lighting of
an inside of the building. The further example of Fig. 5c shows a cross
section of an
0-shaped end profile 18, which can be correspondingly built into the screw
channels
17 of the fastening device 10 in a form-fitting manner through the plug
portion 18.1. In
this way, colored designs at the inside can be varied. The end profiles 18 as
they are
hereby shown can also have a simple T-shape as shown on the left-hand side in
Fig.
4, wherein the end portion 18.2 can then be formed linear or slightly curved.
The end
profiles 18 according to the invention can therefore be easily inserted and
fixed in the
corresponding screw channels, without tools or additional fastening means, so
that
the assembly and disassembly are considerably simpler than in previous such
elements.
Some examples of different alternative shapes of the metal frames 1 for the
fastening
devices 10 according to the invention are shown in cross-sectional views in
Figs. 6a,
6b and 6c. Fig. 6a shows for example a metal frame 1 at the fastening device
10,
which is formed for a two-sided mounting of beam modules 4 or cover profiles
16.
Instead of the parted shaped of the metal frames 1 for a left-hand side and a
right-
hand side of the fastening device 10 as provided in the previous examples,
here a
one-piece metal frame 1 is provided, at which the form-fitting fastening
points 7, 8 for
the beam modules 4 at the supporting portion 13 and a plurality of screw
channels 17
are provided. The facade fastening portion 12 likewise has for a left-hand and
a right-
hand facade fastening the corresponding screw channels and receiving grooves
for
the fastening screws for the L-shaped retaining elements 5 (not shown). The
metal
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frame 1 formed in this way therefore has a shape closed in itself, with
uniform hollow
chambers and inside spaces, and the fastening points 7, 8 to be used for the
form fit
with the beam modules 4, are located at the outside.
Figures 6b and 6c, on the other hand, show two examples of a metal frame 1 in
which
the cover profile 13 is quasi formed on in one piece at a side. These shapes
of metal
frame 1 can be used, corresponding to the fifth embodiment of Fig. 7, to
provide a
combined modular construction of a building facade with on the one hand beam
modules 4 and on the other hand cover profiles 16 consisting of for example
aluminium profiles. In Fig. 7, on the left-hand side a beam module 4 is
provided in an
L-shape above the two fastening points 7, 8 realized with form fit, that is,
engaging
toward the building interior. At the right-hand side, the metal frame 1 of
this fastening
device 10 is realized in one piece with an aluminium profile or cover profile
16. Both
elements can be combined at will, for example according to whether a living
space, a
wet room or determined fire safety requirements are to be realized and taken
into
consideration. In this way, the fastening device 10 of the invention can be
variously
modified in a modular way according to the corresponding requirements, without
it
being necessary to use different shapes of metal frames 1 as the basis of the
fastening device 10 in each case.
In Fig. 8, too, a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the fastening
device 10
according to the invention is shown, in which the one-piece shape of the metal
frame
1 with left-hand and right-hand side corresponding to Fig. 6a is used. At the
left-hand
side of Fig. 8, a cover profile 16 made for example of aluminium with a
substantially
L-shape and reaching up to the glass front of the facade elements 2, is
provided by
means of simple insertion of a fastening ridge into the upper screw channel as
a first
fastening point 7 and a projecting portion into the groove or recess of the
second
fastening point 8. At the right-hand side, here another cover profile 16 is
shown,
which is inserted at the supporting portion 13 quasi flush with a lateral area
of the
hollow chamber 14 of the metal frame 1. Instead of this cover profile 16,
partly also a
beam module 4 made of non-metallic material can be used, as is schematically
shown in Fig. 8. Therefore it is also possible to provide a change of
different materials
or modules inside a facade element, for example cover profiles 16 made of
aluminium, combined with partly beam modules 4 made of wood. The corresponding
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fastening points 7, 8 are formed without any difference for both kinds of
fixings of the
respective elements 4, 16. A high flexibility and modularity of the facade 10
is thereby
given.
A seventh embodiment of the fastening device according to the invention is
represented in a cross-sectional view in Fig. 9. At the upper fastening points
7, in
each case conically broadened elements with integrated screw channels 17 are
provided at the metal frame 1 at the supporting portion 13. In the wood
modules 4,
correspondingly milled grooves are provided for inserting on the projections
at the
fastening points 7. The beam modules 4 in this embodiment also have in their
middle
a projecting conical ridge which engages in the opening of the screw channels
17 at
the fastening points 7 for further increasing the stability and strength of
the connection
beam module 4/metal frame 1. The beam modules 4 are realized here as simple
wood beams without an L-shaped portion. At the inside of the facade elements
2, an
optional cover strip 19 is provided at the metal frame 1 as an end, which is
inserted
above a kind of floating support between the two beam modules 4. For this
purpose,
substantially L-shaped profiles are provided as end profiles 18, which, by
means of a
plug portion 18.1 are inserted correspondingly-shaped into the screw channels
17
and held there. The end portion 18.2 is slightly curved and engages a lateral
groove,
provided for this, of the seals 9 which hold the end profiles 18 in their
position by
means of the slight elastic pressure outwards. A T-profile 22 is inserted in
the middle
between the two seals 9 by means of a kind of barb (arrow shape of part 22)
and has
at the top side two ridges projecting conically outward. These ridges are
formed
accordingly-shaped to a conically broadened groove in the cover strip 19, so
that the
floating support of the cover strip 19 between the two wood modules 4 is made
possible with a relatively small tolerance of some millimetres and a
compensation for
movement. By means of such a kind of floating support of the cover profile 22,
a
fastening device 10 is provided which is completely closed, also in the gap
between
the beam modules 4, and which can be realized for example continuously in wood
materials. A cover strip 19 can however also be manufactured from other
materials
like for example synthetic material or aluminium, according to requirement and
intended purpose of the fastening device 10.
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Fig. 10 shows an eighth embodiment of a fastening device of the invention in a
cross-
sectional view at the level of the connection at a building ceiling 26. As
also in the
previous embodiments, a U-shaped receiving means 25 is provided at an inside
of
the metal frame 1 at the level of the supporting portion 13, in which a flat
steel 23
cooperates with adjacent fastening parts of the facade, positioned thereabove
or
therebelow, for the fastening. The flat steel 23 is fixed in the receiving
means 25 by
means of threaded connections. Moreover, for connecting and fastening at a
concrete
ceiling 26 of the building, fixing profiles 24 are provided, which in Fig. 10
are formed
at the top side with a kind of T-shape and eyelet shape and are incorporated
into the
material of the concrete ceiling 26 in order to transfer the forces to the
building. Here
too, the fastening device 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 10 is
provided with
beam modules 4 mounted laterally by means of form fit, which are fixed at at
least
two fastening points 7, 8. At the facade retaining element 12, the glass
panels 3 are
used as facade element 2 and fixed there by means of an L-shaped retaining
element
5 (not shown in Fig. 10) and corresponding holding brackets 15 (cf. Fig. 1 to
Fig. 3).
Also in the eighth embodiment of Fig. 10, the metal frames 1 are provided with
screw
channels 17 identical in shape and in position, which can be used for an
assembly of
for example end portions 18 or the mounting of aluminium cover profiles 16 or
beam
modules 4 made of wood. Also in this embodiment of Fig. 10, in this way a high
modularity is given, as different kinds of connection elements, cover elements
or
statically effective beam modules can be used here in different ways according
to
requirement.
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