SECURING DEVICE FOR VENTILATED FACADES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clamping device for ventilated facades comprising a plurality of panels (3) and at least two upper clamping features (9) for each panel (3), wherein the upper clamping features (9) comprise an upper main body (11) and a first flange (12) extending from the upper main body (11), wherein the first flange (12) is linkable to a lower edge (6) of a panel (3) of another adjacent row and is intended to be attached to the upright profile (1). The level of insulation of the facade against the entry of water from the outside into the insulation layer behind the panels is thus improved by allowing the use of panels that overlap their adjacent panels by means of double-fold flanges and that describe geometries that create areas for water collection and channeling.

Claims

1. A ventilated facade clamping device, intended to be linked to substructure upright profiles (1) which are in turn linked to an outer surface (2) of a building and wherein the device comprises: a plurality of tray panels (3), arranged adjacent to each other in several rows and equipped with: a quadrangular front face (4); an upper edge (5), a lower edge (6) and two side edges (7) between the upper edge (5) and the lower edge (6), wherein the edges (5, 6, 7) extend perpendicularly to the front face (4) and define an inner cavity (8) with said front face (4); characterised in that it comprises: at least two upper clamping features (9) for each panel (3) which are linked to the panel (3) and are intended to be linked to an upright profile (1) in a mounting situation, wherein the clamping features comprise: an upper main body (11), housed in the inner cavity (8) and which in a mounting situation is linkable to one of the side edges (7) and to the upper edge (5), a first flange (12) extending from the upper main body (11) and protruding from the upper edge (5), wherein the first flange (12) is linkable to the lower edge (6) of a panel (3) of another adjacent row and is intended to be attached to the upright profile (1) in a mounting situation.

2. The device of claim 1, comprising at least two lower clamping features (14) for each panel (3) which are linked to the panel (3) and which in a mounting situation link the lower edge (6) of one of the rows to the first flange (12) of another of the rows and which are equipped with: a lower main body (15), partially housed in the inner cavity (8) which in a mounting situation is linked to one of the side edges (7) and to the lower edge (6), a second flange (16) extending from the lower main body (15) and facing a distance therefrom limiting a lower linking channel (17) that surrounds and retains the first flange (12) of an upper clamping feature (9) linked to the panel (3) of another row.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the lower main body (15) of the lower clamping feature (14) comprises a lower section (20) linked to the lower edge (6) of the panel (3); a lower front section (21) which contacts the front face (4) of the panel (3) and which extends from the lower section (20) and forms with the lower section (20) the same angle as the angle formed by the lower edge (6) and the front face (4) of the panel (3).

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper main body (11) of the upper clamping features (9) comprises at least a first side attachment feature (22) which is linkable to the side edges (7) of the panel (3).

5. The device of claim 1, wherein first side attachment feature (22) comprises at least one side through cavity (69) and the side edges (7) comprise at least one upper side bore (23), wherein the first side through cavity (69) and the upper side bores (23) are intended to house a first attachment feature (24).

6. The device of claim 2, wherein the lower main body (15) of the lower clamping features (14) comprises at least a second side attachment feature (25) which is linkable to the side edges (7).

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the second side attachment feature (25) comprises at least a second through cavity (70) and the side edges (7) comprise at least one lower side bore (26), wherein the second side through cavity (70) and the lower side bore (26) are intended to house a first attachment feature (24).

8. The device of claim 5 and 7, wherein the main bodies (11, 15) comprise two side attachment features (22, 25) which are ribbed protrusions defining a through cavity (69, 70) respectively and the side edges (7) comprise two lower bores (26) and two upper side bores (23).

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the panels (3) comprise a longitudinal upper flange (13) extending perpendicularly from a free end of the upper edge (5) and which is partially linked to the first flange (12) of the upper clamping feature (9).

10. The device of claim 2 and 9, wherein the first flange (12) comprises a first section (41) extending from the upper section (18) of the upper main body (11) a second section (42) extending from the first section (41) and which in a mounting situation makes contact with the upper flange (13) on one side and on another side is intended to make contact with the upright profile (1), a third section (43) extending at an angle of about 90? from the second section (42) in the direction towards the front face (4) and covering the upper flange (13) and a fourth section (44) extending at an angle of about 90? with respect to the third section (43) in the direction opposite to the upper edge (5) and which is housed in the lower linking channel (17) in a mounting situation.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the upper flange (13) comprises a first slot (45) and the second section (42) of the first flange (12) of the upper clamping feature (9) comprises a second slot (46) partially coincident to the first slot (45) in a mounting situation, both intended to house a third attachment feature (48).

12. The device of claim 2, wherein it additionally comprises at least one first central feature (35) between the upper clamping features (9) and which is equipped with the same transversal section and at least one second central feature (36) between the lower clamping features (14) and which is equipped with the same transversal section, wherein the central features (35, 36) are longer than the clamping features (9, 14).

13. The device of claim 2 and 4, comprising a backlash remover joint (38) housed in the lower linking channel (17) arranged between the first flange (12) and the lower clamping feature (14).

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper main body (11) of the upper clamping feature (9) comprises an upper section (18) linked to the upper edge (5) of the panel (3) and from which the first flange (12) extends; an upper front section (19) which makes contact with the front face (4) of the panel (3) and which extends from the upper section (18) and forms with said upper section (18) the same angle as the angle formed by the upper edge (5) and the front face (4) of the panel (3).

15. The device of claim 1, comprising an intermediate hanging feature (29) equipped with an intermediate fixed end (30) intended to be linked to the upright profile (1) and an intermediate free end (31) and; a stiffening profile (27) which extends longitudinally parallel to the upper edge (5) and is partially housed in the inner cavity (8) of the panel (3) and is adhered to the front face (4), wherein the stiffening profile (27) is a profiled part resting on the intermediate hanging feature (29) and comprising a stiffening channel (28) intended to house the intermediate free end (31).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] As a complement to the description provided herein, and for the purpose of helping to make the features of the invention more readily understandable, in accordance with a preferred practical exemplary embodiment thereof, said description is accompanied by a set of drawings constituting an integral part of the same, which by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been represented:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a view of a clamping device for ventilated facades linked to a substructure.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a clamping device for ventilated facades.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a panel.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a clamping device for ventilated facades linked to an upright profile.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a first detail A of FIG. 4.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a second detail B of FIG. 4.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a third detail C of FIG. 4.

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an upper clamping element.

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a lower clamping element.

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a backlash remover joint.

[0043] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a first configuration of an intermediate hanging feature.

[0044] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a second configuration of an intermediate hanging feature.

[0045] FIG. 13 shows an upper view of a clamping device for ventilated facades linked to an upright profile.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a clamping device for ventilated facades, which is linked to substructure upright profiles (1) which are in turn intended to be linked to an outer surface (2) of a building, not visible in the figure.

[0047] The device comprises a plurality of tray panels (3), wherein the panels (3) are shaped and machined. Specifically, the panels (3) of the embodiment shown are four in number and are arranged adjacent to each other in two rows of two panels (3), this configuration being scalable. The panels (3) have a quadrangular front face (4), an upper edge (5), a lower edge (6), not visible in the figure, and two side edges (7) between the upper edge (5) and the lower edge (6). The edges (5, 6, 7) or faces, extend perpendicularly from the front face (4) and define an inner cavity (8) with the rear surface of said front face (4). The tray geometry of the panels (3) is obtained from a process of folding a sheet to obtain the geometry of the different edges (5, 6, 7). As can be seen in the image, the side edges (7) are formed by two sections of the aforementioned sheet.

[0048] The device comprises at least two upper clamping features (9), which are specific non-longitudinal features partially housed in the inner cavity (8) of each panel (3) and linked thereto. In a mounting situation as shown in the figure, the clamping features (9) are two for each panel (3) and are linked to the upper edge (5) and to one of the side edges (7) of the panel (3) and to the upright profile (1). Once fixed to the upright profiles (1), by means of screw attachment features, the upper clamping features (9) fasten the panels (3) in a predetermined position.

[0049] The upright profiles (1) are mounted on brackets (50) that are anchored to the outer surface (2) of the building. The brackets (50) can be of different heights, thus allowing the distance of the panels (3) to the outer surface (2) of a building to be regulated and to allow the mounting of insulation layers between them, as well as the ventilation of the assembly. The upright profiles (1) may preferably include a geometry suitable for the overlapping of the panels (3) so that they are inserted into this geometry of the upright profile (1) generating barriers for the free entry of water towards the rear portion of the panels (3). Likewise, these upright profiles (1) have flat support faces for the panel (3) so that they can be mechanically fixed to these upright profiles (1) by means of attachment features such as screws.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the clamping device for ventilated facades, according to the present invention, wherein a panel (3) is shown from its rear portion. The upper clamping features (9) are equipped with an upper main body (11), which is housed in the inner cavity (8) of the panel (3) and which is linked both to the upper edge (5) and to one of the side edges (7), specifically to the two sections of sheeting that shape each side edge (7).

[0051] The upper clamping feature (9) is also equipped with a first flange (12) extending from the upper main body (11) and protruding from the upper edge (5), which in a mounting situation is linked to the lower edge (6) of a panel (3) of another adjacent row and is intended to be attached to the upright profile (1).

[0052] The panel (3) comprises an upper flange (13) extending perpendicularly from a free end of the upper edge (5) and which is partially linked to the first flange (12) of the upper clamping feature (9) in a mounting situation. The first flange (12) surrounds the upper flange (13) by the upper end thereof.

[0053] This upper flange (13) is made by double folding the upper portion of the panel (3) in the area of the upper edge (5) of the panel (3). The upper flange (13) has the function of allowing the overlapping between a panel (3) and its adjacent panel of an upper row, achieving with this overlapping the formation of a geometry for water collection in the upper edge (5), where the water is subsequently channeled towards the side edges (7) and towards the front face (4) of the panel (3) to be evacuated towards the lower portion of the facade.

[0054] The connection between the lower edge (6) of one of the rows with the first flange (12) of another of the rows is carried out by means of a tongue-and-groove joint. To carry out this joint the device comprises two specific non-longitudinal lower clamping features (14) for each panel (3). The lower clamping features (14) are equipped with a lower main body (15), partially housed in the inner cavity (8) and which in a mounting situation is linked to one of the side edges (7) and to the lower edge (6) of the panels (3). The lower clamping feature (14) comprises a second flange (16) extending from the lower main body (15). The second flange (16) borders the lower main body (15) defining a lower linking channel (17) that surrounds and retains the first flange (12) of a panel (3) of another adjacent row achieving a reversible and non-permanent attachment.

[0055] Additionally, the device comprises a first central feature (35) between the upper clamping features (9), which is equipped with the same transversal section as the upper features (9) and a second central feature (36) between the lower clamping features (14), which is equipped with the same transversal section as the lower clamping features (14). The central features (35, 36) are longer than the clamping features (9, 14) and help to carry out the attachment between the panels (3) and the upright profiles (1).

[0056] The device also comprises a stiffening feature (27) installed between the side edges (7) and attached thereto by means of a screw clamping feature and also to the inner face (67) of the panel (3) by means of an adhesive (68) in the intermediate region of said inner face (67), wherein the stiffening feature (27) extends throughout the entire panel.

[0057] The front surface of the front face (4) of the panel (3) is the one that is oriented towards the outside of the facade fulfilling the aesthetic function. The side edges (7) of the panel (3) are sections parallel to each other, which shape the vertical separation areas between adjacent panels (3) and channel the water between them for its evacuation as shown in FIG. 12. The side edges (7) have recesses (51) to allow the mounting of the panels (3) with through features between panels (3) without compromising the watertightness of the device by separating the panels (3) from the upright profiles (1). The upper edge (5) forms the collection area together with the upper flange (13), channeling the water collected by the panels (3) and directing it to the outside or the vertical separation areas between adjacent panels (3). The lower edge (6) closes the tray from below and overlaps the upper flange (13) of the panel (3) of a row immediately below.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a panel (3), according to the present invention, from its front side. It can be seen that the side edges (7) comprise at least two upper side bores (23), in each section formed by the side edges, close to the upper edge (5) and two lower side bores (26) close to the lower edge (6) which are intended to receive attachment features which are in turn attached to the clamping features (9, 14) as can be seen in the following figures.

[0059] A side stiffener bore (59) is also visible at the height of the recess (51), specifically it is arranged between the middle of the panel (3) and the lower third of the panel (3), where this bore is intended for clamping the stiffener (27). There are also first upper bores (56) in the upper edge (5) which are also intended to house attachment features in turn attached to the upper clamping features (9) and to the first central feature (35). The lower edge (5) in turn comprises analogous lower bores not visible in the figures. The upper flange (13) comprises a plurality of first slots (45) at the height of the upper features (9) and of the first central feature (35).

[0060] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a facade clamping device linked to upright profiles (1) which are in turn linked to the outer surface (2) of a building by means of brackets (50).

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a first detail A of FIG. 4, showing an upper clamping feature (9) linked to a panel (3), non-fixedly linked to a lower clamping feature (14) of a panel (3) of another row and to the upright profile (1).

[0062] The upper main body (11) of the upper clamping feature (9) is tubular and comprises an upper section (18) linked to the upper edge (5) of the panel (3) and from which the first flange (12) extends. The upper main body (11) comprises an upper front section (19) that makes contact with the front face (4) of the panel (3) and which extends from the upper section (18). The upper front section (19) forms with said upper section (18) the same angle as the angle formed by the upper edge (5) and the front face (4) fixing after screwing, the angle at which the upper edge (5) is located with respect to the front face (4).

[0063] Likewise, the lower main body (15) of the lower clamping feature (14) is tubular and comprises a lower section (20) linked to the lower edge (6) of the panel (3) and a lower front section (21) which makes contact with the front face (4) of the panel (3) and which extends from the lower section (20) and forms with the lower section (20) the same angle as the angle formed by the lower edge (6) and the front face (4) of the panel (3).

[0064] The upper main body (11) of the upper clamping features (9) comprises an inner surface from which two first side attachment features (22) extend and the side edges (7) comprise two upper side bores (23) close to the upper edge (5), not visible in the figure, wherein the first side attachment features (22) and the upper side bores (23) are intended to receive first screw attachment features (24). These geometries contribute to maintain the closure of the panel, since, as mentioned above, the side edge (7) is formed by two folded sections, stiffening and preventing the same from opening.

[0065] Similarly, the lower main body (15) of the lower clamping features (14) comprises an inner surface from which two second side attachment features (25) extend and the side edges (7) comprise two lower side bores (26), not visible in the figures, close to the lower edge (6), wherein the second side attachment features (25) and the lower side bores (26) are intended to receive a first attachment feature (24).

[0066] The upper edge (5) of the panel (3) comprises at least a first upper bore (56) and the upper section (18) of the upper main body (11) of the upper clamping feature (9) comprises a second upper bore (55) which is partially coincident to the first upper bore (56) in which both are intended to receive a second screw attachment feature (57).

[0067] Also, the lower edge (6) of the panel (3) comprises a first lower bore not visible in the figures, and the lower section (20) comprises a second lower bore (40) coaxial to the first lower bore in a mounting situation, both intended to receive another second attachment feature (57). Similarly, the upper flange (13) comprises a first slot (45) and a second section (42) of the first flange (12) of the upper clamping feature (9) comprises a second slot (46) partially coincident to the first slot (45) and shown in FIG. 8, where in a mounting situation, both house a third attachment feature (48).

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a second detail B of FIG. 4, showing that the device comprises an intermediate hanging feature (29) equipped with an intermediate fixed end (30) intended to be linked to the upright profile (1) by means of a screw attachment feature and an intermediate free end (31). The device comprises a stiffening profile (27) that extends longitudinally parallel to the upper edge (5) and is partially housed in the inner cavity (8) of the panel (3) and is adhered to at least the inner surface of the front face (4). The stiffening profile (27) is a profiled part resting on the intermediate hanging feature (29) and comprising a stiffening channel (28) intended to house the intermediate free end (31). Specifically, the intermediate free end (31) has a central plate (49) that is compressed when it is housed in the stiffener channel (28) in order to eliminate backlash.

[0069] Thus, the stiffeners (27) consist of an extruded profile having a transversal section defined to provide a high inertia in the main direction of deformation of the panel (3) when wind acts on the same, so as to stiffen the panel (3) and reduce the deformations to which it is subjected. The stiffener (27) is attached by means of an adhesive (68) to the panel (3). The configuration of the stiffener (27) together with the intermediate hanging feature (29) provides additional fixed points to the substructure and distributes stresses more efficiently.

[0070] The intermediate hanging feature (29) includes a geometry with an anti-vibration function, taking advantage of the elasticity of the material to introduce a constant tension in the attachment between the stiffening profile (27) and the intermediate hanging feature (29), preventing the former from moving and vibrating during the action of the wind.

[0071] In addition, the stiffening profile (27) has a central bore (58) that can house an attachment feature and link this attachment feature to a side stiffening bore (59) made in the side edges (7).

[0072] FIG. 7 shows a third detail C of FIG. 4, showing that the device comprises a starting profile (32) which is J-shaped and is equipped with a lower fixed end (33) intended to be linked to the upright profile (1) and a lower free end (34) which is housed in the lower linking channel (17) of the lower clamping feature (14) in a mounting situation. The starting profiles (32) are mounted on the lower portion of the upright profiles (1) of each facade section and serve as a level and support for the first row of panels (3) to be installed on this facade section.

[0073] The continuous starting profile is obtained through an extrusion process and is installed only in the lower portion of each facade section, fixing it to the upright profiles (1) by means of screws or similar mechanical clamping features such as those shown in the figure, close to the lower fixed end (33). This provides a first level where the lowest row of panels (3) is installed with its features already pre-assembled.

[0074] The device comprises a backlash remover joint (38) housed in the lower linking channel (17) and surrounding the lower free end (34) of the starting profile (32). The starting profile (32) defines a receiving widening at its lower free end (34) intended to be housed in a cavity (65) in addition to the backlash remover joint (38).

[0075] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an upper clamping feature (9), wherein it can be seen that the first flange (12) is lamellar comprising a first section (41) extending from the upper main body (11). Likewise, it comprises a second section (42) that makes contact with the upper flange (13) in a mounting situation and that on one of its faces makes contact with the upright profile (1) and on the other face, opposite to the face that makes contact with the upright profile (1), makes contact with the upper flange (13). The first flange further comprises (12) a third section (43) which extends describing an angle of about 90? from the second section (42) in the direction towards the front face (4) and protruding from the upper flange (13), covering it and a fourth section (44) which describes an angle of about 90? with respect to the third section (43) which is housed in the lower linking channel (17) in a mounting situation. In the embodiment shown the third section (43) extends from the second section (42) perpendicularly, just as the fourth section (44) is perpendicular with respect to the third section (43), being able to not be perpendicular but always ensuring that the upper attachment feature (9) acts by way of a hook. The fourth section (44) defines an arrowhead-shaped receiving widening (47) at its end, as does the free end (34) of the starting profile, which is intended to retain a backlash remover joint (38).

[0076] It can be seen that the upper main body (11) comprises two side attachment features (22) which in turn are equipped with a side through cavity (69) and the side edges (7) comprise two upper side bores (23), wherein the first side through cavities (69) and the upper side bores (23) are intended to house a first attachment feature (24). The first two side attachment features (22) are ribbed protrusions and the first side through cavities (69) are in this case the channel which remains defined in said ribbed protrusions.

[0077] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a lower clamping feature (14). The lower main body (15) from which the second flange (16) extends and which is located at a distance therefrom, limiting the lower linking channel (17), can be seen. Likewise, the second side attachment features (25) for housing the second attachment features (24) and a second lower bore (40) intended to house a second attachment feature (57) are also visible. Specifically, it can be seen that the lower main body (15) comprises two side attachment features (25) which in turn are equipped with a second side through cavity (70) and the side edges (7) comprise two lower side bores (26), wherein the second side through cavities (70) and the lower side bores (26) are intended to house a first attachment feature (24). The two second side attachment features (25) are ribbed protrusions and the second side through cavities (70) are in this case the channel which is defined in said ribbed protrusions.

[0078] At the entrance of the lower linking channel (17) the lower clamping feature (14) further comprises two areas (39) defined with an open angle between them serving as an entrance or facing angle to facilitate engagement with the first flange (12) of the upper clamping feature (9) or the starting profile (32) and of the backlash remover joint (38).

[0079] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a backlash remover joint (38), according to the present invention, which is a U-shaped longitudinal part, the side arms (63) of which and a central section (62) between them define a joint channel (64) into which the fourth end (44) of the first flange (12) of the upper clamping feature (9) or the lower free end (34) of the starting profile (32) is introduced. The backlash remover joint (38) has a series of retaining protrusions (66) made inside the joint channel (64) so that either the starting profile (32) or the upper clamping feature (9) is not detached therefrom.

[0080] Likewise, it comprises a plurality of external protrusions (54) on the outer face intended to allow the compression of the backlash remover joint (38) when introduced into the corresponding receiving geometry of the lower clamping features (14) and/or the starting profile (32), so as to provide a tension in the attachment resulting from the interference generated between all of them, eliminating backlash and therefore vibrations of the device. The cavity (65) complementary to the arrow-shaped receiving widening (47) of the fourth section (44) of the first flange (12) and of the lower free end (34) can also be seen.

[0081] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a first configuration of the intermediate hanging feature (29), wherein the intermediate hanging features (29) are engaged by the intermediate free end (31) in the stiffening profiles providing support to the same and positioning them with respect to the upright profile substructure (1). Specifically, as seen above, these intermediate hanging features include at their intermediate free end (31) a deformable central plate (49) which is prepared to be deformed during the reception of the stiffening feature (27). This deformation is defined to generate a remanent tension in the assembly of the engaged geometries, so that it acts as an anti-vibration feature and also stably positions the two geometries together, ensuring that the stiffening feature (27) and the panel (3) are always in the same position with respect to the upright profile (1).

[0082] The intermediate hanging features are installed on the substructure by screwing them to the upright profiles (1) and have at least one central slot (61) intended to house a screw attachment feature.

[0083] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a second configuration of the intermediate hanging feature (29), wherein the intermediate hanging feature (29) is intended to be attached to an upright profile (1) and link two adjacent panels (3) of the same row. For that purpose it has two intermediate free ends (31), wherein each intermediate free end (31) is intended to be linked to a panel (3).

[0084] FIG. 13 shows an upper view of the device, where it can be seen how the side edges (7) of the panel tray (3) are introduced into a central channel of the T-Omega upright profile (1) reducing the space available for the passage of water towards the rear area of the panels (3) and hindering the same by creating an intricate path.