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 channelling.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for ventilated facades, which is equipped with panels and at least two upper hanging features and two lower hanging features pre-installed on the panel in predefined positions, which enable the panels to be attached to the upright profiles, reducing the number of features required and simplifying the mounting and installation process.

[0002] Likewise, the proposed device provides improvements on the level of insulation of the facade against the entry of water and humidity from the outside into the insulation layer behind the panels 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 channelling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are currently numerous devices on the market for the mounting and installation of ventilated facades made of plates and panels of different materials, which include different levels of insulation and complexity in their definition.

[0004] The construction of said devices is usually based on a plurality of continuous features installed in an overlapping manner on the facade in question, creating a grid-shaped substructure that enables the insulation panels to be installed with a certain degree of adjustment being possible between them during the process. The use of continuous features is also common in the construction of the panels, in order to generate hanging geometries that allow their installation on the substructure. In any case, the use of continuous components is in itself a drawback in terms of the cost in materials that in many cases occurs, in addition to being costly and difficult to install because it has to be done directly on the facade by handling large size features that have to be perfectly levelled and installed with high accuracy to ensure the quality of the final result.

[0005] For example, patent document WO9312307 discloses a panel ventilated facade device with a plurality of continuous features horizontally installed to the facade, on which support features are screwed and joints and parts are installed for blocking the passage of air and water to the rear portion. These devices have a high number of continuous components required both for installation and to achieve the desired watertightness effect, greatly increasing the cost and difficulty of installation thereof.

[0006] For its part, patent document EP0882853 discloses a ventilated facade device with panels with an overlapping flange between adjacent panels, consisting of vertical uprights, independent supports with joints anchored to the uprights and panels inserted in supports, including fixed features assembled to the panels for hanging, regulation not being possible. This device involves the use of a large amount of materials and additionally allows the entry of air and water through the space between the flanges of the panels and the upright profile in the areas where the hanger is not installed to the vertical upright.

[0007] Moreover, patent document US2014260042 relates to a ventilated facade device for laminates based on the use of a plurality of continuous features requiring to be installed in two different directions on a structure of vertical uprights anchored to the facade. Additionally, the installation of individual hangers integrated by several components on the rear face of the panels to be installed is required, so that they can slide over the continuous features already on the facade to reach their final position. This device has a very high cost and complexity due to the use of large quantities of material and to the number of features to be installed on site, in addition to a reduced level of watertightness.

[0008] It is therefore found that the systems and devices known in the state of the art are made up of a large number of components and features that must be installed either on the panels or on the substructure. In addition, in existing devices this usually implies the need to use continuous components both in the facade and in the contour areas of the panels, increasing the use of raw materials and energy, and therefore their cost.

[0009] Furthermore, given the number of components required, the mounting and installation processes are time-consuming, consist of many steps, and have the added complexity of requiring many of the processes to be carried out directly on site rather than in a specialised workshop. This implies high complexity and greater possibilities of making mistakes or generating poorly adjusted assemblies due to having to carry out work in poorly controlled environments and wherein the difficulty and cost of the work are higher and the quality of the final result is, therefore, lower.

[0010] From a global point of view, it can be stated that the devices currently available entail the need for complex processes in poorly controlled environments as well as a high cost, both in terms of components and the time required for their installation on the facade.

[0011] In addition, these devices usually offer various degrees of watertightness against the entry of water and humidity from the outside, but this is usually achieved through the use of additional components, such as linear joints, barriers, etc., which are not easy to install, on many occasions interfere with the mounting of the panels to the facade and hinder and increase the amount of work required on site; they are, therefore, a source of additional costs and complexity in materials and installation.

[0012] Finally, the devices currently available pose limitations in terms of the design and modulation of ventilated facades since the maximum dimensions of the panels that can be configured are limited because their integrity can be compromised by the wind loads they can eventually withstand. This implies that it is often necessary to configure facade claddings with smaller panel sizes than the optimum design, since the larger the panel installed, the smaller the substructure that requires to be installed, generating cost savings and also a greater contribution to improving the energy efficiency of the construction, since the number of joints between panels is reduced, joints which are points where outer air can penetrate the insulation, dragging humidity and water towards the insulation located inside the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a clamping device for ventilated facade, intended to be linked to substructure upright profiles which are in turn linked to an outer surface of a building. The device of the invention represents a novel manner of installation of ventilated facades based on shaped plates or panels that allows minimising the amount of work that needs to be carried out on the facade, since the pre-installation can be carried out in a controlled environment and where the work is carried out in less adverse conditions than at ground level or in a workshop, which reduces costs and complexity.

[0014] The device comprises a plurality of tray panels, arranged adjacent to each other in several rows and equipped with a quadrangular front face, an upper edge, a lower edge and two side edges between the upper edge and the lower edge, wherein the edges extend perpendicularly to the front face and define an inner cavity with said front face.

[0015] The device is compatible with upright profiles having a T-, U- or Omega-shaped cross section, as long as they have a front face parallel to the facade that can be used to link the different features to the upright profile. Additionally, in the case of profiles having a U- or Omega-shaped cross section, the side edges of a panel can be defined with a height greater than the distance between the front face of the upright profiles and that of the panel, so that they are introduced into the central channel of the upright profile, overlapping with it and generating intricate geometries that hinder and prevent the circulation of water towards the inside of the device.

[0016] The device comprises at least two upper clamping features for each panel which are linked to the panel and are intended to be linked to an upright profile in a mounting situation, wherein the clamping features comprise an upper main body, housed in the inner cavity and which in a mounting situation is linkable to one of the side edges and to the upper edge and a first flange extending from the upper main body and protruding from the upper edge, wherein the first flange is linkable to the lower edge of a panel of another adjacent row and is intended to be attached to the upright profile in a mounting situation.

[0017] The device may comprise at least two upper clamping features that may be pre-installed, mostly directly to the panels, or in some case to the substructure in a fixed manner. The upper clamping features are designed to position and fasten the panels to said substructure in the simplest and quickest possible way, further saving on the number of components and the use of materials.

[0018] The panels may comprise a longitudinal upper flange extending perpendicularly from a free end of the upper edge and which is partially linked to the first flange of the upper clamping feature. Thanks to this upper flange, the overlap between a panel and its adjacent one is allowed, achieving with this overlapping the formation of a geometry for water collection on the upper face, which is subsequently channelled and evacuated to the sides and the outside of the panels to prevent water from draining inward and waterlogging the inner insulation.

[0019] The device may comprise at least two lower clamping features for each panel which are linked to the panel and which in a mounting situation link the lower edge of one of the rows to the first flange of another of the rows and which are equipped with a lower main body, partially housed in the inner cavity which in a mounting situation is linked to one of the side edges and to the lower edge and a second flange extending from the lower main body and facing a distance therefrom limiting a lower linking channel that surrounds and retains the first flange of an upper clamping feature linked to the panel of another row. Thus, the linkage between the upper clamping feature and the panel of an upper row is carried out through the lower clamping feature.

[0020] Both the upper and lower clamping features are installed on each panel in a number greater than or equal to two. In addition, if required, the upper clamping features link the upper edge of a panel to the side edges of the panel together, just as the lower clamping features link the lower edge and the side edges, ensuring the shape and stiffness of the contour of the panel and preventing the panel from unfolding. In this way, a single component is used to attach panels in adjacent rows, to fasten the panel to the upright profile and to attach the upper edge or the lower edge to the side edges so that the panel does not deform.

[0021] Additionally the device may comprise a first central feature between the upper clamping features, and a second central feature between the lower clamping features, wherein the central features are longer than the clamping features. The central features may be equipped with a transversal section that may be the same or similar to that of the upper clamping features. Its geometry enables the attachment of a panel with its adjacent panel to be reinforced and, in the case of the second central features, also the attachment to the profile to be reinforced.

[0022] The device may comprise a starting feature, which is a normally continuous feature that is fixedly installed with clamping features on the vertical uprights of the substructure, at the lowest portion of each facade section, serving as a level and support for the first row of panels to be installed on said facade section. This feature may have a fixed lower end intended to be linked to the upright profile and a free lower end that is housed in the lower linking channel of the lower clamping feature in a mounting situation.

[0023] The device may have a plurality of backlash remover joints, which are installed on the upper clamping features or on the starting profile, in the geometry intended for this purpose, and the function of which is to remove backlashes after the installation of a panel on the facade and thus avoid tinkling and vibrations that generate noise when the device is under the action of a wind load. The configuration of the backlash remover joint provides an interference mount that allows the backlash remover joint to remain permanently clipped.

[0024] The device may also have at least one continuous tray stiffener feature, installed in an intermediate area of the rear face of a panel and permanently attached thereto by means of adhesives or other attachment features. This continuous feature may have a transversal section in the form of an angle or a Latin I intended to provide a high inertia that provides stiffness to the panel in the areas where greater deformation can be observed when subjected to a load distributed throughout the surface thereof, such as wind loads. Additionally, this continuous feature may include a geometry specifically intended to be linked to a fastening face for specific hanging features that can be fixedly installed to the vertical uprights by means of clamping features, which thus generate fixed points of attachment of the continuous feature to the vertical uprights, thus increasing the stiffness of the assembly, reducing the deformations to which a panel is subjected under load and more effectively distributing the stresses throughout the substructure.

[0025] The mounting process of the device of the present invention begins in the workshop, starting with the process of shaping, folding or machining the panels to obtain their tray shape. In this first step, the panels are also given the geometries required for housing the corresponding screws or clamping features.

[0026] Then, with the trays already machined and/or shaped, the upper and lower clamping features are installed. This is carried out through the use of clamping features such as screws or rivets, which are inserted through the geometries made in the panel for this purpose, and are fixed on the equivalent geometries located in the upper and lower clamping features. This process can be optimally carried out on workbenches, in a workshop environment, and can even be sequenced for mass production or be automated in the case of large volumes of a single tray.

[0027] This operation makes it possible to complete the closing of the trays in a stiff manner by screwing the various features, so that a shaped or folded tray with the clamping features installed would be ready to be brought to the facade and be hung as soon as it leaves the workshop. Finally, if backlash removers are used, they can also be installed on the tray before being brought to the facade due to the geometries they incorporate, which are intended to be clipped and fixed to the corresponding clamping features, ensuring that they will not detach from the panels during subsequent handling.

[0028] Finally, the substructure is installed on the facade, substructure consisting of a plurality of brackets or spacers, a plurality of vertical upright profiles fixedly installed on the same, and on which the corresponding starting feature is installed, as well as possibly the hanging features of the tray stiffeners, in the event these are required. A first tray is then installed to the facade, linking the starting feature with the lower clamping features of the tray in question and, if available, the stiffening feature with the hanging features thereof. As a last step, the upper clamping features of the tray are fixed to the vertical uprights by means of screws or clamping features with a similar function. This first tray serves as support and reference for the tray immediately above, on which the installation method is repeated, installing all the trays of the same column successively. This same process is replicated for the rest of the trays to be installed on the facade.

[0029] Thus, the advantages of the device include, firstly, the fact that the mounting of the facade is simplified, since it requires a very reduced number of components and materials and, in addition, the mounting of the features of the device to the panels in a controlled workshop environment is allowed, thus achieving an improvement in the mounting conditions and a reduction in the time required both for the mounting of the trays and for the installation on the facade.

[0030] Secondly, it allows for flexibility in terms of modulation, thanks to the use of a combination of hanging features at corners and intermediate points on the sides of the panels, as well as the use of stiffening profiles that reinforce said panels on the inside. In this way, a more efficient distribution of forces against wind loads is achieved, which minimises the deformations experimented by the panels and therefore makes it possible to increase the maximum dimensions of said panels, thus reducing the number of individual panels that need to be installed in a given section of the facade. This in turn reduces the number of vertical uprights that need to be installed for each facade section, thus saving materials and installation time.

[0031] Thirdly, greater watertightness is achieved due to the use of panels with overlapping flanges together with the creation of channels for water collection and evacuation around said panels, together with the overlapping of the side edges with the corresponding geometries of the upright profiles, especially with the use of U- or Omega-shaped cross section uprights, which allow the entry of water and humidity inside of the ventilated facade and the possible insulation to be reduced to a minimum, thus allowing the ventilation function of the device to be met. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the insulation without the need to use additional components such as joints, lips or similar, with the consequent savings and improvement in ease of installation that this entails.

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:

Figure 1 shows a view of a clamping device for ventilated facades linked to a substructure.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a clamping device for ventilated facades.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a panel.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a clamping device for ventilated facades linked to an upright profile.

Figure 5 shows a first detail A of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a second detail B of Figure 4.

Figure 7 shows a third detail C of Figure 4.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an upper clamping element.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a lower clamping element.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a backlash remover joint.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a first configuration of an intermediate hanging feature.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a second configuration of an intermediate hanging feature.

Figure 13 shows an upper view of a clamping device for ventilated facades linked to an upright profile.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Figure 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Figure 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).

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 channelled 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] The front surface of the front face (4) of the panel (3) is the one that is oriented towards the outside of the facade fulfiling 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 Figure 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).

[0045] The upper edge (5) forms the collection area together with the upper flange (13), channelling 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.

[0046] Figure 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] Figure 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).

[0049] Figure 5 shows a first detail A of figure 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).

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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 Figure 8, where in a mounting situation, both house a third attachment feature (48).

[0056] Figure 6 shows a second detail B of figure 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] Figure 7 shows a third detail C of figure 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] Figure 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] Figure 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] Figure 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Figure 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] Figure 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).

[0072] Figure 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.

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).

Amended claims

Amended claims under Art. 19.1 PCT

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);

- 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,

- 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,

- 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),

the device being characterized in that 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.

2. The device of claim 1, 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).

3. 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).

4. 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).

5. The device of claim 1, 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).

6. The device of claim 5, 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).

7. The device of claim 4 and 6, 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).

8. The device of claim 1, 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).

9. The device of claim 1, 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).

10. The device of claim 1 and 3, 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).

11. 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).

12. 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).

Drawing