CN113574233A

CN113574233A - curtain wall

Info

Publication number: CN113574233A
Application number: CN202080021321.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃里克·克拉埃斯
Original assignee: Nausicaa P Kraes
Current assignee: Nausicaa P Kraes
Priority date: 2019-03-15
Filing date: 2020-03-13
Publication date: 2021-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-13
Also published as: ZA202106065B; PL3938592T3; AU2020243563A1; JP2022528496A; MA54582A1; SMT202300294T1; EA202192515A1; BE1027154B1; HUE062592T2; BE1027154A1; US20220145623A1; SG11202108897YA; MX2021010923A; HRP20230938T1; RS64441B1; EP3938592A1; SA521430245B1; CO2021011251A2; ES2955238T3; BR112021016016A2

Abstract

A curtain wall comprising: one or more vertical frames (2); one or more horizontal frames (3); ) and optionally assembled in the transverse frame (3), the curtain wall is characterized in that the above-mentioned mullion is at least composed of an inner profile (2C) and an outer profile joined together by one or more plastic profiles (2B) (2A) assembled, wherein at least the inner profile (2C) is substantially made of steel.

Description

Curtain wall

The invention relates to a curtain wall or a curtain wall body.

Curtain walls are structures of mullions and transoms in which panels, typically glass panels, but also dense panels, are provided to form the exterior walls of a building.

A disadvantage of known curtain walls, such as those known from KR 20130075240, is that the mullions and transoms are designed such that they must be built externally as a profile structure. Moreover, the panel must be installed from the outside. When these tasks have to be performed at a height, this is complicated and requires scaffolding or a suspended working platform, which is dangerous for the person performing the task and for the person located below.

Furthermore, the known systems of mullions and transoms require a large number of components and a large number of operations for assembling them.

From US 3,266,210 a curtain wall construction is known, the transverse frames of which are mounted between the vertical frames. In this known construction, the transverse frame is snapped into place in the mullion, which has the disadvantage that the snap-fit of the transverse frame can also be undesirably released again. Another important drawback of this known structure is that it does not provide a solution to the problem of tolerances. For curtain walls, there are two different tolerances, on the one hand manufacturing tolerances due to limitations related to production accuracy and on the other hand placement tolerances due to on-site placement. Manufacturing tolerances include extrusion tolerances and tolerances in the further processing of a particular profile. Furthermore, the transverse frames should be mounted between the vertical frames with clearance at their ends, in order to allow, on the one hand, the reception of the thermal expansions of the transverse frames and, on the other hand, the reception of the uneven settlement of the building, which is unavoidable and is usually a concrete or steel rough structure.

However, this can result in joints between the mullions and transoms being not watertight, resulting in leaks, which is obviously not tolerable for appearance.

The curtain wall construction of US'210 is not very versatile. The curtain wall is only allowed to work with a panel of a predetermined thickness, for example a glass panel.

From WO 2017/201588 a curtain wall is known in which the joint between the transverse frame and the mullion forms a barrier to water, so that water that penetrates into the chambers of the mullion can be directed to the transverse frame and removed to the outside at the transverse frame, for example via a rubber sealing structure that fits against the window. In addition, the system of WO'588 allows working with panels of different thickness (e.g. glass panels) by selecting a suitable glazing bead which holds the panel in question in place along the inside of the curtain wall. The curtain wall in WO'588 may be installed from the interior of a building. The curtain wall of WO'588 may rapidly lose structural strength in a fire.

The curtain wall of KR 20130075240 described above is built at least on the basis of mullions made of roll-formed steel. However, the curtain wall of KR'240 forms a thermal bridge between the inner and outer sides, and as already mentioned, this curtain wall has the disadvantage that it has to be installed from the outer side.

The present invention is first directed to an alternative curtain wall that provides a solution to one or more of the problems of prior art curtain walls according to various preferred embodiments.

To this end, the invention relates to a curtain wall comprising: one or more mullions; one or more cross frames; and a panel, the edges of which are mounted at least in the mullions and optionally in the transoms, wherein one or more mullions extend vertically and are provided on two opposite sides with grooves having access openings, said grooves forming notches fitting the side edges of the panel, wherein the one or more transoms extend horizontally between two mullions and, for example, the ends of the one or more transoms fit in the grooves of the two mullions, characterized in that the mullions are assembled at least from one inside profile and one outside profile joined together by one or more plastic profiles, wherein at least the inside profile is substantially made of steel. Mullions made at least in part of steel increase the stability of the structure even at high temperatures, such as in the case of fire. The plastic profile provides a thermal break between the inner profile and the outer profile.

The steel used may be, for example, stainless steel, galvanized steel, chrome-plated steel or steel with some other coating.

Preferably, the steel itself is corrosion resistant or is protected from corrosion by a coating. The coating may comprise zinc and/or aluminium. The steel may for example be hot dip galvanised or galvanised. In hot dip galvanising, the object may be immersed in a bath of liquid zinc at a temperature of about 450 ℃. After cooling and solidification, the zinc layer is attached to the surface of the steel. In electroplating, the liquid is not heated, but the current provides adhesion. When the protective material is made of zinc, this technique is also called electrolytic galvanizing. In the case where the coating comprises aluminum, aluminum plating may be employed. This technique is of particular interest in the case of curtain walls where high heat resistance is required for the profile. According to a particular example, the corresponding coating is applied using the so-called TSA technique (thermal spraying of aluminum or thermal spraying of a layer of zinc-aluminum).

The curtain wall of the invention can be produced in practice in various ways. According to a first possibility, the inner profile comprises a steel tube. According to a second possibility, the inner profile comprises a roll-formed profile. According to a third possibility, the above-mentioned inner profile comprises a steel tube and a roll-formed profile made of steel. In this last case, the inner profile can be assembled, for example, from a tube and a roll-formed profile fastened to the tube. For example, the fastening may be performed by one or more welded joints and/or threaded joints and/or riveted joints. Purely mechanical hook-type joints are not excluded.

The outer profile may be made substantially of steel or aluminium. Preferably, the outer profile is also made of steel. For this purpose, the same steel or some other steel can be used as the inner profile. Preferably, the steel used is itself rust-resistant or is protected against corrosion by a coating. Preferably, the outer profile comprises a roll-formed profile.

In the case where both the inner and outer profiles are made of steel, the panels of the curtain wall can be retained in the rebates and the risk of the panels falling is limited, even in the event of a substantial increase in temperature, for example in a fire.

Preferably, the plastic profile is fire resistant and/or made of a fibre-reinforced composite material. Such a plastic profile increases the structural stability of the curtain wall at high temperatures, for example in a fire.

Preferably, the resin of the fibre-reinforced composite material is thermosetting. Thus, for example, the plastic profile can be made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, the matrix (in other words the resin) of which is made flame-retardant by the addition of additives and/or fillers. For example, aluminum nitrate or silicon carbide may be added. For example, polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy resin or acrylate may be used as the resin. For example, a resin named Modar may be used. This is a modified acrylate resin. According to another example, the plastic profile can be made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, the matrix of which (in other words the resin) is itself flame-retardant due to its chemical composition. For example, bisphenol (a) polyesters, bisphenol vinyl esters and epoxy resins may be used as the resin.

Preferably, the fibers of the fiber-reinforced composite are inherently flame retardant, as is the case, for example, when the fibers consist of glass fibers, aramid fibers and/or carbon fibers. Aramid fibers are preferably used because these provide enhanced thermal insulation. According to other examples, S-glass fibers, quartz glass fibers, boron, graphite or ceramic fibers are used. These last-mentioned examples are of particular interest when it is desired to increase the resistance to very high temperatures.

Preferably, the inner profile at least partially forms an undercut of the recess, wherein preferably at least one fastening fitting is mounted in the undercut for fixing one or more glazing beads thereto. The fastening accessory may be made of plastic, preferably thermoplastic, such as polyvinyl chloride. Thermoplastics are easy to form, for example by extrusion or injection moulding.

Preferably, the transverse frame is also assembled from at least one inner profile and one outer profile joined together by one or more plastic profiles, wherein at least the inner profile is substantially made of steel. As far as the transverse frame is concerned, the same materials as described above can be used both for the inner profile and for the outer profile and also for the plastic profile.

Preferably, the groove formed in the side edge of the mullion has an elliptical cross-section configured at one or more lateral ends with a rounded cross-section and/or the radius of the rounded shape at one or more lateral ends is no less than 2 millimeters, or even no less than 5 millimeters. Since one or more lateral ends of the undercut groove are configured with a rounded cross-section or with a rounded cross-section of 2 mm or more, or even 5 mm or more, several advantages can be achieved. For example, with the geometry of the undercut groove, it is easier to obtain a completely or partially watertight joint between the above-mentioned horizontal and vertical frames than in the case of an undercut groove with a rectangular cross section. Whereas in the case of an undercut groove having a rectangular cross section, it is difficult to achieve waterproofing at the apex position.

Preferably, at least one end, preferably both ends, of the transverse frame are provided with head members which are in contact with one or more of the above-mentioned transverse ends of the grooves formed in the side edges of the stiles. At said contact location there is preferably a compression of the head part material. By deformation of the surface material of the head piece, a watertight and/or airtight joint between the transom and the mullion can be obtained, even in the presence of geometrical differences between said head piece and the transverse end, for example due to tolerances. Preferably, the head member is made entirely or at least on its surface intended to form the joint, of a material which is more compressible or softer than the material of the above-mentioned transverse frame. The head is preferably constituted by a separate part fixed to the end of the respective transverse frame.

Preferably, the joint between the transom (more particularly the head piece fitted on the transom) and the mullion (more particularly the groove formed in the side edge of the mullion) is produced only by mechanical means, i.e. by positioning the transom (more particularly the head piece) in the groove. Preferably, the joint is disconnectable and reconnectable. Thus, the joint is preferably free of adhesives or other fastening means, such as sealants. As described above, the joint of the head and the channel preferably provides a seal at the connection point between the transom (more specifically, the head) and the mullion (more specifically, the channel formed in the side edge of the mullion).

As is clear from the above, on the above-mentioned end of the transverse frame, a sealing structure is preferably provided, which forms a barrier to water. The barrier preferably includes at least one sealing feature of the groove, wherein the sealing feature is formed at least in part by the header and more particularly by contact of the header with one or more lateral ends of the groove formed in the side edge of the mullion. Preferably, said sealing structure is obtained by connecting the head in question with all the walls of the above-mentioned recess. In other words, the head part is preferably shaped such that it makes contact on both the complete transverse ends and on the innermost transverse wall of the groove.

It should be noted that the sealing structure at the connection point between the horizontal and vertical frames allows for control of the water penetration of each individual facade section or panel, a so-called field effect. When all the joints between the horizontal and vertical frames around the facade section are sealed, preferably at least by the contact between the head and the groove, a so-called field effect is obtained. This field effect allows a simple detection, more particularly a localization, of the cause of the inward water penetration. By means of the field effect, such leakage, i.e. due to infiltration present in the relevant facade section instead of from an adjacent or above facade section, differs from conventional curtain walls, where the leakage water collects over several facade sections in the mullion and is led away. It is clear that the risk of leakage and water ingress in the facade sections has to be minimized or even prevented as much as possible.

Preferably, water from the mullion is directed away through one or more openings formed in the transom, wherein the openings are preferably located at a distance from the mullion, for example, a distance between 10mm and 300 mm. Thereby, the water of each panel or facade section can be drained. As mentioned above, such drainage is advantageous for detecting the cause of any inward water leakage. Inward water leakage is of course not intended and should be emphatically avoided. In this configuration, there is no need for drainage in the mullions, and any penetrating water in the curtain wall is directed out of each facade section.

Preferably, the seal fastening tool is fitted between the head piece and the associated transverse frame, with the head piece being fitted in one or more pieces, but with separate parts fitted on the ends of the transverse frame. The sealing fastening means may be, for example, an elastomeric or plastic sealant and/or a fastening means based on silicone, liquid butyl sealant, or the like. This will prevent water located on the transverse frame from finding its way between the head piece and the transverse frame, for example due to small deformations of the head piece.

As mentioned above, preferably one or more fastening accessories for fastening glazing beads are glued in at least one of the above-mentioned transverse ends, preferably in the transverse end located on the inside of the curtain wall. Gluing of the fastening attachments can simplify the mullion geometry compared to mechanical connection structures in the prior art (e.g., WO 2017/201587). The fitting of the head part on the transverse frame into the groove of the mullion by a rotational movement can be achieved without the blocking of the locking element of the mechanical connection.

Preferably, the fastening attachments are glued in the undercuts of the recesses. Preferably, the first glazing beads are each fastened by first fastening attachments arranged at a distance from one another along the mullion. As described above, gluing of the fastening attachments can make the design of the mullion simpler. This simpler design may be configured to make the cavity in the mullion easier to seal, such as may be done with a groove in the mullion and its side edges, such as by the end or head piece of the transom.

It should also be noted that in the case of fastening accessories fastened to the mullion by mechanical locking, or in other words in the case of fastening accessories fastened by clamps, it is also advantageous for the above-mentioned first glazing beads to be fastened respectively by means of some first fastening accessories arranged at a distance from each other along the mullion.

Preferably, the fastening accessory has a surface with one or more ribs. These ribs preferably form surfaces which are easier to glue in the above-mentioned transverse ends of the groove. The tops of these ribs preferably contact the surface of one of the aforementioned lateral ends of the groove, while there is space between two adjacent ribs for receiving glue or some other curing fastening tool. The transverse ends of the grooves preferably do not have large irregularities in themselves, such as ribs, so that, on the basis of the head part described above, a good seal can still be achieved at the fastening points between the transverse and the vertical frames.

Preferably, the curtain wall of the invention also shows the following features: the aforementioned recess in the side edge of the mullion has an access opening, wherein the access opening has a first fixed dimension or width in the horizontal direction, wherein the transom has a second dimension in the horizontal direction and at right angles to the contour direction of the transom, wherein the second dimension is larger than the first dimension, wherein the transom has a third dimension in a non-horizontal direction at right angles to the contour direction, wherein the third dimension is smaller than the first dimension, such that the end of the transom passes through the access opening in a state where the transom is rotated to the third horizontal direction level, and wherein the transom is provided with a locking element, for example in the form of a movable rod, wherein the mullion is provided with a locking recess for receiving a portion of the aforementioned locking element, for example a portion of the rod, thereby blocking the rotational movement of the transom. The presence of the locking elements of the transverse frame increases the structural stability of the curtain wall in the event of a significant increase in temperature, for example in a fire.

It is clear from the above that the curtain wall of the invention can be constructed so that it can be installed from the inside of a building without much manipulation. For example, the transverse frame is placed in the access opening in a rotated state about its longitudinal axis and then, by rotation, receives the transverse frame in the desired orientation and fixes or snaps it in the undercut groove, wherein preferably an airtight and/or watertight sealing of the undercut groove is achieved. The cross frame may be fixed by the locking member and the locking groove during the construction of the curtain wall. For example, by simple displacement of a locking element, such as a rod or bar, sufficient locking can be achieved to prevent loosening of a transom fitted between the mullions.

Preferably, the inner profile, the plastic profile and the outer profile are fastened to each other, and preferably non-detachably fastened to each other, preferably such that the width of the above-mentioned access opening has a fixed dimension. The relevant mullions extend from the inside of the curtain wall to the outside of the curtain wall and perform all the functions that prior art mullions erected from the outside can have, namely, insulation, drainage, etc. of each facade section. It is clear that the mullions are preferably prefabricated, wherein most of the profile sections fastened to each other are already fastened to each other before the installation of the curtain wall at the construction site. Preferably, the mullion is delivered as an assembled whole to the building site on the one hand and/or the transom is delivered as an assembled whole to the building site on the other hand. The possibility of working with prefabricated mullions, through which drainage of each facade section can still be achieved, is unique according to the preferred embodiment, and the curtain wall of the present invention can provide an ideal solution for this.

The mounting of the curtain wall of the present invention (i.e., the fastening of the transoms and mullions together) is preferably threadless. Preferably, an airtight and/or watertight seal is obtained at the fastening points between the transom and the mullion, for example, only by the above-mentioned contact between the optional head piece on the transom and the groove in the side edge of the mullion.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more walls of the groove are provided with a recess in which a portion of the transverse frame is located, wherein the transverse frame is vertically supported by a bottom edge of said recess. The recess preferably extends in a horizontal direction through one or more transverse walls which delimit the undercut of the groove. This is a simple way of obtaining a fastened horizontal and vertical frame without additional fasteners. In addition, such suspension allows the transverse frame to have some clearance in the direction of its profile, which is desirable for absorbing stresses in the curtain wall. The transom "hangs" in this recess and is preferably supported on the mullion at both the front and inside. Thereby, the load on the horizontal frame is transmitted to the vertical frame.

The recesses may be formed in the mullion by milling, punching or cutting.

In another preferred embodiment, the cross frame is Z-profiled and has a vertical first leg projecting upwardly and located on the inside of the cross frame, a vertical second leg projecting downwardly and located on the outside of the cross frame, and a horizontal connector between the first and second legs. Thus, the vertical legs provide sufficient rigidity, while the horizontal connectors leave sufficient space for mounting the panels above the cross frame. In addition, such a cross frame limits inward water penetration. The height of the vertical first leg is preferably 20 mm or more, so that only at a pressure difference of 200Pa there is a risk that water on the cross frame moves inwards due to the hydrodynamic pressure difference.

Preferably, in order to prevent the rotation of the cross frame, the above-described locking groove having a locking member (e.g., a lever) therein is fitted to the inner side of the second leg. This makes it possible to easily move the rods from the inside, in other words from the base plate against which the curtain wall is fitted, when constructing the curtain wall.

Preferably, the grooves have different depths on different sides of the mullion. This makes it possible to place the panel from the inside also by fitting it obliquely in the deepest recess, then setting it in the desired orientation and then moving it towards the shallow recess.

Preferably, the panel is a glass panel. According to one particular embodiment, the panel is a so-called "smart glazing" panel, i.e. a glass panel whose transparency, reflection, heat transfer or other characteristics can be adjusted on the basis of an electronic signal.

It is clear that the outside of the curtain wall is the side exposed to the atmospheric influences.

As mentioned above, in horizontal section the groove preferably has an undercut and, irrespective of its entry opening, the groove preferably has an elongated shape whose lateral ends preferably have a rounded arch section or are configured with a rounded arch of 2 mm or more.

In another preferred embodiment, the horizontal and vertical frames define rectangular openings, wherein one or more panels are placed in the openings, thereby closing the openings, wherein the one or more panels are secured by a first glazing bead secured to the mullion by a first fastening accessory, wherein the first fastening attachment and the mullion are arranged to enable fastening of the first fastening attachment to the mullion, preferably as described above, the first fastening accessory is secured by gluing it in the undercut groove, or by clamping the first fastening accessory with a mechanical locking element, the first fastening fitting and the first glazing bead are preferably arranged such that the glazing bead can be fixed by snapping the first glazing bead onto the first fastening fitting. In this way, the first glazing bead can be easily fastened simply by snapping. This makes it possible to assemble the panels from the inside. As noted above, it is preferred to use some fastening attachments spaced along the mullion.

According to an alternative to fixing the fastening accessory by gluing or in combination with it, the first fastening accessory and the mullion may be arranged to be able to fix the first fastening accessory by snapping to the mullion in a direction at right angles to the plane of the panel in question, wherein the first fastening accessory and the first glazing bead are arranged to be able to fix the first glazing bead by snapping to the first fastening accessory in a direction parallel to the plane of the panel in question. Preferably, however, the fastening attachments are attached to the mullions only by gluing. The mounting of the fastening attachments on the mullions may be performed prior to installation of the corresponding mullions, for example as part of a prefabricated mullion, and so delivered to the site. However, the fastening attachments may also be fixed to the mullions after installation of the mullions, for example in combination with placement of the panels and/or glazing beads.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first glazing bead and one or more of the mullions are arranged such that the first glazing bead rests on the mullion on the side thereof facing away from the panel.

In another preferred embodiment, the one or more panels are secured by a second glazing bead secured to the transverse frame by a second fastening accessory, wherein the second fastening accessory and the one or more transverse frames are arranged such that the second fastening accessory can be secured to the transverse frame, wherein the second fastening accessory and the second glazing bead are arranged such that the second glazing bead can be snapped onto the second fastening accessory. Thus, the advantages mentioned in relation to the first glazing bead and the mullion also apply to the transoms and the second glazing beads. It is clear that the fastening attachment for the second glazing bead can be fixed to the transverse frame in a similar way to the fastening attachment for the first glazing bead to the mullion.

Preferably, the first fastening attachment and/or the second fastening attachment are made of plastic, for example PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PA (polyamide), PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and the first glazing bead is preferably made of aluminum.

In order to better illustrate the characteristics of the invention, some preferred embodiments are described below, by way of example and without any limitative character, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a curtain wall that illustrates some of the features of the present invention but does not form a part of the present invention;

figures 2 and 3 show, on a larger scale, sections taken along the section lines II-II and III-III respectively shown in figure 1;

fig. 4 and 5 show in perspective a head piece which can be fitted on the end of a transverse frame according to the invention;

figures 6 and 7 show in section along the line VI-VI according to figure 1 how the transverse frame with the head part fits in the undercut groove;

FIG. 8 illustrates, in a view similar to FIG. 3, a curtain wall incorporating features of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows an alternative in the same view;

FIG. 10 illustrates, on a larger scale, a section of a curtain wall incorporating features of the invention taken along the line X-X shown in FIG. 1; and

fig. 11 and 12 show a variant with the features of the invention in a view similar to that of fig. 8 and 10, respectively.

Fig. 1 shows a curtain wall 1 being built. The curtain wall 1 comprises mullions 2 and transoms 3. A panel 4, such as a glazing pane, is fixed by its edges 5 in the mullions 2 and transoms 3. The mullion 2 extends vertically, and the transom 3 extends horizontally. In this example, the mullions and transoms are profiles 2-3 that are pre-fabricated for delivery to the site. The complete curtain wall 1 including the panels 4 can be installed from the inside.

Fig. 2 shows that the mullion 2 is provided with an undercut groove 7 with access openings 8 on two opposite sides 6. The groove 7 forms a notch (rebate) into which the side edge 5 of the above-mentioned panel 4 can be fitted. The transverse frame 3 extends horizontally between the two vertical frames 2. The illustrated mullion 2 includes several profiled sections 2A-2B-2C fastened to one another and not detachable from one another, including profiled section 2B that forms a thermal break.

Fig. 3 shows the end of the transverse frame 3 secured in the above-mentioned groove 7 of the mullion 2. For this purpose, a head part 9 is fitted on the end of the transverse frame 3.

The undercut recess 7 has a rectangular section which is configured at one or more transverse ends 10 with a rounded section, and in this case the radius of the rounded shape at the transverse end 10 is not less than 2 mm. Fig. 2 and 3 clearly show that the rectangular section is oriented with its long axis 11 transverse or even perpendicular to the panel 4.

As shown in fig. 2, the above-mentioned panels 4 are fixed along the inner side 12 of the curtain wall 1 by glazing beads 13, which are herein fastened to the above-mentioned mullion 2, for example by fastening accessories 14, to which the respective glazing beads 13 can be fixed by means of mechanical locking means 15, more particularly by means of snapping or snapping, preferably as explained in more detail in WO 2017/201587. In this example, the fastening attachments 14 are glued to the mullions 2 at the location of the lateral ends 10 of the undercut grooves 7 on the internal side 12 of the curtain wall 1. For this purpose, the fastening attachment 14 is provided, in this example, with a surface with ribs 16, the tops of which are in contact with the surface of the respective transverse end 10, while between two adjacent ribs there is a space for accommodating glue or some other curing fastening tool. The lateral ends 10 of the undercut grooves 7 themselves are free of irregularities such as ribs.

It should be noted that the fastening attachments 14 can be made as long or almost as long as the glazing beads 13 for which they are intended. Preferably, however, the glazing beads 13 are fixed by several fastening attachments 14 arranged at a distance above one another, for example by three fastening attachments per glazing bead 13. This construction forms an example of the second independent aspect mentioned in the introduction. For example, the fastening attachments 14 can extend in each case over a distance of 2cm to 20cm, for example over a distance of approximately 5cm, in the mullion 2, wherein the distance between two adjacent fastening attachments 14 is 10cm to 50cm, for example 20cm to 30 cm.

Fig. 3 clearly shows that the head 9 has a geometry complementary to the cross section of the undercut groove 7 and in this example contacts the two lateral ends 10 of the undercut groove. As mentioned above, due to said contact, a watertight and/or airtight joint is formed between the horizontal 3 and vertical 2 frames. Preferably, for example, here the contact between the head part 9 and the undercut groove 7 is made over the entire circumference of the wall of the undercut groove 7.

Fig. 4 and 5 show a perspective view of the head part 9 used in fig. 3. The head part 9 comprises openings 17 along which a sealing fastening tool can be applied or injected. The fastening means is used to provide a barrier to moisture located on the cross frame 3 which would otherwise find its way between the cross frame 3 and the head member 9.

Fig. 6 shows a view of the transverse frame 3 fitted with the head part 9 initially from the upper side and/or at an angle between the two stiles 2, i.e. the head part 9 is located in the undercut groove 7. The transverse frame 3 and the head part 9 are then rotated into the final position shown in fig. 7 at the location of the recess 18 in the mullion 2, for example in a manner similar to that described in more detail in WO 2017/201589. During this rotational movement W, compression of preferably the material of the head part 9 may occur at the contact between the respective head part 9 and the undercut groove 7, so that the sealing effect at the connection or fastening point between the transverse frame 3 and the vertical frame 2 may be improved.

Fig. 6 and 7 clearly show that the undercut groove 7 has an entry opening 8 whose width B1 in the horizontal direction H is smaller than the width B2 of the transverse frame 3 measured in the horizontal direction H at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the transverse frame 3. In a non-horizontal direction, for example in a vertical direction V at right angles to the longitudinal direction, the dimension a of the transverse frame 3 is smaller than the width B1 of the access opening 8 of the undercut groove 7, so that the end of the transverse frame 3 passes through the access opening 8 in the rotated state, for example in the state in fig. 6. Preferably the horizontal 3 and/or vertical 2 frames also comprise means for locking the rotation of the horizontal frame 3 in the final position, such as the means shown in figure 7. Although not shown here, the tool may be constructed similarly to that described in more detail in WO 2017/201589.

It is clear that the assembly of the mullions 2 and transoms 3 and the installation of the panels 4 can be carried out completely without screws and from the inside 12 of the building, still obtaining an airtight and/or watertight joint of the mullions 2 and transoms 3. In this way, a field effect for drainage is obtained as mentioned in the introduction.

Fig. 6 and 7 further show that the transverse frame 3 also comprises several profile sections 3A-3B-3C fastened to each other and not detachable from each other, among which profile sections 3B forming a thermal break. Preferably, the transverse frame 3 is prefabricated or, in other words, is delivered to the site in an assembled state.

It is also clear from this example that the undercut grooves 7 on the opposite edges 6 of the mullion 2 are preferably of different depths. This construction allows the panel 4 (e.g. for a glazing panel 4) to be brought into the curtain wall 1 by a so-called slip technique, where one edge of the panel 4 fits into the deepest undercut groove 7, the panel is rotated in the plane of the glazing panel and then pushed into the shallower undercut groove 7. The glazing is preferably fixed in its final position at least by means of the glazing beads 13 described above.

Fig. 6 and 7 clearly show that the transverse frame 3 can be configured with at least one first leg 19 which projects upwards and is located on the inner side of the transverse frame 3, and preferably with a second leg 20 which projects downwards and is located on the outer side of the transverse frame 3. The one or more legs 19-20 provide additional bending strength of the profile. The first leg 19 preferably has a height H1 of 20 mm or more so that there is only a risk of water moving inwards on the transverse frame 3 at a hydrodynamic pressure difference of 200 Pa.

Fig. 8 shows a curtain wall 1 having the features of the invention. In this case, the inner profile 2C of the mullion 2 is made of steel. More particularly, in this case the inner profile 2C is made of a roll-formed steel profile. The inner profile 2C is connected to the outer profile 2A via two heat-insulated plastic profiles 2B, which in this example are also made of steel (in particular roll-formed steel profiles). In addition, the figure shows similar components and features as in fig. 2. The actual configuration of the fastening attachments 14 and glazing beads 13 may be the same as or similar to those of the example in fig. 2. As in the above example, the panel 4 is secured at its edges in the recess 7 by means of glazing beads having a sealing structure 21, more particularly a rubber sealing structure, for example made of EPDM.

Fig. 9 shows another example, in which the inner profile 2C itself is assembled from a steel tube 22 and a roll-formed profile 2D fixed thereto. Tube 22 represents a hollow profile having a closed perimeter. Assembling the

profile portions

2C and 2D together results in a geometry similar to the profile 2C in fig. 8.

Fig. 9 also shows that the fastening attachment 14 can extend over the entire distance between the two opposite lateral edges 10 of the recess 7. At the location of the two opposite lateral edges 10, the fastening attachment 14 may be glued or may be fastened in some other way, for example by a mechanical hook or snap connection. The actual construction of glazing beads 13 may be the same as or similar to the example of figure 2.

Fig. 10 shows an example of a transverse frame 3, which, according to a preferred embodiment, as shown here, can be assembled from at least one steel inner profile 3C, at least one plastic profile 2B, and an outer profile 2A. In addition, the transverse frame 3 has similar features to the transverse frame 3 shown in the context of fig. 6 and 7.

It should also be noted that along the outside of the curtain wall 1, the transverse frame 3 may be covered by a separate profile 23. This separate profile 23 may also be made of steel or of some other material such as aluminium. In the example of fig. 10, the individual profile 23 also comprises a rubber sealing structure 21 which is in contact with the edge of the panel on the underside of the panel 4. This need not necessarily be the case, the separate profile 23 may perform only an aesthetic function, while the rubber sealing structure 21 on the underside of the panel 4 may then be fastened, for example, on the outer profile 2A.

Fig. 11 shows a variant of a mullion 2, whose features are essentially the same as those described on the basis of fig. 8, but in which an inner profile 2C made of a roll-formed steel profile is connected to an outer profile 2A via only one heat-insulated plastic profile 2B, which in this case is also made of a roll-formed steel profile.

Fig. 12 shows a variant of the transverse frame 3, which has substantially the same features as described on the basis of fig. 10.

It should also be noted that the above mentioned inner side 12 of the curtain wall 1 refers to the part of the curtain wall 1 facing the interior of the building, i.e. the parts of the transverse frames 3 and the vertical frames 2 facing the interior of the building. This inner side 12 does not necessarily start at the innermost surface of the curtain wall 1 but after the plane of the glazing.

The present invention is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments and such curtain walls may be manufactured while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A curtain wall, comprising: one or more mullions (2); one or more transverse frames (3); and panels (4-4A), the edges (5) of which are fitted at least in the mullions (2) and optionally in the transoms (3), wherein the one or more mullions (2) extend vertically and are provided on two opposite sides (6) with a groove (7) having an access opening (8), which groove (7) forms a slot in which the side edges (5) of the panels (4-4A) are fitted, wherein the one or more transoms (3) extend horizontally between two mullions (2) and, for example, the ends of which are fitted in the grooves (7) of the two mullions (2), characterized in that the mullions are assembled at least from an inside profile (2C) and an outside profile (2A) joined together by one or more plastic profiles (2B), wherein at least the inner contour (2C) is essentially made of steel.

2. Curtain wall according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner profile (2C) comprises a steel tube (22).

3. Curtain wall according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the inner profile (2C) comprises a roll-formed profile.

4. Curtain wall according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer profile (2A) is substantially made of steel or aluminium.

5. Curtain wall according to claim 4, characterised in that the outer profile (2A) is substantially made of steel and comprises a roll-formed profile.

6. The curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner profile (2C) at least partially forms an undercut of the groove (7), wherein preferably at least one fastening accessory (14) is mounted in the undercut for fixing one or more glazing beads (13) thereon.

7. Curtain wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plastic profile (2B) is fire-resistant and/or made of fibre-reinforced composite material.

8. Curtain wall according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transverse frame (3) is also assembled from at least an inner profile (3C) and an outer profile (3A) joined together by one or more plastic profiles (3B), wherein at least the inner profile (3C) is substantially made of steel.