SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FASTENING FACADE PANELS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for mounting facade panels to a substrate.

[0002] Facade panels are attached to a substrate, usually a wall, using fasteners such as screws. To ensure that the facade panels can be installed precisely and without damage, while still allowing the facade panels to move to a certain extent relative to the fastening points—for example, due to thermal changes—centering devices have been developed, as described, for example, in WO 2017 / 125166 A1. A prior-art fastening device is shown in document FR 2 558 903 A.

[0003] However, there is still a need to simplify the installation of facade panels and improve the quality of installation.

[0004] This object is achieved by the invention defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims and the following detailed description.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the problem is solved by a system for mounting facade panels, which comprises a centering sleeve and a fastening element. The fastening element has a shaft and a head.

[0006] The centering sleeve is a sleeve that is placed in a hole in the facade panel to be installed. It has an assembly aid that makes it easier for the installer to place the fastening element that is intended to hold the facade panel in the middle of the hole - i.e., centered. In the present invention, the assembly aid is an opening in the base of the centering sleeve. This opening does not necessarily have to be present in the base from the start; it can also be formed during assembly. In the context of the present invention, the hole in the facade panel with which the facade panel is attached to a substrate is referred to as a hole, regardless of how this hole was formed. The hole can therefore have been drilled into the facade panel, formed in the facade panel by another process, or the facade panel can, for example, have been manufactured directly with the hole.

[0007] The centering sleeve also has a collar that rests on the edge of the hole on the outer side of the facade panel—that is, the side facing away from the substrate when installed. For the purposes of the present invention, sides facing away from the substrate are also referred to as top sides. When installed, the head of the fastener can rest on the top side of this collar. This prevents the outer surface of the facade panel from being damaged by the head of the fastener during installation and movement of the facade panel relative to the fastener.

[0008] In the present invention, the fastening element has a drill bit. The use of the drill bit enables faster and clean installation of the facade panel. In the prior art methods, a hole is drilled into the substrate before the fastening element is inserted. This is not only an additional process step that makes installation more complex, but drilling the hole also creates drilling dust, which reaches the surface and thus onto the facade panel during drilling and when the drill is removed from the hole. If the drilling dust gets between the centering sleeve and the facade panel, for example, or between the fastening element and the facade panel, it can cause scratches and dents during further installation. This is prevented by the present invention.

[0009] Since in the present invention the fastening element is arranged in the opening in the base of the centering sleeve during installation, the base of the centering sleeve prevents drilling dust, which may be created when the drill bit creates a borehole in the substrate, from reaching the surface, i.e. the outer side of the substrate and thus the facade panel. The base with the opening in which the shaft of the fastening element is arranged during installation acts like a shield. While the borehole is being created in the substrate, i.e. while the drilling dust is being created, the underside of the base of the centering sleeve is preferably at a distance from the substrate. This allows the drilling dust to pass unhindered from the borehole to the surface, i.e. the upper side of the substrate, and to spread in a gap between the facade panel and the substrate.However, the drilling dust does not, or at most only a very small proportion of the drilling dust, get into the centering sleeve, so that the drilling dust does not prevent or hinder the relative movement between the fastening element and the centering sleeve or the bore of the facade panel in which the centering sleeve is arranged.

[0010] The gap between the underside of the facade panel and the top side of the substrate arises because a soft, compressible material is often placed as an intermediate layer between the substrate and the facade panel. Cellular rubber, such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), can be used as an example. The soft, compressible material can be designed as an elongated strip, for example, and arranged parallel to the substructure. Currently, it is common practice to use a strip with a width of 10 mm. However, those skilled in the art are also aware of other ways in which the intermediate layer can be expediently designed. For example, the material can have a ring-shaped geometry and be arranged around the hole in the facade panel.The compressibility of the intermediate layer compensates for the manufacturing-related thickness tolerance of the facade panels and the swelling and shrinkage behavior under weather influences.

[0011] By using the drill bit on the fastener, it's no longer necessary to remove the drill bit from the hole. However, this was also a major cause of drilling dust on the facade panel in the prior art.

[0012] The substrate can essentially consist of any common building material. One example is a substrate made of support profiles. L-profiles or T-profiles can be used for this. The support profiles are preferably made of a metal, such as aluminum or steel. However, the substrate can also consist of wood or a wood-based material. The drill bit and / or a thread of the fastener can be specifically designed depending on the material and nature of the substrate.

[0013] To ensure that the facade panel can be moved equally in all directions relative to the fastening element after the fastening element has been installed, the base of the centering sleeve is connected to the remaining centering sleeve by means of at least one predetermined breaking point. This predetermined breaking point separates the base from the remaining centering sleeve. The base remains attached to the fastening element, and the remaining centering sleeve can move with the facade panel relative to the fastening element and the base. This allows the base to continue to prevent any drilling dust from reaching the surface. Furthermore, this design enables relative movement without breaking the assembly aid into individual particles.This is because releasing the floor via at least one predetermined breaking point is a very clean solution compared to the state of the art, since the predetermined breaking point means that the assembly aid does not normally lead to individual particles, which in turn can cause scratches on the surface of the facade panels, as is the case with the state of the art, or can hinder the desired relative movement.

[0014] In the fastening system according to the invention, the shank of the fastening element also has a projection. This projection causes the base to release at the predetermined breaking point when the fastening element is in a predetermined position relative to the base of the centering sleeve. Within the scope of the present invention, the fastening element moves in an assembly direction that substantially corresponds to the axis of the fastening element during assembly. The assembly direction extends along this axis in the direction from the outer surface of the facade panel to the substrate. Within the scope of the present invention, this outer surface of the facade panel is also referred to as the top side of the facade panel, while the inner surface of the facade panel, which is closer to the substrate, is referred to as the bottom side.Similarly, the top of the collar or base is the side facing away from the substrate, and the bottom is the side facing the substrate. Depending on the fastener's position along the installation direction, different processes occur. One of these processes is the release of the base at the predetermined breaking point.

[0015] This projection ensures that when the fastener moves towards the subsurface relative to the centering sleeve and the projection rests against the base of the centering sleeve, a force is exerted on the base of the centering sleeve until it detaches from the rest of the centering sleeve. The collar of the centering sleeve acts as a counterforce and prevents the projection from moving the entire centering sleeve, rather than just the soil, towards the subsurface. This detachment can occur at a time when the drill bit has essentially completed drilling the hole and almost no more drilling dust is being generated. In addition, at this point the head of the fastener can already be in close proximity to the collar of the centering sleeve, reducing the likelihood of any drilling dust reaching the surface.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the projection is annularly formed on the shaft of the fastening element. This has the advantage that the pressure from the fastening element is evenly transferred to the ground. Furthermore, the annular projection can close any gap between the shaft of the fastening element and the ground.

[0017] Depending on the design of the centering sleeve relative to the facade panel, it may be that loosening the base is sufficient to enable relative mobility. This is the case, for example, if the distance between the underside of the collar and the top side of the base on the centering sleeve is greater than the thickness of the facade panel to be installed. In this case, the base is always located below the facade panel and thus does not influence the relative movement between the facade panel and the fastening element after loosening. In this case, the centering sleeve preferably has a continuous circumferential wall, at least in the area that protrudes below the facade panel, to prevent drilling dust from reaching the facade panel via a gap between the base and the facade panel.

[0018] However, if the base of the centering sleeve is located between the top and bottom of the facade panel, simply loosening the base is not sufficient to enable relative movement. In this case, after loosening the base, the fastener continues to move in the installation direction, and the projection ensures that the base is also moved toward the substrate relative to the fastener. The fastener is then preferably designed such that the head of the fastener only rests on the collar of the remaining centering sleeve when the base is below the bottom of the facade panel.

[0019] This unique fastening system enables quick and clean installation of facade panels.

[0020] The head of the fastening element preferably has a tool holder. The fastening element preferably has a thread between the drill bit and the projection. Furthermore, the fastening element preferably has a thread-free area between the thread and the projection.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the centering sleeve and the fastening element are designed such that the projection of the fastening element moves the base of the centering sleeve down to the substrate during assembly. In this position, the unthreaded area between the thread and the projection is preferably located in the substrate. In this position, the projection of the fastening element, if necessary in interaction with the base of the centering sleeve, ensures that a fastening element aligned at an angle - i.e. not at a right angle - to the surface of the substrate is aligned at a right angle. To do this, the fitter can, for example, deliberately overtighten the fastening element; however, this does not lead to damage to the threads because the unthreaded area is located in the substrate.This alignment not only ensures that the head of the fastening element rests smoothly on the facade panel or collar, but the interaction between the projection and the substrate also ensures increased load-bearing capacity of the connection and increased installation safety.

[0022] Within the scope of the present invention, the centering sleeve between the collar and the base can be designed in different ways. For example, a number of webs can be arranged between the collar and the base, connecting the collar to the base. However, it is also possible, for example, for the collar and the base to be connected to one another by a surrounding wall. However, the surrounding wall does not necessarily have to extend over the entire distance between the base and the collar. For example, the surrounding wall can only be located near the base, with other means, such as the webs, extending over the rest of the distance. However, compared to webs, such a surrounding wall has the disadvantage that the relative movement between the fastening element and the hole in the facade panel is restricted in all directions by the thickness of the surrounding wall.This is not necessarily the case when using the webs, especially if the webs have a geometry, for example a triangular geometry, which, when the fastener collides with one of the webs, guides the fastener and the web past each other.

[0023] The problem is also solved by a method for mounting a facade panel to a substrate. A centering sleeve and a fastening element are arranged in a bore of a facade panel. The centering sleeve and the fastening element can, for example, first be arranged inside each other and then together in the bore of the facade panel. However, it is also possible, for example, to first arrange the centering sleeve in the bore of the facade panel and then the fastening element in the centering sleeve. The centering sleeve has a collar and a base with an opening. The fastening element has a head, a shaft, and a drill bit.

[0024] During the process, the fastener is driven into the substrate. This driving is carried out using the fastener's drill bit. The drill bit drills a hole in the substrate. During driving, the fastener is secured in the substrate. During driving, the fastener's shaft is positioned in the opening in the ground.

[0025] During the process, a predetermined breaking point between the base of the centering sleeve and the remaining centering sleeve is released. This occurs with the help of a projection on the fastener's shank when the fastener is in a predetermined position relative to the base of the centering sleeve.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Further details, features, and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the described exemplary embodiments. They show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a centering sleeve as shown in Figure 1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastening element as shown in Figure 1 is shown, and Figure 4 shows the mounting of a facade panel on a substrate using the Figure 1 fastening system shown.

[0027] Figure 1shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the system 1 according to the present invention. The system comprises a centering sleeve 2 and a fastening element 3. The centering sleeve 2 is designed to be arranged in a bore, for example, in a facade panel, in a predefined position and to enable the fastening element 3 to be arranged relative to the bore—preferably centrally in the bore.

[0028] Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of the already in Figure 1 shown centering sleeve 2. The centering sleeve 2 has a collar 21 and a base 22. The base 22 is connected to the rest of the centering sleeve 2 via at least one predetermined breaking point 23. In the Figure 2In the example shown, the centering sleeve has three webs 24 arranged between the collar 21 and the base 22. The base 22 is connected to one of the webs 24 via a predetermined breaking point 23. The use of several webs 24, as in Figure 2 shown, but this is only one possibility. Those skilled in the art are also aware of other means for arranging the base 22 relative to the collar 21. One alternative, for example, is the use of a surrounding wall.

[0029] The bottom 22 of the centering sleeve 2 has an opening 25. This opening 25 is designed to receive the shaft 31 of the fastening element 3 of the fastening system 1.

[0030] Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the already in Figure 11 shows a fastening element 3 shown as it can be used in the context of the present invention. The fastening element 3 has a shaft 31 and a head 32. The fastening element 3 also has a drill bit 33 designed to drill a hole into a substrate. A projection 34 is arranged on the shaft 31 of the fastening element 3.

[0031] The Figure 3 The embodiment of the fastening element 3 shown has a thread 35 on the shaft 31 after the drill tip 33 and a thread-free area 36 is located between the thread 35 and the projection 34.

[0032] The head 32 of the fastening element 3 is designed to rest on the collar 21 of the centering sleeve 2. For this purpose, the head 32, in the illustrated embodiment, has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the collar 21. The head 32 also has a tool holder 37.

[0033] Figure 4 shows in several steps the assembly of a facade panel 10 on a substrate 11 with the aid of the Figures 1 to 3 shown system 1.

[0034] Figure 4a shows the facade panel 10 with the underlying substrate 11. In the implementation shown here, the intermediate layer 12 described above is located between the facade panel 10 and the substrate 11.

[0035] The centering sleeve 2 is arranged in a hole in the facade panel 10. The collar 21 of the centering sleeve 2 lies at the edge of the hole on the outer surface of the facade panel 10, i.e. the surface facing away from the substrate, which is also referred to as the upper side. Figure 4In the embodiment of the centering sleeve 2 shown, the base 22 of the centering sleeve 2 lies on a plane with the inner surface of the facade panel 10, i.e., the surface of the facade panel 10 facing the substrate, which is also referred to as the underside. However, this is only one possible embodiment. It is also possible, for example, for the base 22 of the centering sleeve 2 to be arranged at a distance from the underside of the facade panel 10 in the bore of the facade panel 10. Furthermore, it is also possible for the base 22 to be arranged below the underside of the facade panel 10, i.e., between the underside of the facade panel 10 and the substrate 11.In the latter case, however, it is expedient if the base 22 has a continuous shell surface which closes any gap between the underside of the facade panel and the base 22 in order to prevent drilling dust from passing past the base 22 to the outer surface of the facade panel.

[0036] As in Figure 4aAs shown, the fastening element 3 is arranged in the centering sleeve 2. The shaft 31 of the fastening element 3 with the drill bit 33 is guided through the opening 25 in the base 22 of the centering sleeve 2 and by rotating the fastening element 3, a hole is drilled into the substrate 11 with the drill bit 33. The base 22 of the centering sleeve 2 prevents drilling dust from reaching the outer surface of the facade panel 10. Preferably, the diameter of the opening 25 in the base 22 is designed such that it is only slightly larger than the diameter of the drill bit 33 of the fastening element 3. This centers the drill bit 33 during assembly, but the rotation of the fastening element 3 does not cause the centering sleeve 2 to rotate.Furthermore, the opening 25 in the base 22 of the centering sleeve 2 is designed such that the base 22 only detaches from the rest of the centering sleeve 2 when the projection 34 of the fastening element 3 rests against the base 22. The two diameters are preferably also matched to one another such that the gap between the opening 25 and the shaft 31 is so small during assembly that essentially no drilling dust enters the centering sleeve 2.

[0037] As in Figure 4bAs shown, there is a point in time during assembly at which the drill bit 33 has drilled the hole in the substrate 11 and at which the projection 34 then rests against the base 22 of the centering sleeve 2. By further rotating the fastening element 3, it is moved further towards the substrate 11, for example with the support of the thread 35 of the fastening element. In this case, the projection 34 of the fastening element 3 presses against the base 22 until it detaches from the remaining centering sleeve 2 at the at least one predetermined breaking point 23.

[0038] Figure 4cnow shows the released base 22 of the centering sleeve 2, which is moved by the fastening element 3, in particular its projection 34, moving further in the assembly direction toward the substrate 11 and thus beneath the inner surface of the facade element 10. The base 22 is thus in a position in which it does not impede the relative movement between the facade panel 10 and the centering sleeve 2 arranged therein relative to the fastening element 3.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element 3 is moved in the mounting direction until the projection 34 presses the base 22 against the surface of the substrate 11. This position is in Figure 4d shown. For example, the intermediate layer 12 arranged between the underside of the facade panel 10 and the upper side of the substrate 11 can be compressed, as shown in Figure 4dAs shown, this pressing against the substrate aligns the fastening element 3 at right angles to the substrate 11. Furthermore, this position also ensures increased load-bearing capacity of the connection and increased installation reliability.

Claims

1. System (1) for mounting facade panels (10), comprising a centring sleeve (2) with a collar (21) and a base (22) and a fastening element (3) with a head (32), a shaft (31) and a drill bit (33), characterized in that the base (22) of the centring sleeve (2) is connected to the rest of the centring sleeve by means of at least one predetermined breaking point (23) and wherein the base (22) comprises an opening (25) in which the shaft (31) of the fastening element (3) is arranged during mounting and wherein the shaft (31) of the fastening element (3) comprises a projection (34) which causes a release of the base (22) at the predetermined breaking point (23) when the fastening element (3) is in a predetermined position relative to the base (22) of the centring sleeve (2).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, wherein the projection (35) is formed annularly on the shaft (31) of the fastening element.

3. System (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the head (32) of the fastening element (3) comprises a tool receptacle (37).

4. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (31) of the fastening element (3) comprises a thread (35) between the drill bit (33) and the projection (34).

5. System (1) according to claim 4, wherein the shaft (31) of the fastening element (3) comprises a thread-free region (36) between the projection (34) and the thread (35).

6. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein bars (24) are arranged between the base (22) and the collar (21) of the centring sleeve (2), which bars (24) connect the base (22) to the collar (21).

7. Method for mounting facade panels (10), comprising arranging a centring sleeve (2) and a fastening element (3) in a bore of a facade panel (10), wherein the centring sleeve (2) comprises a collar (21) and a base (22) with an opening (25) and the fastening element (3) comprises a head (32), a shaft (31) and a drill bit (33), placing the fastening element (3) in a substrate (11) by means of the drill bit (33), wherein the shaft (31) of the fastening element (3) is arranged in the opening (25) in the base (22) of the centring sleeve (2), releasing a predetermined breaking point (23) between the base (22) of the centring sleeve (2) and the rest of the centring sleeve by means of a projection (34) of the shaft (31) of the fastening element (3) when the fastening element (3) is in a predetermined position relative to the base (22) of the centring sleeve (2).