Connector for connecting hollow profiles

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (1) for connecting hollow profiles, in particular for facades, roofs, windows or doors, wherein the connector (1) has at least one connecting element (2) made of metal, in particular light metal such as aluminium, and at least one cooling element (3) made of a heat-absorbing material, wherein the at least one cooling element (3) is arranged directly adjacent to a side surface of the connecting element (2), in particular directly adjacent to an outer surface and / or inner surface of the connecting element (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to profile arrangements, in particular facades or skylights, in fire protection design.

[0002] A profile assembly of this type is used, for example, in facade or window systems, preferably to connect two profiles "butt-to-butt." This involves a so-called butt connector, which is attached to the first profile and inserted into a cavity in the second profile, where it is secured.

[0003] The butt connector is initially connected to the first profile by means of a positive connection, for example, through a combination of a T-shaped profile of the butt connector and a C-shaped groove of the first profile. Essentially, the butt connector can initially be moved in the groove but can no longer be pulled out. Finally, the butt connector is fixed in one position, usually using a so-called punch screw. The punch screw has a screw head, a threaded section, and a punch pin. The punch pin is cylindrical and has a smaller diameter, usually a significantly smaller diameter, than the threaded section.

[0004] To connect two mitered hollow profiles, it is known from facade construction to use a single- or multi-part corner connector. For example, such a corner connector is known from the publication EP 2 154 323 A2. It can be used to create a connection between two mitered hollow profiles. The corner connector is inserted into the hollow profiles. An adhesive is applied between the corner connector and the hollow profiles to ensure a reliable connection.

[0005] In order for a profile arrangement, and in particular a facade or window arrangement, to meet fire protection requirements, measures must be taken to reduce the outbreak or spread of fire. Weak points within a facade system, for example in a curtain wall, are undivided mullions and transoms in the area of ceilings or partition walls, their connections to the building structure, and in particular corner or butt connectors that serve to connect two hollow profiles. In the event of a fire, deformations due to high temperatures in these areas must be structurally compensated. To reduce heat spread, materials that foam and seal when exposed to heat, or evaporative materials that reduce heat spread, can be used.

[0006] However, the use of such materials in the area of a butt or corner connector is problematic, as the design limits the available space in this area. The integration of such heat-reducing materials in a corner or butt connector inevitably requires a smaller corner or butt connector, which ultimately has a negative impact on the achievable load-bearing capacity of the window or facade construction.

[0007] A connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1 is known from document EP 2 199 524 A2.

[0008] Based on this problem, the invention is based on the object of specifying a connector for connecting hollow profiles, in particular for facades, roofs, windows or doors, wherein the connector is designed in a fire protection design, whereby the achievable load-bearing capacity of the connector is nevertheless not reduced.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a connector for connecting hollow profiles, in particular for facades, roofs, windows or doors, wherein the connector has at least one connecting element made of metal, in particular light metal such as aluminum, and at least one cooling element made of a heat-binding material.

[0011] In this regard, it is particularly provided that the at least one cooling element is arranged directly adjacent to a side surface, in particular an inner and / or outer side surface, of the connecting element.

[0012] According to the invention, it is provided that the at least one cooling element is arranged in a gap space between, in particular, the outer side surface of the connecting element and an inner side surface of one of the hollow profiles to be connected to the connector.

[0013] In this context, it is conceivable that the at least one cooling element is inserted into the gap between the outer side surface of the connecting element and the inner side surface of the hollow profile, in particular after the connecting element has been connected to the hollow profile.

[0014] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the at least one cooling element is connected to the connecting element via at least one outer side surface of the connecting element, in particular is connected in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0015] The at least one cooling element can be connected to the connecting element, in particular positively and / or non-positively, via at least one outer side surface of the connecting element.

[0016] The advantages achievable with the invention are obvious: Because the connector has a connecting element made particularly of aluminum, an increased load-bearing capacity of the connecting area of the hollow profiles can be achieved while reducing the weight of the connector. Since the melting point of the material of the connecting element is lower than the temperature expected to affect the hollow profiles in the event of a fire, a cooling element connected externally to the connecting element is provided to prevent the connecting element from melting. With the help of this cooling element, failure of the connector in the event of a fire can be effectively prevented for a predetermined safety period.

[0017] Because the cooling element is arranged on at least one outer surface of the connecting element or, in particular, is connected to the connecting element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, the actual connecting element is structurally unchanged and the necessary load-bearing capacity of the connecting area can be maintained with the connecting element.

[0018] Various designs are possible for the cooling element. For example, it is conceivable that the cooling element is designed as a plate that at least partially or partially covers the outer surface of the connecting element, or a similar shaped body made of a heat-binding, hydrophilic adsorber with a high water content.

[0019] According to preferred implementations of the inventive solution, the cooling element consists of a heat-binding, hydrophilic adsorber with a high water content, preferably containing alum and gypsum. Alum is a so-called metal double salt, which is capable of storing water of crystallization to a very high degree relative to its weight.

[0020] It has proven advantageous to use potassium alum, chemically known as potassium aluminum sulfate 12-hydrate. This potassium alum is capable of physically binding approximately 45% water of crystallization per unit weight. The release of the water of crystallization from the potassium alum in pure form occurs at 73°C. Due to the density of the alum of 1.1 g / cm³, the volume-related proportion of the stored water of crystallization is approximately 50%.

[0021] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, that the potassium alum is embedded in a gypsum matrix and behaves completely neutrally with respect to the curing of the gypsum, so that the molded parts produced from it possess sufficient stability for their use in fire protection. In particular, such molded parts can be easily arranged or connected, preferably with a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection, to at least one outer surface of the connecting element to be protected.

[0022] The molded parts serving as coolants, which are provided with a hydrophilic adsorber, preferably consist of 50% modified gypsum and 50% potassium alum. Since both gypsum and alum have a density of 1.1 g / cm 3 , this ratio is based on weight and volume. The energy consumption of such a molded part serving as a coolant is approximately 1,100 J / cm 3 . Although potassium alum on its own has an effective temperature of 73°C, the effective temperature in combination with the gypsum is shifted to a higher value, namely approximately 85°C. This results from the fact that the water released in the alum is kept at a temperature of 85°C by simply being absorbed by the gypsum before being converted into the vapor phase. A favorable effective temperature occurs here, which is sufficiently far from the operating temperatures, which can reach 70°C in direct sunlight.

[0023] The combination of gypsum and alum has the further advantage that the water of crystallization bound in the gypsum is only released at an effective temperature of 125°C. This multi-stage release of water of crystallization has a positive effect on the cooling process of the connecting element, which is equipped with the corresponding cooling element. Furthermore, at approximately 215°C, a further small release of water bound in the gypsum occurs, but this is of minor importance.

[0024] Of course, the present invention is not limited to coolants consisting of potassium alum in a gypsum matrix. Other possible water-based coolants are commercially available, for example, under the names Palstop Pax H, Roku V2, Roku V3, Roku ENEX, Kerafix 2002002 or Roku Coolfix 1000, Promaxon Type A, and Promatect L.

[0025] Advantageously, the cooling element has at least one material formation that interacts positively and / or non-positively with at least one material formation of the connecting element that is at least partially and / or regionally complementary to the material formation of the cooling element. In one conceivable implementation of this embodiment, the cooling element can be clipped into at least one groove of the connecting element.

[0026] In particular, it is conceivable that the cooling element is designed as a shaped body, for example in the form of a plate, which covers at least one outer side surface of the connecting element at least partially or in regions.

[0027] The connector can, for example, be designed as a butt connector for the angular connection of hollow profiles, each comprising a connecting profile and a plug-in profile. In this context, it is conceivable that the connecting element of the connector designed as a butt connector is or can be fastened to the connecting profile, in particular by means of pins or screws. When the plug-in profile is attached, the connecting element with the at least one cooling element is accommodated in the plug-in profile designed as a hollow profile.

[0028] Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the connector to be designed as a corner connector for connecting two mitered hollow profiles. The connecting element can have two sections that adjoin each other in a corner area, with the corner area being located in the area of the miter joint when connecting the hollow profiles.

[0029] In particular when the connector is designed as a corner connector, it is advisable for the at least one cooling element to cover at least partially and / or regionally and preferably completely a particularly common outer side surface of the two sections of the connecting element.

[0030] The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a connecting profile designed as a hollow profile, a plug-on profile designed as a hollow profile and a connector designed as a butt connector of the aforementioned type according to the invention, wherein the connecting profile and the plug-on profile are connected to one another using the butt connector.

[0031] In the arrangement according to the invention, it is preferably provided that the connecting profile is designed as the inner shell of a thermally separated profile arrangement, in which the connecting profile is connected to a hollow profile designed as an outer shell via insulating webs. The at least one coolant should preferably be arranged on an outer surface of the butt connector facing away from the hollow profile designed as an outer shell.

[0032] The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising two mitred hollow profiles and a connector designed as a corner connector of the aforementioned type according to the invention, wherein the two mitred hollow profiles are connected to one another using the corner connector accommodated within the hollow profiles.

[0033] In this embodiment, it is also advantageous that the two mitered hollow profiles are each designed as the inner shell of a thermally separated profile arrangement, in which the hollow profile designed as the inner shell is connected to a hollow profile designed as the outer shell via insulating webs. Preferably, the at least one cooling element is arranged on an outer surface of the corner connector facing away from the hollow profile designed as the outer shell.

[0034] Embodiments of the connector according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] They show: FIG. 1A schematically and in a plan view a first exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention, which is designed as a butt connector; FIG. 1B schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention according to FIG. 1A ; FIG. 2A schematically and in a plan view a second exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention, which is designed as a butt connector; FIG. 2B schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention according to FIG. 2A ; FIG. 3A schematically and in a plan view a third exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention, which is designed as a butt connector; FIG. 3B schematically and in a sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention according to FIG. 3A ; FIG. 4A schematically and in a plan view a fourth exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention, which is designed as a corner connector; FIG. 4B schematically and in a cross-sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention according to FIG. 4A ; FIG. 5A schematically and in a plan view a fifth exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention; FIG. 5B schematically and in a cross-sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention according to FIG. 5A ; FIG. 6A schematically and in a plan view a sixth exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention, which is designed as a corner connector; and FIG. 6B schematically and in a cross-sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the connector according to the invention according to FIG. 6A .

[0036] First, with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 1 bis FIG. 3 a first exemplary design variant of a profile arrangement in fire protection design is described.

[0037] The profile arrangement essentially comprises a first profile, which is designed as a connecting profile 4, and a second profile, which is designed as a plug-on profile. The connecting profile 4 is designed as the inner shell of a thermally separated profile arrangement, in which the connecting profile 4 is connected to a profile designed as an outer shell via insulating webs.

[0038] The clip-on profile is also designed as the inner shell of a thermally separated profile arrangement, in which the clip-on profile is connected to a profile designed as an outer shell via insulating webs.

[0039] The profiles are preferably elongated profiles, in particular hollow profiles, preferably made of aluminum. The plug-on profile is preferably perpendicular to the connecting profile 4 and has at least one hollow profile section or hollow chamber.

[0040] The FIG. 1 bis FIG. 3 The arrangement shown further comprises a butt connector 1 arranged between the connecting profile 4 and the plug-on profile.

[0041] The butt connector 1 is a molded part that is attached to the connecting profile 4. The butt connector 1 can be inserted into the hollow chamber of the clip-on profile 5 and attached to the clip-on profile. Typically, the butt connector 1 is a machined, extruded connecting element made of aluminum, for example, with a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0042] As in FIG. 1 bis FIG. 3 As shown, the butt connector 1 further comprises a coolant 3 made of a heat-binding material. The coolant 3 is connected to the connecting element 2 via an outer and / or inner surface of a connecting element 2 of the butt connector 1, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0043] For example, the cooling element can be clipped into at least one groove of the connecting element 2.

[0044] In detail, FIG. 1A , B to FIG. 3A , B embodiments of the connector 1 according to the invention are shown, wherein in these embodiments the connector 1 is designed as a butt connector 1 for the angular connection of hollow profiles each comprising a connecting profile 4 and a plug-on profile.

[0045] As can be seen in particular from the cross-sectional views according to FIG. 1B , FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B As can be seen, the exemplary embodiment of the connector designed as a butt connector 1 is characterized in that the connector 1 has a connecting element 2 made of metal, in particular a light metal such as aluminum, and at least one cooling element 3 made of a heat-binding material. It is provided that the at least one cooling element 3 is connected to the connecting element 2 via at least one outer and / or inner surface of the connecting element 2, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0046] In the FIG. 1 bis FIG. 3 In the exemplary embodiments of the connector 1 according to the invention shown, it is provided that the cooling element 3 is designed as a shaped body, in particular in the form of a plate, which covers at least one outer surface of the connecting element 2 at least partially or in regions.

[0047] The heat-binding material of the cooling element is, in particular, a heat-binding, hydrophilic adsorber material with a high water content. It is advisable for the heat-binding, hydrophilic adsorber material to comprise alum, preferably potassium alum, which can be embedded in a gypsum matrix.

[0048] As is particularly evident in the cross-sectional views in FIG. 1B , FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B can be removed, the connector designed there as a butt connector 1 is provided with the already mentioned connecting element 2, wherein the connecting element 2 is fastened to the connecting profile 4 by means of pins or screws 6. When the plug-on profile is attached, the connecting element 2 with the at least one cooling element 3 is received in the plug-on profile designed as a hollow profile.

[0049] At the FIG. 1A und FIG. 1B In the embodiment of the connector 1 according to the invention shown, it is particularly provided that the at least one cooling element 3 covers at least partially and / or regionally and preferably completely a particularly common outer side surface of the two sections of the connecting element 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0050] As is the case, for example, in FIG. 2A und FIG. 2B As indicated, it is also conceivable that the at least one cooling element 3 covers an inner surface of the connecting element 2.

[0051] It is also - as in FIG. 3A und FIG. 3B indicated - it is fundamentally conceivable to provide a corresponding cooling element 3 on both the outer surface and the inner surface of the connecting element 2.

[0052] In FIG. 4 bis FIG. 6 Another design variant of the profile arrangement in fire protection design is shown schematically and in an isometric exploded view.

[0053] In this design variant, two frame profiles are used that meet in a miter cut surface and are placed on and connected to a corner angle designed as connector 1.

[0054] Also in the FIG. 4 bis FIG. 6 In the embodiment shown, the two mitred hollow profiles are each designed as the inner shell of a thermally separated profile arrangement, in which the hollow profile designed as the inner shell is connected via insulating webs to a profile designed as the outer shell, in particular a hollow profile.

[0055] The connector 1 designed as a corner connector is again provided with a cooling element 3, which is connected to the connecting element 2 via an outer and / or inner surface of the connecting element 2, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0056] In detail, FIG. 4A , B, FIG. 5A , B and FIG. 6A , B shows an alternative embodiment of the connector 1 according to the invention for connecting hollow profiles, in particular for facades, roofs, windows, or doors. In this embodiment, however, the connector 1 is not designed as a butt connector, but as a corner connector for connecting two mitred hollow profiles.

[0057] The connector 1 has a connecting element 2 made of metal, in particular light metal such as aluminum, wherein the connecting element 2 has two sections which adjoin one another in a corner region, and wherein the corner region is arranged in the region of the miter joint when connecting the hollow profiles.

[0058] As with the previous one with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 1 bis FIG. 3 The variant of the connector 1 designed as a butt connector 1 shown in FIG. 4 bis FIG. 6 In the embodiment shown of the connector 1 designed as a corner connector, it is provided that the connecting element 2 of the corner connector, which is made in particular of aluminum, is additionally provided with at least one cooling element 3.

[0059] At the FIG. 4A , B, the cooling element 3 is arranged on an outer surface of a section of the connecting element 2, while in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A , B, the cooling element 3 is arranged on an inner side surface of a section of the connecting element 2.

[0060] At the FIG. 6A , B, corresponding cooling elements are arranged both on the outer surface and on the inner surface of the connecting element 2.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all features disclosed herein. Bezugszeichenliste

[0062] 1Connector 2Connecting element 3Cooling element 4Connecting profile 6Pin / screw

Claims

1. A connector (1) for connecting hollow profiles, in particular for facades, roofs, windows or doors, the connector (1) having at least one connecting element (2) formed from metal, in particular light metal such as aluminum, and at least one cooling element (3) made of a heat-absorbing material, the at least one cooling element (3) being arranged directly adjacent to a side face of the connecting element (2), in particular an outer and / or inner side face of the connecting element (2), characterized in that the at least one cooling element (3) is arranged in a gap between the outer side face of the connecting element (2) and an inner side face of one of the hollow profiles to be connected to the connector (1).

2. The connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cooling element (3) is inserted into the gap between the outer side face of the connecting element (2) and the inner side face of the hollow profile, in particular after the connecting element (2) has been connected to the hollow profile.

3. The connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cooling element (3) is connected to the connecting element (2), in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, via at least one outer side face of the connecting element (2).

4. The connector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the cooling element (3) comprises at least one material shape which interacts in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner with at least one material shape of the connecting element (2), which is designed to be at least partially and / or regionally complementary to the material shape of the cooling element (3); and / or wherein the cooling element (3) is clipped into at least one groove of the connecting element (2).

5. The connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cooling element (3) is configured as a molded body, in particular in the form of a plate, covering at least part or some areas of the at least one outer side face of the connecting element (2).

6. The connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat-absorbing material of the cooling element (3) is a heat-absorbing, hydrophilic adsorber material with a high water content.

7. The connector (1) according to claim 6, wherein the heat-absorbing, hydrophilic adsorber material comprises alum and preferably potassium alum, which is in particular incorporated in a gypsum matrix.

8. The connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connector (1) is designed as a butt connector for angularly connecting hollow profiles each comprising a connecting profile (4) and a slide-on profile, wherein the connecting element (2) is or can be attached to the connecting profile (4), in particular by means of pins or screws (6), and wherein, when the slide-on profile is fitted, the connecting element (2) with the at least one cooling element (3) is accommodated in the slide-on profile which is designed as a hollow profile.

9. The connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connector (1) is designed as a corner connector for connecting two mitred hollow profiles, the connecting element (2) having two portions which adjoin one another in a corner region, the corner region being arranged in the region of the mitred joint when the hollow profiles are connected.

10. The connector (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one cooling element (3) covers, at least partially and / or in certain areas and preferably completely, an outer side face, in particular a common outer side face, of the two portions of the connecting element (2).

11. An arrangement comprising a connecting profile (4) designed as a hollow profile, a slide-on profile designed as a hollow profile and a connector (1) designed as a butt connector according to claim 8, the connecting profile (4) and the slide-on profile being connected to one another using the butt connector.

12. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the connecting profile (4) is designed as the inner shell of a thermally separated profile arrangement, in which the connecting profile (4) is connected via insulating webs to a hollow profile designed as an outer shell, wherein the at least one cooling medium is preferably arranged on an outer side face of the butt connector pointing away from the hollow profile designed as the outer shell.

13. The arrangement comprising two mitred hollow profiles and a connector (1) in the form of a corner connector according to claim 9 or 10, the two mitred hollow profiles being connected to one another using the corner connector received within the hollow profiles.

14. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the two mitred hollow profiles are each designed as the inner shell of a thermally separated profile arrangement, in which the hollow profile designed as the inner shell is connected via insulating webs to a hollow profile designed as the outer shell, the at least one cooling element (3) being preferably arranged on an outer side face of the corner connector pointing away from the hollow profile designed as the outer shell.

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