Connector assembly and mullion-transom construction

Abstract

Connector assembly for connecting a transom to a post comprising a connector and a seal, wherein the seal is configured to seal watertight drainage channels of the transom and a screw channel arranged between the drainage channels at one end of the transom in an assembled state, and wherein the seal has a central groove which is arranged within the screw channel in an assembled state, and wherein the connector is configured to be placed on the seal in an assembled state and has a rib which is configured to engage in the groove in the assembled state and to press the seal against the screw channel.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector assembly for connecting a transom to a post, comprising a connector and a seal, and to a post-transom construction having such a connector assembly.

[0002] When installing facades with a mullion-and-transom construction, the tightness of the mullion-transom connections is often problematic. The transom profiles are usually cut straight. There is a gap between the transom and mullion during installation, which must be closed so that no water can get behind the sealing line. Currently, this gap is closed with a piece called a front connector. The connector has two functions. It improves the static structure of the connection and improves the tightness by closing the gap between the mullion (vertical) and the transom profile (horizontal). There are many solutions on the market for this tightness problem, most of which involve adding silicone or butyl sealant to ensure a tight seal. This is not only cumbersome during installation, but also sometimes inaccurate because it is difficult to control.In addition, after sealants such as silicone have cured, leaks can occur due to subsequent cracking.

[0003] CH 697 325 B1 discloses a connector assembly according to the preamble of claim 1. This is where the invention comes in, the object of which is to provide an alternative connector assembly that improves the tightness of the post-and-beam construction.

[0004] This object is achieved according to a first aspect with a connector assembly for connecting a bolt to a post having the features of claim 1. The connector assembly for connecting a bolt to a post comprises a connector and a seal, wherein the seal is designed to watertightly close off drainage channels of the bolt and a screw channel arranged between the drainage channels at one end of the bolt, and wherein the seal has a central groove which, in an assembled state, is arranged within the screw channel, and wherein the connector is designed to be placed onto the seal in an assembled state and has a rib which, in the assembled state, is designed to engage in the groove and to press the seal against the screw channel.

[0005] The invention includes the discovery that a secure seal between a transom and mullion connection is possible using a combination of connector and seal, and that this can be ensured in particular by a connector rib that engages the seal groove. When installed, the connector rib presses the seal into the screw channel, while other components of the connector press the seal into the drainage channels. The pressure exerted by the connector on the seal thus ensures that the transom-mullion transition is sealed, while at the same time ensuring simple and clean installation. Furthermore, the connector assembly also allows for the retrofitting of a transom, which is advantageous when a facade area is to remain open, for example to accommodate furniture or similar. The transom can then be retrofitted from the front using the connector assembly.

[0006] Here, mullions refer to the vertical parts of a facade structure, while transoms refer to the horizontal parts. The respective profiles of the mullions and transoms can be identical or different. When installed, the connector is attached to the mullions and transoms using fasteners. Screws are particularly suitable as fasteners.

[0007] Embodiments of the connector assembly according to the invention are described below.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the seal is substantially M-shaped in a central portion and has a shape adapted to the cross-section of the respective drainage channel in the side portions laterally adjoining the central portion. The shape is preferably substantially rectangular with a projection on a side facing away from the central portion, which projection is designed to engage in a groove of the drainage channel and seal it. It is particularly advantageous if the side portions, in particular the projection with the drainage channel or its groove, have a slight interference fit.

[0009] The connector preferably has the rib in a central part of the connector and arms on the side parts adjoining the central part of the connector, which are designed to engage the drainage channels. Furthermore, it is preferred if the connector has several receptacles for fastening means, in particular screws.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the connector assembly additionally comprises a sealing plate for arrangement between the connector and transom as well as the post, which is designed to be pressed against the transom and the post by the connector in an assembled state. Such a sealing plate, which extends over the transom and post and is pressed against it by the connector in the assembled state, serves to provide additional sealing by closing any remaining open gap between the connector and the post profile. The connector preferably has a receptacle for at least parts of the sealing plate. The sealing plate preferably has an outer contour adapted to the shape of the connector. The sealing plate can have openings for fastening means and a recess for the rib of the connector and the seal. The recess can be rectangular or with bevelled sides.

[0011] In some embodiments, the seal and sealing plate can be manufactured as a single-piece component. The seal and sealing plate can also be integrally connected to the connector, for example, vulcanized or glued. Both facilitate the installation of the connector assembly to the transom and mullion, as fewer individual parts need to be positioned.

[0012] The gasket and / or sealing plate can be made of cellular rubber, silicone, polyethylene, ethylene-propylene-diene (monomer) rubber, a thermoplastic vulcanizate, or a thermoplastic elastomer. All of these materials provide good sealing performance. The material can be foamed.

[0013] The connector preferably has additional receptacles for sealing plates in the area of ​​the mounting holes, particularly the drilled holes on the arms. These additionally seal any connection, particularly the screw connection, between the connector and the latch.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the connector has an inclined surface on a side facing the sealing plate in the assembled state, as well as on at least two receptacles for fastening means, in particular screws, for connecting the connector and the post, wherein the inclined surfaces are preferably parallel to one another. The inclination is preferably 1°-2 and points away from the rib of the connector. This makes it possible to keep the gap between the transom and the post as small as possible, thus achieving improved sealing of the post-transom combination. In particular, if the inclined areas are parallel, they cause the transom to rotate towards the post during assembly, allowing the transom to be optimally positioned.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the connector additionally has a protruding rear edge, which is designed to press the post toward the transom in an assembled state. The rear edge helps reduce the gap between the post and transom in the assembled state by also applying pressure to the post.

[0016] The connector can have at least two holes for receiving screws for connecting the connector to the transom. These holes are preferably slightly offset from corresponding receptacles in the transom when installed, with the receptacles preferably located in the transom's drainage channels. This also helps minimize the gap between the mullion and transom, as the connector exerts greater pressure on the mullion and transom during installation, pulling them together.

[0017] Preferably, the connector has a receptacle on each of its side parts for an inner seal of the post and / or transom, which is designed to exert pressure on the inner seal when installed. This is achieved in particular by an interference fit between the receptacle and the inner seal; in particular, the inner seal extends beyond a counter edge of the receptacle when uninstalled.

[0018] The connector preferably also has holes for the application of liquid sealant, particularly silicone or butyl sealant, during application. This provides additional protection for the seal in sensitive areas. This is particularly useful in applications involving exposed facades that are fully exposed to the elements, such as strong wind and rain, and are also located near the sea, for example. Application preferably takes place when the connector is attached to the transom. The connector, the seal, and the sealing plate are preferably designed so that the liquid sealant can flow to the critical areas when the connector is attached to the transom.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a post-transom combination comprising a post and a transom and a connector assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the transom has at least two drainage channels and a screw channel arranged between the drainage channels.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the post-and-beam combination is one in which the drainage channels of the beam each have a groove at a lateral end of the drainage channel facing away from the screw channel, and in which the seal is substantially M-shaped in a central part and in side parts laterally adjoining the central part has a substantially rectangular shape adapted to the cross-section of the respective drainage channel with a projection on a side facing away from the central part, which projection is designed to engage in the groove of the drainage channel and to seal it, and in which the connector has the rib in a central part of the connector and has arms on side parts laterally adjoining the central part, which arms are designed to engage in the drainage channels, and wherein the connector has a plurality of receptacles for fastening means, in particular screws.

[0021] Possible embodiments and advantages described with reference to the connector assembly according to the first aspect of the invention also apply to the post-and-beam combination according to the second aspect of the invention. Thus, any embodiments and developments of the connector assembly, as explained with reference to the first aspect of the invention, can be used for the post-and-beam combination. For further advantages, embodiment variants, and design details of these further aspects and their possible developments, reference is therefore also made to the above description of the corresponding features and developments of the connector assembly.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a connector assembly, Fig. 2: a three-dimensional individual part representation of the seal and sealing plate for the connector assembly of the Fig. 1 , Fig. 3a: a three-dimensional representation of another embodiment of a connector assembly, Fig. 3b: a three-dimensional representation of a seal of the connector assembly of the Fig. 3a on a bar, Fig. 3c: a three-dimensional representation of another embodiment of a connector assembly, Fig. 4a-4d: three-dimensional representations of the connector of the connector assembly of the Fig. 1 in different perspectives, Fig. 5a: a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a post-and-beam combination according to the second aspect of the invention during assembly Fig. 5b: a detailed representation of the embodiment of the post-and-beam combination of the Fig. 5a in an assembled state.

[0023] In the following description of embodiments, similar reference numerals generally refer to similar elements.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a connector assembly 1000 for connecting a transom to a post. The connector assembly comprises a connector 100 and a seal 200. The seal 200 is designed to watertightly seal drainage channels of the transom and a screw channel arranged between the drainage channels at one end of the transom in an assembled state. For this purpose, the seal 200 has a central groove 210, which is arranged within the screw channel in an assembled state. The connector 100 is already placed on the seal 200 here. The connector has a rib 110 that engages in the groove 210 and presses it against the screw channel of the transom in an assembled state, thus ensuring a seal between the screw channel and the drainage channels and, in turn, a seal between the post and transom.In the embodiment shown, the connector assembly further comprises a sealing plate 300, which is formed as a single-piece component with the seal 200. The sealing plate is arranged in a receptacle 145 of the connector, which is partially formed by a rear edge 140 of the connector (see also the following). Figur 4c ). The sealing plate has an outer contour adapted to the shape of the connector. In the embodiment shown, the rib 110 of the connector 100 is arranged in a central part 180 of the connector. Side parts 190 with arms 195 adjoin the sides of the central part 180, wherein the arms are designed to engage in the drainage channels. The connector 100 has a plurality of receptacles for fastening means, in particular screws. The receptacles for fastening means are designed here as drill holes. In the embodiment shown, the connector 100 also has receptacles 196 for receiving additional sealing plates 296 in the area of ​​drill holes for receiving fastening means on the arms 190. This additionally seals a screw connection between the connector 100 and the latch.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional individual part view of the seal 200 and sealing plate 300 for the connector assembly 1000 of the Fig. 1 . As with regard to Fig. 1 As already explained, the seal 200 and sealing plate 300 are manufactured here together as a single-piece component. The individual part illustration clearly shows that the seal 200 has an M-shaped central part 220, the central recess of which forms the groove 210, in which the rib 110 of the connector is arranged when assembled. In particular, the central part 220, via the rib 110 but also the other components of the seal and sealing plate are pressed against the transom when assembled, thus ensuring a good seal of the connection between the transom and the mullion. Side parts 230 adjoin the central part 220. The side parts of the seal 200 have a shape adapted to the cross-section of the respective drainage channel.In the embodiment shown, this is a substantially rectangular shape with a projection 235 on a side facing away from the central part, which is designed to engage in a groove of the drainage channel and seal it. It is particularly advantageous if the side parts, but in particular the projection 235 with the drainage channel or its groove, have a slight interference fit.

[0026] Fig. 3a shows a three-dimensional representation of another embodiment of a connector assembly, here only connector 100 and sealing plate 301 are shown. The connector 100 is identical in construction to the one shown in Fig. 1 connector 100 shown. In contrast to Fig. 1 In this illustration, additional sealing plates 296 are arranged in the receptacles 196. The main difference to the connector assembly 1000 of the Fig. 1 is that here the sealing plate 301 is not manufactured in one piece with a sealing plate, but has been vulcanized separately onto the connector 100; alternatively, the sealing plate can also be glued. The sealing plate 301 has been vulcanized here in the area of ​​the receptacle 145 and directly adjoins the rear edge 140. The sealing plate 301 has openings 302 for fastening means as well as a recess 303 for the rib 110 of the connector and the seal 201 (shown in Fig. 3b ). The recess 303 is essentially rectangular here. The sealing plate 301 has an outer contour adapted to the shape of the connector. The sealing plates 296 are designed as plug-in parts. Alternatively, it would also be possible to glue or vulcanize them. The corresponding seal 201 is shown in the following Fig. 3b shown in a three-dimensional representation on a bar 400. It is a separate component here. The seal 201 is essentially the same in shape as that in the Figuren 1 und 2 It is constructed with its M-shaped central section 221, which seals the bolt's screw channel 420 in a watertight manner when installed. Furthermore, its side sections 231 seal the bolt's drainage channels 410 when installed. The two-part design of the sealing plate 301 and seal 201 shown allows both to be constructed from different materials to better meet the respective sealing requirements. Fig. 3c shows an alternative embodiment of a sealing plate 301a on the connector. Unlike the sealing plate 301, the recess 303a here is not rectangular, but has beveled sides between which the seal 201 can be accommodated.

[0027] Fig. 4a-4d show three-dimensional individual parts of the connector of the connector assembly of the Fig. 1 from different perspectives. In the following, the images presented in these representations are presented in a more Fig. 1 The connector 100 has an inclined surface 120 on a side facing the sealing plate in the assembled state ( Fig. 4a ). In Fig. 4b Two countersunk receptacles 131 for fastening means, in particular screws, for connecting the connector and the post are shown, each of which also has an inclined surface 130. The inclined surfaces 120, 130 are parallel to one another. The connector 100 is designed overall so that the gap between the transom and the post is as small as possible. This is supported by the inclined surfaces on the underside of the connector and also in the area where the screws for attaching the connector to the post are located when assembled. This allows the transom profile to rotate towards the post profile. This also supports correct positioning of the transom.

[0028] In Fig. 4c The rear edge 140 of the connector is clearly visible. In addition to the aforementioned inclined areas, the rear edge also helps minimize the gap between the transom and the post by exerting pressure on the post via the rear edge, thus pulling the transom towards the post during installation. The connector 100 also has two holes 150 ( Fig. 4d ) for receiving screws for connecting the connector to the transom. These holes 150 are arranged here in the arms 195 of the connector and, when assembled, are slightly offset from corresponding receptacles 450 in the transom. The receptacles 450 are arranged here in the drainage channels 410 of the transom. By offsetting the holes in the connector and the transom, the connector is fastened to the end of the transom in such a way that the gap between the transom and the mullion is further minimized. Furthermore, the connector has additional holes 170 for the application of liquid sealant, in particular silicone or butyl sealant. This allows for additional sealing for applications in exposed facades. The application is preferably carried out when the connector is fastened to the transom.The connector, the seal and the sealing plate are preferably designed so that the liquid sealant can flow to the critical points when the connector is attached to the bar.

[0029] Fig. 5a shows a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a post-and-beam combination according to the second aspect of the invention during assembly. The post-and-beam combination comprises a post 500, a beam 400, and a connector assembly connecting the two, consisting of a connector 100, a sealing plate 300, and a seal 200. The connector 100 in the post-and-beam combination shown is identical in construction to the one shown in the Fig. 1 , 3a-c and 4a-d shown. For details on its design, please refer to the description therein. A post 500 and a transom 400 of the post-transom combination have identical profiles. In the state shown, the connector 100 is already placed on the transom 400. Its arms 195 engage in the drainage channels 410 of the transom. Underneath the connector 100 and therefore not visible in this illustration are a sealing plate 300 and a seal 200, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1 The rear edge 140 of the connector rests against a profile projection 540 of the post. The entire construction promotes a minimization of the gap

[0030] Fig. 5b shows a detailed view of the design of the post-and-beam combination of the Fig. 5a in an assembled state. In contrast to Fig. 5a The connector 100 is already firmly connected to the transom 400 and the mullion 500, here via screws. On one side of the connector 100, internal seals 460, 560 of the transom and the mullion are also attached. The connector 100 has a receptacle 160 on each of its two side panels for the internal seal 560 of the mullion and a receptacle 165 for the internal seal 460 of the transom. When assembled, these receptacles 160, 165 exert pressure on the internal seal 560, 460 of the mullion and / or the transom. Due to overcompression of the soft internal seals, they are held in place by the receptacles, which form a fixed bearing part, thus ensuring the tightness of the internal seal even at the transition from the transom to the mullion without the need for sealant. Bezugszeichenliste

[0031] 100Connector 110Rib 120Surface 130Surface 131Receptacle 140Trailing edge 145Receptacle 150Hole 160Receptacle 165Receptacle 170Hole 180Middle section 190Side section 195Arm 196Receptacle 200Seal 201Seal 210Groove 220Middle section 221Middle section 230Side section 231Side section 235Protrusion 296Sealing plate 300Sealing plate 301Sealing plate 301aSealing plate 302Opening 400Lock 410Drainage channel 420Screw channel 450Receptacle 460Inner seal 500Post 540Profile projection 560Inner seal 1000Connector assembly

Claims

1. Connector assembly (1000) for connecting a transom (400) with a mullion (500) comprising a connector (100) and a gasket (200, 201), wherein - the gasket (200, 201) is designed to seal drainage channels (410) of the transom (400), as well as a screw channel (420) arranged between the drainage channels at one end of the transom (400) in a watertight manner in an assembled state, and - wherein the connector (100) is designed to be placed on the gasket (200, 201) in an assembled state characterized in that - the gasket (200, 201) has a central groove (210), which is arranged inside the screw channel (420) in an assembled state and - the connector (100) has a rib (110), which is designed to engage in the groove (210) in the assembled state and to press the gasket (200, 201) against the screw channel (420).

2. Connector assembly (1000) according to claim 1, in which the gasket (200, 201) is substantially M-shaped in a middle section (220) and has a shape, in side sections (230) laterally adjoining the middle section (220), adapted to the cross-section of the respective drainage channel, in particular a substantially rectangular-shape with a projection (235) on a side facing away from the middle section, which is designed to engage in a groove of the drainage channel and to seal the latter and in which the connector (100) has the rib in a middle section (180) of the connector and has arms (195) on the side sections (190) laterally adjoining the middle section (180), which are designed to engage in the drainage channels, and wherein the connector has multiple mountings for fastening means, in particular screws.

3. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims also comprising a sealing plate (300, 310) for arranging between the transom and mullion, which is designed to be pressed by the connector against the mullion, in an assembled state, wherein the connector preferably has a mounting for at least parts of the sealing plate.

4. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the gasket (200) and the sealing plate (300) are produced as a one-piece component and / or in which the gasket and the sealing plate are integrally connected to the connector, for example vulcanized or glued.

5. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the gasket and / or the sealing plate comprises cellular rubber, silicone, polyethylene, ethylene propylene diene (monomer) rubber, a thermoplastic vulcanizate or a thermoplastic elastomer.

6. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the connector has a respective sloping surface (120, 130) on a side facing the sealing plate, in the assembled state, as well as on at least two mountings (131) for fastening means, in particular screws for connecting connectors and mullions, wherein the sloping surfaces (120, 130) are preferably parallel to one another.

7. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connector (100) also has a protruding rear edge (140), which is designed to press the mullion (500) in the direction of the transom (400), in an assembled state.

8. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connector (100) has at least two holes (150) for mounting screws for connecting the connector to the transom and these holes have a slight offset from corresponding mountings (450) in the transom, in an assembled state, wherein the mountings are preferably arranged in the drainage channels (410) of the transom.

9. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connector (100) has a respective mounting (160, 165) for an inner gasket (560, 460) of the mullion and / or the transom, which is designed to apply pressure to the inner gasket (560, 460) of the mullion and / or the transom, in an assembled state.

10. Connector assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connector also has holes (170) for the application of sealant, in particular silicone or butyl sealant, which is liquid on application.

11. Mullion-transom combination comprising a mullion (500), as well as a transom (500) and a connector assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the transom has at least two drainage channels (410) and a screw channel (420) arranged between the drainage channels.

12. Mullion-transom combination according to claim 11, in which the drainage channels of the transoms each have a groove at a lateral end of the drainage channel facing away from the screw channel and in which the gasket (200, 201) is substantially M-shaped in a middle section (220) and has a substantially rectangular shape, in side sections (230) laterally adjoining the middle section (220), adapted to the cross-section of the respective drainage channel with a projection (235) on a side facing away from the middle section, which is designed to engage in the groove of the drainage channel and to seal the latter and in which the connector (100) has the rib in a middle section (180) of the connector and has arms (195) on the side sections (190) laterally adjoining the middle section (180), which are designed to engage in the drainage channels, and wherein the connector has multiple mountings for fastening means, in particular screws.

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