Post connector with integrated venting and drainage guide

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting element (100) for fastening a post made of a hollow profile, preferably a multi-chamber plastic profile, to a frame, wherein the connecting element (100) comprises a first surface element (102) and a second surface element (104) arranged at an angle, preferably substantially perpendicular to the first surface element (102). The first surface element (102) is designed to rest on a frame profile in an assembly situation. The second surface element (104) is designed to bear positively against an outer geometry (16) of the post (10) in the assembly situation.The first surface element (102) comprises at least one recessed region (106; 107) for receiving moisture running down an inner wall of the post, wherein the at least one recessed region (106; 107) is designed to discharge the running down moisture to a drainage opening on an outer region of the frame profile.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element for fastening a post consisting of a hollow profile, preferably a multi-chamber plastic hollow profile, to a frame profile, in particular of a window system or window door system.

[0002] The construction of window frames and French door frames, particularly for lift-and-slide window systems and lift-and-slide French door systems, using mullions is known in the art. The mullions often have hollow chamber profiles, particularly multi-chamber hollow profiles. The hollow chamber profiles can be made of plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, PVC), aluminum, fiberglass, or another composite material. Traditionally, the mullions are mechanically attached to a frame profile of the window or French door system using a connecting element, a so-called mullion connector.

[0003] If moisture-bearing air penetrates into the interior of the hollow profile, this moisture can condense on the interior walls of the hollow profiles that form the mullions. These hollow profiles are oriented along an exterior area of ​​the window or French window system and can also be referred to as cold surfaces or walls of the antechamber areas. Attempts have been made to seal such antechamber areas with cold surfaces to prevent moisture-bearing air from penetrating the interior of the hollow profiles, an airtight seal is not technically feasible for various reasons. Nevertheless, mullions are generally not properly drained, which can lead to corrosion of installed metal reinforcements, for example, or other consequential damage, such as the accumulation of dirt (moss) or fungi, if the condensing moisture remains in the hollow profile for an extended period.

[0004] Against this background, the present invention has for its object to provide a connecting element for fastening a post consisting of a hollow profile to a frame profile, which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of known fastening systems and in particular enables both ventilation of the interior of the hollow profile of the post and drainage so that any condensation water that occurs is drained away.

[0005] These and other objects are achieved by a connecting element for fastening a post consisting of a hollow profile, preferably a multi-chamber plastic hollow profile, to a frame according to independent claim 1. Embodiments and further developments of the connecting element, which can also be referred to as a post connector, are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 11.

[0006] Accordingly, a connecting element according to the invention comprises a first surface element and a second surface element arranged at an angle (preferably substantially perpendicular) to the first surface element. The first surface element is designed to rest, preferably largely flat, on a frame profile of the frame in an assembly situation, i.e., in the installed state in which a connection is established between a frame profile and a post profile. Preferably, the first surface element is designed to rest largely flatly or substantially positively in the glass groove of the frame profile.

[0007] The second surface element is designed to rest largely flat against the outer geometry of the post during installation. The first surface element has at least one recessed area for absorbing moisture draining down an inner wall of the post. The at least one recessed area is designed to drain the draining moisture to a drainage opening in an outer area of ​​the frame profile.

[0008] The frame profile can be a frame profile or a sash profile of a window frame and / or a door frame, in particular a French door frame.

[0009] The connecting element according to the invention can be used in French window systems, sliding window systems, lift-and-slide window systems, and / or export window systems (e.g., casement window systems as found in some countries), and similar window systems. The connecting element according to the invention is suitable for mullions and frame profiles with a large installation depth, so the connecting element can also be used when a large installation depth is required.

[0010] The connecting element preferably has at least one, preferably two or more, passages in the first surface element. The at least one, preferably two or more, passages in the first surface element can be designed to accommodate a fastening element in the assembly situation for permanently and securely connecting the first surface element to the post and / or to the frame profile on which the connecting element rests with its first surface element.

[0011] Advantageously, the connecting element can alternatively or additionally have at least one, preferably two or more, passages in the second surface element. The at least one, preferably two or more, passages in the second surface element can be designed to accommodate a fastening element in the assembly situation for permanently and positively connecting the second surface element of the connector to the outer geometry of the post.

[0012] Each fastener may be a screw, a bolt, a rivet or blind rivet, a clamping element, a locking element or a similar fastener.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the largely planar attachments of the first and / or second surface element can have, as an alternative to the fastening element or in addition thereto, a material-to-material connection which is formed, for example, by gluing or welding.

[0014] Preferably, the outer geometry of the post, which can also be referred to as the outer side or outer wall area, against which the connecting element rests during installation, is (or comprises) a glass groove. In particular, the second surface element can be arranged between the glass groove of the post and an edge of an inserted glass pane (in short: glass). Preferably, the second surface element also rests largely flatly or in a form-fitting manner against the outer geometry of the post, and in particular in its glass groove.

[0015] The angle—preferably substantially perpendicular—between the first and second surface elements of the connecting element preferably corresponds to an angle between a longitudinal axis of the post and a longitudinal axis of the frame profile. However, the angle can also be configured at least differently, for example, to allow for the inclusion of contact-mediating elements or special structural features.

[0016] The at least one recessed area in the first surface element is fluidly connected to the drainage opening, to which the draining moisture is drained. The drainage opening is, for example, a passage / slot incorporated into the frame profile in a known manner, through which liquid can penetrate into the interior of the frame profile, from where it is then drained via further openings / fluid connections to the exterior of the window or into the masonry. However, this same route can not only be used to drain moisture from the hollow profile of the mullion, but also to create an air exchange between the interior of the hollow profile of the mullion and the environment.

[0017] The connecting element designed according to the invention thus enables both efficient and orderly drainage of the hollow profile of the post and efficient ventilation of this hollow profile. This provides a high level of protection against damage and contamination caused by moisture (e.g., moss formation). In particular, moisture buildup is prevented, and the at least one recessed area in fluid communication with the drainage opening enables air circulation, which ventilates the hollow profile of the post from the inside.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one recessed area comprises at least one groove, which, in the installed situation, is / are located directly below the cold inner wall(s) of the post, where moisture condenses and drains or can drain away. Such cold inner walls are generally the outward-facing wall areas of the post profile, which are exposed to the weather and thus also to the outside temperature.

[0019] This interior wall or walls, along which moisture drains or can drain, is / are also referred to as cold surface(s). Such interior walls, along which moisture drains or can drain, can alternatively or additionally be the interior walls of a mullion profile's antechamber, which faces an outer area of ​​the mullion or window system. Typically, the draining moisture is water formed by condensation.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one recessed area comprises in particular two grooves arranged at an angle (in particular substantially at right angles), which in the assembly situation are each arranged directly below at least one inner wall of the post, on which moisture drains or can drain.

[0021] The mullion can, for example, comprise four large-surface walls as its external geometry. For example, the mullion can provide a glass groove on one side and thus represent, for example, a frame element of fixed glazing. A second side can face inwards, for example adjacent to a second frame element of a sliding window system. A third and / or fourth side can, for example, be arranged facing outwards. The third and fourth sides can be exposed to an external atmosphere and / or weather conditions (e.g. temperature fluctuations such as cold and heat and / or moisture such as rain, snow or fog). The third and / or fourth side would therefore each be a cold surface or inner wall (in particular of a pre-chamber of the hollow profile) of the mullion within the meaning of the present description, on which moisture could condense and / or run off.

[0022] During installation, the two gutters can absorb and drain away the moisture running down the cold surfaces (especially on the third and fourth sides) of the post.

[0023] The angle between the grooves can correspond to an angle between the third and fourth sides of the post. For example, the third and fourth sides of the post can be arranged at a flat angle (and / or at an angle greater than 90 degrees) to each other.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one recessed area (for example, the one or more grooves) comprises at least one inclined and / or diagonally sloping guide sloping toward the drainage opening, which leads to a directed flow of the draining liquid, as the sloping inclined guide promotes the removal of moisture and / or prevents liquid from standing in the recessed area (for example, in the groove(s). By preventing a high standing liquid level in the recessed area (in particular in the groove(s), a ventilation channel is simultaneously provided for the hollow profile (in particular the antechambers) of the post.

[0025] The recessed area, especially with one or more gutters and a sloping inclined guide, allows a continuously sloping drainage path, which at the same time serves as a ventilation path for the hollow profile of the post.

[0026] Preferably, a lateral extension (also: width) of the second surface element of the connecting element is smaller than a lateral extension of the outer geometry of the post; preferably, in the assembly situation, the second surface element is laterally projected over or at least partially enclosed by the outer geometry of the post on at least one side (and particularly preferably on both sides).

[0027] Due to the smaller lateral extension of the second surface element of the connecting element, and in particular due to the fact that the outer geometry of the mullion extends beyond or surrounds it at least on one side (especially on both sides), a firm and / or positive fit of the connecting element relative to the mullion and (at least indirectly) to the frame profile is improved. In particular, both relative lateral displacement and relative rotation of the connecting element and mullion can be avoided. This improves the stability of the window system when using the connecting element according to the invention.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the second surface element comprises a first surface section and at least one second surface section. The second surface section is preferably arranged at an oblique (in particular flat) angle or an angle of more than 90 degrees, in particular just under 180 degrees, to the first surface section with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post (which corresponds in particular to a longitudinal axis of the second surface element of the connecting element). Preferably, a lateral extent of the second surface section is smaller than a lateral extent of the first surface section.

[0029] The first surface section can be aligned essentially parallel to the edge of the glass pane in the mounting situation.

[0030] The second surface section can be aligned at an oblique (especially flat) angle (and / or an angle of more than 90 degrees, especially just under 180 degrees) relative to the edge of the glass in the installation situation. Alternatively or additionally, the second surface section can be spatially arranged on the outer area of ​​the mullion (or the frame profile and / or the window system). The first surface section can be spatially arranged on the inner area of ​​the mullion (or the frame profile and / or the window system).

[0031] By dividing the second surface element into a first surface section and at least one second surface section arranged at a (particularly shallow) angle thereto, a firm and largely flat or positive fit of the connecting element relative to the post and (at least indirectly thus also) to the frame profile can be improved. In particular, the surface profile of the second surface element of the connector formed by the surface sections is designed to substantially correspond—or be a negative—to the contact surface of the outer wall of the post in order to ensure the tightest possible contact between the surface element and the outer wall of the post.

[0032] This, in combination with the smaller lateral extension of the second surface element relative to the lateral extension of the outer geometry of the post and the angle in the second surface element, can improve the firm and form-fitting installation of the connecting element on the post and (at least indirectly) on the frame profile.

[0033] During assembly, the second surface section preferably engages in a recess or groove of the outer geometry of the post, such as the glass groove, extending along the longitudinal axis of the post. The positive engagement in the recess or groove of the outer geometry of the post can further improve the secure fit and form-fitting of the connecting element relative to the post and (at least indirectly) to the frame profile.

[0034] Through all these measures, the stability of the window system can be further improved when using the connecting element according to the invention, since both a relative lateral displacement and a relative twisting of the connecting element and post to the frame profile can be reliably avoided.

[0035] In one embodiment, a side of the first surface element that is different from the second surface element, preferably opposite it, has a retaining projection arranged on the upper side of the first surface element, which is designed to engage in a corresponding groove in the post during assembly. For this purpose, the groove of the post is arranged on a wall of the post that corresponds, during assembly, to the side of the surface element that has the retaining projection. In particular, the groove can be arranged on a wall that forms the cold surface or an inner wall of the hollow profile of the post, which, for example, is opposite the glass groove against which the second surface element rests.

[0036] The interlocking of the retaining projection of the connecting element with the groove on the mullion wall further improves the secure and both lateral and rotationally stable fit of the connecting element relative to the mullion and (at least indirectly) to the frame profile. In particular, the combination of the interlocking retaining projection with the groove and the two surface sections of the second surface element, which is (at least partially) enclosed by the outer geometry (in particular the glass groove) of the mullion, further improves the stability of the window system.

[0037] The connecting element is preferably made of plastic, for example, using an injection molding process or additive manufacturing. This enables rapid, lightweight construction of the system consisting of the post and frame profile. Alternative designs for the connecting element use metals, composite materials, such as carbon fiber composites, or similar materials to manufacture the connector.

[0038] The connecting element is preferably used in a window system, in particular in a lift-and-slide window system, for (in particular permanently) fastening the post and thus ensures a stable fastening of the post to the frame element while simultaneously providing drainage and ventilation of the post profile, which is advantageous from a construction physics perspective.

[0039] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings and the claims.

[0040] It shows: Fig. 1 a first schematic representation of the connecting element according to the invention in an assembly situation. Fig. 2 a perspective view of the connecting element according to the invention. Fig. 3 a second schematic representation of the connecting element according to the invention in an assembly situation. Fig. 4 a perspective view of the connecting element according to the invention, which rests on a frame profile and is fastened thereto. Fig. 5 a perspective view of a post and frame profile after installation of the connecting element.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary connecting element 100 in a mounting situation on a post 10 (in particular of a window system). A first surface element 102 of the connecting element 100 rests largely flat on a frame profile 20 (for example, a frame profile of the window system) and is preferably screwed to it by screwing to the reinforcement arranged within the frame profile.

[0042] A geometry in Fig. 1 comprises an outer region 22 of the frame profile 20 and an outer region 12 of the post arranged above it. The outer region 22; 12 is, particularly in the installation situation, located outside of a room protected or enclosed by a window system. The geometry in Fig. 1 further comprises an inner region 24 of the frame profile 20 and an inner region 14 of the post 10. The inner region 24; 14 is, in particular in the installation situation, located inside the space protected or enclosed by the window system. Fig. 1 By way of example, a drainage opening 30 is shown in the lateral outer region 22 of the frame profile 20. In alternative embodiments (not shown) of the frame profile 20, the drainage opening can be arranged at a different location, for example, on the underside of the frame profile 20.

[0043] The Fig. 1 The second surface element shown as an example comprises a first surface section 104 and a second surface section 105. As can be seen from the perspective view in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the first surface section 104 and the second surface section 105 are arranged at an oblique (in particular flat) angle to one another along a longitudinal direction or height direction.

[0044] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 a lateral extent l v1 of the first surface section 104 is greater than a lateral extent l v2 of the second surface section 105. The total lateral extent lv of the second surface element is in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 less than a lateral extension lp of the outer geometry of the post 10, against which the connecting element 100 rests (in particular in a form-fitting manner).

[0045] As in Fig. 2 As shown by way of example, the connecting element 100 has one or more (in particular two) passages 110 in the first surface element 102. The passages 110 are each designed to receive a fastening element 26 (e.g. a screw), as shown in Fig. 3 shown schematically. By means of the fastening elements 26 that can be accommodated in the passages 110, the first surface element 102 of the connecting element 100 can be permanently connected to a base surface of the post 10 and / or to an upper side of the frame profile 20 on which the connecting element 100 rests.

[0046] As in Fig. 1 and 2Shown by way of example, the connecting element 100 further comprises one or more (in particular two) passages 108 in the second surface element 104; 105. The passages 108 are each designed to receive a fastening element (e.g., a screw, not shown). By means of the fastening elements receivable in the passages 108, the second surface element 104; 105 can be permanently connected in a form-fitting manner to the outer geometry of the post 10.

[0047] In Fig. 1 and 2 Furthermore, a recessed area is formed for receiving moisture running off a cold surface or inner wall of the post 10, for example as a channel 106. Reference numeral 107 shows, by way of example, an inclined guide sloping down towards the drainage opening 30, by means of which the moisture is drained to the drainage opening 30. An exemplary course of a moisture drainage is shown in Fig. 1 shown by arrows.

[0048] In Fig. 2 A connecting element 100 with two grooves 106 is shown as an example. A first groove 106 is arranged on the outer region 122 of the connecting element 100. The outer region 122 of the exemplary connecting element 100 is arranged toward the outer regions 22; 12 of the frame profile 200 and the post 10 in the assembled state.

[0049] A second channel 106 is in Fig. 2 arranged in an area opposite the second surface element 104; 105 (or an opposite side of the first surface element 102). The second surface element 104; 105 can, in particular, abut against a glass groove of the post 10 in the assembly situation, so that the cold surfaces of the post 10 or the inner walls from which moisture drains, are directly above the Fig. 2 schematically shown grooves 106 are arranged.

[0050] In Fig. 2 and 3An exemplary retaining projection 109 is also shown. The Fig. 2 The exemplary retaining projection shown is arranged on the side of the first surface element 102 opposite the second surface element 104; 105, and thus adjacent to the second groove 106.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows an example of the connecting element 100 resting on the frame profile 20 before mounting the post 10. The connecting element 100 is in Fig. 4 For example, it is fastened to the top of the frame profile 20 using fastening elements 26 (e.g. screws).

[0052] Fig. 5 shows an arrangement of posts 10 and frame profile 20, especially after the connection element 100 has been installed. The fastening elements 26 (e.g. screws) from Fig. 4 can also be used to permanently connect the base surface of the post 10 to the first surface element 102 of the connecting element 100 (and the upper side of the frame profile 20 below) (not shown).

[0053] Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, two surface sections 16; 17 of the outer geometry of the assembled post 10, arranged at an oblique angle to one another. The first (in particular wider) surface section 16 can, in the assembly situation, form-fit against the first surface section 104 of the second surface element of the connecting element 100 (not shown). The second (in particular narrower) surface section 17 can, in the assembly situation, form-fit against the second surface section 105 of the second surface element of the connecting element 100 (not shown).

[0054] For connecting a post 10 in a sliding system made of hollow chamber profiles (e.g., made of a plastic, particularly PVC, aluminum, fiberglass, or another composite material), a molded part is typically required as a connecting element (short: connector) 100, which conventionally mechanically connects the post 10 to the frame profile 20 to be connected, and in particular also to a threshold. Conventionally, a pre-chamber area of ​​the post profile is not drainable or ventilated, which is necessary from a structural physics perspective.

[0055] The connecting element 100 according to the invention enables requirements (in particular for drainage and ventilation) to be met, in particular by means of molded slopes and openings 106; 107.

[0056] The connecting element 100 is in particular designed such that in the area of ​​the pre-chambers of the post profile, in addition to a slope 107, a groove and / or channel 106 is also integrated, which ensures supply and exhaust air in the hollow chambers and which discharges moisture to the outside in a controlled manner.

[0057] Further embodiments of the present invention arise from the combination of features described above in connection with different embodiments. Such combinations are therefore expressly deemed to be disclosed and included in the protection. A detailed description of these embodiments is omitted solely in the interest of a concise presentation of the invention, but can be readily supplemented by a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A connecting element (100) for fastening a post (10) consisting of a hollow profile, preferably a multi-chamber plastic hollow profile, to a frame, wherein the connecting element (100) has a first surface element (102) and a second surface element (104; 105) arranged at an angle, preferably substantially perpendicular to the first surface element (102), wherein the first surface element (102) is designed to rest on a frame profile (20) in an assembly situation, preferably to rest largely flat within the glass groove of a frame profile (20), and wherein the second surface element (104; 105) is designed to rest largely flat against an outer geometry (16; 17) of the post (10) in the assembly situation, characterized in thatthe first surface element (102) comprises at least one recessed area (106; 107) for receiving moisture running down an inner wall of the post (10), wherein the at least one recessed area (106; 107) is designed to discharge the running down moisture to a drainage opening (30) in the frame profile (20).

2. Connecting element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the outer geometry (16) of the post (10), against which the connecting element (100) rests in a largely planar manner in the assembly situation, is a glass groove.

3. Connecting element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one recessed region (106; 107) comprises a groove (106) which, in the assembly situation, is arranged directly below an inner wall of the post (10).

4. Connecting element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one recessed region (106; 107) comprises two grooves (106) arranged at an angle, in particular substantially at a right angle, which in the assembly situation are each arranged directly below an inner wall of the post (10).

5. Connecting element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one recessed region (106; 107) comprises at least one inclined guide (107) of the moisture sloping towards the drainage opening (30).

6. Connecting element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a lateral extension (l v ) of the second surface element (104; 105) is less than a lateral extension (l p) of the outer geometry (16; 17) of the post (10), preferably wherein in the assembly situation the second surface element (104; 105) is laterally projected over or enclosed by the outer geometry (16; 17) of the post (10) at least on one side, particularly preferably on both sides.

7. Connecting element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second surface element (104; 105) comprises a first surface section (104) and a second surface section (105), wherein the second surface section (105) is arranged at an oblique, in particular flat, angle to the first surface section (104) with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post (10), wherein preferably a lateral extension (l v2 ) of the second surface section (105) is less than a lateral extent (l v1 ) of the first surface section (104).

8. Connecting element (100) according to claim 7, wherein the second surface section (105) in the assembly situation engages in a substantially form-fitting manner in a recess or groove of the outer geometry (16; 17) of the post (10) extending along the longitudinal axis of the post (10) and preferably engages in a glass groove arranged on the post.

9. Connecting element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a side of the first surface element (102) which is different from, in particular opposite, the second surface element (104; 105) comprises a retaining projection (109) arranged on the upper side of the first surface element (102), which is designed to engage in a groove in a wall of the post (10) in an assembly situation, wherein the groove of the post (10) is arranged on a wall of the post (10) which, in the assembly situation, corresponds to the side having the retaining projection (109).

10. Connecting element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting element (100) is made of plastic, metal, fiber composite materials or the like.

11. Use of the connecting element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10 in a window system, in particular in a lift-and-slide window system.

Images