Wall cladding system comprising wall panel arrangements and a fire-hindering body

Abstract

In the field of wall cladding, measures are taken to improve fire safety. At least one of the wall panels arrangements (10) of a wall cladding system is combined with a fire-hindering body (20). In particular, the fire-hindering body (20) is held at a default, first position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) and releasable to move to another, second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) under the influence of high temperatures associated with a fire, wherein in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10), the fire-hindering body (20) is hidden behind at least one of the wall panel arrangements (10), and wherein in the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10), the fire-hindering body (20) acts as a hindrance to flames, to a larger extent than in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements.

Description

[0001] Wall cladding system comprising wall panel arrangements and a fire-hindering body

[0002] The invention relates to a wall cladding system comprising wall panel arrangements arranged on a background support and coupled to the background support at a distance from the background support.

[0003] The invention is applicable to the field of wall cladding and wall cladding systems. Generally speaking, a wall cladding system is useful to cover a wall such as the exterior wall of a building and normally comprises a plurality of wall panels arranged on the wall in a closely adjoining fashion so as to form a fagade. An important function of the wall cladding system is a decorative function. The wall cladding system can also be functional to achieve further beneficial effects such as insulation and waterproofing.

[0004] A specific type of wall panel is a fiber cement panel. Fiber cement is a mineral composite with outstanding physical and aesthetic properties. Fiber cement panels are commonly used to create a ventilated fagade, which is a kind of two stage construction, namely, an inner structure with a protective outer skin, wherein said outer skin is constituted by the wall panels. The skin protects the inner structure against the elements. The key features of a ventilated fagade are an outer skin of wall panels, an air gap or cavity, and an insulated backing wall which controls air leakage. The air gap or cavity between the outer skin of wall panels and the backing wall is also referred to as ventilation space or ventilation channel. The wall panels shield the backing wall from the weather. The air gap and airtight backing wall combine to limit the effects of possible water penetration between the wall panels. The fact is that at the position of the air gap, the moisture can be evaporated and / or drained away safely. Hence, the air gap and airtight backing wall provide a secondary line of defense against the elements. Drained and ventilated facades are provided with openings at the top and bottom of the wall. Said openings provide both ventilation and an effective drainage route. This combination allows air to circulate and to dry the cavity between the inner and outer skins.

[0005] A well-known method of arranging wall panels such as fiber cement panels on a wall comprises steps of applying a layer of insulation material to the wall, creating a rail frame on the assembly of the wall and the insulation material by attaching rail elements to said assembly, at appropriate positions on said assembly, and attaching the wall panels to the rail frame. The latter may involve driving fasteners such as rivets through the wall panels and into the rail frame, from the front of the wall panels, in which case visible fixing of the wall panels is obtained. Invisible fixing of wall panels is another existing possibility, and various ways of realizing such fixing are known in the art, such as putting screws or hooks or the like into the wall panels at the back side of the wall panels, or using clips with hooks which are configured to engage on the wall panels at an edge position on the wall panels.

[0006] As explained in the foregoing, providing a structure such as a building with a wall cladding system has notable advantages. However, there are also technical challenges involved in the presence of a fagade comprising wall panels on a structure. An important issue in this respect is the issue of fire safety. It appears in practice that when a fire breaks out in a building, especially a high building such as an apartment building, the presence of a fagade can be a contributing factor in the spreading of the fire. In the first place, there is the so-called leap frog effect, which means that the fire easily moves from one wall panel to the next in an upward direction. Also, a phenomenon known as spalling can occur, which means that wall panels explode due to direct flame impact, as a result of internal pressure build-up caused by an inability to evacuate steam that originates from physically and chemically bound water in the material of the wall panels. Needless to say that exploding wall panels and material falling down cause great danger for people who are close to a building which is on fire, such as people running from the building and fire fighters.

[0007] As the inventors observed in investigations leading to the present invention, fiber cement seems particularly sensitive to spalling, as for instance compared to concrete. Fiber cement is a mineral composite and further comprises fibers. These are typically organic fibers, although inorganic fibers may be used alternatively or in addition. The organic fibers are generally hydrophilic, such as cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol with a tendency to adhere to water. Furthermore, fiber cement is typically produced by means of the Hatschek process from an aqueous slurry, comprising fine grains of cement and further ingredients, typically with an average particle size of 20- 30 micrometers. After dewatering, the green product is cured, typically either by means of air-curing or by means of autoclave curing. For facades, typically medium- or high-density fiber cement products are used. Medium-density fiber cement has a density in the range of 1 .2 to 1 .5 kg / dm3. High density fiber cement has a density of at least 1.5 kg / dm3, and is most preferred, due to its lower water absorption, higher strength and better dimensional stability. However, the high density, combined with the layered structure inherent to the Hatschek process increases the tendency to spall.

[0008] There is a need for measures aimed at improving safety of use of wall cladding systems, especially in view of the possible event of a fire.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to fulfill this need for wall cladding systems in which the wall panel arrangements form a ventilated fagade. In view thereof, the invention provides a wall cladding system comprising wall panel arrangements arranged on a background support and coupled to the background support at a distance from the background support. The wall cladding system according to the invention further comprises a fire-hindering body held at a default, first position relative to the wall panel arrangements and releasable to move to another, second position relative to the wall panel arrangements under the influence of high temperatures associated with a fire, wherein in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements, the fire-hindering body is hidden behind at least one of the wall panel arrangements, and wherein in the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements, the fire-hindering body acts as a hindrance to flames, to a larger extent than in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements.

[0010] It follows from the above definition that the wall cladding system according to the invention is provided with a fire-hindering body configured to move from a default, first position relative to the wall panel arrangements to another, second position relative to the wall panel arrangements in a case of fire, which will hereinafter be referred to as fire position relative to the wall panel arrangements. In the default position relative to the wall panel arrangements, the fire-hindering body is hidden behind at least one of the wall panel arrangements, so that having the fire-hindering body does not need to have any aesthetic consequences. The fact that the firehindering body moves from the default position relative to the wall panel arrangements to the fire position relative to the wall panel arrangements when a fire breaks out is used to advantage, namely, for the purpose of achieving an enhanced fire-hindering effect by means of the fire-hindering body exactly in a situation in which this is useful. In this way, known problems such as the leap frog effect and spalling as mentioned earlier can be avoided without a need for complex measures. The design of the fire-hindering body can be such that the fire-hindering body is configured to act as a hindrance to flames especially at a front side of the wall panel arrangements when the fire-hindering body is at the fire position relative to the wall panel arrangements. Additionally of alternatively, the design of the fire-hindering body can be such that the fire-hindering body is configured to act as a hindrance to flames especially at a back side of the wall panel arrangements when the firehindering body is at the fire position relative to the wall panel arrangements. It is especially advantageous if the fire-hindering body is designed so as to be capable to hinder flames both at the front side and the back side of the wall panel arrangements. In such a case, flames reaching upward can be hindered as much as possible, by using only a single body, wherein both possible propagation paths of the flames are at least partially blocked. For hindering flames at the front side, it is required that an outer edge of the fire-hindering body extends beyond a front side of the wall panel arrangement. For hindering flames at a back side of the wall panel arrangement, thus within the ventilation channel, the fire-hindering body extends within the ventilation channel to the wall or towards the wall, in case that it can cooperate with a further element to close off the ventilation channel,

[0011] The background support can be a wall covered with insulation material. The invention covers numerous other types of background support. In general, the background support can be a wall of a building with or without add-ons such as insulation material, support bars or a pre-wall. If insulation material is present on the wall, indeed, this may be in any suitable form, such as in the form of an element, a panel or a foam layer. It is an advantage of the invention that the at least one wall panel arrangement where the fire-hindering body is present can be coupled to the background support in the same way as other wall panel arrangements of the wall cladding system. Also, there is freedom of design of the fire-hindering body so that the size and shape of the fire-hindering body can be adapted to the available space and the intended functionality thereof in an optimal fashion.

[0012] In the context of the invention, the wall panel arrangements of the wall cladding system can be of any suitable design. In a practical example of the wall panel arrangements, the wall panel arrangements include a wall panel. Such a wall panel can be of any appropriate type, shape and size. A practical example of the type of the wall panel is a fiber cement panel. A practical example of the shape of the wall panel is a planar shape with a rectangular periphery. A practical example of the size of the wall panel is a size in the order of one or two meters. A practical example of a thickness of the wall panel is a thickness in a range of 8 to 16 mm, such as a thickness of 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively to having a wall panel in the wall panel arrangements, it is possible that the wall panel arrangements include a fireproof sheet. The fireproof sheet may be a metal sheet, for example. In case the wall panel arrangements also include a wall panel, it is advantageous if the fireproof sheet is located at a back side of the wall panel.

[0013] The invention covers a possibility according to which the fire-hindering body is foldable and is in a folded configuration behind the at least one of wall panel arrangements when the fire-hindering body is at the default position relative to the wall panel arrangements. In that case, it is advantageous if the fire position of the fire-hindering body relative to the wall panel arrangements is a position at which the fire-hindering body is free to deploy. The term ‘foldable body’ comprises herein embodiments in which the body is continuous and said continuous body would be bent along predefined line to arrive in the folded configuration. The term ‘foldable body’ further comprises embodiments in which the body comprises a plurality of constituting elements, which may be folded and / or bent to arrive in a folded configuration and vice versa into an opened configuration. Such plurality of constituting elements may for instance be connected via a hinge. The folded configuration is especially arranged that air can continue to circulate through the ventilation channel.

[0014] According to a practical embodiment, the fire-hindering body includes a basic support component and a sheet-like component hingably arranged on the basic support component, wherein the default position of the fire-hindering body relative to the wall panel arrangements is a position in which the sheet-like component is substantially parallel to the background support, and wherein the fire position of the fire-hindering body relative to the wall panel arrangements is a position in which the sheet-like component is substantially perpendicular to the background support, extending outwardly relative to the wall panel arrangements. In one implementation, the basic support component comprises a sheet. In another implementation, the basic support component comprises a frame and / or a plurality of bars or arms.

[0015] A practical possibility in the context of the invention is a possibility according to which the fire-hindering body is releasable to move in a downward direction, substantially parallel to the wall panel arrangements. Hence, in such a case, the fire position of the fire-hindering body relative to the wall panel arrangements is lower than the default position of the fire-hindering body relative to the wall panel arrangements. Movement means, such as a rail are present to transfer the firehindering body from the default, first position to the second, fire position. It is deemed advantageous that the basic support component engages with the said movement means for said transfer.

[0016] The fire-hindering body can be held in the default position relative to the wall panel arrangements by means of one or more elements. Such elements may be configured to change their constitution, probably to partially or totally disappear, under the influence of high temperatures associated with a fire. For instance, such one or more elements melt away, soften or otherwise loose grip on the fire-hindering body or the rail in case of fire, under the influence of high temperatures prevailing in that situation. Practical examples are a fire-meltable element, an element of material which evaporates under the influence of high temperatures, a bimetallic element, and double-sided adhesive tape. In one implementation such elements may be arranged in or on a rail, so as to block movement of the body along the rail. In another implementation, such elements may couple the fire-hindering body to the wall-panel arrangement.

[0017] In one embodiment, the movement means such as the rail are embodied as a rail frame that constitutes part of the wall panel arrangement. The rail is then suitably arranged substantially parallel to the wall-panel arrangement and / or the background support. In an alternative embodiment, the rail is embodied in a holder that is fixed to the background support, such as the wall. The latter may have the advantage that such holder can be assembled to the wall entirely separate from the wall panel arrangement.

[0018] In one practical implementation, a separate element is arranged on the background support as a stop of the downward movement of the fire-hindering body at a predefined position, to prevent the fire-hindering body from falling away from the at least one of the wall panel arrangements.

[0019] Generally speaking, an embodiment of the fire-hindering body is feasible in which the fire-hindering body and / or its mounting is configured to cause restriction or blockage of a passage between the background support and the at least one of the wall panel arrangements when the fire-hindering body is at the fire position relative to the wall panel arrangements. In one implementation, a holder comprising a holding arm with the rail is used, said holder being fastened to the background support, and said holding arm extending obliquely from said background support upwards, preferably at an angle to the background support of smaller than 30 degrees, more preferably at an angle in the range of 2 to 20 degrees, such as 5 to 15 degrees. This facilitates that the firehindering body is displaced from the first, default position rearwards to or towards the background support. Upon deployment of the sheet-like component of the firehindering body to a primarily or substantially horizontal position, flow of air, smoke and even flames through ventilation channel will be restricted or even blocked, i.e. prevented.

[0020] In an advantageous implementation , the fire-hindering body further includes a strip-like component hingably arranged on the basic support component, wherein the default position of the fire-hindering body relative to the wall panel arrangements is a position in which the strip-like component partially leaves open a passage between the background support and the wall panel arrangements, and wherein the fire position of the fire-hindering body relative to the wall panel arrangements is a position in which the strip-like component blocks the passage between the background support and the wall panel arrangements.

[0021] As suggested earlier, the background support may be the wall of a building. Assuming that a window is present in the background support, it is advantageous if the fire-hindering body is hidden behind at least one wall panel arrangement located directly above the window. Preferably, the entire width of the window is covered by one fire-hindering body of more fire-hindering body arranged at adjacent positions. In the case of a fire, windows are known to break so that flames reach up at the position of windows. In view of the fact that the fire-hindering body is put to a position which is suitable for achieving a hindering effect on the flames, this may help in retarding spread of the fire, in which case a position of the fire-hindering body for acting right above a window is a strategic position.

[0022] It is possible to have a wall cladding system existing entirely of wall panel arrangements with a fire-hindering body located behind those wall panel arrangements, i.e. fire-hindering wall panel arrangements, but in many situations it may be far more practical to apply one or more fire-hindering wall panel arrangements at a strategic position, wherein it is possible to have a plurality of fire- hindering wall panel arrangements positioned in one or more rows on the background support, for example.

[0023] The present invention will be further explained on the basis of the following description, wherein reference will be made to the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and illustrative in nature, and in which equal reference signs indicate equal or similar components, and in which: figure 1 diagrammatically shows a front view of a wall cladding system according to the invention, which is arranged on an exterior wall of a building and which comprises wall panel arrangements; figures 2 and 3 diagrammatically show a side view and a top view, respectively, of a background support, a wall panel arrangement, and a foldable fire-hindering body according to a first embodiment, wherein the fire-hindering body is at a default position relative to the wall panel arrangement and in a folded configuration; figure 4 shows a bottom portion of figure 2 in enlarged fashion; figures 5 and 6 diagrammatically show a side view and a top view, respectively, of the background support, the wall panel arrangement, and the fire-hindering body according to the first embodiment, wherein the fire-hindering body is at a fire position relative to the wall panel arrangement and in a deployed configuration; figure 7 and 8 diagrammatically show a front view and a side view, respectively of a fire-hindering body according to a second embodiment, wherein the fire-hindering body is shown in isolation and in a folded configuration; figure 9 diagrammatically shows a side view of the fire-hindering body according to the second embodiment, wherein the fire-hindering body is shown in a deployed configuration; figure 10 diagrammatically shows a side view of a holder for holding the fire-hindering body according to the second embodiment, said holder comprising a rail configured for transferring the fire-hindering body from a first, default position to a second, fire position; figure 11 diagrammatically shows a side view of the background support, the wall panel arrangement and the fire-hindering body according to the second embodiment, wherein the fire-hindering body is at a default position relative to the wall panel arrangement and in a folded configuration, and figure 12 diagrammatically shows a side view of the background support, the wall panel arrangement and the fire-hindering body according to the second embodiment, wherein the fire-hindering body is at a fire position relative to the wall panel arrangement and in a deployed configuration.

[0024] Figure 1 diagrammatically show a front view of a wall cladding system 100 according to the invention, which is arranged on an exterior wall of a building. In the exterior wall, a door 1 and three windows 2 are present. The wall cladding system 100 covers the entire area of the exterior wall outside of the door 1 and the windows 2 by means of wall panel arrangements 10. Wall panel arrangements 10 positioned directly above each of the door 1 and the windows 2 are combined with a firehindering body 20 (not visible in figure 1 ) which moves from one position to another in a case of fire. Figures 2-6 illustrate a number of interesting aspects and options relating to use of the fire-hindering body 20. Generally speaking, the fire-hindering body 20 is functional to realize a fire-retarding effect in a case of fire.

[0025] In the present example, the wall panel arrangement 10 comprises a wall panel 11 such as a fiber cement panel. Further, it is possible that the wall panel arrangement 10 comprises a fireproof sheet such as a metal sheet, wherein the metal sheet is located at a back side of the wall panel 11 , i.e. at a side of the wall panel 11 which is not visible from the front of the wall cladding system 100. An advantageous option in respect of the wall panel arrangement 10 is an option according to which all of the panels and / or sheets included in the wall panel arrangement 10 are of fireproof quality. This may be a factor contributing to prevention of the so-called spalling of wall panels under the influence of high temperatures.

[0026] Figures 2-6 diagrammatically show a first embodiment of the fire-hindering body 20 mentioned here before. The wall panel arrangement 10 is shown as mounted to a background support including a wall 5 covered with insulation material 8. The coupling between the wall panel arrangement 10 and the wall 5 can be through any suitable means such as through a rail frame 9 arranged on the wall 5, and is such that a distance is defined between a back side of the wall panel arrangement 10 and the wall 5 covered with insulation material 8, so that a space 6 is present between the wall panel arrangement 10 and the wall 5 covered with insulation material 8, which space 6 is suitable to enable ventilation behind the wall panel arrangement 10.

[0027] In a situation of fire, movement of the fire-hindering body 20 relative to the wall panel arrangement 10 is enabled while the wall panel arrangement 10 stays in place on the background support 5, 8, 9. As shown in figures 2, 3 and 4, a default position of the fire-hindering body 20 relative to a wall panel arrangement 10 is a position at which the fire-hindering body 20 is located in the ventilation space 6. Hence, the firehindering body 20 is not visible from the front. A special feature of the fire-hindering body 20 is that the fire-hindering body 20 is foldable, wherein the fire-hindering body 20 remains in a folded configuration under normal circumstances, so that a flow of air through the ventilation space 6 is hindered to a minimal extent only, and wherein the fire-hindering body 20 is allowed to move to a position at which the fire-hindering body 20 assumes the deployed configuration in a case of fire, for the purpose of hindering / blocking flames reaching upward. The deployed configuration of the firehindering body 20 can be seen in figures 5 and 6, in which the fire-hindering body 20 is shown at a fire position relative to the wall panel arrangement 10.

[0028] In the present example, the fire-hindering body 20 comprises a basic support component 21 , a sheet-like component 22 hingably arranged on the basic support component 21 , and also a strip-like component 23 hingably arranged on the basic support component 21 . The sheet-like component 22 is coupled to a bottom side of the basic support component 21 , while the strip-like component 23 is coupled to a top side of the basic support component 21 . In the folded configuration of the firehindering body 20, the sheet-like component 22 extends substantially parallel to the basic support component 21 , in a folded, upward orientation, at a position right behind the wall panel arrangement 10, i.e. at a front side of the basic support component 21 , while the strip-like component 23 hangs down from the basic support component 21 at a back side of the basic support component 21 .

[0029] In the default situation, the fire-hindering body 20 is held in place by means of one or more elements coupling the fire-hindering body 20 to the rail frame 9, which one or more elements melt away or otherwise loose grip on the fire-hindering body 20 and / or the rail frame 9 in a case of fire, under the influence of the high temperatures prevailing in that situation. The invention covers also heat-releasable couplings of the fire-hindering body 20 to other components, particularly the wall 5 through the insulation material 8 and / or the wall panel arrangement 10. As soon as the fire-hindering body 20 is released, the fire-hindering body 20 slides down under the influence of gravity. In the present embodiment, a stop element 24 is arranged on the wall 5, and the sliding movement of the fire-hindering body 20 is stopped when the strip-like component 23 abuts against the stop element 24. At that point, the striplike component 23 has flared out relative to the basic support component 21 , while a portion of the fire-hindering body 20 extends beyond the bottom edge 13 of the of the wall panel arrangement 10. The portion of the fire-hindering body 20 is sufficiently large for the sheet-like component 22 to be completely exposed and thereby to be capable of assuming another orientation relative to the basic support component 21 which is still substantially parallel to the wall panel arrangement 10. As a matter of fact, as soon as a free edge of the sheet-like component 22 moves from under the bottom edge 13 of the wall panel arrangement 10, a deploying movement of the sheet-like component 22 takes place, in which the sheet-like component 22 hinges to an orientation which is substantially perpendicular to the basic support component 21 , the wall panel arrangement 10 and the wall 5, wherein the sheet-like component 22 extends outwardly relative to the wall panel arrangement 10. In this respect, it is noted that the nature of the hinged arrangement of the sheet-like component 22 on the basic support component 21 can easily be chosen such that the hinging movement of the sheet-like component 22 cannot go beyond the substantially perpendicular orientation. This does not mean that other final orientations of the sheet-like component 22 are not covered by the invention as well.

[0030] With reference to figures 5 and 6, it is noted that in a situation of fire, which involves the lower position of the fire-hindering body 20 at which the strip-like component 23 is flared out and the sheet-like component 22 is in a substantially horizontal orientation, as explained, the fire-hindering body 20 acts to block the ventilation space 6, namely by means of the strip-like component 23, and in a general sense to hinder flames reaching upward from a position underneath the wall panel arrangement 10, so that the flames cannot simply travel further upward along the wall panel arrangement 10, both at the back side of the wall panel arrangement 10 and at a front side of the wall panel arrangement 10. Thus, having the firehindering body 20 in the wall cladding system 100 is a way of improving fire safety.

[0031] Figures 7-9 diagrammatically show a second embodiment of a fire-hindering body 120, in isolation for sake of clarity. Figures 11 -12 diagrammatically show the fire-hindering body 120 according to this second embodiment within the system comprising the wall panel arrangement 10 and the background support including a wall 5 covered with insulation material 8. It will be apparent that the wall panel arrangement 10 and the background support shown in Figures 11 and 12 are essentially corresponding to those shown in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6. In view thereof, no top views corresponding to Figures 11 and 12 have been included herein. Minor differences between Figures 11 and 12 on the one hand and Figures 2 and 5 on the other hand reside in the thickness of the insulation material 8, as well as an frame part 90 arranged perpendicularly to the wall panel 11 . In Figure 11 and 12, this frame part 90 is shown subdivided into three portions. These frame parts 90 are coupled via connectors 92 to the wall 5. These frame parts 90 extend from and / or are connected to rail frame 9, to which the wall panel 11 is connected via fasteners 19. The rail frame 9, the frame parts 90 and the connectors 92 jointly constitute a frame, which may comprises structural elements in two opposed directions and typically is made of a metal such as steel or aluminum. Examples of frames are known to the skilled person. WO2022 / 233657A1 discloses an improved version of such a frame, using brackets coupled into the rear side of a wall panel 11 rather than a rail frame 9.

[0032] The fire-hindering body 120 of the second embodiment essentially comprises a sheet-like component 122, which is supported by a plurality of suspension arms 121. In the illustrated example, the number of suspension arms 121 is two, but a larger number of suspension arms 121 may be used if so desired based on mechanical considerations. The sheet-like component 122 is connected to the suspension arms 121 via hinges 125. Such a structure enables that the sheet-like component 122 will deploy and move from a primarily vertical orientation in the first, default position (as shown in Fig. 7, 8 and 11) to a primarily horizontal orientation in the second, fire position (as shown in Fig. 9 and 12). It will be understood that the terms primarily horizontal and primarily vertical are used to refer to horizontal and vertical orientations respectively, with a deviation of at most 20 degrees in each case. Although not shown, it is not excluded that the fire-hindering body comprises further elements for structural integrity, such as a bar extending between the suspension arms 121. Any such bar could further be used advantageously for placement of the hinges 125. Instead of such a bar or in addition to such bar, a sheet could be present in between of the suspension arms 121. Preferably, such a sheet would be arranged parallel or essentially parallel to the sheet-like component 122 in the first, default position. Such hinged configuration is one implementation of a foldable fire-hindering body 20, 120.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the suspension arms 121 each comprise a protrusion 126, which is for instance cylindrical in shape. Alternative sahpes, such as a blockshape are not excluded. Purpose of these protrusions 126 is to act as a roller element within a rail 133 that is part of a holder 130, as shown in Figure 10. The holder 130 is provided with a base 131 for fixation of the holder 130 to the wall 5. The base 131 will be attached to the wall with fasteners - not shown, as known per se to the skilled person. An arm 132 extends from the base 131 under an angle a, which is for instance between 0 and 30 degrees, preferably between 5 and 20 degrees. The rail 133 is arranged on the arm 132 and is for instance implemented as a groove. However, a pair of rails mounted onto the arm might also work. Within the rail 133 a blocking element 134 is arranged. This blocking element 134 is arranged so as to keep the fire-hindering body in its first, default position under normal conditions. However, the blocking element 134 is configured to get removed in case of fire, due to the rise in temperature. Removal of the blocking element 134 may occur by means of softening, by means of melting or alternatively for instance by means of detachment or splitting. In the latter, the underlying force could be a reduction of adhesive force, a generation of a spring-based force, for instance in combination with a loss of clamping. Softening of melting of the material of the blocking element 134 is deemed most preferred and may be implemented in that the blocking element 134 comprises a - thermoplast - polymer material, such as for instance a polyolefin, a polyacrylate, a copolymer such as ethylene vinyl acetate. It is not excluded to use a combination of materials.

[0034] In the example illustrated in Fig. 10 the blocking element 134 is embodied as a constriction within the rail 133. Alternative implementations are by no means excluded. The blocking element 134 could fill the rail at least partially; meltable material may be attached to the protrusions 126, so as to increase the diameter thereof. Furthermore, whereas merely one blocking element 134 is shown in the illustrated example, a plurality of blocking elements 134 could be present along the rail 133. A plurality of blocking elements 134 may have the advantage of a gradual displacement of the fire-hindering body along the rail in dependence of a rise in temperature. In such implementation, a first blocking element would have an activitation temperature lower than a second blocking element, wherein the second blocking element would be arranged closer to the base than the first blocking element. Alternatively or additionally, such a plurality of blocking element 134 could be applied as a safeguard, such that the fire-hindering body 120 does not deploy unintentionally. As an additional safeguard, it is feasible to apply a heat-sensitive element such as a fire-meltable element or a double-sided adhesive tape between the sheet-like element 122 and the suspension arms 121.

[0035] The functionality of the system is shown best with reference to Figure 11 and 12, in which the fire-hindering body 120 and the holder 130 are present together with the background support 5,8 and the wall panel arrangement 10. The system is shown in Fig. 11 in its first, default position, in which the fire-hindering body 120 is folded and hangs on its suspension arms 121 at a first, blocked position in the arm 132 of the holder 130. The - protrusions of the - suspension arms 121 are herein blocked against downward movement along the rail 133 by way of the blocking element 134 (as shown in Fig. 10, not visible in Figure 11 or 12). Upon removal of the blocking element from the rail 133, the fire-hindering body will move on its suspension arms downwards and rearwards, i.e. from a position closer to the wall panel arrangement 10 to a position closer to and preferably directly adjacent to the wall 5. As the suspension arms 121 are longer than the height of the sheet-like component 122, the sheet-like component 122 moves out lower the bottom edge 13 of the wall panel 10. The sheet-like component 122 gets then in a second position, shown in Figure 12, in which said sheet-like component 122 can deploy to a primarily horizontal orientation. In this second position an edge 129 of the sheet-like component 122 extends forward to beyond the wall panel 10. Therewith, flames of a fire will be guided away from the ventilation channel 6, such that the fire cannot reach the wall panel arrangement 10 directly above the bottom edge 13. This guidance away is important, as it is known that flames typically extend from a window or door to a wall panel thereabove via the front side. However, the second position not merely guides flames outside. As a consequence of the rearwards displacement along the rail 133, the fire-hindering body now further creates a barrier for the flames between the wall 5 and the wallarrangement. Such barrier would be effective to hinder flames or smoke going upwards within the ventilation channel 6 in case of a fire. In the optional implementation of a further sheet between the suspension arms 121 of the firehindering body 120, such further sheet will then arrive at a location parallel to the wall 5. This may further limit the possibility for flames going along the fire-hindering body 120 at a rear side (i.e. between the wall 5 and the fire-hindering body 120) in its second position as shown in Fig. 12.

[0036] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

[0037] Notable aspects of the invention are summarized as follows. In the field of wall cladding, measures are taken to improve fire safety. At least one of the wall panels arrangements 10 of a wall cladding system 100 is combined with a fire-hindering body 20, which moves from one position to another in a case of fire. In particular, the fire-hindering body 20 is held at a default, first position relative to the wall panel arrangements 10 and releasable to move to another, second position relative to the wall panel arrangements 10 under the influence of high temperatures associated with a fire, wherein in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements 10, the firehindering body 20 is hidden behind at least one of the wall panel arrangements 10, and wherein in the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements 10, the fire-hindering body 20 acts as a hindrance to flames, to a larger extent than in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements. In a preferred embodiment, the fire-hindering body 20 is configured to realize that when the fire-hindering body 20 is at the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements 10, flames are hindered in or even prevented from upward displacement along the wall panel arrangements 10 at a front side and / or a back side of the wall panel arrangements 10.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A wall cladding system (100) comprising wall panel arrangements (10) arranged on a background support (5, 8) and coupled to the background support (5, 8) at a distance from the background support (5, 8), and a fire-hindering body (20, 120) held at a default, first position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) and releasable to move to another, second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) under the influence of high temperatures associated with a fire, wherein in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10), the fire-hindering body (20, 120) is hidden behind at least one of the wall panel arrangements (10), and wherein in the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10), the fire-hindering body (20, 120) acts as a hindrance to flames, to a larger extent than in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).

2. The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the firehindering body (20, 120) is configured to act as a hindrance to flames at a front side of the wall panel arrangements (10) when the fire-hindering body (20, 120) is at the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).

3. The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the firehindering body (20, 120) is configured to act as a hindrance to flames at a back side of the wall panel arrangements (10) when the fire-hindering body (20, 120) is at the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).

4. The wall cladding system (100) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the fire-hindering body (20, 120) is foldable and is in a folded configuration behind the at least one of the wall panel arrangements (10) when the fire-hindering body (20, 120) is at the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).

5. The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the second position of the fire-hindering body (20) relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) is a position at which the fire-hindering body (20) is free to deploy.

6. The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the firehindering body (20, 120) includes a basic support component (21 , 121) and a sheetlike component (22, 122) hingably arranged on the basic support component (21 , 121 ), wherein the first position of the fire-hindering body (20, 120) relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) is a position in which the sheet-like component (22, 122) is substantially parallel to the background support (5, 8), and wherein the second position of the fire-hindering body (20, 120) relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) is a position in which the sheet-like component (22, 122) extends outwardly relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).

7. The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the firehindering body (20) further includes a strip-like component (23) hingably arranged on the basic support component (21 ), wherein the first position of the fire-hindering body (20) relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) is a position in which the strip-like component (23) partially leaves open a passage (P) between the background support (5, 8, 9) and the at least one of the wall panel arrangements (10), and wherein the second position of the fire-hindering body (20) relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) is a position in which the strip-like component (23) blocks the passage (P) between the background support (5, 8, 9) and the at least one of the wall panel arrangements (10).

8. The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the basic support component (21 , 121 ) comprises a plurality of suspension arms (121 ), wherein a protrusion (126) on a suspension arm (121 ) is slidably arranged in a rail (133) of a holder (130) fastened to the background support (5,8), said rail (133) extending obliquely relatively to the background support (5,8) so that upon transfer from the first, default position to the second, fire position, the fire-hindering body (120) gets moved downwards and rearwards to or towards the background support (5,8)9. The wall cladding system (100) according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the fire-hindering body (20, 120) and / or its mounting (130) is configured to cause restriction or blockage of a passage (P) between the background support (5, 8) andthe at least one of the wall panel arrangements (10) when the fire-hindering body (20, 120) is at the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).

10. The wall cladding system (100) according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the second position of the fire-hindering body (20,120) relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) is a position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) which in view of a functional position and orientation of the wall panel arrangements (10) in the wall cladding system (100) is lower than the first position of the fire-hindering body (20,120) relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).11 . The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the firehindering body (20) is releasable to move in a downward direction, substantially parallel to the wall panel arrangements (10).

12. The wall cladding system (100) according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein a stop (24) is present on the background support (5, 8) at a position for stopping a downward movement of the fire-hindering body (20) when the fire-hindering body (20) reaches the second position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10).

13. The wall cladding system (100) according to any of claims 1 -12, wherein the fire-hindering body (20,120) is held in the first position relative to the wall panel arrangements (10) by at least one of a fire-meltable element, an element that softens at a temperature above ambient temperature, an element of material which evaporates under the influence of high temperatures, a bimetallic element, and double-sided adhesive tape.

14. The wall cladding system (100) according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the wall panel arrangements (10) include a wall panel (11 ), optionally a fiber cement panel.

15. The wall cladding system (100) according to any of claims 1 -14, wherein a window (2) is present in the background support (5, 8), and wherein the fire-hindering body (20) is hidden behind at least one wall panel arrangement (10) located directly above the window (2).

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