Rail for fastening facade panels, system for fastening facade panels, building facade cladding system and method of fastening facade panels

Abstract

The invention relates to a kerf rail (1) for fastening facade panels (14), a system for fastening facade panels (14), a building facade cladding system, and a method of fastening facade panels (14). The kerf rail (1) comprises a connection part (2) and an anchor part (3). The connection part (2) comprises a mounting surface for connecting the kerf rail (1) to a building wall or a support structure attached to an exterior of a building. The anchor part (3) comprises an at least one fastening arm (4, 5) terminated with a coupling means configured to engage a groove (15) in one of edges of the facade panel (14). The at least one fastening arm (4, 5) is terminated with a form-fit projection (6, 7) comprising arcuate sections (8, 9) to form a form-fitting mechanical connection with the groove (15) in the edge of the facade panel (14) during each step of installation of the facade panel (14) when the form-fit projection (6, 7) is placed in the groove (15).

Description

[0001] RAIL FOR FASTENING FACADE PANELS, SYSTEM FOR FASTENING FACADE PANELS, BUILDING FACADE CLADDING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FASTENING FACADE PANELS

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a kerf rail for fastening facade panels, a system for fastening facade panels, a building facade cladding system, and a method of fastening facade panels. The invention finds particular application in fastening facade panels covering a floor slab between rows of window joinery.

[0004] Background art

[0005] In the prior art there are known systems for fastening facade panels using invisible fasteners and kerf fasteners with a cut on the side of the facade panel. When using slotted fasteners, the height of the panels used is limited by the limitations of material's bending resistance (derived from horizontal forces, e.g., wind) due to the distance between the supports, which in the case of kerf fasteners can only be located in horizontal joints. The existing solutions do not allow for additional support of the panels so that they can transfer wind loads from the side or back of the panel. In the existing kerf fasteners, which do not lock the panels in place, a creep occurs, which consists in expansion and contraction of the panels due to temperature. This leads the panels to shift on the kerf rails, which changes the width of the vertical joints between the panels and can lead to their complete fall out in the case of panels at the corners of buildings. Furthermore, the kerf fasteners located on the lower edge of the panels are bared and exposed to direct fire in window lintels or ceiling edges. In the case of the above system, there is a risk of water being trapped in the kerf cut, which, when frozen, can damage the facade panels.

[0006] There are also know in the prior art pin fasteners used in horizontal or vertical joints, but this solution requires the use of cements or resins, which means that the system can only be used in above-freezing temperatures. Neither kerf nor pin fasteners allow for easy removal of the panels without damaging them.Another known solution involves fasteners located on the rear plane of the panel, but these also do not allowfor easy removal of the panels without having to remove the panels located above the panel being removed.

[0007] W02021005245A1 discloses prefabricated frames adapted for integration with many different designs of masonry slips for installation on the facade wall of a building. The frames contain a channel with extensions that fit into the grooves on the sides of the slips, allowing the tiles to be installed. In this solution, the distance between the plates is constant due to the inability to adjust the joint width to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.

[0008] GB2231890A relates to a system for mounting tile claddings using a metal mounting plate, which has a set of extending mounting flanges that are punched from its surface. Each flange fits into the side grooves located on the edges of the tiles, which allows them to be seated firmly. These flanges have inclined ends, which are resiliently deformed during assembly, providing additional security for the tile in the correct position, eliminating the risk of its displacement. This solution enables secure and durable attachment of cladding tiles to a metal plate, with specially designed flanges providing resilient pressure to the tile grooves.

[0009] The solutions disclosed in W02021005245A1 and GB2231890A utilize resilient connections, which are characterized by a temperature-dependent and time-varying pressure force. Resilient connections in kerf connections always induce stresses in the panel, reducing the strength of the joint and potentially leading to breaking down the edges of the kerf gap. Springs should be individually selected to meet design requirements, depending on the size and weight of the panel used and the wind load, which can be difficult due to changeable conditions and variable characteristics of the springs over time. The need to match springs to the panel parameters necessitates the use of panels with identical parameters, precluding the simultaneous installation of panels with different or varying parameters. The use of springs that are too weak or too soft does not guarantee the transfer of wind loads. Due to the decreasing spring parameters overtime, such as a decrease in springforce and an increase in deformation resulting from their wear caused by permanent loading, an increase in spring force is required. As a result, the use of harder and stronger springs can lead to damage of panelsmade of a brittle material, which excludes some materials from use. Installation of a resilient connection often requires the use of a tool that allows the spring to be strained. This causes the sprin to deform during installation of a panel, causingthe springto lose its properties, thereby permanently reducing its force and changing the characteristics of the entire resilient connection. Currently known solutions do not allow for the control of the joint width between the installed panels.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The objective of the invention is to provide a solution that will allow easy fastening of facade panels and at least partially eliminate the problems known in the prior art. Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a solution that will enable easy and quick panel replacement without the need to dismantle adjacent panels. Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a solution that will enable secure and stable fastening of facade panels in all weather conditions.

[0012] Accordingto a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a kerf railforfasteningfacade panels, comprising a connection part and an anchor part. The connection part comprises a mounting surface for connecting the kerf rail to a building wall or a support structure attached to an exterior of a building. The anchor part comprises an at least one fastening arm terminated with a coupling means configured to engage a groove in one of edges of the facade panel. The connection is achieved by a substantially rotational movement aboutan axis parallel to a plane of thefacade paneland parallel to the edge of thefacade panel along which there runs a groove of substantially rectangular cross-section. The at least one fastening arm terminates with a form-fit projection comprising arcuate sections to form a form-fitting mechanical connection with a groove in the edge of the facade panel during each step of installation of thefacade panel when said form-fit projection is placed in the groove. The form-fitting connection does not require the use of any force to install the panel, and its technical parameters are independent of temperature and constant over time. It also does not cause any deformation or load in the attached panels, eliminating the risk of damage to the facade plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the arcuate section is shaped like a segment of a circle, a chord of which is similar to the arc traced by the parallel walls of the groove of the facade panel,which engages the form-fit projection. This ensures that the groove in the edge of the facade panel is always filled, which protects the panel from impact loads.

[0014] In another embodiment, the form-fit projection comprises two arcuate sections based on a common circle.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the form-fit projection comprises a safety seal that rests against a surface of a side wall of the groove in the edge of the facade panel when the facade panel is in the assembled position. The seal compensates for manufacturing tolerances in a cut in the facade panel and rail, protecting the panel from vibration.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the connection part comprises mounting holes that allow the kerf rail to be attached to a building wall or a supporting structure using mounting elements.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the rail on the side facing away from the building wall has markings indicating a width of a joint between the facade panels. This allows for preliminary determination of the joint width and dimensional deviations of the panel without the need for additional measuring devices. This facilitates positioning the panels in a predetermined manner to achieve the intended aesthetic effect.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the rail comprises two fastening arms terminated with formfit projections, preferably both fastening arms comprise identical form-fit projections with arcuate sections.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the fastening arms are arranged substantially in a single plane parallel to the plane of the facade panel, wherein the form-fit projections are facing in opposite directions.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, an upward-facing fastening arm is shorter than a downwardfacing fastening arm.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for fastening facade panels, comprising a support structure configured for fastening to a building wall and comprising a plurality of vertical posts and / or horizontal beams, and comprising an at least one kerf rail according to the invention.In one embodiment, the system comprises an at least one undercut anchor attached to the support structure and configured to be inserted into an undercut hole in a rear plane of the facade panel. The use of undercut anchors allows for the transfer of wind loads and the installation of windowsills and covers in direct contact with the panels. Securing the panel position prevents the panels from creeping along the kerf rail, while allowing them to expand and contract freely under the influence of temperature changes.

[0022] In another embodiment, the support structure comprises an at least one mounting bracket for mounting the at least one undercut anchor.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the mounting bracket is equipped with a socket configured to receive a nut of various sizes and a screw constituting a height adjustment assembly forthe facade panel.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a building facade cladding system comprising a plurality of facade panels having grooves in opposing edges, preferably in upper and lower edges and / or in side edges, a plurality of kerf rails according to the invention, and a system for fastening facade panels according to the invention. In one embodiment, the groove in the upper edge of the lower facade panel is deeper than the groove in the lower edge of the upper facade panel.

[0025] In one embodiment, the height (Thi) of the inner lip of the upper edge of the facade panel is greater than the height (Bhi) of the inner lip of the lower edge of the facade panel. In another embodiment, the height (Thi) of the inner lip of the upper edge of the facade plate is equal to the height (Bhi) of the inner lip of the lower edge of the facade plate.

[0026] In one embodiment, the height (The) of the outer lip of the upper edge of the facade panel is greater than the height (Bhe) of the outer lip of the lower edge of the facade panel. In one embodiment, the height (Bhe) of the outer lip of the lower edge of the facade panel is greater than the height (Bhi) of the inner lip of the lower edge of the facade panel. In another embodiment, the height (Bhe) of the outer lip of the lower edge of the facade panel is equal to the height (Bhi) of the inner lip of the lower edge of the facade panel. In one embodiment, the height (Thi) of the inner lip of the upper edge of the facade panel is greater than the height (The) of the outer lip of the upper edge of the facade panel. Inanother embodiment, the height (Thi) of the inner lip of the upper edge of the facade panel is equal to the height (The) of the outer lip of the upper edge of the facade panel.

[0027] The distance (B) between the upper and lower edges of adjacent facade panels is greater than the height (A) of the upward-facing fastening arm.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fastening facade panels, comprising the following steps:

[0029] a) inserting a facade panel at an angle so that its groove engages a form-fit projection of a kerf rail,

[0030] b) rotating the facade panel about an axis of rotation by moving one of its edges, opposite the edge constituting the axis of rotation, towards a building wall, c) moving the facade panel by shifting it away from a fastening arm substantially along a plane in which the facade panels are arranged until the facade panel is firmly seated,

[0031] wherein in each of the aforementioned installation steps the form-fit projection fills the entire width of the groove creating a form-fitting mechanical connection with said groove. The above method of fastening facade panels also allows for the free removal of each panel without the need to remove adjacent panels, by performing the above steps in the opposite order.

[0032] Advantageous effects of the invention

[0033] The use of a kerf rail for fastening facade panels allows for the removal of each individual panel without the need to damage it. The rail also enables the installation of panels made of various materials.

[0034] The use of form-fitting mechanical connections means that the invention can be used regardless of the ambient temperature. In addition, securing the panel position with undercut anchors prevents the panels from creeping along the kerf rail, while allowing them to expand and contract freely under the influence of temperature changes. The undercut anchors allow also for the transfer of wind loads and the installation of windowsills and covers in direct contact with the panels.Thanks to the form-fitting mechanical connection, no additional force is required to install the panel, and its technical parameters are independent of temperature and constant over time. It also causes no deformation or stress in the attached panels, virtually eliminating the risk of damage to the facade panel.

[0035] Brief description of the figures of the drawings

[0036] The object of the invention is explained in detail in embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which:

[0037] Fig. 1 - shows schematically a cross-sectional view of a kerf rail according to the invention,

[0038] Fig. 2 - shows the kerf rail from Fig. 1 with two facade panels in the assembled position, Fig. 3 -shows schematically a partial cross-sectional view of the kerf rail placed between two facade panels, together with indicated proportions of the individual elements, Fig. 3a - shows schematically bevel angles of outer edges of lips at the junction of the facade panels,

[0039] Fig. 4 - shows an exploded view of a building facade cladding system comprising horizontal beams with mounting brackets, a kerf rail, and facade panels,

[0040] Fig.5-shows an example of a buildingfacade cladding system accordingtothe invention, intended for fastening floor slab panels,

[0041] Fig.6 - shows exemplary combinations of fastening facade panels using kerf connections and undercut anchors,

[0042] Fig. 7 - shows the steps of a method of fastening building facade panels according to the invention.

[0043] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0044] A kerf rail 1 for fastening facade panels 14 comprises generally a connection part 2 and an anchor part 3. The connection part 2 comprises a mounting surface for connecting the kerf rail 1 to a building wall or a support structure attached to the exterior of the building. The anchor part 3 comprises at least one fastening arm 4, 5 terminated with a couplingmeans configured to be connected to a groove 15 in one of the edges of the facade panel 14 by means of a substantially rotational movement about an axis parallel to the plane of the facade panel 14 and parallel to the edge of the facade panel 14, along which there runs the groove 15 of substantially rectangular cross-section. At least one fastening arm 4, 5 is terminated with a form-fit projection 6, 7 comprising arcuate sections 8, 9 to form a form-fitting mechanical connection with the groove 15 in the edge of the facade panel 14.

[0045] With reference to attached Figs. 1-2, one preferred embodiment of a kerf rail 1 according to the invention will now be described in detail.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the kerf rail 1 has two fastening arms 4, 5 - one downward-facing and the other upward-facing. The connection part 2 is connected to the anchor part 3 via a connecting shelf 10 in the form of a flat, horizontally extending profile. The lower fastening arm 4 comprises a form-fit projection 6, 7 with two arcuate sections 8, 9. The arcuate section 8, 9 is form-fit like a segment of a circle, the chord of which is similar to the arc traced by the parallel walls of the groove 15 of the facade panel 14, which engages the form-fit projection 6, 7.

[0047] The form-fit projection 6, 7 shown in the drawings comprises two arcuate sections 8, 9 based on a common circle. The arcuate sections 8, 9 are in contact with the side walls of the groove 15, forming a form-fitting mechanical connection with the groove 15. In other words, the form-fit projection 6, 7 fills the entire width of the groove 15 of the facade panel 14 in each step of facade panel 14 installation, ensuring the stability of the entire system. These steps comprise, inter alia, insertion of the facade panel 14 with the groove 15 into the form-fit projection 6, 7, rotating the facade panel 14 about its axis of rotation, and lowering the facade panel 14 until the facade panel 14 is securely seated on the connecting shelf of the kerf rail 1 located below.

[0048] In the presented embodiment, the form-fit projection 6, 7 comprises a safety seal 13 that rests against the surface of the side wall of the groove 15 in the edge of the facade panel 14 when the facade panel 14 is in the assembled position. The safety seal 13 compensates for differences in the width of the groove 15 resulting from manufacturingtolerances. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention could also be successfully implemented without the seal 13.

[0049] The connection part 2 is in the form of a flat bar and comprises mounting holes 11 enabling the kerf rail 1 to be attached to a building wall or supporting structure using mounting elements. In other embodiments, the connection part 2 may have a different shape, e.g., to match the supporting structure elements attached to the building wall. In another preferred embodiment, the kerf rail 1 may have markings (visible in Fig. 4) on the side facing away from the building wall, defining the width of the joint between the facade panels 14.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, only the lower fastening arm 4 is terminated with a formfit projection 6, 7 with arcuate sections 8, 9. The upper fastening arm 5 is in the form of a hook. The upper fastening arm 5 need not comprise arcuate sections 8, 9, as it is only involved in the final step of installation, in which the panel 14 is lowered downwards. In this step, the facade panel 14, after being rotated, is moved only in a linear motion parallel to the wall plane until the upper fastening arm 5 engages the groove 15 in the lower edge of the panel 14, and the lower edge of the panel 14 rests on the connecting shelf 10 of the kerf rail 1. In other embodiments, the form-fit projections 6,7 on both fastening arms 4, 5 could be the same. In yet another embodiment, the kerf rail 1 can comprise only one fastening arm 4, 5 terminated with a form-fit projection 6, 7 with arcuate sections 8, 9- in such a case, the method of connection can include a combination of kerf connections and connections using undercut anchors 21.

[0051] The fastening arms 4, 5 are arranged substantially in a single plane parallel to the plane of the facade panel 14, wherein the form-fit projections 6, 7 are facing in opposite directions, towards grooves 15 of the lower and upper facade panels 14.

[0052] The anchor part 3 comprises a mounting recess 12 that allows the facade panel 14 to be inserted at an angle with the groove 15 into the form-fit projection 6, 7 and the panel 14 to be rotated. Preferably, as in the presented embodiment, the fastening arms 4, 5 form a C-shape in which the aforementioned mounting recess 12 is located.

[0053] Preferably, the upper fastening arm 5 is shorter than the lower fastening arm 4. In another embodiment, the upper fastening arm 5 may be the same length as the lower fasteningarm 4 or the proportions may be still different, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows two facade panels in the assembled position using the kerf rail 1 according to the invention. The facade panel located above comprises a groove 15 in its lower edge bounded by an outer lip 16 and an inner lip 17. The facade panel located below comprises similar grooves 15 in its lower edge and upper edge. A mounting bracket 20 is attached to the facade panel located above, as a part of the support structure shown in more detail in Figs.4 and 5. The mounting bracket 20 is used to secure an undercut anchor 21 positioned in an undercut hole 23 in the rear surface of the facade panel 14. The undercut hole is clearly visible in Fig. 4.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows schematically a partial cross-sectional view of the kerf rail placed between two facade panels. The proportions of the individual components indicated in this figure are discussed in detail below.

[0056] With reference to Fig. 4 and 5, a preferred embodiment of a building facade cladding system will now be discussed, comprising a system for fastening facade panels 14 according to the invention, utilizing a kerf rail 1 according to the invention.

[0057] The system for fastening facade panels 14 comprises a support structure configured for attachment to a building wall. Generally, the support structure may comprise vertical posts 18 and / or horizontal mounting profiles 11.

[0058] Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of an exemplary support structure comprising horizontal beams 19 and mounting brackets 20 attached to the beam 19. The mounting brackets 20 serve as a support for the undercut anchors 21, which are inserted into undercut holes 23 in the rear surface of the facade panels 14. Fig.4 shows two facade panels with pre-drilled undercut holes 23 - the upper panel has holes closer to the upper edge and the lower panel closerto the lower edge. The horizontal beams 19 are attached to the vertical posts 18, which are shown in Fig. 5, however, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the horizontal beams 19 alone, with or without mounting brackets 20, could function as a support structure on their own.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket 20 is equipped with a socket 22 configured to accept a nut of various sizes. The nut and screw constitute the heightadjustment assembly for the facade panel 14, visible in Figs. 4 and 5. Depending on the load to be transferred, different nuts can be used as needed.

[0060] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary implementation of a building facade cladding system, which is intended for floor slab panels. In this embodiment, the panels cover a floor slab 24. Above the floor slab 24, a section of the upper row of windows 26 is visible, and below the floor slab 24, a section of the lower row of windows 25 is visible.

[0061] The vertical posts 18 are attached to the building wall. Two horizontal beams 19 with brackets 20, shown in more detail in Fig.4, are attached to the vertical posts 18. A kerf rail 1 is also attached to the vertical posts 18 by means a bolted connection using mounting holes 11 in the connection part 2 - this connection is not shown in this figure.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the system has two rows of facade panels placed one above the other. For this reason, each facade panel has a groove 15 only on one edge, which engages with the kerf rail 1. If more than two rows of facade panels are used, the outermost panels, i.e., in the lowest and highest rows, have a groove 15 only in one edge, the upper or lower, respectively, while the panels located between the outermost rows have two grooves 15 - one on opposite edges.

[0063] The facade panels are connected to each other by means of the kerf rail 1 and additionally attached to horizontal beams 19 using undercut anchors 21.

[0064] Fig. 6 shows schematically exemplary configurations for fastening the facade panels by means of combination of kerf connections usingthe kerf rail 1 accordingto the invention - marked with a dashed line - and connections using undercut anchors 21 - marked with dots.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 15 in the upper edge of the lower facade panel 14 is deeper than the groove 15 in the lower edge of the upper facade panel 14. In another embodiment, the grooves 15 may be of the same depth or their proportions may be different.

[0066] The proportions of the system components are shown in Fig. 3

[0067] Preferably, the height (Thi) of the inner lip 17 of the upper edge of the facade panel 14 is greater than the height (Bhi) of the inner lip 17 of the lower edge of the facade panel 14,and the height (Thi) of the inner lip 17 of the upper edge of the facade panel 14 is equal to the height (Bhi) of the inner lip 17 of the lower edge of the facade panel 14.

[0068] Preferably, the height (The) of the outer lip 16 of the upper edge of the facade panel 14 is greater than the height (Bhe) of the outer lip 16 of the lower edge of the facade panel 14. Preferably, the height (The) of the outer lip 16 of the upper edge is equal to or greater than 0.

[0069] Preferably, the height (Bhe) of the outer lip 16 of the lower edge of the facade panel 14 is greater than the height (Bhi) of the inner lip 17 of the lower edge of the facade panel 14. Preferably, the height (Bhe) of the outer lip 16 of the lower edge of the facade panel 14 is equal to the height (Bhi) of the inner lip 17 of the lower edge of the facade panel 14;

[0070] Preferably, the height (Thi) of the inner lip 17 of the upper edge of the facade panel 14 is greater than the height (The) of the outer lip 16 of the upper edge of the facade panel 14. Preferably, the height (Thi) of the inner lip 17 of the upper edge of the facade panel 14 is equal to the height (The) of the outer lip 16 of the upper edge of the facade panel 14. Preferably, the distance (B) between the upper and lower edges of adjacent facade panels 14 is greater than the height (A) of the upper fastening arm 5.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3a, the outer lips 16 of adjacent facade panels 14 are bevelled. The bevelled edges extend downward from the rear plane of the panel 14, which faces the building wall, toward the outer, visible plane of the facade panel 14. The bevel angle of the outer lip 16 of the lower panel is designated a, while the bevel angle of the outer lip 16 of the upper panel is designated p. In the simplest case, the angles a and are 0 degrees -as in the embodiments in Fig. 2 and Fig.3, where the edges at the panel joint are perpendicular to the plane of the facade panel. Preferably, the angle a is smaller than the angle p, and both angles are acute angles. Fig. 3a also shows two embodiments in which the outer lips 16 of adjacent facade panels 14 have different lengths.

[0072] With reference to Fig. 7, a method of fastening facade panels 14 according to the invention is shown, using the previously described kerf rail 1. The method comprises the following steps:a) the facade panel 14 is positioned at an angle to the wall plane with the groove 15 facing the form-fit projection 6, 7, which terminates the fastening arm 4, 5 of the kerf rail 1,

[0073] b) the facade panel 14 is inserted at an angle so that its groove 15 engages the form-fit projection 6, 7 of the kerf rail 1 ,

[0074] c) the facade panel 14 is rotated about the axis of rotation, common to the arcuate sections 8, 9, moving one panel edge, opposite the edge constituting the axis of rotation, towards the building wall,

[0075] d) the facade panel 14 is moved by shifting it away from the fastening arm 4, 5 substantially along the plane in which the facade panels 14 are arranged until thefacade panel 14 is firmly seated in the connecting shelf 10,

[0076] wherein in each of the aforementioned installation steps from b) to d), the formfit projection 6, 7 fills the entire width of the groove 15, forming a form-fitting mechanical connection with this groove 15.List of reference numerals in the drawings: 1 - kerf rail

[0077] 2 - connection part

[0078] 3 - anchor part

[0079] 4 - lower fastening arm

[0080] 5 - upper fastening arm

[0081] 6, 7- form-fit projections

[0082] 8, 9 - arcuate sections

[0083] 10 - connecting shelf

[0084] 11 - mounting holes

[0085] 12 - mounting recess

[0086] 13-safety seal

[0087] 14-facade panel

[0088] 15 - groove

[0089] 16-outer lip

[0090] 17-inner lip

[0091] 18- vertical post

[0092] 19- horizontal beam

[0093] 20 - mounting bracket

[0094] 21 - undercut anchor

[0095] 22 -socket

[0096] 23- undercut hole

[0097] 24 -floor slab

[0098] 25 -window in the lower row

[0099] 26- window in the upper row

Claims

Claims1. A kerf rail (1) for fastening facade panels (14) comprising a connection part (2) with a mounting surface for connecting the kerf rail (1 ) to a building wall or a support structure attached to an exterior of a building, and an anchor part (3) comprising an at least one fastening arm (4, 5) terminated with a coupling means configured to engage a groove (15) in one of edges of the facade panel (14) by a substantially rotating movement about an axis parallel to a plane of the facade panel (14) and parallel to the edge of the facade panel (14) along which the groove (15) of a substantially rectangular cross-section runs, characterized in that the at least one fastening arm (4, 5) is terminated with a form-fit projection (6, 7) comprising arcuate sections (8, 9) to form with the groove (15) in the edge of the facade plate (14) a form-fitting mechanical connection during each step of installation when said form-fit projection (6, 7) is placed in the groove (15).

2. The rail according to claim 1, wherein the arcuate section (8, 9) is shaped as a segment of a circle, a chord of which is similar to the arc traced by the parallel walls of the groove (15) of the facade panel (14), which engages the form-fit projection (6, 7).

3. The rail according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the form-fit projection (6, 7) comprises two arcuate sections (8, 9) based on a common circle.

4. The rail according to either claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the form-fit projection (6, 7) comprises a safety seal (13) that rests against the surface of a side wall of the groove (15) in the edge of the facade panel (14) when the facade panel (14) is in the assembled position.

5. The rail according to any of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein the connection part (2) comprises mounting holes (11) that allow the kerf rail (1) to be attached to a building wall or a supporting structure using mounting elements.

6. The rail according to any of the preceding claims 1 -5, wherein a side facing away from a building wall has markings defining a width of a joint between the facade panels (14).

7. The rail according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein it comprises two fastening arms (4, 5) terminated with form-fit projections (6, 7), preferably bothfastening arms (4, 5) comprise identical form-fit projections (6, 7) with arcuate sections (8, 9).

8. The rail according to claim 7, wherein the fastening arms (4, 5) are arranged substantially in a single plane parallel to the plane of the facade panel (14), wherein the form-fit projections (6, 7) are facing in opposite directions.

9. The rail according to claim 8, wherein an upward-facing fastening arm (5) is shorter than a downward-facing fastening arm (4).

10. A system for fastening facade panels, comprising a support structure configured for mounting to a building wall and comprising a plurality of vertical posts (18) and / or horizontal beams (19), characterized in that it comprises an at least one kerf rail (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 9.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein it comprises an at least one undercut anchor (21) attached to the support structure and configured to be inserted into an undercut hole in a rear plane of a facade panel (14).

12. The system according to either claim 10 or 11, wherein the support structure comprises an at least one mounting bracket (20) for mounting the at least one undercut anchor (21).

13. The system accordingto claim 12, wherein the mounting bracket (20) is equipped with a socket (22) configured to receive a nut of various sizes and a screw constituting a height adjustment assembly of a facade panel.

14. A building facade cladding system, comprising a plurality of facade panels (14) having grooves (15) in opposing edges, preferably in upper and lower edges and / or in side edges, wherein each groove (15) is delimited by an outer lip (16) and an inner lip (17), a plurality of kerf rails (1 ) defined according to any of claims 1 to 9, and a system for fastening facade panels according to any of claims 10 to 13.

15. The system accordingto claim 14, wherein the groove (15) in the upper edge of the lower facade panel (14) is deeper than the groove in the lower edge of the upper facade panel (14).

16. The system accordingto either claim 14 or 15, wherein:the height (Thi) of the inner lip (17) of the upper edge of the facade panel (14) is greater than or equal to the height (Bhi) of the inner lip (17) of the lower edge of the facade panel (14);the height (The) of the outer lip (16) of the upper edge of the facade panel (14) is greater than the height (Bhe) of the outer lip (16) of the lower edge of the facade panel (14);the height (Bhe) of the outer lip (16) of the lower edge of the facade panel (14) is greater than or equal to the height (Bhi) of the inner lip (17) of the lower edge of the facade panel (14);the height (Thi) of the inner lip (17) of the upper edge of the facade panel (14) is greater than or equal to the height (The) of the outer lip (16) of the upper edge of the facade panel (14).

17. The system according to any of the preceding claims 14-16, wherein the distance (B) between the upper and lower edges of adjacent facade panels (14) is greater than the height (A) of an upward-facing fastening arm (5).

18. A method of fastening facade panels (14) with a kerf rail (1 ) as defined according to any of claims 1 -9, comprising the following steps:a) inserting a facade panel (14) at an angle so that its groove (15) engages a formfit projection (6, 7) of the kerf rail (1 ),b) rotating the facade panel (14) about the axis of rotation by moving one of its edges, opposite the edge constituting the axis of rotation, towards a building wall,c) moving the facade panel (14) by shifting it away from the fastening arm (4, 5) substantially along the plane in which the facade panels (14) are arranged, until the facade panel (14) is firmly seated,wherein in each of the aforementioned installation steps, the form-fit projection (6, 7) fills the entire width of the groove (15), forming a form-fitting mechanical connection with said groove (15).

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