EP0289098B1

EP0289098B1 - Coupling between two sandwich-panels and modular building system based thereon

Info

Publication number: EP0289098B1
Application number: EP19880200827
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Hugo Groeneveld
Original assignee: Rockwool Lapinus BV; Beheermaatschappij HD Groeneveld BV
Current assignee: Rockwool Lapinus BV; Beheermaatschappij HD Groeneveld BV
Priority date: 1987-04-27
Filing date: 1988-04-27
Publication date: 1991-02-06
Also published as: GR3001448T3; EP0387934A2; ES2021134B3; EP0387934B1; NL8701813A; DE3888846T2; ES2050932T3; DE3888846D1; EP0387934A3; DE3861740D1; EP0289098A1

Description

The invention relates to a coupling between two sandwich panels, each comprising an insulating layer being covered on its one side with a first metal plate and on its other side with a second metal plate, each of the panels having a prismatic connecting edge for coupling by means of screws another like panel to said connecting edge, a sealing strip for coupling together said connecting edges, the second plates each having a bent portion, the bent portions of adjacent plates being spaced and facing each other. Such a coupling is known from FR-A-2 173 113.
This prior art coupling requires the use of an additional coupling member (28) to interconnect the panels and to clamp the sealing strip into its sealing position. Furthermore, the threaded ends of the screws, cooperate with a bridge-like connecting member arranged at the other side of the panels. Since this is another separate part during installation of the panels to make a coupling therebetween one always has to work from both sides.
The purpose of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages and the limitations of the prior art and thereto proposes a coupling of the type mentioned in the first paragraph which is characterized in that said sealing strip is disposed between and in sealing relationship with said two facing bent portions and in that said screws connect together two adjacent first plates to define a hinge therebetween, said screws further cooperating directly with said second plate of at least one of the two panels.
It is hereby noted that the screws fulfill the dual function of joining together adjacent panels and ensuring the integrity of a panel under the most varied load conditions. The screws also may be used to fasten the panels to a supporting construction, for which purpose they may be given a relative great length, such that they protrude with the end away from the head outside the panel in question. Gigven by way of example is the use of self-drilling and self-tapping screws, which are known per se.
The sealing strip e.g. serving as a vapour barrier, can take the form of a strip of foam material with a strongly adhesive, wear resistant acrylate adhesive mass. This sealing strip can be applied to the bent portions in the factory where the panels are manufactured. The use of a sealing strip has a further advantage that dimensional tolerances in the panel and/or in the supporting structure can be accommodated without adversely affecting the quality of the coupling.
A very simple coupling, which is naturally sealing and is moreover eminently capable of adsorbing tensile forces and pressure forces, has the feature that the first and/or the second plates of both panels overlap each other at least partially.
An alternative embodiment uses a clamping member screwed into clamping position on respective first and/or second plates that are connected to each other. Such a clamping member can take several forms, for instance that of a flat clamp strip or of a clamp strip with a U-shaped cross section for co-operation with corresponding prismatic recesses of the relevant first and/or second plates.
In this latter embodiment use can be made of a sealing strip fitted between the clamping member and the associated surfaces of the plates.
The heads of the screws can with advantage be accessible from one side. This embodiment may be of importance when the panels are not accessible from the other side, for example when they are used as a lining for an existing wall.
A preferred embodiment is characterized in that insulating layers of the two panels are positioned in substantially abutting relationship, in such a way that they form together one substantially continuous insulation. Such continuous insulation can under circumstances be important for ventilation purposes, pressure equalization, vapour transport and the like.
In this connection it should also be noted that the case where two panels are coupled against each other these two panels can, as a consequence of the stiffening sandwich effect of the two metal skins, form together with the insulation a self-supporting span structure. The normal addition of a separate supporting construction therefore becomes superfluous.
The invention will now be elucidated with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross section through a coupling between two sandwich panels;
Figure 2 shows a cross section through a corner construction with sandwich panels according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a partly broken away perspective view of the coupling as in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 shows an alternative;
Figure 5 shows a building constructed from sandwich elements according to the invention;
Figure 6 is a partly broken away perspective view through VI-VI in Figs. 5; and
Figures 7-9 are cross sections through different coupling between two sandwich panels.

Figure 1 shows the coupling between two sandwich panels 1, 2. These panels each comprise in this preferred embodiment a layer of insulation material 3 covered on both sides with a metal plate 4, 5. Panel 1 has a connecting edge 6 that is identical to the connecting edge 7 of panel 2 located opposite. These connecting edges 6, 7 will be described in detail later.
As will be apparent from Figure 1 the layer of insulating material 3 of each of both panels 1, 2 is partially free at the location of the connecting edge 6, 7. In the connected situation of both panels 1, 2 as shown in Figure 1 the layers of insulating material 3, 3 of both panels 1, 2 are positioned in abutting relationship forming together one substantially continuous insulation.
A description of the above mentioned connecting edges now follows. For the sake of convenience only the connecting edge 6 of panel 1 is described here. The first metal plate 4 comprises a first part 8 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a generally U-shaped, bent back second part 9 for co-operating with a generally U-shaped coupling bracket 10 between the two panels. The second metal plate 5 comprises a first part 11 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a second part 12 bent inward approximately at a right angle, which part serves for screwing in position therein of a screw 13 placed through a hole intended for that purpose in coupling bracket 10.
It is pointed out that in the embodiment drawn here the screw does not extend past the second metal plate 5. Shown in Figure 3, and particularly in Figure 4, is an embodiment in which the connecting screw has a length such that it can serve for attachment of the relevant panel to a building construction.
Placed on the coupling bracket or brackets is a more or less U-shaped strip 14 over which can be pushed a protective cover 15 which entirely covers the heads 16 of screws 13.
At the position of the connecting edge 6 the insulation layer 3 protrudes further than the first right angled bent parts 11 of the second metal plate 5 such that after coupling of the two panels 1, 2 between the first right angled bent parts 11 facing each other, space is available for accommodation of a sealing strip 17.
Figure 2 shows a coupling between sandwich panels according to the invention in an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment a first panel 18 displays a connecting edge 19 which is complementary to the connecting edge 20 of a second panel 21.
The first metal plate 22 of the first panel comprises a first part 23 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a part 24 bent outwards at a right angle. The second panel 21 comprises a connecting edge 20 of which the first metal plate 25 comprises a first part 26 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a second part 28 bent outward at a right angle and protruding outside the insulation layer 27, which part is to be placed against the corresponding second part 24 of the first panel 18. Using a screw 72, the two panels 18, 21 are coupled to each other.
Wholly analogous to the construction as in Figure 1 the second metal plates 29, 30 of panels 18, 21 display first parts 31, 32 bent inward at a right angle, between which space is available for receiving the sealing strip 17.
Figure 3 shows in schematic, perspective view the construction as in Figure 1. Corresponding elements are also designated with the same reference numerals as therein. The screws 13 protrude in this embodiment outside the second metal plate 5 and serve as coupling elements to a building construction 33. In addition covering means 34 are present which on the one hand prevent the ingress of drip water and on the other enable ventilation of the insulation layer 3, as is indicated schematically with arrows 35.
Figure 4 shows by and large the same coupling as shown in Figure 3, with the understanding that in this case the connecting edges 6, 7 extend in horizontal direction, while further the upper panel 36 is in curved form. With respect to this other construction the covering means 37 are also adapted.
Figure 5 shows a building 38 consisting of panels according to the invention.
In respect of this, Figure 6 shows, be it only by way of example, a detail from Figure 5. Folllowing the elucidation on the basis of the Figures 1 and 3, the construction shown in Figure 6 will not require exaplanation. Two aspects deserve some attention, however.
Firstly, it is noted that the panels 39, 40 are open at the bottom so that the insulating layer 3 is in ventilating contact with the surrounding environment. The metal plates 4, 5 protrude beneath the insulating layer 3, with the result that drip water cannot be drawn up. The panels 39, 40 are formed with a fold so that they serve on the one hand as part of an upright wall and on the other as part of a roof. The upper edges 41 of the panels are coupled in the manner shown in Figure 6. The construction is always such that the insulation layers in the diverse components abut one another. As a result of the vapour-tight construction of the inner skin the insulating layer 3 is not, however, in ventilating contact with the indoor environment. Vapour accumulation as a result of condensation in the insulating layer is prevented as a result.
The construction shown ensures good water run-off, partly as a consequence of a ridge protective cover 42.
Figure 7 shows the coupling between two panels 50, 51 with connecting edges 52, 53. For the sake of convenience only the connecting edge 52 of panel 50 is described here. The first metal plate 54 comprises a first part 55 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a bent back part 56. The second metal plate 57 comprises a first part 58 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a second part 59 bent inward at a right angle. Located between the second parts 56 and 59 is a strip 60 with compression strength.
In the recess formed by the parts 55, 56 is situated a plastic sealing profile 61 onto which screws 63, 64 can grip by means of a pressure plate 62, these screws co-acting respectively with the part 59 and the rear plate 57 of panel 51, and the screw 64 protruding so far that it can be used for coupling the panels 50, 51 to a bearing construction (not drawn).
The plastic sealing profile 61 further displays a form such that the protective cover 15 can be inserted therein.
Located between the bent parts 58 of both panels 50, 51 is a sealing strip 65.
Figure 8 shows a coupling between two panels 66, 67 which have in principle the same construction as the panels 50, 51 according to Figure 8. In this embodiment the bent parts 58 as in Figure 8, which in Figure 9 are designated with 58', are however, shorter and the strip 60 with compression strength designated by 60' is thicker.
Figure 9 shows the coupling between two panels 68,69. This coupling has the same construction as that shown in Figure 2. The bent parts 31, 32 as in Figure 10 lie closer however, to the bent parts 23, 26. Hereby achieved in that the insulating layer 27 of panel 68 can run straight, in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 2, in which this layer has to be stepped.
Use can advantageously be made for the sandwich panels according to the invention of an insulating layer of mineral wool with compression and tensile strength which is adhered to the first and second metal plates over their whole surface.
A number of embodiments have in common that after coupling of the panels the insulating layers of both panels may be connected to each other via a free space. This can be of importance for ventilation purposes and vapour transport.
The invention further procures panels and couplings between said panels which guarantee a great integrity of the constructions, even under extreme conditions such as heavy, mechanical loading and thermal load, for instance in the case of fire.

Claims

1. A coupling between two sandwich panels (1, 2), each comprising an insulating layer (3) being covered on its one side with a first metal plate (4) and on its other side with a second metal plate (5), each of the panels (1, 2) having a prismatic connecting edge (6, 7) for coupling by means of screws (13) another like panel (1, 2) to said connecting edge (7, 6), a sealing strip (17) for coupling together said connecting edges (6, 7), the second plates (5) each having a bent portion (11), the bent portions of adjacent plates (5) being spaced and facing each other, characterized in that
said sealing strip (17) is disposed between and in sealing relationship with said two facing bent portions (11) and in that said screws (13) connect together two adjacent first plates (4, 4) to define a hinge therebetween, said screws (13) further cooperating directlywith said second plate (5) of at least one of the two panels (1, 2).

2. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and/or the second plates (4, 4; 5, 5) of both panels (1, 2) overlap each other at least partially.

3. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized by a clamping member (62) screwed into clamping position on first and/or second plates (4, 4; 5, 5) that are connected to each other.

4. The coupling according to claim 3, characterized by a sealing strip (61) fitted between the clamping member (62) and the relevant surfaces of said plates (4, 4; 5, 5).

5. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the heads (16) of the screws (13) are accessible from one side.

6. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating layers (3, 3) of the two panels (1, 2) are positioned in substantially abutting relationship, in such a way that they form together one substantially continuous insulation.

7. Modular construction system comprising sandwich panels (1, 2) coupled together by coupling means according to any of the preceeding claims.