EP2220302B1 - Appareil destiné à connecter des panneaux - Google Patents

Appareil destiné à connecter des panneaux Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2220302B1
EP2220302B1 EP07843604.5A EP07843604A EP2220302B1 EP 2220302 B1 EP2220302 B1 EP 2220302B1 EP 07843604 A EP07843604 A EP 07843604A EP 2220302 B1 EP2220302 B1 EP 2220302B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
assembly
force
geometry
nfe
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EP07843604.5A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2220302A1 (fr
Inventor
Chinniah Thiagarajan
Frans Andriaansen
Bhawesh Kumar
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SABIC Global Technologies BV
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SABIC Global Technologies BV
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Publication of EP2220302A1 publication Critical patent/EP2220302A1/fr
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
    • E04B1/61—Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other
    • E04B1/6108—Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other the frontal surfaces of the slabs connected together
    • E04B1/612—Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other the frontal surfaces of the slabs connected together by means between frontal surfaces
    • E04B1/6125—Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other the frontal surfaces of the slabs connected together by means between frontal surfaces with protrusions on the one frontal surface co-operating with recesses in the other frontal surface
    • E04B1/6137—Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other the frontal surfaces of the slabs connected together by means between frontal surfaces with protrusions on the one frontal surface co-operating with recesses in the other frontal surface the connection made by formlocking

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to connectors and joints for multiwall panels. More specifically, this application relates to connectors and joints for multiwall roofing or wall panels.
  • glass panel roofs In the construction of naturally lit structures, such as greenhouses, pool enclosures, solar roof collectors, stadiums and sunrooms, glass panel roofs have been employed to allow natural light to shine therein.
  • the glass panels themselves can be mounted in frame-like enclosures that are capable of providing a watertight seal around the glass panel and provide a means for securing the panel to a structure.
  • These frame-like enclosures also provide for modular glass roofing systems that can be assembled together to form the roof.
  • Glass panel roofing systems generally provide good light transmission and versatility. However, the initial and subsequent costs associated with these systems limits their application and overall market acceptance.
  • the initial expenses associated with glass panel roofing systems comprise the cost of the glass panels themselves as well as the cost of the structure, or structural reinforcements, that are employed to support the high weight of the glass. After these initial expenses, operating costs associated with the inherently poor insulating ability of the glass panels can result in higher heating expenses for the owner.
  • glass panels are susceptible to damage caused by impact or shifts in the support structure (e.g., settling), which can result in high maintenance costs. This is especially concerning for horticultural applications wherein profit margins for greenhouses can be substantially impacted due to these expenditures.
  • multiwall polymeric panels e.g., polycarbonate
  • multiwall polymeric panels e.g., polycarbonate
  • these characteristics reduce operational and maintenance expenses.
  • multiwall panels can be produced in modular systems.
  • the modular systems can comprise multiwall panels and panel connectors, wherein the panel connectors (hereinafter referred to as "connectors") are employed to join the panels together and/or secure the panels to a structure on which they are employed.
  • connectors hereinafter referred to as "connectors”
  • US3641730 shows an example of a known connector.
  • Connectors endure high forces over their service life. Examples of such forces are caused by high winds (e.g., lifting force acting about perpendicular to roof), supporting heavy snowfall (compression force acting about perpendicular, to roof), or tension/compression forces caused by contraction and/or expansion during changing climates (e.g., forces acting about parallel with roof). Regardless of the cause, connectors that can withstand such multidirectional forces are desirable. Yet further, connectors that can withstand such forces and can be manufactured utilizing cost-competitive means are. even more desirable.
  • connectors for multiwall panels Disclosed herein are connectors for multiwall panels.
  • a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib- hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.
  • a panel assembly having the features of claim 1.
  • the panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib- hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib- hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.
  • connectors that comprise rib-hinging geometries.
  • rib-hinging geometries are capable of reversibly altering their shape when acted upon by a kinetic forces (e.g., wind, snow, structural, servicing, and so forth).
  • a kinetic forces e.g., wind, snow, structural, servicing, and so forth.
  • rib-hinging geometries provide connections that exhibit increased retention or contact forces of mating connectors and/or panels.
  • Rib-hinging geometries comprise negative-force expanding and positive-force expanding geometries.
  • Negative-force expanding geometries comprise any geometry that exhibits a negative Poisson's ratio (e.g., auxetic geometries).
  • Positive-force expanding geometries comprise any geometry that exhibits a positive Poisson's ratio.
  • the geometry when a force acts on a rib-hinging geometry, the geometry will respond by changing in shape.
  • shape of the geometry will transversely contract under compression loading and transversely expand under tensile loading.
  • positive-force expanding geometries will transversely contract under tensile loading and transversely expand under compressive loading.
  • rib-hinging geometries have been incorporated into multiwall connectors, wherein these connectors are capable of generating an increase in retention forces between the assembled mating geometries in response to a force (e.g., tensile, compressive, bending) acting thereon.
  • these retention forces are defined as any force or forces that are exerted by any component of the assembly onto another component of the assembly to result in an increased resistance to the disassembly of the assembly, wherein the forces can be contact forces, frictional forces and the like.
  • the rib-hinging connectors described herein increase in transverse area if acted upon by an adequate force (to be discussed further below). As a result of this increase in transverse area, greater forces are exerted on the surfaces in contact with the transverse area and an increase in retention forces results.
  • the negative-force expanding connector 2 (hereinafter referred to as "NFE connector”) comprises a bow-tie-like geometry having a connector outer width 16, connector inner width 18, and a length 26.
  • the NFE connector 2 comprises members 4 that are connected to one another by living hinges 6.
  • the NFE connector 2 is integrally attached to a first structure 8.
  • the living hinges 6 are capable of allowing the member(s) 4 attached thereto deflect rotationally when acted upon by a force (deflection illustrated by the directional arrows).
  • the living hinges 6 are defined by a hinge thickness 24, which can be uniform for the living hinges 6 on the NFE connector 2.
  • the connector's bow-tie-like geometry is auxetic in nature, that is, the geometry will expand transversely under tension.
  • NFE socket a side view of an exemplary negative-force expanding socket 20 is shown (hereinafter referred to as "NFE socket").
  • the NFE socket 20 comprises a socket outer width 28 and socket inner width 36.
  • the socket's geometry is configured to allow the NFE connector 2 illustrated in Figure 1 to assemble therein.
  • the NFE socket 20 comprises two interference members 22 that comprise three members 4 each.
  • the interference members 22 are connected to a second structure 14 via living hinges 6, which are capable of allowing the interference members 22 attached thereat to deflect rotationally when acted upon by a force (deflection illustrated by the directional arrows).
  • the living hinges 6 are defined by a hinge thickness 24.
  • NFE assembly a negative-force expanding assembly
  • the NFE connector 2 has been assembled within the NFE socket 20 to form the NFE assembly 30.
  • the NFE connector 2 and NFE socket 20 generally resist being disassembled from one another due to the interference created by their respective geometries.
  • the connector outer width 16 of the NFE connector 2 is greater than the socket inner width 36 of the NFE socket 20.
  • the interference e.g., increased contact force
  • a disassembly force(s) 32 is applied to the NFE connector 2 and/or to the NFE socket 20, wherein the disassembly force is not capable of deforming the living hinges 6 on the NFE connector 2, nor on the NFE socket 20, the connector's contact surfaces 10 contact the interference members' contact surfaces 12 and impede disassembly via interference.
  • the NFE connector's length 26 and its connector inner width 18 will increase (i.e., increase in transverse area), which will cause the NFE connector 2 to exert forces on the surfaces of the interference member's contact surfaces 12 that contact the transverse area (e.g., the connector's contact surfaces 10 exert force on the interference member's contact surfaces 12).
  • retention forces increase (e.g., interference between the NFE connector 2 and the NFE socket 20 increases, contact surface area increases, frictional forces increase), which act to further resist disassembly.
  • the living hinges 6 on the interference members 22 can be designed to deflect at a higher load than the living hinges 6 on the NFE connector 2. This can be achieved by increasing the hinge thickness 24 of the NFE socket 20 compared to the hinge thickness 24 of the NFE connector 2, if the materials employed for the NFE socket 20 and NFE connector 2 are similar. This can also be achieved by employing a material comprising a higher flexural modulus for the NFE socket 20 compared to the NFE connector 2. Designing the NFE assembly 30 in this manner can be advantageous as it ensures the interference members 22 do not deflect proportionately with the NFE connector 2 and enables the interference members 22 to counter the retention forces generated.
  • the living hinges 6 on the interference members 22 deform under the same load as the living hinges 6 on the NFE connector 2, the interference members 22 would not be capable of counteracting the forces generated by the increasing transverse area of the NFE connector 2. As a result, the retention forces generated would not increase as desired. However, if the living hinges 6 on the interference members 22 are designed to deflect at a higher loading than the living hinges 6 on the NFE connector 2, the interference members 22 would be capable of counteracting the forces generated by the NFE connector 2 and greater retention forces would be generated up to the point that the forces deflect the interference members 22. Therefore, the living hinges 6 on the interference members 22 can be designed to deflect at a force that significantly greater than that required to deflect the members 4.
  • the living hinges 6 on the interference members 22 can also be designed to allow the connection to be disassembled without imparting damage to the NFE connector (e.g., buckling of members 4, permanently deforming of living hinges 6 (e.g., stretching), breaking a living hinges 6).
  • the specific design of the living hinges 6 however will be dependent on many variables (e.g., desired retention forces, desired disassembly forces) and is therefore application specific.
  • PFE assembly a side view of an exemplary positive-force expanding assembly (hereinafter referred to as "PFE assembly”), which is generally designated 38, is illustrated.
  • PFE connector a positive-force expanding connector 40
  • PFE socket a positive-force expanding socket 42
  • the PFE connector 40 comprises a hexagonal geometry that is formed by six members 4 having a connector transverse width 52.
  • the members 4 are connected to each other and to a first structure 8 by living hinges 6.
  • the living hinges 6 are capable of allowing the member(s) 4 attached thereat to deflect rotationally when acted upon by a force.
  • the living hinges 6 are defined by a hinge thickness 24, which can be uniform for all of the living hinges 6 employed on the PFE connector 40.
  • the connector's hexagonal geometry is non-auxetic in nature, that is, the geometry will expand transversely under compressive force.
  • the PFE socket 42 comprises a socket transverse width 54.
  • the socket's geometry is configured to allow the PFE connector 40 to be assembled therein.
  • the PFE socket 42 comprises a hexagonal shape that is configured to allow the PFE connector 40 to be assembled therein.
  • the PFE connector 40 When the PFE connector 40 and PFE socket 42 are acted upon by a compressive force(s) 34 that is adequate to deform its living hinges 6, the PFE connector 40 acts as a rib-hinging mechanism, expanding in transverse area, and increasing retention forces between the PFE connector 40 and the PFE socket 42.
  • a compressive force 34 is applied to the NFE connector 2
  • the living hinges 6 will deform to increase its connector transverse width 52. This causes the force exerted by the connector's contact surfaces 10 on the interference member's contact surfaces 12 to increase, which increases interference between the PFE connector 40 and the PFE socket 42, contact surface area, friction, and other retention forces, which act to further resist disassembly.
  • the negative-force expanding assembly 30 and the positive-force expanding assembly 38 can be employed in any application wherein a rib-hinging mechanism can provide improved connection performance.
  • a connector comprising a negative-force expanding assembly 30 can be employed.
  • embodiments can be designed to comprise multiple PFE connectors or multiple NFE connectors, which can provide yet further increased resistance to disassembly.
  • Figure 5 a side view of a negative-force expanding assembly 30 comprising two NFE connectors 2 is illustrated. In the illustration the two NFE connectors 2 are employed to connect a first structure 8 to a second structure 14.
  • first structure 8 and second structure 14 are configured to form a support feature 46.
  • the support feature 46 can comprise any geometry incorporated into either and/or both structures (e.g., first structure 8 and second structure 14) that is capable of being employed for supporting, connecting, securing and/or fixating a connector assembly (e.g., NFE assembly 30, PFE assembly 38) to a supporting structure or component.
  • the support feature 46 can comprise a pocket-like geometry that can be attached about a support member 48, for example.
  • an assembly can be formed from both PFE connectors and NFE connectors to form a multi-connector assembly.
  • an exemplary multi- connector assembly comprises a first structure 8 and a second structure 14.
  • the first structure 8 comprises a PFE connector 40 and a NFE connector 2 (hereinafter referred to as "connectors")
  • the second structure 14 comprises a PFE socket 42 and an NFE socket 20 (hereinafter referred to as "sockets").
  • the connectors and sockets are assembled together.
  • the first structure 8 comprises a multiwall panel for use as a roofing material for naturally lit structures (e.g., greenhouses).
  • the second structure 14 is a support connector that is used to connect multiple multiwall panels thereto (i.e., first structure 8) and provide support for the panels via a support feature 46.
  • the support feature 46 is adapted to secure the support connector (i.e., structure 8) to an aluminum tube greenhouse structure, and thus comprises an annular design.
  • Non-linear forces are forces that comprise a force component that acts perpendicular to either a compressive force(s) 34 or a disassembly force(s) 32 (e.g., any force that is not a linear force, wherein linear forces are either compressive force(s) 34 or a disassembly force(s) 32).
  • a force is applied to the multi-connector assembly 50 illustrated in Figure 6
  • the first structure 8 can flex, as shown by flexing 60.
  • the flexing 60 causes the first structure to generate disassembly force(s) 32 on the NFE assembly 30 and a compressive force(s) 34 on the PFE assembly 38.
  • the NFE assembly 30 and PFE assembly 38 generate forces 62 and 64, via the rib-hinging mechanism, respectively, which generate increased retention forces via the rib-hinging mechanism.
  • any of the connectors disclosed e.g., multi-connector assembly 50, NFE assembly 30, PFE assembly 38
  • alternative embodiments, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing can be employed to join any structures (e.g., first structure 8, second structure 14) together.
  • the specific configuration of the connectors employed e.g., types of connectors, connector length, connector width
  • the connectors can comprise any geometry that produces a rib-hinging mechanism.
  • Exemplary connector geometries can comprise polygonal structures (such as the exemplary PFE connector 40 illustrated in Figure 7 ), arced structures (such as the exemplary NFE connector 2 illustrated in Figure 8 ), irregular geometries (such as the exemplary NFE connector 2 illustrated in Figure 9 ), and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
  • sockets e.g., NFE socket 20, PFE socket 42
  • sockets can also comprise geometries that are polygonal, comprising arcs, irregular, and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
  • the connectors and/or sockets can be configured to allow for ease of assembly.
  • the connectors can comprise tapered designs that are capable encouraging a connector to assemble within a socket.
  • An exemplary tapered design is illustrated in Figure 9 , wherein the connector comprises a tapered section 74.
  • a tapered section 74 can comprise any geometry that can encourage assembly of a connector and socket, such as the radiused tapered section 7 illustrated in Figure 8 , which comprises an arced geometry.
  • a single connector can comprise both a NFE connector 2 and PFE connector 40, such as the exemplary modified connector 70 illustrated in Figure 10 .
  • the modified connector 70 comprises an NFE connector 2 and a PFE connector 40. Comprising both connectors allows the modified connector 70 to provide increased retention forces when acted upon by a disassembly force(s) 32 and a compression force(s) 34.
  • the connectors described herein can comprise internal features that can limit the collapse of a rib-hinging geometry.
  • a rib-hinging geometry can be employed to limit the collapse of a rib-hinging geometry, such as in an NFE connector 2 which can collapse as the result of a compressive force(s) 34, or in a PFE connector which can collapse as the result of a disassembly force 32.
  • Additional components can also be incorporated into the design of the connectors and/or sockets.
  • Exemplary components comprise: gaskets, ribs, seals, snap-fits, alignment features, depth stops, and the like, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing components can also be employed.
  • the living hinges 6 illustrated herein are embellished for illustrative purposes to explicate the function of the living hinges 6.
  • the living hinges 6 illustrated are exemplary, and one skilled in the art will recognize that the hinge thicknesses 24, as well as length, width, depth, geometry, and other variables can be modified to configure the properties of the hinge.
  • the living hinges can be of the same thickness as a member 4, and therefore flexure of the member 4 provides a living-hinge-like function.
  • the connectors and sockets can comprise thermoplastics, such as, polycarbonate, acrylic, impact-modified polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene, styrene acrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetherimide, and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
  • thermoplastics such as, polycarbonate, acrylic, impact-modified polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene, styrene acrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetherimide, and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
  • the connectors and sockets can also comprise metals, such as aluminum, copper, steels (e.g., martensitic, ferritic, and austenitic materials), metal alloys (e.g., nickel-titanium), and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
  • the NFE connector 2 can be formed from a polycarbonate resin (e.g., Lexan®, commercially available from General Electric Company, GE Plastics, Pittsfield, MA) and a NFE socket 20 can be formed from aluminum.
  • a multi-connector assembly 50 can comprise a first structure 8 having a NFE connector 2 and a PFE socket 42 and a second structure 14 configured with a NFE socket 20 and a PFE connector 40, wherein both structures are formed from polycarbonate.
  • Additives can be optionally added to any polymeric materials employed for the connectors or sockets as long as the additives do not substantially adversely affect the desired properties (e.g., flexural properties).
  • exemplary additives include; antioxidants (e.g., organophosphites), fillers and reinforcing agents (e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, silicates, TiO2, graphite, calcium carbonate, mica, talc and the like), lubricants, UV absorbers, stabilizers (e.g., light stabilizers and heat stabilizers), lubricants, plasticizers, colorants (e.g., pigments or dyes), anti-static agents, blowing agents, impact modifiers, and so forth.
  • antioxidants e.g., organophosphites
  • fillers and reinforcing agents e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, silicates, TiO2, graphite, calcium carbonate, mica,
  • the depth of the connectors and sockets can be tailored based on the application.
  • a partial oblique view of an exemplary multiwall panel 80 comprising an NFE connector 2 is illustrated.
  • the multiwall panel 80 and the NFE connector 2 comprise a depth D that can comprise any length that is desired for the multiwall panel 80, such as equal to or greater than about 2 feet, ft (0.610 meters, m), or more specifically, equal to or greater than about 4 ft (1.219 m), or even more specifically, equal to or greater than about 6 ft (1.829 m).
  • a second multiwall panel could be produced to comprise a NFE socket 20, which could be assembled to the NFE connector 2.
  • the connectors and sockets can comprise a depth that is shorter than the structure (e.g., first structure 8, second structure 14, and support feature 46) on which they are to be attached.
  • the connectors and sockets can be separately formed and secured to the structure utilizing fastening methods.
  • fastening methods comprise, adhesive bonding (e.g., solvent based bonds, multi-component adhesives, or single-component adhesives), fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, pins, staples, nails, and brads), melt bonding (e.g., hot staking, ultrasonic welding, and hot- melt adhesives), and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
  • a NFE connector 2 can comprise a depth of 1.0 inch (2.54 centimeters), wherein six of these connectors can be screwed to a multiwall panel 80.
  • the connectors and/or sockets can be formed from polymer processing methods, such as extrusion or injection molding.
  • continuous production methods such as extrusion
  • continuous production methods generally offers improved operating efficiencies and greater production rates than non-continuous operations (e.g., injection molding).
  • a single screw extruder is employed to extrude polycarbonate resin.
  • the polycarbonate melt is fed through a profile die that is capable of forming a connector and/or socket, such as the multi- connector assembly 50 illustrated in Figure 6 .
  • the extrudate then travels through a sizing apparatus (e.g., vacuum bath) and is cooled below its glass transition temperature (e.g., about 297°F (147°C)).
  • the profile can be cut to length utilizing an extrusion cutter, such as an in-line indexing saw.
  • an extrusion cutter such as an in-line indexing saw.
  • the connector can be subjected to secondary operations and/or assembly processes.
  • Exemplary secondary operations comprise: fastening operations (e.g., adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, heat staking, stapling, screwing), coating operations (e.g., solvent coating, spray coating, embossing, and extrusion coating), annealing, labeling (e.g., printing, and adhesive labeling), and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
  • Coextrusion methods can also be employed for the production of a connector and/or socket. Coextrusion can be employed to supply differing polymers to any portion of a connector and/or socket geometry. This can be employed to improve and/or alter the performance of the connector/socket, such as disposing recycled materials in sections of the extruded profile, disposing an additional structural layer(s) on a portion of the extrudate, incorporating alternative materials, and so forth. In one embodiment, a coextrusion process can be employed to form a gasket between a connector and socket that comprises a differing material than is employed for the connector and/or socket. Those skilled in the art of coextrusion will comprehend the versatility of coextrusion processes and the myriad of applications the process provides.
  • the capped assembly 100 comprises a connector cap 102, a first structure 8, and a second structure 14.
  • the connector cap 102 comprises PFE connectors 40 that comprise retaining elements 104.
  • the first structure 8 comprises an NFE connector 2 and a tab 108.
  • the second structure 14 comprises an NFE socket 20 and a tab 108.
  • the NFE connector 2 will expand in transverse area and increase the retention forces.
  • the first structure 8 and second structure 14 can deflect (e.g., rotate about the NFE connector 2), as shown by the directional arrows.
  • the PFE connectors 40 on the connection cap 102 will be compressed, forcing the retaining elements 104 to compress against the tabs 108, thereby providing increased connection forces.
  • the capped assembly 100 can also provide improved leak resistance.
  • a graph illustrates the simulated contact pressure of a force expanding connector to a non-force expanding connector when acted upon by a disassembly force 32.
  • a partial and cross-sectional view of the simulated force expanding connector, (not as claimed) designated 90 is illustrated.
  • a partial and cross-sectional view of the simulated non-force expanding connector, generally designated 92 is illustrated.
  • the simulated force expanding connector 90 produced a simulated peak contact pressure of about 4.5 megapascals, MPa (652.7 pounds per square inch, psi), whereas the simulated non-force expanding connector 92 produced a simulated peak contact pressure of about 3.25 MPa (471 psi).
  • the simulated force expanding connector 90 produces greater peak contact pressure than the simulated non-force expanding connector 92, which illustrates the simulated force expanding connector 90 provide greater connection strength than the simulated non-force expanding connector 92.
  • the simulated force expanding connector 90 reaches peak contact pressure at a lower in-line displacement than the simulated force non-expanding connector 90, which can provide for improved sealing against rain, snow, and the like.
  • the connectors disclosed herein comprise rib-hinging geometries that are capable of increasing retention forces when the connectors are acted upon by forces. More specifically, negative-force expanding assemblies 30 are disclosed that increase retention forces when acted upon by a disassembly force 32 (i.e., tensile force). Positive-force expanding assemblies 38 are also disclosed that increase retention forces when acted upon by a compressive force(s) 34. Yet further, multi- connector assemblies 50 are disclosed that comprise both negative-force expanding assemblies 30 and positive-force expanding assemblies 38 that can provide increased retention forces when acted upon by compression force(s), tensile forces (e.g., disassembly force(s) 32), as well as bending forces (e.g., snow, wind).
  • the connectors disclosed herein can be easily assembled and can be manufactured from cost-effective polymers using standard polymer processing methods, such as extrusion or injection molding. These connectors therefore provide several characteristics that are desirable and are currently unmet in the marketplace.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Claims (10)

  1. Assemblage de panneau, comprenant :
    un panneau comprenant,
    une première structure (8) ;
    un connecteur (2, 40) intégralement relié à la première structure (8) comprenant des membres (4), une largeur externe de connecteur (16), une largeur interne de connecteur (18) ou une largeur transverse de connecteur (54), une longueur (26), et une géométrie de charnière à nervure, dans lequel la géométrie de charnière à nervure comprend des charnières actives (6), les membres (4) étant reliés entre eux par les charnières actives (6) ;
    dans lequel la géométrie de charnière à nervure comprend une géométrie choisie parmi une géométrie d'expansion à force négative, une géométrie d'expansion à force positive, ainsi que des combinaisons comprenant au moins l'un des éléments précédents, qui lorsqu'elle est incorporée dans un connecteur à parois multiples, est capable de s'étendre de façon réversible dans l'espace pour changer de forme par le biais de la déviation rotationnelle des membres (4) pour déformer les charnières actives (6) de sorte que la largeur interne du connecteur (18) ou la largeur transverse du connecteur (54) augmente pour permettre au connecteur de générer une force de rétention entre les géométries de couplage assemblées en réponse à une force de traction, de compression, et/ou de flexion agissant sur celui-ci ; et une prise (20, 42) comprenant une géométrie interne, dans laquelle le connecteur (2, 40) peut être assemblé à la géométrie interne,
    dans lequel la géométrie interne comprend une géométrie similaire à un noeud papillon ou à une forme hexagonale.
  2. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le connecteur (2, 40) comprend une géométrie choisie parmi les structures polygonales, les structures voûtées, les géométries irrégulières, et des combinaisons comprenant au moins l'un des éléments précédents.
  3. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 1 ou 2, comprenant en outre un capuchon de connecteur (102).
  4. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la géométrie de charnière à nervure a une géométrie similaire à un noeud papillon.
  5. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'assemblage de panneau comprend un assemblage d'expansion à force négative (30) et un assemblage d'expansion à force positive (38) dans lequel l'assemblage à force négative (30) se contracte transversalement sous la charge compressive et s'étend transversalement sous la traction et dans lequel l'assemblage d'expansion à force positive (38) se contracte transversalement sous la charge de traction et s'étend transversalement sous la charge compressive.
  6. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la géométrie interne de la prise (20, 42) comprend deux membres d'interférence (22) et une deuxième structure (14), dans lequel les membres d'interférence (22) sont raccordés à la deuxième structure (14) à travers les charnières actives (6), dans lequel les charnières actives (6) permettent aux membres d'interférence (22) de dévier de façon rotationnelle lorsqu'elles agissent sur eux par une force.
  7. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 6, dans lequel une épaisseur des charnières actives (6) sur la prise (20, 42) est supérieure à une épaisseur des charnières actives (6) sur le connecteur (2, 40).
  8. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'assemblage de panneau comprend un assemblage multiconnecteur (50).
  9. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 8, dans lequel l'assemblage multiconnecteur (50) un assemblage d'expansion à force négative (30) et un assemblage à force positive (38).
  10. Assemblage de panneau selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un élément de support (46), dans lequel l'élément de support (46) supporte, raccorde, verrouille, et/ou fixe un assemblage connecteur à une structure de support.
EP07843604.5A 2007-10-01 2007-10-01 Appareil destiné à connecter des panneaux Active EP2220302B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/080072 WO2009045204A1 (fr) 2007-10-01 2007-10-01 Appareil destiné à connecter des panneaux

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EP2220302B1 true EP2220302B1 (fr) 2018-05-23

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Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IL213495A0 (en) * 2011-06-12 2011-07-31 Polygal Plastics Ind Ltd Panel connector with incorporated flexible end
CN105863105A (zh) * 2015-01-19 2016-08-17 任丘市永基建筑安装工程有限公司 新型装配式住房墙板连接方法

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1333730A (fr) * 1960-12-14 1963-08-02 Svenska Flaektfabriken Ab Procédé pour assembler des sections de paroi et dispositif pour l'application du procédé, notamment pour la construction des fours et des chambres de séchage
US3641730A (en) * 1969-12-19 1972-02-15 Alan F Meckstroth Expandable joint device
US5247773A (en) * 1988-11-23 1993-09-28 Weir Richard L Building structures
FR2732386B1 (fr) * 1995-03-29 1997-06-13 Kaysersberg Packaging Sa Plaques de polycarbonate, notamment plaques destinees a la couverture
FR2743378B1 (fr) * 1996-01-04 1998-02-06 Socrep Sa Element profile composite et cloison mettant en oeuvre cet element

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WO2009045204A1 (fr) 2009-04-09

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