GB2198834A - Roof ventilator - Google Patents

Abstract

A ventilator element for inserting between overlapping sections or for keeping slots open in a base skin on a sloping roof consists of plastic webs, bands and/or profiles connected to one another in one piece. These form a first corrugated profile (10), and at least one second corrugated profile (20) which is arranged at a distance from, in parallel with and essentially in alignment with the first corrugated profile. A grid arrangement (30) extends in the plane of the corrugated peaks (12, 22) and consists of a longitudinal web (31) and first transverse webs (33) which project essentially at right angles from the longitudinal web (31) and are in each case connected to the adjacent corrugated peak (12, 22). Two transverse webs (40) connect the corrugated valleys to the longitudinal webs (31). Owing to its particular shape, such a ventilator element can be stacked and ha a virtually unimpeded ventilation cross-section. <IMAGE>

Description

Ventilator element The invention relates to a ventilator element for insertion between adjacent portions of a roof lining (herein referred to as a "base skin"), such as for holding apart overlapping sections of a base skin of a sloping roof, or for keeping slots open in such a base skin, thereby to ensure ventilation between the roof space beneath the base skin and the roofing panels arranged above the base skin in order to prevent condensation water or the like forming.

A known ventilator element (cf. German Offenlengungsschrift 3,202,509) suitable for this purpose is designed as a spacer and is located between two adjacent rafters and inserted into the overlapped area between adjacent base sheets. The know spacerhas a seating ledge for the upper sheeting web and a bearing ledge for the lower sheeting web. Both ledges are connected to one another via a mesh wall section or the like with a number of ventilation openings. The free cross-section available for ventilation inside the ventilator element is comparatively small.

A further ventilation element for subsequent installation in sloping rooves provided with a base skin has been disclosed by German Offenlegungsschrift 3,125,868. The known ventilator element is made of impact-resistant and flexible plastic and has a chimneylike box-shaped spatial form, the open cross-section of which can be strengthened by webs arranged in any manner.

For ventilation, slots are cut into the existing base skin which covers the entire area, and the known ventilator elements are inserted into these slots. For mounting, laterally projecting plastic parts can be attached to the box-shpaed spatial form, which plastics part form clamping straps enabling the ventilator element to be pushed in and fixed in the existing base skin without additional mechanical fixing means. The known ventilator element is comparatively voluminous. To ventilate a base skin, a number of such ventilator elements are necessary, so that transport is expensive and storage requires considerable space.

Moreover, German Offenlegungsschrfit 3,500,579 describes roof-space insulation in which a base skin is arranged beneath the roofing panels of a sloping roof and insulating material is arranged beneath the base skin. Located between the base skin and the insulating material is a roof-space ventilating device which consists of a corrugated plate covering the entire area and folded in a meandering path. A continually open ventilation cross-section passing through the base skin itself cannot create this know roof-space ventilating device covering the entire area.

The present invention has for its aim to provide for a base sking of a sloping roof, a ventilator element which is simple to manufacture, ensure a ventilation cross-section which is as large as possible, is dimensionally stable and permits a number of such ventilator elements to be stacked inside one another as closely as possible.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a ventilator element for insertion in a base skin of a sloping roof, comprising plastic webs, band and/or profiles connected together in one piece, and forming a first corrugated profile; at least one second corrugated profile space from the first corrugated profile and substantially parallel and essentially aligned laterally therewith, the corrugation peaks of said corrugated profiles defining an upper plane, and the corrugation valleys thereof defining a lower plane; a grid arrangement lying in the upper plane and including at least one longitudinal web extending in the direction of the corrugated profiles and first transverse webs substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal web and connecting said web to an adjacent corrugation peak and second transverse webs connecting the corrugation valleys to the longitudinal web.

Because the ventilator element according to the invention simply consists of a few plastic webs, band and/ or profiles connected to one another in one piece, it is light and ensures a maximum possible, free ventilation cross-section in each direction. The special shape and mutual spatial arrangement of these plastic webs, bands and/or profiles, resulting in a first corrugated profile, at least one second corrugated profile, a grid arrangement and second transverse webs, create a dimensionally stable and torsionally rigid ventilator element with the minimum use of material. A number of such ventilator elements can be stacked closely inside one another, which facilitates quite considerably the handling, in particular the storage and the transport to the place of use on the roof.Moreover, the special shape and arrangement of these plastic webs, bands and/or profiles ensures that the entire ventilator element can be produced in a single operation by the injection moulding process in a simple mould which require no core.

Each corrugated profile can essentially follow a trapezoidal meander, with flat sections for the corrugated peaks and corrugated valleys and also, set at an oblique angel relative to the first and second plane, with rising and falling connecting sections respectively between the corrugated peaks and corrugated valleys. In this way, flat seating surfaces are obtained for the base sheet sections to be held for ventilation purposes at a distance from one another. The finished ventilator element has an attractive appearance, is easy to stack and can be manufactured with a comparatively simple production mould.

The corrugated peaks and corrugated valleys can in each case have the same width or a different width. That plastic band forming the first corrugated profile is preferably wider in the area of the corrugated valleys than in the area of the corrugated peaks, with the rising or falling connecting sections between such corrugated peaks and corrugated valleys having an essentially triangular base. In this way, a slope is obtained for the front edge of the ventilator element, which slope facilitatc-s insertion between adjacent base sheets held at a distance from one another or into a slot in such a surface area skin. In contrast, the rear, second corrugated profile can be made of a plastic band of uniform width so that in this location the corrugated valleys and corrugated peaks have the same width.Alternatively, that plastic band forming the second rear corrugated profile can also be wider in the area of the corrugated valleys than in the area of the corrugated peaks. In such a case, the ventilator element is made symmetrical about a longitudinal centre plane and can be inserted with both the front face first and the rear face first into the surface area skin. An even more versatile handling capacity of the ventilator element results. As already stated, the bases of the rising or falling connecting sections between adjacent corrugated peaks and corrugated valleys are set at an oblique angle relative to the first or second plane. Such a rising connecting section can preferably enclose an angle of about 60 to 650 with the second plane. It is especially expedient in such a case if the plastic band in the area of the connecting sections is not made with parallel faces but has a cross-section widening in a slightly wedge-shaped manner between the corrugated valley and the adjacent corrugated peak as described below in greater detail with reference to Fig. 4.

A difference in the angles between the inner surface and the outer surface on such a connecting section of a few degrees, for example 2 to 3 degrees is completely adequate. This ensures that ventilator elements stacked inside one another do not sit on one another over their entire surface but maintain a slight difference over the major area of their surface sections in alignment with one another. This reduces the adhesion between adjacent ventilator elements and facilitates quite considerably the removal of a venti lator element from a stack.

In addition to the abovementioned, necessary components of the ventilator element, there can be a frame web which runs inside the second plane and has first frame sections which on the first corrugated profile connect adjacent corrugated valleys to one another. This increases the di dimensional stability of the ventilator element; the corrugated profile in particular is stabilized in the longitudinal direction and protected from being unintentionally levelled if the ventilator elements are improperly handled. In addition, such a frame web running in the second plane can have second frame sections which, in the area of the side sections, connect the first corrugated profile to the second corrugated profile. This stiffens the entire ventilator element box-like and increases quite considerably its torsional stability.Provided there are such second frame sections in the area of the side sections, in each case an extension of the longitudinal section can be drawn down in the area of the side sections to the second plane and connected to the second frame sections.

As a rule, it is sufficient for the plastic webs, bands and/or profiles which form the longitudinal web, the first and second transverse webs and also the first and second frame sections of the frame web to be made of a plastic band with parallel main faces. Depending on the strength properties of the plastic used, such a plastic band can be provided with a thickness of about 3 to 6 mm.

In the individual case, moreover, it can be expedient to additionally stiffen individual components or all the components. In such a case, the longitudinal web, the first and second transverse webs and/or the frame web can be made as a T-profile. In particular, the frame web pre ferably has a flange which projects at right angles from the underside and is formed in one piece. This increases the dimensional stability of the ventilator element and prevents ventilator elements stacked inside one another from sitting futly against the adjacent, relatively wide frame webs.

According to a further advantageous refinement, the ventilator element itself can have means for fixing it reliably in position on the base skin. Fixing straps, for example, which preferably extend in the plane of the corrugated valleys are suitable as such fixing means. A marginal section of a base sheet is inserted between these corrugated valleys and the fixing straps. A force fit of the ventilator element is obtained on a largely stretched base skin - without additional "extraneous" fixing means. Several of such fixing straps on a ventilator element are preferably provided which project inwards from the frame web inside the second plane. Such a fixing strap expediently projects from the first frame section between two adjacent corrugated valleys. The angled tongue of the fixing straps preferably projects slightly above the second plane.This enable stress-free clamping onto the edge of a base skin.

in the area of the fixing straps the corrugated peaks have suitable recesses so that the presence of the fixing straps does not impair the stacking capacity of the ventilator elements.

As already stated, the entire ventilator element preferably consists of a one piece injection moulded body of plastic. Manufacturing by the injection moulding process is simple and inexpensive. The one piece connection of all components makes it unnecessary to use special connecting measures and means. Moreover, a one piece injection moulded body also has the requisite dimensional stability and torsional rigidity when it consists of a comparatively narrow plastic bands of small thickness. The ventilator element configuration according to the invention and described above in detail permits manufacture with a comparatively simple injection mould which requires no core.

The invention is described below in greater detail on the basis of a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a detail of a ventilator element in perspective repesentation; Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a complete ventilator element; Fig.3 shows the rear view of the ventilator element according to Fig. 2 including the tongue of the fixing straps which slopes downwards; Fig. 4 shows a detail from the rear view according to Fig. 3, with it being possible to recognize in particular the slightly wedge-shaped cross-section of the plastic band in the area of the rising and falling connecting sections between the corrugated valley and the corrugated peak; Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic sectional representation in the direction of the roof slope, a detail of a roof structure with a ventilator element according to the invention;; Fig. 6 shows, in a schematic sectional representation at right angles to the roof slope, a detail of a roof structure with a ventilator element according to the invention; Fig. 7 shows, in a schematic sectional representation analogous to Fig. 5, the ridge area of a sloping roof with ventilator elements according to the invention; and Fig. 8 shows, in a schematic sectional representation analogous to Fig. 5, the eaves area of a sloping roof with a ventilator element according to the invention.

The preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of a ventilator element according to the invention consists of plastic webs, bands and/or profiles connected to one another in one piece. A suitable plastic is to be impact-resistant and moderately flexible. - Moreover, it is to be possible for the plastic to be converted into the finished ventilator element by the injection moulding process. Suitable plastics are, for example, polyethylene or plasticized polyvinyl chloride.

The ventilator element is preferably made of polyethylene.

The task of the ventilator element is to keep a slot open inside a base skin or to keep at a distance from one another two overlapping sections of different base sheets which form such a base skin. The ventilator element is to have adequate dimensional stability so as to be able to withstand the forces to be expected in these applications and to ensure reliable handling. As a rule, adequate stab ility is obtained if the plastic bands have a thickness of about 1.5 to 3 mm and a width of about 4 to 10 mm.

The complete ventilator element shown in Fig. 2 in plan view has, for example, the following dimensions: Length about 25 to 45 cm, in particular 35 cm; Width about 10 to 15 cm, in particular 12 cm; Height about 1.3 to 3 cm, in particular 2 cm.

The shape of the plastic webs, bands and/or profiles composing the ventilator element is to permanently ensure, with the minimum use of material, a narrowed ventilation cross-section of desired dimensions which is channelled as little as possible. For the cases occurring in practise, it is completely adequate if an open ventilation cross-section of about 1.5 to 3 cm high and about 20 to 40 cm long is ensured at intervals. For this purpose, the ventilator element essentially consists of at least two corrugated profiles 10 and 20 arranged at a distance from one another, in parallel and essentially in alignment. Their corrugated peaks 12 and 22 and corrugated valleys 14 and 24 create seating surfaces for the sections of the base skin which are to be held at a distance from one another. To ensure the dimensional stability and torsional rigidity, these corrugated profiles 10 and 20 are connected to one another by one or more longitudinal webs 31 and transverse webs 33 and 40 which leave clear virtually unrestricted air passage openings within the above cross-section dimensions and do not prevent several ventilator elements from being stacked closely inside one another.

In particular, the corrugated profiles 10 and 20 extend rectilinearly in the longitudinal direction and preferably run parallel to one another. On each corrugated profile 10 and 20 respectively, the corrugated peaks 12 and 22 respectively and also the corrugated valleys 14 and 24 respectively essentially have a trapezoidal corrugated shape in an aligned arrangement. The connection between adjacent corrugated peaks 12 and 22 and corrugated valleys 14 and 24 is effected via rising connecting sections 11 and 21 and falling connecting sections 13 and 23 respectively.

As shown in Fig. 1 for the second corrugated profile 20 arranged at the rear in this Figure, such a corrugated profile with a successively rising connecting section 21, a straight corrugated peak 22, -a falling connecting section 23, a straight corrugated valley 24, etc, can consist of a single plastic band with parallel side edges. In contrast, another configuration is preferably provided for the first corrugated profile 10 shown at the front in Fig. 1. This corrugated profile 10 is wider in the area of the corrugated valleys 14 than in the area of the corrugated peaks 12; the rising and falling connecting sections 11 and 13 have an essentially triangular base which creates the transition to the in each case different widths of the adjacent corrugated peak and corrugated valley respectively.

It can be seen in particular from Fig. 2 that two different designs are provided for the corrugated peak 12 on this first corrugated profile 10. In one design 12', the corrugated peak essentially consists of a plastic strip section 16 which has parallel side edges and extends in the direction of the corrugated profile 10. In the other design 12', this corrugated peak essentially consists of a plastic section 17 which is triangular in plan view and is arranged in such a way that it is offset laterally towards the inside relative to the longitudinal direction of the profile strip 10. This ensures that a fixing strap 55 arranged in this area can be guided passed the corrugated peak so that the presence of such a fixing strap 55 does not impair the stacking capacity of the ventilator elements.As shown, a recess 18 can be made at the triangular plastic surface 17 if required in order to completely prevent obstruction by the fixing strap 55 of an adjacent ventilator element when the ventilator elements are being stacked.

The flat sections of the corrugated peaks 12 and 22 of the corrugated profiles 10 and 20 define a first plane.

By analogy, the flat sections of the corrugated valleys 14 and 24 of the cbrrugated profiles 10 and 20 define a second plane. The distance between these planes determines the clear ventilation cross-section of a ventilation opening kept open by the ventilator element according to the invent ion at the base skin and is generally 15 to 30 mm, in particular about 20 mm. Inside the first plane extends a grid arrangement 30 of plastic webs, bands and/or profiles which is connected in one piece to the corrugated profiles 10 and 20 and ensures the dimensional stability and torsional rig idity of the entire ventilator element.In the design shown, this grid arrangement 30 consists of a longitudinal web 31 and first transverse webs 33 which project essentially at right angles from the longitudinal web 31 and are in each case connected to the adjacent corrugated peak 12 and 22 respectively. Instead of a single longitudinal web 31, several longitudinal webs could also be provided insofar as the width of the ventilator element requires this. In addition, there are second transverse webs 40 which start at the corrugated valleys 14 and 24 of the corrugated profiles 10 and 20 and are drawn up from there to the first plane where they adjoin the longitudinal web 31 in one piece. All these webs 31, 33 and 40 preferably have a rectangular cross-section with a material thickness of about 1.5 to 3 mm.Alternatively, these webs 31, 33 and 40 can be stiffened by a narrow rib (not shown) arranged on the upper side or the underside.

A ventilator element consisting of the said components, namely first and second corrugated profiles 10 and 20, one or more longitudinal webs 31 and also the first and second transverse webs 33 and 40, has adequate stability and deformation resistance. In addition, however, there can be a frame web 50 which runs inside the second plane and has at least first frame sections 51 which connect adjacent corrugatedvalleys 14 on the first corrugated profile 10 to one another. This further stabilizes the corrugated structure of the ventilator element against unintentional levelling and increases the seating surface for an abutting base skin section in the second plane.This frame web 50 preferably has two additional frame sections 52 which, in the area of the side sections of the ventilator element, connect the first (front) corrugated profile 10 to the second (rear) corrugated profile 20. In addition, third frame sections (not shown) which also connect adjacent corrugated valleys 24 of the rear corrugated profile 20 to one another could also be provided if required. Provided there are second frame sections 52 in the area of the side sections, the longitudinal web 31, in the area of these side sections, preferably has in each case an extension 32 which is drawn down to this second frame section 52 and is connected to the latter. If required, the frame web 50 can be stiffened by a vertically projecting rib 54, as is revealed in particular in Fig. 1.

The entire frame web 50 can laterally adjoin the first corrugated profile 10 and extend together with its corrugated valleys 14 inside the second plane.

The rising connecting sections 11 and 21 and the falling connecting sections 13 and 23 between adjacent corrugated peaks 12 and 22 and corrugated valleys 14 and 24 preferably run at an angle of 60 to 650 with respect to the second plane. This permits favourable stacking.

In order to reduce the adhesive friction between two adjacent ventilator elements stacked inside one another, these connecting sections 11, 21, 14 and 23 are preferably made slightly wedge-shaped, i.e. the inner side of such a connecting section runs at a slightly smaller angle than its outer side, as is revealed in detail in the detailed representation according to Fig. 4. This prevents corresponding surfaces of adjacent ventilator elements stacked inside one another from sitting closely against one another so that such a ventilator element is easier to remove from a stack of ventilator elements. The further sections of the corrugated profiles 10 and 20 preferably have a rectangular cross-section of uniform thickness.

A ventilator element according to the invention can be fixed by means of any fixing means to a base skin or to the parts of a roof structure which hold such a base skin. However, the ventilator element preferably has independent fixing means made in one piece with the rest of the ventilator element for attaching and retaining on a base skin. Such fixing means can be made, in particular, as fixing straps 55 which can be hung on an edge of a section of sheeting forming the base skin. Such an edge can be the outer edge of a base sheet or the margin of a small incision in a given roof base skin.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2, three fixing straps 55 are provided which project inwards inside the second plane from the inner edge of the frame web 50.

These fixing straps 55 - as viewed in plan view - are arranged in the coinciding area of individual corrugated peaks 12 which in turn can be made in the form of a triangular surface 17 arranged offset and/or can be provided with an additional recess 18 in order to create adequate space so that the presence of the fixing straps 55 does not impair the stacking capacity of the ventilator elements.

The end section of each fixing strap 55 made as a tongue 56 is preferably angled such that it projects slightly downwards relative to the second plane in order to make it easier for the ventilator element to be placed on and pressed against an edge section of a base sheet. Once the ventilator element has been pressed against an edge section, the largely tightened marginal section of the base sheet rests with its upper side against the underside of the relatively wide corrugated valleys 14 on the front, first corrugated profile 10 and with its underside against the upper side of the fixing straps 55. Because the fixing straps 55 and the corrugated valleys 14 are located in the same (second) plane, a resilient clamping action is achieved on the marginal section of a taut base sheet.

This arrangement is revealed in greater detail in Figs 5 and 6. Fig. 5 schematically shows in the direction of the roof slope a detail from a sloping roof; Fig 6 shows such a detail in a schematic sectional representation at right angles to the roof slope. Roofing panels 3 are attached to a typical roof structure having rafters 1 and roof battens 2, with it being possible for individual roofing panels to bè replaced by ventilator blocks 4. Located below the roofing panels 3 and above thermal insulation 5 covering the entire area is a base skin which is formed from individual base sheets 6 and 8 which, laid with a marginal overlap, are attached, for example, to the underside of the rafters 1.In this overlap area, ventilator elements according to the invention are inserted at regular intervals - at right angles to the roof slope -between the marginal section 7 of a base sheet 6 and the marginal section 9 of the other base sheet 8. In this respect, the edge of the marginal section 7 of the base sheet 6 is clamped in resilient manner between the fixing straps 55 and the corrugated valleys 14, whereby a ventilator element is automatically held in the desired arrangement without further "extraneous" fixing means.

A largely unimpeded exchange between the air masses located above and below the base skin can take place through the ventilation cross-section kept open by the ventilator element, whereby formation of condensation water, which could other wise damage the thermal insulation 5, is avoided.

The ventilator elements according to the invention can be provided anywhere in a base skin. The base skin covering the entire area, for forming a ventilation cross-section which is kept open by the ventilator element, can be interrupted in the overlap area of the marginal sections by two adjacent base sheets or by an additional, intended slot. In the latter sense, a base skin covering the entire area which is already laid can also be subsequently equipped with ventilator elements. On a sloping roof, the ventilator elements - in each case in a row at right angles to the roof slope - are preferably provided in the ridge area (cf. Fig. 7) and in the eaves area (cf. Fig. 8) in order to ensure especially efficient ventilation of the roof space beneath the roofing panels.

However, the fixing straps 55 described above are not absolutely necessary. Alternatively, the ventilator element can be secured in position on the base skin by means of clamps, adhesive strips or the like. One or several of such adhesive strips could be fabricated on the ventilator element and be covered by means of a cover strip removeable for assembly. All flat surface parts of the ventilator element which are located inside the first or second plane are suitable for attaching such adhesive strips.

The ventilator element shown in detail in Figs 1 to 4 is made altogether in one piece and represents a plastic injection moulding. On account of the comparatively simple construction, it can be produced with a simple injection mould which requires no core.

On account of its particular configuration, the ventilator element can be stacked. Because there are no ventilation channels directed in some way or other, the ventilator element can be attached in any orientation on a base skin. In each position, the ventilator element ensures free air passage on all sides.

Claims (16)

Claims

1. A ventilator element for insertion in a base skin of a sloping roof, comprising plastic webs, bands and/or profiles connected together in one piece, and forming a corrugated profile; at least one second corrugated profile spaced from the first corrugated profile and substantially parallel and essentially aligned laterally therewith, the corrugation peaks of said corrugated profiles defining an upper plane and the corrugation valleys thereof defining a lower plane; a grid arrangement lying in the upper plane and including at least one longitudinal web extending in the direction of the corrugated profiles, and the first transverse web substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal web and connecting said web to an adjacent corrugation peak and second transverse webs connecting the corrugation valleys to the longitudinal web.

2. A ventilator element according to Claim 1, wherein each corrugated profile follows a substantially trapezoidal meandering path including flat sections forming the corragtion peaks and corrugation;; valleys and, extending an oblique angle relative to the said second plane, rising and falling sections connecting adjacent corrugated peaks andAcorrugated valleys.

3. A ventilator element according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first corrugated profile is wider at the corrugation valleysthan-at-thecorrugation peaks, and has rising or falling connecting sections between adjacent corrugation peaks and valleys of substantially triangular shape.

4. A ventilator element according to Claim 3, wherein the rising or falling connecting sections enclose an angle of about 60 to 650 with the second plane.

5. A ventilator element according to Claim 3 or 4 wherein the first corrugated profile, at the rising or falling connecting sections, has a slightly wedge-shaped cross-section.

6. A ventilator element according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the unitary structure includes a frame web lying in the second plane and having first frame sections interconnecting adjacent corrugation valleys (14) of the first corrugated profile.

7. A ventilator element according to Claim 6, where the frame web includes side sections interconnecting the ends of first and second corrugated profiles.

8. A ventilator element according to Claim 7, wherein extensions of said longitudinal web are connected to the respective frame web side section.

9. A ventilator element according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein fixing members are additionally provided for hanging the ventilator element on an edge section of the base skin.

10. A ventilator element according to Claim 9, wherein the fixing members are plate-like with tongue-shaped end sections angled slightly relative to the plane of the fixing members.

11. A ventilator element according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the fixing members are formed in one piece on the frame web.

12. A Ventilator element according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the fixing members are attached to the first frame web sections of the frame web between adjacent corrugation valleys of the first corrugated profile said members lying in the plane of said corrugation valleys.

13. A ventilator element according to Claim 12, wherein corrugated peaks located in the area of the fixing members are offset and/or provided with recesses in order to ensure that a number of ventilator elements are capable of being stacked despite the presence of the fixing members.

14. A ventilator element according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the longitudinal web, the first and second transverse webs and/or the frame web are made as a T-profile.

15. A ventilator element according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the entire ventilator element is formed as a one-piece injection moulded body of plastics material.

16. A ventilator element substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.