GB2258256A - Structural panel with surface corrugations - Google Patents

Abstract

Structural panel, of the type comprising two plates (1, 2), the space between which is filled by insulating material (3), and in which one of the plates displays two asymmetrical surface areas (12, 14), in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal surface area (13), slightly sloping, whilst the other plate displays two surface areas (22, 24), which counterpoint those previously mentioned, in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal surface (23) having a central channel (26), the major part of at least one of the larger asymmetrical surfaces being corrugated (C1, C2). <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVED STRUCTURAL PANEL This invention relates to improvements in the construction of prefabricated panels.

It is primarily concerned with panels of the type comprising two plates, generally metallic, between which is interposed a filling material, with thermo-acoustic insulating characteristics.

The idea of manufacturing panels of this type is contained in Spanish patent no. 313.883, a pioneering document in this field, and in which panels appear with the aforementioned design.

Later panels of this type are in existence which allow the plates forming the same to be manufactured totally flat, or else with some formations generally defined by a broken line which displays alternate recesses and projections, arranged in accordance with isosceles trapezoids of low height, which considerably extends the field of application of the same.

This type of panel is used in light structures.

But the finish which these light structures offered meant that they were not suitable for certain applications, where the light structure has to offer a better or, at least, a more aesthetic finish. For this, structural panels of a new design appeared, more in accord with present-day needs.

Spanish utility designs nos. 9000488, 9000489 (British patent application number 2,241,002) and 9000490 (British patent application number 2,241,263), registered by the same applicant, refer to structural panels and to a solution linking them together.

The structural panel covered by utility design no. 9000488 is of the type which consists of two plates, the space between which is filled with insulating material, and is distinguished by the fact that: a) In cross-section, one of the plates displays two asymmetrical superficial spans, mounted in different planes, and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, slightly sloping, and which each finish in one of two end bracings; whilst the other plate displays two asymmetrical spans which counterpoint those previously mentioned, mounted in different planes, and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, fitted with a central loop, and which also each finish in one of two end bracings; b) In longitudinal section, on one or on both sides, it defines a centred U-section cavity and a core orthogonal to the plates; the said sides being hermetically sealed by auxiliary means; c) Between the said pairs of bracings are fitted closing joints which are mounted in different planes, and at least one of which frontally protects the joining edge of the panel, abutting the adjacent panel to form a join with it.

It is also distinguished by the fact that the said hermetic side closure takes the form of a sealant which covers the said cavity and the remainder of the wall, coming up to the plates.

Alternatively, the said hermetic side closure takes the form of a side cover, which covers the said cavity and the remainder of the wall, fitting closely onto the plates.

The structural panel covered by utility design no. 9000489 is of the type comprising two plates, the space between which is filled with insulating material; distinguished by the fact that; a) In cross-section, one of the plates displays two asymmetrical superficial spans, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, slightly sloping, and which each finish in one of two end bracings; whilst the other plate displays two asymmetrical spans which counterpoint those previously mentioned, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, fitted with a central loop, and which each also finish in one of two end bracings; b) In longitudinal section, on at least one of the sides, the insulating filling is back to back with a pad made of plastic material, with a U-section centred cavity, retained by formations of the plates themselves, and which hermetically closes the side; c) Between the said pairs of bracings are fitted closing joints which are mounted in different planes, and at least one of which frontally protects the joining edge of the panel, abutting the adjacent panel to form a join with it.

It is also distinguished by the fact that the formations of the plates which secure the pad are, for each plate, an L-shaped bracing, which frontally protects the pad up to the end of the edges of its centred cavity.

Alternatively, the said formations of the plates which secure the pad are, for each plate, a U-shaped bracing which frontally protects the pad, including the corresponding edge of the centred cavity.

According to utility design no. 9000490, the joint/link between panels of this type is distinguished by the fact that, in cross-section, it consists of: a) Two asymmetrical spans on one of the plates, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, slightly sloping, and which each finish in one of two end bracings; b) Two asymmetrical spans on the other plate, which counterpoint those previously mentioned, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, fitted with a central loop, and which each also finish in one of two end bracings; c) Respective closing joints, mounted between the said pairs of opposing bracings, which are mounted in different planes, and at least one of which frontally protects the joining edge of the panel, abutting the adjacent panel to form a join with it; d) At least one linking.plate, equipped with the means to fasten it to one of the thin parts of the panel, and which projects with regard to the said part, lodging in the central loop of the mating panel.

It is also distinguished by the fact that, in particular, the said means of fastening, in the plate and the thin part of the panel, are through bores into which fastening screws are inserted.

It is also distinguished by the fact that, in particular, plastic caps are inserted in some of the through bores in the thin part of the panel.

The present invention relates to a structural panel which includes improvements with respect to the structural panels of Spanish utility designs 9000488 and 9000489, retaining the solution for linking them recommended in utility design 9000490.

To this end, the improved structural panel is of the type comprising two plates, the space between which is filled with an insulating material, distinguished by the fact that: a) In cross-section, one of the plates displays two asymmetrical superficial spans, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, slightly sloping, and which each finish in one of two U-shaped end bracings of different widths; whilst the other plate displays two asymmetrical spans, which counterpoint those previously mentioned, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, fitted with a central loop, one of which spans is co-planar with the edge of the larger U-shaped bracing of the first plate, whilst the other finishes in a U-shaped bracing opposite the smaller bracing of the first plate; b) On at least one of the plates, all, or the larger part of, the larger asymmetrical span is corrugated; c) Between the said opposing U-shaped bracings is mounted a closing joint which frontally protects the joining edge of the panel, abutting the adjacent panel to form a join with it.

Thus the improved structural panel constitutes a new invention, which involves inventive activity and can be used in industrial applications, with original and advantageous characteristics in relation to known solutions.

For a better understanding of the subject matter of the present invention, the diagrams show , by way of example only, two preferred embodiments of the invention which it is practical to manufacture.

Fig. 1 shows a general diagrammatic front view section of a structural panel according to a first embodiment of the invention, corrugated on one of its plates (2).

Fig. 2 shows a general diagrammatic front view section of a structural panel according to the second embodiment of the invention, corrugated on both of its plates (1), (2).

These diagrams show two adjacent panels identical in structure and in mounted position.

Fig. 3 gives an enlarged detail view so that the corrugation can be observed (C).

A non-limiting example of the practical manufacture of the present device is described below. There is absolutely no intention of dismissing other manufacturing methods in which minor changes are introduced within the scope of the invention claimed. On the contrary, the present application also embraces all its variations.

The structural panels illustrated are of the type comprising two plates (1), (2), generally metallic, the space between which is filled (3) with insulating material, such as polyurethane or the like.

According to invention, and as per the method of manufacture shown: a) One of the plates (1) forms successively, starting from one end, and depending on the width of the panel: a U-shaped end bracing (11) a very wide flat span (12) an orthogonal span (13), slightly sloping (angle with respect to a vertical plane) a flat span (14), less wide than the flat span (12) a U-shaped end bracing (15); The bracings (11), (15) are of different widths.

b) The other plate (2) forms successively, starting from one end, and depending on the width of the panel: a flat span (22) an orthogonal span (23) a flat span (24), much wider than the flat span (22) a U-shaped end bracing (25) The orthogonal span (23) forms a wide central loop (26); At least one of the plates (1), (2) - Fig. 1 - or the two existing plates (1), (2) - Fig. 2 - display, on all or most of the surface(s) of its/their larger span(s) (12), (24), a corrugation (C), defined by a multitude of successive flat parts (C1), (C2) at an angle to one another, as shown in the detail drawing of the plane (Fig. 3).

In the constructional layout of the panel, the bracings (15), (25), face one another on one of its sides, with a closing joint (5) between them.

The closing joint (5) is T-shaped in section, with its edges (51) frontally protecting the core of the bracings (15), (25) and its core (52) inserted between them. A bracing (53) of the joint (5) serves to clasp, in conjunction with the core (52), one of the edges of a bracing (15) or (25), and thus to position the joint (5) in the panel.

On the opposite side, the flat span (22) is mounted co-planar with the edge (111) of the bracing (11), marking out a gap to be filled with the insulating material (3).

There can be variations in the materials, dimensions and proportions and, in general, in those other auxiliary or secondary details which do not alter, change or modify the essential nature of the solution proposed.

The terms in which this description is drawn up are a true and honest reflection of the subject described, and should be understood in their widest sense and never in a restricting sense, the scope of the invention being delimited by the claims.

Claims (2)

1. Improved structural panel, of the type comprising two plates, the space between which is filled with insulating material: distinguished by the fact that:a) In cross-section, one of the plates displays two asymmetrical superficial spans, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span, slightly sloping, and which each finish in one of two U-shaped end bracings of different widths; whilst the other plate displays two asymmetrical spans which counterpoint those previously mentioned, mounted in different planes and linked together by a third, orthogonal superficial span fitted with a central loop, one of which spans is co-planar with the edge of the larger U-shaped bracing of the first plate, whilst the other finishes in a U-shaped bracing opposite the smaller bracing of the first plate; b) At least one of the plates is corrugated on all or the greater part of the larger asymmetrical span; c) Between the said opposing U-shaped bracings, a closing joint is mounted, which frontally protects the joining edge of the panel, abutting the adjacent panel to form a join with it.

2. A structural panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.