KR20050109560A - Extruded transparent/translucent sheet for roof structures - Google Patents

Abstract

An extruded, light-transmitting sheet structure (100) includes a pair of outer walls (128, 130) separated apart from one another. At least one dome (112) is formed as part of one of the pair of outer walls (128, 130), and is disposed at a first outer edge of the structure. A rib structure (122) is disposed between the pair of outer walls (128, 130), wherein the rib structure (122) includes at least one rib that extends into the dome (112).

Description

[0001] EXTRUDED TRANSPARENT / TRANSLUCENT SHEET FOR ROOF STRUCTURES [0002]

The present invention relates generally to extruded sheet structures, and more particularly to extrudable type transparent / translucent sheets suitable for roof structures.

Corrugated sheets of different materials are used in the loop cladding structure. Although many of these types of corrugated sheet materials are not light transmissive, they are sometimes desirable for accommodating natural light inside commercial buildings or residential buildings. Thus, at any location along the loop structure, the corrugated roof sheet or panel (e.g., metal sheet, polyester reinforced glass fiber, PVC) is replaced with a transparent or translucent sheet. Generally, such a transparent / translucent sheet is formed by extruding a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate in various forms. In practice, such an extrudable type thermoplastic sheet has been used increasingly in commercial and residential applications in terms of balance of light transmittance, heat insulation and strength characteristics of the sheet.

An additional consideration when implementing thermoplastic sheets as the transparent / translucent loop material is integration with conventional non-transparent roof panels. In horizontal or slightly inclined installations such as skylights, or even in vertical or steeped installations, the seat may experience snow and ice loads, or wind and some suction forces. In addition, there is also a problem that it is easy to install a thermoplastic sheet between relatively opaque roof sheets. In order to maintain a consistent and prominent appearance, it is often desirable to provide a transparent sheet with the same or similar profile (s) as the opaque corrugated sheet.

Conventionally, however, conventional thermoplastic sheet designs are not easily integrated with conventional roof cladding panels while maintaining any strength and impact requirements. Such panel structures, which once incorporate features of both integrated characteristics and strength, typically feature a more complex design that often includes additional mounting components such as springs or other support components. Such a complicated design is not easily and inexpensively manufactured by an extrusion process. On the other hand, such panel designs that can be extruded do not provide the desired hardness and impact strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Other drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art described above are overcome and mitigated by the extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the structure includes a pair of spaced apart outer walls. At least one dome is formed as part of one of the pair of outer walls and is disposed at a first outer edge of the structure. The rib structure is disposed between the pair of outer walls and includes at least one rib extending into the dome.

In another embodiment, the loop structure includes a light transmissive panel disposed between a pair of non-transmissive panels. The light-transmissive panel further comprises a pair of extruded outer walls spaced apart from each other, the outer wall having at least one dome formed as part of a pair of outer walls, Is disposed at one end. The rib structure is disposed between a pair of outer walls, and the rib structure includes a plurality of ribs arranged obliquely and a plurality of ribs arranged vertically. The at least one dome includes at least one vertically disposed rib extending therein.

In the exemplary drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in some drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an extrudable, form-transmissive sheet showing a state of being mounted between a pair of opaque corrugated roof panels in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the extrudable type light-transmitting sheet in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the sheet shown in Fig. 2,

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another portion of the sheet shown in Figure 2;

A transparent / translucent sheet that can be easily installed as a roof panel in combination with existing opaque roof panels is disclosed herein.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of an extrudable, form-transmissive sheet 100 mounted between a pair of opaque and corrugated roof panels 102a, 102b. The extensible form sheet 100 may be formed from, for example, a polycarbonate material or a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) material. Particularly suitable examples include polycarbonate Lexan < (R) > from General Electric. The opaque roof panels 102a, 102b are each secured on a purlin 104 or other horizontal support member, as can be seen in the exemplary loop support structure. The roof panels 102a, 102b may be formed from a pair of metal panels separated by any known material in the art, such as a heat insulating material. Other materials such as glass fiber reinforced polyester or PVC may also be used as the outer layer.

As can be seen from Figure 1, each of the roof panels 102a, 102b extends along an outer layer or corrugated layer, which features a plurality of trapezoidal domes 106 running parallel to one another along the length of the sheet Profile. There is also a pair of ridges 108 between each dome 106 that run parallel along the length of the sheet. In addition, the opaque panels 102a, 102b also include a trapezoidal lip or wing 110 extending along the outer edge of one panel overlapping the dome adjacent to the panel, An interlocking fit is provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a light transmissive (i.e., transparent or translucent) sheet 100 is formed such that the roof panels 102a, 102b have a profile similar to that of the insulated opaque metal. To this end, the extensible type sheet 100 features a plurality of trapezoidal dome 112 as well as a trapezoidal wing 114. In this manner, the wings 114 of the seat 100 are superimposed on the end dome 106 of the roof panel 102a by fasteners 116, such as, for example, self-tapping screws. Lt; / RTI > At the opposite end of the seat 100 the wing 110 of the roof panel 102b is attached to the end dome 112 of the seat 100 by a fastener 118. [

The total thickness of the light-transmitting sheet 100 does not necessarily need to be as large as the thickness of the roof panels 102a and 102b since the sheet is not directly mounted on the relief beam 104. [ 1, direct attachment of the sheet 100 to the roof panels 102a, 102b in this case results in a gap 120 between the seat 100 and the underside of the relief 104, . Although the gap 120 may be filled with a thermal insulation material or other support material, this is not necessary if the cost of the material is of particular concern. On the other hand, if the thickness of the sheet 100 corresponds to the thickness of the roof panels 102a, 102b, the lower portion of the sheet is around the girder beam 104. [

To provide a predetermined degree of hardness and strength, the sheet 100 includes a plurality of wall structures provided between the outer walls of the sheet 100, such as a web or rib structure 122, May include any combination of vertical ribs and oblique ribs, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

2 is a sectional view of the entire width of the extensible type light-transmitting sheet 100. Fig. The representative sheet 100 includes two central dome 112a and 112b and an end dome 112c at the first end of the sheet 100 and an overlapping trapezoidal wing 114. [ However, a given sheet 100 may have more or fewer dome than shown in the figures. This is also the case for the smaller ridges 124 located between the dome and between the dome 112a and the wing 114. Figure 2 further illustrates an exemplary dimension of the sheet 100 where reference numeral "A" indicates the distance between the center of the wing 114 and the center of the end dome 112c (e.g., the range of "A " About 800 millimeters to about 1200 millimeters). Reference numeral "B" refers to the distance between the center of the dome 112a and the center of the wing 114 as well as the center of the dome (e.g., the range of "B" is about 270 millimeters to about 400 millimeters) .

In addition, reference numeral " C "denotes total thickness or height of panel 100 (e.g., the range of" C "is about 50 millimeters to about 120 millimeters) (E.g., "D" ranges from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters), and reference character "E" refers to the total thickness or height (ie, total height Quot; C "and the height" D "of the dome), for example the range of" E "ranges from about 15 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

2 shows a vertical rib 126 extending into the dome 112a, 112b, 112c as part of the overall rib structure 122, in view of the abovementioned problems with regard to impact strength and ease of manufacture. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, each dome includes a pair of vertical ribs 126 that are formed during extrusion of the sheet 100 as another part of the rib structure 122. Depending on the particular application and structural requirements of the sheet 100, the number of vertical ribs extending into the interior of the dome may vary, as is common with the number of dome included in the sheet 100. The end dome 112c includes at least one rib 126 formed therein, although the vertical rib may be excluded from one or more dome.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the seat 100 shown in Fig. 2, particularly showing a portion between the wing 114 and the dome 112a. The arrangement of the rib structure 122 disposed between the pair of outer walls 128, 130 is shown in more detail. The inner wall 134 is disposed generally parallel to the outer wall 130 and to the portion of the outer wall 128 that does not include the dome 112 or ridge 124. [ Accordingly, in one extrusion process, the wing 114, ridge 124, and dome 112 are part of a continuous outer wall 130.

The rib structure 122 also includes a plurality of horizontal ribs 136 at the lower ends of the ridges 124 and the dome 112 and also includes vertical ribs 126. In addition, a plurality of obliquely arranged ribs 138 are also configured in the rib structure in a zigzag or X-shaped pattern as shown in the figure. However, other angled rib configurations, such as, for example, configurations of V-shaped, may be so long that at least one dome includes at least one rib therein. However, the particular configuration at at least one rib in the end dome 112c (or any other dome) does not necessarily have to be vertical (i.e., perpendicular to the horizontal rib 136). For example, there may be ribs (indicated by dashed lines 139) arranged diagonally in the dome 112, and may additionally be vertical ribs 126 or vertical ribs 126. Moreover, the ribs extending into any dome 112 can be positioned directly below the dome, independent of the vertical ribs.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the individual ribs proximate the wing 114 are fabricated to a greater thickness than those located in the inner portion of the sheet. For example, horizontal, vertical, and angled ribs (as well as inner wall 134) may have a thickness of about 0.1 millimeters (mm) to about 0.5 millimeters It can have a very small thickness. However, these ribs, which are close to the wing 114 and are generally designated by the reference numeral 140 and are referred to by the reference character "F ", have an increased thickness of about 0.3 millimeter to about 1.5 millimeters . This modification provides additional strength and structural support without requiring the remainder of the web structure 122 fabricated to an inadequate thickness.

Finally, FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another portion of the sheet 100 shown in FIG. 2, particularly showing a portion between the dome 112b and the dome 112c. From this figure, the individual ribs (shown generally by the reference numeral 142) and the adjacent inner wall 144 of the dome 112c are also reinforced by being formed with an additional thickness "F ". The additional thickness of the ribs 142 provides additional structural support (i.e., the opaque panel 102b in FIG. 1) given an end dome 112c configured to receive the wings from the roof panel adjacent thereto.

It is thus recognized that the presence of vertical ribs in the dome of the panel allows the light-transmissive sheet to be produced by a relatively simple process, such as a single extrusion molding, while maintaining certain structural strength and impact strength requirements. Moreover, by the formation of any ribs with an additional thickness, the additional dimensions of the reinforcement do not form an entire sheet with an unsuitable thickness, and the sheet can be sanded from a height of, for example, 2.5 meters to 50 kg of sand- ) To survive the impact test]. Therefore, the overall thickness of the light-transmitting panel is independent of the thickness of the opaque panel.

This optional rib reinforcement also allows for the direct attachment of the light transmissive panel to the adjacent opaque roof panel by the overlapping manner shown in Figure 1, without the need to secure the light transmissive panel directly to the doorbell or other loop support structure . In this case, this structure can be manufactured without a complicated extrusion tool, as compared to the disclosure of German utility model G 91 15 940.7 (filed December 21, 1991) It also overcomes the problem of maintaining relatively "hollow and independent" profile edges.

In addition, one or more of the individual sheets shown in one or more embodiments may have a coating layer thereon, depending on its particular application. For example, the polycarbonate material of the outer wall may comprise an ultraviolet (UV) protective layer, a light permeability enhancing layer, a self-cleaning layer, or a combination thereof.

While the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

In an extruded, light-transmitting sheet structure 100, A pair of outer walls 128, 130 spaced apart from each other, At least one dome 112 formed as a portion of one of the pair of outer walls 128 and 130 and disposed at a first outer edge of the structure, And a rib structure 122 disposed between the pair of outer walls 128 and 130. The rib structure 122 includes at least one rib extending into the at least one dome 112 Equipped Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the at least one rib extending into the at least one dome (112) includes a vertically disposed rib (126) Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the at least one rib extending into the at least one dome (112) includes a rib (138) disposed obliquely Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. The method according to claim 1, Further comprising a wing (114) extending from a second outer edge of the structure, the wing (114) having a shape that can overlap with a dome (112) of an adjacent sheet Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. 3. The method of claim 2, The rib structure 122 further includes a plurality of ribs having ribs 138 disposed obliquely and ribs 126 disposed vertically Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. 6. The method of claim 5, Wherein at least one rib adjacent the wing (114) and at least one rib adjacent the at least one dome (112) are formed to a thickness greater than the thickness of the remainder of the plurality of ribs Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the structure further comprises one protrusion Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the structure is extruded from at least one polycarbonate and poly methyl methacrylate material Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. 9. The method of claim 8, Wherein at least one pair of said outer walls (128, 130) has a coating layer thereon Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. 10. The method of claim 9, Wherein the coating layer comprises one of an ultraviolet protective layer, a light transmittance enhancing layer, a self-cleaning layer, and a composite layer comprising at least one of the foregoing layers Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. 5. The method of claim 4, Wherein said at least one dome (112) and said wing (114) are trapezoidal in shape Extrudable type light transmissive sheet structure. In a roof structure, And a light transmissive panel (100) disposed between a pair of non-transmissive panels, The light-transmitting panel (100) A pair of extruded outer walls 128, 130 spaced apart from each other, At least one dome 112 formed as a portion of one of the pair of outer walls 128, 130 and disposed at a first outer edge of the light transmissive panel 100, And a rib structure 122 disposed between the pair of outer walls 128 and 130. The rib structure 122 includes a plurality of ribs 138 arranged obliquely and a plurality of ribs 126, The at least one dome (112) includes at least one vertical and obliquely disposed rib (126, 138) extending therein Loop structure. 13. The method of claim 12, Further comprising a wing (114) extending from a second outer edge of the light transmissive panel (100), wherein the wing (114) overlaps one dome (106) of the impermeable panel adjacent the second end Loop structure. 14. The method of claim 13, Wherein the at least one dome (112) of the light transmissive panel (100) is configured to receive a wing (110) thereon from the other end of the impermeable panel adjacent the first end Loop structure. 15. The method of claim 14, At least one rib adjacent the wing (114) of the light transmissive panel (100) and at least one rib adjacent the at least one dome (112) of the light transmissive panel (100) Formed into a large thickness Loop structure. 13. The method of claim 12, The light transmissive panel 100 is extruded from at least one polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate material Loop structure. 14. The method of claim 13, Wherein the at least one dome (112) of the light-transmitting panel (100) and the wing (114) are trapezoidal in shape Loop structure. 18. The method of claim 17, Wherein said pair of opaque panels are each attached to a loop support member, The wing 114 extending from the second end of the light-transmitting panel 100 is attached to the dome 112 of the impermeable panel adjacent the second end of the light-transmitting panel 100, The at least one dome (106) at a first end of the light transmissive panel is attached to the wing (110) from the impermeable panel adjacent a first end of the light transmissive panel Loop structure. 13. The method of claim 12, At least one of said pair of outer walls (128, 130) having a coating layer thereon Loop structure. 20. The method of claim 19, Wherein the coating layer comprises one of an ultraviolet protection layer, a light permeability enhancing layer, a self-cleaning layer and a composite layer comprising at least one of the foregoing Loop structure.