WO2009154561A1

WO2009154561A1 - A contruction panel, a building construction system comprising a construction panel and the use of a construction panel in a wet room

Info

Publication number: WO2009154561A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/050758
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jörgen EGNELL
Original assignee: Hinnovation Ab
Priority date: 2008-06-18
Filing date: 2009-06-17
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Also published as: SE534791C2; SE0801423L

Abstract

The present invention relates to a construction panel having two substantially parallel surfaces, which are each located in a plane, and at least two edges. The construction panel has on each surface at least one projecting portion with at least one boundary surface facing away from the construction panel, which boundary surface, together with at least the respective plane, forms at least one cavity along each surface, said cavities extending in a continuous manner from the first of said edges to the second of said edges. The present invention further relates to a building construction system comprising the construction panel and to the use of a construction panel in a wet room.

Description

A contruction panel, a building construction system comprising a construction panel and the use of a construction panel in a wet room.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a construction panel. The present invention further relates to a building construction system comprising a construction panel and to the use of a construction panel in a wet room.

Background Art

Damage due to moisture in building structures, for example wet room structures, is a well-known problem. A currently common method of protecting wet room structures against moisture is to use a moisture-proof layer, also known as a moisture barrier, which is applied to the wall structure before applying setting compound, tiles and jointing mastic. For many years the moisture barrier has consisted of a liquid compound which is rolled onto the wall. It has been found that a rolled-on moisture barrier of this kind causes moisture penetration problems, since it is not completely impervious. The moisture that penetrates the moisture barrier causes moisture damage to the base structure and the formation of mildew in the same.

Other systems include a moisture barrier in the form of a sheeting material which is more impervious than the rolled-on moisture barrier and which, in addition, makes it easier to obtain a moisture barrier of uniform thickness across the whole structure. However, problems arise when the impervious sheeting, which in most cases has been tried out on modern walls constructed with board material, is used in the restoration of old buildings with concrete or brick walls, where after demolition major plastering work is required in order to obtain an even wall. In most cases the applied plaster has a long drying-out time, which means that when using impervious sheeting the adhesive used to attach the sheeting might not set properly. Moreover, the adhesive may not be able to dry out even if the wall is dry, since the adhesive itself gives off moisture as it sets.

Another problem associated with today's moisture barriers, both rolled- on barriers and sheeting barriers, is to provide a tight seal around lead- throughs. Pipe lead-throughs and screw-mounted installations constitute an

H r' j ticjo?27_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc element of risk and, depending on the execution, leakage may occur. The moisture that penetrates into the wall as a result of an improperly executed lead-through will not be able to dry out since the moisture barrier covers the whole wall. A further problem related to moisture in, for example, wet room structures relates to what is called double moisture-proof layers. Double moisture- proof layers occur, for instance, when a wet room is constructed at an outer wall, since the outer wall often already has a moisture-proof layer, which is arranged on the warm side of the insulation and which prevents the moist in- side air from penetrating into the building structure and condensing inside the wall. Because the wet room too has a moisture-proof layer on the inside of the wall, moisture may be trapped between the two moisture-proof layers. Double moisture-proof layers occur also in apartment buildings, where two apartments have adjoining wet rooms. To prevent the formation of mildew and other damage due to moisture in a wet room construction, it is known to use ventilated framework structures. EP 0 877 843 discloses an interior lining for the restoration of bathrooms comprising a shell composed of a floor unit, a ceiling unit and a plurality of walls constructed by pre-fabricated boards. The shell is arranged at a certain distance inside the corresponding parts of a room set free from mechanical services in order to guarantee that the shell is surrounded by air gaps all around. The shell is kept in place in the room, at different levels, by means of three sets of fastening profiles applied on the inside of the room walls at a distance from the existing inner wall, such that it is guaranteed that air may freely sweep around the shell from all sides.

Drawbacks of the system disclosed in EP 0 877 843 include the need to mount a new framework or an arrangement to support the system and the fact that this will reduce the available wet room space. Moreover, the system of EP 0 877 843 is designed for a special type of surface layer, a kind of large tiles, which means that the surface layer options are limited with this system. Consequently, there is still a need for safe arrangements and systems which prevent damage due to moisture in wet room walls, floors and ceilings while being designed for use in many different types of building constructions.

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' , ^ 'i. 2/_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems. According to a first aspect of the inventive concept, the present invention relates to a construction panel having two substantially parallel surfaces, which are each located in a plane, and at least two edges. The construction panel has on each surface at least one projecting portion with at least one boundary surface facing away from the construction panel, which boundary surface, together with at least the respective plane, forms at least one cavity along each surface, which cavities extend in a continuous manner from the first of said edges to the second of said edges. An advantage thereof is that a cavity is formed which allows the ventilation of air when the construction panel is in its mounted state.

Suitably, the boundary surface is an outer top of the projecting portion and, preferably, the top of the respective portion, together with the respective surface, forms at least one cavity along each surface, which cavities extend in a continuous manner from the first of said edges to the second of said edges. Suitably, the projecting portion is formed of at least two projecting protrusions. A construction panel is thus obtained which has two substantially parallel sur- faces and at least two edges, the construction panel having on each surface at least two projecting portions with outer tops facing away from the construction panel, which tops, together with at least the respective surface, form at least one cavity along each surface, which cavities extend in a continuous manner from the first of said edges to the second of said edges. An advantage associated with the construction panel as described above is that when it is arranged against a base, the projecting protrusions of the construction panel will abut against the base, so that the cavity along one of the surfaces forms at least one continuous air space, which extends from one edge of the construction panel to the other edge of the construction panel. When applying a layer on the construction panel, the cavity formed along the other of the surfaces ensures that at least one continuous air space extending from one edge of the construction panel to the other edge is formed between the construction panel and the layer. The continuous air spaces on

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OC both sides of the construction panel enable the ventilation of air between the construction panel and, respectively, the building structure and the layer, so as to allow moisture to be carried off or dried out in order to avoid mildew growth and other damage due to moisture. Said edges are suitably opposite edges. The continuous cavity thus forms a cavity which extends over the whole construction panel. If the construction panel is applied to a vertical wall, the edges are advantageously lower and upper edges, respectively, so that a vertically extending air space is formed between the wall and the construction panel, which offers good conditions for effective ventilation of moist air. Another advantage associated with the fact that the edges are in the form of opposite edges is that a reduced pressure drop across the air flow in the air space can be achieved if the flowing air is able to flow without any sharp bends.

Preferably, at least one of said tops has a substantially flat top surface. Advantageously, the projecting protrusions/portions that extend from at least one surface of the construction panel have substantially flat top surfaces, the top surfaces being substantially parallel to each other. The top surfaces of the projecting protrusions/portions may abut against a building structure or a layer. An even top surface, which is also parallel to the surface against which it is applied, may facilitate the application of the construction panel to the building structure and the layer, respectively, and increase the stability of the final construction.

Suitably, the construction panel is made of a flexible material, for example a flexible plastic material. The fact that the construction panel is made of a flexible material has the advantage of making the construction panel easier to handle. The construction panel could be stored, for example, in a rolled- up state prior to its use in a building construction. Moreover, several boards can be rolled into a single roll, to be unrolled before mounting and, if required, cut to the suitable size. Alternatively, many boards can be manufactured in one piece and rolled up for easy storage and handling. Thus, when applying the construction panel to a building construction a portion of the piece can be unrolled and cut to the appropriate length. The construction panel is preferably made of a material whose resistance to water vapour migration is at least

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:^■ ^o 27_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc 10⁶ seconds per metre. The resistance to water vapour migration of a material indicates how difficult it is for water in vapour form to be transported through the material. The resistance to water vapour migration is measured in the unit of seconds per metre. This enables the construction panel to act as a moisture-proof layer. Thus, when using the construction panel in a wet room, no separate moisture-proof layer is required, since the construction panel is used both to ventilate moist air and to prevent moisture from penetrating through the construction panel. Another advantage of the fact that the construction panel also serves as a moisture-proof layer is that if moisture leak- age were to occur in the moisture-proof layer, for example due to improperly executed pipe lead-throughs, the moisture can be ventilated out.

Advantageously, the construction panel comprises at least one layer arranged to abut against at least one of the protrusions/portions that extend from at least one of the surfaces of the construction panel. Air spaces are thus formed between the surface of the construction panel and the layer. An advantage of the layer is that the arranging of the construction panel against a base and the arranging of an additional layer on the construction panel are facilitated because the construction panel has flat layers at the projecting protrusions. Moreover, a layer of this kind prevents mortar or the like from clog- ging the cavities between the tops and surfaces of the construction panel. The layer or layers may be arranged on one or both sides of the construction panel.

Preferably, the projecting protrusions/portions on at least one of the surfaces are evenly spaced in at least one direction. A uniform distribution of the projecting protrusions/portions may result in a uniform distribution of the air that is able to flow between the protrusions/portions.

It is possible for the projecting protrusions/portions extending from one surface to be offset in at least one direction relative to the projecting protrusions/portions extending from the other surface. An offset positioning of the protrusions on one side of the construction panel relative to the protrusions on the other side of the construction panel may increase the stability of the construction panel, thereby facilitating the handling of the construction panel. The

• , r /• ^r r2joε:727_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc offset can be symmetrical or asymmetrical and can be achieved in one or more directions.

Preferably, the offset of the projecting protrusions may be such that a line is substantially parallel to a perpendicular to one surface and runs through the centre of one of the projecting protrusions extending from one surface, said line intersecting the other surface substantially right between two projecting protrusions extending from the other surface in at least one direction. As a result, a symmetrical offset is obtained in at least one direction, which may be advantageous for the flow of air between the projecting protru- sions as well as for the stability of the construction panel. Alternatively, the protrusions on one surface of the construction panel may be offset in two directions, so that said line intersects the other surface in the middle of a square that encloses and touches four adjoining protrusions extending from the other surface. Preferably, the height of at least one of the projecting protrusions/portions, from the top of the projecting protrusion/portion to the surface, is between 1 - 50 mm, preferably between 5 - 20 mm and most preferably 9 - 11 mm. The height of the projecting protrusions/portions, at least in the case of the protrusion/portion with the largest height, determines the size of the cavities that are formed between the tops of the protrusions/portions and the respective surfaces of the construction panel. Thus, a certain critical minimum height is required to allow satisfactory ventilation of air in the cavity. However, the height is limited by the fact that the construction panel must not take up to much space. Suitably, the height of the projecting protrusions/portions, from the top of the projecting protrusion/portion to the surface, may be substantially the same for the projecting protrusions of all the portions on at least one of the surfaces of the construction panel. This design of the construction panel enables the construction panel to lie flat and evenly against a base, such as a wall or a floor. If the height of the projecting protrusions/portions is substantially the same for all protrusions/portions on the other surface, the construction panel can lie flat and evenly also against a layer applied to the construction panel. i r ft I 3 j StHt ""os^x|ao\LOi<ala IPΛ 31 1 > * f i n , _*. ntt f 0 27_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc Preferably, at least one of the projecting protrusions has the shape of a three-dimensional polygon. The projecting protrusions may be in the form of many different types of three-dimensional polygons, such as right parallelepipeds, rhombs, pyramids, cylinders and hemispheres. Several different types of three-dimensional polygons may be present on the same construction panel and on the same surface.

The top surface may be of square shape, the length of its side being between 10 - 500 mm, preferably between 30 - 120 mm and most preferably 55 - 65 mm. Alternatively, at least one of the projecting protrusions on at least one of the surfaces may run from said first edge to said second edge.

Preferably, the construction panel is substantially rectangular. The surfaces of the construction panel may have a length between 1800 - 4000 mm, preferably between 2000 - 3000 mm and most preferably 2400 mm. The width of the construction panel may be between 500 - 3000 mm, preferably between 600 - 1500 mm and most preferably 900 mm. The construction panel may be arranged on a wall or floor structure, and it is therefore suitable for the construction panel to have a format that is adapted to match commonly available wall and floor dimensions. When constructing walls and floors in buildings, use is often made of prefabricated construction panels, such as chip- board and gypsum board, of standard dimensions and it is therefore suitable for the construction panel according to the present invention to be of the same or similar dimensions. These dimensions may vary between different regions and countries and it is therefore also suitable for the construction panel to be available in different dimensions adapted for different markets. It is also possible to manufacture the construction panels with considerably larger widths and lengths than those mentioned above, so that they may be adapted to cover, for example, a whole wall or a whole floor slab without the need for joints.

The maximum thickness of the construction panel, from the top of one of the projecting protrusion/portion to another top on the other side of the construction panel, is advantageously between 5 - 200 mm, preferably between 10 - 40 mm and most preferably 12 - 30 mm. The thickness too can be adapted to match different standard dimensions for construction panels.

oc The construction panel is suitably arranged in such a way that the projecting protrusions abut against a base, such as a wall or a floor, so that said cavity forms an air space between the base and the surface, which air space is continuous from the first of said edges to the second of said edges. More- over, a layer is advantageously arranged in contact with at least one of the protrusions extending from the other surface of the construction panel. As a result, air spaces are created on both sides of the construction panel and can be used to ventilate out moist air from both sides of the construction panel. The construction panel and the layer can be arranged on the base by means of fastening means, such as a setting compound.

According to a second aspect of the inventive concept, the present invention relates to a building construction system, which comprises a base on which at least one construction panel according to the present invention is arranged, in such a way that at least one of the projecting protrusions abuts against the base, so that said cavity forms an air space between the base and the surface, which air space is continuous from the first of said edges to the second of said edges. An advantage of such a building construction system is that the continuous air space enables the ventilation of air between the base and the surface, so as to allow moisture to be carried off in order to avoid mil- dew growth and other damage due to moisture.

Furthermore, the building construction system suitably comprises at least one layer, which is arranged in such a way that at least one of the projecting protrusions of the construction panel that extend from the other of the surfaces abuts against the layer, so that said cavity forms an air space be- tween the layer and the surface, which air space is continuous from the first of said edges to the second of said edges. An advantage of such a system is that the air space enables the ventilation of the air between the construction panel and the layer, so as to allow moisture to be carried off in order to avoid mildew growth and other damage due to moisture. Another advantage is that it is possible to provide better drying out also of the other side of the layer, where for example jointing mastic can be applied, which means that the mildew growth in the joints is reduced, i.e. ventilated gaps are achieved on both the dry and the wet side of the moisture-proof layer. Where a moisture-proof

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oc layer is to be lined with ceramic tiles, the fact that moisture is ventilated out already before it reaches the moisture-proof layer adapted to protect the building structure against moisture is a considerable advantage.

According to a third aspect of the inventive concept, the present invention relates to the use of the construction panel according to the present invention in a wet room.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which by way of example illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a construction panel according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 2a-c are side views of three embodiments of a part of a construction panel according to the invention.

Figures 3a-c are perspective views of three different embodiments of a construction panel according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a building construction system ac- cording to the invention.

Figure 5a is a perspective view of a construction panel according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5b represents the cross-section A-A in Figure 5a. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a construction panel according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The foregoing as well as further elements, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, which in a non-limiting manner illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, on which the same reference numerals have been used to indicate similar elements.

) ' L 1" ir eits aPύ it s all i ₍ JI ' ^■> ^> t i , 7 - 0727_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc Fig. 1 shows a construction panel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The construction panel 1 , which in use is substantially flat, has two surfaces 2, 3, located in different planes, with protrusions 6, 6' projecting from them, said protrusions being examples of projecting portions as defined in the claims. The protrusions 6, 6' have boundary surfaces, here in the form of tops 7, T which, together with the surfaces 2, 3 of the construction panel 1 , form cavities 8, 8' along each of the surfaces 2, 3. The cavities 8, 8' extend in a continuous manner, in two directions, from one edge 4, 4' to another, opposite edge 5, 5' of the construction panel 1. The protrusions 6, 6' have the shape of right parallelepipeds whose top surfaces 7, T are square. Furthermore, the top surfaces 7, T on either side are flat and substantially parallel to the surfaces 2, 3 and substantially parallel to each other. The projecting protrusions 6 extending from one surface 2 of the construction panel 1 are offset relative to the protrusions 6' extending from the other surface 3 of the construction panel 1 in two directions.

Figs 2a-c are perspective views of the construction panel 1 according to three embodiments of the present invention. In Fig. 2a, the protrusions 6 extending from one surface 2 of the construction panel are offset relative to the protrusions 6' extending from the other surface 3 of the construction panel. A line 14, which is substantially parallel to a perpendicular to one surface 2 and runs through the centre of one of the projecting protrusions 6 extending from one surface 2, intersects the other surface 3 in a point located substantially right between two projecting protrusions 6' extending from the other surface 3. In Fig. 2b the protrusions 6, 6' are substantially opposite one another. Fig. 2c shows an embodiment comprising functional films 11 , 11', which are in contact with the projecting protrusions 6, 6' of the construction panel 1. The functional film 11 will be further described with reference to Fig. 4 below and can be applied on one or both sides of the construction panel 1. Advantageously, the functional films 11 , 1 V are prefabricated along with the construction panel 1.

Figs 3a-c show parts of boards 1 where the protrusions 6, 6' have other conceivable geometrical shapes. Moreover, Figs 3a-c show cross sections of the boards as grey-shaded portions. Fig. 3a illustrates an embodi-

_' : H 9c?27_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc ment where the projecting protrusions 6, 6' run from one edge 4 of the construction panel 1 to the opposite edge 5 of the construction panel 1. In such an embodiment straight air ducts 15 are formed, which run across the whole construction panel 1. Fig. 3b shows protrusions 6, 6' in the form of truncated pyramids and Fig. 3c shows protrusions 6, 6' in the form of cylinders. Also other protrusion shapes are conceivable and it is also possible to combine different protrusion shapes on the same construction panel. A construction panel may, for example, have protrusions with a square top surface on one side and with a circular top surface on the other side. Another alternative is to have different protrusion shapes on the same side of the construction panel. Nor do all protrusions necessarily need to be of the same height.

Fig. 4 illustrates schematically a building construction system 12 according to the present invention. The system 12 comprises a base, 9, such as a wall or floor structure, on which a construction panel 1 as described above in conjunction with Fig. 1 is arranged, in such a way that the flat top surfaces T of the projecting protrusions 6' on one side of the construction panel 1 abuts against the base 9. The other side of the construction panel 1 has projecting protrusions 6 whose flat top surfaces 7 bear against a layer 11. The tops 7, T of the protrusions 6, 6' are flat and substantially parallel to each other, such that the tops 7, T, with the construction panel 1 applied against the base 9, forms a flat substrate for the layer 11 that is arranged on the other side of the construction panel. The construction panel 1 is arranged against the base 9 by a fixing mortar, for example an adhesive or grout mortar, being applied to the base 9 against which the projecting protrusions 6' of the con- struction panel 1 then abut and to which they are fixedly attached as the fixing mortar dries. Alternatively, the construction panel 1 may be arranged on the base 9 with the aid of other means, such as screws, etc. The cavities 8' thus form air spaces 10' between the base 9 and the surface 3, which air spaces 10' extend in a continuous manner between the opposite edges 4, 5 of the construction panel. The air spaces 10' ensure the formation of air gaps between the construction panel 1 and the wall or floor structure 9 to which it is applied.

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. ϋ7-?_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc The system 12 that is illustrated schematically in Fig. 4 comprises two layers 11 , 13, which are arranged on the other side of the construction panel, as seen from the base 9. The layer 11 that is closest to the construction panel 1 is a functional film which is in contact with the projecting protrusions 6 of the construction panel 1 that extend from the other 2 of the surfaces. The cavities 8 thus form air spaces 10 between the surface 2 and the functional film 11 , which air spaces 10 extend in a continuous manner between the opposite edges 4, 5 of the construction panel 1. Both air spaces 10, 10' enable moist air to be ventilated out between the construction panel 1 and the functional film 11 and between the construction panel 1 and the wall 9 or floor 9, so that the formation of mildew and other damage due to moisture can be prevented. This effect is dependent on an air escape cavity 16 being provided at one edge 4 of the board to allow the moist air to escape from the air spaces 10, 10'. If the construction panel has protrusions of the shapes shown and de- scribed in conjunction with Figs 3b or 3c, the positioning of the board relative to the air spaces 10, 10' need not be taken into consideration when mounting the construction panel, since air is able to flow in more than one direction. If, however, the construction panel 1 has protrusions of shapes other than the ones shown and described in conjunction with Fig. 3a, the board must be ar- ranged on the wall and the floor, respectively, in such a way that air is able to flow through the straight air ducts 15. When mounting the construction panel 1 on a wall, it is convenient to mount a strip (not shown) at the upper edge 4 of the construction panel 1 to provide an air gap that enables the air in the air spaces 10, 10' between the top surfaces 7, 7' of the projecting protrusions 6, 6' of the construction panel 1 and, respectively, the base 9 and the layer 11 to be ventilated out. It is also possible not to provide a strip at the upper edge 4 of the construction panel 1 , but for aesthetic reasons a strip may be preferred. The ventilation can be operated, for example, by means of the exhaust air vent system of the building construction or a separate ventilation motor. Alter- natively, the ventilation can be operated by means of the natural ventilation of the building construction, possibly in combination with heating coils in the building construction which help to boost the ventilation.

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- i ^• -' -. cr/_lu?7_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc The layer 13 consists of tiles and the functional film 11 serves to prevent the cavities 8 from being clogged by, for example, tile setting compound. Moreover, the functional film 11 facilitates the work of applying the setting compound, since an even surface on which to apply the compound is ob- tained. The functional film 11 may be prefabricated on the construction panel 1 in order to eliminate one stage of the operation of arranging the construction panel 1 on the base 9. It is also advantageous for the other side of the construction panel to be provided with a functional film (not shown), which will be in contact with the projecting protrusions 6' of the construction panel 1 that extend from the other surface 3. Air spaces 10' are thus formed between the surface 3 of the construction panel and the functional film. It is also possible not to use a functional film 11 and instead arrange, for instance, tiles 13 directly onto the construction panel 1 using a tile setting compound. Other types of layers are possible, such as clinker slabs, plastic carpets and wet room wall coverings.

When mounting wet room accessories by means of screws it is common to drill a hole in the wall, which involves a risk of moisture leakage. In the present system 12, leakage of this kind can be handled by the moisture that penetrates into the system 12 being dried or ventilated out by the air that is able to flow through the air spaces 10, 10¹. In the same way, any leakage that occurs at pipe lead-throughs in walls and floors can be dried out. In many cases, the effects of moisture penetration in conjunction with damage due to faulty pipe lead-throughs and other faulty installations are sufficiently limited to be dried out if the wet room has been constructed with a system 12 accord- ing to the present invention. The system 12 further has the advantage of enabling checking of the moisture content in the structure during the entire life of the structure by measuring the humidity of the air that escapes from the air spaces 10, 10' of the construction panel 1.

The base 9 may be made of different materials or combinations of ma- terials, for example concrete, brick, wood, insulation and gypsum boards. Concrete is a common floor material. If the construction panel 1 is used on a concrete floor the period of construction can be reduced, since it is not necessary to wait for the concrete to dry completely before mounting the con-

' .'." « C's r .' W >' fcc u Tterts and inj.tsl*,'! ),.,&^■' ι < -i ..orar, if 'Pr net w . -,i , ., ^{• ■> •} MX V- _!-r_lo_W)cχ₇27_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc struction panel 1. Instead, any remaining moisture can be dried out or ventilated off with the aid of the air spaces 10, 10' in the construction panel 1. A common wall structure consists of scantlings, insulation and some kind of board, such as a gypsum board. In the event that such a wall structure is ex- posed to moisture before or after the period of construction, the construction panel 1 can be used to dry or ventilate out the moisture with the aid of the air spaces 10, 10' in the construction panel 1.

In order to cover entire wall, floor or ceiling structures with boards, it is necessary to have joints between the boards. In this case, joint tape can be used. So as not to create any irregularities, the construction panel 1 is suitably designed in such a way that the joints do not occur on the tops 7, 7', but in the cavities 8, 8' of the boards 1 that are located between the tops 7, T. The cavities 8, 8' can also be used, at least to a limited extent, for wiring and cables, etc. If the construction panel 1 is attached to the base 9 by screwing, the screws are suitably positioned in the cavities 8, 8', so as not to create any irregularities on the tops 7, T. Moreover, it is possible to connect one or more construction panels arranged on a wall structure to construction panels arranged, for example, on a floor structure by arranging connecting elements in the junctions between the wall and the floor. These connecting elements may have ducts which allow air to flow from the air spaces in the floor to the air spaces in the wall.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be obvious to the person skilled in the art that variations in the construction and in the relationship between the parts can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

For example, geometrical shapes for the projecting protrusions other than the ones shown herein may be used. Also other cross sections for the board than the ones shown herein are conceivable and the shape of the board need not be rectangular. Nor do the projecting protrusions need to be offset in the manner shown herein, but other designs are conceivable.

The construction panel can be made of many different materials, for example a plastic material, and a construction panel can also consist of several different materials. The construction panel is suitably made of a material

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„ -- 7 ,f.τ.oco;to?2?_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc that is impermeable to moisture. As a result, the construction panel can replace several different products, since it has a moisture-proof layer and an air gap in the same product, which saves time and simplifies the mounting of the construction panel on a building construction. In addition, source separation of the product upon demolition is facilitated.

Figs 5a and 5b show a construction panel 1 made up of several layers and having two substantially parallel surfaces 20, 20' located in different planes P, P' (see Fig. 5b). The illustrated construction panel has three layers: one intermediate layer 17, and two outer layers 18, 18' arranged on either side of the intermediate layer 17. The intermediate layer 17 is a moisture- proof layer 17, which prevents moisture from penetrating from one side to the other side. The intermediate layer 17 has two substantially parallel surfaces against which the respective outer layers 18, 18' abut. The two outer layers 18, 18', which in use are substantially flat, each have two surfaces 19, 19', 20, 20', one of which 19, 19' abuts against and is attached to the intermediate layer 17. A portion 21, 21' projects from the other surface 20, 20'. The surface 19, 19' is here formed of several small, circular surfaces, which is due to the shape of the projecting portion 21, 21'. The projecting portion 21 , 21' has a checked pattern shape. The projecting portion 21 , 21' can be of all conceiv- able shapes and the outer layers 18, 18' can have one or more projecting portions and/or one or more protrusions. The projecting portion 21 , 21' has a hollow space 27, 27' which extends from the surface 19 and is limited by the lateral surfaces 28, 28' of the portion and by a boundary surface 29, 29' located in a different plane than the surface 19, 19'. The projecting portion, and thus also the hollow space 27, 27', has the form of a checked pattern, which runs across the whole construction panel 1. The cross section of the formed projecting portion 21 , 21' has here the same thickness as the layer 18, 18' that is limited by the surface 19, 19' and the surface 20, 20'. With one surface 19, 19' of the outer layer 18, 18' contacting the moisture-proof layer 17, i.e. the intermediate layer, a cavity 22, 22' is formed between the intermediate layer 17 and the projecting portion 21 , 21', i.e. where the hollow space 27, 27' is situated. The cavity 22, 22' thus extends at least between the boundary surface 29, 29' and the plane P, P'. The cavity 22, 22' ensures that air gaps

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. < * M.2τ, ιr2?_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc are formed between the intermediate layer, i.e. the moisture-proof layer, and the outer layer 18, 18'. The cavity 22, 22' runs over the whole projecting portion 21 , 21' and is limited by the shape and cross section of the projecting portion 21 , 21' and/or hollow space 27, 27'. To limit, for example, the area of the cavity 22, 22' to a certain area of the construction panel 1 , the projecting portion 21 , 21', at suitable locations in the hollows space, can have a larger cross section, for example a barrier wall (not shown), which with the outer layer 18, 18' contacting the intermediate layer 17 prevents air and moisture from flowing through this area in its mounted state. The cross section of the outer layers 18, 18' is not limited to an even thickness; the cross section of the outer layer can be of different sizes, for example to increase the stability or flexibility of the construction panel. The cavity 22, 22', and thus the projecting portion 21 , 21', extends in a continuous manner, in two directions, from one edge 4, 4' to another, opposite edge 5, 5' of the construction panel 1. The projecting portion 21 , 21' has a flat top 23, 23', which is substantially parallel to the surface 19, 19' abutting against the intermediate layer 17. The outer layers are suitably made of materials that are permeable to moisture/not diffusion-proof, such as specially treated plastics or perforated plastics, but other materials that are suitable for this field of application are also conceiv- able. The "checked-pattem" projecting portion 21 , 21' ensures that the surface 19, 19' abutting against the intermediate layer 17 do so only in isolated points. The two outer layers 18, 18' are arranged in such a way that the pattern of one projecting portion 21 is located substantially on the opposite side of the other projecting portion 21'. Another alternative is to arrange the two outer layers 18, 18' such that they are offset relative to each other in both directions. The two projecting portions 21 , 21' in Fig. 5 have the same shape and size, but they may also be of different shape and size.

Fig. 6 shows the construction panel 1 as described in Fig. 5 with a functional film 24 arranged on the top 23 of the projecting portion 21 of one outer layer 18. This is the side on to which tiles, clinkers, mosaic, wall or floor coverings are to be attached. The functional film 24 may facilitate the mounting of, for example, small mosaic tiles or plastic coverings if the cavities 25 formed between the projecting checked-pattem portion 21 are too large. It

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Moreover, use of the construction panel is not limited to wet rooms, and it may be used also in other building constructions. Nor is use of the construction panel limited to drawing off water vapour, but also other fluids can be transported in the cavities of the construction panel, for example radon gas.

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Claims

1. A construction panel (1) having two substantially parallel surfaces (2, 3, 20, 20'), which are each located in a plane (P, P'), and at least two edges (4, 5), the construction panel (1 ) being c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that it on each surface (2, 3, 20, 20') has at least one projecting portion (6, 6', 21 , 21') with at least one boundary surface (7, 7', 29, 29') facing away from the construction panel, which boundary surface (7, 7', 29, 29', 23, 23'), together with at least the respective plane (P, P'), forms at least one cavity (8, 8', 22, 22') along each surface (2, 3, 20, 20'), which cavities (8, 8', 22, 22') extend in a continuous manner from the first of said edges (4) to the second of said edges (5).

2. A construction panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the boundary surface is an outer top (7, 7', 23, 23') of the projecting portion (6, 6', 21 , 21 ').

3. A construction panel (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the top (7, 7', 23, 23') of each portion, together with the respective surface (2, 3, 19, 19'), forms at least one cavity (8, 8', 22, 22') along each surfaces (2, 3, 19, 19'), which cavities (8, 8', 22, 22') extend in a continuous manner from the first of said edges (4) to the second of said edges (5).

4. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projecting portion (21 , 21') is formed of at least two pro- jecting protrusions (6, 6').

5. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said edges (4, 5) are opposite edges.

6. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 2-5, wherein at least one of said tops (7, 7') has a substantially flat top surface.

7. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the projecting portions (6, 6', 21 , 21') extending from the two surfaces

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OC (2, 3) of the construction panel (1) have substantially flat top surfaces (7, 7'), the top surfaces (7, 7¹) being substantially parallel to each other.

8. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the construction panel (1) is made of a flexible material.

9. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the construction panel (1) is made of a material whose resistance to water vapour migration is at least 10⁶ seconds per metre.

10. A construction panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the construction panel (1) further comprises at least one layer (11) arranged in contact with at least one of the portions (6, 6', 21 , 21 ') extending from at least one of the surfaces (2, 3) of the construction panel (1).

11. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projecting portions (6, 6', 21 , 21') on at least one of the surfaces (2, 3) are substantially evenly spaced in at least one direction.

12. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projecting portions (6, 6', 21 , 21') extending from one surface (2) are offset in at least one direction relative to the projecting portions (6, β',21 , 21') extending from the other surface (3).

13. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 4-11 , wherein a line (14) is substantially parallel to a perpendicular to one surface (2) and runs through the centre of one of the projecting protrusions (6) extending from one surface (2), said line (14) intersecting the other surface (3) substantially right between two projecting protrusions (6') extending from the other surface (3).

14. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 2-13, wherein the height of at least one of the projecting portions (6, 6', 21 , 21'),

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' _^ 1 ' ^ .i 9i.72/_21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc from the top of the projecting portion (7, 23, 23') to the surface (2), is between 1 - 50 mm, preferably between 5 - 20 mm and most preferably between 9 - 11 mm.

15. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 2-14, wherein the height of the projecting portions (6, 6', 21, 21'), from the top (7, 7', 23, 23') of the projecting portion to the surface (2, 3), is substantially the same for the protrusions of all the portions on at least one of the surfaces (2, 3) of the construction panel.

16. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 4-15, wherein at least one of the projecting protrusions (6) has the shape of a three- dimensional polygon.

17. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 4-15, wherein the top surface (7, 7') of said projecting protrusion is square, the length of its side being between 10 - 500 mm, preferably between 30 - 120 mm and most preferably between 55 - 65 mm.

18. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 4-15, wherein at least one of the projecting protrusions (6, 6') on at least one of the surfaces (2, 3) runs from said first edge (4) to said second edge (5).

19. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the construction panel (1) is substantially rectangular.

20. A construction panel (1) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the surfaces (2, 3) of the construction panel (1) have a length between 1800 - 4000 mm, preferably between 2000 - 3000 mm and most preferably 2400 mm and a width between 500 - 3000 mm, preferably between 600 - 1500 mm and most preferably 900 mm.

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21. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 2-20, wherein the construction panel (1) has a maximum thickness from the top (7, 7', 23, 23') of one of the projecting portions (6, 6\ 21 , 21') to another top on the other side of the construction panel (1), said thickness being between 5 - 200 mm, preferably between 10 - 40 mm and most preferably between 12 - 30 mm.

22. A construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 4-21, wherein the construction panel (1), in use, is arranged in such a way that the projecting protrusions (6) abut against a base (9), such as a wall or a floor, so that said cavity (8) forms an air space (10) between the base (9) and the surface (2), which air space (10) is continuous from the first of said edges (4) to the second of said edges (5).

23. A construction panel (1) as claimed in claim 22, wherein a layer

(11 , 13), in use, is arranged in contact with at least one of the protrusions (6') extending from the other surface (3) of the construction panel (1), so that said cavity (8') forms an air space (10^J) between the layer (11 , 13) and the surface (3), which air space (10') is continuous from the first of said edges (4) to the second of said edges (5).

24. A construction panel as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the construction panel (1) and/or the layer (11 , 13) is/are mounted with the aid of fastening means.

25. A construction panel as claimed in claim 24, wherein the fastening means are in the form of a setting compound.

26. A building construction system (12), comprising a base (9) onto which at least one construction panel (1) according to any one of claims 4-24 is applied, in such a way that at least one of the projecting protrusions (6, 6') abuts against the base (9), so that said cavity (8, 8') forms an air space (10,

Do?? _21042801_TranslationOfApplicationtext_MLU.d oc 10') between the base (9) and the surface (2, 3), which air space (10, 10') is continuous from the first of said edges (4) to the second of said edges (5).

27. A building construction system (12) as claimed in claim 26, wherein the system (12) further comprises at least one layer (11), which is arranged in such a way that at least one of the projecting protrusions (6, 6') of the construction panel (1) that extend from the other of the surfaces (2, 3) abuts against the layer (11), so that said cavity (8, 8') forms an air space (10, 10') between the layer (11) and the surface (2, 3), which air space (10, 10') is con- tinuous from the first of said edges (4) to the second of said edges (5).

28. Use of the construction panel (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-27 in a wet room.

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