WO2016174296A1

WO2016174296A1 - Modular polycarbonate panel for coverings on buildings

Info

Publication number: WO2016174296A1
Application number: PCT/ES2016/070331
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jorge Guzman Mayoral
Original assignee: Polimeros Gestion Industrial, S.L.
Priority date: 2015-04-30
Filing date: 2016-04-29
Publication date: 2016-11-03
Also published as: ES2848121T3; EP3290613A1; PL3290613T3; PT3290613T; ES1139956U; EP3290613B1; ES1139956Y; EP3290613A4

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular polycarbonate panel for coverings on buildings. The panel (1) comprises a cell structure defining a plurality of chambers (4), such that a first side (1a) can be coupled to a second panel (3) that has at least one tab (6) defining a cavity (6a). A second side (1b) of the panel (1) can be coupled to a third panel (2) and has a projection (7) defining a shape complementary to the cavity (6a) defined by said tab (6) of the first side (1a). The modular panel can be coupled to successive adjacent panels, so as to cover a surface of a covering or enclosure rapidly and safely while reducing the installation time.

Description

MODULAR POLYCARBONATE PANEL FOR COVERS IN

BUILDINGS

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular polycarbonate panel for roofs in buildings, suitable for being coupled to both sandwich panels and successive modular panels through their respective sides; and where said panel is located within the construction and insulation sector in roofs and enclosures.

The main purpose of the modular polycarbonate panel of the invention is to have a panel capable of being coupled to successive adjacent panels, be they sandwich panels or modular polycarbonate panels, so as to cover a certain surface of a roof or enclosure in a fast, safe and effective way; allowing the passage of light from the outside to the inside of the building; and where additionally, internal reinforcement elements to the panel are not required, thus reducing its cost compared to the competition, in addition to simplifying its commissioning and, therefore, reducing its installation time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of introduction, it is known the use and application of polycarbonate panels in roofs of generally industrial buildings, which are coupled laterally to sandwich panels, with the main objective of allowing the passage of light into the interior of the construction, to protect from Atmospheric weather the roof area, as well as providing a certain degree of insulation to the top of the building. Such sandwich panels for roof, can be differentiated into two main types, being:

A first sandwich panel of visible screws, called European type, which is formed by a structure of two sheets and a filling material, where at its ends a flange is formed as a projection on one of the sides, and a protrusion on another side. Where each protrusion is configured to allow the adjacent flange of an adjacent panel to overlap, so that once the flange of a sandwich panel with the protrusion of another sandwich panel has overlapped, a screw type fixing means is introduced threaded to fix the sandwich panels to the adjacent panels.

A second hidden hardware panel, which has the same physical entities as the visible hardware panels, but where a folded sheet covers the upper part of the threaded screw without allowing the display and access from outside of said fixing means; being a simple and effective solution in order to improve aesthetics as well as the permissiveness that an operator can walk on the deck without the possibility of tripping over said fixing means. Once the configuration of physical entities of a sandwich panel is indicated, as well as the coupling between them, the use and application of polycarbonate panels configured to be laterally coupled to said sandwich panels is known; where the polycarbonate panels belonging to the state of the art have a cellular structure that defines a plurality of insulating chambers, and on each side they have flange-like flanges, suitable for coupling, on the one hand, to the protrusion of a sandwich-type panel; and on the other hand to a tab of the other sandwich panel.

Taking as reference the panel of screws seen, it can be intuited that in the area of union between the tabs of two adjacent panels, being one of polycarbonate and the other, generally, sandwich type, there is a decrease in the mechanical resistance to there is only one tab of Polycarbonate of reduced thickness fixed to another flange belonging to the sandwich panel, joined both between said fixing means. This being an ideal area for breaks and damage to the roof due to overpressures due to wind, rain, etc.

That is why, to solve this problem, it is known to use sheet profiles located both in the gap between both tabs, and superiorly with respect to said tabs, so that the partial resistance of the area between both tabs, at the cost of increasing the product thus obtained, since it implies that, between each joint of the panels, the installation of said sheet profiles is required as a reinforcement; In addition to that there is a delay in the commissioning of the panels on the corresponding roof due to the installation of the aforementioned sheet profiles. It should be noted that said sheet profiles are used to protect the polycarbonate panel from possible expansion damage, and are also used for an aesthetic issue, since it is not visually pleasing that the gap between the two panels is visible, and where the profile of sheet located superiorly with respect to both tabs it hides it from the face seen part of the cover.

That is why, in view of the drawbacks existing both in the absence of sheet profiles between both tabs, which implies a decrease in the mechanical strength of the joint between panels, as in the inclusion of reinforcement sheet profiles , which affect the overall cost of the panel as well as a delay in its commissioning; it is necessary the appearance of a new modular polycarbonate panel for roofs in buildings capable of solving this problem, without increasing the cost of the product thus obtained, reducing the times of commissioning, guaranteeing adequate mechanical resistance as well as a versatility of use in different types of covers unknown to date; and perfectly attachable to sandwich panels for roofs or for adjacent modular polycarbonate panels as a continuous skylight. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular polycarbonate panel for roofs in buildings configured to engage with a second panel on a first side and with a third panel on a second side, wherein said modular polycarbonate panel comprises a cellular structure that defines a plurality of cameras, where:

- the first side suitable for coupling with the second panel has at least one tab defining a cavity; Y

- the second side suitable for coupling with the third panel has a projection defining a geometry complementary to the cavity defined by said flange of the first side; allowing the coupling of the modular panel with respect to the third panel through the superposition of said tab on said shoulder; and where said protrusion of the second side has a cellular structure that defines a plurality of cameras.

By way of clarification, the concept of protrusion is understood as a part that protrudes from the cellular structure itself, observing that the protrusion has the same cellular structure that defines the plurality of cameras as the rest of the structure of the modular polycarbonate panel, so that unlike the state of the art, one of the sides has said projection that can be attached to a flange of a second adjacent panel, so that once both panels are superimposed through the projection of the first panel and the flange of the second panel, a solid joint that does not require the need to include reinforcement sheet profiles to increase its resistant capacity.

In this way, in addition to not needing external elements to reinforce the joint, it is possible to reduce the commissioning time of each of the panels object of the invention, since the panel itself is made up of a single piece and the operator qualified only have to position the panels by attaching the flange of a first side of a first panel with the protrusion of a second side of a second panel, being a quick and efficient commissioning. Therefore, unlike the polycarbonate panels that have tabs on both sides, in the panel object of the invention one of the sides does have said tab, but the other side has the projection suitable for attaching to the flange, not being a symmetrical panel as in the state of the art, and that guarantees an increase of mechanical resistance in the union between panels without the need for the use of reinforcement sheet profiles.

It is necessary to clarify that the polycarbonate modular panel object of the invention is designed to be coupled to the first and second panel, these may also be modular polycarbonate panels having the same technical characteristics described in the panel object of the invention. And it can also be attached to a first and second sandwich panel for roofs. Where a sandwich panel for roofs is formed by two generally metallic sheets that have, inside, a filling material that can be an insulating material such as polyurethane, rock wool, polystyrene or other materials.

Also, and according to the manufacturing of the modular polycarbonate panel for roofs in buildings object of the invention, this can be manufactured by an extrusion process, through a head or matrix, which is subsequently cut to the pre-established dimensions , in this way it is observed how said protrusion of the second lateral presents the same cellular structure that defines a plurality of cameras; in the same way as the cellular structure of the panel itself, since everything is manufactured together simplifying and economizing the manufacturing process and subsequent sale to the public. Additionally, the cellular structure of said projection gives it an optimal resistant capacity by acting as an ideal tubular structure to withstand compression and tensile stresses suffered by said panel throughout its useful life.

In order to increase the bonding capacity between each of the sides of the respective modular panels, the preferred option is described in which: - The first side that has said tab comprises a recess, and

- the second side having said projection comprises a projection that defines a geometry complementary to the emptying of said first side; where the projection is configured to engage in the emptying of the first side of a third panel, either modular polycarbonate or sandwich panel.

Being therefore another means of additional fixing between panels, perfectly realizable in the process of forming the panel object of the invention; and that implies a fastening plus between each of the panels as it can introduce fixing means such as pins or similar means between the projection and the associated emptying between both panels.

The design possibility is also contemplated in which the first side of the modular polycarbonate panel, which has said flange, this comprises a protrusion on the surface of the flange to come into contact with the projection of the second panel, configured to avoid the inclusion of air or water between the joint between panels, being a simple and very practical solution.

In order to increase the mechanical resistance not only of the joining areas between panels, but also of the central areas thereof, the possibility of the modular panel comprising a plurality of intermediate projections between the first and the second lateral is contemplated, being able to have multiple geometries: trapezoids, trapezoids, semicircles, etc. Where, preferably, the geometry of said projections are identical to that of the projection located on the second side of each panel.

And specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the flange of the first side has a trapecial profile with its base open; and said projection of the second side has a trapezoidal section suitable for being introduced through the open base of the flange of a first side of a third panel, as a fret between the two panels; being one of the most widespread solutions in the state of the art due to its excellent behavior before external solicitations. Likewise, and in order to increase the mechanical strength of the area between the panels, the preferred embodiment option is described in which the flange of the first side of the panel object of the invention has, at its base close to the first side, a thickening; so that the stiffness in the area between the flange and the panel is increased in a simple and effective way. Being, optionally, of decreasing area towards the free end of the tab.

Finally, and in relation to how to fix each of the modular polycarbonate roof panels jointly with respect to the rest of the roof panels (sandwich or modular polycarbonate type), the possibility is contemplated that each panel comprises an element of fixation configured to join said flange of the first side with said protrusion of the second side of a third panel. Where, preferably, said fixing element is a threaded screw; being a means of secure, detachable and quick installation.

Thus, with the proposed invention a modular polycarbonate panel is obtained for roofs in buildings capable of being able to be coupled to different adjoining panels so that they cover a certain surface of a roof or enclosure in a fast, safe and effective manner; where additionally, internal reinforcement elements to the panel are not required, thus reducing its cost compared to the competition, in addition to simplifying its commissioning and, therefore, reducing its installation time compared to the state of the art currently known.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made, and in order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a series of drawings are attached as an integral part of said description. where, with character Illustrative and not limiting, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 shows a two-dimensional view of a modular polycarbonate panel belonging to the state of the art, observing the respective side flanges of engagement.

Figure 2.- Shows a two-dimensional view of the union of a modular polycarbonate panel with respect to two adjacent sandwich panels, all of them belonging to the state of the art, observing the different sheet reinforcement profiles located in the joints between panels by the upper part, and internally with respect to the eyelashes.

Figure 3.- Shows a two-dimensional view of the modular polycarbonate panel object of the invention.

Figure 4.- Shows a two-dimensional view of a detail of the second side of the modular polycarbonate panel object of the invention, observing the projection and the corresponding projection.

Figure 5.- Shows a two-dimensional view of a detail of the first side of the modular polycarbonate panel object of the invention, observing the flange and the corresponding emptying.

Figure 6 shows a two-dimensional view of the union of the modular polycarbonate panel object of the invention with respect to two adjacent sandwich panels, observing the joints between panels with the corresponding tabs and associated projections.

Figure 7.- Shows a two-dimensional view of a sandwich panel suitable for coupling to the modular polycarbonate panel object of the invention, wherein said sandwich panel comprises a plurality of intermediate trapecial geometry projections. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of Figures 1 and 2, a panel (V) belonging to the state of the art can be observed, which is coupled to a second panel (2 ') and a third sandwich panel (3') through the respective tabs (6 ', 7') located on the sides of each panel (V, 2 ', 3'); in this way, the joint between panels (V, 2 ', 3') is carried out through the respective tabs (6 ', 7') and aided by lower sheet profiles (5 ') responsible for stiffening the joint between panels (V, 2 ', 3'); and upper sheet profiles (5 ") responsible for hiding the joint between the panels

(V, 2 ', 3'). Additionally, the cellular structure of chambers (4 ') formed during the manufacture of said panel (V) is observed.

To solve the problem related to the use of sheet profiles (5 ') responsible for stiffening the joint between panels (1', 2 ', 3'), it can be seen in the figures

3 to 6 the existence of the modular polycarbonate panel (1) for roofs in buildings object of the invention, which is configured to be coupled with a second sandwich panel (3) on one of its sides, and with a third panel (2 ) sandwich type on another side, where said modular panel (1) comprises a cellular structure that defines a plurality of cameras (4), and where:

- the first side (1 a) suitable for coupling with the second sandwich panel (3) has a flange (6) defining a cavity (6a); Y

- the second side (1 b) suitable for coupling with the third sandwich panel (2) has a protrusion (7) defining a geometry complementary to the cavity (6a) defined by said flange (6) of the first side (1 a ); allowing the coupling of two panels (1, 3) through the superposition of said tab (6) on said shoulder (7). Likewise, a detail of the second side (1 b) of the panel is shown in Figure 4

(1) modular, in which the protrusion (7) with a trapecial geometry is displayed, which has a cellular structure that defines a plurality of cameras (5), thus as the existence of a projection (9) responsible for coupling to the first side (2a) of a second sandwich panel (2).

And in that sense, a detail of the first side (1 a) of the modular panel (1) is observed in Figure 5, in which the flange (6) with a trapecial geometry is visualized, the existence of a recess (8) defining a geometry complementary to the projection (9) of said first side (1 b), and configured said recess (8) to engage in the projection (9) of the second side (3b) of a second sandwich panel (3); it is also visualized how the flange (6) of the first lateral (1 a) presents, in its base next to the first lateral (1 a), a thickening (6b) of decreasing section and with the aim of increasing the stiffness in said area of the first lateral (1 a).

Additionally, in said figure 5, it is observed that the first side (1 a) presenting said flange (6) comprises a protuberance (1 1) on the surface of the flange (6) to come into contact with the shoulder (7) of the third panel (2); where said protuberance (1 1) is configured to prevent the inclusion of air or water through the joint between two panels (1, 2, 3).

As for how to proceed with the coupling of the panels (1, 2, 3), the connection of two panels (1, 2, 3) is shown in figure 6 through the joint between the flange (6) located in the first side (2a) of the third sandwich panel (2) with the projection (7) of the second side (1 b) of the first modular polycarbonate panel (1); and on the other hand through the connection between the shoulder (7) of the second side (3b) of the second sandwich panel (3) with the tab (6) of the first side (1 a) of the first modular panel (1) of polycarbonate

Finally, it is observed in figure 7 the existence of a plurality of intermediate projections (10) between the first (2a) and the second lateral (3b) of the sandwich panels, which respectively have a trapecial section, being able to conform in the modular polycarbonate panel (1) object of the invention.

In view of this description and figures, the person skilled in the art will be able to understand that the embodiments of the invention that have been described can be combined in multiple ways within the object of the invention. The invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiments without exceeding the object of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. - Modular polycarbonate panel (1) for roofs in buildings configured to be coupled with a second panel (3) on a first side (1 a), and with a third panel (2) on a second side (1 b), wherein said polycarbonate modular panel (1) comprises a cellular structure that defines a plurality of chambers (4), the modular panel (1) being characterized in that:

- the first side (1 a) suitable for coupling with the second panel (3) has at least one flange (6) defining a cavity (6a); Y

- the second side (1 b) suitable for coupling with the third panel (2) has a projection (7) defining a geometry complementary to the cavity (6a) defined by said flange (6) of the first side (1 a); allowing the coupling of the modular panel (1) with respect to the third panel (2) through the superposition of said flange (6) on said shoulder (7); and where said protrusion (7) of the second side (1 b) has a cellular structure that defines a plurality of cameras (5).

2. - Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

- the first side (1 a) presenting said flange (6) comprises a recess (8), and - the second side (1 b) presenting said projection (7) comprises a projection (9) defining a geometry complementary to the emptying (8) of said first side (1 a); and the projection (9) is configured to engage in the recess (8) of the first side (2a) of a third panel (2).

3. Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side (1 a) having said flange (6) comprises a protuberance (1 1) on the surface of the flange (6 ) to contact the boss (7) of the second panel (3).

4. Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flange (6) of the first side (1 a) has a trapecial profile with its base open; and said highlight (7) of the second lateral (1 b) presents a trapezoidal section suitable for being introduced through the open base of the flange (6) of a first lateral (2a) of the third panel (2).

5. - Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flange (6) of the first side (1 a) has, at its base next to the first side (1 a), a thickening ( 6b).

6. - Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fixing element configured to join said flange (6) of the first side (1 a) with said shoulder (7) of the second side (3b) of the second panel (3).

7. - Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing element is a threaded screw.

8. - Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second panel (3) and / or the third panel (2) is a sandwich panel.

9. - Modular polycarbonate panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second panel (3) and / or the third panel (2) is a modular polycarbonate panel (1).