Coupling between two sandwich panels, and modular building system based thereon

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling between two sandwich panels (1, 2), each comprising: an insulating layer (3) being covered on its one side with a first metal plate (4) and on its other side with a second metal plate (5), each of the panels (1,2) having a prismatic connecting edge (6, 7) for coupling by means of connecting means (13) another like panel (1, 2) to said connecting edge. It is a purpose of the invention to design a coupling of this type in such a way that interior ventilation and vapour transport in the space bounded by the plates is effectively stimulated, whilst nevertheless the properties as e.g. a partition of two coupled panels is not adversely affected.

Description: The invention relates to a coupling between two sandwich panels, each comprising an insulating layer being covered on its one side with a first metal plate and on its other side with a second metal plate, each of the panels having a prismatic connecting edge for coupling another like panel to said connecting edge, the coupling comprising connecting means for connecting the cooperating connecting edges, said connecting means comprising at least one screw connecting the first metal plate of the one panel with the second metal plate of the other panel. Such a coupling is known from DE-A-2 600 792. It is a first purpose of the invention to design a coupling of this type in such a way that interior ventilation and vapour transport in the space bounded by the plates is effectively stimulated, whilst nevertheless the properties of e.g. a partition of two coupled panels are not adversely affected. Furthermore, according to the invention vapour accumulation as a result of condensation in the insulating layer should be effectively be prevented. The prior art coupling allows only a relative displacement of the cooperating connecting edges in the main planes of the panels. It is a further purpose of the invention to allow a relative displacement in a transverse direction perpendicular to the main planes of the panels. The coupling according to the invention is characterized in that the insulating layers of the two panels are positioned in substantially abutting relationship, in such a way, that they form together one substantially continuous insulation, and in that the cooperating connecting edges are shaped such as to allow a relative displacement in the direction perpendicular to the main planes of the panels. It should be noted that BE-A-824 050 discloses a coupling of two sandwich panels in which the insulating layers of the two panels are positioned in substantially abutting relationship. The panels according to this prior art reference are not coupled by means of at least one screw. Instead thereof, one panel is coupled to a supporting structure by means of a bold and nut structure, whilst the next-following panel is more or less immovably positioned relative thereto by shifting the related edge into the complementary shape of the edge of the other panel thus fixed to this supporting structure. The couplings according to the above-mentioned two prior art references have cooperating connecting edges shaped such that they do not allow a relative displacement in a transverse direction perpendicular to the main planes of the panels. From DE-A-3 344 969 a coupling between sandwich panels is known, in which the cooperating edges have complementary shapes. No connecting means are shown or suggested. FR-A-2 173 113 relates to a coupling between two sandwich panels. No screws are used for connecting the first metal plate of the one panel with the second plate of the other panel. Furthermore the insulating layers of the two panels are not positioned in substantially abutting relationship and therefore do not form together one substantially continuous insulation. Specifically the coupling may be characterized in that the insulating layers of the two panels have mutually complementary shapes. In a preferred embodiment this coupling is characterized in that the second plates each have a bent portion, the bent portions of adjacent plates being spaced and facing each other, and in that a sealing strip is disposed between and in sealing relationship with said two facing bent portions and in that said connecting means connect together two adjacent first plates to define a hinge therebetween, said screws further cooperating directly with said second plate of at least one of the two panels. It is hereby noted that the screws fulfill the dual function of joining together adjacent panels and ensuring the integrity of a panel under the most varied load conditions. The screws also may be used to fasten the panels to a supporting construction, for which purpose they may be given a relative great length, such that they protrude with the end away from the head outside the panel in question. Given by way of example is the use of self-drilling and self-tapping screws, which are known per se. The sealing strip e.g. serving as a vapour barrier, can take the form of a strip of foam material with a strongly adhesive, wear resistant acrylate adhesive mass. This sealing strip can be applied to the bent portions in the factory where the panels are manufactured. The use of a sealing strip has a further advantage that dimensional tolerances in the panel and/or in the supporting structure can be accommodated without adversely affecting the quality of the coupling. A very simple coupling, which is naturally sealing and is moreover eminently capable of adsorbing tensile forces and pressure forces, has the feature that the first and/or the second plates of both panels overlap each other at least partially. An alternative embodiment uses a clamping member brought, e.g. screwed, into clamping position on respective first and/or second plates that are connected to each other. Such a clamping member can take several forms, for instance that of a flat clamp strip or of a clamp strip with a U-shaped cross section for co-operation with corresponding prismatic recesses of the relevant first and/or second plates. In this latter embodiment use can be made of a sealing strip fitted between the clamping member and the associated surfaces of the plates. The heads of the screws can with advantage be accessible from one side. This embodiment may be of importance when the panels are not accessible from the other side, for example when they are used as a lining for an existing wall. The coupling between sandwich panels according to the invention lends itself easily to construction and dimensioning such that each individual panel of a wall built up from these panels can be separately placed and removed, without it being necessary to unscrew a part of the wall or the whole wall. Finally, the invention relates to a modular construction system built up on the basis of the coupling between panels according to the invention. What must also be understood under panels in this context is a module element consisting of two wall panels that connect each other at a required angle. In this connection it should also be noted that the case where two panels are coupled against each other these two panels can, as a consequence of the stiffening sandwich effect of the two metal skins, form together with the insulation a self-supporting span structure. The normal addition of a separate supporting construction therefore becomes superfluous. The invention will now be elucidated with reference to the annexed drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross section through a coupling between two sandwich panels; figure 2 shows a cross section through a corner construction with sandwich panels according to the invention; figure 3 is a partly broken away perspective view of the coupling as in fig. 1; figure 4 shows an alternative; figure 5 shows a building constructed from sandwich elements according to the invention; figure 6 is a partly broken away perspective view through VI-VI in figs. 5; and figures 7-10 are cross sections through different coupling between two sandwich panels. Figure 1 shows the coupling between two sandwich panels 1, 2. These panels each comprise in this preferred embodiment a layer of insulation material 3 covered on both sides with a metal plate 4, 5. Panel 1 has a connecting edge 6 that is identical to the connecting edge 7 of panel 2 located opposite. These connecting edges 6, 7 will be described in detail later. As will be apparent from figure 1 the layer of insulating material 3 of each of both panels 1, 2 is partially free at the location of the connecting edge 6, 7. In the connected situation of both panels 1, 2 as shown in figure 1 the layers of insulating material 3,3 of both panels 1, 2 are positioned in abutting relationship forming together one substantially continuous insulation. A description of the above mentioned connecting edges now follows. For the sake of convenience only the connecting edge 6 of panel 1 is described here. The first metal plate 4 comprises a first part 8 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a generally U-shaped, bent back second part 9 for co-operating with a generally U-shaped coupling bracket 10 between the two panels. The second metal plate 5 comprises a first part 11 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a second part 12 bent inward approximately at a right angle, which part serves for screwing in position therein of a screw 13 placed through a hole intended for that purpose in coupling bracket 10. It is pointed out that in the embodiment drawn here the screw does not extend past the second metal plate 5. Shown in figure 3, and particularly in figure 4, is an embodiment in which the connecting screw has a length such that it can serve for attachment of the relevant panel to a building construction. Placed on the coupling bracket or brackets is a more or less U-shaped strip 14 over which can be pushed a protective cover 15 which entirely covers the heads 16 of screws 13. At the position of the connecting edge 6 the insulation layer 3 protrudes further than the first right angled bent parts 11 of the second metal plate 5 such that after coupling of the two panels 1, 2 between the first right angled bent parts 11 facing each other, space is available for accommodation of a sealing strip 17. Figure 2 shows a coupling between sandwich panels according to the invention in an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment a first panel 18 displays a connecting edge 19 which is complementary to the connecting edge 20 of a second panel 21. The first metal plate 22 of the first panel comprises a first part 23 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a part 24 bent outwards at a right angle. The second panel 21 comprises a connecting edge 20 of which the first metal plate 25 comprises a first part 26 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a second part 28 bent outward at a right angle and protruding outside the insulation layer 27, which part is to be placed against the corresponding second part 24 of the first panel 18. Using a screw 72, the two panels 18, 21 are coupled to each other. Wholly analogous to the construction as in figure 1 the second metal plates 29, 30 of panels 18, 21 display first parts 31, 32 bent inward at a right angle, between which space is available for receiving the sealing strip 17. Figure 3 shows in schematic, perspective view the construction as in figure 1. Corresponding elements are also designated with the same reference numerals as therein. The screws 13 protrude in this embodiment outside the scond metal plate 5 and serve as coupling elements to a building construction 33. In addition covering means 34 are present which on the one hand prevent the ingress of drip water and on the other enable ventilation of the insulation layer 3, as is indicated schematically with arrows 35. Figure 4 shows by and large the same coupling as shown in figure 3, with the understanding that in this case the connecting edges 6, 7 extend in horizontal direction, while further the upper panel 36 is in curved form. With respect to this other construction the covering means 37 are also adapted. Figure 5 shows a building 38 consisting of panels according to the invention. In respect of this, figure 6 shows, be it only by way of example, a detail from figure 5. Following the elucidation on the basis of the figures 1 and 3, the construction shown in figure 6 will not require explanation. Two aspects deserve some attention, however. Firstly, it is noted that the panels 39, 40 are open at the bottom so that the insulating layer 3 is in ventilating contact with the surrounding environment. The metal plates 4, 5 protrude beneath the insulating layer 3, with the result that drip water cannot be drawn up. The panels 39, 40 are formed with a fold so that they serve on the one hand as part of an upright wall and on the other as part of a roof. The upper edges 41 of the panels are coupled in the manner shown in figure 6. The construction is always such that the insulation layers in the diverse components abut one another. As a result of the vapour-tight construction of the inner skin the insulating layer 3 is not, however, in ventilating contact with the indoor environment. Vapour accumulation as a result of condensation in the insulating layer is prevented as a result. The construction shown ensures good water run-off, partly as a consequence of a ridge protective cover 42. Figure 7 shows a coupling between two sandwhich panels 43, 44. These panels 43, 44 are the same as the panels 1 and 2 as according to figure 1. Corresponding elements in figure 7 are therefore also designated with the same reference numerals as in figure 1. The coupling according to figure 7 comprises only one row of screws 45 which are inserted through holes intended for this purpose in the U-shaped coupling bracket 10 and the U-shaped strip 14. The screw co-act with a T-profile 46 having a more or less U-shaped body 47 into which the screw 45 grips and which is provided to this end with longitudinal ribs. The ends of the T-profile 46 co-acting with the second metal plates 5 display curved portions 48, thus enabling a great clamping force. As is further shown in figure 7, space is in this way left available for accommodating sealing strips 49, which always ensure the seal fitting of the coupling. It will be apparent that the embodiment shown in figure 7 can absorb a comparatively large bending moment in both directions. This embodiment is in this sense superior to that as according to Figure 1, in which, owing to the weak coupling between the second metal plates 5, only a relatively small tensile force between both metal plates is possible. Figure 8 shows the coupling between two panels 68, 69. This coupling has the same construction as that shown in figure 2. The bent parts 31, 32 as in figure 10 lie closer however to the bent parts 23, 26. Hereby achieved is that the insulating layer 27 of the panel 68 can run straight, in contrast to the embodiment of figure 2, in which this layer has to be stepped. Figure 9 shows a coupling between two panels 80, 81. The first metal plate 82 of panel 80 comprises a first part 83 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a part 84 bent outward at a right angle. The second plate 85 comprises a first part 86 bent inward at a right angle and connecting thereto a second part 87 bent outward at a right angle, this part being longer than the first part 86, such that when coupled to an identical connecting edge of the panel 81 the respective parts 84, 87 of both panels 80, 81 overlap each other. It will be apparent that as a result of the configuration shown the compression strength between the respective first plates and the second plates is ensured. The tensile strength is ensured by inserting screws 88 through the respective second parts. It is noted that in the embodiment according to figure 9 use could also be made of a protective cover 15 as in figure 1. If desired, the recessed portion 89 may also be omitted, with the result that the protruding parts of screws 88 can be used for fixing panels 80, 81 in position on a bearing construction. Figure 10 shows the coupling between two panels 90, 91. Corresponding elements are designated with the same reference numerals as in figure 7. As will further be seen in figure 10 the bent second parts 75, 78 are coupled partially to each other and to the coupling bracket 10 by means of screws 45, and partially coupled only to each other by shorter screws 92. Use can advantageously be made for the sandwich panels according to the invention of an insulating layer of mineral wool with compression and tensile strength which is adhered to the first and second metal plates over their whole surfaces. The invention further provides panels and couplings between said panels which guarantee a great integrity of the constructions, even under extreme conditions such as heavy, mechanical loading and thermal load, for instance in the case of fire. As has already been shown for example with reference to figure 10, different aspects of the constructions described may be combined with one another, whereby the panels and their couplings can satisfy determined specifications in accordance with the wishes of the user.

Claims: A coupling between two sandwich panels (1,2), each comprising an insulating layer (3) being covered on its one side with a first metal plate (4) and on its other side with a second metal plate (5), each of the panels (1,2) having a prismatic connecting edge (6,7) for coupling another like panel (1,2) to said connecting edge (6,7), the coupling comprising connecting means for connecting the cooperating connecting edges (6,7), said connecting means comprising at least one screw (13) connecting the first metal plate (4) of the one panel (1) with the second metal plate (5) of the other panel (2) characterized in that the insulating layers (3,3) of the two panels (1,2) are positioned in substantially abutting relationship, in such a way, that they form together one substantially continuous insulation, and in that the cooperating connecting edges (6,7) are shaped such as to allow a relative displacement in the direction perpendicular to the main planes of the panels (1,2). The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating layers (3,3) of the two panels have complementary shapes. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the second plates (5) each have a bent portion (11), the bent portions (11,11) of adjacent plates (5,5) being spaced and facing each other, and in that a sealing strip (17) is disposed between and in sealing relationship with said two facing bent portions (11) and in that said connecting means (13) connect together two adjacent first plates (4,4) to define a hinge therebetween, said screws (13) further cooperating directly with said second plate (5) of at least one of the two panels (1,2). The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that , the first and/or the second plates (4,4; 5,5) of both panels (1,2) overlap each other at least partially. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized by, a clamping member (46) brought, e.g. screwed, into clamping position on first and/or second plates (4,4; 5,5) that are connected to each other. The coupling according to claim 5, characterized by a sealing strip (49) fitted between the clamping member (46) and the relevant surfaces of said plates (4,4; 5,5). The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the heads (16) of the screws (13) are accessible from one side. A modular construction system comprising sandwich panels (1,2), characterized in that , the system comprises a coupling according to any one of the preceding claims.

Inventors: GROENEVELD DIRK HUGO, GROENEVELD, DIRK HUGO
Applicants: GROENEVELD H D BEHEER, ROCKWOOL LAPINUS BV, BEHEERMAATSCHAPPIJ H.D. GROENEVELD B.V., ROCKWOOL LAPINUS B.V.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: E04C2
IPC codes: E04C2