A PANEL STRUCTURE, PARTICULARLY FOR ROOFS OF BUILDINGS

Abstract

 A panel structure, particularly for roofs of buildings, characterized in that it comprises a sheet associated with an insulating body and equipped, on two opposite sides, with a first coupling edge and a second coupling edge; the coupling edges are elastically deformable so that when one structure is caused to slide towards an analogous structure, the edges mutually engage, defining an interlocking area in which the coupling edges form a plurality of inner chambers.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel structure, particularly for roofs of buildings.

[0002] The panel structure of the present invention is specifically designed to form covering layers for flat roofs.

[0003] Flat roofs are characterised by a minimal slope, sufficient to ensure the runoff of water to the drainpipes. According to UNI standards, flat roofs are defined as those with a slope of less than 5%.

[0004] Covering layers already known are created by using insulating metallic panels that generally consist of a layer of insulating material coupled with a metal sheet.

[0005] This known type of insulating metal panels generally has a coupling side along which the sheet is folded so that it can be coupled to the sheet of the adjacent panel.

[0006] This known type of interlocking sheet metal panels is suitable for covering steep slopes, but cannot be used for flat coverings.

[0007] Indeed, this known type of panels has an interlocking system that makes the covering subject to infiltrations if the slope is not substantial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to provide an insulating panel structure particularly suitable for creating covering layers for flat roofs.

[0009] Within this aim, one object of the present invention is to provide a structure comprising a system for coupling the panels to one another that will ensure a perfect seal from atmospheric elements.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a panel structure that is easy to install.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a structure that, for its peculiar structural characteristics, is capable of ensuring ample guarantees of reliability and safety when used.

[0012] These and other objects, which will become more apparent here below, are achieved by means of a panel structure, particularly for roofs of buildings, characterized in that it comprises a sheet associated with an insulating body and equipped, on two opposite sides, with a first coupling edge and a second coupling edge; said coupling edges being elastically deformable so that when one structure is caused to slide towards an analogous structure, said edges engage with each other, defining an interlocking area in which said coupling edges form a plurality of inner chambers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through an examination of the description of a preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the attached drawings, wherein:

figure 1 is a cross-section side view illustrating two adjacent panels in the interlocking area, according to the present invention;

figures 2 and 3 are side views, similar to the previous one, illustrating the phases of coupling one panel to another;

figure 4 is a side elevation view, sectioned and enlarged compared to the previous ones, which illustrates the interlocking area of the panels, equipped with a wind-barrier clip with fastening screws having countersunk heads;

figure 5 is a side elevation view, similar to the previous one, which illustrates the interlocking area of the panels, equipped with a wind-barrier clip with fastening screws having hexagonal heads;

figure 6 is a side elevation view of the sheet of the panel structure of the present invention;

figure 7 is a plan view of the panel structure of the present invention;

figure 8 is a cross section side elevation view illustrating the interlocking area of the panels, equipped with a universal bracket;

figure 9 is a side elevation view, similar to the previous one, which illustrates the interlocking area of the panels, equipped with a plastic bracket for attaching accessories;

figure 10 is a side elevation view, sectioned and enlarged compared to the previous ones, which illustrates the area where the structure is fastened by using a special bracket, which is fixed laterally to the purlin, according to a further aspect of the invention;

figure 11 is a side elevation view illustrating two panel structures assembled with the system illustrated in the previous figure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] With specific reference to the numerical symbols of the figures above, the panel structure, particularly for roofing of buildings, according to this invention, generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises a sheet 2 associated with an insulating body 3 and provided, on two opposite sides, with a first coupling edge 4 and a second coupling edge 5.

[0015] The coupling edges 4 and 5 are elastically deformable so that, by moving one structure towards another, the edges 4 and 5 mutually engage, defining an interlocking area in which the coupling edges 4 and 5 form one or more inner chambers.

[0016] The first coupling edge 4 comprises a first lower upright 41, substantially vertical, which extends in an inner wing 42 and a first upper upright 43 connected to a first flat portion 44.

[0017] The flat portion 44 end in a first turn-under 45.

[0018] The second coupling edge 5 comprises a second lower vertical upright 51 which extends in a second lower bend 52.

[0019] The second lower bend 52 then extends into a second upper upright 53, which ends in a second upper bend 54 having a recess 55.

[0020] The second upper bend 54 extends in a C-shaped portion, indicated with the reference number 57, which ends in an end wing 56.

[0021] When engaged, the coupling edges 4 and 5 form a plurality of inner chambers: a first chamber 61 formed between the first upper upright 43 and the first flat portion 44, of the first edge 4, with the second upper bend 54 and the C-shaped portion 57, of the second edge 5.

[0022] The first chamber 61 is partially divided into two semi-chambers by the presence of the end wing 56 of the second upper bend 54.

[0023] A second chamber 62 and a third chamber 63 are formed between the second upper upright 53, the second lower bend 52 and the second upper bend 54, of the second edge 5, and the first lower upright 41 and the inner wing 42 of the first edge 4.

[0024] The panel structure 1 also comprises brackets for fastening to the purlin, which are indicated with the reference number 7, adapted to fasten the panels to the support structure of the covering layer.

[0025] Each purlin fastening bracket 7 comprises a base 71 connected to a purlin bracket upright 72 that ends in a hook element 73.

[0026] The base 71 has holes for engagement of screws 74 adapted to engage the purlin or another support structure of the covering layer.

[0027] The purlin bracket upright 72 varies in length according to the thickness of the panel.

[0028] The structure 1 also comprises wind-barrier locking clips consisting of two metal profiles, indicated with the reference numbers 8 and 9, adapted to be fastened to the edges 3 and 4, after having carried out the coupling thereof.

[0029] The profiles 8 and 9 are fastened together with screws, for example with countersunk heads 10 or hexagonal heads 11, as can be seen in figures 4 and 5, respectively.

[0030] Advantageously, the structure 1 also has fastening brackets for accessories and other auxiliary structures typically present on roofing, such as lifelines, solar panels, etc.

[0031] Figure 8 illustrates a universal bracket, indicated with the reference number 12, consisting of a pair of profiles, indicated with the reference numbers 121 and 122, respectively, each of which has a lower portion that envelops the interlocking area of the panels and an upper portion adapted to be secured by means of screws 123.

[0032] The upper portions of the profiles extend sufficiently and comprise holes 124 for the fastening of various types of components.

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates a plastic bracket, indicated with the reference number 13, consisting of a pair of profiles indicated with the reference numbers 131 and 132, respectively, each of which has a lower portion that envelops the interlocking area of the panels and an upper portion adapted to be secured by means of screws 133.

[0034] The upper portion of at least one of the two profiles, profile 131 in figure 9, comprises a shaped portion 134 adapted to engage various types of components.

[0035] The structure of the covering panel of the present invention is installed, on an essentially flat roof, by fastening a first panel to the support structure, by means of the brackets fastened to the purlin 7.

[0036] Then, a second panel 1 is caused to slide towards the first one and pushed until the first edge 4 of the second panel engages the second edge 5 of the first panel.

[0037] This coupling operation, shown in figures 2 and 3, is made possible thanks to the elastic deformability of the edges 4 e 5; it is not necessary to tilt the second panel or carry out other maneuvers to obtain the complete coupling of the edges to each other.

[0038] Once the second panel is coupled to the first one, it is then necessary to secure the second panel to the support structure of the covering layer, by means of the purlin fastening brackets 7, and then couple a third panel to the second one, and so on.

[0039] The coupled edges 4 and 5 can be secured together by means of the wind-barrier clips 8 and 9 and/or the auxiliary fastening brackets 12 and 13.

[0040] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a fastening system of the structure by means of a special bracket 107, which is fastened laterally to the purlin, according to a further aspect of the invention.

[0041] Unlike the previous example, the structure 1 does not have, on the lower side, the "step" shape to leave room for screws and bracket, but rather has a special bracket 107 adapted to be fastened laterally to the purlin.

[0042] Each special bracket 107 comprises a base 171 connected to a bracket upright 172 that ends in a hook element 173.

[0043] The base 171 has holes for engagement of at least one screw 174 adapted to laterally engage the purlin or another support structure of the covering layer.

[0044] The base 171 extends at a right angle and vertically relative to the bracket upright 172.

[0045] This makes it possible to create a full structure in such a way that, in case of low ceilings, it is possible to avoid that evident coupling lines be seen on the ceiling.

[0046] For example, in a prefabricated module with a ceiling at 2.7 m, it would be preferable to use the special bracket 107.

[0047] The special bracket 107 is not as easy to fasten as the bracket 7 of the previous example, which is preferable and mostly used in industrial sheds, however, on a production level, it is possible to quickly and easily vary the structure 1 by including the bracket 7 or the bracket 107.

[0048] It has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0049] In fact, a panel structure has been provided, specifically designed for covering essentially flat roofs, i.e. having a slope of 1% or less.

[0050] The coupling system makes it possible to easily install large and heavy panels since, thanks to the elastic deformability of the edges, it is not necessary to tilt one of the panels to couple it to another and it is sufficient to slide the panel to be coupled against a panel already fastened to the structure.

[0051] Moreover, the coupling system ensures an excellent seal against atmospheric agents, even the most intense ones, thanks to the labyrinth-like conformation created by the inner chambers inside the interlocking area, which prevents water from leaking in, and thanks to the wind-barrier clips that firmly secure the edges to each other.

[0052] Another advantage of the structure is due to the accessory fastening brackets that exploit the interlocking area of the edges to secure them and provide a support to auxiliary components to be installed on the roof.

[0053] Naturally, the materials used, as well as their sizes, can be any, according to requirements.

Claims

1. A panel structure, specifically for roofs of buildings, characterized in that it comprises a sheet (2) associated with an insulating body (3) and equipped, on two opposite sides, with a first coupling edge (4) and a second coupling edge (5); said coupling edges (4, 5) being elastically deformable so that, when one structure (1) is caused to slide towards an analogous structure (1), said edges (4, 5) engage with each other, defining an interlocking area in which said coupling edges (4, 5) form a plurality of inner chambers (61, 62, 63).

2. The panel structure, according to claim 1, characterized in that said first coupling edge (4) comprises a first lower upright (41), substantially vertical, which extends in an inner wing (42) and a first upper upright (43) connected to a first flat portion (44); said flat portion (44) ending in a first turn-under (45).

3. The panel structure, according to claim 1, characterized in that said second coupling edge (5) comprises a second lower vertical upright (51) which extends in a second lower bend (52); said second lower bend (52) extending in a second upper upright (53) which ends in a second upper bend (54) having a recess (55); said second upper bend (54) extending in a C-shaped portion (57) which ends in an end wing (56).

4. The panel structure, according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, in said coupled position, said coupling edges (4, 5) form a first chamber (61) formed between said first upper upright (43) and said first flat portion (44), of the first edge (4), with said second upper bend (54) and said C-shaped portion (57), of the second edge (5); said first chamber (61) being partially divided into two semi-chambers by the presence of said end wing (56) of the second upper bend (54).

5. The panel structure, according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, in said coupled position, said coupling edges (4, 5) form a second chamber (62) and a third chamber (63) between said second upper upright (53), said second lower bend (52) and said second upper bend (54), of said second edge (5), and said first lower upright (41) and said inner wing (42) of the first edge (4).

6. The panel structure, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises purlin fastening brackets (7), adapted to fasten said structure (1) to the support of the covering layer; each purlin fastening bracket (7) comprising a base (71) connected to a purlin bracket upright (72) which ends in a hook element (73); said base (71) having holes for engagement of screws (74) adapted to engage said support of the covering layer.

7. The panel structure, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises wind-barrier locking clips consisting of two metallic profiles (8, 9) adapted to be fastened to said edges (3, 4), after having carried out the coupling thereof.

8. The panel structure, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises fastening brackets (12, 13) for accessories and other auxiliary structures typically present on roofing, such as lifelines, solar panels, etc.

9. The panel structure, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a universal bracket (12), consisting of a pair of profiles (121, 122), each of which has a lower portion that envelops said interlocking area and an upper portion adapted to be secured by means of screws (123); the upper portions of the profiles (121, 122) extending sufficiently and comprising holes (124) for fastening various types of components.

10. The panel structure, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plastic bracket (13), consisting of a pair of profiles (131, 132), each of which has a lower portion that envelops said interlocking area and an upper portion adapted to be secured by means of screws (133); said upper portion of at least one of the two profiles (131) comprising a shaped portion (134) suitable for engaging various types of components.

11. The panel structure, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises purlin fastening brackets (107), adapted to fasten said structure (1) to the support of the covering layer; each purlin fastening bracket (107) comprising a base (171) connected to a purlin bracket upright (172) which ends in a hook element (173); said base (171) extending at a right angle and vertically relative to said purlin bracket upright (172); said base (171) having holes for engagement of at least one screw (174) adapted to engage the purlin laterally.

Drawing