CN104350221B - Interconnection systems for panel assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of system for multiple panel assemblies are interconnected, this system includes that multiple bracketing body and at least one panel for receiving panel limited by least one flat member of bracketing body receive volume, and one of them first bracketing body has the supporting member being pivotally engaged with another bracketing body.This system can include the one or more heat insulation body the most relative to each other placed by this bracketing body and the connection of a kind of fastener-free being connected on panel assembly by these assemblies.

Description

Interconnection systems for panel assemblies

Cross References to Related Applications

Not applicable

Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development

Not applicable

Background technique

1. Field of invention

The present invention relates to collapsible, connectable panel assemblies for use in architectural structures and other structures in which these panel assemblies may be used. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for interconnecting a plurality of panel assemblies, providing rotation of one panel assembly relative to another about an axis of rotation, and securing the interconnection of one panel assembly relative to another A system in a fixed lockable party relationship. Additionally, the present invention provides a fastener-free connection between the perimeter edges of the construction panels.

2. Related technical description

Prefabricated, collapsible, lightweight building structures have been developed to enable transport of the structures in a collapsed form while at the same time facilitating erection of these buildings at their installation location. One goal in developing prefabricated, collapsible, lightweight buildings is to provide maximum square footage of the erected structure while maintaining a minimum bulk and weight of the structure in its collapsed form for transportation purposes. This avoids unnecessary air transport within the structure, making transport of such structures more economical. At the same time, the folding of the multiple hinged parts of the structures when they are collapsed facilitates erection of the structures in erection positions by non-technical personnel at considerable cost and time savings.

The successful development and introduction of container shipping (involving the loading of containers of fixed dimensions, specifically for land, sea and air modes of transport adapted to standard container sizes) has provided considerable cost-effective and generally safer and Faster global freight. I.S.O. containers are already commonly used by the most modern modes of transport and are now handled and delivered in almost every country in the world, making it possible to economically transport I.S.O. freight containers to almost any destination in the world.

Due to the benefits associated with container shipping, it is desirable to develop a prefabricated, collapsible, lightweight building that is collapsible to fit within the external dimensions of a shipping container meeting I.S.O standards. One problem associated with developing a prefabricated, collapsible, lightweight building is a sufficiently robust and maneuverable interconnection system for interconnecting the multiple panel assemblies making up the collapsible building.

The current design of the interconnection system is not the most efficient in the sense of using available space, does not interconnect multiple panel assemblies with sufficient fixation resulting in weak connections, creates unwanted Heat transfer and improper sealing of the space between the sides of the panel assembly to prevent fluid flow therebetween. Accordingly, there is a need for an optimized panel assembly that addresses such shortcomings.

Contents of the invention

The inventive system for interconnecting a plurality of panel assemblies includes: a first bracket body having a first support member and at least one planar member; a second bracket body with the first A second support body has a second support member pivotally engaged with the first support member and at least one flat member; a third support body with at least one flat member; a fourth support body with at least one flat member bracket body; a first panel receiving volume defined at least in part by the at least one planar member of the first and third bracket bodies; at least partially defined by the at least one flat member of the second and fourth bracket bodies defines a second panel receiving volume; and wherein the at least one planar member of the second and fourth bracket bodies at least partially defines a second panel receiving volume. According to another aspect of the present invention, a first insulating body is positioned between the first and third intermediate bodies and separates the first and third bodies, and a second insulating body is positioned between the first and third bodies. between the second and fourth supporting bodies and separate the second and fourth supporting bodies. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a fastenerless connection is provided between the surface of the system and the panel assemblies.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the supporting body of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an elevational cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the brace body shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 2B shows the relationship between the bearing surfaces of the support body shown in FIG. 2 .

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the second supporting body of the present invention.

3A is an elevational cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the brace body shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 3B shows the relationship between the bearing surfaces of the support body shown in FIG. 3 .

4 to 5 are cross-sectional views of the third and fourth support bodies of the hinge assembly of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 1 taken from line 5-5 thereof in a first configuration in which the interconnected panel assemblies are coplanarly aligned.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 6 including planar engagement members extending into the panel receiving volumes.

6B and 6C show a cross-sectional view and an isometric view, respectively, of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A and further depict individualized extrusion teeth engaging the panel engaging members to restrain The panel assembly moves out of these panel receiving slots.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 6 in a second configuration in which the interconnected panel assemblies are in a vertical relationship.

8-9 are cross-sectional views of these elements of the preferred embodiment of the connection assembly shown in FIG. 1 from line 8-8 therein.

8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 8-9 further including a plurality of panel engaging members extending into respective panel receiving volumes.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in FIG. 1 along line 10-10.

Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 with the locking member engaged with the locking engagement edges.

11 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 10, further including a plurality of panel engaging members extending into the panel receiving volumes.

detailed description

FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment 20 of the present invention including a hinge assembly 22 and a link assembly 24 interconnecting a first panel assembly 26 , a second panel assembly 28 and a third panel assembly 30 . The hinge assembly 22 interconnects the first and second panel assemblies 26, 28 and provides the first relative position of the first panel assembly 26 with respect to the second panel assembly 28 between a first relative position shown in FIG. 1 and a second relative position. Rotate to move. The connection assembly 24 interconnects the first panel assembly 26 and the third panel assembly 30 in a fixed relative position in which the first panel assembly 26 is oriented at right angles to the third panel assembly 30, for example As seen at the intersection of a building's side walls and ceiling.

2-7 depict the basic structure and operation of the preferred hinge assembly 22 in more detail. While FIGS. 2-7 are cross-sectional views of one particular profile of the hinge assembly 22 , it should be understood that any profile through the hinge assembly 22 is the same. As shown in FIG. 2 , the hinge assembly 22 includes a first bracket body 32 having first and second planar members 34 , 36 intersecting in perpendicular relationship at a first joint point 38 . As used herein, "supporting body" means a body for attachment to one or more sides of a component to be lifted so as to secure the relationship such that the attached component is in that position. The brace body moves steadily with the brace body, or alternatively causes the brace body to move steadily with the attached member. The first and second planar members 34 , 36 have first and second free ends 40 , 42 , respectively, remote from the first joint 38 and further include first and second planar joints that meet at right angles at the first joint 38 . Surfaces 44,46. As used herein, "planar member" means a member having at least one planar surface, and "joint surface" means a member having a contour with a shape at least substantially corresponding to the shape of a target member surface. The engaging surface is to be positioned adjacent to the target member for the purpose of securing the body having the “engaging surface” to the target member. However, the terms "engagement surface" and "planar surface" are not intended to exclude the introduction of additional panel engagement members proximate to or extending from the surface, such as using teeth or ridges as described elsewhere herein, for A further securing function is provided with the target member.

The first bracket body 32 is preferably secured to a panel assembly by fasteners such as rivets 47 . Alternative embodiments contemplate panel engaging members extending from these engaging surfaces that engage or replace fasteners. In an alternative embodiment of the first brace body 32 as shown in FIG. 2A , a first set of normal ridges extends from the first engagement surface 44 and a first set of angled ridges 48 extends from the second engagement surface 46 toward The first engagement surface 44 extends. Ridges 48 , 50 each extend along the length of engagement surfaces 44 , 46 . In another alternative embodiment, a plurality of individual extrusion teeth extend normal or at an angle from the first and second engagement surfaces 44, 46.

A first channel beam 51 having a generally C-shaped cross-section is integrally formed with the free end 40 and extends from the free end to the first planar member 34 . A non-joint surface 45 of the first planar member 34 is opposite its joint surface 44 and the channel beam 51 has an inner concavely curved surface 52 which defines a first insulating volume 54 . Still referring to FIG. 2 , the first bracket body 32 has a first support member 56 extending from the first junction 38 opposite the second planar member 36 and including curved first support arms 57 which The support arm partially surrounds and is spaced from a generally cylindrical hinge pin 59 . The first support arm 57 is connected to the hinge pin 59 by a bridge member 61 .

Hinge pin 59 has a convex first bearing surface 58 having a first radius R1 relative to first axis 60 . The support arm 57 has an inner second support surface 62 and a convex outer third support surface 64, the second support surface has a second radius R2 relative to the first axis 60, and the third support surface has a relative The third radius R3 of the first axis 60 . The support arm 57 terminates at an end surface 76 extending between the second and third support surfaces 62 , 64 .

A stop member 65 extends from the outer third bearing surface 64 . This stop member 65 comprises two preferably parallel opposite lateral stop surfaces 68, 70 extending between a third bearing surface 64 and a convex fourth bearing surface 66 which Has a fourth radius R4 relative to the first axis 60 .

As shown collectively in FIGS. 2 and 2A , all of the bearing surfaces 58 , 62 , 64 , 66 are partially cylindrical and concentric about the first axis 60 . The size of the first radius R1 is smaller than the size of the second radius R2, the size of the second radius is smaller than the size of the third radius R3, and the size of the third radius is smaller than the size of the fourth radius R4.

The first and second interior stop surfaces 72 , 74 include sides of the bridge member 61 and extend between the first and second bearing surfaces 58 , 62 . The first and second interior stop surfaces 72 , 74 are each coplanar with a reference plane P1 , P2 extending through the first axis 60 . The first inner stop surface 72 and the first and second bearing surfaces 58 , 62 define a first partially toroidal slot 78 . The second inner stop surface 74 and the first and second bearing surfaces 58 , 62 define a second partially toroidal slot 80 . A planar first support surface 82 is positioned adjacent to the second support surface 62 and extends between the non-engagement surface 45 of the first planar member 34 and the second support surface 62 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the hinge assembly 22 further includes a second bracket body 84 having third and fourth planar members 86 , 88 intersecting in perpendicular relationship at a second joint point 90 . The third and fourth planar members 86 , 88 have free ends 92 , 94 remote from the second joint point 90 and also include third and fourth planar joint surfaces 96 , 98 meeting at right angles at the second joint point 90 .

The second bracket body 84 is preferably secured to a panel assembly by fasteners such as a row of rivets 99 . Alternative embodiments contemplate panel engaging members extending from these engaging surfaces that engage or replace fasteners. In an alternative embodiment of the second brace body 84 as shown in FIG. Extends toward the third engagement surface 96 . The ridges 100 , 102 each extend along the length of the corresponding engagement surface 96 , 98 . In another alternative embodiment, a plurality of individual extrusion teeth extend normal or at an angle from the first and second engagement surfaces 96 , 98 .

A second channel beam 91 having a generally C-shaped cross-section is integrally formed with and extends from a non-engagement surface 97 of the third planar member 86 adjacent its free end 92 . The second channel beam 91 has a concave inner curved surface 104 defining a second insulating volume 106 .

Still referring to FIG. 3 , a second support member 108 extending from the non-engagement surface 97 of the third member 86 includes a curved second support arm 107 which terminates in a hinge barrel 109 which The body has a substantially semicircular C-shaped cross-section and an inner concave fifth bearing surface 110 having a fifth radius R5 relative to a second axis 112 . The hinge barrel 109 has a convex sixth bearing surface 114 and a convex seventh bearing surface 116 having a sixth radius R6 with respect to the second axis 112 and having a Seventh radius R7 relative to axis 112 . The second support arm 107 has an inner concave eighth support surface 118 and an inner concave ninth support surface 120 having an eighth radius R8 with respect to the axis 112 and the ninth support The surface has a ninth radius R9 relative to the axis 112 . The ninth support surface 120 extends between two stop surfaces 124 , 126 on the second support arm 108 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A , all of the bearing surfaces 110 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 are partially cylindrical and concentric about the second axis 112 . The size of the fifth radius R5 is smaller than the size of the sixth radius R6, and the size of the sixth radius is equal to the size of the seventh radius R7. The size of the seventh radius R7 is smaller than the size of the eighth radius R8, and the size of the eighth radius is smaller than the size of the ninth radius R9.

A first stop surface 122 extends between the seventh and eighth bearing surfaces 116 , 118 and is coplanar with a reference plane P3 extending radially through the second axis 112 . The second stop surface 124 extends between the eighth and ninth bearing surfaces 118 , 120 and is coplanar with a reference plane P4 extending radially through the second axis 112 . The third stop surface 126 extends from the ninth support surface 120 and is positioned adjacent the second joint point 90 of the third and fourth planar members 86 , 88 . The hinge barrel 129 has an outer end surface 128 extending between the fifth and sixth bearing surfaces 110 , 114 and an inner end surface 130 extending between the fifth and seventh bearing surfaces 110 , 116 . A planar second support surface 132 is positioned adjacent to the sixth support surface 114 to form part of the outer surface of the second support arm 108 .

FIG. 4 shows a third bracket body 134 having fifth and sixth planar members 136 , 138 intersecting in perpendicular relationship at a third junction 140 . The fifth planar member 136 has a first planar engaging surface 146 , a non-engaging surface 147 and a free end 142 remote from the third bonding point 140 . Similarly, the sixth planar member 138 has a sixth planar engagement surface 148 , a non-engagement surface 149 and a free end 144 remote from the third joint 140 .

The third bracket body 134 is preferably secured to a panel assembly by fasteners such as a row of rivets 145 . Alternative embodiments contemplate panel engaging members (i.e., ridges or individualized extrusion teeth) extending from these engaging surfaces that engage or replace fasteners, as described and with respect to the first and The second bracket body 32, 84 is as described in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

A third channel beam 153 of generally C-shaped cross-section is continuous and extends from and is integrally formed with the non-engagement surface 147 of the fifth planar member 136 near its free end 142 . The third channel beam 153 has a concave inner curved surface 154 that defines a third insulating volume 156 .

The first and second engagement fins 158 , 160 extend generally perpendicularly from the non-engagement surface 147 of the fifth planar member 136 so as to partially define a first sealed volume 162 therebetween near the joint 140 . A plurality of retention members 161 are angled toward the fifth member 136 extending from a planar surface defining a sealed volume 162 of the first and second engagement fins 158 , 160 . In the preferred embodiment, these retention members 161 are ridges. In alternative embodiments, the retention members 161 are individualized extruded teeth.

FIG. 5 depicts a fourth brace body 164 having seventh and eighth planar members 166 , 168 intersecting in perpendicular relationship at a fourth junction 170 point. The seventh planar member 166 has a seventh planar engaging surface 176 , a non-engaging surface 177 , and a free end 172 remote from the fourth bonding point 170 . Likewise, the eighth planar surface 168 has an eighth planar engagement surface 178 , a non-engagement surface 179 and a free end 174 remote from the fourth engagement point 170 . The seventh and eighth planar engagement surfaces 176, 178 meet at right angles.

The fourth bracket body 164 is preferably fastened to a panel assembly by a plurality of fasteners, such as a row of rivets 175 . Alternative embodiments contemplate panel engaging members (i.e., ridges or individualized extrusion teeth) extending from these engaging surfaces that engage or replace fasteners, as described and with respect to the first and The second bracket body 32, 84 is as described in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

A fourth channel beam 183 having a C-shaped cross-section is a continuation of the non-joint surface 177 of the seventh planar member 166 and extends therefrom close to its free end 172 . The fourth channel beam member 183 has a concave inner curved surface 184 that defines a fourth insulating volume 186 .

The third and fourth engagement fins 188, 190 extend generally perpendicularly from the non-engagement surface 177 of the seventh planar member 166 to define a second sealed volume 192 therebetween. The third engagement fin 188 is coplanar with the eighth planar member 168 and has a free end 194 bent towards the fourth engagement fin 190 . A plurality of retention members 196 angled toward the seventh member 166 extend from the planar surfaces of the third and fourth engagement fins 188 , 190 that define the sealed volume 192 . In the preferred embodiment, the retention members 196 are ridges extending along the length of the planar surfaces. In alternative embodiments, the retention members 196 are individualized extrusion teeth.

FIG. 6 shows the hinge assembly 22 of the present invention in its entirety, including the elements previously described with reference to FIGS. 2-5 , for the first and second panel assemblies 26 , 28 . The first planar member 34 of the first bracket body 32 is positioned such that the fifth planar member 136 of the third body 134 is adjacently and coplanarly aligned with a space 35 therebetween. The first and third bracket bodies 32, 134 are oriented such that the second and sixth planar members 36, 138 extend in the same direction from the first and third bodies 32, 134, respectively.

The first and third channel beams 51, 153 of the first and third bodies 32, 134 are mechanically coupled to a first insulating body 198 positioned in the space between the first and third channel beams 51, 153, respectively. ground connected. The first insulating body 198 is rigid, made of an insulating material such as a thermally non-conductive resin, with portions of the body shaped to fit within the first and third insulating volumes 54 , 156 . Preferably, such resin is injected in liquid state into these insulating volumes 54, 156 and the space between them and allowed to harden. The respective inner curved surfaces 52 , 154 of the first and third channel beam members 51 , 153 secure the first and third bracket bodies 32 , 134 to the first insulating body 198 .

The flat joint surfaces 44 , 46 , 146 , 148 of the first bracket body 32 and the third bracket body 134 form an assembly having a square U-shaped cross-section that defines a first panel receiving volume 200 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , the first panel assembly 26 is positioned within the panel receiving volume 200 such that the sides of the first panel assembly 26 engage the planar engagement surfaces 44 , 46 , 146 , 148 and are secured by rows of rivets. 47, 145 are fastened.

The first panel assembly 26 itself includes a layer 202 of insulating core material (eg, polystyrene) positioned between two strengthening layers 204 , 206 that provide structural rigidity to the intermediate layer 202 . In the preferred embodiment, the first and second strengthening layers are metallic.

In the same manner as described with respect to the first and third support bodies 32, 134, the second and fourth support bodies 84, 164 are mechanically connected to the second insulating body 207, which is not thermally conductive, wherein the second insulating The body 207 is positioned between the second and fourth channel beams 91 , 183 and is fixed with the second and fourth insulating volumes 106 , 186 . In this position, the third planar member 86 of the second body 84 is coplanarly aligned with the seventh planar member 166 with a space 37 between the respective free ends 92 , 172 . And in this position, the fourth and eighth flat members 88, 168 of the second and fourth bracket bodies 84, 164 respectively extend in the same direction, wherein the flat members of the second and fourth bracket bodies 84, 164 extend in the same direction, respectively. The engagement surfaces 146 , 148 , 176 , 178 form an assembly having a square U-shaped cross-section that defines the second panel receiving volume 208 . One end of the second panel assembly 28 , which also includes an insulating core material layer 210 positioned between two preferably metallic reinforcement layers 212 , 214 , is positioned within the second panel receiving volume 208 .

6 shows the hinge assembly 22 in a first configuration in which the first support member 56 and the second support member 108 are interconnected and the first and second panel assemblies 26, 28 are common. face aligned. In this configuration, the first axis 60 described with respect to the first to fourth bearing surfaces 58, 62, 64, 66 (see FIG. (See FIG. 3 ) The depicted second axes 112 are coaxial so as to form an axis of rotation 216 . In order to prevent further rotation of the second support member 108 relative to the first support member 56, the outer end surface 128 of the hinge cylinder 129 is in contact with the second stop surface 74 and the lateral stop surface 70 of the stop member 65 is in contact with the third stop surface. 126 is in contact.

Still referring to FIG. 6 , the rubber seal elements 218 , 220 are positioned in the first and second seal volumes 162 , 192 , respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing into the interior space 222 of the hinge assembly 22 . The sealing element 220 is compressed and retained within the second sealing volume 192 by the first engagement fin 158 . Another sealing element 218 is compressed and retained within the first sealing volume 162 by the fourth engagement fin 190 . The retention members 161 , 196 inhibit movement of the sealing elements 218 , 220 within the sealing volume 162 , 192 .

7 shows the hinge assembly 22 in a second configuration in which the first support member 56 and the second support member 108 are still interconnected and the second panel assembly 28 is relative to the first panel assembly. 26 at right angles. In this position, in order to prevent further rotational movement of the second support member 108 relative to the first support member 56, the inner end surface 130 of the hinge cylinder 129 contacts the first stop surface 72 of the support member 56; the side of the stop member 65 The facing stop surface 68 is in contact with the second stop surface 124 ; and the end surface 76 of the first support member 56 is in contact with the stop surface 122 of the second support member 108 .

The use of the preferred embodiment of the hinge assembly 22 was initially described with reference to FIG. 6 . The first and second panel assemblies 26, 28 are positioned in the first and second panel receiving volumes 200, 208, respectively. Rows of rivets 47, 145 engage the first panel assembly 26 to inhibit movement thereof. Likewise, the rows of rivets 99, 175 engage the second structural member 28 so as to inhibit its removal.

As shown in FIG. 6A , in an alternative embodiment, the angled ridges 48 , 150 and normal ridges 50 , 152 within the first panel receiving volume 200 (described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 3A ) are compatible with the first panel. Assembly 26 is engaged to inhibit movement of the first panel assembly in combination with or instead of the rivets described with reference to FIG. 6 . Likewise, the angled ridges 100, 180 and equiangular ridges 102, 182 within the second panel receiving volume 208 engage the second structural member 28 to inhibit its removal.

As shown in FIGS. 6B to 6C , in other alternative embodiments, the panel assemblies 26 , 28 may include similarly shaped but oppositely oriented personalized extruded teeth 215 formed in the reinforcing layers 204 , 206 , 212 , 214 of the metal. , these ridges engage with the angled ridges 48, 100, 150, 180 to provide an additional engagement function. In still other embodiments, the personalized extrusion teeth extend into the panel receiving volumes from the engagement surfaces either normal or at an angle to engage the panel assemblies 26, 28 in the reinforcement layers 204, 206, 212. , the teeth or ridges formed in 214.

Referring back to any figure in FIG. 6, the first and second support members 56, 108 are rotatable relative to each other such that the first and second panel assemblies 26, 28 can be in a first relative position as shown in FIG. 6 ( Rotation between where the panel assemblies 26, 28 are aligned) and a second relative position shown in FIG. 7 (where the panel assemblies 26, 28 are in a vertical relationship).

The first and second insulating bodies 198 , 207 and the first and second spaces 35 , 37 create a thermal barrier on the hinge assembly 22 when the panel assemblies 26 , 28 are in the aligned position shown in FIG. 6 . Thermal energy is inhibited from passing from the first and second bodies 32, 84 on one side of the hinge assembly 22 to the third and fourth bodies 134, 164 on the other side of the hinge assembly. The interior space 222 defined by the hinge assembly 22 is normally filled with air and also provides thermal insulation. While the preferred embodiment is described as including first and second insulating bodies 198, 207, alternative embodiments contemplate making the invention without these thermal bodies 198, 207 when the intended installation location is at a temperature region. .

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of the first bracket body 230 and the second bracket body 254 of the preferred embodiment of the connection assembly 24 . The first bracket body 230 and the second bracket body 254 define a third panel receiving volume 328 having a square U-shaped cross-section. The third panel assembly 30 is positioned within the third panel receiving volume 328 . The third panel assembly 30 preferably includes an insulating core material layer 224 positioned between metallic strengthening layers 226 , 228 .

The first bracket body 230 includes a base planar member 232 having a first end 234 and a second end 236 . A first engagement fin 238 extends at right angles from the first end 234 of the base planar member 232 . A side planar member 240 extends at right angles from the second end 236 of the base planar member 232 . A second engagement fin 246 extends at right angles from the base member 232 at a location between the side planar member 240 and the first engagement fin 238 . Both the base planar member 232 and the side planar member 240 have planar joint surfaces 233 , 241 and non-joint surfaces 235 , 243 .

The first support body 230 is fixed to the panel assembly 328 by a plurality of fasteners such as a row of rivets 245 . A first channel beam 247 having a generally C-shaped cross-section is positioned at the free end of the second engagement fin 246 and is integrally formed therewith. The first channel beam 247 has a curved concave inner surface 248 that defines a first insulating volume 250 . The first engagement fin 238, the second engagement fin 246, and the base member 232 define a first sealed volume 252 having a generally square U-shaped cross-section. The plurality of retention members 226 are positioned within the first seal-forming volume 252 . In the preferred embodiment, the retention members 196 are ridges. In alternative embodiments, the retention members 226 are individualized extruded teeth.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the second bracket body 254 includes a base planar member 256 with a first end 258 and a second end 260 , a planar engagement surface 255 and a non-engagement surface 257 . A second channel beam 261 having a generally C-shaped cross-section is integrally formed with and positioned at the first end 258 of the base planar member 256 . The second channel beam 261 has a curved concave inner surface 262 that defines a second insulating volume 264 . A locking engagement surface 266 extends at an angle from the non-engagement surface 257 proximate the second end 260 of the base planar member 256 . The locking engagement surface 266 has a plurality of ridges 265 extending therefrom.

The second engagement fin 246 and the second bracket body 254 are positioned relative to each other such that the open ends of the first and second channel beams 247, 261 face each other with a space 267 therebetween. The channel beams 247, 261 are mechanically connected by a rigid first insulating body 268 (i.e., a hardened resin that is not thermally conductive) shaped to fit within the first and second insulating volumes 250, 250, 264 and part of the space 267 between these channel beams 247,261. In this way, the second bracket body 254 is fixed relative to the first bracket body 230 but not in direct contact therewith.

FIG. 9 discloses a cross-sectional view of the third bracket body 270 and the fourth bracket body 290 of the preferred embodiment of the connection assembly 24 . The third support body 270 and the fourth support body 290 define a fourth panel receiving volume 330 having a square U-shaped cross-section. The second end of the first panel assembly 26 is positioned in the fourth panel receiving volume 330 . The third bracket body 270 has a base planar member 272 with a first end 274 , a second end 276 , a planar engagement surface 273 and a non-engagement surface 275 . A side planar member 278 extends at right angles from the first end 274 of the base member 272 and also has an engagement surface 279 and a non-engagement surface 283 .

A third channel beam 281 having a generally C-shaped cross-section is integrally formed with and positioned at the free end of the side planar member 278 . The third channel beam 281 has a concave curved inner surface 282 that defines a third insulating volume 284 .

A third engagement fin 280 is integrally formed with third channel beam 281 and extends therefrom in a direction generally toward the base planar member 272 . The third joint fin 280 is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the side planar member 278, thereby forming a second joint defined by the third joint fin 280, the third channel beam 281 and the side planar member 278. Sealed volume 289.

As shown in FIG. 9, the preferred embodiment of the connection assembly 24 includes a fourth support body 290 with a base planar member 291 and a side planar member extending from an end 285 of the base planar member 291. 293. The base flat member 291 has a flat joint surface 295 and a non-joint surface 297 . The side planar member 293 also has a planar engagement surface 299 and a non-engagement surface 301 .

The fourth supporting body 290 is fixed to the panel assembly 330 by a plurality of fasteners such as a row of rivets 287 . A fourth channel beam 292 having a substantially C-shaped cross-section is integrally formed with and positioned at the free end of the side planar member 293 . The fourth channel beam 292 has a concave curved inner surface 294 forming a fourth insulating volume 296 . A partially cylindrical bearing surface 300 is formed in the outer surface 295 of the fourth channel beam 292 , the non-engagement surface 301 of the side planar member 293 and the curved surface 203 of a support fin 298 extending from the non-engagement surface 301 . The side planar member 278 of the third brace body 270 is positioned relative to the side planar member 293 of the fourth brace body 290 such that the open ends of the third and fourth channel beams 281, 292 face each other with a space therebetween. 303. The channel beams 281, 292 are mechanically connected by a second insulating body 322 (i.e., a hardened resin that is not thermally conductive) that is shaped to fit within the third and fourth insulating volumes 284, 296 and A portion of the space 303 between these channel beams 281,292. In this way, the third bracket body 270 is fixed relative to the fourth bracket body 290 but not in direct contact therewith.

A locking member 308 having a hinge pin 310 at one end is rotatably connected to the third support body 290 such that the hinge pin 310 pivots within the partially cylindrical bearing surface 300 and occupies the space occupied by the bearing surface 300. A corresponding partial cylindrical volume 302 is defined. Locking member 308 includes a planar post member 312 extending at one end from hinge pin 310 and having a second free end 314 . A plurality of ridges 316 are formed in the second free end 314 to correspond with the locking engagement surface 266 of the locking engagement member 254 (see FIG. 8 ). Extending from the planar strut member 312 is a spacer fin 318 having an L-shaped cross-section. The spacing fin 318 is positioned relative to the hinge pin 310 such that the hinge pin 310 occupies the space between the spacing fin 318 and the support fin 298 when the locking member 308 is in the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 10 depicts the connection assembly in a configuration in which the first panel assembly 26 is connected to the third panel assembly 30 in vertical alignment. This can arise in building construction, for example when wall panels match ceiling panels. In this configuration, the first and second insulating bodies 268 , 322 and the first and second spaces 267 , 303 create a thermal barrier on the connection assembly 24 . Thermal energy is inhibited from passing from the first and second bracket bodies 230, 254 on one side of the hinge assembly 24 to the third and fourth bracket bodies 270, 290 on the other side.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the first, second and third engagement fins 238, 246, 280 are arranged in a generally parallel overlapping configuration such that the third engagement fin 280 is positioned at the first In the first sealed volume 252 between the second engagement fins 238 , 246 and the first engagement fin 238 is positioned in the second sealed volume 289 between the side panel member 278 and the third engagement fin 280 .

A rubber sealing element 324 is positioned and compressed in the first sealing volume by the third engagement fin 280 . The sealing element 326 occupies the second sealing volume 289 and is compressed therein by the first engagement fin 238 . In this way, the sealing elements 324 , 326 inhibit the flow of fluid into the interior space 330 .

To use the connection assembly 24, the first and third panel assemblies 26, 30 are inserted into the fourth and third panel receiving volumes 330, 328, respectively, and secured by fasteners such as rows of rivets 245, 277, 287 to on it.

As shown in FIG. 10, the locking member 308 is rotatable between a first position (shown in FIG. 9) and a second position. In the first position, the ridges 316 of the locking member 308 do not engage the ridges 265 of the locking engagement surface 266 of the second brace body 254 . In the second position, the ridges 316 engage the ridges 265 of the locking engagement surface 266 .

As described above, these sealing elements 324 , 326 inhibit the passage of moisture and other fluids through the connection assembly 24 between the first and third panel assemblies 26 , 30 . In addition, these sealing elements 324, 326 create a biasing force that urges the first bracket body 230 to separate from the third bracket body 270 and simultaneously pushes the ridge 316 of the locking member 308 into the second bracket body. Among these ridges 365 of the locking engagement surface 266 of 254. This inhibits inadvertent disengagement of the locking member 308 from the locking engagement surface 266 . Retention member 332 located in first and second sealing volumes 252, 289, respectively, inhibits sealing elements 324, 326 from dislodging within these volumes.

As shown in FIG. 11 , in an alternative embodiment, in addition to or instead of the rivets described with reference to FIG. There are respectively a plurality of equiangular ridges 242 and angled ridges 244 which engage the third panel assembly 30 . Likewise, the engaging surfaces 295, 299 of the base planar member 291 and the side planar member 293 of the fourth bracket body 290 have a plurality of angled ridges 304 and a plurality of equiangular ridges 306 that engage the first panel assembly 26, Wherein the angles of the angled ridges 304 are determined to prevent movement of the first panel assembly 26 from the support volume 330 . The engagement surfaces 273, 279 of the base planar member 272 and the side planar member 278 of the third bracket body 270 respectively have a plurality of angled ridges 286 and equiangular ridges 288 which engage the first panel assembly 26, wherein the angled Ridge 286 is angled toward side planar member 278 . Other alternative embodiments of the invention contemplate individualized extrusion members extending normal or at an angle from the planar members, as described with reference to Figures 6B-6C.

The invention has been described above in the context of a preferred illustrative embodiment of an interconnection system as specifically described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative configurations of such systems may be used to practice the invention. Other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention can be obtained by studying this disclosure and drawings and appended claims.

Claims (63)

1. one kind is used for being interconnected by the first and second panels and providing described first panel relative to described Second panel around rotation axis first relative to position and one second hinge rotated between position Chain component, this hinge component includes:

One the first bracketing body, this first bracketing body have first supporting member and at least one Flat member；

One the second bracketing body, this second bracketing body has one and connects pivotally with this first supporting member The second supporting member closed and at least one flat member；

There is a 3rd bracketing body of at least one flat member；

There is a 4th bracketing body of at least one flat member；

Be positioned in described first and the 3rd between bracketing body and by they separate one first heat insulation Body；

Be positioned in described second and the 4th between bracketing body and by they separate one second heat insulation Body；

One limited by described first and the 3rd at least one flat member described in bracketing body at least in part Individual first panel receives volume；

One limited by described second and the 4th at least one flat member described in bracketing body at least in part Individual second panel receives volume；And

Wherein, described second and the 4th at least one flat member described of bracketing body at least partially define One the second panel receives volume.

2. hinge component as claimed in claim 1, farther includes to be positioned in described 3rd bracketing body And at least one potted component between described 4th bracketing body.

3. hinge component as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

At least one flat member described of described first bracketing body is included in first binding site and sentences vertical The first and second flat member that are that straight relation intersects and that have the first and second flat surfaces, this is first years old At least partially define this first panel with the second flat surfaces and receive volume；

At least one flat member described of described second bracketing body is included in second binding site and sentences vertical That straight relation intersects and that there is the third and fourth flat surfaces the third and fourth flat member, the 3rd At least partially define this second panel with the 4th flat surfaces and receive volume；

At least one flat member described of described 3rd bracketing body is included in the 3rd binding site and sentences vertical That straight relation intersects and that there is the 5th and the 6th flat surfaces the 5th and the 6th flat member, the 5th At least partially define this first panel with the 6th flat surfaces and receive volume；And

At least one flat member described of described 4th bracketing body is included in the 4th binding site and sentences vertical That straight relation intersects and that there is the 7th and the 8th flat surfaces the 7th and the 8th flat member, the 7th At least partially define this second panel with the 8th flat surfaces and receive volume.

4. hinge component as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

Described hinge component also includes joint pin；

Described first supporting member includes the bending being still spaced from partially around described joint pin The first supporting arm；And

Described second supporting member includes the second supporting arm terminating at a bending at a hinge cylinder, This butt bolt body portion ground surrounds and engages described joint pin.

5. hinge component as claimed in claim 4, wherein this first supporting member farther includes:

First supporting surface of one convex of described joint pin, this first supporting surface has relative to this rotation First radius R1 of shaft axis；

Second supporting surface of at least one spill of described first supporting arm, this second supporting surface has phase For the second radius R2 of this rotation axis, wherein R2 is more than R1；

3rd supporting surface of the outside of one convex of described first supporting arm, the 3rd supporting surface has Relative to the 3rd radius R3 of this rotation axis, wherein R3 is more than R2；And

Described first supporting arm this second and the 3rd supporting surface between extend an end surface.

6. hinge component as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first supporting member farther includes:

One the first stopping surface extending between this first supporting surface and described second supporting surface.

7. hinge component as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first stops surface defining described hinge Chain pin is connected to the first side of a bridge member on described first supporting arm, and wherein said bridge joint structure Part has second side thus shape extended between described first supporting surface and described second supporting surface One second has been become to stop surface.

8. hinge component as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first supporting member farther includes:

The stop member extended from supporting surface, the outside the 3rd of described first supporting arm；

Described stop member is included between the 3rd supporting surface and the 4th supporting surface of a convex and extends Third and fourth stopping surface；And

Described 4th supporting surface has a 4th radius R4 relative to this rotation axis, and wherein R4 is big In R3.

9. hinge component as claimed in claim 5, wherein this second supporting member includes:

5th supporting surface of one spill of described hinge cylinder, the 5th supporting surface has relative to this 5th radius R5 of rotation axis, the 5th radius is equal to R1；

6th supporting surface of one convex of described hinge cylinder, the 6th supporting surface has relative to this 6th radius R6 of rotation axis, wherein R6 is more than R5；

7th supporting surface of one convex of described hinge cylinder, the 7th supporting surface has relative to this 7th radius R7 of rotation axis, wherein R7 is more than R5；And

One spill of described second supporting arm the 8th supporting surface, the 8th supporting surface have relative to 8th radius R8 of this rotation axis, wherein R8 is more than R7；

The outer end face extended between the 5th and the 6th supporting surface of described hinge cylinder.

10. hinge component as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second supporting member further includes at The stopping surface extending between 7th and the 8th supporting surface.

11. hinge components as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second supporting member farther includes:

5th supporting surface of one spill of described hinge cylinder, the 5th supporting surface has relative to this 5th radius R5 of rotation axis, the 5th radius is equal to R1；

6th supporting surface of one convex of described hinge cylinder, the 6th supporting surface has relative to this 6th radius R6 of rotation axis, wherein R6 is more than R5；

7th supporting surface of one convex of described hinge cylinder, the 7th supporting surface has relative to this 7th radius R7 of rotation axis, wherein R7 is more than R5；And

One spill of described second supporting arm the 8th supporting surface, the 8th supporting surface have relative to 8th radius R8 of this rotation axis, wherein R8 is more than R7；

9th supporting surface of one spill, the 9th supporting surface has the 9th relative to this rotation axis Radius R9, wherein R9 is more than R8；And

The outer end face extended between the 5th and the 6th supporting surface of described hinge cylinder.

12. hinge components as claimed in claim 11, farther include second and the 3rd and stop surface, This second and the 3rd stop surface from the 9th supporting surface extend and be oriented to respectively with this stop member Third and fourth stopping surface contacting.

13. hinge components as claimed in claim 2, farther include:

That extend from this second bracketing body and partly defining therebetween first sealed volume the One and second fin；

That extend from the 4th bracketing body and partly defining therebetween second sealed volume the Three and the 4th fin；

At least one potted component wherein said is the first and second potted components；

Described first potted component occupies this first sealed volume；And

Described second potted component occupies this second sealed volume.

14. hinge components as claimed in claim 3, farther include from described first and second smooth tables Face, described third and fourth flat surfaces, described 5th and the 6th flat surfaces, described 7th and the 8th flat At least one in smooth surface extends into described first and second panels and receives the multiple teeth among volume.

15. hinge components as claimed in claim 3, farther include from described first and second smooth tables Face, described third and fourth flat surfaces, described 5th and the 6th flat surfaces, described 7th and the 8th flat At least one on smooth surface extends into described first and second panels and receives the multiple ridges among volume.

16. hinge components as claimed in claim 13, wherein in this first relative position:

It is alignment that this first and second panel receives volume；

This second potted component is compressed between this first or second joint fin and the 4th bracketing body； And

This first potted component be compressed in the 3rd or the 4th joint one of fin and the 3rd bracketing body it Between.

17. hinge components as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

This first heat insulation body is positioned in this first and the 3rd between bracketing body and connected；And And

This second heat insulation body is positioned in this second and the 4th between bracketing body and connected.

18. hinge components as claimed in claim 17, farther include:

It is connected to first beam channel on described first bracketing body；

It is connected to second beam channel on described second bracketing body；

It is connected to a groove-shaped beam on described 3rd bracketing body；

It is connected to the 4th beam channel on described 4th bracketing body；

Wherein this first heat insulation body is positioned between described first and groove-shaped beam and is connected to it On；And

Wherein this first heat insulation body is positioned in described second and the 4th and between beam channel and is connected to it On.

19. 1 kinds are used for two panel assemblies are connected to the connection assembly in the relative position fixed, and this is even Connected components includes:

There is a first bracketing body of at least one flat member；

There is a second bracketing body of at least one flat member；

It is positioned between first and second bracketing body described and is connected to one first heat insulation thereon Body；

Wherein this first bracketing body and this second bracketing body define that first panel receives volume；

There is a 3rd bracketing body of at least one flat member；

There is a 4th bracketing body of at least one flat member；

It is positioned between the 3rd and the 4th bracketing body and is connected to one second heat insulation thereon Body；

Wherein this third and fourth bracketing body defines that second panel receives volume；And

It is positioned at least one fluidic sealing members between this first and second bracketing body.

20. connect assembly as claimed in claim 19, farther include to be pivotally connected to this connection group A locking component on part.

21. connect assembly as claimed in claim 20, farther include:

It is positioned in a joint pin of the first end of described locking component；

The smooth pillar component extended from described joint pin of described locking component；And

It is oriented to engage with described pillar component so that by described first bracketing body, described second bracketing Body, described 3rd bracketing body are locked in fixing relative position with described 4th bracketing body It is engaged by locking surface.

22. connect assembly as claimed in claim 21, farther include:

The multiple ridges formed in the free terminal of described smooth pillar component, for being connected assembly with described Described in be engaged by locking on surface formed multiple ridges engage.

23. connect assembly, wherein as claimed in claim 22:

The described joint pin of this locking component is oriented to a supporting surface phase with the 4th bracketing body Adjacent；And

Described composition surface is positioned on described second bracketing body.

24. connect assembly as claimed in claim 19, farther include:

It is connected to first beam channel on described first bracketing body；

It is connected to second beam channel on described second bracketing body；

It is connected to a groove-shaped beam on described 3rd bracketing body；

It is connected to the 4th beam channel on described 4th bracketing body；

Wherein said first heat insulation body is positioned between described first and groove-shaped beam and is connected to it On；And

Wherein said second heat insulation body is positioned in described second and the 4th and between beam channel and is connected to it On.

25. connect assembly as claimed in claim 19, farther include:

First fin extended from the first flat member of described first bracketing body；

Second fin extended from described first flat member of described first bracketing body；

It is positioned in a sealed volume between first and second fin described；

One first sealing unit of at least one potted component described being positioned in described first sealed volume Part.

26. connect assembly as claimed in claim 25, farther include:

It is connected to the 3rd fin on described 4th bracketing body；

Described 3rd fin defines a sealed volume between described fin and the second sealed volume；

One the second potted component of at least one potted component described is positioned in described second sealed volume In.

27. connect assembly as claimed in claim 26, wherein said first bracketing body, described second Bracketing body, described 3rd bracketing body and described 4th bracketing body are locked in a fixing phase para-position In putting,

Described first potted component is compressed between described 3rd fin and described first bracketing body；And

Described second potted component is compressed between described first fin and described 3rd bracketing body.

28. connect assembly as claimed in claim 19, and described flat member has flat surfaces, described Connection assembly farther includes at least one from these flat surfaces described and extends into these panels described Receive the multiple teeth among volume.

29. connect assembly as claimed in claim 19, and described flat member has flat surfaces, described Connection assembly farther includes at least one from these flat surfaces described and extends into these panels described Receive the multiple ridges among volume.

30. 1 kinds are used for the connection assembly being attached by two panels, and this assembly includes:

There is more than first bracketing body of first group of flat surfaces, this first group of flat surfaces define for First panel receiving the first panel receives volume；

There is more than second bracketing body of second group of flat surfaces, this second group of flat surfaces define for Second panel receiving the second panel receives volume；

One first heat insulation be positioned between two bracketing bodies in this more than first bracketing body Body；

One second heat insulation be positioned between two bracketing bodies in this more than second bracketing body Body；And

Being positioned at least one potted component in a sealed volume, wherein said sealed volume is positioned Receive between volume at this first and second panel.

31. connect assembly as claimed in claim 30, and wherein these heat insulation bodies are a kind of hardening resins.

32. connect assembly, wherein as claimed in claim 30:

This first heat insulation body be connected on two bracketing bodies in this more than first bracketing body and by this two Individual bracketing body is separately；And

This second heat insulation body be connected on two bracketing bodies in this more than second bracketing body and by this two Individual bracketing body is separately.

33. connect assembly as claimed in claim 30, farther include:

One the first panel, a part for this first panel occupy this first panel receive volume and with this One group of flat surfaces engages；

One the second panel, a part for this second panel occupy this second panel receive volume and with this Two groups of flat surfaces engage.

34. connect assembly as claimed in claim 33, and wherein this first and second panel each includes:

One insulation material layer；

A first structure strengthening material layer adjacent with the first surface of described insulation material layer；

A second structure strengthening material layer adjacent with the second opposed surface of described insulation material layer.

35. connect assembly as claimed in claim 33, farther include:

Extend into this first panel from this first group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part；And

Extend into this second panel from this second group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part.

36. connect assembly as claimed in claim 35, and these pane engaging member wherein said are multiple Tooth.

37. connect assembly as claimed in claim 35, and these pane engaging member wherein said are multiple Ridge.

38. connect assembly as claimed in claim 30, and wherein this more than first bracketing body is pivotally It is attached on this more than second bracketing body.

39. connect assembly as claimed in claim 38, further include at more than first and second bracketing Multiple stopping surfaces on body, these stop surface and are oriented to for preventing this more than first bracketing body 90 degree are rotated over relative to this more than second bracketing body.

40. connect assembly, wherein as claimed in claim 30:

Described more than first bracketing and this more than second bracketing body can be positioned so that and at least partially define one Individual inner space between this first and second panel reception volume；And

At least one potted component described inhibits fluid to flow in and out this inner space.

41. connect assembly as claimed in claim 40, and at least one potted component wherein said is two Potted component.

42. connect assembly as claimed in claim 30, farther include a locking component, this locking Component is pivotally coupled on this more than first bracketing body and can be rotated to a latched position and can revolve Leaving out this latched position, in this latched position, this locking component is and the one of this more than second bracketing body Individual it is engaged by locking what surface engaged.

43. connect assembly as claimed in claim 42, and wherein this locking component is engaged by locking surface with this Having the ridge of multiple correspondence, these ridges are oriented to for entering when this locking component rotates to latched position Row interlocking.

44. 1 kinds are used for the connection assembly being attached by three panels, and this assembly includes:

There is more than first bracketing body of first group of flat surfaces, this first group of flat surfaces define for First panel receiving the first panel receives volume；

There is more than second bracketing body of second group of flat surfaces, this second group of flat surfaces define for Second panel receiving the second panel receives volume；

One first heat insulation be positioned between two bracketing bodies in this more than first bracketing body Body；

One second heat insulation be positioned between two bracketing bodies in this more than second bracketing body Body；

At least one potted component being positioned in the first sealed volume, wherein said first sealed volume quilt It is positioned at this first and second panel to receive between volume；

There are the 3rd many bracketing bodies of the 3rd group of flat surfaces, the 3rd group of flat surfaces define for Receive a third volume of described first panel；

There are the 4th many bracketing bodies of the 4th group of flat surfaces, the 4th group of flat surfaces define for Receive a fourth volume of the 3rd panel；

One the 3rd heat insulation be positioned between two bracketing bodies in the 3rd many bracketing bodies Body；

One the 4th heat insulation be positioned between two bracketing bodies in the 4th many bracketing bodies Body；And

At least one potted component being positioned in the second sealed volume, wherein said second sealed volume quilt It is positioned between the 3rd and fourth face plate reception volume.

45. connect assembly as claimed in claim 44, and wherein these heat insulation bodies are a kind of hardening resins.

46. connect assembly, wherein as claimed in claim 44:

This first heat insulation body be connected on two bracketing bodies in this more than first bracketing body and by this two Individual bracketing body is separately；

This second heat insulation body be connected on two bracketing bodies in this more than second bracketing body and by this two Individual bracketing body is separately；

3rd heat insulation body be connected on two bracketing bodies in the 3rd many bracketing bodies and by this two Individual bracketing body is separately；And

4th heat insulation body be connected on two bracketing bodies in the 4th many bracketing bodies and by this two Individual bracketing body is separately.

47. connect assembly as claimed in claim 44, farther include:

One the first panel, the Part I that this first panel has occupies this first panel receiving body Amassing and engage with this first group of flat surfaces, the Part II that described first panel has occupies This fourth face plate receives volume and engages with the 4th group of flat surfaces；

One the second panel, the part that this second panel has occupies this second panel and receives volume also And engage with this second group of flat surfaces；And

One the 3rd panel, the part that the 3rd panel has occupies the 3rd panel and receives volume also And engage with the 3rd group of flat surfaces.

48. connect assembly as claimed in claim 47, wherein this first, second and the 3rd panel each From including:

One insulation material layer；

A first structure strengthening material layer adjacent with the first surface of described insulation material layer；

A second structure strengthening material layer adjacent with the second opposed surface of described insulation material layer.

49. connect assembly as claimed in claim 47, farther include:

Extend into this first panel from this first group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part；

Extend into this second panel from this second group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part；

Extend into the 3rd panel from the 3rd group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part；And

Extend into this fourth face plate from the 4th group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part.

50. connect assembly as claimed in claim 49, and these pane engaging member wherein said are multiple Tooth.

51. connect assembly as claimed in claim 49, and these pane engaging member wherein said are multiple Ridge.

52. connect assembly as claimed in claim 44, and wherein this more than first bracketing body is pivotally It is attached on this more than second bracketing body.

53. connect assembly as claimed in claim 52, further include at more than first and second bracketing Multiple stopping surfaces on body, these stop surface and are oriented to for preventing this more than first bracketing body 90 degree are rotated over relative to this more than second bracketing body.

54. connect assembly, wherein as claimed in claim 44:

Described more than first bracketing body and described more than second bracketing body can be positioned so that at least in part Limit an inner space receiving between volume at this first and second panel；And

At least one potted component described inhibits fluid to flow in and out this inner space.

55. connect assembly as claimed in claim 54, and at least one potted component wherein said is two Potted component.

56. connect assembly as claimed in claim 44, farther include a locking component, this locking Component is pivotally coupled on the 4th many bracketing bodies and can be rotated to a latched position and can revolve Leaving out this latched position, in this latched position, this locking component is and the one of the 3rd many bracketing bodies Individual it is engaged by locking what surface engaged.

57. connect assembly as claimed in claim 56, and wherein this locking component is engaged by locking surface with this Having the ridge of multiple correspondence, these ridges are oriented to for entering when this locking component rotates to latched position Row interlocking.

58. 1 kinds are used for the connection assembly being attached by three panels, and this assembly includes:

Define the first group of flat surfaces receiving volume for the first panel receiving the first panel；

Define the second group of flat surfaces receiving volume for the second panel receiving the second panel；

It is positioned in this first and second panel and receives first sealed volume between volume；

Define the 3rd group of flat surfaces of third volume for receiving described first panel；

Define the 4th group of flat surfaces of fourth volume for receiving the 3rd panel；

One the second sealed volume receives between volume the 3rd and fourth face plate；

Extend into this first panel from this first group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part；

Extend into this second panel from this second group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part；

Extend into the 3rd panel from the 3rd group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part；And

Extend into this fourth face plate from the 4th group of flat surfaces and receive the multiple panels joint structure among volume Part.

59. connect assembly as claimed in claim 58, and wherein this first group of flat surfaces is to join pivotally It is connected on this second group of flat surfaces.

60. connect assembly as claimed in claim 58, wherein the 3rd group of flat surfaces relative to this Four groups of flat surfaces are in fixing relation.

61. connect assembly as claimed in claim 58, and these pane engaging member wherein said are multiple Tooth.

62. connect assembly as claimed in claim 58, and these pane engaging member wherein said are multiple Ridge.

63. connect assembly as claimed in claim 58, farther include a locking component, this locking Component is pivotally coupled between the 3rd group and the 4th group of flat surfaces and can be rotated to a latched position And rotatable leave this latched position, in this latched position, this locking component is and is positioned in the described 3rd It is engaged by locking what surface engaged with between fourth volume, and this is engaged by locking surface and has multiple Corresponding ridge, the ridge of these correspondences is oriented to for carrying out when this locking component rotates to latched position Interlocking.