EP3781754B1 - Construction system for a module of a building - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a construction system for a module of a building, in particular a dwelling or a garage, the main elements of which may be made of plastic, in particular recycled plastic or recycled wood.

WO2016016706 describes a construction system comprising a set of accessory elements and a set of elongated bodies intended to produce a construction by assembling a plurality of said bodies with accessory elements. The elongated body comprises a front face and a rear face, flat and opposite, an upper face and a lower face, flat and opposite, and two opposite lateral faces. At least one of said two lateral faces has a recessed part, in particular a curve on its central part. Each body can be assembled with another body, by their lateral faces between them and/or by assembling a lower face of a body on the upper face of another body and/or by assembling a lateral face of a body with the front or rear face of another body.

CH714202 in the name of the applicant and unpublished describes a construction system for a module of a building, in particular a dwelling or a garage, the main elements of which are made of plastic material, comprising a set of extruded main beams of hollow profile, of elongated rectilinear shape, of uniform section and of adequate length. These main beams are assemblable end-to-end to form a rectangular open structure in the form of a rectangular frame in 3 dimensions. The construction system further comprises a plurality of intermediate secondary beams, assemblable between parallel and opposite main beams of a rectangular frame, and a plurality of flat façade elements insertable against each other between two adjacent parallel beams, each façade element comprising a rectangular flat plate provided with two folded opposite edges intended to engage with adjacent parallel beams.

WO 93/23631 describes a joint between the facing ends of horizontal timber members, the joint comprising a cruciform piece provided with T-heads.

GB 1,336,991 describes a cruciform joint with four T-shaped projections for connecting horizontal rails.

US 2004/0178704 depicted in Figure 12F is a device for connecting four panels at right angles, the connecting device comprising a smooth cross-shaped central core whose ends engage in grooves formed in parts at the ends of the four panels, which parts engage with adjacent parts when the panels are inserted. This device allows the panels to be assembled by snapping together in an orthogonal arrangement.

The present invention makes it possible to produce a construction system for a module of a building whose main elements can be made of plastic, in particular recycled plastic or recycled wood, allowing a robust construction using a reduced number of standardized parts to constitute the construction elements.

According to the invention, this aim is achieved by means of a system for constructing a module of a building, comprising core construction elements and construction elements surrounding the core elements.

The inventive system therefore comprises a plurality of core construction elements which each comprise in section a cross comprising two main arms of equal length, the main arms intersecting at mid-length at right angles. Each core construction element has a plane of symmetry around the axes of each main arm. The main arms of the cross terminate at their ends in transverse parts whose length is less than the length of the main arms.

The inventive system also comprises a plurality of construction elements surrounding the core elements, where each surrounding element is composed of four partial surrounding parts which are assembled around a core element, unlike the provisions of WO 93723631 and of GB 1,336,991 .

The partial surround parts each have a section essentially of an isosceles-right triangle having a long side and two inclined sides that form a right angle. The four partial surround parts when assembled are arranged with their long side on the outside and with the inclined sides ending in the right angle on the inside towards the centre of the cross of a core element. The four partial surround parts thus form a square which is surrounded by the cross of the core element. Also, the triangular partial surround parts have openings which surround the main arms and the transverse parts of the cross of the core element.

Core building elements are rectilinear elongated bodies with a cross section which are surrounded along their length by the surrounding building elements, also allowing right-angle assembly.

Thus, with the inventive system, and contrary to the state of the art, constructions can be made in 6 directions (up, down, left, right, front, back).

The main arms of the cross of a core element terminate at their ends with transverse projections. In this way, the cross of a core element is a potent cross whose main arms terminate at their ends with transverse T-shaped projections.

Typically, when the cross has a dimension L in the direction of the main arms, and the lateral projections have a length t , the ratio L : t = 2.5 - 3, preferably 2.6 - 2.75.

Also typically, where the main arms and T-shaped cross portions of a potentiated cross have a uniform thickness e , the length t = (1.5 - 4) e , preferably (2.5 - 3.5) e , e.g. t = 3 e , and the dimension L = (6 - 10) e , preferably (7 - 9) e , e.g. L = 8 e .

According to the invention, surround elements each consisting of four triangular-shaped partial surround parts which each have inside each triangular partial surround part openings in the form of a main arm of the cross extending from the right angle of the triangle with its transverse projections opposite the long side of the triangle. In this way the main arms of the cross and the T-parts are arranged parallel to the sides of the square formed by the four assembled partial surround parts.

Each surround element can be made from a single piece, possibly with openings, or can be made by assembling at least two pieces, advantageously leaving spaces.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a core element surrounded by surrounding elements each formed by the assembly of several parts, the assembly comprising an external wall formed by external portions of the assembled parts arranged in parallel and adjacent rows extending along the external wall.

The system according to the invention usually comprises a plurality of core construction elements and a plurality of construction elements surrounding the core elements, each in several standardized lengths.

The system according to the invention preferably comprises a plurality of construction elements forming junction pieces comprising a hollow body of approximately rectangular shape in cross-section. In this case, one side of this hollow body is integral with a triangular shape which corresponds with one of said triangular-shaped partial surrounding parts of the surrounding construction elements, allowing these junction pieces to be assembled around a core construction element. The side of the hollow body of a junction piece opposite said side integral with the triangular shape is advantageously provided with a profile adapted for the assembly of a panel.

The hollow bodies of the junction parts are intended for example for wiring, piping, insulation or even reinforcement by filling with hardened earth or cement, for example.

The invention also relates to a module of a building constructed with the described system, the module comprising a plurality of core building elements assembled with partial surrounding parts and joining pieces.

For example, an embodiment of a module of a building according to the invention is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped volume comprising four corners. Each corner comprises a core construction element arranged vertically, two faces of which forming an external right angle to the corner are closed by partial surrounding parts of surrounding elements, in which the two faces forming an internal right angle are assembled with junction pieces, the external sides of said hollow body of the junction pieces supporting panels forming a facade.

According to a development of this embodiment of a module of a building, where at least two opposite sides of the rectangular parallelepiped volume each comprise a plurality n of intermediate core construction elements arranged vertically between the core construction elements arranged at the corners, the intermediate core construction elements support on two opposite faces in the plane of the side of the module junction pieces supporting n+1 panels.

The module of a building according to the invention preferably comprises a floor or ceiling unit comprising a rectangular frame formed of elongated core construction elements arranged horizontally, closed towards the outside by partial surrounding parts and closed towards the inside by junction pieces supporting a floor or ceiling.

Thanks to the construction system according to the invention, it is possible to produce an element of a building, among others, a garage, a house using a limited number of construction elements made of recycled materials, which construction elements are composed of standardized parts allowing universal use for different configurations.

• La figure 1 une vue en coupe et une vue en perspective d'un élément de construction ;
• Les figures 2A et 2B représentent des vues en perspective et en coupe d'éléments de constructions d'entourage des éléments noyaux ;
• Les figures 3A et 3B représentent des vues en perspective et en coupe d'éléments de constructions ;
• Les figures 4A, 4B représentent des vues en perspective d'éléments de construction formant des pièces de jonction ;
• La figure 5 représente une vue partielle d'un module de construction en cours d'assemblage ;
• La figure 6 représente une vue en perspective d'un module de construction assemblé ; et
• Les figures 7A et 7B représentent respectivement une coupe schématique et une vue en perspective d'une variante d'un élément de construction.

The characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of several embodiments given solely as examples with reference to the schematic figures, only the Figures 1, 2B , 3B And 4B illustrating embodiments according to the invention:

• There figure 1 a sectional view and a perspective view of a building element;
• THE Figures 2A and 2B represent perspective and sectional views of construction elements surrounding the core elements;
• THE Figures 3A and 3B represent perspective and section views of construction elements;
• THE Figures 4A, 4B represent perspective views of construction elements forming connecting pieces;
• There figure 5 represents a partial view of a building module being assembled;
• There figure 6 represents a perspective view of an assembled building module; and
• THE Figures 7A And 7B respectively represent a schematic section and a perspective view of a variant of a construction element.

The invention provides a system for constructing a module of a building, comprising core construction elements 1 and surrounding construction elements 2 of the core elements.

The inventive system therefore comprises a plurality of core construction elements 1, figure 1 , each of which comprises in section a cross comprising two main arms 6 of equal length. The main arms 6 intersect at mid-length at right angles. Each core construction element 1 has a plane of symmetry around the axes AA and BB of each main arm 6. The main arms 6 of the cross terminate at their ends with transverse parts 7 whose length is less than the length of the main arms 6.

The inventive system also comprises a plurality of surrounding construction elements 2 of the core elements 1, where each surrounding element 2 is composed of four partial surrounding parts 2A, 2A', 2B, 2B' which are assembled around a core element ( figure 1 )

The partial surrounding parts 2A, 2A', 2B, 2B' each have a section essentially of an isosceles-right triangle having a long side 10 and two inclined sides 11 which form a right angle. The four partial surrounding parts 2A, 2A', 2B, 2B' once assembled are arranged with their long side 10 on the outside and with the inclined sides 11 ending in the right angle on the inside towards the center of the cross of a core element 1. The four partial surrounding parts thus form a square which is surrounded by the cross of the core element 1 ( figure 1 ). Also, the triangular partial surrounding parts 2A, 2A', 2B, 2B' have openings 12 ( Figures 2B And 3B ) and/or cutouts 13 ( Figures 2A And 3A ) which surround the cross of core element 1.

The main arms of the cross of a core element 1 terminate at their ends with transverse projections. The cross of a core element 1 illustrated in figure 1 is a potent cross whose main arms 6 terminate at their ends in transverse T-shaped projections 7.

Typically, when the cross has a dimension L in the direction of the main arms 6, and the lateral projections 7 have a length t , the ratio L : t = 2.5 - 3, preferably 2.6 - 2.75.

Also typically, where the main arms 6 and T-shaped cross portions 7 of a potentiated cross have a uniform thickness e , the length t = (1.5 - 4) e , preferably (2.5 - 3.5) e , for example t = 3 e , and the dimension L = (6 - 10) e , preferably (7 - 9) e , for example L = 8 e .

In addition to the shape of a potent cross with T-shaped ends, variant shapes of crosses are provided, for example with rounded, inclined or triangular ends. The important thing is to maintain symmetry along two perpendicular planes.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A , the surrounding elements 2 are each composed of four partial surrounding parts 2A which have cutouts 13 in their inclined sides 11 so that the cutouts 13 of two side-by-side triangular partial surrounding parts 2A correspond to a main arm 6 of the cross with its transverse projections 7. In this way, the arms 6 of the cross are arranged along the diagonals of the square formed by the four assembled partial surrounding parts 2A.

Another form of execution illustrated in the Figure 2B comprises surrounding elements 2 each composed of four partial surrounding parts 2B of triangular shape which each have inside each triangular partial surrounding part 2B' openings 12 in the form of a main arm 6 of the cross extending from the right angle of the triangle with its transverse projections opposite the long side 10 of the triangle. In this way the main arms 6 of the cross and the possible T-shaped parts 7 are arranged parallel to the sides of the square formed by the four assembled partial surrounding parts 2B.

In the embodiment illustrated in the Figure 3A , the surrounding elements 2 are each composed of four partial surrounding parts 2A' which have cutouts 13 in their inclined sides 11 so that the cutouts 13 of two side-by-side triangular partial surrounding parts 2A' correspond to a main arm 6 of the cross with its possible transverse projections 7. In this way, the arms 6 of the cross are arranged along the diagonals of the square formed by the four assembled partial surrounding parts 2A'.

Another form of execution illustrated in the Figure 3B comprises surrounding elements 2 each composed of four partial surrounding parts 2B' of triangular shape which each have inside each triangular partial surrounding part 2B' openings 12 in the form of a main arm 6 of the cross extending from the right angle of the triangle with its transverse projections facing the long side 10 of the triangle. In this way the main arms 6 of the cross and the T-shaped parts 7 are arranged parallel to the sides of the square formed by the four assembled partial surrounding parts 2B.

The difference between the 2 surround elements of the Figures 2A, 2B , 3A and 3B is the length LH, LH' of each of these parts. Indeed, in the examples illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B the length LH of the surrounding elements is for example 22cm whereas in the Figures 3A and 3B the length LH' of the surrounding elements is for example 100cm.

As illustrated in the Figures 2A, 2B , 3A, 3B the inclined sides 11 of the partial surrounding parts 2A, 2B, 2A', 2B' comprise central grooves 14 which come opposite each other when the partial surrounding parts 2A, 2B, 2A', 2B' are assembled around a core construction element 1. These central grooves 14 are arranged to receive reinforcing pieces to secure the assembly.

The system according to the invention usually comprises a plurality of core construction elements 1 and a plurality of surrounding construction elements 2 of the core elements, each of a standard length or in several standardized lengths.

As illustrated in Figures 2B And 3B , the surround elements 2 are each composed of four partial surround parts 2B, 2B' of triangular shape which have studs 30 on the adjacent sides of two side-by-side triangles.

In a variant not illustrated, these studs 30 may be sufficient to connect four surrounding elements 2B, 2B' without there being any need for a cross-shaped core, which could even, in this version, facilitate the construction of the surrounding elements insofar as it would be possible to construct surrounding elements with or without an opening for the cores.

THE Figures 4A, 4B illustrate a construction element forming connecting pieces 4A, 4B comprising a hollow body 15 of approximately rectangular shape in section. In this case, one side of this hollow body 15 is integral with a triangular shape 16 which corresponds with one of said partial surrounding parts 2A, 2B of triangular shape of the surrounding construction elements 2, allowing these connecting pieces 4A, 4B to be assembled around a core construction element 1. The external side 17 of the hollow body 15 of a core construction element 1 is junction 4A, 4B opposite said side secured to the triangular shape 16 is advantageously provided with a profile 18 adapted for the assembly of a panel 19 ( figure 6 ).

The hollow body 15 is intended, for example, to receive wiring or piping. It can also contribute to insulation or reinforcement by filling with hardened earth or cement, for example.

The invention also relates to a module of a building 9 constructed with the described system, the module comprising a plurality of core construction elements 1 assembled with partial surrounding parts 2A, 2B, 2A', 2B' and junction pieces 4A, 4B.

For example, an embodiment of a module of a building 9 illustrated in figure 6 is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped volume comprising four corners 20. Each corner 20 comprises a core construction element 1 arranged vertically, two faces of which forming an external right angle to the corner 20 are closed by partial surrounding parts 2A, 2A' of surrounding elements, in which the two faces forming an internal right angle are assembled with junction pieces 4A. The external sides 17 of said hollow body of the junction pieces 4A supporting panels 19 forming a facade.

As illustrated in the figure 5 , the housing module 19 is being assembled with a majority of the elements which are assembled together by sliding one element relative to another but also by screwing using screws 21 as for example to fix a partial surrounding construction element 2A with one of the surrounding construction elements 2, the partial surrounding construction element 2A being orthogonal to the surrounding construction elements 2 with which it is screwed.

According to a development of this embodiment of a module of a building 9, at least two opposite sides of the rectangular parallelepiped volume each comprise a plurality n of intermediate core construction elements 1 arranged vertically between the core construction elements 1 arranged at the corners. The intermediate core construction elements 1 support, on two opposite faces in the plane of the side of module 9, junction pieces 4A supporting n+1 panels 19.

As illustrated in the figure 6 a module of a building 9 preferably comprises a floor or ceiling unit 19 comprising a rectangular frame formed of elongated core construction elements 1 arranged horizontally, closed towards the outside by partial surrounding parts 2A, 2A' and closed towards the inside by junction pieces 4A supporting a floor or ceiling.

In addition, doors and windows can be fitted in the walls of the modules 9 by modifying the panels 19 carried by the junction elements 4A.

In a variant to aux figures 5 And 6 , in order to gain strength, instead of the panels 19, it is planned to integrate a sandwich structure consisting of a PET foam placed between the PET panels. The sandwich structure increases the rigidity and strength of the panel compared to the PET sheet only in the initial version of the figures 5 And 6 . The PET foam core has a density of 70 kg/m3-80 kg/m3 and forms the shear part of sandwich constructions. In wall sections, the foam core can be omitted to have windows.

The foam core is glued or welded to the interface parts.

A housing module according to the present invention has the advantage of being easy and quick to assemble and is so robust that it complies with standards on load-bearing structures such as standard EN1991.

THE Figures 7A And 7B respectively represent a schematic section and a perspective view of a variant of a construction element in which each surrounding element is composed by the assembly of different parts.

We see at the Figure 7A that a core element 1 in the form of a potent cross is surrounded by two partial surrounding parts, each 22A, 22B, and two partial surrounding parts, each 24A, 24B.

The portions 22A have profiled internal sections that conform to the outer shape of a portion of the core member 1. The portions 22B are relatively flat with profiled ends that engage within the portions 22A toward their ends to define a void 23 between the portions 22A, 22B. The ends of the portion 22a are angled and extend beyond the portion 22B.

The portions 24A also have profiled internal sections which conform to the external shape of another portion of the core member 1. The portions 24B are relatively flat, with a central groove in their external face, and with profiled ends which engage inside the ends of the portions 24A to define a void 25 between the portions 24A, 24B. The ends of the portion 24A are profiled and are flush with the external faces of the portions 22A and 24B.

The arrangement of the partial surround portions 22A, 22B and the partial surround portions 24A, 24B in an assembly is illustrated in FIG. Figure 7B . Note that the cross-shaped core element 1 has arms of equal length and uniform thickness; the cross shape shown in the Figure 7B is the result of a distortion in the shot.

In this assembly, the surrounding portions extend along the length of the core element 1 to form a wall 26. This wall 26 is composed, from bottom to top, by the end of the portion 22A, superimposed by the external surface of the portion 24A, superimposed by the portion 24B with its external groove, superimposed by another external surface of a portion 24A and superimposed by another end of another portion 22A, while this assembly is closed at the top and bottom, inside the walls 26, by portions 22B arranged between the ends of the portions 22A.

It can then be seen that the assembly, comprising a core element 1 surrounded by surrounding elements each formed by the assembly of several parts 22A, 22B; 24A, 24B, comprises an external wall 26 formed by an external part of the assembled parts arranged in parallel and adjacent rows extending along the external wall 26.

This variant is particularly advantageous because manufacturing is simplified and assembly is more robust due to the fact that the partial surround parts with a triangular section are cut into two pieces and assembled, and due to the profiling of the individual parts and the voids in different shapes.

In all embodiments, plastic material should be understood to mean any material that can be recycled (HDPE, LDPE, PP, PET, PEF, PS, ABS, etc.). Preferably, the recovered plastic parts can be crushed and shredded. Once shredded, the plastic is washed and then dried before being prepared for an extrusion operation. The polymers are melted by heat and a uniform paste is then obtained. After a succession of conventional steps, a grain is obtained. The granules are then extracted from the extruder. Finally, the grains can be used for the manufacture of the construction elements according to the present invention. Similarly, shredded, crushed and recycled wood or recycled plastic/wood composite materials can be used.

Building elements can be manufactured by 3D printing or injection molding.

Claims (14)

1. System for constructing a module of a building, comprising:

   • A plurality of core construction elements (1) which each comprise, in cross section, a cross comprising two main arms (6) of equal length, the main arms (6) intersecting at right angles at mid-length, each core construction element (1) having a plane of symmetry about the axes of each main arm (6),

   • A plurality of construction elements (2) for surrounding the core elements (1), each surrounding element (2) being composed of four partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') which are assembled around a core element (1),

   • The partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') each have a section which is substantially an isosceles-rectangular triangle comprising a long side (10) and two inclined sides (11) which form a right angle, the four partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B'), once assembled, are arranged with their long side (10) on the outside and the inclined sides (11) terminating at the right angle on the inside toward the center of the cross of a core element (1), thus forming a square which surrounds the cross of the core element (1),

   • the main arms (6) of the cross of each core construction element (1) terminating, at their ends, in transverse parts (7) of which the length is less than the length of the main arms (6), and

   • the triangular partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') of the surrounding construction elements (2) comprising openings (12) which surround the main arms (6) and the transverse parts (7) of the cross of the core element (1) characterized in that:

   • the surrounding elements (2) are each composed of four triangular-shaped partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') which each have openings (12) within each triangular partially surrounding part in the form of a main arm (6) of the cross extending from the right angle of the triangle with its transverse projections (7) facing the long side (10) of the triangle in such a way that the main arms (6) of the cross and any T-shaped parts (7) are parallel to the sides of the square which is formed by the four assembled partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B').
2. System according to claim 1, wherein the cross of a core element (1) is a potent cross of which the main arms (6) terminate, at their ends, in T-shaped transverse projections (7).
3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross has a dimension L in the direction of the main arms, the lateral projections have a length t, and the ratio L:t = 2.5 - 3, preferably 2.6 - 2.75.
4. System according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the main arms (6) and the T-shaped transverse parts (7) of the potent cross have a uniform thickness e, and wherein:

   the length t = (1.5 - 4)e, preferably (2.5 - 3.5)e, for example 3e,

   the dimension L = (6 - 10)e, preferably (7 - 9)e, for example 8e.
5. System according to any of the preceding claims, comprising surrounding elements which are formed in a single piece, optionally having one or more openings in this piece.
6. System according to any of the preceding claims, comprising surrounding elements which are each formed by assembling two or more pieces (22A, 22B; 24A, 24B) leaving one or more openings (23, 25).
7. System according to claim 6, which is assembled into an assembly comprising a core element (1) which is surrounded by surrounding elements which are each formed by assembling a plurality of pieces (22A, 22B; 24A, 24B), the assembly comprising an outer wall (26) which is formed by outer parts of the assembled pieces (22A, 22B; 24A, 24B) which are arranged in adjacent parallel rows extending along the outer wall (26).
8. System according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of core construction elements (1) and a plurality of construction elements (2A, 2B) for surrounding the core elements, each in a standard length or in a plurality of standardized lengths.
9. System according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of construction elements which form connecting pieces (4A, 4B) comprising a hollow body (15) which has an approximately rectangular cross-sectional shape, one side of this hollow body (15) being secured to a triangular shape (16) which corresponds to one of the triangular-shaped partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') of the surrounding construction elements (2), allowing these connecting pieces (4A, 4B) to be assembled around a core construction element (1).
10. System according to claim 9, comprising, on the outer side (17) of the hollow body (15) of a connecting piece (4A, 4B) opposite the side which is secured to the triangular shape, a profile (18) which is suitable for the assembly of a panel (19).
11. Module of a building which is constructed using the system according to any of the preceding claims, having a plurality of core construction elements (1) which are assembled with partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') and connecting pieces (4A, 4B).
12. Module of a building according to claim 11, in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped volume having four corners (20), each corner (20) having a vertically arranged core construction element (1), of which two faces forming a right angle external to the corner are closed by partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') of surrounding elements and of which the two faces forming an internal right angle are assembled with connecting pieces (4A, 4B), the outer sides of the hollow body of the connecting pieces supporting panels (19) which form a facade.
13. Module of a building according to claim 12, wherein at least two opposite sides of the rectangular parallelepiped volume each comprise a plurality n of intermediate core construction elements (1) which are arranged vertically between the core construction elements (1) arranged at the corners (20), the intermediate core construction elements (1) supporting, on two opposite faces in the plane of the side, the connecting pieces (4A, 4B) which support n+1 panels (19).
14. Module of a building according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a floor or ceiling unit (19) having a rectangular frame which is formed by elongate, horizontally arranged core construction elements (1) which are closed to the outside by the partially surrounding parts (2A, 2B, 2A', 2B') and are closed to the inside by the connecting pieces (4A, 4B).

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