FR3082536A1 - MODULAR CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF WALL ELEMENTS - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) provided for fixing to a floor (14), a plurality of connecting cleats (8) designed to provide the junction between two neighboring wall elements (1), and a plurality rail portions (10), provided for joining the wall elements (1) and the floor (14); - each wall element (1) comprising an internal square or rectangular frame (2) and two identical opposite panels (3, 4) fixed on either side of the frame (2), the surface of the frame (2) being less than the surface of the panels (3, 4) to form four female faces (9); - Each cleat (8) comprising an internal batten (5) and an external batten (6) between which is disposed a middle insulator (7).

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements intended for fixing to a floor, a plurality of battens of link designed to ensure the junction between two neighboring wall elements, and a plurality of rail portions, provided to ensure the junction between the wall elements and the floor.

PRIOR ART [0002] In recent years, the desire to "do it yourself" has grown in size, particularly in the housing universe. This desire started with small decoration and fitting out works, then came the second work and finally the big work. Individuals increasingly want to carry out their work themselves and this is only possible by providing them with adequate and well-adapted means and tools. This allows them to achieve a result often comparable to that of a professional.

To meet this need, manufacturers are constantly innovating in terms of tools and materials in order to make work increasingly simple and economical.

In addition to making the work increasingly simple, the manufacturers of materials wish to respond to the need for speed of implementation on construction sites.

To respond positively to this demand, the evolution of the implementation of the materials used is crucial. Indeed, this development mainly involves speed in installation and / or construction.

Simplicity is also one of the essential criteria for reaching a large number of users. The quicker and simpler the implementation, the larger the target audience. However, these criteria should not impact quality. The material and / or the work must meet the various safety standards in force in order to guarantee user safety.

In the world of housing, after interior and exterior planning, it is the construction itself which is the subject of many innovations. In order to reduce the cost and the waiting times, more and more people are seduced by the realization of their construction by themselves. To meet this high demand, manufacturers have developed modular constructions suitable for both professionals and individuals.

For example, the document FR 1344269 relates to the construction of constructions of all kinds by means of assembled prefabricated wall elements. The arrangement of a wall is made up of elements having a storey height juxtaposed one after the other in the horizontal direction. The wall elements have four female profiles. The assembly is done using posts anchored in the ground. This post imposes an additional constraint for assembly, in addition to being mandatory for the good rigidity of the assembly.

Document LR 2659370 describes a method of constructing building walls using prefabricated panels. This method uses panels which each include two glued and laminated walls, reinforced by uprights and crosspieces, forming female profiles on one side, above and below the panel. An insulating layer is placed between the two laminated and glued walls. A crosspiece comprises a tunnel allowing the insertion of a through threaded rod. The panels are assembled and clamped against each other by means of these threaded rods, making assembly laborious. The male / female assembly system for the panels constrains their positioning. In addition, to form the angles, the addition of a post is necessary to ensure the good rigidity of the wall.

The document EP0072839 describes a method of constructing buildings assembled from modular panels. The panels have four female faces. A U-shaped insert is placed in each of the female faces located at the sides of the panels in order to adapt them to receive a cleat. The panels are assembled together using the cleat, all of which are fixed with screws. This assembly system comprising inserts including a cleat and a connection joint is restrictive and imposes additional manipulations on the user.

Document W003031744 describes standard structural modular panels which are intended for external or internal residential walls. The panels are provided with an internal wooden structure which transforms them into self-supporting elements that can support the weight of a ceiling or an upper slab, including all installations, with any type of internal or external finish. Structural panels include specific anchors and a female profile above and below each panel. The architecture of the profile located above the panel is a female profile making the entire depth of the panel. This profile is suitable for receiving a beam intended to support the ceiling and / or the floor. However, the architecture of the profile located below the panel is a female profile half the depth of the panel, designed to receive a rail fixed to the ground. The profiles being different, the panels have a predefined orientation. In addition, the sides of the panels have a flat profile and are intended only for corner assembly.

To overcome these different drawbacks, the invention provides different technical means.

Summary of the invention First of all, a first object of the invention is to provide a prefabricated construction kit that is simple to design and implement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a prefabricated construction kit which can be installed without constraint of direction and / or positioning.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a prefabricated construction kit that is simple to install and inexpensive.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a prefabricated construction kit providing good insulation.

Yet another objective is to provide a prefabricated wall construction kit easily customizable.

To do this, the invention provides a modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements and connecting cleats designed to provide the junction between two wall elements and the floor;

- Each wall element comprising a square or rectangular internal frame and two identical opposite panels fixed on either side of the frame, the surface of the frame being less than the surface of the panels to form four female faces of depth PI for the sides and P2 for top and bottom;

- Each cleat having an internal batten and an external batten between which is disposed a median insulator.

This system provides a large degree of freedom in the construction of the walls. Due to identical panels and identical depth on both sides (PI), and top and bottom (P2), the wall elements do not have a predefined direction for installation, considerably simplifying the management of the elements to be installed and avoiding any risk of incorrect installation, making the system particularly suitable for non-professionals.

The size of the cleat is preferably twice the depth PI of the female faces, so that two neighboring wall elements are designed to be joined by interposing a cleat which also fits into the side border of each of the wall elements.

The free space between two panels is advantageously occupied by an insulating material.

The profiles and dimensions of the various wall elements are also customizable according to the arrangements provided for windows, doors and other functional elements. These functional elements can also be integrated into wall elements, for standardization of all components.

Finally, the composite cleats avoid thermal bridges. At the level of the walls, the thermal bridges between the wall elements are potentially important, and the use of insulating battens therefore gives a significant advantage. Thermal bridges at the bottom rails and stiffness beams at the top are generally less critical because it is customary to provide insulating layers at floor and ceiling levels, which help to mask these thermal bridges.

Advantageously, the internal batten, the external batten and the median insulator form a unified composite "sandwich".

The unified composite allows a quick and easy installation of the cleat.

Also advantageously, the internal batten, the external batten and the median insulator are made up of separate parts.

Having separate elements allows them to be placed in the order and at the desired location. In addition, the cleat is easily modular and customizable, for example depending on the other elements to integrate into the walls such as doors and windows.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the rail portions have a height identical to or less than the depth P2 of the female faces.

The rails allow on the one hand to pre-position the wall elements before fixing them, and on the other hand to fix the wall elements to the floor of the construction in progress. The rail portions are advantageously provided for positioning so as to extend under at least part of a wall element.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the system comprises at least one stiffness bar of identical or lesser height than the depth P of the female faces.

The stiffness bars are advantageously designed for positioning so as to cooperate with the female faces of at least two wall elements. Each stiffness bar provides the rigidity necessary for the good performance of the panels, in a simple and space-saving manner.

Advantageously, the wall elements include an internal insulator disposed between the two side panels.

The insulation placed inside the panels guarantees good insulation characteristics for the wall element. The nature and thickness of the insulation are customizable. As a variant, the depths PI and P2 of the female faces are identical. We thus obtain a total modularity, the wall elements being able to be posed in all the directions, without any restriction.

The invention also provides a modular construction method comprising the following steps:

I) fixing a plurality of rail portions to the floor;

Ii) placing a wall element on at least one portion of the rail so that the rail at least partially fits into the female face located under the wall element;

Iii) assembling a cleat in a female face of the wall element on one side where another wall element is provided;

Vi) assembly of another wall element on the one hand on at least one rail portion so that the rail at least partially fits into the female face located under the wall element, and on the other part by inserting into the female face on the side of the wall element previously installed the cleat already in place;

V) final assembly and securing using fasteners;

Vi) repeating steps iii to v as a function of the number of wall elements to be installed.

Advantageously, each batten consists of an internal batten, an external batten and a median insulator forming separate parts, and in which the laying of a batten comprises the following steps:

- the internal batten is positioned against the frame and the first panel;

- the external batten is positioned against the frame and the second panel;

- the middle insulation is fixed between the slats;

- the neighboring wall element is assembled against the cleat with insertion of the latter in the adjacent female face.

In a variant, when the cleat is a unified composite, a single step is necessary for fixing it against the frame of the wall element. This process allows the user to assemble the wall elements as desired, without constraint of meaning. In addition, the wall elements can be of different types but retain the same system and the same assembly process. Some have exterior joinery such as doors, windows, bay windows, for example. When the wall elements are specific, the frames, panels and battens are designed in such a way that their dimensions are adapted to these wall elements. Several standard sizes exist to meet the different options offered.

Brief description of the drawings [0049] All the details of construction are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 10, presented only for the purposes of nonlimiting examples, and in which:

Fig.l [fig.l] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a wall element;

Fig.2 [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sectional view B-B of Figure 1;

Fig.3 [0052] [fig.3] Figure 3 is a sectional view A-A of Figure 1;

Fig.4 [0053] [fig.4] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleat seen in section;

Fig.5 [fig.5] Figure 5 illustrates a wall element being assembled with two wall elements already assembled;

Fig.6 [Fig.6] Figure 6 illustrates the first step of an example of assembling a cleat to a wall element;

Fig.7 [0056] [fig.7] Figure 7 illustrates the second step of an example of assembling a cleat to a wall element;

Fig.8 [0057] [fig.8] Figure 8 illustrates the third step of an example of assembling a cleat to a wall element;

Fig.9 [0058] [fig.9] Figure 9 illustrates the fourth step of an example of assembling a cleat to a wall element;

Fig. 10 [0059] [fig. 10] Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wall panel composed of three wall elements assembled with a rail and a stiffness bar.

Description of the embodiments Wall element: FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a modular wall element 1. Figure 1 is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall element 1. Figure 2 is a sectional view of the wall element 1 of Figure 1 seen along the axis BB of this figure. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the wall element 1 of Figure 1 seen along the axis AA of this figure.

Each wall element comprises a frame 2 preferably rectangular or square, and two panels 3 and 4 whose shape corresponding to that defined by the frame. The panels 3 and 4 are mounted face to face on each side of the frame 2 on which they are fixed with the aid of fixing means 12, such as for example screws or nails or spikes, preferably self-locking. The surface of the two panels 3 and 4 is greater than the surface of the frame 2 so as to form, on the four sides of the wall element, a female face or an assembly channel 9, of a given depth. This depth is defined by the distance between the outer edge of the frame 2 and each of the sides of the panels 3 and 4. Two depth levels are advantageously provided, namely an identical depth PI for the two sides (lateral female faces) and a depth P2 identical for the top and the bottom (female faces of the top and bottom).

By way of nonlimiting example, the depth PI is 2.8 cm and the depth P2 is 4.5 cm.

Alternatively, for maximum modularity, the 4 assembly channels 9 have an identical depth.

Of course, the length differs in the case of rectangular or non-square wall elements.

The spacing between the opposite panels 3 and 4, corresponding to the width L of the frame beams, makes it possible to integrate an internal insulator 13 to ensure good insulation in the construction. This width can be adapted according to the desired level of insulation, the type of construction and / or construction standards to be observed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the dimensions of the wall elements 1 are provided so that a wall element 1 can be carried easily by one or two people and easily transported by truck. The wall elements are advantageously provided according to standard dimensions.

For example, a wall element 1 called "classic" is a part of a simple wall section, extending from floor to ceiling, corresponding for example to a height of 2.34 m or 2.15 m or 2 m, or other . To facilitate handling without the use of a crane or other heavy equipment, the width of the wall elements is for example 0.6m, 0.9m, 1.20m, 1.80m or 2.40m, or other, although the dimensions are more important can also be implemented.

For windows, there is for example a lower wall element and an upper wall element, the window element being provided for installation between these last two elements. In another example, in the case of a door or a bay window, only the upper wall element is necessary. As a variant, wall elements integrating windows or doors can be provided, a window or a door being able to be integrated inside the frame 2.

Connection elements (TASSEAUX): FIG. 4 illustrates the mode of connection between two wall elements L This connection is provided by a multi-component bracket 8. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the cleat 8 has an internal batten 5 and an external batten 6 between which a median insulator 7 is disposed. The cleat thus formed can be unified, with its three parts fixed together, for example by gluing. This embodiment allows a maximum of tasks to be carried out in the factory and simplifies the construction phase on site.

Alternatively, the three parts of the cleat are initially separated, for final assembly only on the site, during the installation of the wall elements.

The dimensions of the cleat 8 correspond to the dimensions of the frame 2 of the wall element to which it must be assembled. The width L of a cleat corresponds substantially to twice the depth P1 of an assembly channel, so that a cleat 8 is completely covered by the panels 3 and 4 of two assembled wall elements 1. The thickness of a cleat roughly corresponds to the thickness E of a wall element to achieve a slightly tight assembly, allowing the wall elements to hold in place before screwing. After two neighboring wall elements have been assembled, the neighboring panels are joined together. The middle insulator 7 avoids thermal bridges between the wall elements. Once assembled, the wall elements 1 ensure good insulation thanks to the design of the cleat 8 and the internal insulation 13.

Rigidity elements: Figures 5 and 10 illustrate several wall elements 1 assembled to each other. In this example, the cleats 8 are not shown. In order to position and fix the wall elements 1 to the floor, at least a portion 10 of rail is fixed to the ground, for example on a wooden floor or a concrete slab. The rail portions 10 are arranged one against the other to form a continuous rail or even spaced apart, thus forming a discontinuous rail. The rail portions 10 have a height substantially identical to or less than that of the depth P2 of the assembly channels 9 of the wall elements 1 intended to cooperate with the rail portions.

As a variant, the portions 10 of rails are designed in a similar manner to the cleats 8, namely with a double slat between which an insulator is interposed.

In order to ensure the rigidity of the construction, at least one stiffness bar 11 is positioned in the upper assembly channels 9 of two neighboring wall elements. A single stiffness bar 11 connects two or more wall elements 1. One or more stiffness bars 11 thus make it possible to ensure the rigidity of a wall section. This design eliminates poles anchored to the ground or any other completely fixed device.

MOUNTING ON SITE: Figures 5 to 10 illustrate one by one the main stages of the assembly of neighboring wall elements 1. After the installation of a first wall element 1 on one or more rail portions 10 (FIG. 5) a cleat 8 is placed on the free lateral face of this wall element. In the case of a composite cleat, the latter is simply put in place, fixed, for example by screwing, to allow the installation of the second wall element.

Figures 6 to 9 illustrate the variant with multi-component cleat. In FIG. 6, an internal slat 5 is placed, at the corner of the panel 4 and of the frame 2. Fastening elements 12, for example one or more screws or points make it possible to fix this slat. An external slat 6 is then placed along the second panel 4 bearing against the frame 2 and also fixed with the aid of fixing elements 12. To finish the cleat 8, a median insulator 7 is inserted between the two slats 5 and 6, to ensure good insulation of the assembly. The middle insulator 7 is fixed by gluing or screwing or any other fixing means that does not impact the insulating characteristics of the middle insulator 7.

The next phase consists in laying a second wall element 1 firstly so that the assembly channel 9 at the bottom fits one or more rail portions 10, and then so that the lateral assembly channel 9 fits the cleat 8, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

The wall element 1 is then fixed to the bracket 8 using fixing elements 12, in this example screws.

ANGLES: To form the angles, the edges of the assembly channels of the wall elements to be assembled 4 are detached, for example by simple sawing. With the female faces removed, the borders are formed by the frames. To form an angle, a frame of a wall element is assembled against an edge of a panel. The wall elements 1 are fixed directly to each other, without the aid of a cleat 8. This design also makes it possible to dispense with corner pillars and other additional devices enabling this function to be fulfilled.

List of reference signs Reference numbers used in the figures.

1. Wall element

2. Internal framework

3. First side panel

4. Second side panel

5. Internal batten

6. External batten

7. Median insulation

8. Cleat

9. Assembly channel or female face

10. Portion of rail

11. Rigidity bar

12. Fastening element (screws)

13. Internal insulation

14. Floor

Claims (1)

claims [Claim 1] Modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) provided for fixing to a floor (14), a plurality of connecting cleats (8) designed to provide the junction between two neighboring wall elements (1), and a plurality rail portions (10), provided for joining the wall elements (1) and the floor (14); - each wall element (1) comprising an internal square or rectangular frame (2) and two identical opposite panels (3, 4) fixed on either side of the frame (2), the surface of the frame (2) being less than the surface of the panels (3, 4) to form four female faces (9) of depth PI for the sides and P2 for the top and the bottom; - Each cleat (8) comprising an internal batten (5) and an external batten (6) between which is disposed a middle insulator (7). [Claim 2] A modular building system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) according to claim 1, wherein the internal batten (5), the external batten (6) and the middle insulation (7) form a unified composite sandwich. [Claim 3] A modular building system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) according to claim 1, wherein the internal batten (5), the external batten (6) and the median insulation (7) consist of separate parts. [Claim 4] Modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rail portions (10) have a height equal to or less than the depth P2 of the female faces (9). [Claim 5] Modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one stiffness bar (11) of height equal to or less than the depth P2 of the female faces (9). [Claim 6] A modular building system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wall elements (1) have an internal insulation (13) disposed between the two side panels (3, 4). [Claim 7] Modular construction system comprising a plurality of wall elements (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the depths PI and P2 of the female faces (9) are identical. [Claim 8] Construction method for modular construction system according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: i) fixing a plurality of rail portions (10) to the floor (14); ii) placing a wall element (1) on at least one portion (10) of the rail so that the rail at least partially fits into the female face (9) located under the wall element; iii) assembly of a cleat (8) in a female face (9) of the wall element (1) on one side where another wall element (1) is provided; iv) assembly of another wall element (1) on the one hand on at least one portion (10) of rail so that the rail at least partially fits into the female face (9) located under the element on the wall, and on the other hand by inserting into the female face (9) on the side of the wall element previously installed the cleat (8) already in place; v) final assembly and securing using fastening elements (12); vi) repeating steps iii to v depending on the number of wall elements (1) to be installed. [Claim 9] Construction method according to claim 8, in which each cleat consists of an internal batten (5), an external batten (6) and a median insulator (7) forming separate parts, and in which the laying of a cleat comprises the following steps: the internal batten (5) is positioned against the frame (2) and the first panel (3); the external batten (6) is positioned against the frame (2) and the second panel (4); -the middle insulator (7) is fixed between the slats (5, 6); -the neighboring wall element (1) is assembled against the cleat (8) with insertion of the latter into the adjacent female face (9).