CN112639232A

CN112639232A - Constructional element

Info

Publication number: CN112639232A
Application number: CN201980057119.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 加布里埃尔·拉卡托斯
Original assignee: Braddock Ltd
Current assignee: Braddock Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-10
Filing date: 2019-09-04
Publication date: 2021-04-09
Also published as: DOP2021000037A; BE1026597B1; MX2021002334A; BR112021004179A2; CA3111044A1; WO2020053047A1; EP3850168B1; CR20210107A; BE1026597A1; EP4372167A2; AU2019339595A1; ZA202101466B; EP3850168A1; US20210189723A1; MA53590A

Abstract

The invention relates to a construction element (10) comprising a frame (1) and a block (2) which can slide in the frame (1) when subjected to an external force. The blocks (2) can thus form a tenon between two superposed frames (1) forming a mortise. A plurality of construction elements (10) laterally fixed together form a module (100) which can be assembled in a manner offset from one level to another to form a wall.

Description

Constructional element

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a construction element enabling, for example, the construction of a wall or vertical panel.

Background

Document US3885363A describes a construction element comprising a preformed insulating insert placed in a cavity of a concrete frame. Such construction elements may be used for constructing walls, for example by assembling the construction elements with mortar. Such assembly requires precision to ensure proper alignment of the construction elements and time for accurate placement of the mortar.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a construction element which is easy and quick to assemble and which does not require mortar.

The present invention provides a construction element comprising:

a frame comprising a cavity which is open by an upper opening and a lower opening, an

A block arranged to move in the cavity in a first direction under the action of an external pressure,

and remains at least partially blocked in the cavity in the absence of external pressure,

wherein the upper end of the block is adapted to engage the upper opening of the cavity and is adapted to engage the lower opening of the cavity.

In the present invention, when the two frames are stacked such that the cavities are aligned, the upper end portion of the block may be engaged in the cavity of the upper frame, and the lower end portion of the block may be engaged in the cavity of the lower frame. The block itself thus serves as a means for fixing and aligning between the construction element and a second identical construction element. It is therefore not necessary to place mortar between two superposed construction elements.

The fixation between two superposed construction elements is particularly strong, since the block is blocked in the cavity when no forces other than gravity are exerted on it. The two frames can be considered to be tightly fixed to the block.

The fact that the block can move in the frame provides flexibility in the relative position of the block with respect to the frame. In addition, this makes it possible to push each block into the frame as far as possible during transport, in order to reduce the transport volume, and during transport and on the construction site before construction, the block is at least partially protected by the frame.

The block remains locked in the cavity by lateral mechanical compression when the block is not subjected to pressure in the first direction, but moves relative to the frame when the block is subjected to external pressure in the first direction. The block is designed to be tightly inserted into the cavity. Preferably, the first direction is a vertical direction when the wall is constructed with the construction element.

The block may for example be made of a compressible material or have a surface structure enabling movement under pressure and blocking in the absence of pressure.

The block is such that the action of a force causes the block to slide in the cavity, but if the block is not subjected to a force other than gravity, the block is wedged immovably in the cavity. Preferably, the manual force is sufficient to slide the blocks into the frame.

For purposes herein, "external pressure" is a pressure sufficient to move the block in the cavity. The force corresponding to the external pressure is greater than the gravity force, so that the block remains fixed by the frame when it is subjected to the action of the gravity force only. Preferably, the external pressure is a pressure in the first direction.

Preferably, the construction element is arranged to weigh less than 20kg, more preferably less than 15 kg. For example, a prototype of a 300mm by 300mm construction element in which the frame is made of OSB and the expanded polystyrene block is about 4 kg.

Preferably, the frame is an object formed by a plurality of flat panels parallel to the first direction so as to define the cavity in any direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, each panel may be formed from a plate. Preferably, the frame is free of grooves on its outer surface.

The cavity is designed so that the block can slide from its lower end to its upper end.

For example, the height of the frame may be between 100 and 800mm, preferably about 300 mm. For example, the depth of the frame may be between 100 and 800mm, preferably about 300 mm. For example, the width of the frame may be between 100 and 800mm, preferably about 300 mm. The thickness of the panel of the frame is for example between 10 and 30mm, preferably about 18 mm. The frame may be cubic, for example.

One function of the frame is to provide an outer panel of the wall. The frame also enables a plurality of construction elements to be permanently fixed together to form a module that can be detached from each other. Thus, the wall may be constructed by placing modules that are offset (e.g., staggered) from each other.

Preferably, the frame is made of a heat insulating material.

Preferably, the upper opening of the cavity is located at the upper end of the frame and the lower opening of the cavity is located at the lower end of the frame. Preferably, the upper opening of the cavity is the same as the lower opening of the cavity.

Preferably, the mass is a solid and a filler. Preferably, the block is formed from a homogeneous and isotropic material. The block is thermally insulated. For example, the block may be made of or include expanded polystyrene, graphitized expanded polystyrene, or polyurethane foam. The mass may for example be made of one or more materials having a young's modulus of more than 1.0GPa, preferably between 2.0 and 4.0GPa, more preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 GPa. When the block is partially engaged in the cavity of the frame, the block is sufficiently rigid to block the frame. Preferably, the block is made of a fire retardant material.

Preferably, the blocks extend between all side panels of the frame so as to be in contact with the frame. Preferably, when the block is partially housed in two superimposed frames, the block is such that it extends between all the side panels of the two frames so as to be in contact with the frames.

Preferably, the height of the block is equal to the height of the frame.

Preferably, the blocks extend laterally between portions of the surface forming a triangle, rectangle or square. Preferably, these surface portions comprise a flat portion intended to come into contact with the inner surface of the cavity and a recessed portion for forming a chamfer at the upper end of the block.

For example, the height of the block may be between 100 and 800mm, preferably about 300 mm. For example, the depth of the block may be between 100 and 800mm, preferably about 263 mm. For example, the width of the block may be between 100 and 800mm, preferably about 263 mm. Preferably, the width of the block is equal to the depth of the block.

One function of the blocks is to form the male portions of the interlocking arrangement, while the frame forms the female portions. Another function of the block is to provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cavity and the block are such that the block can enter the cavity through a lower opening of the cavity and can exit through an upper opening of the cavity.

Thus, the block can be slid completely out of the cavity.

In one embodiment of the invention, the absolute value of the difference between at least one lateral extent of the cavity and the corresponding lateral extent of the block, measured when the block is outside the cavity, is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

In other words, the lateral extent of the block may be less than, greater than or equal to the lateral extent of the cavity, but the difference between these two extents is preferably less than 3mm, 2mm or 1 mm.

The block is therefore intended to be inserted into the cavity with a particularly tight fit.

For the purposes of this document, the "lateral extent" of an element may be, for example, the length, width, depth of the element. Since the block is intended to be at least partially engaged in the cavity, the lateral extent of the block generally corresponds to the lateral extent of the cavity: for example, the width of the block corresponds to the width of the cavity and the depth of the block corresponds to the depth of the cavity.

The absolute value of the difference between the lateral extent of the block and the lateral extent of the corresponding cavity is preferably less than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5% of the lateral extent of the block.

The block may be sufficiently compressible in the lateral direction such that the lateral extent of the block is reduced when the block is at least partially engaged in the cavity.

In one embodiment of the invention, the absolute value of the difference between the width of the cavity and the width of the block measured when the block is outside the cavity is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, more preferably less than 1mm, and/or the absolute value of the difference between the depth of the cavity and the depth of the block measured when the block is outside the cavity is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the upper end of the block is chamfered and/or the corners of the upper end of the block are rounded.

This chamfer makes it possible to reduce the width and/or the depth of the block at its upper end, so that the block can be easily introduced into the cavity through the lower opening of the frame, in particular if the lateral dimensions of the block outside the cavity are close to those of the corresponding cavity. For example, the chamfer may be about 1 cm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises side panels laterally delimiting the cavity, and the block is intended to be in mechanical contact with all the side panels of the frame when it is at least partially blocked in the cavity.

This ensures a particularly firm barrier and particularly good insulation, since the insulating effect of the block extends over the entire width and depth of the construction element. Preferably, the mechanical contact of the block with all the side panels accounts for at least 50% or 80% of the height of the block in the cavity.

In one embodiment of the invention, the height of the frame is substantially equal to the height of the block. For the purposes of the present invention, the "height" of an object is preferably the maximum distance between the lower end and the upper end of the object.

In one embodiment of the invention, the frame and the block have a polygonal, hexagonal, rectangular, triangular or square cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Preferably, the horizontal cross-section of the frame and blocks is rectangular, more preferably square.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cavity is defined by a flat surface parallel to the first direction.

Thus, the planar surfaces defining the cavity are not inclined with respect to the first direction. In particular, this avoids any narrowing of the cavity upwards or downwards.

In one embodiment of the invention, the frame is at least partially made of wood and/or polymer.

The frame may be any material including wood. The frame may for example be made of so-called oriented strand board, which is sometimes also referred to as OSB. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is also possible. The frame may also be made of a polymer.

Preferably, the frame does not comprise concrete. In practice, concrete panels should be much thicker than wood and/or polymer panels, which can make the building element heavy.

Furthermore, the invention provides an assembly comprising a first and a second construction element, wherein the frame of the second construction element is placed on the frame of the first construction element and the block of the first construction element is mechanically blocked in the cavity of the frame of the first construction element and in the cavity of the frame of the second construction element. Preferably, the assembly does not comprise any adhesive means between the frame of the first construction element and the frame of the second construction element.

The invention also provides a construction module comprising first and second construction elements according to any embodiment of the invention, and wherein the frame of the first construction element is laterally fixed to the frame of the second construction element, for example by screwing and/or gluing. Preferably, the different construction elements of the module are identical.

In an embodiment of the invention, the construction module further comprises a third construction element according to any embodiment of the invention, which third construction element is laterally fixed to the frame of the second construction element. Preferably, the three construction elements of the module are aligned or arranged in the corners.

The invention also provides a wall comprising at least three construction modules according to any embodiment of the invention, wherein at least one first construction module of the construction modules comprises:

a first block located in the first cavity of the first construction block on the one hand and in the cavity of the second construction block on the other hand, and

a second block located in the second cavity of the first construction module on the one hand and in the cavity of the third construction module on the other hand.

The modules are thus arranged offset with respect to one another in order to obtain a particularly strong wall. Additionally, the wall may also include a stud secured to the plurality of construction modules. This increases the stability of the wall.

The wall may also comprise a plate to which some of the construction elements are fixed, the frame of the construction elements fixed to the plate comprising an undercut which receives at least an upper portion of the plate. The panel may be referred to as a wall panel.

The invention also proposes a building comprising at least one construction element according to any embodiment of the invention, or a module according to any embodiment of the invention, or a wall according to any embodiment of the invention.

The invention also proposes a method of constructing a wall or vertical panel, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first frame comprising a cavity that opens through an upper opening and a lower opening,

(b) providing a second frame comprising a cavity, the cavity being open through an upper opening and a lower opening,

(c) providing a block arranged to move in the cavity of the first frame under the action of an external pressure in a first direction and to remain at least partially blocked in the cavity of the first frame in the absence of an external pressure, and to move in the cavity of the second frame under the action of an external pressure in a first direction and to be at least partially blocked in the cavity of the second frame in the absence of an external pressure, and

(d) the block is engaged in the upper opening of the cavity of the first frame and in the lower opening of the cavity of the second frame.

The advantages mentioned for the device apply mutatis mutandis also for the method.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings for understanding the description, in which:

figure 1a is a vertical section of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 1b is a horizontal section of a frame forming part of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 1c is a horizontal section of a block forming part of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 1d is a three-dimensional view of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 2 is a vertical section of an assembly of two construction elements according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of a construction block according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 4 is a vertical section of a construction module according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 5a is a vertical section of an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 5b is a vertical view of a frame that can be used in the assembly of figure 5a,

FIG. 6 is a vertical view of a wall according to an embodiment of the invention, an

Figure 7 is a vertical view of a wall comprising a window according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention is described in particular embodiments and with reference to the drawings, but the invention is not limited by these embodiments or the drawings. The drawings or figures described are only schematic and are not limiting.

In the context of this document, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish between different elements and do not imply any order between these elements.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements may bear the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1a to 1d show an example of a frame 1 and an example of a block 2, which may be part of a construction element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

For the purposes of this description, the first direction 101 is preferably considered to be a vertical direction.

The frame 1 comprises a cavity 22. The cavity 22 passes through the frame 1 between the upper end of the frame 1 and the lower end of the frame 1. The cavity 22 is opened by an upper opening 22a and a lower opening 22b which are opposed to each other.

The frame 1 comprises side panels 23, for example two first panels 1a (front and rear panels) and two second panels 1b (left and right panels). Preferably, the second panel 1b is laterally blocked between the two first panels 1 a. This can be seen in fig. 1 b.

The block 2 is arranged to mechanically wedge into the cavity 22 when no external pressure is exerted on the block 2, and the block 2 is moved in the first direction 101 when the block 2 is subjected to an external pressure capable of moving in the first direction 101.

The block 2 has an upper end 25 and a lower end 26. Preferably, the upper end 25 of the block 2 is arranged to engage in the upper and

lower openings

22a, 22b of the cavity 22 according to the first direction 101. Thus, the upper end 25 of the block 2 can be engaged in the upper opening 22a of the cavity of the first frame 1 and in the lower opening 22b of the cavity of the second frame 1, the second frame 1 being identical to the first frame 1 and being located above the first frame 1.

More preferably, the entire block 2 can be inserted into the cavity 22 following the upper end 25 of the block 2. Preferably, the block 2 has a chamfer 21 on one edge of its upper end 25, so that it can be easily inserted into the frame 1.

Preferably, the block 2 is able to slide in the frame 1 along the first direction 101 and, in the absence of pressure, its dimensions are chosen such that the block 2 is mechanically blocked in the frame 1.

Preferably, the frame 1 and the block 2 have a square horizontal section, but may have another shape while remaining within the object of the invention.

Fig. 1a shows the block 2 partially inserted into the cavity 22 of the frame 1 such that it protrudes from the cavity 22 at its upper end 25. The figure shows the height 51 of the frame 1 and the height 52 of the block 2.

Fig. 1b shows the width 53 and depth 55 of the cavity 22. In particular, fig. 1c makes it possible to show the width 54 of the block 2 and the depth 56 of the same.

Fig. 2 shows two stacked construction elements 10. The block 2 of the lower construction element 10 has its upper end 25 partially engaged in the frame 1 of the upper construction element 10. The construction element 10 is assembled in the following way: the block 2 is offset with respect to the frame 1 so that the block 2 is partially housed in two frames superposed on each other to interlock one construction element to the other.

Fig. 3 and 4 show a construction module 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The construction block 100 comprises a plurality of construction elements 10 according to the invention, for example two construction elements 10 for the block 100 shown in fig. 3 and three construction elements 10 for the block 100 shown in fig. 4. Preferably, the construction elements 10 are fixed together by the side panels at the joint 3 between the two frames 1, so that they are at the same height. Preferably, a single plate forms the front panel 1a of the frame 1 of the plurality of construction elements 10 and a single plate forms the rear panel 1a of the frame 1 of the plurality of construction elements. Preferably, the blocks 2 of different construction elements can be moved independently.

Fig. 5a shows a possible assembly with a construction element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The assembly is particularly advantageous for forming walls of minimal level. For example, the assembly may comprise a base block 8, a sealing layer 7, a plate 5 and a construction element 10.

The base block 8 is, for example, a Ytong block aligned in a direction perpendicular to the plane of fig. 5 a. The sealing layer 7 is made of, for example, an EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) foil. Preferably, the plate 5, which may be called a wall plate, is fixed to the base block 8 by means for fixing or screws 9. As shown in fig. 5b, the construction element 10 has a frame 1 in which the second panel 1b is shortened, the construction element 10 being arranged such that the plate 5 is engaged between the first panels 1a and preferably abuts against the lower end of the second panel 1 b. Means for fixing or screws 6 may be used to fix the first panel 1a to the plate 5.

Fig. 5b shows a frame 1, the second panel 1b of which is shorter than the first panel 1a to form a channel 16 arranged to accommodate at least an upper portion of the plate 5.

Fig. 6 shows a wall 200 comprising

modules

100, 100a, 100b, 100c and uprights 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. For clarity, only certain blocks are shown. These blocks are shown in phantom to indicate that the blocks are hidden inside the module.

Preferably, the modules 100 are arranged vertically offset such that a first portion of an upper module rests on a first lower module and a second portion of the upper module rests on a second lower module. In addition, this enables the first block 120 and the second block 130 belonging to the first module 100a to be located partially in the first module 100a and partially in the second module 100b and the third module 100c, respectively. This results in a mechanical coupling between the second module 100b and the third module 100c through the first module 100 a.

For example, at the top of the wall 200, the upper end of the protruding block may be cut away, or a block of lower height may be provided, so that the resulting wall has a horizontal surface.

The uprights 4, which may also be called rafters, are fixed to the plurality of superposed construction elements, for example by means of screws or nails.

Fig. 7 shows a portion of the wall comprising the window 11. The window 11 is a part of an open wall. The window is delimited, for example, by a bottom lower plate 14, a top upper plate 15 and a lateral construction element 10. Preferably, the upper plate 15 rests on the second panel 1b of two of these lateral construction elements, which can be referred to as first lateral construction elements 10 c. The wall also comprises a lintel 12 located above the upper plate 15 and the first lateral construction elements 10 c. The lintel 12 is a construction module in which the two second panels 1b of the central construction element 10a are shorter than the two first panels 1a and one of the two second panels 1b of the end construction elements 10b is shorter than the two first panels 1 a. The block 2 of the first lateral construction element 10c is partially inserted in the cavity of the end construction element 10 b.

In other words, the invention relates to a construction element 10 comprising a frame 1 and a block 2, the block 2 being slidable in the frame 1 when subjected to an external force. The blocks 2 can thus form a tenon between two superposed frames 1 forming a mortise. The construction elements 10 laterally fixed together form a module 100 which can be assembled horizontally from one horizontal offset to another to form a wall.

The present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, which are exemplary only and should not be considered as limiting. In general, the invention is not limited to the examples shown and/or described above. Use of the verbs "comprise", "include", "consist" or any other variation and combination thereof in no way excludes the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article "a", "an" or "the" to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. Reference signs in the claims do not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A construction element (10) comprising:

-a frame (1) comprising a cavity (22) which is opened by an upper opening (22a) and a lower opening (22b), and

-a block (2) arranged to move in the cavity (22) in a first direction (101) under the action of an external pressure and to remain at least partially blocked in the cavity (22) in the absence of the external pressure,

wherein an upper end (25) of the block (2) is engageable with the upper opening (22a) of the cavity (22) and with the lower opening (22b) of the cavity (22).

2. Construction element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (22) and the block (2) are such that the block (2) can enter the cavity through its lower opening (22b) and can exit through its upper opening (22 a).

3. Construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absolute value of the difference between at least one lateral extent (53; 55) of the cavity (22) and the corresponding lateral extent (54; 56) of the block (2), measured when the block (2) is external to the cavity (22), is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

4. Construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absolute value of the difference between the width (53) of the cavity (22) and the width (54) of the block (2) measured when the block (2) is outside the cavity (22) is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, more preferably less than 1mm, and/or the absolute value of the difference between the depth (55) of the cavity (22) and the depth (56) of the block (2) measured when the block (2) is outside the cavity (22) is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

5. Construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper end (25) of the block (2) is chamfered and/or the corners of the upper end (25) of the block (2) are rounded.

6. Construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) comprises side panels (1a, 1b) laterally delimiting the cavity (22), and wherein the block (2) is intended to be in mechanical contact with all the side panels (1a, 1b) of the frame (1) when the block is at least partially blocked in the cavity (22).

7. Construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height (51) of the frame (1) is substantially equal to the height (52) of the block (2).

8. Construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (22) is delimited by a flat surface parallel to the first direction (101).

9. Construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) is at least partially made of wood and/or polymer.

10. An assembly comprising a first and a second construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) of the second construction element (10) is placed on the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) and the block (2) of the first construction element (10) is mechanically blocked in the cavity (22) of the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) and in the cavity (22) of the frame (1) of the second construction element (10).

11. A construction module (100) comprising a first and a second construction element (10) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) is laterally fixed to the frame (1) of the second construction element (10), for example by screwing and/or gluing.

12. Construction module (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a third construction element according to any of claims 1 to 9, which is laterally fixed to the frame (1) of the second construction element (10).

13. A wall (200) comprising at least three construction modules (11) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one first construction module (100a) of said construction modules comprises:

a first block (120) located in a first cavity of the first construction block (100a) on the one hand and in a cavity of the second construction block (100b) on the other hand, and

-a second block (130) located in a second cavity of said first building block (100a) on the one hand, and in a cavity of a third one (100c) of the building blocks on the other hand.

14. A building comprising at least one construction element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, an assembly according to claim 10, a module according to any one of claims 11 to 12 or a wall according to claim 13.

15. A method of constructing a wall (200) or vertical panel, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first frame (1) comprising a cavity (22) which is opened by an upper opening (22a) and a lower opening (22b),

(b) providing a second frame (1) comprising a cavity (22) which is opened by an upper opening (22a) and a lower opening (22b),

(c) providing a block (2) arranged to move in the cavity (22) of the first frame (1) under the action of an external pressure in a first direction (101) and to remain at least partially blocked in the cavity (22) of the first frame (1) in the absence of an external pressure, and to move in the cavity (22) of the second frame (1) under the action of an external pressure in the first direction (101) and to be at least partially blocked in the cavity (22) of the second frame (1) in the absence of an external pressure, and

(d) -engaging the block (2) in the upper opening (22a) of the cavity (22) of the first frame (1) and in the lower opening (22b) of the cavity (22) of the second frame (1).