EP1179644A1 - Prefabricated modular building, foldable and transportable - Google Patents

Abstract

The building module, designed to be transportable by road, rail or air within the volume of a rigid central section (1) with a frame preferably of metal, has two folding side sections, each with a roof (2, 5), wall (3, 6) and floor (4, 7) members. The roof member of each side section is hinged to the fixed roof of the rigid central section, and the floor member is hinged to the floor of the central section, with the wall member hinged to the outer ends of both roof and floor members. The folding side sections are deployed from the central rigid section in stages to form the extended building once delivered to its site.

Description

Subject of the invention

The present invention relates to a prefabricated and folding building for transport by road, rail or sea example, in a single trip and can be quickly assembled on site using own means.

State of the art

The problem of folding buildings and transportable has already often been studied and many solutions have been proposed.

However, existing solutions are few convincing, due to the mechanical complications they are often not the subject of industrial production and / or marketing extended.

Document EP-A-0 362 323 proposes a extremely thorough solution for a prefabricated building on one level or at least on one floor, foldable, compatible with road transport, which can occupy two volumes extremes. A first volume corresponds to the building completely folded and its dimensions are reduced to loading template. A second volume corresponds to building fully deployed on site and habitable. The building consists of a rigid structure and non-deformable, formed by a frame, at least one deck mobile, pillars and uprights on which are articulated various rigid panels. When the building is deployed, you get a floor or several floors superimposed, defining the living area. Many Embodiments of the invention are described. However these have a great complexity of arrangement, this which results in long, complex or delicate as well as significant manufacturing costs.

Document FR-A-2 557 620 proposes a house folding, some of which constitute the structure allow, once the house is folded, to obtain a container conforming to ISO standards. The structure includes an axial span made in the form of a ladder beam which gives the house stability and bracing by extended position and longitudinal flexural strength container in the folded position.

GB-A-2,031,045 discloses a foldable building to the road gauge, comprising a central part and two side parts. The roof of each side part is articulated on the central part to allow folding down while the floor of each side part is hinged on the central part to allow folding up. The building is also provided with means causing the simultaneous movement of the roof and floor so that balance the loads and therefore allow folding by one or two people.

Similarly, in document EP-A-138 722, we offer a folding and transportable building having a rigid central part, around which are articulated, along parallel axes, elements of roof and floor, the latter being themselves articulated to side wall elements. When the building is folded down for easy transport, these mobile elements are arranged in parallel planes with each other and parallel to the vertical walls of the central part.

Finally, document DE-A-26 55 677 proposes a folding and transportable building with a sloping roof that can be easily handled on site using a crane. AT this effect, the various rigid elements constituting the building are articulated on a series of axes parallel to the main axis. The building can then be folded under very compact shape.

The different solutions offered have all the disadvantage of presenting complex systems and probably fragile articulation of the elements or fixed panels allowing folding or unfolding.

Aims of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a prefabricated, modular, folding, transportable house and easy to set up on site, whose size is compatible with the fallback and removal mechanisms and which does not have the disadvantages of the state of the technical.

In particular, the invention aims to propose a solution consisting of one or more modules ready to be assembled to ensure the desired final volume.

A purpose complementary to this invention is to provide a folding module constructed with materials with optimum resistance and rigidity, weight, thermal or sound insulation and weatherproof.

Another complementary object of the invention is to offer a folding solution that has a great mechanical simplicity and which makes it possible to decouple the motor mechanism of the modular folding building.

Finally, the invention aims to propose a inexpensive or at least competitive solution by compared to the solutions of the state of the art.

Main characteristic features of the invention

The present invention relates to a module prefabricated folding construction, on one level, according to container size and transportable by road, rail or sea, can occupy two volumes extreme, said volumes corresponding on the one hand to a fully folded position and secondly to a position fully deployed, depending on the position of its elements constituent; including rigid planar elements hinged together and around a rigid central part, comprising a framework, preferably metallic, said rigid central part, in combination with said rigid articulated elements in the folded position, essentially having the shape of a parallelepiped rectangle defining the loading template; said rigid articulated elements arranged in the form of two folding sets constituting the lateral portions of the module and each comprising a roof element, a floor element and side wall element exterior and in the form of gable elements; the side portions fold up so that the corresponding rigid elements are found basically in vertical position and the pinion elements are lying along the long axis of the module, in position fully folded from the module; characterized in that in each of the two lateral portions, the roof element is articulated around a fixed roof element of the central part, the floor element is articulated around a fixed floor element in the central part and the outer side wall element is hinged simultaneously on the one hand with the roof element and on the other part to the corresponding floor element, all joints made along axes parallel to the large axis of the module; the connection between the above elements being permanently maintained during folding and unfolding of the module.

• l'élément de toiture, l'élément de plancher et l'élément de paroi latérale extérieure quittent progressivement leur position essentiellement verticale, dans ou contre la partie centrale rigide, de sorte que d'une part l'angle alpha entre l'élément de plancher et l'élément de paroi latérale augmente, et que d'autre part l'angle beta entre l'élément de paroi latérale et l'élément de toiture reste presque nul, l'élément de paroi latérale et l'élément de toiture restant quasi accolés;
• lorsque l'angle alpha dépasse la valeur de 90°, l'élément de plancher s'écarte significativement de la position verticale et l'angle beta commence à augmenter, tout en restant constamment aigu ;
• dans la situation de déploiement total, l'angle alpha est inférieur ou égal à 270° et l'angle beta est, inférieur ou égal à 90° ;
• les éléments de pignons, qui, dans la situation entièrement repliée, sont rabattus dans ou contre la partie centrale rigide, sont déployés, dans la position finale correspondant à l'état du module entièrement déployé, suite à un mouvement de rotation de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur.

Advantageously, during the deployment phase of said module to pass from the volume corresponding to the fully folded state to the volume corresponding to the fully deployed state, the rigid elements each constituting unfoldable lateral parts, articulated between them and around the rigid central part, during unfolding a series of intermediate positions such as:

• the roof element, the floor element and the external side wall element gradually leave their essentially vertical position, in or against the rigid central part, so that on the one hand the angle alpha between the element floor and the side wall element increases, and on the other hand the angle beta between the side wall element and the roof element remains almost zero, the side wall element and the remaining roof element almost joined;
• when the angle alpha exceeds the value of 90 °, the floor element deviates significantly from the vertical position and the angle beta begins to increase, while remaining constantly acute;
• in the full deployment situation, the alpha angle is less than or equal to 270 ° and the beta angle is, less than or equal to 90 °;
• the pinion elements, which, in the fully folded position, are folded in or against the rigid central part, are deployed, in the final position corresponding to the state of the module fully deployed, following a rotation movement from the inside outwards.

Preferably, said module is provided with a kit assembly fitted with two motor mechanisms, comprising each at least one control cable and one hoist or winch, to allow the module to be unfolded on site.

The invention also relates to a building prefabricated, made up of modules as described above, said modules being juxtaposed on the ground and / or stacked high.

In none of the state of the art solutions technical, we do not find the simultaneous connection by joints of at least one floor, wall element lateral and roof side.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view a building of the folding module type according to the invention, showing in particular the structural elements.

Figure 2.a shows a sectional view transverse of the folding module type building according to the invention, the two side sections of which are fully deployed.

Figure 2.b shows a sectional view transverse of the folding module type building according to the invention, with its lateral sections respectively in folded position, in extended position and in position intermediate.

Figures 2.d and 2.e show, according to a cross-sectional view, the detail of a set of hinged panels according to the invention, respectively in deployed and fully folded position, the elements of which are shown in Figure 2.c.

Figure 2.f represent, according to a view in cross section, two sets of three panels articulated, according to Figure 2.e, assembled on a frame Central.

Figures 3.a to 3.e show the unfolding sequence of a set of three panels articulated according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

In order to verify the feasibility of the invention, a study was carried out including an analysis of kinematics and a summary calculation of the structure taking into account the forces due to the unfolding.

Design and choice of materials

The choice of materials is made by several levels: mechanism, framework, covering elements, insulation, waterproofing, etc. Extensive research was carried out in particular in the field of panels prefabricated. Numerical comparisons (resistance, weight, insulation and rigidity) were made to select materials, taking into account folding possibilities.

We have selected components that meet the resistance criteria and also with advantages in terms of cost and aesthetics.

• des panneaux sandwich avec noyau en mousse de polyuréthane et revêtements variables : il s'agit de panneaux composés de deux « peaux » collées par une mousse de polyuréthane ;
• des panneaux sandwich avec ossature en bois (cadre et traverses) sur laquelle sont fixées de part et d'autre des plaques en bois. Une isolation peut être insérée à l'intérieur du panneau ;
• pour les éléments de cuisine et salle de bains, de façon à limiter les coûts de fabrication et de montage, nous avons choisi des solutions entièrement préfabriquées (« prêtes à poser ») dans des modules spécifiques.

The components chosen are:

• sandwich panels with polyurethane foam core and variable coverings: these are panels made up of two "skins" bonded with polyurethane foam;
• sandwich panels with wooden frame (frame and crosspieces) on which are fixed on either side wooden plates. Insulation can be inserted inside the panel;
• for kitchen and bathroom elements, in order to limit manufacturing and assembly costs, we have chosen entirely prefabricated solutions (“ready to install”) in specific modules.

Structural principle

The peculiarity of the invention is the permanent connection, in each module, of the roof, wall and floor. This permanent link is achieved through simultaneous connection by joints of at least one floor, wall element lateral and roof side. These form with the central framework a closed polygon (sectional view). This together constitutes a mechanism with a degree of freedom, analogous to a four bar mechanism.

This peculiarity allows a great simplicity and speed of assembly. Only one operation is required for deployment of roof panels, wall and floor.

The bonding of the panels also avoids overhang during assembly. The panels remain in effect permanently supported on their adjacent elements, the folds avoiding longitudinal bending of the panels.

The assemblies and sealing of the panels are therefore obtained from manufacturing in the workshop, which reduces assembly operations.

The folding building is modular, in this sense that it is obtained by juxtaposing on the ground and / or juxtaposing by height of elementary structures including folding and deployment is described by the present invention.

Benefits and Potential Uses

• simplicité de conception et construction ;
• simplicité et rapidité des opérations de montage, et donc faible coût en termes de main d'oeuvre ;
• éléments mécaniques de pliage et dépliage placés à l'extérieur et pouvant donc être démontés pour d'autres utilisations ;
• emploi rationnel des éléments structuraux ;
• absence de porte-à-faux ;
• fabrication et finition entièrement réalisées en atelier, ce qui permet de mieux résoudre d'éventuels problèmes d'étanchéité ou d'insonorisation ;
• construction aux normes parasismiques en vertu de l'existence d'une ossature métallique extérieure ;
• prix de revient inférieur à celui des solutions de l'état de la technique ;
• solution modulaire donc adaptable aux besoins.

The advantages of the present invention are as follows:

• simplicity of design and construction;
• simplicity and speed of assembly operations, and therefore low cost in terms of labor;
• mechanical folding and unfolding elements placed outside and which can therefore be dismantled for other uses;
• rational use of structural elements;
• absence of overhang;
• manufacturing and finishing entirely carried out in the workshop, which makes it possible to better resolve any sealing or soundproofing problems;
• construction to earthquake-resistant standards by virtue of the existence of an external metal framework;
• cost price lower than that of prior art solutions;
• modular solution therefore adaptable to needs.

• habitations de petite taille avec sanitaires et cuisine;
• abris provisoires pour organisations humanitaires, employant des matériaux légers. Cette solution offre une alternative intéressante aux tentes, généralement utilisées. Ce système est plus facilement montable et offre un meilleur confort et une meilleure résistance aux intempéries et séismes;
• maisons ou bureaux de chantier ;
• auvents de camions-magasins ou de caravanes.

The present invention can be used for many applications such as:

• small dwellings with sanitary facilities and kitchen;
• temporary shelters for humanitarian organizations, using light materials. This solution offers an attractive alternative to tents, which are generally used. This system is more easily mounted and offers better comfort and better resistance to weathering and earthquakes;
• houses or site offices;
• awnings for store trucks or caravans.

Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

According to a particularly preferred form of the invention, the building includes all of the components conventional buildings such as floors, walls, roofs, doors, windows, finish coatings, heating and electrical installation.

The final destination of the building is serve as a home, workshop, office, business or still from the locker room. However, the project aims more particularly a small single family dwelling. A perspective view of a foldable module according to the invention is shown in simplified form in FIG. 1.

The principle of folding mobile elements components of a module is shown in Figure 2.a, in fully deployed version. The position of the elements mobile in the fully folded state is shown in dotted.

• une partie centrale 1 dont le gabarit extérieur est approximativement un parallélépipède rectangle, correspondant à une ossature fixe, par exemple métallique ;
• deux sous-ensembles de trois panneaux mobiles 2,3,4 et 5,6,7, articulés entre eux, autour de pivots 8,9 et 10,11, respectivement, et fixés aux arêtes longitudinales, 12,13 et 14,15 respectivement, de la partie centrale 1;
• deux mécanismes moteurs (non dessinés) disposés sur les pignons du bâtiment, c'est à dire sur les faces perpendiculaires aux ensembles de trois panneaux 2,3,4 et 5,6,7 respectivement.

The set includes:

• a central part 1, the external template of which is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped, corresponding to a fixed framework, for example metallic;
• two subsets of three movable panels 2,3,4 and 5,6,7, hinged together, around pivots 8,9 and 10,11, respectively, and fixed to the longitudinal edges, 12,13 and 14,15 respectively, of the central part 1;
• two motor mechanisms (not drawn) arranged on the gables of the building, that is to say on the faces perpendicular to the sets of three panels 2,3,4 and 5,6,7 respectively.

The three articulated panels correspond to the floor elements 4,7 (articulated on the low edge, 13.15 from the central part 1), roof 2.5 (articulated on the high ridge 12,14 of the central part 1) and at a "wall" element 3,6, which ensures the permanent connection of the first two elements and which can possibly constitute the exterior side wall of the building.

The three articulated floor panels 4,7, roof 2.5 and wall 3.6 are shown individually in Figure 2.c. Said panels are depicted in an articulated manner, in position deployed in Figure 2.d (two hinged panels) and in fully folded position in Figure 2.e. Figure 2.f shows two sets of three panels secured to the central part 1.

During folding / unfolding movements, these three panels remain permanently connected by hinges 8,9,10 and 11. Unfolding a structure articulated individual of three panels goes through all a series of intermediate positions between the position initial folded and the final position completely deployed. One of these intermediate positions is illustrated in Figure 2.b. Each particular position of the set is characterized by a determined value of the angles that form the three elements together, price two to two.

Figures 3.a to 3.f show in 5 steps the unfolding sequence of the folding module type building according to the invention.

The gable walls 16,17,18,19 and the movable interior walls (vertical walls not drawn) are folded inside the part central unit where the equipment of the building (kitchen, sanitary, etc.). The establishment final of the walls 16, 17, 18 and 19 is done at the very end. unfolding (not shown).

The unfolding of the panels 2,3,4 and 5,6,7, which partially constitutes the originality of the present invention, is as follows. To fix the ideas, let's reason on the assembly 2,3,4. At the start, panels 2,3 and 4 are essentially folded vertically against the structure power plant 1. Deployment is initially so that the alpha 20 angle between 4 and 3 increases and that simultaneously the beta angle 21 between 3 and 2 remains almost zero, the two panels 3 and 2 remaining almost joined (Figure 3.a, b, c, d). It follows that the angle alpha 20 reaches 90 °, while the beta 21 angle remains close to 0. When the movement continues, the alpha 20 angle exceeds 90 ° and element 4 begins to leave significantly its vertical position. Its end fixed to the joint 9 describes an arc of circle C1 whose center corresponds to the position of articulation 13, fixed. At this time, the angle beta 21 begins to increase, while remaining acute (Figure 3.e). However, joint 9 in turn describes an arc of circle C2, the center of which corresponds to the position (variable over time) of articulation 8, mobile. AT at any time, joint 9 is forced to be at the intersection of the two circles C1, C2, the joints 12 and 13 remaining fixed in space. At any time, the joint 8 is on an arc centered on the joint 12 and whose radius corresponds to the width of the roof element (2,5). When the angle alpha 20 reaches and exceeds 180 ° (see figure 2.b), the elements 2,3,4 start the movement which will lead to their final positioning, fully positioned deployed. When the deployment of the side parts is finished, the beta 21 angle approaches 90 ° (about 80 ° in our example) and the alpha 20 angle remains less than 270 ° (around 240 ° in our example).

Claims (4)

Prefabricated folding building module, on one level, according to the container template and transportable by road, rail or sea, which can occupy two extreme volumes, said volumes corresponding on the one hand to a fully folded position and on the other hand to a fully deployed position, depending on the position of its components; comprising rigid planar elements (2,3,4; 5,6,7; 16,17; 18,19) articulated between them and around a rigid central part (1), comprising a framework, preferably metallic, said rigid central part, in combination with said rigid articulated elements being in the folded position, essentially having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped defining the loading gauge; said rigid articulated elements being arranged in the form of two folding assemblies constituting the lateral portions of the module and each comprising a roofing element (2,5), a floor element (4,7) and an external side wall element ( 3,6) and in the form of pinion elements (16,17 and 18,19); the lateral portions folding back so that the corresponding rigid elements are essentially in the vertical position and the pinion elements being along the long axis of the module, in the fully folded position of the module; characterized in that , in each of the two lateral portions, the roof element (2,5) is articulated around a fixed roof element of the central part (1), the floor element (4,7) is articulated around a fixed floor element of the central part (1) and the external side wall element (3,6) is articulated simultaneously on the one hand to the roof element (2,5) and d on the other hand to the corresponding floor element (4,7), all the articulations being made along axes parallel to the major axis of the module; the connection between the aforementioned elements (3.6; 2.5 and 4.7) being maintained permanently during the folding and unfolding of the module. Prefabricated module according to claim 1, characterized in that , during the deployment phase of said module to pass from the volume corresponding to the fully folded state to the volume corresponding to the fully deployed state, the rigid elements each constituting the lateral parts unfoldable, hinged together and around the rigid central part, during unfolding take a series of intermediate positions such as: the roof element (2,5), the floor element (4,7) and the external side wall element (3,6) gradually leave their essentially vertical position, in or against the rigid central part (1 ), so that on the one hand the angle alpha (20) between the floor element (4,7) and the side wall element (3,6) increases, and on the other hand beta (21) between the side wall element (3,6) and the roof element (2,5) remains almost zero, the side wall element (3,6) and the roof element (2 , 5) remaining almost joined; when the angle alpha (20) exceeds the value of 90 °, the floor element (4,7) deviates significantly from the vertical position and the angle beta (21) begins to increase, while remaining constantly acute ; in the situation of total deployment, the angle alpha (21) is less than or equal to 270 ° and the angle beta is less than or equal to 90 °; the pinion elements (16, 17, 18, 19), which, in the fully folded position, are folded in or against the rigid central part (1), are deployed, in the final position corresponding to the state of the module fully deployed, following a rotation movement from the inside to the outside. Prefabricated module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said module is provided with a mounting kit provided with two motor mechanisms, each comprising at least one control cable and a hoist or winch, in order to allow the unfolding of the module on the site. Prefabricated building, characterized in that said building consists of prefabricated modules according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said modules being juxtaposed on the ground and / or stacked in height.

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