EP1185745A1

EP1185745A1 - Beam arrangement comprising a linking element for dwelling

Info

Publication number: EP1185745A1
Application number: EP99972707A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jacques Vanbeveren
Original assignee: Nv De Betaalbare Woningen
Current assignee: Nv De Betaalbare Woningen
Priority date: 1998-11-20
Filing date: 1999-11-22
Publication date: 2002-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-22
Also published as: WO2000031353A1; EP1185745B1; BE1012306A5

Abstract

The invention concerns a beam arrangement for building houses, in particular wooden houses, comprising rows of beams (20, 20') placed one above the other, said walls being assembled in certain zones forming angle junctions, wherein the angle beams are joined together by a linking element (10) provided between two superposed rows of adjacent beams at a height corresponding to the angle junction zones, the beams having two opposite mutually linking surfaces arranged to co-operate with the corresponding surfaces of an adjacent beam, one of said surfaces having a support function, while the other has a resting function. The invention is characterised in that the supporting surface has a profile with two parallel longitudinal tenons (21, 22) forming between them a longitudinal groove (24), while the opposite resting surface has at least one parallel longitudinal mortise (31, 32), the tenons (21, 22) and the mortise(s) (31, 32) respectively co-operating with each other so as to leave between the support and rest surfaces of the superposed beams a space (33) forming a housing for receiving the linking element (10).

Description

BEAM ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A LINK FOR HOUSING

The present invention relates to an arrangement comprising a connecting element intended for the construction of chalet-type dwellings, in particular of wood in which said dwellings have walls which consist of a series of superimposed beams, in which the walls meet in specific areas with the formation of corner connections.

In known dwellings of this type, the aforementioned beams are provided with partial recesses in said zones, in particular when an outer and inner wall meet. These recesses are such that the beams which join can engage each other with the formation of an angle link which has a certain solidity.

However, the aforementioned known device has the disadvantage that there is a localized formation of projecting parts at the ends of each level of beam. This causes the consumption of a large amount of material which makes no contribution in itself to the constitution of the wall itself, so that this represents a waste of materials.

In addition, these protruding wall portions cause problems when the exterior side of such a dwelling is to be coated and the coating material is of the panel, plastering, and the like type.

In order to remedy this drawback, structures of the above type have been proposed in BE 871.546 in which the beams can, in the aforementioned areas where the walls meet, be placed one against the other without the formation of projecting parts. More particularly, a metal corner piece is known which is intended for prefabricated dwellings whose walls are formed by mutually superimposed beams. Each beam is fitted with along its upper edge a longitudinal tenon, while the lower edge thereof is provided with a longitudinal mortise. The tenon and the mortise of adjacent beams cooperate mutually so as to thus ensure a mechanical connection. For the mutual transverse positioning of beams, use is made of dowels or connecting pins which are arranged along the aforementioned mortises in orifices provided for this purpose which are formed in the beam. The beams used thus have a single tenon profile, also called "monodent".

However, these constructions have shortcomings in terms of stability in a large number of applications which result from the fact that the connecting element used has a substantially flat profile and therefore does not make a significant contribution to stability. beams that it is supposed to connect together. Added to this is the fact that an air current is also formed with such construction elements which is due to the presence of a gap. It is true that the gap is small but it is nevertheless sufficient to allow the formation of a draft, which is inconvenient for dwellings.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the problems mentioned above. Thus, it is proposed according to the invention, an arrangement as defined in main claim 1. The structure obtained by the arrangement according to the invention thus has a series of advantages which are set out below.

A considerably more stable construction is obtained, which is particularly useful in the case of the superposition of a large number of beams, where it even becomes essential. Indeed, this advantage results directly from the double tenon profile whose section has two teeth.

The substantial thickness of the connecting element itself also contributes to increased stability of the construction.

Another advantage is the elimination of the formation of air currents between adjacent beams. This also provides a markedly improved firebreak effect for a wall obtained thanks to the invention, which is a particularly critical point for wooden constructions. As a result, there is no risk of fire spreading due to any air circulation.

In addition, walls are obtained having considerably improved acoustic insulation.

The last aforementioned effects are further improved by the extent to which the wall of dwellings, in particular exterior, consists of a double wall as defined below.

Another advantage which results therefrom also resides in a very marked improvement in the thermal insulation of the interior space of the house with respect to the exterior.

Other advantages and features of the invention are defined in the subclaims.

The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a wall made up of beams assembled together by connecting elements according to the invention, as well as to this latter element.

Some exemplary embodiments according to the invention are described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

The same references relate to identical or analogous elements.

Figure 1 is a partial sectional perspective view of a corner construction of two walls according to the invention provided with a connecting element according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1 showing a variant of the aforementioned connecting element. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial view from above of the arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Figure 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of a connecting element.

Figure 6, respectively 7 is an elevational view, respectively from above of the aforementioned connecting element.

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view of an alternative embodiment of the nesting of two beams according to the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the walls of a housing construction are formed by beams, 20, 20 'which are mutually superimposed. The beams, 20, 20 'are provided at their top surface or bearing surface with two longitudinal and parallel tenons 21, 22, while at their base or bearing surface, they are provided with two longitudinal and substantially parallel mortises 31, 32. The mortises 31, 32 of an upper beam 20 'can be placed on the tenon 21, and respectively 22 of a beam 20 lying below the latter 20', so as to prevent displacement lateral mutual of these beams 20, 20 '. In this regard, the outline of each of the mortises 31, 32 is specially adapted to the contours of the top portions of the corresponding tenons 31, 32 so as to ensure good fitting of one into the other.

In an alternative embodiment shown schematically in Figure 11, the aforementioned base surface of the beams may have only one mortise, allowing to fit the two aforementioned tenons in one piece.

The beam has an upper face having a profile complementary to the profile of the lower face. The profile of the upper face has, in addition to the two parallel longitudinal tenons forming between them a longitudinal mortise, also two horizontal longitudinal edges 46. The profile of the lower face has, in addition to the two parallel longitudinal mortises forming between them the aforementioned separation rib, two lateral longitudinal edges 36.

Preferably, the sides 25, 26 of the tenons 21, 22 are slightly inclined, as well as the corresponding sides 35, 36 of the mortises 31, 32. This allows an easier superposition of the beams according to an adapted interlocking.

A connecting element 10 is arranged between each upper beam 20 ′ and each lower angle beam 20 respectively in a space 33 which is formed between the two aforementioned tenons 21 and 22, which space 33 in turn forms a groove serving for the reception of the aforementioned connecting element 10. The separation between the two mortises 31, 32 is formed, conversely, by a slightly projecting rib 34 whose height is substantially smaller than that of the outer edges 36.

In addition, the height of the separation rib 34 is also substantially less than the depth of the receiving groove 24 with which the latter cooperates intimately. This significant difference in height between the corresponding central engagement elements 24, 34 respectively leaves a space serving as housing for the aforementioned connecting element 10 which is such that a rather small clearance is left between the various elements present. This ensures extremely stable positioning of the connecting element 10 between two adjacent beams 20, 20 ′, in all directions: whether between two levels of mutually adjacent horizontal beams or also between the orientation beams which must be connected together in the wall junctions. This therefore makes it possible to house a connecting element 10, which is remarkable for the significant thickness which it has, between two superimposed beams 20, 20 '. A very stable bond can therefore be obtained in this way.

The connecting element 10 is provided with anchoring elements 1, 2 which ensure an effective all-round connection of adjacent beams 20, 20 'between them. The anchoring elements 1, 2 consist of projections which can advantageously be formed by anchoring pins, of for example cylindrical appearance, which extend through the connecting element 10, on either side of the plane formed by it, as also shown in FIG. 2 and transversely with respect to it. Passages 18 are advantageously provided at different locations of the connecting element 10 so as to allow the passage through these of the anchoring elements as indicated by the arrow designated by F in FIG. 5. At least one passage per wing 10 of connecting element is provided, preferably in each end zone thereof and at a certain distance from said end, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7.

A certain play can advantageously be provided between the anchoring elements 1, 2 and the respective passages 18 so as to be able to thus absorb any deformation of the material of the beams, in particular in wood, under the effect of variations in temperature and hygrometry. ambient or other climatic factors. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the anchoring elements 1, 2 have a relatively great length, firstly compared to the thickness of the connecting element 10, but also relative to the height of the beams 20, 20 'themselves, for example at least half of these, as is clear from the figure

2. A corresponding bore 28, 38 is provided in the beams so that the anchoring elements 1, 2 are distributed substantially equally during the assembly of the connecting element in the beams, between the beams upper and lower respectively 20, 20 ′ as clearly shown in FIG. 3. It may be useful to provide additional space in the bore 38.

The anchoring elements 1, 2 can also be fixed to the connecting element 10 as shown in FIG. 6, for example by welding or any other similar means. It should be understood, however, that the connecting element 10 may be formed in one piece, its anchoring elements included. The manufacture of the connecting element in one piece allows a production of these one-piece elements in a high quality synthetic material which must have a characteristic of high mechanical resistance, advantageously by an injection molding technology. This also has the advantage that it can be brought to the coupling element thus produced 50 a certain elasticity which has the considerable advantage of absorbing the possible deformations of the beams. This variant is illustrated in FIG. 2.

For the same reason, the number of anchoring elements per wing of connecting elements 10 is preferably limited to one. It may however prove advantageous to provide one, or even more, additional anchoring elements per wing, so as to distribute the force over the entire length of the connecting element. In the latter case, the anchoring elements are distributed regularly along each wing 10.

Advantageously, the connecting element 10 thus forming a connecting stirrup between the beams has two wings 11, 12 which form an angle α between them. The wings advantageously have a prismatic shape with a trapezoidal section as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. This shape adapts perfectly to the configuration of the groove 24 and of the space 33 which is formed between the separation rib 34 and the receiving groove 24.

The trapezoidal shape of the section of the connecting element 10 allows it to be wedged between the two longitudinal tenons 21, 22 ensuring optimum stability when assembling the connecting element between the superimposed rows of adjacent beams. It is clear from Figure 1 that this secure setting can be obtained thanks to the trapezoidal shape of the section.

In addition to secure wedging ensuring optimal stability, the trapezoidal shape also ensures good positioning of the connecting element thanks to the natural introduction obtained from it with the short side of the section facing down as well as it appears from FIG. 1. Thanks to the adequacy of the slopes of the longitudinal tenons cooperating with those of the oblique sides 17 of the trapezoidal prisms, the process of setting up the connecting stirrup 10 in the receiving groove 33 between the tenons longitudinal is optimal. In addition, thanks to the height of this section, a larger contact surface is obtained between the connecting stirrup on the one hand and the receiving grooves of the beams to be assembled on the other hand, which also ensures a setting better place by the larger contact surface also better insulation with suppression of any draft.

The trapezoidal section is advantageously of the picked type, that is to say a height to width ratio of the section bordering the unit but which can range, for example, from 0.5 to 1.5, and deviating from the lamellar structure either flat or vertical. So a cross section closer to a square where the small base and the large base of the trapezoidal section would be of very close value.

The inner sides facing one another 23, 25 of the studs 21, 22 advantageously have a steeper slope than the outer sides 26 of the latter. This greater slope allows a more convenient sliding insertion and thus greater stabilization of the connecting element 10 between the two pins 21, 22. In order to ensure a good adaptation thereof, a certain play 41, 42 is provided between the side forming the base 14 of the connection profile 10 on the one hand and the bottom 24 of the junction between the two studs 21, 22 on the one hand and between the upper side 15 of the connection profile 10 and the stud separation 34 on the other hand.

The angle α presented in the figures comprises approximately 90 ° thus constituting a right angle making it possible to produce walls at right angles or also T connections by incorporating a T profile not presented instead of an angle profile. 10.

It should be understood that the configurations of wings of connecting elements described here, namely in L or in angle and in T, can be extended to other shapes, such as in cross or in star thus allowing provide more complex matching wall configurations. Likewise, the above-mentioned angle α may be less than 90 ° or, where appropriate, also greater depending on the angle formed by the walls which have to be connected together.

An illustrative and in no way limitative example of magnitude of the different parts of the coupling element 50 is given below. Each wing 1, 2 has a length of approximately 78 mm. The trapezoidal cross section has a height of approximately 11 mm with a small base of 7 mm or more and large of 13 mm. Each anchor rod 1, 2 has a diameter of up to about 7 mm for a length of about 83 mm. The ratio of the large base to the small base of the cross section of the connection profile is of an order of magnitude ranging from 1.5 to 2 approximately and the ratio of the height to the average width measured as average arithmetic of the large base and the small base is between 1 and 1.5, approximately. Another example: the height of the trapezoidal section is preferably equal to at least a third, more preferably at least half of the greatest width of the cross section of the connection profile 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 while preferably not exceeding 1.5.

Furthermore, double wall configurations incorporating the connecting element according to the present invention can also advantageously be used.

It is also necessary to consider here any connecting element having an angular section, that is to say non-round.

The actual assembly of the wall arrangements described above is shown below in its essential and characteristic stages. A first row of beams 20 is installed. Then, in the areas where two walls meet, a connecting element 10 is placed in the receiving groove 33. The anchoring elements 22 are introduced into the corresponding bores 28 of the beams corner 20 of said row. Then installing a second row of beams 20 'by fitting the bearing surface of each of these into the support surface of the beams 20 of the previous row. Finally, the lower bores 38 of the beams 20 ′ are engaged with the anchoring elements 1, 2 already installed with the connecting element 10 installed on the previous row in the corner areas.

Remarkably, the configuration of the beams is perfectly adapted to the shape of the aforementioned connecting element, which, as we have already seen, ensures by the gathered and angular shape of its section, a perfectly shaped connection of the beam / stirrup connection. The establishment of the connecting stirrup 10 is also certain. In this regard, it is housed, during its installation, in the reception space 33 provided for this purpose. He thus finds himself in a situation of stable equilibrium. When at the time of assembly of the wall, the manipulators must act quickly under the time constraint, the connection section can be placed quickly since the connection stirrup proper will automatically wedge in said space between the longitudinal studs. In the case of removable anchor rods 1, 2, these can be easily placed in a second phase by passing them through the passages provided for this purpose through each of the wings 11, 12 of the connecting stirrup and in the holes or bores 28, 38 made in the beams themselves lying in the extension of the aforementioned passages. Thanks to its shape and when the stirrup is put in place, which is carried out correctly at the first stroke, the aforementioned alignment between on the one hand passage in each of the wings and on the other hand bore in the beams will also be ensured on the first stroke. Indeed, thanks to its shape, no angular positioning error with respect to the horizontal can be made by the construction worker or even by a person less experienced during installation, unlike connecting stirrups with a flatter profile.

Claims

1.- Arrangement of beams for the construction of dwellings, in particular of wood, the arrangement comprising at least one wall consisting of rows of beams (20, 20 ′) placed one above the other, the the aforementioned walls joining in certain zones with the formation of corner junction zones, in which the corner beams are joined together by a connecting element (10) which is provided between two superposed rows of adjacent beams at the height of the zones of junction of angles, the beams having two mutually opposite connecting surfaces which are designed to cooperate with the corresponding surfaces of an adjacent beam, one of said surfaces having a support function, while the other has a function d support, characterized in that the support surface has a profile with two parallel longitudinal tenons (21, 22) forming between them a longitudinal groove (24), while the opposite support surface pr feel at least one longitudinal mortise parallel (30; 31, 32), the tenons (21, 22) and respectively mortise (s) (30; 31, 32) being intended to cooperate with each other, so as to leave between the support and support surfaces of superimposed beams a space (33) forming a housing intended to receive the connecting element (10).

2.- Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (10) extends in a plane and has a profile having a cross-sectional shape of picked up shape, in which the thickness represents at least one third, preferably at least half, of the largest width of the cross section of the profile and / or the ratio between the height of the cross section of the aforementioned profile and the average width thereof is between 0.5 and 1.5, preferably between 0.7 and 1.3.

3.- Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cross section of the connecting element (10) has an angular contour.

4.- Arrangement according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the profile of the connecting element (10) has a substantially constant cross section with side surfaces (16, 17) which do not extend mutually parallel and which are turned towards each other so as to define an upper section (15) of the profile which is wider than the base section (14) of said profile.

5.- Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the aforementioned cross section (13) of the connecting element has a trapezoidal shape.

6.- Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile of the connecting element (10) is entirely included in the central receiving groove (24) of the beam.

7.- Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mortise (30) is provided with a separation rib (34) extending substantially centrally and longitudinally relative to the mortise (30), said rib separation (34) thus delimiting two mortises (31, 32) each cooperating intimately with each of the tenons (21, 22) on the one hand, the depth of each mortise (31, 32) corresponding substantially to the height of the tenons (21, 22), while the depth of the central groove (24) is significantly greater than the height of the separation rib (34), so as to leave between the two aforementioned central elements (24, 34) the space (33) forming a housing intended to receive the profile of the connecting element (10).

8.- Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said separation rib (34) has a height which is less than that of the outer edges (35, 36) of the bearing surface.

9.- Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aforementioned connecting element (10) has at least two branches (11, 12), which form an angle (α) between them and which are each provided with at least one anchoring element (1, 2) projecting with respect to the core of the connecting element (10).

10.- Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each branch of the aforementioned connecting element (10) is provided with at least one passage (18) intended for the anchoring elements (1, 2).

11.- Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that each wing (51, 52) of the connecting element is provided with at least one anchoring rod (53) which is attached thereto.

12.- Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the anchor rods (53) and the profile of the connecting element (50) are made in one piece.

13.- Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting element (50) is made of a synthetic material.

14.- Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting element (50) is made of metal.

15.- Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said opening (18) and / or the corresponding anchor rod (1, 2; 53) are located in the end zone of each wing (11 , 12) at a certain distance from the end.

16.- Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beams are made of wood, polyurethane or a composite material.

17.- Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting stirrup (10; 50) has a T-shaped or star-shaped profile.

18.- Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two substantially parallel walls, mutually separated by a gap.

19.- A method of assembling an arrangement of beams according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that a first row of beams (20) is installed, in that one sets up, in areas where two walls meet, a connecting element (10) in the receiving groove (24) ensuring maximum contact between the contact surfaces of the connecting element and pins (21, 22) which wedge this last (10), the anchoring elements (1, 2) being introduced into the corresponding bores (28) of the corner beams (20) of said row, so that a second row of beams (20 ') is then installed ) by fitting the bearing surface of each of these into the support surface of the beams (20) of the previous row, and in that in the corner areas the lower bores (28) of the upper beams are engaged (20 ') with the anchoring elements (1, 2) already installed with the connecting element (10) installed on the previous row.

20.- connecting element for the application of the method according to the preceding claim.