EP1399629B1 - Framework particularly for constructing buildings or structures - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a framework (1) provided in the form of a three-dimensional network, comprised of elongated elements (2) that are joined by joints (3), said joints being simple, economical, easily transportable and able to be assembled by laymen. The framework is characterized in that the joints (3) are identical and each consist of three perpendicular plates (30, 31, 32) and are assembled by interlocking in order to form a star having twelve branches that can receive up to eighteen elements (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a framework, in particular for the construction of buildings or civil engineering structures, this framework being at least composed of several elongated elements, assembled by means of nodes so as to form a continuous three-dimensional network, each node defining a star with twelve branches, these branches being perpendicular to each other, for receiving, in the same plane, at most eight elements and, on each side of said plane, at most four elements inclined with respect to said plane, each node consisting of three plates assembled by interlocking, a central plate forming said plane and two transverse plates assembled perpendicularly to each other and to the central plate passing right through it.

This type of frame has the advantage of being made of elements made of wood, having an ultra light structure, with great physical strength and ensuring the self-supporting elements between them. These frameworks allow a great saving of wood, an automated manufacturing of parts, a simple assembly requiring neither knowledge nor specific materials. In addition, they have the advantage of being presented in the form of a ready-to-assemble assembly, from where easy transport to the site. They also make it possible to produce frames which are easily mounted and can also easily be dismantled without deterioration of the constituent elements.

Such a framework is already known from the publication WO-A-00/19027 the same holder. This frame uses necessarily metal nodes and necessarily assembled by welding or riveting. Once assembled, these nodes therefore have a three-dimensional volume. As a result, they are not nestable or stackable with each other, which leads to very high storage and transport volumes and costs. These nodes are arranged to receive at most sixteen elements, eight in a plane and four on each side of this plane. It is therefore not possible to add elements in the axis of this node. Then each element is fixed on this node by a single screw, generating a pivot point allowing a rotational movement between this element and the node. This freedom of movement can, in some cases, be detrimental to the construction creating a fragile area of the frame. In addition, depending on whether the node is positioned in a corner of the frame or in a door or window opening, it should be partially truncated. As a result, the assembly of the framework required precise identification and positioning of the various nodes, which could only be carried out by a knowledgeable or professional person.

Another frame of this type is also known from the publication US Patent 4,065,220 wherein the nodes are arranged to receive at most eighteen elements. Nevertheless, these nodes consist of metal plates assembled and welded together, forming a three-dimensional volume that generates the disadvantages mentioned above related to their storage and transport. In addition, these nodes have peripheral notches for receiving the elements which necessarily consist of metal tubes, each end of which fits into these notches. This frame is therefore limited to heavy and very rigid constructions, for example for industrial halls.

Another framework is also described in the publication US Patent 5,097,645 wherein the nodes are formed of three interlocking plates orthogonally, each plate having at least four equidistant protuberances for receiving tubes interlocking. This frame is intended and limited to building sets, its mechanical strength is not suitable for building construction.

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a framework made with standard nodes, that is to say all identical regardless of their position in the frame, these nodes can be made easily at lower cost, can be assembled seamless, nor riveting, on the construction site, so can be stored and transported in the disassembled state in a volume and at a very low cost. reduced. These nodes also allow the assembly of two additional elements in the axis of each of the nodes, which allows even more combination. In addition, these nodes can have an additional function of guiding elements when they are through and thus provide greater mechanical strength of the frame.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a framework of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the three plates have a shape and dimensions that are identical, in that the transverse plates comprise at least three outer slots, the median one located in the axis A and two lateral ones located on an axis B perpendicular to the axis A, the median slot extending over a depth at most equal to half the side of said plate and the lateral slots extending to a lower depth to that of the middle slot, said lateral slots being spaced apart by an interval, in that the central plate comprises at least one inner recess defining at least two perpendicular diagonals extending over a distance at least equal to the side of said transverse plates and in that the inner dimension of said inner recess is at least equal to the interval between the two lateral slits of the transverse plates.

In a preferred form of the invention, each node is arranged to receive two complementary elements arranged in the axis A of said node passing through the axis of intersection of said transverse plates, which considerably increases the possibilities of assembly.

The three plates constituting a node may have a shape selected from the group comprising at least one square, circular, octagonal shape, and be made of a material selected from the group comprising at least metal, alloys, wood, glulam , synthetic materials, composite materials.

The central plate may comprise at least four inner slots, arranged around a central recess, these slots being aligned in pairs on the perpendicular diagonals, and having a depth such that the distance separating the bottom of two aligned slots corresponds to the distance 1.

The node advantageously comprises a set of holes distributed in such a way that they allow the elements to be fixed by at least one fastener per element and per plate on which it is assembled. The transverse plates may comprise at least one lightening recess.

The section of the elements can be chosen from the group comprising at least one square, rectangular, round, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular shape.

The elements may consist of a single piece and have at least one slot arranged to fit on at least one of the plates of said node and at least one through hole arranged to receive at least one connecting member. Some elements may comprise at their ends two perpendicular slots arranged to fit at the point of intersection of two plates of said node and at least two through holes oriented perpendicularly between them arranged to receive each at least one connecting member.

In another alternative embodiment, elements may consist of two parts forming sub-elements, arranged parallel and distant from an interval e corresponding to the thickness of said plates forming said node, each sub-element having at least one hole passage arranged to receive at least one assembly member. The sub-elements of some elements may comprise at their ends a slot for fitting these elements at the point of intersection of two plates of said node and at least two through holes oriented perpendicularly between them arranged to receive each at least one assembly member .

In yet another embodiment, elements may consist of four parts forming sub-elements, arranged in parallel, square and remote two by two of an interval e corresponding to the thickness of said plates forming said node, each sub-element having at least one through hole arranged to receive at least one connecting member. The sub-elements of certain elements may comprise at their ends at least two through holes oriented perpendicularly between them arranged to receive each at least one assembly member.

At least one of the transverse plates may comprise a central recess whose dimensions allow to receive through at least one sub-element. Similarly, the inner recess of the central plate may be central and dimensioned to receive through at least one sub-element. In this case, the sub-elements constituting the same element may advantageously have a length equal to at least twice the gap existing between two consecutive nodes and be arranged to traverse said nodes in a staggered manner with respect to each other.

These elements may be made of a material selected from the group comprising at least wood, glulam, metal, alloys, synthetic materials, composite materials.

The elements are advantageously arranged so as to form channels for the passage of ducts and the voids created within said framework are preferably filled with insulating materials.

The frame may also include at least one reinforcing member in the stress concentration zones, this reinforcing piece being in the form of a large plate having a multitude of internal recesses surrounded by holes, the recesses interiors being arranged at regular intervals and arranged to receive said transverse plates and each form a node.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement un exemple d'une ossature selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du noeud entrant dans l'ossature de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue éclatée du noeud de la figure 2,
• les figures 4A-F sont des vues en perspective illustrant les étapes de montage du noeud de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 est une vue éclatée du noeud de la figure 2 et des éléments qu'il peut recevoir,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective du noeud de la figure 2 assemblé uniquement avec les éléments orthogonaux,
• la figure 7 est une vue similaire à la figure 6, le noeud étant assemblé avec les dix huit éléments,
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues similaires à la vue 5 avec d'autres éléments,
• la figure 10 est une vue similaire à la figure 2 d'un autre noeud selon l'invention,
• les figures 11A et 11B sont des vues en perspective respectivement d'une plaque transversale et d'une plaque centrale du noeud de la figure 10, ces plaques étant traversées par plusieurs sous-éléments,
• les figures 12A et 12B sont des vues en perspective respectivement d'un élément formé de quatre sous-éléments décalés et de trois noeuds consécutifs de la figure 10 traversés par cet élément,
• les figures 13A-C sont des vues en plan de la plaque centrale du noeud de la figure 10 traversée par des éléments formés de plusieurs sous-éléments selon plusieurs configurations,
• la figure 14 est une vue en plan d'un assemblage de noeuds et d'éléments selon plusieurs inclinaisons, et
• la figure 15 est une vue en plan partielle et schématique d'un exemple de construction d'un pont pourvu de pièces de renfort.

The present invention and its advantages will become more apparent in the following description of several exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a frame according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of the node entering the framework of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is an exploded view of the node of the figure 2 ,
• the Figures 4A-F are perspective views illustrating the steps of mounting the node of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 5 is an exploded view of the node of the figure 2 and elements that he can receive,
• the figure 6 is a perspective view of the node of the figure 2 assembled only with orthogonal elements,
• the figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 6 , the knot being assembled with the eighteen elements,
• the figures 8 and 9 are views similar to view 5 with other elements,
• the figure 10 is a view similar to the figure 2 another node according to the invention,
• the Figures 11A and 11B are perspective views respectively of a transverse plate and a central plate of the node of the figure 10 these plates being crossed by several sub-elements,
• the Figures 12A and 12B are perspective views respectively of an element formed of four offset sub-elements and three consecutive nodes of the figure 10 traversed by this element,
• the Figures 13A-C are plan views of the central plate of the node of the figure 10 traversed by elements formed of several sub-elements according to several configurations,
• the figure 14 is a plan view of an assembly of nodes and elements in several inclinations, and
• the figure 15 is a partial and schematic plan view of an example of construction of a bridge provided with reinforcing pieces.

With reference to the figure 1 , the frame 1 according to the invention is intended to form the skeleton of a building, such as a dwelling house, a hall, or a work of art, such as a bridge, a bridge. This framework 1 is made by assembling several elements 2 to each other by means of nodes 3 so as to form a continuous three-dimensional network.

The nodes 3 are arranged to receive at most eight elements 2 arranged on the same plane, at most four elements 2 on each side of this plane, these elements being inclined with respect to said plane, and at most two elements 2 in the axis A of this node, a total of eighteen elements 2 per node 3.

In the figure 1 the inclined elements form an angle of 45 ° with the plane and the assembly of the elements 2 and the nodes 3 form cubes 4 adjacent and stacked, the nodes 3 being located in each corner of the cubes 4. The edges of each cube 4 are formed by so-called orthogonal elements 2a and the diagonals of each face of the cube 4 are formed by elements 2b called diagonally.

According to the constraints that the frame 1 must support, we can choose to put one element 2b diagonally instead of two, on one or more faces of each cube 4. We can also choose other angles for the elements inclined as illustrated by the figure 14 . The lower part of the figure 14 shows four possible angles of inclination and the upper part of the figure 14 shows the result obtained with one of these angles. The assembly of elements 2 and nodes 3 forms in this case rectangular parallelepipeds 4 'adjacent and stacked, the long sides 2c may be equal to two, three or four times the side 2a of a cube 4. This Construction mode therefore opens up many possibilities for configuring the patterns of the three-dimensional network.

The three-dimensional network thus formed makes it possible to produce a main part of the construction, for example the floor, and then another main part, for example a wall, in a continuous manner. Thus, the frame 1 according to the invention consists of a single piece, similar to a "knitting" of the elements 2 with the nodes 3. There is therefore no separation between the different main parts of a construction.

Patterns may not be formed in the three-dimensional network to leave openings for windows, doors, stairs, etc. Due to the inclined arrangement of certain elements 2, these openings can be made either along the same axes as the walls for example, or rotated according to the angle of inclination of the elements 2.

Within the three-dimensional network, empty spaces forming channels 5 of triangular section are obtained. These channels 5 may advantageously constitute passages for technical ducts.

With reference to Figures 2 to 4 , the nodes 3 are all identical regardless of their position in the frame. They consist each of three plates 30, 31, 32, perpendicular to each other, assembled by interlocking, a central plate 30 and two transverse plates 31, 32. The transverse plates 31, 32 are assembled perpendicularly to each other and assembled perpendicular to the central plate 30 through it through. Each node 3 forms a kind of twelve-pointed star and can receive a total of at most eighteen elements 2, one element per branch and one element at each intersection of two branches.

The three plates 30, 31, 32 constituting each node 3 are, in the example shown, of shapes and equal dimensions. These plates may also have different shapes and / or combined, for example circular, octagonal, etc. Depending on the nature of the construction to be carried out, these plates can be made of steel, alloy, wood, glued laminate, synthetic materials, composite materials, etc., by cutting, stamping, machining, molding, injection, etc. .

The transverse plates 31, 32 are identical. They have a square shape and comprise, in the illustrated example, three outer slots 33, 34 disposed on its orthogonal axes A, B, including a central slot 33 of axis A and two lateral slots 34 of axis B, and a set of holes 35 distributed around its axes A and B and near the corners of the plate and serving as fixing holes for the elements 2. The middle slot 33 extends to a depth at most equal to half of the L-side of the plate 31, 32. The lateral slots 34 extend to a depth less than that of the middle slot 33, these slots being spaced apart from each other by an interval i. These transverse plates 31, 32 also include a set of recesses 36a, 36b, a central recess 36a of circular shape and four recesses 36b in the form of a notch arranged on the diagonals of the plate 31, 32. These recesses 36a, 36b allow in particular to lighten the room and give it a certain elasticity. They can of course be different in their form, in their number and in their location on each plate.

The central plate 30 has a square shape and comprises, in the example illustrated, four inner slots 37 disposed around a central recess 38, these slots being aligned in pairs on the diagonals of the central plate 30. These inner slots 37 extend to a depth such that the distance 1 separating the bottom of two aligned slots is at least equal to the side L of the transverse plates 31,32. The internal dimension d of the central recess 38 is at least equal to the interval i between the two lateral slots 34 of the transverse plates 31, 32. This central recess 38 has a circular shape but may have any suitable shape. The central plate 30 also comprises a set of holes 35 distributed around its orthogonal axes C and D and near the corners of the plate, these holes serving for fixing the elements 2.

The assembly of these three plates 30, 31, 32 to form the node 3 as illustrated by the figure 2 is detailed step by step in Figures 4A to 4F . The two transverse plates 31, 32 of the Figures 4A and 4B are positioned vertically and perpendicular to each other, their median slots 33 facing each other. They are nested, according to the figure 4C , one in the other along the axis A until completely assembled according to the figure 4D . These two transverse plates 31, 32 form a cross which is then assembled to the central plate 30, according to the figure 4E by introducing the branches of the cross into the inner slots 37 of the central plate 30. When the outer lateral slots 34 of the cross are facing the central plate 30, the cross is rotated about the axis A in one direction or in the other at an angle of 45 °, according to the igure 4F . To ensure the assembly of these plates 30, 31, 32, the different slots 33, 34, 37 have a width substantially equal to the thickness of the plates. This width is preferably chosen to obtain a tight assembly.

As shown in figure 5 some elements 2 are of parallelepipedal shape and others have a pointed end at 45 °. They all have an identical square section. But they can also have different sections, for example circular, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, rectangular, etc. These elements are preferably made of wood and cut in the longitudinal direction of the wood fibers. Their relative small section allows to detail a tree trunk virtually in its entirety, generating only very few falls. Depending on the case, they can be made of glulam, steel, alloy, synthetic materials, composite materials, etc.

With reference also to the figure 6 , the orthogonal elements 2a intended to fit at the six points of intersection of the plates 30, 31, 32 of the node 3 comprise two notches 23, 24 perpendicular to a certain depth, intended to fit on the two corresponding plates of each point of intersection, the width of the notches 23, 24 being substantially equal to the thickness of the plates. At these notches 23, 24, the elements 2a comprise four through holes, perpendicular in pairs and intended to be aligned with the corresponding holes 35 provided in the plates on either side of their orthogonal axes for receiving screws. fasteners (not shown), or any other fastener. A different number of holes can be provided as needed.

With reference also to the figure 7 , the elements 2b diagonally intended to fit on the twelve branches of the node 3 have a tip-shaped end at 45 ° for a question of size relative to the other elements 2a. They comprise at their end a notch 26 of a certain depth intended to fit on the corresponding plate, the width of the notch 26 being substantially equal to the thickness of the plates. At this notch 26, the elements 2b comprise two through holes 25 intended to be aligned with the corresponding holes 35 provided in the corners of the node 3 to receive fastening screws (not shown), or any other assembly member. A different number of holes can be provided as needed.

It is understood that, depending on the position of the elements 2 on the node 3, these elements 2 have a different length whether it is an orthogonal element 2a or a diagonal element 2b. Similarly, the elements 2b arranged in the diagonals have a particular construction allowing them to cross such as notches allowing them to nest in their middle.

The figures 8 and 9 illustrate other embodiments of the elements 2. In the figure 8 each element 20a, 20b consists of two sub-elements 21 of section rectangular, identical, parallel and spaced apart by an interval e corresponding to the thickness of the plates 30, 31, 32. The sub-elements 21 comprise at their ends two through holes 25 to be fixed on either side of the plates of the node 3. The sub-elements 21 of the elements 20a further comprise a slot 24 for fitting these elements 20a at the intersection point of two plates of the node 3 and a complementary through hole oriented perpendicular to the other holes 25 already mentioned.

In the figure 9 each element 22a, 22b consists of four sub-elements 23, of square section, identical, parallel, arranged in a square and spaced two by two by an interval e corresponding to the thickness of the plates forming the node 3. The sub the elements 23 comprise at their ends a through-hole 25 to be fixed on either side of the plates of the node 3. The subassemblies 23 of the elements 22a also comprise a complementary through-hole oriented perpendicular to the other holes 25 already mentioned.

These different variants make it possible to select the desired section of the elements 2 according to the type of construction to be carried out. The smaller the section, the more wood savings are sensitive. In addition, the fact of cutting an element 2 into sub-elements makes it possible to considerably simplify the manufacture of these elements since it is no longer useful to machine the slots 26 in the embodiment in two sub-elements, nor the slots 23 , 24 in the embodiment in four sub-elements. These embodiments also make it possible to be able to replace one of the sub-elements more easily without dismounting part of the frame 1. Another advantage of these embodiments is that it is easier to cross the elements 20b, 22b diagonally by interlacing the sub-elements 21. , 23, which further promotes the static behavior of the frame 1.

Another example of a node 3 'similar to node 3 is described with reference to Figures 10 and 11 . This node 3 'also comprises a central plate 30' and two transverse plates 31 ', 32' assembled by interlocking.

These transverse plates 31 ', 32' are distinguished from the transverse plates 31, 32 above in that the circular central recess 36a is replaced by a central recess 36'a substantially square whose dimensions allow to receive through at least one and at most four sub-elements 23 constituting an element 22a as illustrated by the Figure 11B . These transverse plates 31 ', 32' also include a multitude of holes 35 aligned along orthogonal lines forming a grid whose center distance corresponds to the spacing between two adjacent sub-elements 23. These holes 35 also replace the recesses 36b to lighten the room and give it some elasticity.

The central plate 30 'differs from the preceding central plate 30 in that the circular central recess 38 and the inner slots 37 are replaced by a substantially square central recess 38' whose diagonals are equal to the distance 1 which is at least equal to the side L of the transverse plates 31 ', 32'. This central recess 38 'also makes it possible to receive through at least one and for example four sub-elements 23 constituting an element 22a as illustrated by FIG. figure 11A . It comprises on its periphery a multitude of holes 35 aligned along orthogonal lines whose spacing corresponds to the spacing between two adjacent sub-elements 23.

The central recesses 36'a and 38 'make it possible to use the nodes 3' as guidance devices for the sub-elements 23 therethrough. So and as illustrated by the Figures 12A and 12B it is possible to provide for the central element 22a to consist, for example, of four adjacent sub-elements 23a-d extending over a length equal to at least four times the interval between two consecutive nodes 3 'and offset so that their J junction areas are not located in the same node 3 '. For example, the subassembly 23a has its junction zone J in the first node 3 ', the subassembly 23c has its junction zone J (not shown) in the second node 3', the subassembly 23b has its junction area J in the third node 3 ', the subassembly 23d has its junction area J (not shown) in the fourth node 3' (not shown) and so on. This particular and completely original arrangement considerably increases the tensile and compressive strength as well as the bending strength of the framework, making it possible to reach larger spans. This method of construction therefore makes it possible to obtain, for the same section, sub-elements 21, 23 greater mechanical strength of the framework. Or conversely, for the same constraint, this construction method reduces the section of the sub-elements 21, 23 and thus lighten the frame. In addition, by crossing the nodes 3 ', the sub-elements 21, 23 contribute to stiffen the framework by blocking the nodes 3' which ensures their alignment and prevents accidental and harmful rotation. This arrangement can be used horizontally or vertically in the direction of the most important constraints.

This node 3 'allows to consider a variety of mounting configurations of the through subassemblies. The Figures 13A-C illustrate some non-exhaustive examples. In the figure 13A , the sub-elements 23 'have a section four times greater than that of the previous sub-elements 23. Four in number, they occupy the central recess 38 'of the central plate 30'. In the Figure 13B , the sub-elements 23 are not centered in the central recess 38 'but distributed in pairs on the sides. In the figure 13C , the sub-elements 21 are rectangular instead of square and are distributed in the corners of the central recess 38 '. Of course, these sub-elements 23, 23 ', 21 can be four in number as in the examples but also limited to three, two or only one, as needed. The same variants are possible with the sub-elements 21 or 23 which pass through the central recess 36'a of one of the transverse plates 31 ', 32'. Similarly, we can associating different sections of subassemblies 21, 23 and / or 23 'to form particular elements 20a or 22a as needed.

The frame 1 according to the invention is entirely mounted by assembling the elements 2 to nodes 3 in a defined pattern. A person who is not a man of the construction trade can easily mount his home in the manner of a mechanic, since the elements 2 and the nodes 3 can be delivered in kit. The nodes 3, by design, can be quickly assembled on the site by a simple operation of interlocking the three plates 30, 31, 32, one in the other. Once the frame 1 fully assembled, the technical sleeves for electrical installation, sanitary and heating are mounted in the channels 5 created by the three-dimensional network. It is therefore no longer necessary to provide specific facilities to integrate these sheaths or to bleed in the walls, to be subsequently closed. The installation of the ducts in the frame 1 is done very quickly in a single intervention. Then, the frame is covered by an inner and outer coating which can be placed directly on the edge of the corresponding nodes 3. For this purpose, covers may be provided to cover the edge of these nodes 3 thus allowing the attachment of this coating. Several choices of interior and exterior cladding are possible. Of course, we must respect the rules of the art of construction. It is not necessary that the coating participates in the statics of the construction. The coatings are directly mounted on the frame 1. No lathing is necessary.

Finally, the voids created inside the frame 1 are filled with insulating materials such as cellulose by the blowing technique. The different elements of the framework maintain the cellulose in place. There is no more tedious operation to fill the gaps. All technical conduits of electrical and sanitary installations are optimally isolated thanks to the presence of the cellulose which surrounds them perfectly. In addition, they are far enough away from the surface coating to be well protected.

Thanks to this construction, the house obtained is characterized by a very low energy consumption. In the future, a computer will be able to manage the distribution of energy within this dwelling.

Such a frame is self-supporting and has a high dimensional stability, the forces being evenly distributed within this frame itself. It is particularly antiseismic and resistant to cyclones. It also has a very good behavior for the distribution of efforts. This allows, as in a reinforced concrete construction, to make openings in walls, ceilings and roofing. In case of failure of one of the elements, the efforts are distributed on the neighboring elements. In the case of a frame for structures such as bridges, it is possible to supplement it with reinforcing pieces 6 in areas of high concentration of forces such as the bearing ends of an arch bridge circle. The figure 15 schematically illustrates this case. The reinforcing pieces 6 are formed in this example of crescent-shaped plates arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Each reinforcing piece has recesses 38 or 38 'similar to the central plates 30 or 30' arranged at regular intervals to receive each of the transverse plates 31, 32 or 31 ', 32' and form a multitude of nodes 3 or 3 'stiffened between them. Of course, as in the individual nodes 3, 3 ', the reinforcing piece 6 is assembled to elements 2 or sub-elements 21 or 23. Depending on the type of construction and the stress zones, these reinforcing pieces 6 may have different shapes and sizes.

Since the three-dimensional network that constitutes it forms a single piece and there is no separation between the main parts of the construction, there are no problems of assembly, insulation, expansion or cracks, problems that are frequently encountered in traditional constructions. In addition, there is no need to change materials or construction techniques between floors, walls, ceilings and roofs.

The elements used have a small section compared to the beams used traditionally. This makes it possible to debit the elements directly in sawmill without additional operation. The dimensions do not vary. In addition, the elements being short and small sections, it is therefore easy to obtain elements devoid of any defects (node, crack, etc.). The elements are of first quality. The nominal stresses are consequently 15% higher compared to second-choice elements.

On the other hand, the number of components of the frame being very small, they can easily be manufactured in advance and delivered when ordering. The elements may have a section within a certain range, for example from 24 mm to 40 mm, while being able to be assembled by means of the same node. The thickness of the knots may also vary depending on whether it is a metal knot or laminated glued for example. These different thicknesses are of course chosen according to the construction to be performed and the mechanical stresses that the frame must undergo.

The frame according to the invention is preferably made of wood, such as fir or beech. It is a light construction (about 10 kg / m ² ) because it consumes only 5.5% of wood. If it is prefabricated, it can be easily transported for example by helicopter to be placed in inaccessible places. Similarly, the parts being loaded and delivered on pallets, all parts before assembly is compact compared to traditional constructions.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art, while remaining within the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. A framework (1), in particular for the construction of buildings or civil engineering works, this framework being composed of several elongate elements (2) that are assembled at least by means of joints (3, 3') so as to form a continuous three-dimensional network, each joint (3, 3') defining a star having twelve branches, these branches being mutually perpendicular to receive, in a single plane, at most eight elements (2), and, on either side of the said plane, at most four elements (2) inclined in relation to the said plane, each joint (3, 3') being composed of three plates (30 - 32, 30' - 32') assembled by interlocking, a central plate (30, 30') forming the said plane and two transversal plates (31, 32, 31', 32'), the transversal plates (31, 32, 31', 32') being assembled perpendicularly to each other and to the central plate (30, 30') by passing right through, characterised in that the three plates (30 - 32, 30' - 32') are identical in shape and dimensions, in that the transversal plates (31, 32, 31' 32') comprise at least three outer slits (33, 34), the one median slit (33) situated in the axis A and two lateral slits (34) situated on an axis B perpendicular to the axis A, the median slit (33) extending over a depth at most equal to half the dimension (L) of the said plate (31, 32, 31' 32') and the lateral slits (34) extending over a depth less than that of the median slit (33), these lateral slits (34) being spaced by a distance (i), in that the central plate (30, 30') comprises at least one inner recess (38, 38') defining at least two perpendicular diagonals extending over a distance (1) at least equal to the dimension (L) of the said transversal plates (31, 32, 31', 32'), and in that the inner dimension (d) of the said inner recess (38, 38') is at least equal to the distance (i) between the two lateral slits (34) of the said transversal plates (31, 32, 31', 32').
2. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that each joint (3, 3') is designed to receive two complementary elements (2) disposed in the axis A of the said joint (3, 3') passing through the axis of intersection of the said transversal plates (31, 32, 31', 32').
3. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the three plates (30 - 32, 30' - 32') forming a joint (3, 3') have a shape chosen from the group comprising at least a square, circular and octagonal shape.
4. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the plates (30 - 32, 30' - 32')are made from a material chosen from the group comprising at least metal, alloys, wood, wood core plywood, synthetic material and composite materials.
5. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the central plate (30) comprises at least two inner slits (37), disposed around a central recess (38), these slits being aligned two by two on the said perpendicular diagonals, and having such a depth that the distance separating the bottom of two aligned slits corresponds to the said distance (1).
6. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the joint (3, 3') comprises a set of holes (35) distributed so that they allow the attachment of the elements (2) by at least one attachment member per element (2) and per plate (30 - 32, 30' - 32') on which it is mounted.
7. A framework according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the transversal plates (31, 32, 31', 32') comprise at least one load-relieving recess (36a, 36b, 36'a).
8. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the section of the elements (2) is chosen from the group comprising at least a square, rectangular, round, hexagonal, octagonal and triangular shape.
9. A framework according to Claim 8, characterised in that elements (2a, 2b) are composed of a single piece and comprise at least one slit (23, 24, 26) designed to interlock onto at least one of the plates of the said joint (3, 3') and at least one through-hole (25) designed to receive at least one mounting member.
10. A framework according to Claim 9, characterised in that certain elements (2a) comprise at their ends two perpendicular slits (23, 24) designed to interlock at the intersection point of two plates of the said joint (3, 3') and at least two through-holes (25) disposed perpendicularly to each other and disposed each to receive at least one mounting member.
11. A framework according to Claim 8, characterised in that elements (20a, 20b) are composed of two parts forming sub-elements (21), disposed parallel and spaced by a distance (e) corresponding to the thickness of the said plates (30 - 32, 30' - 32') forming the said joint (3, 3'), each sub-element (21) comprising at least one through-hole (25) designed to receive at least one mounting member.
12. A framework according to Claim 11, characterised in that the sub-elements (21) of the elements (20a) comprise at their ends a slit (24) to interlock the said elements (20a) at the intersection point of two plates of the said joint (3, 3') and at least two through-holes (25) disposed perpendicularly to each other and designed each to receive at least one mounting member.
13. A framework according to Claim 8, characterised in that elements (22a, 22b) are composed of four parts forming sub-elements (23) disposed parallel, in a square and spaced two by two by a distance (e) corresponding to the thickness of the said plates (30 - 32, 30' - 32') forming the said joint (3, 3'), each sub-element (23) comprising at least one through-hole (25) designed to receive at least one mounting element.
14. A framework according to Claim 13, characterised in that the sub-elements (23) of the elements (22a) comprise at their ends at least two through-holes (25) orientated perpendicularly to each other and each designed to receive at least one mounting member.
15. A framework according to one of Claims 11 or 13, characterised in that at least one of the transversal plates (31', 32') comprises a central recess (36'a), the dimensions of which allow it to receive at least one sub-element (21, 23) in through manner.
16. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the inner recess (38') of the said central plate (30') is central and dimensioned to receive at least one sub-element (21, 23) in through manner.
17. A framework according to one of Claims 15 or 16, characterised in that the said sub-elements (21, 23) forming a single element (2) have a length equal to at least two times the distance existing between two consecutive joints (3') and are designed to pass through the said joints (3') in an offset manner in relation to each other.
18. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the elements (2) are produced from a material chosen from the group comprising at least wood, wood core plywood, metal, alloys, synthetic materials and composite materials.
19. A framework according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the elements (2) are disposed so as to form channels (5) for the passage of service shafts.
20. A framework according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the empty spaces created inside the said framework (1) are filled with insulating materials.
21. A framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least one reinforcing piece (6) in the load concentration zones, this reinforcing piece (6) being in the form of a plate having large dimensions and comprising a plurality of inner recesses (38, 38') surrounded by holes (35), the said inner recesses (38, 38') being disposed at regular intervals and designed to receive the said transversal plates (31, 32, 31', 32') and each to form a joint (3, 3').

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