EP1937907A1

EP1937907A1 - A wall module and a multi-storey building with a wall module

Info

Publication number: EP1937907A1
Application number: EP06799852A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Niklas Sparw; Hannes Schmied
Original assignee: NCC AB
Current assignee: NCC AB
Priority date: 2005-10-19
Filing date: 2006-10-10
Publication date: 2008-07-02
Also published as: SE0502317L; NO20082008L; SE529233C2; WO2007046761A1

Abstract

A wall module (1 ) for a multi-storey building is described. The wall module (1 ) extends essentially parallel to a centre plane (P) and has two main sides (11 ) which are essentially parallel to the centre plane (P), two edge sides (12, 13), each extending between the main sides (11 ), an upper side (15) and an underside (14). The wall module comprises at least two grooves (3) arranged at different distances from one of the edge sides, wherein each one of the grooves (3) extends from one of the main sides (1 1 ) into the wall module (1 ) towards the other main side. The wall module comprises also at least one wire (2, 30) with at least two ends arranged inside the wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) between the main sides (1 1 ), which wire extends between the grooves (3) and comprises a fast coupling device (4) in each end, which fast coupling devices each are adapted to be connected to a corresponding fast coupling device (4) of an adjacent wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) in the multi-storey building.

Description

Wall module and multi-storey building with wall module

Technical field

The present invention relates to a wall module for a multi-storey building according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a multi-storey building comprising at least two such wall modules. Particularly the invention relates to a wall module which enables installation of wires in a simple way.

Description of prior art

It is known today to build different types of buildings using wall modules being finished to a high degree. Such wall modules are manufactured at a factory and are transported to the building site where they are mounted to the finished building.

This invention relates to an improvement and modification of such known wall modules with regard to high voltage wires for electricity supply and low voltage wires for communications, such as telephone, data and TV. When building multi-storey buildings it is desirable to have a vertical supply wire for high voltage and a vertical supply wire for communications between the different floors. Such vertical supply wires are known. The problem is the horizontal supply of high voltage and communications in separate floors and in the separate apartments. Such horizontal supply wires are today often installed manually in connection to the erection of the building and after the finishing of the building frame. Even if the wall modules are finished to a high degree, work with installation of wires for high voltage and communication and completion with other electrical equipments, such as for example electric switches, sockets and lamps, is required today. This effects also the possibility to finish the surfaces at the factory. The present invention aims at providing an improvement of the methods according to the prior art so that essentially all work with the installation and accompanying comple- tions, and also the surface layers, may be performed at a factory in order to minimize the work at the building site.

In US Patent Application US2002/0108320 a system and a method are described for producing buildings with panels which have been finished at a factory. The panels may comprise preinstalled electrical wires. However, in said US Patent Application nothing is mentioned on how the electrical wires in the different panels are to be connected.

The Japanese Patent Publication 09215157 describes a method for producing buildings with electrical wires. The publication describes the use of panels manufactured at a factory with preinstalled electrical wires. The electrical wires in a panel are connected with elec- trical wires which have been arranged above the ceiling. The connection point is arranged in a connection part which is arranged between the wall panel and the inner ceiling. As there is a joint between the wall panel and the connection path, work is required at the site in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing result.

Even if the prior art has described solutions which facilitates the building of multi-storey buildings with electrical wires, there is room for further improvements, so that horizontal installation of electrical wires may be provided in an easier way.

Description of the invention

An object of the present invention is to facilitate the installation of wires in a building, especially the horizontal installation of wires in a floor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wall module for a multi-storey building, with which wall module horizontal installation of electrical wires in a floor may be provided in an easier way than according to the prior art at the same time as the wall module is possible to produce in a factory with a high degree of finishing. A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-storey building with at least two wall modules according to the invention.

These objects are provided with a wall module and a multi-storey building according to the independent claims.

Further advantages with the invention are provided with the features of the dependent claims.

A wall module according to the invention for a multi-storey building extends essentially parallel to a centre plane and has two main sides which are essentially parallel to the centre plane, two edge sides, each extending between the main sides, an upper side and an underside. The wall module is characterized in that it comprises at least two grooves arranged at different distances from one of the edge sides, wherein one of the grooves extends from one of the main sides into the wall module against the other main side, and wherein the second groove extends from one of the main sides into the wall module against the other main side, and at least one wire with at least two ends arranged in the wall module between the main sides, which wire extends between the grooves and comprises a fast coupling device in each end, which fast coupling devices are each adapted to be connected with a corresponding fast coupling device of an adjacent wall module in the multi-storey building.

In a wall module according to the invention the grooves may extend from opposite main sides.

In a wall module according to the invention it is possible that one or more of the grooves extends from one of the main sides to the other.

With such a wall module installation of horizontal wires in a floor is enabled in an easy way. A plurality of wall modules are positioned in a floor so that they are positioned adjacent to each other, wherein the edge side of one wall module is positioned against the edge side or the main side of an adjacent wall module. The wire in one of the wall modules is connected in one of its ends to vertical supply wires, which, for example, are arranged in a vertical shaft, and in its other end with the wire in another wall module. Wires in many wall modules may then be connected to provide the desired horizontal wire installation in the floor. It is of course possible to arrange multiple wires and wires of different kind in the same wall module. When the wires are connected the wires may be arranged in the grooves which may then be covered with covers so that the end result becomes aesthetically pleasing. This results in that the remaining work on the wall modules at the building site may be minimized to only comprise the arrangement of a cover over the grooves. This cover may be comprised of a skirting board.

With fast coupling devices according to the invention wires in multi- pie wall modules may easily be connected at site. The fast coupling devices may be arranged so that they can only be connected in one way so that erroneous connections may be avoided.

The grooves may extend from each one of the edge sides in the di- rection towards the other edge side. Such a solution provides plenty of room for the joint between wires in different wall modules. Alternatively the grooves may commence at a distance from the edge sides. This is especially suitable when a wall connects to another wall a distance into its long side.

Advantageously, the grooves are arranged at the underside of the wall module so that they may be arranged against a floor when the wall module is arranged in a multi-storey building. Thereby the grooves may easily be hidden with a skirting board, which anyway usually is arranged at the joint between walls and floor.

The grooves may have a lower edge which is arranged at a distance from the underside of the wall module. Thereby fastening points are provided for a cover below the lower edge. The cover covers the groove when it has been arranged in place. The cover may as has been mentioned earlier be comprised of a skirting board, alternatively a cornice if the groove is arranged at the upper edge of the wall.

Said at least one wire in the wall module may be a communication wire or a high voltage wire. It is especially preferred that said at least one wire comprises a high voltage wire.

In case the wire is a high voltage wire it may be connected to installations on the wall module.

In case the wire is a high voltage wire the installations may be at least one electrical socket for connection of power consumers. The installations may also comprise, for example, switches, electrical radiators and lamps.

In case the wire is a communication wire it may be an optical wire or an electrical wire. It is of course also possible to arrange an arbitrary combination of all the mentioned pipes or wires in one and the same wall module.

The communication wire in the wall module may be connected to installations on the wall module. Thereby may installation work at the building site be avoided.

The installations to which the communication wire is connected may be at least one communication socket for connection of communication equipment. The communication socket may be chosen from the group comprising sockets for telephone, TV and data. The communication wire may also be installed with empty pipes, intended for the communication wire, preinstalled in the wall, wherein the installation of the communication wire is performed at the building site. This is advantageous in so far as necessary signal strength may be difficult to achieve with too many joints along the extension of the communication wire.

Advantageously, the wall modules being used for a multi-storey building are provided with all wires that are required for the horizon- tal supply of high voltage and communications as well as other wire installation from the supply to necessary switches, sockets and other equipment. All installation work at the building site is thereby avoided. All installation work may be performed in advance at a fac- tory. As the installation work may be performed at a factory there are further possibilities for quality controls of the installations. The only thing that has to be performed at the building site for the multistorey building is the connection of wires between different wall modules.

The wall module may also comprise a removable cover which covers each one of the grooves seen perpendicularly to the centre plane. The covers may alternatively be provided as a fitting which is arranged in place after the wall module has been arranged in a building.

In case the grooves are positioned at the underside of the wall module each one of the grooves may be arranged to be covered by a skirting board. As skirting boards usually are arranged in the joint between walls and floor, such a solution means that no further components are required compared to wall modules according to the prior art. In case the grooves are arranged at the upper side of the wall module each one of the grooves may be arranged to be covered by a cornice.

The wall module according to the invention may comprise finished surface layers on at least one of the main sides and advantageously on all sides which faces a room in the finished multi-storey building. Thereby, no work with the surface layers has to be performed on the building site for the multi-storey building.

Grooves and installations may be present on both sides of the wall, for example an inner wall, facing at least two different rooms.

The wall module may be built by mainly reinforced concrete. If the wall module is built of reinforced concrete it may be used as a load- bearing element in a multi-storey building. The wall module may be built in other ways in order to be used as a load-bearing element. The wall module may for example comprise a board sheathed steal framework or a board sheathed wooden framework.

According to a second aspect of the present invention a multi-storey building is provided comprising at least two wall modules according to the invention.

In the following preferred embodiments of the invention will be de- scribed with reference to the appended drawings.

Short description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows schematically a wall module according to an em- bodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows schematically in cross-section how a number of wall modules according to the invention have been placed adjacent to each other in a floor.

Figure 3 shows schematically a wall module according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows in larger detail the ends of two wall modules being placed adjacent to each other.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the inven- tion the same feature in different figures will be denoted by the same reference numeral.

Figure 1 shows schematically an example of a wall module 1 which is intended to be mounted adjacent to other wall modules 1 when a multi-storey building is erected. The wall module 1 extends essentially parallel to a centre plane P and has two main sides 11a, 11 b (Fig. 4) which are essential parallel to the centre plane P. The wall module 1 comprises also a first edge side 12, a second edge side

13, an underside 14 and an upper side 15.

The wall module 1 is provided with a high voltage wire 2 for horizontal supply of high voltage to the different parts of a floor. The high voltage wire 2 extends from one end of the wall module 1 to the other end of the wall module 1. The wall module 1 comprises two grooves 3 in the form of inset spaces, which the ends of the high voltage wires 2 lead to. The grooves 3 are arranged at each edge side at the underside. The grooves 3 extend from the first main side 11 a towards the second main side 11 b. In the wall module that is shown in figure 1 the grooves 3 do not extend through the entire wall module 1. It is however possible to let the grooves 3 extend through the entire wall module. Each one of the grooves 3 begins at one of the edge sides 12, 13 and extends towards the other edge side 12, 13. The grooves 3 has a lower edge 16 which in the vertical direction is arranged at a distance from the underside

14. In the shown embodiment the high voltage wire 2 extends along and at a distance from the underside 14 of the wall module 1. It is of course possible to let this wire 2 have another extension through the wall module 1 between the two grooves 3. The high voltage wire 2 comprises at each one of its two ends a fast copupling device 4. During erection of the building and when two wall modules 1 have been arranged next to each other the high voltage wires 2 in the two wall modules 1 may be connected to each other by connecting two fast coupling devices 4, one from each wall module 1. This work may be done in a very simple way. The fast coupling devices 4 are preferably designed in such a way that the connection only can be made in one way and, thus, all mistakes and erroneous connections may be avoided. The high voltage wire 2 in a wall module 1 may be provided with a fast coupling device 4 of a first type in one of its ends and a fast coupling device 4 of a second type in its other end, wherein a fast coupling device 4 of the first type is arranged to be connected with a fast coupling device 4 of the second type.

Thus, according to the shown embodiment the grooves 3 are arranged along the edge sides 12, 13 of the wall module 1 either in an upper part of the wall module 1 or preferably in a lower part of the wall module 1 , as is shown in figure 1. The grooves 3 may also be provided with a cover 21 each (shown in fig. 2 and 4) which preferably is fastened by means of screws. The covers 21 and the groove 3 may be arranged in such a way that they are hidden behind the skirting board 22 (shown in fig. 2) which is arranged on the wall module 1. Alternatively the skirting board 22 may form said cover 21. The grooves 3 and the equipment which is arranged in these are thereby within reach in a simple way also later.

It should be noted that all wire installations in the wall module 1 are installed in advance, i.e. from the high voltage wire 2 wires are drawn to installations in the form of switches 5, electrical sockets 6, lamps 7 and other possible equipment. When the fast coupling de- vices 4 are connected and the wall module 1 , possibly via one or more other wall modules 1 , is connected to the vertical supply wire, all points in said wall module 1 will thus be connected to the voltage supply. In the grooves 3 there may be provided coupling fittings for later installation works. During transport of the wall module 1 from the factory to a building site the grooves 3 are adapted to contain the ends of the high voltage wires 2 and the fast coupling devices 4.

It should be noted that communication wires 30 such as low voltage wires or optical wires may be installed in advance in the same way as the high voltage wire 2 through the wall module 1 and be provided with a corresponding fast coupling device 31 which is contained in the grooves 3 as is shown in fig. 4. Alternatively, pipes 8 may be arranged in the wall module 1 for installation of one or more communications wires 30, as these today not always are adapted to be able to comprise multiple coupling devices. Pipes 9 may also be provided to different types of sockets 10 for the communication wires 30, for example telephone jackets, antenna sockets or data network connection. The pipes 8 and 9 may comprise threads in order to facilitate the following installation of communication wires 30.

Figure 2 shows schematically in cross-section how a number of wall modules 1 according to the invention have been placed adjacent to each other in a floor. A first wall module 1 is arranged adjacent to a vertical shaft 17. The first end of a second wall module 18 is arranged adjacent to one of the main sides of the first wall module. A third wall module 19 and a fourth wall module 20 are arranged adja- cent to the second end of the second wall module 18. In the third wall module 19 the grooves extends from opposite main sides.

After the wall modules 1 , 18, 19, 20 have been arranged in position the high voltage wires 2 in the first wall module 1 is connected to the high voltage wires 2 in the vertical shaft and high voltage wires in the second wall module 18. The high voltage wires 2 in the second wall module 18 are connected to the high voltage wires 2 in the third wall module 19 and the fourth wall module 20. In this way voltage is arranged in the third wall module and the possible installa- tions which are arranged in the third wall module 19. It is possible to arrange an arbitrary number of wall modules 1 in series after each other.

As is shown in Fig. 2 the second wall module 18 comprises three grooves 3. The wire 2 which is arranged in the groove 3 in the second wall module 18 facing the fourth wall module 20 is connected to the wire 2 which is arranged in the groove 3 in the fourth wall module 20 facing the second wall module 18. In Figure 2 covers 21 are also shown which are arranged covering a groove each as well as a skirting board 22.

Figure 3 shows schematically a wall module according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to Figure 2 the wall module in Figure 3 comprises a door opening 23. A wire 2 in the form of a high voltage wire is installed between the grooves 3 above the door opening 23.

Figure 4 shows in larger detail in cross-section the ends of two wall modules 1 which are placed adjacent to each other. A first wall module 1 with a first main side 1 1 a and a second main side 1 1 b comprises a centre plane P and a groove 3. A second wall module 18 comprises a groove. High voltage wires 2 and pipes 8 with com- munication wires 30 are arranged in each one of the wall modules 1 , 18. The high voltage wires 2 comprises fast coupling devices 4 in the ends and the fast coupling device 4 in the first wall module 1 is connected to the fast coupling device 4 in the second wall module 18. In the corresponding way the communication wires 30 in each one of the wall modules 1 are provided with a communication fast coupling device 31 , which are connected to each other. The grooves 3 are covered with a cover 21 which in turn is covered with a skirting board 22.

The described embodiments may be modified in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention which is only limited by the claims.

It is possible to let the grooves 3 begin at a distance from the edge sides 12, 13.

It is possible to let the grooves 3 extend all the way down to the underside 14 in the vertical direction.

Claims

1. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) for a multi-storey building, wherein the wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) extends essentially parallel to a cen- tre plane (P) and has two main sides (1 1 ) which are essentially parallel to the centre plane (P), two edge sides (12, 13), each extending between the main sides (1 1 ), an upper side (15) and an underside (14), characterized in that it comprises at least two grooves (3) arranged at different distances from one of the edge sides, wherein one of the grooves (3) extends from one of the main sides (1 1a, 1 1 b) into the wall module (1 ) towards the other main side (1 1 a, 1 1 b), and wherein the second groove (3) extends from one of the main sides (11a, 1 1 b) into the wall module (1 ) towards the other main side (11 a, 1 1 b), and at least one wire (2, 30) with at least two ends arranged inside the wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) between the main sides (11 ), which wire extends between the grooves (3) and comprises a fast coupling device (4) in each end, which fast coupling devices each are adapted to be connected to a corresponding fast coupling device (4) in an adjacent wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) in the multi-storey building.

2. Wall module according to claim 1 , wherein the grooves are arranged with at least one groove (3) at each edge side (12, 13).

3. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, wherein the grooves (3) extends from each one of the edge sides (12, 13) in the direction towards the other edge side (12, 13).

4. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, wherein the grooves (3) are arranged at the underside (14) of the wall module.

5. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to claim 4, wherein the grooves (3) have a lower edge (16) which is arranged at a distance from the underside (14) of the wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20).

6. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, wherein said at least one wire is chosen from the group comprising high voltage wires and communication wires.

7. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, wherein said at least one wire (2) comprises a high voltage wire.

8. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to claim 7, wherein the high voltage wire (30) is connected to installations on the wall module (1 ).

9. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to claim 8, wherein the installations are at least one electrical socket (6) for connection of electrical consumers.

10. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of claims 1- 6, wherein said at least one wire (2, 30) comprises a communication wire (30).

1 1. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to claim 10, wherein the communication wire (30) is an electrical wire.

12. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to claim 10, wherein the communication wire (30) is an optical wire.

13. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of claims 10-

12. wherein the communication wire (30) is connected to installa- tions on the wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20).

14. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to claim 10 and 13, wherein the installations are at least a communication socket for connection of communication equipment.

15. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, wherein there is arranged a removable cover (21 ) for each one of the grooves (3), which covers each cover one of the grooves (3) seen perpendicularly to the centre plane (P).

16. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, wherein each one of the grooves (3) is arranged to be covered by a skirting board (22).

17. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, comprising finished surface layers on at least one of the main sides (1 1 ).

18. Wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the pre- ceeding claims, wherein the wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20) in principle is built by reinforced concrete.

19. Multi-storey building comprising at least two wall modules (1 , 18, 19, 20) according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein an edge side (12) on one of the wall modules (1 , 18, 19, 20) is arranged adjacent to an edge side (12, 13) or main side (11 ) on the other wall module (1 , 18, 19, 20).

20. Multi-storey building according to claim 19, wherein said at least one wire in one of the wall modules is connected to said at least one wire in the other wall module.