EP2664725A1

EP2664725A1 - Construction device

Info

Publication number: EP2664725A1
Application number: EP11714064.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: José Javier FERNÁNDEZ FERNÁNDEZ
Original assignee: Nomadite Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Nomadite Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2011-01-14
Filing date: 2011-01-14
Publication date: 2013-11-20
Also published as: BR112013017926A2; WO2012095539A1

Abstract

The invention consists of a construction device comprising a prefabricated module (2) formed by a base, a ceiling, pillars or walls between the base and the ceiling, and connection parts embedded in the corner elements. The part for connecting prefabricated modules (2) to one another includes a lower element (40), which is provided with a projection (41), and an upper element (10) which is provided with a housing (11) shaped to match the projection (41) and to facilitate the stacking and positioning of one prefabricated module (2) on top of another. The upper element (10) of the connection part includes: a base element (12); a connection element (20) for connecting to another connection part of an adjacent prefabricated module (2), said connection element (20) being connected in a pivoting manner to the base element (12); and means for preventing the two elements (12, 20) from moving in relation to one another at least in the direction of pivoting axis and in the transverse direction thereto.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is a construction device that comprises a prefabricated module with a base, roof, pillars or walls between the base and the roof and connecting pieces embedded in the corner elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the state of the art the construction devices that have a prefabricated module which comprises a base, a roof, a plurality of pillars or walls between the base and the roof, and connecting pieces embedded in at least the corner elements. The known connecting pieces have a lower element which has a protuberance and an upper element which has a housing shaped to correspond with the protuberance and facilitate the stacking and placement of one prefabricated module on top of another.
It is, therefore, also known in the state of the art the use of connecting pieces that are located in each one of the corners of the prefabricated module of the construction, so the joint between prefabricated modules is made by connecting together at least two of the pieces mentioned above.
These connecting pieces may have a pipe to spread mortar that connects both ends, so when positioning the prefabricated module in a vertical position the mortar descends from the upper part to the lower part. They may also have a truncated conical protuberance in their lower part and an antagonist truncated conical housing for the insertion of a truncated conical protuberance of a connecting piece located superiorly and associated with an adjacent prefabricated module. These pieces also possess some means of horizontal fixing between modules that comprise a perforated casing configured to receive fixing screws that connect to a casing of an adjacent connecting piece to horizontally join two adjacent prefabricated modules.
However, this type of connecting piece has the disadvantage of having a high rigidity and which does not prevent the transmission of unnecessary stresses between prefabricated modules, such as for example, the vertical load stresses between adjacent prefabricated modules.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The construction device object of the invention is of the type that comprises a prefabricated module comprising a base, a roof, a plurality of pillars or walls between the base and the roof and connecting pieces embedded in at least the corner elements.
The connecting pieces comprise a lower element comprising a protuberance and an upper element comprising a housing configured to correspond with the protuberance and facilitate the stacking and placement of one prefabricated module on top of another.
The object of the present invention is a connecting device according to that described which comprises a connecting piece between prefabricated modules which is compact and functional. Therefore, the piece is configured so that it only transmits the stresses that ensure the prefabricated modules conform and behave structurally as a whole, but avoids transmitting the rest of the unnecessary stresses. Therefore, it resolves the technical problem of the stress transmission between adjacent prefabricated modules.
The connecting piece manages to avoid relative horizontal displacements between adjacent prefabricated modules subject to a cutting force i.e., in the direction of the line of the joint between both prefabricated modules or subject to a separation stress, i.e., transverse stresses to the line of the joint between modules. Avoiding those relative displacements between adjacent prefabricated modules the building structure behaves as a whole, creating a rigid diaphragm on the horizontal plan.
Furthermore, the connecting piece also permits avoidance of the transmission of vertical loads between prefabricated modules. With the aim of not allowing vertical load transmission from a prefabricated module to the adjacent prefabricated modules, the piece object of the invention comprises means that allow the connection to the piece of the adjacent prefabricated module so it comprises a rotation axis which is configured on a plane perpendicular to the vertical loads and is parallel to the joint line between the adjacent prefabricated modules, i.e., in this way on joining the two pieces according to the invention the joint possesses both horizontal rotation axes that prevent not only the horizontal displacements previously cited but also the transmission of the abovementioned vertical stresses between adjacent prefabricated modules.
Thus, because the joint is not subject to this class of vertical stress the connecting piece is simplified, since, by not having to absorb these stresses, it can be more compact.
Therefore the upper element of the connecting piece between prefabricated modules comprises:

a base element,
a connecting element attachable to another connecting piece that is configured so that it is joined pivotally to the base element around a pivot axis that is configured so that it is on a horizontal plane and parallel to the line of the joint between adjacent prefabricated modules, understanding by horizontal plane, that it is perpendicular to vertical loads, and
means that prevent the relative movement between both elements, i.e., the base element and the connecting element, at least in the direction of the pivot axis and in the transverse direction to the pivot axis.

Additionally the aforementioned means that prevent the relative movement between the base element and the connecting element can comprise slotted orifices that allow absorption of the construction tolerances in both horizontal directions, i.e., in the direction of the pivot axis and in the transverse direction to the same.
Additionally the connecting element between the prefabricated modules may also have a second vertical rotation axis that would cancel the bending moments of the vertical axis, avoiding the transmission of this type of stresses and contributing therefore to simplifying and compacting the connecting piece.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help better understand the features of the invention, according to a preferential example of practical embodiment of the same, it is accompanied as an integral part of said description by a set of drawings wherein with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the upper element of the connecting piece.
Figure 2.- Shows a section of the upper element of the connecting piece corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 1.
Figure 3.- Shows a section of an embodiment of the lower element of the connecting piece.
Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of an embodiment wherein a connection exists between the upper element and lower element of the connecting piece.
Figure 5.- Shows an embodiment of both adjacent prefabricated modules which incorporates both connecting pieces according to the embodiment of Figure 1.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The connecting piece between prefabricated modules (2) of the embodiment corresponding to the figures comprises an upper element (10) and a lower element (40) which are embedded in at least the corner elements of the modules. The lower element (40) comprises a protuberance (41) and the upper element (10) comprises a housing (11) configured to correspond with the protuberance (41) and facilitate the stacking and placement of one prefabricated module (2) on top of another.
The upper element (10) comprises a base element (12), which is joinable to the prefabricated module (2). It also comprises a connecting element (20) to a connecting piece that is located in the adjacent prefabricated module (2) to be joined. This connecting element (20) is configured such that it is attached pivotally to the base element (12) around a pivot axis. This pivot axis is available so that it is included on a horizontal plane and parallel to the line of the joint between adjacent prefabricated modules (2), understanding by horizontal, perpendicular to vertical loads. In this way a pivot axis is defined which allows the connecting piece to absorb vertical loads and that these are not transmitted to the adjacent module (2) through the connecting pieces between prefabricated modules (2). Furthermore, the joint between the base element (12) and the connecting element (20) comprises means that prevent the relative movement between both elements (12, 20) in the direction of the pivot axis and in the transverse direction to the pivot axis. In this way the prevention of displacements of the adjacent prefabricated modules (2) is achieved in the directions mentioned so that the structure formed by both prefabricated modules (2) and the joint between both behaves as a whole, forming a rigid horizontal diaphragm.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base element (12) comprises two housings (13) configured for the introduction of the two projections (21) of the connecting element (20) which comprise an orifice for the introduction of the axis (16) so that the joint between the base element (12) and the connecting element (20) is pivotable around the aforementioned axis (16). This embodiment also prevents the displacements in the direction of and transverse to the pivoting axis, since the projections (21) of the connecting element (20) remain inserted in the housings (13) of the base element (12) so that it avoids displacement in the direction of the pivoting axis. Furthermore, the axis (16) remains inserted in the orifices of the projections (21) of the connecting element (20) avoiding a transverse displacement to the pivoting axis.
The connecting element (20) comprises, for its attachment to an adjacent connecting piece, at least one lug (22) that comprises an orifice (23) for the insertion of a screw that is provided according to the direction of the vertical loads.
The connecting piece of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 comprises for its attachment to the prefabricated module (2) wherein some bars are installed (60) projecting from the base element (12) and which would remain inserted in the prefabricated module (2). These bars (60) have the function of joining the connecting pieces to the framework of the pillars. The embodiment shown in the figures has long and short bars (60) both possessing the function described.
For the joint between connecting pieces placed according to the direction of the vertical loads, the base element (12) comprises a housing (11) for the fitting of the antagonist protuberance (41) of the lower element (40) of an adjacent connecting piece. Said housing (11) is formed in a dome-shape in the embodiment shown in the figures. The dome-shaped form allows proper support between the upper element (10) and the lower element (40) even when both elements (10, 40) are not perfectly aligned or slightly rotated. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base element (12) comprises a receiving piece (15) that contains the housing (11) located in turn in a housing (14) inside of the base piece (12). The receiving piece (15) is therefore independent of the base element (12), so its position with regard to said base element (12) can be adjusted to the tolerances of the superior prefabricated module (2) by being able to move in the housing (14) in determined directions, being in contact with the base element (12) in the other directions in order to transmit the necessary stresses.
In Figure 3 the lower element is represented (40) which comprises the antagonist protuberance (41) of the housing (11). It also comprises a base plate (42) from which the protuberance (41) is projected from one of its sides and projected from the opposite side, some rods (60) of distinct lengths for its connection to the prefabricated module (2).
The upper (10) and lower (40) elements can be independently created, just as is represented in Figures 1 to 4, one found in the upper part of the same prefabricated module (2), or, both elements (10, 40) can be joined together, just as is represented in Figure 4, using a connecting rod (50) between both elements (10, 40).
Additionally the connecting piece comprises means that allow definition of a rotation axis that is configured according to a vertical rotation axis. In this way the joint of the two adjacent connecting pieces manages to cancel the bending moments of the vertical axis between prefabricated modules (2).
Therefore, the connecting element (20) comprises two first lugs (22) which comprise an orifice (23) for the insertion of both connecting screws with the adjacent connecting piece, adapted for placement between both lugs (22), a third lug (32) of the adjacent connecting piece which comprises an orifice (31) for the insertion of a screw so that it defines a vertical rotation axis between both prefabricated modules (2). Furthermore, the three lugs (22, 32) are adapted to be joined together by at least one orifice plate (70) for the passage of the three connecting screws. The connecting screws associated to the first lugs (22) are adapted to be prestressed, so that they ensure the transmission of stresses, whilst the third lug (32) is not in contact with the plate (70), for example because it has a lesser thickness than the first lugs (22), thus the rotation around the vertical axis is not prevented.
The orifices (23) corresponding to the first lugs (22) are slotted in one direction, in the embodiment shown in the figures, in the direction perpendicular to the line of the joint between prefabricated modules (2), whilst the orifices (not represented) corresponding to the plate (70) and in correspondence with the first lugs (22) become slotted in perpendicular direction to the first orifices (23) for the absorption of tolerances in both horizontal directions.
Each piece comprises a second connecting element (30) comprising the base element (12) two entry slots (18) for inserting both projections (33) of the second connecting element (30) that comprises an orifice for the introduction of an axis (16) so that the joint between the base element (12) and the second connecting element (30) is pivotable around the aforementioned axis (16). This second connecting element (30) also has at least one lug (32) for its insertion between two lugs (22) of an adjacent connecting piece. In this way the vertical rotation axis is configured using the collaboration of the two lugs (22) of the first connecting element (20) and the lug (32) of the second connecting element (30) of the adjacent piece.
The final joint between the adjacent connecting pieces can comprise on top of the first and third lugs mentioned (22, 32), a second plate (not represented) so the lugs (22, 32) are located between both plates. The screws from the first lugs (22) are prestressed.
The base element (12) can comprise around the housing (11) some entries (17) which allow for the introduction of a suitable tool to lift and manipulate the prefabricated module (2).

Claims

Construction device that comprises:
a prefabricated module (2) which comprises a base, a roof, a plurality of pillars or walls between the base and the roof and connecting pieces embedded in at least the corner elements, the connecting pieces comprising a lower element (40) which comprises a protuberance (41) and an upper element (10) which comprises a housing (11) configured to correspond with the protuberance (41) and facilitate the stacking and placement of one prefabricated module (2) on top of another,

characterized in that the upper element (10) of the connecting piece comprises in addition:
• a base element (12),

• a connecting element (20), attachable to another connecting piece of an adjacent prefabricated module (2), which is configured so that it is attached pivotally to the base element (12) around a pivot axis that is configured so that it is on a horizontal plane perpendicular to vertical loads and parallel to the line of the joint between adjacent prefabricated modules (2), and

• means that prevent the relative movement between both elements (12, 20) at least in the direction of the pivot axis and in the transverse direction to the pivot axis.
Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (20) comprises two housings (13) in the base element (12) configured for the introduction of both projections (21) of the connecting element (20) which comprises an orifice for the introduction of an axis (16) so that the joint between the base element (12) and the connecting element (20) is pivotable around the aforementioned axis (16).
Construction device, according to claim 2, characterized in that the means that prevent the relative movement between the base element (12) and the connecting element (20) consist of that the projections (21) of the connecting element (20) are found inserted in the housings (13) of the base element (12) so that their displacement is avoided in the direction of the pivot axis.
Construction device, according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the means that prevent the relative movement between the base element (12) and the connecting element (20) consist of that the axis (16) is inserted in the orifices of the projections (21) of the connecting element (20) avoiding a transverse displacement to the pivot axis.
Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (20) comprises at least one lug (22) which comprises an orifice (23) for the insertion of a screw that is configured according to the direction of the vertical loads for its connection to another connecting piece between adjacent prefabricated modules (2).
Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper element (10) comprises rods (60) projecting from the base element (12).
Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (11) is dome-shaped.
Construction device, according to claims 1 or 7, characterized in that the upper element (10) comprises a receiving piece (15) located on the inside of the base element (12) which has the housing (11).
Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (20) comprises both lugs (22) which comprise an orifice (23) for the insertion of both connecting screws with a connecting piece of an adjacent prefabricated module (2), adapted to place between both lugs (22), a third lug (32) of the connecting piece of the adjacent prefabricated module (2) that comprises an orifice (31) for the insertion of a screw so that it defines a vertical rotation axis of both adjacent prefabricated modules (2), the three lugs being adapted (22, 32) to be joined together by at least an orifice plate (70) for the passage of the three connecting screws and the connecting screws associated to the first lugs being adapted (22) to be prestressed whilst the third lug (32) is adapted in order to not be in contact with the plate (70).
Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower element (40) comprises a base plate (42) from whose lower side is projected the protuberance (41) and on its opposite side are projected superiorly some rods (60).
Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a connection rod (5) between the upper element (10) and the lower element (40).