EP3577283B1

EP3577283B1 - Structural frame component, building and method

Info

Publication number: EP3577283B1
Application number: EP18707985.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Willem Jan NOORDZIJ
Original assignee: Invento BV
Current assignee: Invento BV
Priority date: 2017-02-02
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2023-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-02
Also published as: NL2018293B1; EP3577283A1; EP3577283C0; WO2018143811A1

Description

The present invention relates to a structural frame component. The invention further relates to a building comprising such a component and to a method for constructing such a structural frame component.
Within the context of the present invention structural frame component is understood to mean a component of a frame, which frame has a structural function. Such a frame can for instance be used in a building or for an addition or extension to or on a building.
Structural frames and components therefor are known from the prior art. A known example is wood-frame construction, wherein a wooden skeleton is first constructed. This skeleton is connected to wall panels for constructing walls and to floor parts for constructing storey floors.
US2002/0044823A1 discloses a frame connection structure for use in connecting tubular or open channel elements one to another, including two or more inserts configured for respective insertion within the elements to be interconnected.
It is always an object to keep the construction costs associated with construction of the building as low as possible. Due to sustainability requirements, there is also increasing demand for repeatedly using construction elements while preserving as much of their financial value as possible. A known example are holiday homes, which usually have to be built in large numbers and wherein the holiday homes are usually identical to each other.
The present invention has for its object to provide a construction method with which a building can be put up quickly and inexpensively.
The invention provides for this purpose a structural frame component, comprising a first elongate element provided at an end thereof with a first and second opening, a second elongate element comprising a third opening at an end surface thereof, and a third elongate element comprising a fourth opening at an end surface thereof. The frame component further comprises a first coupling element provided with a fifth opening, a second coupling element, and a third coupling element comprising a sixth opening at an end surface thereof.
According to the invention, the first coupling element is placed in the first opening in a manner such that the fifth opening lies in line with the second opening, and the first coupling element is fixedly connected to the first elongate element. The first coupling element is further also placed in the third opening and the first coupling element is fixedly connected to the second elongate element.
According to the invention, the second coupling element is placed in the fifth opening and the second opening and is fixedly connected to the first coupling element and/or the first elongate element. The third coupling element is further placed by means of the sixth opening at least partially over the second coupling element, and the third coupling element is fixedly connected to the second coupling element and/or the first elongate element. The third elongate element is here placed by means of the fourth opening at least partially over the third coupling element, and is fixedly connected thereto.
The structural frame component according to the present invention realizes a connection between at least three elongate elements, which elements define a three-dimensional space. The elements can here lie perpendicularly of each other, such as at the corner of a building, or the elements can be placed at a different angle, such as at the ridge of a roof.
The invention makes it possible to construct a building or frame therefor with a reduced number of differing components. The small number of differing elements makes it possible to manufacture these elements in large numbers prior to construction. These elements can usually also be used for various buildings.
An important aspect of the present invention is that the first and second elongate element are coupled by the first coupling element and that the first and third elongate element are coupled by the third coupling element, wherein the first coupling element comprises an opening for anchoring or placing/positioning of the third coupling element. For this anchoring or placing/positioning use is made of a second coupling element.
The use of prearranged openings in both the elongate elements and the coupling elements simplifies the correct positioning of the differing components, both in respect of the eventual precision with which elements can be positioned relative to each other and the simplicity with which this can take place.
The present invention provides a structural frame component which enables construction of a building which can be disassembled and/or reassembled. Within the context of the present invention a building which can be reassembled is understood to mean a building which can be disassembled after being built and can then be re-built again, at least partially with the same components. It is noted here that it is particularly the structural frame component of the present invention which can be disassembled and reassembled in simple manner. This is related to the manner in which the structural frame component is constructed, and the coupling means used in order to mutually connect the different parts of the structural frame component.
Because of the modular construction, the economic characteristics and the fact that it can be reassembled, the structural frame component qualifies for application in diverse and serial building projects. Examples are holiday homes, which are characterized in that their useful life lasts a limited number of years. After some time these homes can be disassembled, and later reassembled for the purpose of once again realizing holiday homes at that time.
The building and/or structural frame component according to the present invention can preferably be disassembled and reassembled repeatedly. The structural frame component, or a building constructed therewith, is hereby highly suitable for financial or operating lease uses.
The structural frame component is preferably embodied with substantially standard elements which are used for different structural frame components. This reduces the amount of work having to be carried out at the construction site since only a small number of elements is needed, which require no or little work, such as sizing, before they can be used. A further advantage is that a sizing system can be applied. This is because the dimensions of the small number of components are preferably known in advance.
The first, second and/or third elongate element are preferably beam-like. Other forms, such as a cylindrical form, are however not precluded. The outer dimensions of the first, second and third elongate element can further correspond to each other.
If the first elongate element has a form with a plurality of side walls, the first and second openings can be arranged on different side walls of the first elongate element.
In order to save weight, the first, second and/or third elongate element can take an at least partially hollow form. This for instance provides the option of guiding conduits, such as electrical conduits.
The fifth opening can be embodied as a through-opening. The second coupling element here preferably supports on a wall of the first elongate element lying opposite the second opening. It is however also possible for the second coupling element to support on a wall of the first coupling element lying opposite the fifth opening.
The third elongate element can support on a wall of the first elongate element in which the second opening is arranged. In addition to or instead of this, the second elongate element can support on a wall of the first elongate element in which the first opening is arranged.
The outer dimensions of the first coupling element can correspond to the inner dimensions of the first and third opening. The first coupling element preferably matches the inner dimensions of the first and third opening in respect of form and size. More particularly, the fit between coupling element and first and third opening can be close, so that there is little or no play between these components.
The outer dimensions of the second coupling element can correspond to the inner dimensions of the fifth and sixth opening. It is also the case here that the second coupling element can match the inner dimensions of the fifth and sixth opening in respect of form and size. This is also the case for the outer dimensions of the third coupling element, which preferably correspond to the inner dimensions of the second opening and to the inner dimensions of the fourth opening.
In a preferred embodiment the first elongate element is identical to the third elongate element. The first and third coupling element can instead or also be identical. The number of differing components can hereby be reduced. A determined opening, such as a first and/or second opening, may not always be used. It is also possible for a first and second opening to be provided on both ends of the elongate element. This is also the case for the first coupling element. Generally, it can be stated that the differing components, i.e. the elongate elements and the coupling elements, can be designed in a manner such that they have the same functionality and form at both end surfaces of these components. It is even possible for the second and third elongate element to be embodied just as the first elongate element, and for the third coupling element to be embodied as the first coupling element. In such an embodiment there may thus be only three differing components.
The first opening can be a through-opening and the fifth opening can preferably be placed in a middle part of the first coupling element. It is then possible that the first coupling element protrudes on either side of the first elongate element and is fixedly connected to individual second elongate elements on these sides.
The fifth and second openings can be through-openings. It is then possible that the second coupling element protrudes on either side of the first elongate element and is fixedly connected to individual third elongate elements on these sides by means of individual third coupling elements.
The first coupling element can be provided with a chamfered end surface corresponding to a chamfered end surface of the second elongate element. When the third elongate element is placed perpendicularly of the first elongate element, the first and third elongate element form a first plane. By making use of said chamfered end surfaces it can be achieved that the second elongate element is placed relative to the first plane in a manner other than perpendicularly.
The third coupling element can be provided with a chamfered end surface corresponding to a chamfered end surface of the third elongate element. If the second elongate element is placed perpendicularly of the first elongate element, the first and second elongate element form a second plane. By making use of said chamfered end surfaces it can be achieved that the third elongate element is placed relative to the second plane in a manner other than perpendicularly.
The first, second or third elongate element can be manufactured from one or more of the materials from the group consisting of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (composite), steel, aluminium or bamboo wood or plywood.
The first, second or third elongate coupling element can be manufactured from one or more of the materials from the group consisting of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (composite), plastic, steel, aluminium or bamboo wood or plywood.
At least one of the first, second and third elongate element can be fixedly connected to a construction panel, such as a wall panel or a roof panel. Use can be made here of per se known connecting techniques such as a screw connection or adhesive. The first, second and/or third elongate element can in particular comprise one or more further openings which provide access to a cavity in that element, wherein the fixed connection between the construction panel and said at least one of the first, second and third elongate element comprises a screw connection or bolt connection which can be arranged from the cavity. It is thus possible for the construction panel to comprise a nut corresponding to a bolt or other type of nut element, wherein a user places the bolt through the further opening and tightens it through a wall of the elongate element into the nut in order to couple the construction panel to the relevant elongate element. The elongate element is herein preferably pre-drilled.
The construction panel can comprise an expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel. This material is easy to process, is inexpensive, and provides good insulating properties.
The construction panel can comprise a fourth elongate element, an outer wall of which lies at an angle relative to an outer wall of the construction panel, which fourth elongate element is coupled to at least one of the first, second and third elongate element. When a construction panel is coupled in such a manner to a horizontally disposed elongate element, a situation is created where the construction panel lies obliquely relative to the vertical. A roof can be constructed in this way. The fourth elongate element can here be coupled by means of a fixed connection which is arranged from said cavity, through the further opening.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a building comprising one or more structural frame components as described above.
According to a third aspect, the present invention provides an assembly for constructing a structural frame component, comprising the first, second and third elongate element and the first, second and third coupling element as defined in any of the foregoing claims. This assembly can be expanded with the other components which have been described above. The above does not preclude some elements in the assembly being identical, as stated above.
According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for constructing a structural frame component, comprising the steps of providing the above stated assembly, coupling the first and second elongate element by means of the first coupling element and attaching the first and second elongate element to the first coupling element such that the second opening lies in line with the fifth opening, placing the second coupling element in the fifth and second opening and attaching the second coupling element to the first coupling element and/or the first elongate element, at least partially placing the third coupling element over the second coupling element and fixedly connecting the second and third coupling element and at least partially placing the third elongate element over the third coupling element and fixedly connecting the third coupling element and the third elongate element.
The invention will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an overview of the components of an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows two views of a coupling between the first and second elongate element;
Figure 3 shows two views of a coupling between the third elongate element and the structure of figure 2;
Figure 4 shows a ridge structure in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 shows a further ridge structure in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 6 shows a structural frame in which a number of the structural frame components of figures 2-5 have been incorporated.
Figure 1 shows an overview of the components of an embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention. This assembly comprises a first elongate element 10 which is embodied as a hollow beam. This element has in its longitudinal direction a square cross-section with a wall thickness d1. Element 10 is further provided at an end thereof with a first opening 11 in wall 13 and a second opening 12 in wall 14. The distance between openings 11, 12 and the edge of element 10 is here equal to wall thickness d1. Openings 11, 12 further take a square form and extend through walls 13, 14. The form and inner dimensions of openings 11, 12 are identical to an opening 15 on both end surfaces of element 10.

Elongate elements 20, 30 are respectively provided with openings 25, 35 corresponding to opening 15 in respect of form and size. These elements are also embodied as a hollow beam with a square cross-section.
Coupling elements 40, 50, 60 are embodied as hollow beams, each with a square cross-section. Coupling elements 40 and 60 here have the same outer dimension, which corresponds to openings 11, 12, 15, 25 and 35, i.e. the outer dimensions of elements 10, 20, 30 minus twice the wall thickness d1. These elements can hereby be placed in openings 11, 12, 15, 25 and 35. Coupling elements 40 and 60 each have a wall thickness d2. Coupling element 40 is further provided with an opening 41 which is placed at a distance d2 from the edge of element 40.
Coupling element 50 has an outer dimension corresponding to the dimension of opening 41 in respect of form and size, whereby coupling element 50 can be placed in opening 41. Opening 41 further corresponds to openings 45, 65, whereby coupling element 50 can also be placed in these openings. Opening 55 has an inner dimension corresponding to the inner dimension of openings 41, 45 and 65 minus twice the wall thickness d3.
Figure 2 shows two views of a coupling between the first and second elongate element. Coupling element 40 is here used for the coupling. This coupling element is attached to elements 10, 20 by means of known techniques such as screw-plug, bolt-nut or pop rivet technique. This does not preclude these elements also being attached to each other, for instance by a layer of adhesive.
Figure 3 shows two views of a coupling between the third elongate element and the structure of figure 2. Use is made here of coupling element 50, which is placed in openings 12 and 41. Coupling element 50 is fixedly connected to coupling element 40 and first elongate element 10 by means of a screw-plug, bolt-nut or pop rivet technique. Elongate element 30 is further connected to coupling elements 50 and 60 by means of a screw-plug, bolt-nut or pop rivet technique.
Figure 4 shows a ridge construction in accordance with the present invention. An elongate element 20 is here used as an upright 100 and two elongate elements 30 are used as trusses 110. These latter are chamfered on their end surfaces. An elongate element 10 is further used as ridge 120. Compared to the embodiment for elongate element 10 of figure 1, an opening 121, this corresponding to opening 12 in figure 1, is in the case of ridge 120 however a through-opening.
A coupling element 70 is used for the purpose of coupling trusses 110 and ridge 120. Coupling element 70 has chamfered end surfaces, whereby it comes to lie against an inner wall of trusses 110. Coupling element 70 also has an opening 71 halfway therealong, through which a coupling element 50 has been inserted. Arranged over this latter element is a coupling element 60, which in turn has been arranged in an opening at the end surface of post 100.
Figure 4 shows the situation at the end surfaces of a building. Figure 5 shows the situation halfway along ridge 120. The connection between ridge 120, trusses 110 and upright 100 is substantially the same, with the exception that in figure 5 ridge 120 has opening 121 and the opening corresponding to opening 11 of element 10 halfway along its length.
For the fixed connection of the differing components in figures 4 and 5 similar measures are taken as in figures 2 and 3.
Figure 6 shows a structural frame in which a number of the structural frame components of figures 2-5 have been incorporated. A letter "A" designates herein the component of figure 3, and a letter "B" the component of figure 4.
Figure 6 further shows how the structural frame can be connected to one or more construction panels 150. Elongate elements 10, 20, 30 can be provided for this purpose with further openings 200. A user can here place a construction panel between elements 10, 20, 30 and realize a screw or bolt connection between elements 10, 20, 30 and construction panel 150 through openings 200. The construction panel can for this purpose for instance comprise a nut or other element which can co-act with for instance a bolt. Elements 10, 20, 30 can further be pre-drilled at the location of further openings 200 or be provided in other manner with an opening for passage of a screw or bolt. This is however not strictly necessary.
An expanded polystyrene panel in which a nut or other type of coupling element is incorporated is mentioned as an example of a construction panel. Aligning the wall panel with an element 10, 20, 30 in a manner such that the opening of the nut becomes aligned with the pre-drilled opening in element 10, 20, 30 enables this element to be connected to the wall panel by means of a bolt which is brought into engagement with the nut from element 10, 20, 30, through further opening 200. After this, the bolt or other attaching means can be tightened or fastened by means of an Allen key or ratchet for the purpose of achieving the fixed connection. Depending on the connecting materials used, they can be connected to form a permanent fixed connection.
Figure 6 further shows a roof panel 160 which is likewise embodied as an expanded polystyrene panel. A fourth elongate element 170 is however incorporated in this panel. This element preferably protrudes from the remaining part of the panel, and in a manner such that an outer surface of element 170 lies at an angle relative to an outer surface of the remaining part. Element 170 can be embodied here as element 10, 20 or 30.
Fourth element 170 can be coupled to an element 10, 20, 30 in similar manner as the above stated wall panel, i.e. with a bolt-nut or screw or pop rivet technique connection. Figure 6 shows how a roof can be constructed with this type of panel 160.
It will be apparent to the skilled person that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments thereof shown here but that the scope of protection is defined solely by the following claims. As an example, it is mentioned that the openings and forms of the elongate elements and coupling elements need not be square only, but can also have other forms such as rectangular, circular or oval.

Claims

Structural frame component, comprising:
a first elongate element (10) provided at an end thereof with a first (11) and second opening (12);

a second elongate element (20) comprising a third opening (25) at an end surface thereof;

a third elongate element (30) comprising a fourth opening (35) at an end surface thereof;

a first coupling element (40) provided with a fifth opening (41);

a second coupling element (50);

a third coupling element (60) comprising a sixth opening (65) at an end surface thereof;

wherein the first coupling element (40) is placed in the first opening (11) in a manner such that the fifth opening (41) lies in line with the second opening (12), and wherein the first coupling element (40) is fixedly connected to the first elongate element (10);

wherein the first coupling element (40) is also placed in the third opening (25) and wherein the first coupling element (40) is fixedly connected to the second elongate element (20);

wherein the second coupling element (50) is placed in the fifth opening (41) and the second opening (12) and is fixedly connected to the first coupling element (40) and/or the first elongate element (10);

wherein the third coupling element (60) is placed by means of the sixth opening (65) at least partially over the second coupling element (50), and wherein the third coupling element (60) is fixedly connected to the second coupling element (50) and/or the first elongate element (10);

wherein the third elongate element (30) is placed by means of the fourth opening (35) at least partially over the third coupling element (60), and is fixedly connected thereto.
Structural frame component according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and/or third elongate element are beam-like, wherein the first and second openings are preferably arranged on different side walls of the first elongate element; and/or
wherein the first, second and/or third elongate element take an at least partially hollow form.
Structural frame component according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the fifth opening is a through-opening, and wherein the second coupling element preferably supports on a wall of the first elongate element lying opposite the second opening.
Structural frame component according to claims 1-2, wherein the second coupling element supports on a wall of the first coupling element lying opposite the fifth opening.
Structural frame component according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the third elongate element supports on a wall of the first elongate element in which the second opening is arranged; and/or
wherein the second elongate element supports on a wall of the first elongate element in which the first opening is arranged.
Structural frame component according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein outer dimensions of the first coupling element correspond to inner dimensions of the first and third opening; and/or
wherein outer dimensions of the second coupling element correspond to inner dimensions of the fifth and sixth opening; and/or

wherein outer dimensions of the third coupling element correspond to inner dimensions of the second opening; and/or

wherein outer dimensions of the third coupling element correspond to inner dimensions of the fourth opening.
Structural frame component according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first elongate element is identical to the third elongate element; and/or
wherein the first and third coupling element are identical.
Structural frame component according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first opening is a through-opening and wherein the fifth opening is preferably placed in a middle part of the first coupling element, wherein, preferably, the first coupling element protrudes on either side of the first elongate element and is fixedly connected to individual second elongate elements on these sides; and/or
wherein the fifth and second openings are through-openings, wherein, preferably, the second coupling element protrudes on either side of the first elongate element and is fixedly connected to individual third elongate elements on these sides by means of individual third coupling elements.
Structural frame component according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first coupling element has a chamfered end surface corresponding to a chamfered end surface of the second elongate element; and/or
wherein the third coupling element has a chamfered end surface corresponding to a chamfered end surface of the third elongate element; and/or

wherein the first, second or third elongate element is manufactured from one or more of the materials from the group consisting of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (composite), steel, aluminium or bamboo wood or plywood.
Structural frame component according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first, second or third elongate coupling element is manufactured from one or more of the materials from the group consisting of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (composite), steel, aluminium or bamboo wood or plywood,
Structural frame component according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first, second and third elongate element is fixedly connected to a construction panel,
wherein, preferably, the first, second and/or third elongate element comprises one or more further openings which provide access to a cavity in that element, wherein the fixed connection between the construction panel and said at least one of the first, second and third elongate element comprises a screw connection or bolt connection which can be arranged from the cavity,

wherein the construction panel preferably comprises a nut element which can co-act with a bolt arranged from the cavity,

wherein the construction panel preferably comprises an expanded polystyrene panel, wherein, preferably, the construction panel comprises a fourth elongate element, an outer wall of which lies at an angle relative to an outer wall of the construction panel, which fourth elongate element is coupled to at least one of the first, second and third elongate element.
Structural frame component according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first, second and third elongate element is fixedly connected to a construction panel, [claim 24]
wherein the first, second and/or third elongate element comprises one or more further openings which provide access to a cavity in that element, wherein the fixed connection between the construction panel and said at least one of the first, second and third elongate element comprises a screw connection or bolt connection which can be arranged from the cavity, [claim 25]

wherein the construction panel comprises a fourth elongate element, an outer wall of which lies at an angle relative to an outer wall of the construction panel, which fourth elongate element is coupled to at least one of the first, second and third elongate element [claim 28],

wherein the fourth elongate element is preferably coupled by means of a fixed connection which can be arranged from the cavity.
Building, comprising one or more structural frame components as defined in any of the foregoing claims.
Assembly for constructing a structural frame component as defined in any of the claims 1-12, the assembly comprising the first, second and third elongate element and the first, second and third coupling element.
Method for constructing a structural frame component, comprising of:
providing the assembly according to claim 14,

coupling the first and second elongate element by means of the first coupling element and attaching the first and second elongate element to the first coupling element such that the second opening lies in line with the fifth opening;

placing the second coupling element in the fifth and second opening and attaching the second coupling element to the first coupling element and/or the first elongate element;

at least partially placing the third coupling element over the second coupling element and fixedly connecting the second and third coupling element;

at least partially placing the third elongate element over the third coupling element and fixedly connecting the third coupling element and the third elongate element.