IT201800004747A1 - MODULAR BUILDING STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

MODULAR BUILDING STRUCTURE

The present invention relates to a modular building structure of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

In particular, the present invention relates to a building structure defining, at least in one configuration, a building construction suitable for housing people and / or articles and products of various kinds.

Modular building structures suitable for realizing non-permanent building constructions are currently known. These types of building constructions can typically be emergency homes, exhibition stands, construction site offices, tool warehouses and, in general, any type of room where the essential finishes of type building constructions are not necessarily provided. permanent.

Structures of this type are generally made with prefabricated components which are then possibly mutually constrained with traditional fastening methods such as nailing, bolting, interlocking or others. Moreover, these structures are modular in such a way as to form the desired building construction according to various techniques.

For example, similarly to what happens for furniture and other structures marketed by manufacturers such as IKEA <®>, the structure can comprise a plurality of components, stored in a not necessarily orderly manner, which must be fully assembled for the composition of the structure.

Alternatively, the structure can be at least partially collapsible or collapsible. In the latter case, at least part of the structure can be prefabricated in such a way as to create at least one fallback plane on which to rest the rest of the structure making the construction.

More specifically, the collapsible building constructions comprise at least one prefabricated platform on which at least one panel and, typically, a plurality of panels is hinged.

The platform can also constitute the floor or the ceiling of this structure and, preferably, defines the support base for the remaining parts of the construction, for example the panels.

In a collapsed configuration, taking for example a simple exhibition stand with a rectangular plan, these structures usually define a regular shape, for example a rectangular parallelepiped, very compact and easily transportable. In fact, the possibility of being able to collapse the structure makes it not bulky and very advantageous for transport.

Nevertheless, the known art described includes some important drawbacks. In particular, the operators assigned to the assembly and disassembly of the modular structures, especially if they collapse, are subjected to considerable stresses caused by the weight of the individual components and their constraint.

Furthermore, another important drawback is that the assembly and constraint phases of the structure often turn out to be laborious even in terms of time. The lengthening of the times does not have an exclusive consequence with respect to the mere ease of assembly, but also inevitably translates into a higher cost related to the labor of the operators dedicated to the installation of the constructions thus conceived.

In order to solve these drawbacks, a building construction described in the patent document VR2010A000186 has been realized.

In particular, this construction comprises one or more primary panel elements hinged on a platform and one or more secondary panel elements hinged on the primary panel elements.

The structure described has the advantage, substantially, of allowing the assembly and disassembly of the entire structure by rotating a reduced number of elements with respect to the common known technique.

However, even this technique has a fundamental drawback. In fact, the collapsible construction can be assembled and disassembled according to a predetermined order and, in the event that the order is incorrect in the disassembly phase, it is not possible to proceed and complete the collapse of the structure in an advantageous manner.

Furthermore, a system of this type requires the support platform as it defines the bond between the flooring or ceiling and the at least primary panel elements.

In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a modular building structure capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Within the scope of said technical task, an important object of the invention is to obtain a modular building structure capable of reducing the overall dimensions at least for transport.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a structure capable of reducing both the efforts and the assembly times of the same in such a way as to achieve a building construction as desired.

Furthermore, another important purpose of the invention is to make the assembly and disassembly phases of the structure independent from the order of assembly or disassembly of the walls which can, for example, compose the construction.

In conclusion, another purpose of the invention is to create a modular building structure independent of the type of platform and the presence or absence of the same.

The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a modular building structure as claimed in the attached claim 1.

Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig.1 shows a plan view of a modular building structure without platform according to the invention;

Fig.2 illustrates a plan view of a modular building structure with the platform according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an assembly of a modular building structure according to the invention;

Fig. 4 represents a front view of a construction made with a modular building structure according to the invention in the assembly phase;

Fig.5a shows a detail of the coupling of a first element with an upright on the left side of the modular building structure of Fig.4;

Fig.5b illustrates a detail of the coupling of a first element with an upright on the right side of the modular building structure of Fig.4;

Fig.6 is a front view of a construction made with a modular building structure according to the invention with the sides when assembled;

Fig.7a shows the detail of the first element of the left side of the structure of Fig.6 in the assembly position;

Fig. 7b shows the detail of the first element of the right side of the structure of Fig.6 in the assembly position;

Fig. 8 illustrates a front view of a construction made with a modular building structure according to the invention with the addition of a canopy; and Fig.9 is a front view of a construction made with a modular building structure according to the invention after assembly.

In this document, measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as less than measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, unless there is a slight divergence from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which it is associated. For example, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10% of the value itself.

Furthermore, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "superior", "inferior", "main" and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, relationship priority or relative position, but can simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from each other.

The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533: 1975).

With reference to the Figures, the modular building structure according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1.

The modular building structure 1 is preferably of the type known in the current state of the art as a collapsible construction. Therefore, as well as the common collapsible constructions, it defines an inoperative configuration in which the structure 1 is substantially disassembled and an operative configuration in which the structure 1 is internally mounted.

The modular building structure preferably defines a base plane 10 and a perimeter 11. Preferably, the base plane 10 and the perimeter 11 are clearly defined in an operative configuration.

The base plane 10 is a support surface for the entire structure and can be, for example, aligned with the ground or parallel to it.

The perimeter 11 is preferably given by the containment lines of the plan of the modular building structure. This perimeter 11 can have complex geometries also including curvilinear portions or can define simpler shapes such as a regular quadrilateral or similar.

Furthermore, preferably, the structure 1 comprises at least one upright 2 and d a first element 3.

Conveniently, the structure 1 comprises at least two uprights 2 and a first element 3.

Preferably, the uprights 2 are arranged along fixed points of the perimeter 11 and are coplanar with respect to the base plane 10.

These fixed points can be points at predetermined distances of the perimeter 11, or particular points given by the geometry of the perimeter 11. For example, if the perimeter 11 is rectangular, suitably the uprights 2 can be four in number and each arranged in correspondence with a corner of the perimeter itself 11.

In the case of curvilinear trajectories of the perimeter 11, the fixed points can instead be determined by other factors, including the dimensions of the first elements 3.

Preferably, the first elements 3 comprise a panel extension surface and can be resolvably constrained between two of the uprights 2 along the perimeter 11.

In the operative configuration, logically, the first elements 3 are resolvably constrained between two of the uprights 2.

Therefore, for example, the first elements 3 can be sides of the structure 1 suitable for making walls for a building construction made from the modular building structure 1.

The first elements 3 are therefore removable elements with respect to the uprights 2 and are not permanently bound to them. In order to guarantee this type of coupling, preferably, the first elements 3 comprise at least one protuberance 30.

Conveniently, the first element 3 being resolvably constrained between two uprights 2, the first element 3 comprises two protuberances 30.

Therefore, the protrusions 30 are arranged on the first element 3 in a functional manner for coupling with the uprights 2. For example, in the case in which the first element 3 is a rectangular panel, the protrusions 30 are arranged on two opposite sides in a specular manner .

However, as already said, the first element 3, or the first elements 3, need not have a regular shape.

The protuberances 30 can also be simple protruding portions of the panel, or they can be metal bars constrained in the correct positions, or they can be special mechanical joints such as, for example, rolling bearings or the like.

In any case, preferably, the protuberances 30 are designed to ensure coupling with the uprights 2.

Therefore, in detail, each upright 2 preferably comprises at least a first guide 20 and a second guide 21.

The first guide 20 and the second guide 21 are, in particular, adapted to house the protuberance 30 or at least part of it.

Preferably, the first guide 20 is a hole extending perpendicularly to the base plane 10. This hole can be a simple cavity, or a through hole provided that they are suitable for housing the protuberance 30.

The first guide 20 therefore defines a first main end 20a and a second main end 20b.

The first main end 20a is preferably arranged near the perimeter 11. Furthermore, preferably, the first main end 20a is closed, and does not allow the passage of any protuberance beyond the first main end 20a.

The second main end 20b is opposite to the first main end 20a and, preferably, it is open towards the outside.

In particular, the second main end 20b is arranged in the upper portion of the upright 2 and preferably determines the access to the first guide 20 by the protuberance 30. Basically, the protuberance 30 can be inserted inside the first guide 20 starting from the first main end 20b in such a way as to achieve the coupling between the first element 3 and the upright 2.

The second guide 21 is preferably of the same type as the first guide 20. Therefore, it can be defined by a hole constituted, for example, by a cavity or by a through hole or, in general, by any element that allows to house the protuberance 30.

Conveniently, the second guide 21 extends askew and communicating with respect to the first guide 20.

Furthermore, the second guide 21 also defines a first secondary end 21a and a second secondary end 21b.

The first secondary end 21a is preferably arranged at the meeting point of the guides 20, 21. The second secondary end 21b is instead preferably arranged in a position close to the base plane 10 with respect to the first secondary end 21a.

In substance, preferably, the second guide 21 is preferably oriented downwards, ie towards the base plane 10, or towards, for example, the ground or in any case the base.

In this way, preferably, the protuberance 30 is made to slide from the first secondary end 21a to the second secondary end 21b if the protuberance 30 is inserted into the second guide 21.

Furthermore, preferably, the second guide 21 is exclusively accessible from the first guide 20.

Preferably, each upright 2 comprises a plurality of second guides 21 arranged at different distances with respect to the base plane 10.

Therefore, substantially, the first guide 20 and the second guides 21 define a half fish bone shape.

The upright 2 can also be an element defined by one or more components. For example, the upright 2 can be a wooden beam in which at least a first guide 20 and a second guide 21 are preferably obtained. In this case, for example, the guides 20, 21 can be simple cavities obtained in the solid wood.

Or, more conveniently, the upright 2 can be a beam skeleton or a hollow beam. Furthermore, this beam can be in one piece, or it can comprise a plurality of components that can be assembled.

Preferably, in general, the upright 2 defines a barycentric axis 2a.

The barycentric axis 2a is substantially defined by the prevailing development axis of the beam where the beam could also be curvilinear and the sections preferably respond to the generalized assumptions for De Saint-Venant beams.

Preferably, the barycentric axis 2a is of the straight type.

Furthermore, the barycentric axis 2a is preferably perpendicular to the base plane 10. Preferably, each upright 2 comprises at least two sides 22, 23.

For example, these sides 22, 23 can form a substantially L-shaped structure suitable for housing the protuberance 30 or at least part of it.

For example, the first guide 20 can be defined by the space between side 22 and side 23 and the second guide 21, or the second guides 21, can be arranged along only one of the sides 22, 23.

More conveniently, each upright 2 comprises two pairs of sides 22, 23 and, therefore, preferably, defines two first guides 20 and two second guides 21. In a preferred configuration, shown in Fig. 3, it is possible to note a type of upright 2 substantially square in plan, but made up of two separate pieces. Each of the separate components defines an L-shaped conformation in which in one there are two adjacent sides 22 and in one piece and in the other there are two adjacent sides 23 in one piece comprising a plurality of second guides 21. The first two guides 20 are, on the other hand, as shown, defined by the space between the two L-shaped portions.

Preferably, moreover, the second secondary ends 21b are arranged in correspondence with the projection of the barycentric axis 2a on at least one side 22, 23 including the related second guides 21.

In any case, the guides 20, 21 are both adapted to house the protuberances 30. As mentioned, suitably, the structure 1 comprises at least two uprights 2 and a first element 3.

The first element 3, once inserted the protrusions 30 inside the first guides 21, of the uprights 2, can at least rotate around an axis passing through the protuberances 30.

Therefore, the protrusions 30 preferably define an axis of rotation 3a. The axis of rotation 3a is, for example, the axis joining the protuberances 30. The protuberances 30 are therefore sliders able to translate or be housed in the guides 20, 21 and form, with at least each of the second secondary ends 21b, a mechanical hinge.

The protuberances 30, when housed inside the second secondary ends 21b, create a labile bond. Therefore the first element 3 and the uprights 2 are mutually loosely constrained and the first element 3 can rotate around the axis of rotation 3a with respect to the upright 2 and suitably to the uprights 2.

The uprights 2 are also mutually constrained by means of at least one beam 4 or at least one platform 5.

The beam 4 can for example be an external element that can be constrained by means of joints, or other joints, the two uprights 2 in such a way as to trace the perimeter 11. Therefore, in this configuration, for example shown in Fig. 1, the flooring of the structure 1 is simply given by the ground.

Furthermore, the beams 4 can compose a perimeter structure, as partially visible in Fig. 3, on which it is possible to constrain the uprights 2, for example at fixed points such as corners, by means of interlocking constraints.

This constraint can be a pin available inside a hole.

Alternatively, the structure 1 can comprise a prefabricated platform 5 comprising a wooden plane or panel arranged on the base plane 10 and able to support the weight of the whole structure 1.

In this case, the platform 5 can determine the perimeter 11 and the uprights 2 can be arranged in predetermined fixed points of the platform 5. If the platform is rectangular, as in the common cases of modular building structures 1 of the collapsible and compact type, the uprights 2 are arranged in correspondence with the four corners of the platform 5 which occupies all the space included within the perimeter 11.

Regardless of the type of connection used between the uprights 2, the first element 3 preferably comprises at least one interference portion 31. The interference portion 31 is preferably a part of the first element 3 capable of interfering with the rotation of the first element 3 around the axis of rotation 3a, in particular when the first element 3 is housed inside the second secondary end 21b.

This interference portion 31 can be a hook adapted to mutually interlock the first element 3 and the upright 2. Or, preferably, the interference portion 31 can be able to interfere with the beam 4 or with the platform 5 at the basic plan 10.

For this to be possible, preferably, the upright or posts 2 preferably form with the first element 3 at least a locking configuration in which the protrusions 30 of the first element 3 are housed in the second secondary ends 21b of the second guides 21 which are closer to the base plane. 10.

In this configuration, the rotation axis 31 is parallel to the base plane 10 and the interference portions 31 interact with the beam 4 or the platform 5 in order to block the rotation of the first element 3 around the rotation axis 3a. To do this, it is sufficient, for example, that the first elements 3 have square ends, and not rounded ones, suitable for constraining the rotation of the first element 3 in the way shown in Fig.5a and 5b.

This constraint is, for example, an interlocking constraint made by resting an interference portion 31 on a rectilinear plane.

Furthermore, the first element 3 can in turn comprise other second or third elements, for example useful for the construction of building constructions typical of exhibition stands and the like.

Also in this case, the constraints previously defined by fixed hinges can be replaced by elements that have the same guides described for the uprights 2. That is, auxiliary uprights can be conceived for particular portions of the structure 1.

Finally, the structure 1 can be provided with a roof according to the techniques already known at present, or with a flat roof.

The operation of the modular building structure 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows.

An operator can easily assemble the uprights 2 with one or more first elements 3 by means of the guides 20, 21. In particular, it is sufficient for the operator to simultaneously slide the protrusions 30 inside the first guides 20 starting from the second ends 20b of the two mounted elements 2 between which the first element 3 is arranged.

Subsequently, the operator brings the protuberances 30 inside the second secondary ends 21b aligned with the two uprights 2.

Preferably, in the assembly and outfitting phase of a building construction by means of the structure 1 according to the invention, the operator brings the protrusions 30, on the two sides of the first element 3 being assembled, simultaneously inside the second ends closest to the basic plan 10.

Thanks to the interference portion 31, the first element 3 remains in the chosen position, i.e. raised with respect to the base plane 10 or, better said, in a vertical position and perpendicular to the base plane 10.

In this way, a wall of the desired building construction was created. However, it is possible to proceed in the same way with the other walls in such a way as to enclose the internal perimeter 11 and define a closed building construction.

Elements such as a canopy or other elements useful for defining the construction can then be added. Examples of this type can be additional floors on the sides of the building that can be mounted by means of nails or bolting or other joints or can also be assembled and prefabricated together with the first element 3.

The invention includes a new method of assembling a building construction by means of the structure 1.

In particular, the method can comprise a step for arranging the uprights 2 along fixed points of the perimeter 11. In particular, preferably, at least two uprights 2 are arranged in this step.

Furthermore, the method can comprise a step of connecting the uprights 2 by means of a beam 4 or a platform 5.

These two steps may also not be included in the process if the structure 1 comprises a platform 5 with prefabricated and pre-assembled uprights 2.

Essentially, the process comprises at least one insertion and one handling step.

In the insertion step, preferably, the protuberances 30 of the first element 3 are inserted inside the first guides 20 of the respective uprights 2.

In detail, the insertion can be carried out starting from the second main ends 20b.

In conclusion, in the handling phase, the protuberances 30 are moved inside the guides 20, 21 up to the respective second secondary ends 21b closest to the base plane 10 in such a way as to block the first element 3 and create a wall of the construction construction.

The insertion and handling phases can subsequently be carried out again for other first elements 3 in such a way as to obtain a complete building construction at least in the perimeter fence.

The modular building structure 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages. In fact, as can also be seen from the assembly process, the structure 1 allows to reduce not only the efforts, but also the assembly times for the construction of a wall of a building construction.

The uprights 2 and the first elements 3 are mutually aligned by means of the guides 20, 21.

Furthermore, the structure 1 can be made according to different configurations. For example, the uprights 2 can be movable and mutually connected and constrained exclusively by means of a first element 3.

Alternatively, they can be constrained with a beam 4 or even pre-bonded by means of a platform 5. The functional characteristics of the structure 1 in any case allow it to be configurable and marketable in a plurality of ways.

Therefore, it does not limit the geometries that can be made only to the base platform 5, as is the case for common constructions in the current state of the art.

Secondly, but not least, even when the structure 1 comprises a platform 5 with prefabricated uprights 2 and fixed in fixed points of the platform 5, the conformation of the uprights 2 themselves allows for easy disassembly of the structure 1. In fact, it is not necessary to respect a order of installation of the first elements 3 as is the case for common collapsible building constructions. The presence of the first guide 20 and of a plurality of second guides 21 allows the first elements 3 to be arranged parallel to the base plane 10 at variable heights. In fact, since the hinge between the uprights 2 and the first element 3 can be resolved and not defined by a fixed point, it is possible to vary the order of arrangement of the first elements 3 on the platform 5, for example during the disassembly and rearrangement of the structure 1, in this case preferably collapsible.

The invention is susceptible of variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Modular building structure (1) defining a base plane (10) and a perimeter (11) comprising: - a plurality of uprights (2) arranged along fixed points of said perimeter (11) and coplanar with respect to said base plane (10), and - at least a first element (3) comprising a panel extension surface and resolvably constrained between two of said uprights (2) along said perimeter (11), and characterized by the fact that - each of said uprights (2) comprises at least a first guide (20) and a second guide (21) and said first element (3) comprises at least two protuberances (30) available in said guides (20, 21), - said first guide (20) being a hole extending perpendicularly to said base plane (10), and - said second guide (21) being a hole extending askew and communicating with respect to said first guide (20) and defining a first secondary end (21a) and a second secondary end (21b), - said first secondary end (21a) being arranged at the meeting point of said guides (20, 21) and said second secondary end (21b) being arranged closer to said base plane (10) than said first secondary end (21a). Structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of said uprights (2) comprises a plurality of said second guides (21) arranged at different distances with respect to said base plane (10). Structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said first guide (20) defines a first main end (20a) and a second main end (20b), said first main end (20a) being closed and arranged at of said perimeter (11) and said second main end (20b) being communicating with the outside. Structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, in which each of said uprights (2) defines a barycentric axis (2a) perpendicular to said base plane (10) and at least two sides (22, 23) arranged around said barycentric axis (2a), said first guide (20) being defined by the space between said two sides (22, 23) and said second guide (21) being included in one of said two sides (22, 23). Structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein each of said uprights (2) comprises two pairs of said sides (22, 23) and therefore two first guides (20) and two second guides (21). Structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, in which said second secondary ends (21b) are arranged in correspondence with the projection of said barycentric axis (2a) on said at least one side (22, 23) comprising said relative second guides ( 21). Structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, in which said protuberances (30) define an axis of rotation (3a) and are substantially sliders able to translate or be housed in said guides (20, 21), said protuberances ( 30) realizing with each of said second secondary ends (21b) a mechanical hinge able to loosely constrain said first element (3) to said uprights (2) and allow rotation about said rotation axis (3a). Structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, in which said uprights (2) are mutually constrained by means of elements chosen between at least one beam (4) arranged along said perimeter (11) or at least one extending platform (5) at least of the space between said perimeter (11) and coplanar with respect to said base plane (10). Structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said first element (3) comprises at least an interference portion (31) adapted to interfere with said beam (4) or said platform (5) and said upright (2) realizes with said first element (3) at least one locking configuration in which said protuberances (30) of said first element (3) are housed in said second secondary ends (21b) of said second guides (21) closer to said plane of base (10) in such a way that said axis of rotation (3a) is parallel to said base plane (10) and said interference portions (31) interfere with said beam (4) or said platform (5) in such a way as to blocking the rotation of said first element (3) around said rotation axis (3a). 10. Method of assembling a building construction by means of a structure (1) according to at least one preceding claim, comprising the steps of: - insert said protuberances (30) of said first element (3) inside said first guides (20) of said respective uprights (2), - moving said protuberances (30) inside said guides (20, 21) up to said respective second secondary ends (21b) closest to said base plane (10) in such a way as to block said first element (3) and making a wall of said building construction.