ITTO20130521A1 - MODULAR ELEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention entitled:

â € œModular building elementâ €

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

Field of invention

The present invention relates to modular construction elements. The invention was developed with particular reference to modular elements for the construction of structures such as transparent roofs, for example geodesic domes or the like.

Known technique and general technical problem

In the construction of transparent structures, i.e. able to allow the passage of light rays coming from the outside, one of the most recurring problems that designers have to face is that of reducing the heat exchange (conductive, convective and radiative) between the structure and the external environment. This is to ensure more favorable climatic conditions inside the structure, especially in the case of buildings intended to accommodate people in order to have less demanding performance requirements for the air conditioning system inside the structure.

The currently known solutions are generally characterized by a considerable constructive complexity which is likely to require first of all highly specialized personnel for the installation and, clearly, is likely to result in a very high final construction cost of the structure. Furthermore, the efficiency of the known solutions in terms of limiting the heat exchange can be decidedly improved, especially in light of the recent provisions on energy efficiency for new buildings.

Purpose of the invention

The purpose of the invention is to solve the previously mentioned technical problems. In particular, the purpose of the invention is to provide a modular element for constructions, particularly for the construction of structures such as transparent roofs, which has a high constructive simplicity and high thermal insulation capacity with respect to the external environment.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is achieved by a modular element for constructions having the characteristics forming the subject of one or more of the following claims, which form an integral part of the technical teaching given here in relation to the invention.

In particular, the purpose of the invention is achieved by a modular construction element including:

- a perimeter frame,

- a mesh structure coupled to said perimeter frame,

- a covering sheath that covers said perimeter frame and said mesh structure,

in which the vacuum is applied inside said sheath.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will now be described with reference to the attached figures, given purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:

- figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention

- figure 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II of figure 1,

- figure 3 includes a first portion â € œAâ € consisting of a plan view according to arrow III of figure 1 and a second portion â € œBâ € illustrating a schematic plan view corresponding to that of the portion â € œAâ € but illustrating an advantageous aspect of the invention, - Figures 4 and 5 are similar to Figure 3 but refer to a second and a third preferred embodiment,

- figure 6 is a sectional view of a different embodiment of the embodiments object of the previous figures, and

- figures 7, 8, 9 show schematic views (in section as regards figures 7, 8 and exploded as regards figure 9) relating to advantageous constructive variants of the embodiments object of the preceding figures.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In figure 1 the reference number 1 indicates a modular element for constructions based on a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The modular element 1 includes a perimeter frame 2, a mesh structure 4 coupled to the perimeter frame 2 and extending within it, and a covering sheath 6 (hereinafter, for the sake of brevity, often referred to only as `` sheath '') that covers it completely, that is, that covers the perimeter frame and the mesh structure.

More in detail, the perimeter frame 2 has a preferably polygonal shape, which in the preferred embodiment illustrated here corresponds to the triangular shape and includes a first, a second and a third side 8, 10, 12 of identical length (the shape is ̈ hence that of an equilateral triangle). Naturally the length of the sides can be varied according to the needs (for which it will be possible to have triangular geometries of the isosceles or scalene type), in particular according to the geometry of the structure to be built.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, each side includes a pair of metal profiles 8A, 10A, 12A between which there is an insert 14 of insulating material (for example plastic material or ceramic material) which extends over the entire length of each side and consequently substantially along the entire perimeter of the frame 2, creating a thermal break in the perimeter frame 2 intended to limit the conductive heat exchange.

The sides of the perimeter frame 2 are preferably connected to each other by means of corner joining elements indicated with the reference number 16. In some variants it is possible to provide a direct connection between the metal profiles 8A, 10A, 12A constituting each side, for example a weld. In this case the insert 14 can be realized as a continuous element on the three sides of the perimeter frame 2.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3A, in a preferred embodiment the mesh structure 4 includes a pair of nets 4â € ™ of thread-like elements, preferably of metal or plastic material, stretched between the sides of the perimeter frame 2 in the region corresponding to the opening identified by the perimeter frame itself. In the preferred embodiment of figures 1 to 3, each net 4 of the aforementioned pair is arranged at opposite axial ends of the perimeter frame 2, ie at the opposite ends of the opening defined by the perimeter frame itself. As reference axis, assume the X1 axis of figures 1, 2, 3.

Each net 4â € ™ is made in a way at least roughly similar to a tennis racket: each net includes a plurality of threadlike elements that are routed through the walls of the perimeter frame (see for example figure 2) according to a trajectory generally serpentine (or corrugated trajectory). More in detail, with reference to Figure 3A, the net 4â € ™ is defined by filiform elements stretched between two sides and parallel to the remaining side of the perimeter frame 2 so as to define a plurality of triangular meshes 4B. This can be achieved in several ways.

In some variants it is possible to provide a single long filiform element 4A which is routed sequentially with trajectories parallel to each side (for example a first serpentine path is given with orientation of the straight sections parallel to side 8, a second path a serpentine path is imparted with the orientation of the rectilinear sections parallel to the side 10, a third serpentine path is imparted with the orientation of the rectilinear sections parallel to the side 12).

In other variants it is possible to use three distinct 4A filiform elements, each associated with a serpentine path with straight sections parallel to a single side.

In still further variants it is possible to provide a greater number of thread-like elements: in this case each thread-like element stretched between two sides of the perimeter frame 2 with orientation parallel to the remaining side will preferably be an independent thread-like element.

The sheath 6 is preferably made as a casing of resistant polymeric material, for example ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), and transparent. In the preferred embodiment illustrated here, the shape of the sheath 6 is at least roughly similar to that of a bag within which the perimeter frame 2 is housed with the pair of nets defining the mesh structure 4.

Inside the sheath 6 the vacuum is applied so that it adheres tightly to the frame 2 and to the nets 4 'of the mesh structure 4. It should be noted that the application of the vacuum allows to give a stable shape to the structure : the various profiles of the perimeter frame and the layer of insulating material are fixed in position by the contraction of the sheath 6 due to the vacuum applied inside it, which avoids, among other things, having mechanical connections between the metal profiles and the layer of insulating material that would inevitably create a thermal bridge.

For this purpose, the sheath 6 can be equipped with a valve 18 (schematized in figure 3A) which can be connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum inside it. For this purpose it is clearly necessary that the sheath 6 be impermeable to air or, in the event that the material of which it is made up is not, that the aforesaid material is made so.

Further advantageous aspects of the modular element based on the invention will now be illustrated.

With reference to Figure 1, a perimeter sheath 20 of flexible material (for example an elastomer) is applied to the perimeter frame 2 above the sheath 6, so as to protect the latter from any tears that could compromise its ability to vacuum seal. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the perimeter sheath 20 has a substantially â € œCâ € section so as to fit on the perimeter frame and firmly anchor to it, exploiting the fact that the nets 4â € ™ constituting the mesh structure 4 they are preferably positioned slightly below the edge of the perimeter frame 2.

With reference to Figure 3B, the modular element 1 advantageously includes one or more reinforcing elements configured to keep the geometry of the frame 2 unaltered under load. In the preferred embodiment of the figures 1 to 3, the modular element 1 includes three reinforcing elements indicated by the reference numbers 22, 24, 26, each essentially configured as a strut. Each of the reinforcing elements 22, 24, 26 is connected to the perimeter frame 2 substantially in correspondence with the center line of two adjacent sides, with respect to which it extends as a bridge. From this it follows that the arrangement of the reinforcing elements 22, 24, 26 is itself triangular and furthermore, in this embodiment in which an equilateral perimeter frame is provided, it also defines an equilateral triangle.

With reference to Figure 2, a layer 28 of reflective material is also advantageously applied inside the frame 2, here in particular on the reinforcing elements 22, 24, 26 (but it could simply be fixed to the frame 2 without the support of the reinforcement elements 22, 24, 26). Preferably the layer 28 is constituted by a material having a fixed or variable and modulable ability to reflect visible, ultraviolet and infrared light at will, for example by applying a variable potential difference to its ends.

In some variants it is finally possible to realize the insulating material insert 14 as an essentially discontinuous structure, for example by means of a plurality of plastic or ceramic material plugs interposed between the profiles 8A, 10A, 12A to which free spaces are alternated. It should also be noted that the performance in terms of insulation with respect to conductive heat exchange is in any case maintained at a satisfactory level since at the moment of the application of the vacuum inside the sheath 6 in the free spaces the vacuum is also established, which inhibits the minus the conductive and convective heat exchange.

The operation of the modular element 1 is as follows.

The modular element 1 is configured for the construction, precisely according to modularity criteria, of any shell structure whose shape lends itself - so to speak - to discretization by means of a plurality of structural elements corresponding to element 1.

A plurality of elements 1 is joined to form the aforementioned structure: for this purpose, for the reciprocal connection it is possible to provide, in the case of structures of modest size, junction elements to be used together with the elements 1 and installed over a pair of adjacent sides of the perimeter frames of two contiguous elements 1, so as to fix their position. In this case the elements 1 are assigned a carrier function.

For larger structures it is possible to provide for the construction of a reticular structure skeleton in which the modular elements 1 are positioned. Naturally, the dimensions of the modular elements 1 can be adapted and modulated according to specific needs. In these other cases, elements 1 are assigned a semi-load-bearing or non-load-bearing function, depending on the design setting.

Whatever the construction system chosen, it is important to observe how the predisposition of the perimeter sheath 20 prevents tearing of the sheath 6 and the consequent loss of vacuum inside it. Maintaining the vacuum is in fact essential to limit as much as possible the convective heat exchange, and in particular the entry of a massive flow of heat - in conditions of exposure to the sun - which heats the air in the air. interior of the structure. This contributes considerably to increasing the efficiency of the structure made with elements 1, as it allows - with the same external climatic conditions - to have a milder air temperature inside. Ultimately, this generally allows for a less extreme sizing of the air conditioning and treatment system that may be present inside the structure.

The conductive heat exchange between the side of the elements 1 directly exposed to solar radiation and the side facing the inside of the structure is also limited by the presence of the inserts 14 of insulating material, which act as a thermal break in the element 1 limiting firstly, conductive heat exchange.

However, the skilled in the art will appreciate that, in the presence of external atmospheric pressure, maintaining the geometry of the elements 1 without altering it is a very onerous task: the presence of vacuum inside the sheath 6 constitutes a natural predisposition to the collapse of the element 1. For this purpose the mesh structure 4, in particular the pair of nets 4â € ™ that make it up, plays a very important role. In the first place, each of the meshes 4â € ™ offers an abutment surface to the sheath 6 when vacuum is applied to it. This first of all confers a certain regularity to the structure of the element 1 itself as it prevents the sheath 6 from assuming a conformation bristling with wrinkles and folds of all kinds, as would happen if the sheath 6 extended onto the perimeter frame 20 without any support in correspondence of the opening defined inside it.

By doing so, as can be seen in figure 2, a very regular configuration is obtained in which a sufficiently regular volume is defined within which the vacuum is created and included between the two networks.

Secondly, each mesh 4â € ™ operates substantially as a tensile structure: the tension that is established in the filiform elements 4A contains the deformation of the sheath 6 caused by the application of the vacuum and at the same time contrasts the deformation of the perimeter frame 2. Note moreover, preferably the thread-like elements 4A are stretched between the sides of the perimeter frame, imparting to them a non-zero axial tension value, so as to â € “so to speak â € œpreloadingâ € the frame 2 to provide it with a increased stiffness (which helps maintain shape under load).

Furthermore, having seen that generally the deformation of each side of the triangle has a maximum in correspondence with the center line of each side, the predisposition of the reinforcing elements 22, 24, 26 whose ends - as already said - are precisely positioned in correspondence of the center line of two adjacent sides, also makes a decidedly important contribution in maintaining the shape of the perimeter frame 2 under load.

The aspect of maintaining the geometry of the elements 1 under load is therefore important for at least two reasons:

- in the first place, and this is particularly true for structures in which the elements 1 are load-bearing, i.e. they are not inserted inside a reticular support structure, maintaining the shape of the structural elements 1 removes the possibility of a structural collapse caused by the onset of excessive internal tensions in the structure,

- secondly, regardless of the construction and size of the structure, the maintenance of the shape imposed on the project ensures the minimization of the area of the interstices between contiguous elements 1 into which air can enter from the outside, giving rise to a thermal exchange of convective type with the structure consisting of the elements 1 themselves.

Finally, the arrangement of the layer 28 is very interesting for all those applications where there is a need to vary the brightness of the rooms inside the structure consisting of the elements 1 without resorting to mobile elements such as rolling shutters or sliding curtains.

The application of a variable potential difference at the ends of the material layer 28 results in a modulation of the refractive index of the layer 28, which consequently will determine the amount of light rays that will be refracted or reflected by the layer 28 itself.

For example, in structures located in environments exposed to the sun continuously and characterized by a high radiated energy, the modulation of the solar light transmission properties of the elements 1 through the layer 28 allows to keep under control the radiative heat exchange (for irradiation), otherwise not controllable in any other way. If - in fact - the establishment of the vacuum inside the sheath 6 massively limits the convective heat exchange, as is known, the radiative heat exchange is independent of the presence of a medium for conveying the heat flow, and therefore it can also take place in a vacuum. Only an effective shielding action such as that exercised by the element 28 allows to limit the thermal flow entering the structure by radiation.

The layer 28 (or possibly a second layer parallel to it) can be configured in addition or alternatively to modify the spectrum of the incident light radiation, i.e. in this case the layer would allow to carry out spectral concentrations in frequency intervals of particular importance for the elements contained within a structure of which it constitutes a modular element (as will become clearer below), for example in the case of plants that carry out photosynthesis the layer 28 can be configured to select the frequencies of visible light corresponding to the colors blue and red, as - for example - it has been shown that the frequencies corresponding to green are less used by plants in the photosynthesis process.

If both properties must coexist (spectral modification and variable reflection) it is preferable to split layer 28, as already mentioned, into a first layer with variable visible, ultraviolet and infrared light reflection properties, and a second layer capable of performing a spectral modification).

Finally, it is preferable that some of the elements 1 that make up the structure are installed in such a way as to allow them to be tilted around an axis, so as to make the structure itself open in correspondence with one of them, favoring the natural circulation of air. . This is desirable in all conditions in which rapid air exchange is required inside the structure itself.

A second embodiment of a modular construction element is indicated with the reference number 100 in Figure 4A. The element 100 is substantially identical to the element 1, except for some constructive peculiarities and for the shape of the perimeter frame 2, always polygonal but of the hexagonal type.

The modular element 100 includes a perimeter frame 102, a mesh structure 104 coupled to and extending within the perimeter frame 102, and a covering sheath 106 which completely covers it, i.e. which covers the perimeter frame and the mesh structure .

More in detail, the perimeter frame 102 has a regular hexagonal shape, that is, including six sides of identical length. The structure of each side is preferably identical to that illustrated in figure 2 for sides 8, 10, 12.

The profiles constituting each side of the perimeter frame 102 are preferably connected to each other by means of corner joining elements similar to the elements 16 (not visible in Figure 4A). In some variants it is possible to provide a direct connection between the profiles constituting each side, for example a weld.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 4A, the mesh structure 104 is made as a pair of nets 104â € ™ of filiform elements 104A, preferably of metal or plastic material, stretched between the sides of the perimeter frame 102 in the region corresponding to the opening identified by the perimeter frame itself.

In this embodiment, each net 104 of the aforementioned pair is arranged at opposite axial ends of the perimeter frame 102, ie at the opposite ends of the opening defined by the perimeter frame itself. As the reference axis, assume the X100 axis of figure 4. The methods of realization of the networks 104 - where not manifestly incompatible - are the same already detailed with respect to element 1, however in this case we have a coexistence of equilateral triangular 104B, rhomboidal 104C, trapezoidal 104D and even triangular meshes of the rectangle type. This is because the filiform elements 104A are not stretched as a bridge between contiguous sides of the perimeter frame 102 but are stretched as a bridge between pairs of parallel sides.

The sheath 106 has a similar construction to the sheath 6 and is also equipped with a valve 118 for connection to a vacuum pump. In this way it is possible to establish a vacuum inside it, so that it can adhere tightly to the frame 102 and to the meshes 104â € ™ of the mesh structure 104, fixing the geometry of the element 100 as previously described in relation to the item 1

Further advantageous aspects of the modular element 100 based on the invention will now be illustrated.

Similarly to element 1, a perimeter sheath 120 of flexible material (for example an elastomer) is applied to the perimeter frame 102 above the sheath 106, in order to protect the latter from any tears that could compromise its capabilities. vacuum seal.

With reference to Figure 4B, the modular element 100 advantageously includes one or more reinforcing elements configured to maintain the geometry of the frame 102 unaltered under load.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 4, the modular element 100 includes three reinforcing elements indicated with the reference numbers 122, 124, 126, each configured essentially as a strut.

Each of the reinforcing elements 122, 124, 126 is connected to the perimeter frame 102 substantially in correspondence with the center line of two parallel sides, with respect to which it extends as a bridge.

Furthermore, inside the sheath 106 a layer of reflective material similar to the layer 28 can be arranged, with the same modalities and the same function.

The operation of the modular element 100 is substantially identical to what has already been described in relation to element 1.

A third embodiment of a modular construction element is indicated with the reference number 200 in Figure 5A. Element 200 is substantially identical to elements 1 and 100, except for some construction features and for the shape of the perimeter frame, always polygonal but rectangular.

The modular element 200 includes a perimeter frame 202, a mesh structure 204 coupled to and extending within the perimeter frame 202, and a covering sheath 206 which completely covers it, i.e. which covers the perimeter frame and the mesh structure . The structure of each side is preferably identical to that illustrated in figure 2 for sides 8, 10, 12.

The profiles constituting each side of the perimeter frame 202 are preferably connected to each other by means of corner joining elements similar to the elements 16 (not visible in Figure 4A). In some variants it is possible to provide a direct connection between the profiles constituting each side, for example a weld.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 5A, the mesh structure 204 is made as a pair of nets 204â € ™ of thread-like elements, preferably of metal or plastic material, stretched between the sides of the perimeter frame 202 in the corresponding region at the opening identified by the perimeter frame itself.

In this embodiment, each net of the aforementioned pair is arranged at opposite axial ends of the perimeter frame 202, ie at the opposite ends of the opening defined by the perimeter frame itself. As the reference axis, assume the X200 axis of figure 5. The methods of construction of the 204â € ™ nets - where not manifestly incompatible - are the same already detailed with respect to element 1, however in this case the meshes - indicated with the reference number 204B - they have a quadrangular shape. Similarly to the element 100, the filiform elements 204A are stretched as a bridge between pairs of parallel sides of the perimeter frame 202.

The liner 206 has a similar construction to the liner 6 and is also equipped with a valve 218 for connection to a vacuum pump. In this way it is possible to establish a vacuum inside it, so that it can adhere tightly to the frame 202 and to the nets 204 of the mesh structure 204, fixing the geometry of the element 200 as previously described in relation to the item 1.

Further advantageous aspects of the modular element 200 based on the invention will now be illustrated.

Similarly to the elements 1 and 100, a perimeter sheath 220 of flexible material (for example an elastomer) is applied to the perimeter frame 202 above the sheath 206, in order to protect the latter from any tears that could compromise its capabilities. vacuum seal.

With reference to Figure 5B, the modular element 200 advantageously includes one or more reinforcing elements configured to maintain the geometry of the frame 202 unaltered under load.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 4, the modular element 200 includes two reinforcing elements indicated with the reference numbers 222, 224, each essentially configured as a strut. Each of the reinforcing elements 222, 224 is connected to the perimeter frame 202 substantially in correspondence with the center line of two parallel sides, with respect to which it extends as a bridge.

Furthermore, a layer of reflective material similar to layer 28 can be arranged inside the sheath 206, with the same modalities and the same function.

The operation of the modular element 200 is substantially identical to what has already been described in relation to element 1 and element 100.

Of course, it is possible to provide other polygonal shapes for the perimeter frame, for example the pentagonal one. However, it is also possible to make the perimeter frame with a circular shape or with rectilinear sections alternating with circular sections. In this case, any structure made up of the elements according to the invention must include modular elements of different shapes in order to create a coupling that allows to follow the desired shape for the structure.

Further advantageous variants in the setting and construction of the elements 1, 100, 200 according to the invention are the subject of figures 6 to 8.

With reference to figure 6, which among other things illustrates the sheath 6 prior to the application of the vacuum, the mesh structure 4, 104, 204 can be made using, instead of thread-like elements stretched as a bridge between two sides of the perimeter frame, prefabricated nets 4 *, 104 *, 204 * (for example, but not necessarily, electro-welded metal nets or polymeric material nets), in order to make the construction of the modular element object of the ™ invention. As shown in figure 6, in some variants it is possible to provide an auxiliary frame, for example made with extruded plastic profiles or bent sheet metal profiles, indicated with the reference number 4â € ™ â € ™. The prefabricated mesh can be applied to the subframe 4â € ™ â € ™, which can subsequently be applied to the perimeter frame 2, 102, 202. It is also possible to use the subframe 4â € ™ â € ™ in combination with the thread-like elements previously described: the net constituting the mesh structure would be stretched and woven directly onto the frame 4â € ™ â € ™ and subsequently applied to the perimeter frame 2, 102, 202.

With reference to figure 7, the construction methods of the perimeter frame can also provide - so to speak - the inversion of the arrangement of layers already shown. In particular, instead of the insert 14, a core 14B on each side of the perimeter frame 2, 102, 202 can be made with a metal material profile, which - among other things, favors ease of use Coupling with any reinforcing elements (the figure shows the element 22 by way of example), which can also be made of metallic material and welded or otherwise connected to the core itself.

At the opposite axial ends of the perimeter frame, in correspondence with which the nets constituting the mesh structure 4, 104, 204 are applied, each side of the perimeter frame can be constituted by a profile of thermally insulating material 14A coupled to the metal core 14B to define the side itself.

In this variant, the thread-like elements that make up the mesh structure can cross the perimeter frame (upper portion of figure 7) or - if they are made of plastic material - be thermally welded to the insulating material of the perimeter frame 2 (or even made entirely with it).

With reference to figure 8, the cross section of the sides of the perimeter frame can be varied with respect to the rectangular shape illustrated. For example, it is possible to give the section a substantially oval or ovoid shape, regardless of whether you choose to build the perimeter frame with a layered structure of the metal-insulating-metal type (figure 8A, similar to that of figures 1 to 6) or insulating metal-insulating (figure 8B, similar to that object of figure 7).

With reference to figure 9, if the construction chosen for the sides of the perimeter frame 2 is of the â € œmetal-insulating-metalâ € type (thus using a definition previously introduced) it is possible to provide a set of reinforcing elements 22, 24, 26 for each metal layer. In other words, for each group of profiles 8A, 10A, 12A a group of reinforcing elements 22, 24, 26 can be provided, thus leaving the insert of insulating material 14 (shown here as a continuous type, naturally à A segmented construction with blocks of ceramic or plastic material as previously described) free from them is possible. The nets constituting the mesh structure 4 can be either of the type stretched on the profiles 8A, 10A, 12A (group of profiles arranged above in figure 9), or of the prefabricated type coupled to the auxiliary frame 4â € ™ â € ™ (group of profiles arranged below in figure 9). What is illustrated in figure 9 naturally applies to any geometry of the modular element object of the invention, therefore including elements 100, 200.

As further variants, even if this may involve a slight increase in costs, it is possible to provide for the construction of the perimeter frame entirely of composite material (i.e. without the stratified structure described above), which can be chosen in such a way as to satisfy both the performance requirements in terms of thermal insulation and the structural strength requirements. A preferred choice in this regard is that of polymer matrix or ceramic matrix composite materials.

As regards a possible method of construction of the modular elements 1, 100, 200, reference is made, by way of example, to the following brief description.

Each of the modular elements 1, 100, 200 can be built starting the assembly from the innermost layer. In the case of â € œmetal-insulating-metalâ € stratification it will start from the insulating layer, in the case of â € œinsulating-metal-insulatingâ € stratification it will begin with the metal layer. In both cases, except for the eventuality in which the construction is of the type illustrated in figure 9, the set of reinforcing elements must also be prepared. Subsequently, the additional layers of the perimeter frame are assembled, taking care to prepare an additional constraint at the interface with the reinforcing elements, in order to enable the transmission of forces between the latter and the layers surrounding the central layer of the frame. perimeter (in the case of a construction of the type illustrated in figure 9 it will be necessary to do the same in order to ensure the transmission of forces with the intermediate layer).

Subsequently, if these have not already been prepared by means of thread-like elements stretched on the profiles 8A, 10A, 12A, we will proceed with the assembly of the 4 *, 104 *, 204 * bed bases carried by the auxiliary frames 4â € ™ â € ™.

After that, the coating sheath 6, 106, 206 can be made on site by welding together along a path that is a function of the geometry of the modular element to be made (polygonal, number of sides, etc.) using a welder for plastics. In this phase it will be necessary to pay attention to the realization of a receptacle for the valve 18 118, 218 and to the eventual realization of passages for the air in the profiles of the perimeter frame that allow the evacuation of the air that is stationed in the narrowest interstices (this applies in particular if the profiles 8A, 10A, 12A are made with a hollow section, as an alternative to the solid section that forms the subject of the figures combined with this description).

The next step consists in the application of the perimeter sheath 20, 120, 220 and in the application of the vacuum inside the sheath 6, 106, 206 â € “which must therefore be sealed in order to prevent intrusions from air inside it. In anticipation of this phase, it is also possible to wrap one or more layers of insulating tape in correspondence with selected areas of the perimeter frame 2, 102, 202 during the assembly of the various layers that constitute it, in order to preliminarily fix the geometry of the element, which is then completed in a definitive way with the application of the vacuum inside the coating sheath 6, 106, 206.

Finally, as a still further variant, it is possible to realize the auxiliary frames 4â € ™ â € ™ (if used) with a certain deformability and with non-pretensioned thread-like elements. In this way the auxiliary frames 4â € ™ â € ™ could themselves be â € œshiftedâ € on the perimeter frame 2, 102, 202 and the tensioning of the thread-like elements 4A, 104A, 204A could take place when the frames 4 are put on. On the perimeter frame 2, 102, 202, or when coupling the perimeter sheath 20, 120, 220, or when applying vacuum to the sheathing 6, 106 , 206, or in a distributed way in one or more of the above-mentioned phases.

When the structure composed of modular elements based on the invention has been put in place, any air infiltrations can be compensated locally by temporarily coupling the modular element affected by the phenomenon with a vacuum pump. If, on the other hand, it is foreseen that - for example due to particularly severe climatic or operating conditions - several modular elements may be affected by air infiltration phenomena, a network of small ducts afferent to the various modular elements can be envisaged. (in particular to the valves of each of them) and branching off from a manifold in turn connected to a large vacuum pump, for example powered by electrical energy transformed by photovoltaic panels arranged on the structure itself.

Naturally, the details of construction and the embodiments may be widely varied with respect to what has been described and illustrated without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Modular element (1; 100; 200) for constructions, including: - a perimeter frame (2; 102; 202), - a mesh structure (4; 104; 204) coupled to said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202), - a covering sheath (6; 106; 206) applied to it which covers said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202) and said mesh structure (4; 104; 204), wherein vacuum is applied in said coating sheath (6; 106; 206). 2. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to claim 1, wherein said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202) has polygonal geometry. 3. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to claim 3, wherein said mesh structure (4; 104; 204) includes a pair of nets (4â € ™; 104â € ™; 204â € ™) arranged at the ends opposite axial elements of said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202), said nets (4 '; 104'; 204 ') being defined by one or more filiform elements (4A; 104A; 204A) stretched on said perimeter frame ( 2; 102; 202). 4. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202) includes one or more inserts of insulating material (14; 14A) in each side thereof . 5. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to claim 4, wherein each side includes an insert of insulating material (14) inserted between two profiles of metallic material (8A; 10A; 12A). 6. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to claim 4, wherein each side includes two inserts of insulating material (14A) arranged on opposite sides with respect to a profile of metallic material (14B). 7. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a perimeter sheath (20; 120; 220) fitted on said perimeter frame (2, 102; 202) above said covering sheath (6; 106; 206). 8. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, including one or more reinforcing elements (22, 24, 26; 122, 124, 126; 222, 224) coupled to said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202) and each having a first end connected to a first side of said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202) and a second end connected to a second side of said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202). Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to claim 3, including a layer (28) of material configured for reflection of visible, ultraviolet and infrared light. 10. Modular element (1; 100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said mesh structure (4; 104; 204) includes a pair of prefabricated nets (4 *; 104 *; 204 *) arranged at the ends opposite axial frames of said perimeter frame (2; 102; 202), each of said prefabricated nets (4 *; 104 *; 204 *) being applied to an auxiliary frame (4â € ™ â € ™) configured to be coupled to said frame perimeter (2; 102; 202).