JP5156889B2 - Firewall structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fire wall structure that is uniquely configured and can be used in a building of a wall assembly such as a partition wall or a non-bearing wall. Firewall structures are specifically tailored to meet fire protection provisions permitted by many building codes.

  In the construction work, the conventional wall manufacturing technique uses an upper header and a lower header that are spaced apart from each other. The upper header and the lower header are attached to the ceiling portion and the floor portion of the building structure, and are connected to each other by a plurality of studs provided in parallel and spaced apart from each other. Usually, the studs are connected to the upper header and the lower header using a mechanical fixture such as a nail or a screw. The frame structure is composed of an upper header, a lower header, and a stud member. However, the frame structure may be composed of a wooden structure, or may be composed of a metal structure. Panels such as drywall, gypsum board, sheet lock (R), etc. are subsequently placed on opposite sides of the frame structure to complete the foundation of the wall structure. Unfortunately, prior art wall structures have a number of problems including the time consuming manufacturing process of the wall structures and thereby high cost.

  Metal frame systems typically use lightweight steel studs that are grooved or U-shaped. The studs can be installed at opposite ends of the top and bottom plate members oriented in the horizontal direction. The top plate member and the bottom plate member are fixed to the building structure adjacent to the ceiling and floor. In this regard, the metal frame system includes a wall board that consists of a series of spaced steel studs that engage the top and bottom plate members and that are attached to opposing faces of the metal frame system. .

  In the construction method according to the prior art, the frame structure is provided by a relationship in which the top plate member and the bottom plate member are separated from each other, and are assembled on site. Subsequently, the studs are connected to the top and bottom plates by fixing the ends of the studs with screws or other suitable fixtures. Since the metal frame system relies on fixtures that interconnect the studs to the top and bottom plate members, the frame system first places the studs on the top and bottom plate members prior to fixing the fixture. It is usually structurally fragile when engaged. The frame system cannot get full strength until the wall board is attached to the frame. Therefore, the rigidity is insufficient until the fixture is inserted.

  Another example of how the studs are attached to the top and bottom plates uses a tab and slot configuration. Tabs are provided at the tips of the top and bottom plates and engage the corresponding slots in the studs. These engagements are done by manually striking the tab (ie with a hammer) and reorienting it to an angled orientation relative to the studs, thereby securing the studs to the top and bottom plates. Assisted by. Unfortunately, the above method of interconnecting the studs to the top and bottom plates requires additional material to form the top and bottom plates. Furthermore, reorienting or bending the tab into the fixed position requires additional effort, which is relatively time consuming. Although the method using tabs and slots for connecting the studs to the top and bottom plates is usually suitable for fixing these members, the time required to bend the tabs, ie, each tab member four times in total. The amount of is critical to undermine the overall utility of this type of metal frame system.

  Another example of a method for constructing a metal frame system comprising a stud, a top plate, and a bottom plate relates to the use of a cooperating structure for each element. The structure is composed of connecting studs and fixed notches formed in the wall of the plate. The wall portion of the plate member includes an upward lip formed at a portion where the column member is connected to the top plate member and the bottom plate member so that the column member can be easily arranged. Unfortunately, the additional material for forming these edges increases the overall material cost and necessitates the use of securing clips that add additional labor and assembly costs. Another disadvantage of such a coupling method is the low strength of the frame system due to the minimal amount of engagement between the coupling elements. More specifically, the limited engagement between the connecting elements minimizes the overall resistance of the frame system to rotation, twisting, and separation of the stud, top plate member, and bottom plate member. Become.

  Another challenge in prior art metal frame systems is due to floor-to-ceiling height irregularities. More specifically, in an architectural structure, individual studs are cut between the top and bottom plates attached to the ceiling and floor by at least one of a fragile concrete finish and irregularity in the height of the ceiling structure. Work that requires time to engage. Ideally, the air gap between the floor and ceiling structure is constant so that the plurality of studs are usually of the same length. However, void irregularities occur when the studs are specially formed to fit. Furthermore, at least one of windows and doors attached to many wall structures requires that the studs be cut and engaged by trial and error so that windows and doors of a prescribed size are accommodated.

  Although the prior art connection methods described above can usually result in functionally sufficient metal frame systems, these prior art connection systems have the significant disadvantage of being time consuming to assemble and being redundant. Further, due to the nature of the tab and / or slot connection system, stud engagement is limited to a predetermined position along the upper track. These limiting features are unacceptable in many applications. For example, the installation of drywalls requires an unrestricted arrangement to allow for measurement errors that craftsmen usually encounter but are unpredictable. These measurement errors may be the result of rough and inaccurate pouring of the concrete wall.

  In addition to these, the articulated system according to the prior art has another significant disadvantage that it is impractical in applications where the measurement from ceiling to floor varies. In these situations, studs with connecting ends are usually manufactured with a predetermined length of runs (ie, the amount of the set), so that when the ceiling height changes these The stud material cannot be used. Further, in the construction method according to the prior art, the predetermined length of the column member having the connecting end portions is not suitable due to the change in the height of the ceiling as described above. These studs are specially formed studs to fit and do not have a mechanism to connect themselves, so the craftsmen have the redundancy of connecting these individual studs to the top and bottom tracks. And withstand time-consuming work. These operations are necessary for constructing the wall integrally, and are also necessary for installing electric wires and the like.

  Unfortunately, the stud material can be moved from its original position when installing the wire. In the prior art firewall example, the top track incorporates a flange that is usually longer than the standard one to capture the studs that are engaged. The studs are intentionally cut short to allow the pillars to expand upwardly when exposed to heat and to allow for downward contraction and movement. Unfortunately, these systems do not allow relative movement between studs and tracks. Therefore, the studs need to be left unfixed and are only supported between the flanges of the truck, so the relatively fragile wall structure needs to rely heavily on the wall board for supporting loads. Become a body. In addition, the studs are typically temporarily connected in the same manner as standard wall structures so that electrical wires and other equipment can be installed.

  Prior art metal frame systems have the additional disadvantage of fire rating on the inner wall. More specifically, many building codes include fire rating provisions, and the interior parts of the building must be able to withstand fire heat, smoke, and flames. In this regard, the wall structure is preferably configured to prevent movement of heat, smoke, and flame to one or more adjacent rooms. The movement of at least one of smoke, heat, and flames jeopardizes the safety of residents and movable property in adjacent rooms. Fire rating is defined by the duration that a wall needs to withstand the effects of fire and moving to adjacent parts of the building. Typical fire ratings are indicated by increments of time such as 1, 2, 4, and more that are applied to specific areas of the building structure, including wall structures that are usually assembled by metal frame systems. It is.

  A disadvantage associated with the fire rating of wall structures assembled with metal frame systems is that the metal structures typically expand by an unbalanced amount at the same high temperature that the wall board expands at high temperatures. The unbalanced expansion between the metal frame system and the wall board covering the frame system results in the formation of cracks and voids in the wall structure. These voids occur at the connection between the ceiling and the wall structure or at other parts of the wall structure. The air gap is also generated by crushing or collapsing the wall board due to the metal frame stretching the wall board.

  Differences in the expansion of metal frame systems and wallboards are caused by differences in thermal expansion coefficients. More specifically, since metal has a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than wall board, the rise in room temperature is the cause of the metal frame in the vertical column part expanding more than wall board expansion. Become. Another disadvantage of the prior art wall structure is the robust nature and non-adaptive character of the wall structure to changes in ceiling height, which change the height of the building foundation and seismic activity. This is caused by at least one of the movements of the building due to the displacement of the beams carrying the load over the period. The same disadvantages described above with respect to the relative movement between the frame system and the wall board exist in the movement of the ceiling and the settlement of the building.

  As is clear from the above, in this technical field, a wall structure in which a metal frame is used, and is not particularly affected by the difference in mechanical characteristics (ie, thermal expansion coefficient) of elements constituting the wall structure. There is a need for a wall structure that is configured to provide a suitable fire rating. More specifically, there is a need in the art for a fire wall structure with an extended connection, and the metal frame that forms the basis of the wall structure with the extended connection includes toxic gases, smoke, flames, and At least one of heat and movement of the building without compromising the integrity of the wall board covering the steel frame so that at least one of the heat does not move through voids or cracks formed in the wall board It can move dynamically in response to one. Finally, in the technical field, as equally important as fire wall structures, it is possible to cope with irregularities in the height of at least one of the floor and ceiling, and with minimal skills There is a need for a wall structure that incorporates a self-fixing mechanism that enables fast and economical assembly.

  The disadvantages described above with respect to the steel frame system according to the prior art are specifically demonstrated and reduced by the firewall structure of the present invention. More specifically, the wall structure of the present invention includes an extending connecting portion that allows the metal element of the steel frame to move in the vertical direction with respect to the non-metallic panel member fixed to the steel frame. .

  Most generally, the wall structure comprises a top track and a bottom track and at least one stud. The top and bottom tracks are preferably spaced apart and parallel to each other and are attached to the floor and ceiling of the building. At least one of the studs is interconnected to the top track and the bottom track. As is well known in building construction technology, studs are usually provided along the top and bottom tracks at regular intervals to provide a means for connecting panel members such as drywall to the wall structure.

  Each of the top track and the bottom track usually has a groove-shaped cross section and an opposing end portion. Furthermore, the top track and the bottom track each comprise a metal plate consisting of a plane defined by a pair of opposing elongated ends. A pair of opposing male protrusions oriented inward are integrally formed with the corresponding elongated ends and extend continuously along the corresponding elongated ends. The male protrusion preferably has a V-shaped cross section. Each of the top track and the bottom track additionally comprises a pair of substantially flat side walls. The side walls are preferably integrally formed with the corresponding male protrusion and extend outwardly from the corresponding male protrusion. The side walls are preferably oriented perpendicular to the metal plate. Further, the top track and the bottom track are preferably oriented so that their sidewalls are opposite each other.

  The wall struts are adjusted to be interconnected across the top and bottom tracks and are usually oriented orthogonal to them. Similar to the configuration of the top track and the bottom track, the stud material also has a groove-shaped cross section and a pair of opposing terminations. Significantly, the studs include a telescopic mechanism consisting of a sliding extension that slidably engages the fixed part. In this regard, the stud material is composed of a sliding extension portion and a fixed portion. As described above, the expansion / contraction mechanism is adjusted to allow a change in the length of the stud material. More specifically, the strut material can be expanded and contracted by the expansion / contraction mechanism so as to accommodate the change in the gap generated between the top track and the bottom track of the installed wall structure. Such a change is caused by a change in heating and / or cooling between a metal structure composed of a top track, a bottom track, and a stud and a non-metallic panel member usually composed of a dry wall or a gypsum board.

  Each of the sliding extension portion and the fixing portion preferably has a groove-shaped cross section and an end portion facing the groove-shaped cross section. A special pattern is incorporated into at least one of the respective ends of the sliding extension and the fixed part to allow easy engagement with the top and bottom tracks. More specifically, at least one of the sliding extension part and the terminal part of the fixing part includes a pair of female recesses that are oriented inward and face each other, and the recesses are formed on the side walls of the sliding extension part and the fixing part. Each female recess preferably has a V-shaped cross section, the cross section being formed to complement the V-shaped cross section of the male recess. In this way, the female recess is adjusted to receive corresponding male protrusions formed in the top and bottom tracks. Mechanical fasteners are additionally provided to interconnect the end of the studs to the top and bottom tracks. In addition, the metal plate 18 of the fixed portion 46 includes at least one opening 48 that accommodates a practical conduit, and provides a means for routing a wire, water supply, or the like that passes through the wall structure 10.

  The wall structure further comprises an elongate top cap that is secured adjacent to the top track. The top cap preferably has a groove-like cross section and is substantially flat and includes a flat metal plate and a side wall made of a plane perpendicular to the metal plate and extending outward from the metal plate. A pair of opposing male protrusions are preferably integrally formed with corresponding side walls of the top cap. The male protrusion extends continuously along the side wall portion and is preferably configured with a V-shaped cross section. The top cap is preferably configured such that at least one of the side walls of the top cap overlaps at least partially with the side wall of the top track and is spaced apart from the side wall of the top track. Ideally, the top cap is provided in such a relationship that the male protrusion contacts the outer surface of the panel member and seals and engages the outer surface. The top cap is preferably configured as a single structure with a metal plate, side walls, and male protrusions formed integrally.

  Importantly, the stud material is configured to allow expansion and contraction of the wall structure by providing a slot formed in the sliding extension portion. More specifically, the slot is formed in at least one of the side walls of the sliding extension portion, and the fastener is configured to extend inside the side wall so that the sliding extension portion is slidable with respect to the fixed portion. The panel member is connected to the bottom track and the fixed part. Significantly, the panel member is also provided to polymerize in a non-coupled manner to the sliding extension and the top track so that the panel member is slidable relative to the sliding extension and the top track.

  In this regard, the panel member is secured to the wall structure using a plurality of fasteners in the wall structure, and the fasteners extend into the bottom track and the sidewalls of the fixture. At least one of the fasteners extends through the panel member and through the slot in the fixed portion sidewall. As described above, the slot formed in the sliding extension portion makes the sliding extension portion slidable with respect to the inter-column material, so that the inter-column material can be expanded and contracted to accommodate the change in the gap between the top track and the bottom track. It is. These gap changes are caused by fire heating and differences in thermal expansion between metal elements (ie, top and bottom tracks and studs) and non-metal elements (ie, panel members).

Other features of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following drawings.
Reference is made to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate various aspects of the invention and are not intended to be limiting. The fire wall structure 10 is shown in the figure. The wall structure 10 is adjusted by expanding or contracting its entire length, and this function is exhibited when heated by the occurrence of a fire in the building. Preferably, the wall structure 10 of the present invention is configured to be slidable between a panel member 62 covering the wall structure 10 and an upper portion of a steel frame to which the panel member 62 is adjacent. Accordingly, the upper portion of the wall structure 10 can be extended with respect to the panel member 62.

  Referring to FIGS. 1-3 in more detail, a firewall structure 10 having essential elements is shown in perspective view. More specifically, the wall structure 10 includes a top track 16 and a bottom track 14 that are spaced apart and parallel to each other. FIGS. 1-3 further illustrate a single stud 34 that is oriented transversely to the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 and connects the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. 1 to 3 show a single stud, but in conventional wall construction techniques, multiple studs 34 are 16 inches (about 40.64 cm) and 24 inches (about 60.96 cm), etc. It should be noted that they are spaced centrally along the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 at predetermined intervals. Preferably, in addition to the unique structural features obtained by the opposing ends 26 of the studs 34, the studs 34 are connected to the top track 16 and the bottom track 14, respectively, so that the studs 34 are the top track 16 and the bottom track. 14 can be suitably arranged at a desired position along the line 14.

  The interconnection of the studs 34 with the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 is based on pending US patent application Ser. No. 09/979214, whose title is “Structure and its connecting structure”, and It is disclosed in pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 146,534, whose name is “Structure with Grip Characteristics and its Connecting Structure,” which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. More specifically, in the above-mentioned pending patent application specification, in addition to the above-mentioned characteristics obtained by the end portion 26 of the stud material 34, the stud material 34 is first formed along the side wall 24 of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. Discloses a feature for engaging and connecting the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 without using a fastener 64 such as a screw. Thereafter, when the studs 34 are placed in alignment at the desired location, the fasteners 64 extend through the top track 16, the bottom track 14, and the sidewalls 24 of the studs 34 to make these elements permanent. Connect to

  As is clear from the above, the wall structure 10 of the present invention can be adjusted to form various types of building walls such as partition walls and non-bearing wall. However, various other types of walls can be built using the wall structure 10 of the present invention. In this regard, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 can each be adjusted to be positioned along surfaces such as floor and ceiling, respectively. As described above, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 are preferably spaced apart so as to extend parallel to each other, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 each having an opposing end portion 26 and having a groove-like cross section. Have. More specifically, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 each include a substantially flat and thin metal plate 18 that is defined by a pair of opposing parallel vertical ends 22.

  A pair of opposing parallel and inwardly oriented male projections 28 are formed integrally with each of the elongated ends 22 and extend continuously along each of the elongated ends 22. . The shape of the cross section of the male protrusion 28 is arbitrary, but each has preferably a V-shaped cross section as best shown in FIG. In this regard, the male protrusions 28 are each composed of an upper inclined surface 30 and a lower inclined surface 32, which collectively form a V-shaped notch. Further, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 are each further substantially flat and include a pair of planar side walls 24, which are preferably integrally formed with each of the male protrusions 28, and are male. Each of the protrusions 28 extends outward. As is apparent from FIG. 4, the side wall 24 is usually oriented so as to be orthogonal to the metal plate 18.

  With respect to the orientation of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 relative to each other, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 are such that the side wall 24 of the top track 16 faces the side wall 24 of the bottom track 14 as shown in FIGS. Oriented. In these orientations, the studs 34 can advantageously be placed in the groove-like cross section of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. As described above, the stud material 34 is adjusted to interconnect the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 in the transverse direction and is preferably provided so as to be orthogonal thereto. And any angle relative to the bottom track 14. Like the top track 16 and the bottom track 14, the stud 34 also has a groove-like cross section with a pair of opposing end portions 26.

  As best shown in FIG. 3, the stud 34 is provided with a stretch connecting portion 12 that takes the form of a telescopic mechanism 36 composed of a sliding stretch portion 38. The sliding and extending portion 38 is at least partially overlapped with the fixed portion 46 and is slidably received in the fixed portion 46. In this regard, both the sliding and extending portion 38 and the fixed portion 46 are constituted by the stud material 34. Due to the property that the sliding and extending portion 38 slides in the fixed portion 46, the spacer material 34 is adjusted so that the length of the spacer material 34 can be changed. More specifically, the expansion / contraction mechanism 36 is adjusted so that the space between the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 can be accommodated by the expansion and contraction of the stud 34. As described above, changes in these gaps are caused by the heating of the wall structure 10, which heats and expands the metal frame comprising the top track 16, the bottom track 14, and the studs 34.

  In this regard, the heating of the wall structure 10 causes a difference in the length that the metal wall structure 10 extends relative to the length that the panel member 62 that covers the metal wall structure 10 extends. As is well known, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the wall board from which the panel member 62 is formed. More specifically, commonly used panel members 62 such as drywall and gypsum board have a much lower coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore, when the wall structure 10 is heated, the metal structure extends much longer than the panel member 62. By providing the expansion / contraction mechanism 36 of the inter-column material 34, these differences due to heating are absorbed. That is, the metal structure can be extended, but the panel member 62 is permanently fixed to the lower part of the wall structure 10 and is only slidable with respect to the upper part of the wall structure 10. .

  Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 in more detail, it is shown that the stud member 34 is composed of a sliding extension portion 38 and a fixing portion 46. As described above, the sliding extension portion 38 is specifically configured to be slidably received in the fixed portion 46. The sliding and extending portion 38 and the fixed portion 46 are each configured to have a groove-shaped cross section, and each have an opposing terminal portion 26. One of the end portions 26 of the sliding extension 38 is adjusted to be secured to the top track 16. Similarly, one of the end portions 26 of the fixing portion 46 is adjusted to be fixed to the bottom track 14. However, the above-described configurations of the sliding extension 38 and the fixed portion 46 may be configured in reverse so that the sliding extension 38 is connected to the bottom track 14 and the fixed portion 46 is connected to the top track 16.

  Regarding these specific constructions, each of the sliding and extending portions 38 and the fixed portion 46 is generally made of a flat metal plate 18 and the metal plate 18 is a pair of elongated shapes arranged in parallel. Defined by opposite ends 22 of the substrate. A pair of substantially flat and flat side walls 24 are formed integrally with the metal plate 18 and extend outwardly orthogonal to the metal plate 18 along the end portion 22 which is usually elongated. The sidewalls 24 each define a pair of opposing side ends 68 that are oriented perpendicular to the elongated end 22. A pair of flanges 42 oriented inward may be provided on each of the sliding extension portion 38 and the side wall 24 of the fixing portion 46.

  As best shown in FIG. 3, at least one of the side ends 68 of the sliding extension 38 includes a pair of opposed female recesses 52 oriented inwardly. A female recess 52 of the sliding extension 38 is formed in the side wall 24 along the side end 68. The female recesses 52 each typically have a V-shaped cross-section so that the cross-section receives one of each male protrusion 28 formed on at least one of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. Adjusted. Similarly, at least one of the terminal ends 26 of the securing portion 46 includes a pair of opposed female recesses 52 that are oriented inwardly and formed along the side end 68. Each of the female recesses 52 formed in the fixing portion 46 preferably has a V-shaped cross section, which also has one of the male protrusions 28 of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. Adjusted to accept. As disclosed in detail in pending US patent application Ser. No. 09/979214, the stud 34 is connected to the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 by the connection of the female recess 52 and the male projection 28. The tracks 16 and 14 are adjusted to be connected to each other.

  4 and 12 schematically show the side of the wall structure 10. Here, a plurality of locking patterns 50 formed on the metal plate 18 of the fixing portion 46 are shown. The locking patterns 50 are usually shown as V-shaped shapes and are provided spaced apart from each other. The locking pattern 50 is configured to be engaged with the sliding extension portion 38 of the stud member 34, and holds a desired axial arrangement and a desired vertical arrangement of the sliding extension section 38 with respect to the locking pattern 50. The locking pattern 50 is preferably formed integrally with the metal plate 18, and the raised protrusion extends inward so that at least one of the metal plate 18 of the sliding extension portion 38 and the terminal portion 26 below the sliding extension portion 38. Engage with one. However, it should be noted that the locking pattern 50 may additionally be formed on the sliding extension 38 or may be formed on both the sliding extension 38 and the fixed part 46. FIG. 3 also shows a tab 40 formed at the terminal end 26 below the sliding extension portion 38, thereby assisting manual sliding of the sliding extension portion 38 within the fixed portion 46.

  4, 8, 9, and 12 schematically illustrate the male protrusion 28 formed in the side wall 24 of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. A female recess 52 formed in the terminal end 26 of the fixed portion 46 is also shown. As is apparent from the figure, the male protrusion 28 and the female recess 52 each have a V-shaped cross section and are dimensioned to overlap each other. A fastener 64, such as a self-tapping screw for a metal plate, or other suitable fastener 64 extends through the male projection 28 and into the female recess 52, and the stud 34 is permanently attached to the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. Are connected. Preferably, countersunk screws are used, and even if the panel member 62 is attached to the wall structure 10, the surface is smooth and flat and held without unevenness. In this regard, the V-shaped cross section of the male protrusion 28 and the female recess 52 allows the screw to be mounted in a flat state, thereby assembling the metal frame portion of the wall structure 10. Complete.

  A sliding extension 38 including a slot 44 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5 to 7 and 11. A slot 44 is formed in at least one of the side walls 24 of the sliding extension 38. Significantly, the slot 44 is configured to be able to receive a fastener 64 (that is, a tapping screw) extending in the interior thereof, so that the space between the sliding and extending portion 38 and the fixing portion 46 of the stud 34 can be slid without restriction. As apparent from FIG. 5, the slot 44 is an oval cut-out formed in the central portion of the side wall 24 of the sliding extension portion 38. However, it can be said that the slot 44 may be constituted by any numerical cutout formed in the side wall 24. For example, the slot 44 usually has a rectangular or square shape or a rounded shape.

  As is apparent from FIG. 5, the fastener 64 that fixes the upper portion of the panel member 62 to the immovable fixing portion 46 of the stud member 34 is inserted so as to pass through the center portion of the slot 44. As described above, the upper portion of the wall structure 10 including the top track 16 and the sliding extension portion 38 moves downward with respect to the fixed portion 46, and this function is exhibited at a very low temperature. Similarly, the top track 16 and the sliding extension 38 move upward without affecting the panel member 62. Such a function of moving upward is exhibited in the remarkable heating of the metal structure due to a fire or the like in a room adjacent to the room where the wall structure 10 is provided or in the room where the wall structure 10 is provided.

  As shown in more detail in FIG. 5, the sliding extension 38 has an arbitrary length and is approximately 8 inches in length, while the slot 44 is approximately 2.5 inches (approximately 6.35 cm). ). The slot 44 is provided about 1.5 inches (about 3.81 cm) apart from the terminal end 26 below the sliding extension 38. However, it can be said that the overall length of the slot 44 and the sliding extension portion 38 may vary widely in size and positional relationship. In attaching the panel member 62 to the wall structure 10, the fastener 64 passes through the wall material and is inserted into the side wall 24 of the lower track along the lower end of the panel member 62. Similarly, the fastener 64 passes through the panel member 62 and extends into the side wall 24 of the fixing portion 46.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 to 7, 10, and 11, the uppermost one of the fasteners 64 for fixing the wall panel to the wall structure 10 is provided so as to extend through the slot 44. By installing the fastener 64 in the sliding extension 38 above or below the position of the slot 44, the lower part of the wall structure 10 at the top of the wall structure 10 (ie, the sliding extension 38 and the top track 16). Free movement relative to (ie, the fixed portion 46 and the bottom track 14) is restricted. In this regard, the upper end portion of the panel member 62 is not connected to the sliding extension portion 38 and the top track 16, and is installed only by the overlapping relationship. As described above, the sliding extension portion 38 and the top track 16 are movable with respect to the panel member 62 by the wall structure 10 so that the function is exhibited by heating the wall structure 10 due to a fire or the like. Accordingly, the panel member 62 is attached so as to be connected to the bottom track 14 and the fixing portion 46, but is not connected to the sliding extension portion 38 and the top track 16. Accordingly, the slot 44 allows the sliding and extending portion 38 and the inter-column member 34 to be slidable, whereby the inter-column member 34 can be expanded and contracted to accommodate the change in the gap between the top track 16 and the bottom track 14.

  6, 8 and 9 show the wall structure 10 having an elongate top cap 58 that is secured by a superposition relationship to the top track 16. In a manner similar to that described above with respect to the construction of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14, the top cap 58 includes a metal plate 18, which normally extends perpendicularly to and outward from the metal plate 18. A pair of side walls 24 is provided. Each of the side walls 24 includes at least one male protrusion 28 formed along the side wall 24 at an end opposite to the elongated end 22 of the metal plate 18. The male protrusion 28 is preferably oriented inward and is integrally formed with the sidewall 24 of the top cap 58. The male protrusions 28 are typically V-shaped and extend continuously along each of the elongated ends 22.

  As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the male protrusion 28 is formed on the side wall 24 of the top cap 58 and overlaps with at least one of the top track 16 and the panel member 62 and extends downward. Significantly, the fire performance of the wall structure 10 is obtained by the top cap 58 superposing on the panel member 62. More specifically, such fire resistance is improved by the male protrusion 28 of the top cap 58. More specifically, the male protrusion 28 is configured to slidably support the outer surface of the panel member 62, and thereby, at least one of smoke and heat along the upper portion of the wall structure 10. Prevent the passage of. Preferably, the metal plate 18, the side wall 24, and the male protrusion 28 of the cap 58 are integrally formed so that the top cap 58 is generally elongated and integrally configured.

  Further, the side walls 24 of the top cap 58 are spaced apart so that the male protrusion 28 can support the outer surface of the panel member 62 attached to the opposite side of the wall structure 10. Another example of the top cap 58 is shown in FIG. In another example, the side wall 24 of the top cap 58 includes a pair of male protrusions 28 formed on the side wall 24. As is apparent from FIG. 9, the male protrusion 28 has a generally V-shaped cross section, is provided in parallel, and extends continuously along the portion of the side wall 24 of the top cap 58. As described above, the top cap 58 is sized and configured such that at least one of the male protrusions 28 of the top cap 58 slides and supports the outer surface of the panel member 62.

  As further shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the panel member 62 includes an upper end portion that is provided apart from the metal plate 18 of the top cap 58. As a result, a gap 70 is defined between the metal plate 18 of the top cap 58 and the upper end of the panel member 62. These gaps 70 preferably allow for the shrinkage of the studs 34 relative to the lower track, and this function is performed at a significant drop in temperature. Thus, the gap 70 prevents contact between the panel member 62 and the top cap 58. These contacts cause at least one of collapse and damage of the panel member 62. For this reason, the sealing performance of the wall structure 10 is compromised. Although any gap 70 is optional, the gap 70 is preferably about three-quarters of an inch between the upper end of the panel member 62 and the metal plate 18 of the top cap 58. The fire resistance of the wall structure 10 is further enhanced by providing the molding material 60 in the gap 70. It is arbitrary what molding material 60 is used, but the molding material 60 is preferably the molding material 60 having fire resistance or the molding material 60 having flame retardancy, thereby resisting heat and the metal frame structure. Can be appropriately expanded.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9, the top cap 58 is made of a substantially flat and planar metal plate 18 that defines a pair of opposing parallel long ends 22. . What extends outwardly orthogonal to the metal plate 18 is a pair of substantially flat and flat side walls 24, which are preferably formed integrally with the metal plate 18. The top cap 58 further includes a pair of opposing male protrusions 28 that are parallel and oriented inwardly and are integrally formed with each sidewall 24. These male protrusions 28 extend continuously along side walls 24 that are spaced apart from each of the elongated ends 22. As described above, each male protrusion 28 preferably has a V-shaped cross section.

  The top cap 58 is preferably configured such that at least one of the side walls 24 at least partially overlaps with the side wall 24 and portion 66 of the top track 16. Further, the top cap 58 preferably defines a width between the sidewalls 24. The width is balanced with the width across the opposing panel members 62 provided on both sides of the wall structure 10. More specifically, the top cap 58 is preferably configured such that the male protrusion 28 and the top cap 58 of the sidewall 24 slide and support the outer surface of the panel member 62 to seal the wall structure 10. Is done.

  7, 10, and 11 show the wall structure 10 further provided with a spacer cap 54 attached to the fixing portion 46 of the spacer 34. As is apparent from the figure, the stud cap 54 is preferably provided in a superposed relationship so as not to be connected to the sliding extension 38, and is fixed using, for example, a mechanical fastener 64 (ie, a tapping screw). It is connected only to the part 46. The stud member cap 54 includes a metal plate 18. The metal plate 18 has a pair of side walls 24 orthogonal to the metal plate 18 and extending outwardly therefrom. In this regard, the stud member cap 54 has a generally groove-shaped cross section. The stud member cap 54 is connected to the stud member 34 at the fixing portion 46. More specifically, the stud member cap 54 uses at least one mechanical fastener 64 to connect the sidewall 24 of the stud member cap 54 to the sidewall 24 of the fixing portion 46 of the stud member 34.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the stud cap 54 further includes an opening 56 that is a generally rectangular cutout. The shape of the opening 56 is arbitrary, but the opening 56 is suitably sized and suitable for the slot 44 such that the fastener 64 passes through the side wall 24 of the securing portion 46 and extends into the slot 44. It is arranged in the position. In this way, the stud member cap 54 is securely attached to the stud member 34 without restricting the axial movement of the sliding extension 38 in the fixed portion 46. Accordingly, the adjacent panel member 62 is fixed to the panel member 62 shown in FIG. 11 by inserting the fastener 64 into the portion of the side wall 24 adjacent to the stud member 34 through the panel member 62.

  The assembly and work of the fire wall structure 10 will be described later with reference to the drawings. Initially a top track 16 and a bottom track 14 are provided spaced apart from each other. In this regard, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 are arranged along a flat surface such as a floor according to the measurement between the floor and the ceiling on which the wall structure 10 is assembled. Alternatively, the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 may be mounted in a general arrangement with each other along the floor and ceiling, respectively. The mechanical fasteners 64 may extend through the metal plates 18 of the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 and into the interior of the floor and ceiling, respectively, to secure the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 to each other.

  In the assembly and installation of the stud member, one of the sliding and extending portions 38 is slidably inserted into one of the fixed portions 46, so that the female recess 52 formed in the opposite end portion 26 of the stud member 34 is formed. Engage with male protrusions 28 formed along top track 16 and bottom track 14. Preferably, the studs 34 are usually oriented transversely or perpendicular to the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. Due to the property that the sliding and extending portion 38 is slidable with respect to the fixed portion 46, the stud material 34 is adjusted so as to provide a gap between the top track 16 and the bottom track 14. The change in height from the floor to the ceiling is accommodated by the gap, and this function is exhibited in at least one of defective construction and building fixing.

  More specifically, the sliding / extending portion 38 can be expanded and contracted with respect to the fixed portion 46 by the expansion / contraction mechanism 36 incorporated in each of the stud members 34. This adjusts the length of the stud material 34 and adapts it to the height from the floor to the ceiling. The installation of the studs 34 to the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 is disclosed in detail in pending US patent application Ser. No. 09/979214, whose title is “Structural members and their connecting structures”. As shown, a mechanical fastener 64, such as a self-tapping screw, is inserted into the adjacent region of the male protrusion 28, and the side wall 24 of the top track 16 and bottom track 14 is opposite the side wall 24 of the stud member 34. It is fixed at the end portion 26.

  Preferably, a top cap 58 is usually provided adjacent to the top track 16 so that each metal plate 18 contacts and engages. The panel member 62 is attached to the wall structure 10 so that the lower end portion of the panel member 62 is fixed to the side wall 24 of the bottom track 14 by a plurality of fasteners 64 provided separately from each other. Similarly, the fastener 64 passes through the panel member 62 and extends into the side wall 24 of the fixing portion 46, and fixes the panel member 62 to the stud member 34 and the bottom track 14 so as to be immovable. Further, the at least one mechanical fastener 64 extends through the panel member 62 and through the sidewall 24 of the securing portion 46 such that the fastener 64 extends into the slot 44 formed in the sliding extension 38.

  Ideally, the panel member 62 is formed and configured with suitable dimensions so that the upper end portion thereof is provided apart from the metal plate 18 of the top cap 58. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a molding material 60 having fire resistance is inserted into a gap 70 defined between the upper end portion of the panel member 62 and the metal plate 18 of the top cap 58. Preferably, these fire resistant molding materials 60 are further resilient and accommodate the movement of the upper end of the panel member 62 and the top cap 58 relative to each other. Further, the top cap 58 is of a suitable width such that a male protrusion formed along the side wall 24 of the top cap 58 is provided so as to be in continuous contact with the panel member 62.

  Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the stud member cap 54 may be installed on the stud member 34 prior to installation of the panel member 62. In these configurations, the opening 56 of the stud member cap 54 is preferably arranged in the slot 44 formed in the sliding extension portion 38. As a result, even if the fastener 64 passes through the opening 56 and extends into the slot 44, the movement of the sliding pillar portion 34 relative to the sliding extension portion 38 and the fixing portion 46 is not restricted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 20 may optionally be provided on the metal plate 18 of the bottom track 14. These protrusions 20 may be in the form of nodes or ridges formed on the exposed side of the metal plate 18, and preferably at least of the upper end portion 26 and the lower end portion 26 of the stud member 34. It is comprised so that the grip characteristic which can be engaged with either one is provided. The protrusion 20 can be formed by punching from the bottom surface of the metal plate 18, but other metal forming methods can be used to form the protrusion. As disclosed in pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 146,534, whose title is “Structural Member with Grip Properties and Connecting Structures thereof”, these protrusions 20 are made of studs 34. The upper end portion 26 and the lower end portion 26 are configured to be prevented from sliding, sliding and / or moving. In this regard, it can be said that these protrusions 20 may additionally be formed on the metal plate 19 of the top track 16. The height, size, gap, and number per unit area of the protrusions 20 are set so that a suitable amount of frictional effect and gripping effect can be obtained between the top track 16 and the bottom track 14 and the stud material 34. It is required to adjust.

  Additional variations and modifications of the invention will be further apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the combinations of parts disclosed herein are merely intended to illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit other examples of devices within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The perspective view which shows the pillar material installed in the fire wall structure by the present invention and its edge part. The perspective view of a wall structure which shows the intermediate | middle pillar material which consists of a top track | truck, a bottom track | truck, and a sliding extension part and a fixing | fixed part, and also shows the panel member fixed to a bottom track | truck and a fixing | fixed part. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wall structure showing the interconnection of studs, top and bottom tracks, and panel members. The side view of a wall structure which shows the attachment to the top track | truck and lower track | truck of a sliding extension part and a fixing | fixed part in the cross section along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 , and the fixing | fixed part fixed to a panel member further. The top view of a part of wall structure which shows the fastener which passes through the slot formed in the sliding extension part, and passes through the fixing | fixed part of a stud | pillar material, and enters into the slot of the superimposition part of a stud | pillar material. FIG. 5 is a perspective partial exploded view showing the top cap attached to overlap with the wall structure and the top track. The perspective partial exploded view which shows the stud member cap attached to a wall structure and a stud member. The partial expanded side view which shows the gap | interval formed between the top cap attached to a top track | truck, and the upper end part of a panel member, and a top cap. The partial enlarged side view of a wall structure which shows the top cap which has a pair of V-shaped male protrusion part comprised so that it may seally support with respect to a panel member. The perspective view of a wall structure which shows the mutual connection of the stud material cap attached to a stud material, and shows the opening part which a fastener further passes through and is formed in the side wall of a stud column cap. The partial top view of a wall structure which shows the arrangement | positioning of the cap in a stud member cap and a stud member, and shows the arrangement | positioning of the opening part of the stud member cap with respect to the slot formed in a sliding extension | expansion part. The side view which shows arrangement | positioning of the stud pillar cap with respect to a wall structure and the sliding extension part and fixing | fixed part of a stud.

Claims (5)

The elongated top track and bottom track, the top track and the bottom track are adjusted so as to be arranged along the surface, respectively, are provided in parallel and spaced apart from each other, and the top track and the bottom track are Each having a groove-like cross-section and an end portion facing each other;
A metal plate consisting of a plane defined by a pair of opposing elongated parallel ends;
A pair of parallel male projections oriented inward and opposite, and the projections are formed integrally with each of the elongated ends and continuously extend along each elongated end. And that each male protrusion has a V-shaped cross section,
And a pair of Tan Taira, and includes a side wall consisting of plane, the side wall is integrally formed with the projecting portion of the male, outward from the projecting portion of the male corresponding perpendicular to the metal plate The top track and the bottom track are oriented such that the side wall of the top track faces the side wall of the bottom track;
At least one interstitial column member, the interstitial column member being adjusted to be interconnected orthogonally across the top track and the bottom track, and the interstitial column member is paired with a groove-shaped cross section. An end portion, and
Including a telescopic mechanism comprising a sliding and extending portion that at least partially superposes within the fixed portion, and by the telescopic mechanism, the stud material expands and contracts to accommodate a change in the gap between the top track and the bottom track;
Each of the sliding extension part and the fixed part has a groove-shaped cross section and a terminal part facing each other, and one of the terminal parts of each of the sliding extension part and the fixing part is fixed to at least one of the top track and the bottom track. And the sliding extension part and the fixing part are respectively
In the by Ru Tan Taira defined by the ends of a pair of parallel elongated opposing, a metal plate and made of planes,
And a pair of Tan Taira, and a side wall consisting of plane, the side wall is formed to the metal plate integrally and extend along the elongated end portion outwardly in a direction perpendicular from the metal plate Each of the side walls defines a pair of opposing side edges, the same side edges being normally oriented perpendicular to the elongated end;
And that in the pair of Tan Taira, and includes a flange consisting of a plane, each flange directed inwardly extend in a direction perpendicular from the corresponding side wall, it is mutually coplanar,
The sliding extension includes a slot formed in at least one of the side walls, and the slot is sized and configured such that the fastener extends therein to allow the sliding extension to slide relative to the fixed part. And
The fixing portion includes a plurality of locking patterns formed on the metal plate and spaced apart from each other. The locking pattern engages with the sliding extension portion, and has a suitable axial position with respect to the fixing portion of the sliding extension portion. Configured to hold, and the locking pattern is integrally formed with the metal plate as a raised protrusion extending inwardly from the metal plate;
Each of the sliding extension portion and the fixing portion includes a pair of parallel female recesses that are oriented inward and face each other, and the recesses are formed in the side wall at one of the end portions along the side end portions, A fire wall structure characterized in that the female recess has a V-shaped cross section and is adjusted to receive the male protrusions of the top and bottom tracks, respectively. A panel member connected to and attached to the bottom track and the fixed portion is further provided, and the panel member is installed on the sliding extension portion and the top track so as not to be connected to each other. The wall structure according to claim 1 , wherein movement of the top track is possible. The wall structure according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of fasteners that pass through the panel member and extend into the side wall and the fixed portion of the bottom track. Comprising an elongated top cap which is fixed by the relationship of polymerization to the metal plate of the top track has a groove-shaped end surface, the top cap,
In the by Ru Tan Taira defined by parallel elongated end a pair of opposed, a metal plate and made of planes, and that said top cap is provided adjacent to the metal plate of the top track,
Is formed the metal plate and integrally directed outwardly extend in a direction perpendicular from the same metal plate, and a pair of Tan Taira, a side wall made and from the plane,
It consists of a pair of opposing parallel male projections oriented inwardly, each projection being formed integrally with the corresponding side wall, spaced along the side wall with a corresponding elongated end Each male protrusion has a V-shaped cross section, and the top cap is configured such that at least one of the top cap sidewalls at least partially overlaps with the top track sidewall. The wall structure according to claim 1 . The wall structure according to claim 4 , wherein the metal plate, the side wall, and the male protrusion are integrally formed, whereby the top cap is formed of a single structure.

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