NO20171911A1 - Wall construction for a building, and process for making the same - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a wall structure (1) for a building, and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the wall structure (1) comprises a wooden frame (3), wherein the wooden frame (3) comprises at least vertical uprights (5) end portions are fixed to sleepers (7) at the top and bottom, and the travel structure (3) constitutes at least a portion of a wall having an outer side and an inner side, the outer side of the travel (3) being provided with a vapor barrier. (9). The wall structure (1) can be manufactured by at least one module element (10).

Description

WALL CONSTRUCTION FOR A BUILDING, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a wall construction for a building, where the wall construction comprises a wooden truss and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a wall construction where the truss includes a vapor barrier.

In order to reduce heat exchange between an inside and an outside of a building, the authorities of some countries set requirements for insulation in walls, floors and ceilings. The following description will essentially be aimed at an external wall in a building.

In order to reduce energy consumption for tempering buildings, the requirements for insulation have increased significantly over the past 20 years. The insulation is typically placed in the wooden framework, which includes vertical posts placed at a distance from each other and which are attached to bottom and top sleepers.

A person skilled in the art will be aware that the purpose of the vapor barrier is to prevent moist air from reaching its dew point in the wall construction. One of the purposes of the vapor barrier is thus to avoid moisture forming in the wall. Such a build-up of moisture could lead to an increase in the wall construction's heat transfer coefficient, so-called U-value, which in itself is not desirable from an energy-economical point of view. However, moisture formation in a truss represents a more serious problem, namely fungus and rot.

The risk of such condensation depends on many factors, but in the building industry in Norway the problem is considered to be real as long as the thickness of the insulation is over 200mm.

A vapor barrier that is correctly placed on a so-called "warm" side of a construction, that is to say on the side of the construction in an outer wall that faces the inside of the room, will be able to prevent air from moving from the warm side into the insulation where it will condense if the air cools to its dew point. However, experience shows that it is challenging to achieve a completely tight vapor barrier, i.e. a vapor barrier without leakage openings. This is due, among other things, to the fact that it can be problematic to seal around pipes, cables, junction boxes and the like that are passed through the vapor barrier, or perforation of the vapor barrier as a result of damage that occurs during the construction period before the vapor barrier is protected by internal wall cladding. According to known technology, the vapor barrier is broken through joists or floor dividers.

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

To reduce the aforementioned problems, it is common today to place the vapor barrier "recessed" in the wall structure, typically 1/4 in from the warm side of the wall. This is achieved by placing the vapor barrier on the inside of the rafter as before, and by placing an outer or lining on the outside of the rafter so that the vapor barrier is located between the rafter and the lining. Said feeding is also referred to in the professional environment as "boxing". Thus, a space is provided between the vapor barrier and the interior wall cladding, where this space is suitable for housing, for example, pipes, cables and junction boxes.

Another challenge with the current construction method is that a wall construction with a correctly installed vapor barrier becomes very tight. A dense wall that also has a thick layer of insulation, preferably thicker than 300mm, will result in stagnant air in the truss. This is of course an advantage as long as the truss is dry when the structure is assembled. However, a great many wall structures are built on site (in situ) and are thus exposed to rainfall during the construction period. Research shows that a damp foundation that is insulated and a vapor barrier is applied can remain damp for several years after the building is completed. The risk of fungus and rot damage occurring in the frame is therefore great. The problem can be reduced by leaving the wall structure open for as long as possible during the construction period after the building has been sealed from the outside with a roof and external cladding. So-called construction dryers can also be used to facilitate or speed up drying. However, such a dry period could delay the progress of the construction process at the same time that construction dryers require a lot of energy.

From the publication JP H1030281 A, a wall construction is known where a traditional vapor barrier between an internal wall covering and a truss is replaced by a paneled body made of a moisture-absorbing and moisture-releasing, sound-insulating material. The plate-shaped material rests against an insulating material in the truss. A diffusion-open, waterproof canvas is placed on the outside of the truss, which is clamped against the truss with the help of battens that carry the external cladding of the wall construction. The wall construction known from JP H1030281 A is thus open to diffusion.

Such a diffusion-open wall construction could cause condensation in the insulation if the insulation thickness exceeds 200mm in the event of large temperature differences between indoor and outdoor air. Thus, the diffusion-open solution described in JP H1030281 is not suitable where more than 200mm of insulation thickness is required in order to satisfy the current requirements for thermal insulation of buildings.

From the publications JP H11293801 A and JP H08260586 A, wall constructions are known to ensure ventilation on a back side of the wall's external cladding. In JP H11293801, a waterproof barrier is sandwiched between the back of the cladding and the studs of the wall construction. Air flows between the watertight barrier and insulation placed between the studs. In JP H08260586, a waterproof but diffusion-open canvas is placed on the outside of the truss.

The purpose of the invention is to remedy or to reduce at least one of the disadvantages of known technology, or at least to provide a useful alternative to known technology.

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

The purpose is achieved by the features indicated in the description below and in the subsequent patent claims.

The inventor has surprisingly found that the challenges of moisture in the truss, whether the cause is due to a leak in the vapor barrier or moisture that occurs during the construction period, can be solved in a simple way by "moving the truss into the heat", that is, exposing the truss to a climate inside the room which is delimited by, among other things, the wall construction.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The independent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a wall construction is provided for a building, where the wall construction comprises a wooden truss, where the truss comprises at least vertical studs which are attached at their end parts to sleepers at the top and bottom, and where the truss constitutes in the at least a part of a wall that has an external side and an internal side. The characteristic feature of the invention is that the outer side of the travel structure is provided with a vapor barrier.

In this document, the term "external side" means the side of the truss that is predominantly exposed to the wall construction's lowest temperature, typically an outside temperature. In this document, the outside side will also be referred to as the "cold side".

In this document, the term "vapour barrier" means a material that is diffusion or vapor-tight in at least one direction, and that at least one direction is from a "warm side" and towards a "cold side". A common type of vapor barrier used in the building industry is made from an aging-resistant plastic material that is diffusion-proof in both directions.

By placing the vapor barrier on the outside or cold side of the wall, the truss will be exposed to the building's indoor climate. In this way, any moisture in the flooring will be vented towards the indoor climate. In addition, the risk of damaging the vapor barrier in connection with the installation of hidden facilities such as pipes and cables will be significantly reduced. The above-mentioned internal lining or boxing will not be necessary either.

The wall construction can further comprise a framework which projects substantially perpendicularly from the outside or cold side of the truss.

The framework can comprise a plurality of frames made of, for example, wood, where the frames are spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of the wall structure. Each of the frames can typically be attached to the studs of the wall construction.

In one embodiment, each of the frames comprises a first batten which is attached to the truss, and a second batten which is placed at a distance from the first batten by means of a spacer element.

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

One of the purposes of the framework is to be able to house an insulating agent such as mineral wool. A person with knowledge in the field will be familiar with the fact that the purpose of such an insulating agent is to prevent the movement of air to the greatest extent possible, and that it is therefore very important to prevent open "air channels" between, for example, what houses the insulating agent, as here is the framework, and the insulator. The professional will also be familiar with the fact that even if an insulating material is relatively flexible, it has a "minimum bending radius" so that the aforementioned air channels can occur if the insulation is pressed against elements that have a size that compresses the insulation and a design with sharper edges than the insulation's smallest bending radius. In order to reduce the risk of said air ducts, a very careful cutting of an insulating agent that is placed against an element is thus required. Such cutting is time-consuming and can be challenging to get sufficiently accurate.

As mentioned above, one of the purposes of the framework is to house the insulation. Another purpose is to support the external cladding of the wall construction. Thus, it will be understood that the framework only needs to be dimensioned to be able to carry relatively small loads. The spacer element used in the framework must, however, have a certain strength in order to, among other things, ensure load transfer from the outer part of the framework, which may be said second batten, and to the inner part of the framework, which may be said first batten.

A professional will be familiar with the fact that wood has a much higher thermal conductivity than an insulating material of a known nature, such as mineral wool. Timber that extends through an insulating material will thus be able to produce a cold bridge.

In order to be able to reduce the cross-sectional area of the spacer element, in order to also achieve a reduced thermal bridge, the spacer element in a position of use can have a vertical section that shows a height that is greater than the width of the spacer element. By width is meant here the extent parallel to the horizontal extent of the wall construction. Thus, the distance element can be a plate-shaped element which has a height which, in the position of use, is greater than the thickness of the plate.

An insulating agent of the above-mentioned type that is placed between the frames of the framework that are placed at a distance from each other, will have to rest against the spacer elements. In one embodiment, a side surface of the insulating agent can be placed sealingly against a first side surface of the spacer element. However, a further insulating means which has to be placed against a second side surface opposite the first side surface, will also have to cover the side surfaces which make up the width or thickness of the spacer element. In order to at least reduce the problem with said air ducts, it may be appropriate if the spacer element is designed with a first side surface and a second side surface, where the length of the first side surface is different from the length of the second side surface. Thus, for example, the first side surface can be straight, while at least a part of the second side surface can be designed with a concave part or a polygonal part. Regardless of the design, the purpose is to produce a spacer element where the side (or sides) of the spacer element against which the insulating material is compressed has a design adapted to the "minimum bending radius" of the insulating material so that said air channels are avoided to the greatest extent possible.

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

It should be understood that even if the wall construction is insulated with an insulating agent placed in the framework as explained above, an additional insulating agent can be placed in a space delimited between each of the uprights of the studwork and the top and bottom joists of the truss. Thus, the additional insulating agent will improve the U-value of the wall construction, while at the same time it will have a favorable soundproofing effect. The further insulation will be separated from the inside of the room by means of a cladding such as a panel or a building plate of a known kind.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a modular system is provided which comprises at least two modular elements in wood to provide a part of a wall construction which has an external or cold side and an internal or warm side, where each of the modular elements comprises a truss with a peripheral surface, where the truss includes at least two vertical uprights which are attached to horizontal sleepers at their end parts, and where the module elements are arranged to be able to be attached to each other, as each of the modular elements' truss is provided with a vapor barrier placed against the outer side of the truss.

In an alternative embodiment, a modular system is provided which comprises one modular element in wood to provide a wall construction which has an external or cold side and an internal or warm side, where the modular element comprises a truss with a peripheral surface, where the truss comprises at least two vertical studs which at their end parts are attached to horizontal sleepers, and where the modular element is arranged to be able to be attached to modular elements in adjacent wall sections, the modular element's framework being provided with a vapor barrier placed on the outer side of the framework.

The modular element or modular elements can typically be produced in a factory premises. In this way, arrangements can be made for efficient production in a controllable and predictable climate. Challenges with regard to precipitation and wind in connection with the production of the module elements will thus be eliminated.

Two or more modular elements will be able to be placed side by side or at least partially above each other, to produce a wall structure.

In an embodiment of the module system where it only includes the truss before two module elements are connected together, it can be an advantage if the vapor barrier of at least one of the module elements has an extent that is greater than the extent of the module element. Thus, the vapor barrier from a first module element will be led overlapping to abut against a second module element after they have been connected side by side or above each other. This ensures an effective vapor barrier at the interface between two interconnected module elements.

As will be explained below, in a preferred embodiment of the module system according to the present invention, it will be desirable to produce the module elements as completely as possible before they are connected together. In such an embodiment, it is an advantage if an edge zone for the vapor barrier is placed against the peripheral surface of the truss. By peripheral surface is meant here the edge surfaces of the module element that delimit the extent of the module element. In a position of use, the peripheral surface can thus be the side surfaces of the

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

there and the sleepers facing away from a central part of the module element.

The vapor barrier can be attached to the peripheral surface using staples and/or an adhesive. To ensure the best possible seal between the vapor barrier and the module element's peripheral surface, the mutual distance between the pins must be as small as possible, for example 10 cm or less. It is therefore time-consuming to attach the vapor barrier to the peripheral surface of the module element. Using a curable adhesive can be messy and time-consuming to apply. In addition, such an adhesive will require a certain amount of time before it achieves its intended effect, namely connecting the vapor barrier to the peripheral surface of the module element. An adhesive in the form of tape is relatively quick and easy to apply, while achieving its function immediately.

Irrespective of which of the above-mentioned fasteners may be used, it will be a challenge to provide a seal in the interface between two adjacent module elements.

In order to ensure an essentially complete seal between the vapor barrier and the peripheral surface of the module element, and at the same time a seal between two adjacent module elements, it is an advantage if the vapor barrier is clamped by means of a vapor-tight strip in a groove arranged in the peripheral surface. The strip is complementary to the width of the track, but is greater than the depth of the track, such that the strip in a position of use protrudes a small distance from the peripheral surface. A "small piece" can be, for example, 1 - 5 mm. Thus, the peripheral surface of the module element's traveling structure can be provided with grooves arranged to receive the edge zone of the vapor barrier and a complementary adapted sealing strip arranged to be able to clamp the vapor barrier firmly in the groove.

As will be apparent from the description below, such a groove and such a sealing strip can also be used to attach a wind barrier to the peripheral surface of the module element.

As an alternative to the groove in the peripheral surface of the truss, the vapor barrier (and possibly the wind barrier) can be glued to the peripheral surface of the truss using an adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises a diffusion-proof sealing strip where at least one of the surfaces of the sealing strip includes an adhesive.

The module system preferably comprises a framework of the kind explained in connection with the first aspect of the invention.

In one embodiment, each of the at least two module elements in the module system can be provided with said framework.

The framework can, regardless of whether it is attached to the modular system after the modular elements have been connected together to form a complete wall construction or part of a wall construction, or whether each of the modular elements is produced with a framework, be provided with an insulating agent to produce at least a part of the construction's desired U-value.

In order to produce the most complete modular element possible, it is an advantage if the modular element is supplied with a waterproof but diffusion-open wind barrier. A professional will be familiar with the fact that

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

the aim of such a wind barrier is to provide a barrier to prevent air from flowing into the insulation as much as possible and thus reduce the insulating properties of the insulation, while allowing any moist air in the insulation to pass out through the wind barrier. Another important purpose of the wind barrier is to prevent water, for example rainwater, from passing the wind barrier and thus wetting the insulation before an outer covering is applied to, for example, a wall structure.

An insulating agent placed in the framework of the modular element according to the invention may be exposed to an external environment on the external side of the modular element, but also on the side surfaces of the modular element. In order to protect the module element's insulation against water even before at least two module elements are put together to form part of a wall construction, it is an advantage if the wind barrier also encloses the insulation in the side surfaces of the module element. According to the invention, each of the module elements can be provided with a wind barrier which is placed against the framework and the surfaces of the insulation which are exposed to an external environment during the manufacture of the module element. An edge zone for the wind barrier can be placed against the peripheral surface of the truss.

It is also an advantage if an edge zone for the wind barrier is attached to the peripheral surface of the truss. Such an attachment of the edge zone of the windbreak can be provided with the help of staples or a suitable adhesive. However, such an attachment of the vapor barrier to the modular element's truss is infested with several of the disadvantages discussed above in connection with the attachment of the vapor barrier to the modular element's truss.

In order to ensure that the insulating material is as completely enclosed as possible, it is an advantage if the wind barrier is produced in one piece. In one embodiment, the windbreak is produced as a shaped "sack" or "bag" adapted to be wrapped around the framework and the insulating material. Such a bag-shaped windbreak is threaded from an external side of the module element and in over a part of the truss's peripheral surface.

The inventor has surprisingly found that the wind barrier can be attached to the truss in a similar way to the vapor barrier, namely by using a track and a complementary fitting sealing strip. Thus, the peripheral surface of the module element's traveling structure can be provided with a groove arranged to receive the edge zone of the wind barrier and a complementary adapted sealing strip arranged to be able to clamp the wind barrier firmly in the groove.

In one embodiment, the edge zone of the wind barrier can be placed in a separate groove and fixed in this by means of a complementary adapted sealing strip. Such a solution would require that the peripheral surfaces of the railway be provided with two tracks; one for the vapor barrier, and one for the wind barrier. With such a solution, it will be possible to use a sealing strip that is configured with two "track parts" connected by a spacer, or it will be possible to use two separate sealing strips. An advantage of using two separate tracks, and in particular two separate sealing strips, is that the vapor barrier and the wind barrier can be attached to the framework independently of each other. However, such a solution with two separate grooves can be more labour-intensive, particularly if the grooves have to be milled in two separate work operations.

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

In a prototype of the modular element, the edge zone of the wind barrier and the edge zone of the vapor barrier are placed in one common groove and fixed with the help of one sealing strip. Such a solution turns out to work perfectly. In one embodiment, the vapor barrier and the wind barrier can thus be clamped in a common slot.

Based on the explanation above, it will be understood that the framework and the insulation will be protected against water during storage, transport and assembly.

The modular elements will be able to be designed so that the framework for two modular elements placed side by side can be brought into contact with each other. In cases where the module elements are provided with insulation, and particularly if the insulation is protected by a wind barrier before the module elements are assembled together, it may be an advantage if side parts of two adjacent frameworks are provided with receiving means for receiving a complementary adapted intervention means, so that two adjacent frameworks can be attached to each other.

In an alternative embodiment, two adjacent sides of two frameworks can be provided with complementary adapted engagement means which are arranged to engage in each other and produce a locking engagement when mounting the module elements. Such complementary adapted engagement means can, for example, be of the type known from the furniture industry for use when connecting together elements that are part of a modular sofa, i.e. engagement means of the pin and slot type.

In an alternative embodiment, some of the features of the modular system discussed above can be used when manufacturing a modular system that comprises only one modular element. Such a "one-module" system will be particularly relevant if the wall structure is of such a size that it is permitted to be transported on public roads from a production site to a construction site.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for producing a part of a wall structure for a building, where the method comprises the steps: - to produce a load-bearing wall structure of wood, where the wall structure has an external or cold side and a inside or hot side; and

- to place a vapor barrier on the outside of the load-bearing wall structure.

The load-bearing wall construction can typically be a truss of the kind discussed above in connection with the first and second aspects of the invention.

The procedure may further include:

- placing a framework projecting from the outside of the wall construction, where the framework comprises a plurality of frames, where the frames are placed at a distance from one another;

- placing an insulating agent in and between the frames of the framework; and

- to place a wind barrier against at least part of the framework.

In one embodiment, the wind barrier is placed only on the side of the framework that faces away from the load-bearing wall construction, i.e. on the outward-facing side of the wall construction. In another

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

design, the wind barrier is also placed at least above the framework and terminates against a part of the load-bearing wall structure so that the insulation is at least partially enclosed by the wind barrier.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the load-bearing wall construction can be produced in situ or as a prefabricated modular element. Alternatively, the load-bearing wall construction can be produced as a modular system comprising at least two modular elements designed to be attached to each other to provide a part of the wall construction. In such an alternative method, it can further comprise placing a framework projecting from an external side to each of the module elements, where the framework comprises a plurality of frames, where the frames are placed at a distance from each other. The frames can be made of wood.

The method can further include placing an insulating agent in and between the frames of the framework, so that the space defined by the framework is essentially filled with the insulating agent. After the insulation has been placed in and between the frames of the framework, a wind barrier can be placed against a part of the framework. In one embodiment, the wind barrier is placed against the side of the framework that faces away from the load-bearing wall construction of the modular element. In order to ensure an overlap of the boundary section between two adjacent module elements, it is an advantage if the wind barrier in such an embodiment has an extent on two of its side sections that is greater than the extent of the module element. In one embodiment, the wind barrier is only placed after the at least two module elements have been connected side by side or at least partially above each other.

As discussed above in connection with the second aspect of the invention, it is an advantage if the wind barrier is placed against the framework and the surfaces of the insulating agent which are exposed to an external environment during the manufacture of the modular element. It is also an advantage if an edge zone for the vapor barrier and an edge zone for the wind barrier are placed in grooves arranged in a peripheral surface of the truss, and to clamp said edge zones firmly in the groove using a sealing strip that is complementary to the groove. In one embodiment, each of the edge zone of the vapor barrier and the edge zone of the wind barrier is clamped firmly in its respective groove in the peripheral surface of the truss. In an alternative embodiment, said edge zones can be clamped in a common groove in the peripheral surface of the truss.

As an alternative to the groove in the peripheral surface of the truss, at least one of the vapor barrier and the wind barrier can be glued to the peripheral surface of the truss using an adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises a diffusion-proof sealing strip where at least one of the surfaces of the sealing strip includes an adhesive. The smallest side of the sealing strip that includes the adhesive is the side that attaches the vapor barrier and/or the wind barrier to the perimeter of the frame.

In order to ensure a stable connection between two adjacent frameworks, the method can further comprise anchoring a part of a first module element's framework to a part of an adjacent second module element's framework. Such an anchoring can be provided before or after the wind barrier is attached to the module elements, depending on whether the wind barrier is attached after the module elements are

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

connected together, respectively before the module elements are connected together.

The method can further include placing a lining against the wind barrier. The purpose of the lining is to provide an air gap between the wind barrier and an external cladding. The lining is typically battens that are attached to an outer part of the framework. The wind barrier will thus be sandwiched between the lining and said outer part of the framework. The external cladding is preferably placed after the at least two module elements have been connected together, but it is also conceivable, for example in cases where the external cladding consists of vertical cladding boards, that at least a proportion of the module element's surface which in a position of use is exposed to an external environment, is provided with the external cladding,

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a framework for housing an insulating means on an outside of a load-bearing wall structure, the framework comprising an inner frame element for attachment to the load-bearing wall structure, an outer frame element for supporting an external cladding, and a spacer element to connect the outer frame element to the inner frame element, where the spacer element in a position of use has a vertical section which exhibits a height that is greater than the width of the spacer element. By width is meant here, as before, the extent parallel to the wall construction, horizontal extent. Thus, the distance element can be a plate-shaped element. The spacer element can have a design of the kind discussed in connection with the first aspect of the invention.

In the following, examples of preferred embodiments are described which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where:

Fig.1 shows a perspective view of part of a wall construction seen from an outside or cold side, where the wall construction comprises a truss with an outside that is provided with a vapor barrier, a framework with insulation, a wind barrier and external cladding;

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a traveling structure designed as a modular element;

Fig. 2b shows on a larger scale a part of the traveling structure shown in Fig. 2a seen from one side;

Fig. 3a shows an elevation in perspective of a first embodiment of a framework designed to be placed against and attached to the traveling structure shown in Fig. 2a;

Fig.3b shows on a larger scale a second embodiment of a framework after it has been attached to the traveling structure shown in Fig.2a;

Fig. 4a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a prefabricated module element seen from the outside;

Fig.4b shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a prefabricated module element;

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

Fig.5a shows the module element in Fig.4a seen from the inside; and

Fig.5b shows the module element in Fig.4b seen from the inside.

In the description, position indications such as "upper", "lower", "right" and "left" refer to the positions shown in the figures.

Similar or equivalent elements are largely indicated with the same reference number in the figures.

For illustrative reasons, the mutual size ratio between individual elements may be somewhat exaggerated.

In some of the figures, some of the elements shown are not indicated with reference numbers, and some elements may be omitted in some figures for the sake of clarity.

In the figures, the reference number 1 indicates a wall construction for a building, where the wall construction 1 comprises a truss 3. The truss 3 comprises vertical posts 5 which are attached at their end parts to sleepers 7 (see for example fig. 2a) which in the design examples are shown as horizontal beams with the same dimension as the uprights 5. It should be emphasized that one or both of the sleepers 7 may be arranged not at right angles to the uprights 5, and that the sleepers 7 may have different dimensions than the uprights 5.

Fig.1 shows an elevation in perspective of a part of a wall structure 1 seen from an external or "cold" side. The wall construction 1 comprises a truss 3, a framework 20 and external cladding 40.

A vapor barrier 9 is sandwiched between the outer side of the framework 3 and the framework 20 in that the framework 20 is attached to the framework 3 by means of mechanical fasteners of a known nature. The framework 20 comprises a plurality of frames 22 placed at a distance from each other along the longitudinal direction of the wall structure 1. The frames 22 are typically made of wood, but it is also conceivable that at least individual elements of the frames 22 can be made of a plastic material. The vapor barrier 9 shown in fig.1 is placed against the truss 3 after this has been completed, but before the frames 22 are attached to the truss 3.

The primary purpose of the framework 20 is to be able to house an insulating agent 30 so that the insulating agent 30 is placed outside the vapor barrier 9 and thus also on the outside or cold side of the frame 3. As will be explained below, an insulating agent can also be placed in the space delimited between the 3 uprights 5 and sleepers 7 of the truss.

Fig.1 further shows a diffusion-open wind barrier 35 which is attached to the framework 20, for example by means of staples. For the sake of clarity, only an upper, left part of the windbreak 35 is shown with shading. The purpose of the wind barrier 35 is to create a barrier to prevent air from flowing into the insulation 30 to the greatest extent possible, while allowing any moisture in the insulation 30 to flow out through the wind barrier 35. The wind barrier 35 is thus open to diffusion. An outer covering

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

40, shown here as a standing dressing table, is placed on the outside of the wind barrier 35 and attached to the framework 20 with the help of spreaders 42 and carrier battens 44.

For illustrative reasons, only parts of wall construction 1's insulation 30, wind barrier 35 and outer cladding 40 are shown.

Fig.1 also shows a foundation F which supports the wall structure 1, and floor beams B which are attached to and project perpendicularly from the struts 5 of the truss 3. It will thus be understood that the truss 3 of the wall structure 1 in the design shown is load-transferring, i.e. a so-called bearing wall. As the vapor barrier 9 is placed against the outer side of the truss 3, the vapor barrier 9 is passed unbroken past the floor beams B. When placing the vapor barrier on the internal or warm side of the truss as is done according to recognized teaching according to known technology, the beams B will have to be passed through the vapor barrier and consequently perforate this.

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a traveling structure 3 designed to be able to provide a load-transmitting element in a modular element 10 which forms part of a modular system. The traveling structure 3 comprises vertical uprights 5 (three shown) which are attached at their end parts to sleepers 7. In the embodiment shown, the sleepers have the same dimensions as the uprights 5. However, it should be understood that the sleepers 7 and the uprights 5 can have different dimensions, as be well known to a person skilled in the art. The truss 3 shown in fig.2a is in principle similar to the truss 3 in the on-site wall construction 1 shown in fig.1, but thus built as a modular element 10.

When creating a wall structure produced using a modular system according to the present invention, at least two modular elements 10 are placed side by side or above each other. When placing two module elements above each other, they will typically be placed laterally offset in relation to each other. Two adjacent parts of the module elements 10 (only one module element shown in the design examples) are attached to each other by means of one or a combination of mechanical fasteners such as a plurality of bolts, and an adhesive. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2a, the traveling structure 3 is provided with a plurality of bolt holes 12 arranged at a distance from each other around the periphery of the traveling structure.

According to the present invention, the outer side of the traveling structure 3 is provided with a vapor barrier 9 which is illustrated in fig. 2a with slanted hatching. A challenge with a wall construction made using modular elements 10 is to prevent leakage between the vapor barrier and the truss 3 to the greatest extent possible. One possible way to achieve this is to attach the vapor barrier 9 to the outer surface of the truss 3 using a suitable adhesive. By external surface is meant in this context the surface of the traveling structure 3 which is arranged to be able to receive a framework 20 as will be explained below. A disadvantage of the aforementioned possible method is that the interface between two adjacent module elements 10 (only one shown in the figures) could be a potential leak area if a hardenable sealant is not applied to the interface. Applying a hardenable sealant, such as, for example, a silicone- or acrylic-based sealant around a periphery of the module element 10, is time-consuming

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

and can be piggy.

In order to ensure that the vapor barrier 9 is firmly clamped against the riser 3, the peripheral surfaces of the riser 3 are provided with a groove 14 which is best shown in fig.2b. The groove extends continuously in the peripheral surfaces of the sleepers 7 and the outermost uprights 5.

The groove 14 is designed to be able to receive an edge part or edge zone of the vapor barrier 9. The vapor barrier 9 is clamped firmly in the groove 14 by means of a sealing strip 16 which is complementary adapted to the groove 14 so that a tight fit is achieved. The sealing strip 16 is shown in figures 3b - 5b.

The sealing strip 16 is preferably made of a diffusion-proof, elastic material such as, but not limited to, a rubber-based material or a synthetic material. The sealing strip 16 is designed so that in the position of use it protrudes a little, for example 1 - 5 mm, beyond the 3 peripheral surfaces of the riser. Thus, a sealing of the interface between two adjacent module elements 10, possibly between a module element 10 and a foundation F (see fig.1) can be achieved.

A vapor barrier 9 which is attached to a groove 14 in the truss 3 in a modular element 10 by means of the sealing strip 16 is shown in fig.3b.

Reference is now made to figures 3a and 3b, which show two different embodiments of a framework 20 according to the invention, where the framework 20 is made up of several spaced apart frames 22 (three shown). Fig. 3b shows only an upper part of the framework 20 which is attached to a support frame 3.

Each of the frames 20 comprises a first or inner batten 24, a second or outer batten 26 which is placed at a distance from the inner batten 24 by means of a spacer element 28. The outer battens 26 of the frames 22 are connected at the top and bottom to a frame sleeper 27 It should be mentioned in this context that the frames 22 shown in Fig. 1 are provided with a corresponding, but not shown, frame sill.

In the position of use as shown, the spacer element 28 has a vertical section which exhibits a height that is greater than the width or thickness of the spacer element. Thus, the spacer element 28 can be designed as a plate-shaped spacer element 28 as shown in the figures. The purpose of such a design is twofold. Firstly, a plate-shaped spacer element 28 will be able to exhibit relatively good load-transferring properties for vertical forces between the second batten 26 and the first batten 24. Secondly, the cross-sectional area of the spacer element 28 which is exposed to the cold side of the wall structure 1 or the module element 10 will be small in relation to the distance element's 28 load-transmitting property. Thus, a thermal bridge that the distance element 28 will necessarily represent will be as small as possible.

As mentioned above, the purpose of the framework 20 is to provide a space to house an insulating means 30 as shown in Figures 1, 5a and 5b. The insulating agent 30 can typically be mineral wool made from glass or stone.

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

As mentioned at the outset, such an insulating agent has a "minimum bending radius". In order to avoid, or at least to reduce, the possibility of leakage channels occurring between the spacer elements 28 and the insulating means 30 which in a use style is brought into contact with the spacer elements 28, the spacer elements 28 are provided with a first side surface which has a length which is different from the length of a second side surface. The term "length" means the peripheral length of the distance element 28 measured from top to bottom. In Figures 3a and 3b, the first side surface that abuts the battens 24, 26 of the frame 22 is straight, while the second side surface comprises an upper inclined part 29, a lower inclined part 29' and a flat surface 29'' which extends between said inclined parts 29, 29'. Thus, the second side surface has a greater length than the length of the first side surface which in the position of use rests against and is attached to the battens 24, 26. The transition between said inclined parts 29, 29' and the intermediate flat surface 29'' is preferably rounded.

In order to be able to utilize the advantages that prefabrication of modular elements entails, it is an advantage if the modular element 10 is manufactured as completely as possible. In practice, this means a modular element 10 with truss 3, vapor barrier 9, framework 20, insulation 30 and a wind barrier 35. Such a "complete" modular element 10 is shown in Figures 4a and 4b. For reasons of clarity of the figures, the insulating means 30 is not shown in Figures 4a and 4b.

As there is access in the travel structure 3 to connect two adjacent module elements 10, a fixed connection between the travel structure 3 of the module elements can be provided relatively easily. However, it is an advantage if an outer batten 26 and/or a frame sill 27 in the framework 20 of a first module element 10 is connected to an outer batten 26 and/or a frame sill 27 in the framework 20 of a second (not shown) module element. According to the invention, such a compound is provided by means of two different ways which nevertheless have similar features.

Both methods are based on providing at least the outer batten 26 and/or a frame sill 27 in the framework 20 to each of the module elements 10 which are to be attached to each other, with a receiving means.

In Fig. 4a, several receiving means 50a (sixteen shown - four on each side surface) are placed at a distance from each other around the periphery of the framework 20. The receiving means 50a are formed in the shown embodiment of profiles with a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shaped profiles 50a are made of metal or a suitable plastic material, and attached, for example by means of screws, to recesses 27a (shown best in fig.

3a) arranged in the outer battens 26 and frame sleepers 27. The opening in the C in the profiles 50a faces away from the outer batten 26 or frame sleepers 27 to which it is attached. After two module elements 10 have been placed against each other, an engaging means (not shown) which is complementary adapted to two receiving means 50a placed adjacent to each other, is introduced into the receiving means 50a. Said engaging means will, for example, have an H-shaped profile which is wedged simultaneously into two adjacent receiving means 50a. The engaging means can, for example, be made from a wooden material or preferably a suitable plastic material, but other materials with suitable strength are also conceivable.

Fig. 4b shows an alternative embodiment of the receiving means 50a shown in Fig. 4a. Fig.4b shows a reception

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

means 50b in the form of rails with a C-shaped cross-section placed around the periphery of the framework 20. The C-shaped rails 50b are made of metal or a suitable plastic material and attached, for example by means of screws, to a shoulder 27b (see fig .3b) arranged in the outer battens 26 and the frame sleepers 27. The longitudinal axis of the rails 50b thus extends parallel to the longitudinal axes of the battens 26 or the frame sleepers 27. The opening in the C in the rails 50b faces away from the outer lath 26 or frame sill 27 to which it is attached. After two module elements 10 have been placed against each other, an elongated engaging means (not shown) which is complementary adapted to two receiving means 50b placed adjacent to each other, is introduced into the receiving means 50b. Said intervention means will have a profile designed to be able to be wedged simultaneously into two adjacent receiving means 50b and provide a connection between them. The engaging means is typically made from a suitable plastic material, but other materials with suitable strength are also conceivable. An H-shaped aluminum rail is an example of such another material. Such a rail 50b can consist of several individual elements, i.e. be divided.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the windbreak 35 extends beyond the lower frame sleeper 27 and beyond the left batten 26 of the module element 10. The windbreak 35 is indicated with grid-patterned hatching in two of the module element's 10 corner sections, but it should be understood that the windbreak 35 extends over or covers the entire external side of the module element 10. As the wind barrier 35 extends beyond the module element 10, it will be able to provide an overlap for a module element 10 which is placed below or to the left of the module elements 10 shown in Figures 4a and 4b. However, it should be understood that said overlap is not strictly necessary. This is because the wind barrier 35 in the embodiment shown is designed as a "bag" or "sack" which is pulled over the framework 20 (and the not shown insulation in the framework 20). The wind barrier 35 is led from the outside of the module element 10 and over a part of the module element 10's traveling structure 3. This is illustrated in fig.4a with a shaded part (indicating a part of the wind barrier 35) at the top left of the module element 10's side part. A corresponding solution is illustrated to the right on the side part of the module element 10 shown in figure 4b, and in figures 5a and 5b.

The part of the wind barrier 35 which is shown projecting over the outer side of the module element can typically be produced from separate pieces of wind barrier which are sewn onto said bag.

Figures 5a and 5b show the module elements 10 in 4a and 4b, respectively, seen from an internal or "hot" side. The space defined between the vapor barrier 9 and the truss 3 will be able to be filled at least partially with an insulating agent not shown. Such an insulating agent will be able to both increase the temperature-insulating properties of the module element 10 and the sound-insulating properties of the module element 10. Such insulation is particularly effective in reducing a resonance in the module element 10 after an internal cladding (not shown) is attached to the traveling structure 3.

Although it is not clear from figures 4a and 5a, it should be understood that the wind barrier 35 is placed in the depressions 27a before the receiving means 50a are placed in the depressions 27a. Figures 4b and 5b illustrate that the wind barrier 35 is fitted to the module element 10 before the receiving means 50b (the C-

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

shaped rails) are fitted to the framework 20.

In the designs shown in Figures 4a to 5b, the edge zone of the wind barrier 35 is placed in the same groove 14 as the edge zone of the vapor barrier 9, and clamped in the groove with the help of the sealing strip 16. A complete seal against the frame 3 of the module element 10 is thus achieved.

A track 14 of the type discussed in connection with figures 2a-2b, 3b-5b can also be thought of as being used at least in part of a peripheral surface of a site-built wall of the type shown in fig.1.

The wall construction 1 will be able to be prefabricated as a modular element, especially if the extent of the wall construction is of such a size that it is permitted to be transported on public roads.

It will be understood by this that the present invention solves known problems related to necessary and/or unwanted perforations of the vapor barrier 9, as there will be easy access to the truss 3 to pull, for example, pipes and cables even after the vapor barrier has been placed against the truss 3. With the present invention, there will also be no need for so-called "boxing", which will reduce a usable area to a room delimited by the wall construction 1 according to the present invention.

It should be noted that all of the above embodiments illustrate the invention, but do not limit it, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The use of the verb "to comprise" and its various forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not mentioned in the claims. The indefinite articles "an", "ei" or "et" before an element do not exclude the presence of several such elements.

The fact that certain features are listed in different mutually dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used.

P28141NO01 Description and requirements

Claims (26)

Patent claims 1. Wall structure (1) for a building, where the wall structure (1) comprises a wooden truss (3), where the truss (3) at least comprises vertical uprights (5) which are attached at their end parts to sleepers (7) in top and bottom, and where the truss (3) forms at least a part of a wall that has an external side and an internal side, characterized in that the truss (3)'s external side is provided with a vapor barrier (9). 2. Wall construction (1) according to claim 1, where the wall construction (1) further comprises a framework (20) which projects substantially perpendicularly from the outside of the truss (3). 3. Wall construction (1) according to claim 2, where the framework (20) comprises a plurality of frames (22), where the frames (22) are spaced apart. 4. Wall construction (1) according to claim 3, where each of the frames (22) in the framework (20) comprises a first batten (24) which is designed to be attached to the truss (3), and a second batten (26) ) which is placed at a distance from the first batten (24) by means of a distance element (28). 5. Wall construction (1) according to claim 4, where the distance element (28) in a position of use has a vertical section which exhibits a height that is greater than the width of the distance element (28). 6. Wall construction (1) according to claim 4 or 5, where the distance element (28) has a first side surface and a second side surface, where the length of the first side surface is different from the length of the second side surface. 7. Modular system comprising at least two modular elements (10) in wood to provide a part of a wall construction (1) which has an external side and an internal side, where each of the modular elements (10) comprises a truss (3) with a peripheral surface , where the structure (3) comprises at least two vertical uprights (5) which are attached at their end parts to horizontal sleepers (7), and where the module elements (10) are designed to be attached to each other, characterized in that each of the module elements ( 10) truss (3) is provided with a vapor barrier (9) placed against the outer side of the truss (3). 8. Module system according to claim 7, where an edge zone for the vapor barrier (9) is placed against the peripheral surface of the truss (3). 9. Module system according to claim 8, where the peripheral surface of the module element (10) traveling mechanism (3) is provided with grooves (14) arranged to receive the edge zone of the vapor barrier (9) and a P28141NO01 Description and requirements complementary sealing strip (16) designed to be able to clamp the vapor barrier (9) firmly in the groove (14). 10. Module system according to claim 7, where the module system comprises a framework (20) as specified in any one of claims 2-6. 11. Module system according to claim 10, where each of the at least two module elements (10) in the module system is provided with the framework (20). 12. Modular system according to claim 10 or 11, where the framework (20) is further provided with an insulating agent (30). 13. Modular system according to claim 12, where each of the modular elements (10) is provided with a wind barrier (35) which is placed against the framework (20) and the surfaces of the insulating agent (30) which are exposed during the manufacture of the modular element (10) against an external environment. 14. Module system according to claim 13, where an edge zone for the wind barrier (35) is placed against the peripheral surface of the truss (3). 15. Modular system according to claim 13 or 14, where the wind barrier (35) is produced in one piece which is adapted to the dimensions of the modular element (10). 16. Module system according to claim 14 or 15, where the peripheral surface of the module element's (10) traveling structure (3) is provided with a groove (14) adapted to receive the edge zone of the wind barrier (35) and a complementary adapted sealing strip (16) adapted to to be able to clamp the wind deflector (35) firmly in the slot (14). 17. Modular system according to claims 9 and 16, where the vapor barrier (9) and the wind barrier (35) are clamped in one common groove (14). 18. Modular system according to 10-17, where side parts of two adjacent frameworks (20) are each provided with receiving means (50a, 50b) for receiving a complementary adapted intervention means, so that two adjacent frameworks (20) can be attached to each other. 19. Method for producing a part of a wall construction (1) for a building, characterized in that the method comprises the steps: - to produce a load-bearing wall structure (1) of wood, where the wall structure (1) has an external side and an internal side; and - to place a vapor barrier (9) on the outside of the load-bearing wall structure (1). 20. Procedure according to claim 19, where the procedure further comprises: - placing a framework (20) projecting from the load-bearing wall construction's (1) P28141NO01 Description and requirements external side, where the framework (20) comprises a plurality of frames (22) which are placed at a distance from each other; - placing an insulating means (30) in and between the frames (22) of the framework (20); and - placing a wind barrier (35) against at least part of the framework. (20). 21. Method according to claim 19, where the load-bearing wall construction (1) is produced as a modular system comprising at least two modular elements (10) designed to be attached to each other to provide a part of the wall construction (1). 22. Method according to claim 21, where the method further comprises placing a framework (20) projecting from an external side to each of the module elements (10), where the framework (20) comprises a plurality of frames (22), where the frames ( 22) are placed at a distance from each other. 23. Method according to claim 22, where the method further comprises placing an insulating agent (30) in and between the frames (22) of the framework (20). 24. Method according to claim 23, where the method further comprises placing a wind barrier (35) against the framework (20) and the surfaces of the insulation (30) which are exposed to an external environment during the production of the module element (10). 25. Method according to claim 24, where the method further comprises placing an edge zone for the vapor barrier (9) and an edge zone for the wind barrier in grooves (14) arranged in a peripheral surface of the truss, and clamping each of said edge zones firmly in grooves ( 14) by means of a sealing strip (16) which is complementary adapted to the groove (14). 26. Method according to any one of claims 23 or 25, wherein the method further comprises anchoring a part of a first module element's (10) framework (20) to a part of an adjacent, second module element's (10) framework ( 20). P28141NO01 Description and requirements