OA20050A - Construction element. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a construction element (10) comprising a frame (1) and a block (2) slidable in the frame (1) when subjected to an external force. The block (2) can thus form a tenon between two superimposed frames (1) forming mortises. Construction elements (10) fixed together laterally form modules (100) which can be assembled in offset from one level to another so as to form a wall.

Description

Construction element

Technical field

[0001] The présent invention relates to a construction element allowing, for 5 example, the construction of a wall or a vertical panel

Prior art

[0002] The document US3885363 A describes a construction element comprising a preformed insulation insert placed in a cavity of a concrète frame. Such 10 construction éléments can be used to construct a wall by assembling them with mortar for example. This assembly requires précision to ensure that the construction éléments are properly aligned and time to place the mortar and also because of this précision.

Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of the présent invention is to provide a construction element that is easy and quick to assemble and does not require mortar.

[0004] The invention provides a construction element comprising:

• a frame comprising a cavity opening through an upper opening and a lower opening, and · a block arranged to move in a first direction in the cavity under the action of an extemal pressure and to remain at least partially blocked in the cavity in the absence of extemal pressure, wherein an upper end of the block is adapted to engage the upper opening of the cavity and is adapted to engage the lower opening of 1he cavity.

[0005] In the présent invention, when two frames are superimposed so that the cavities are aligned, the upper end of the block may be engaged in the cavity of the upper frame while the lower end of the block may be engaged in the cavity of the lower frame. Thus, the block itself serves as a means for fixing and aligning between the construction element and a second identical construction element. It is therefore not necessary to put mortar between two 30 superimposed construction éléments.

[0006] Since the block is blocked in the cavity when no force other than gravity is exerted on it, the fixing between two superimposed construction éléments is particularly strong. The two frames can be considered to be fitted t ightly onto the block.

[0007] The fact that the block can be moved in the frame gives flexibility on the relative position of the block with respect to the frame. In addition, it allows each block to be pushed into the frame as far as possible during transport, in order to reduce the transport volume and the block to be at least partially protected by the frame during transport and on the construction site before construction.

[0008] The block remains locked in the cavity by latéral mechanical compression when it is not subjected to pressure in the first direction, but it moves relative to the frame when it is subjected to extemal pressure in the first direction. The block is designed to be inserted snugly into the cavity. When a wall is constructed with the construction element, the first direction is preferably a vertical direction.

[0009] The block can for example be ma de of a compressible material or hâve a surface structure allowing this movement under pressure and blocking in the absence of pressure.

[0010] The block is such that the action of a force causes it to slide in the cavity, but if it is not subjected to forces other than gravity it is immovably wedged in the cavity. Preferably, human force is sufficient to make the block slide into the frame.

[0011] For the purpose of this paper, an “extemal pressure” is sufficient pressure to move the block in the cavity. The force correspondin g to the extemal pressure is greater than the force of gravity, so that the block remains immobilized by the frame when it is subjected only to the action of gravity. The extemal pressure is preferably a pressure in the first direction.

[0012] Preferably, the construction element is arranged to weigh less than 20 kg, more preferably less than 15 kg. For example, a prototype of a 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm construction element in which the frame is made of OSB and the expanded polystyrène block is about 4 kg.

[0013] The frame is preferably an object formed of a plurality of fiat panels parallel to the first direction, so as to delimit the cavity in any direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, each panel can be formed of a plate. The frame is preferably devoid of grooves on its outer surface.

[0014] The cavity is designed to allow the block to slide from its lower end to its upper end.

[0015] For example, the trame can be between 100 and 800 mm high, preferably about 300 mm. For example, the frame can be between 100 and 800 mm deep, preferably about 5 300 mm. For example, the frame can be between 100 and 800 mm wide, preferably about 300 mm. The panels of the frame are for example between 10 and 30 mm thick, preferably about 18 mm. The frame can for example be cubic.

[0016] One fiinction of the frame is to provide the outer panels of the wall. It also allows the permanent fixing of several construction éléments together to form modules that can 10 be removed from each other. A wall can thus be constructed by placing modules offset from each other, for example staggered.

[0017] The frame is preferably made of a heat-insulating material.

[0018] Preferably, the upper opening of the cavity is located on an upper end of the frame and the lower opening of the cavity is located on a lower end of the frame. Preferably, 15 the upper opening of the cavity is the same as the lower opening of the cavity.

[0019] The block is preferably a solid and filled object. The block is preferably formed in a homogeneous and isotropie material. The block is thermally insulating. For example, the block can be made of or comprise expanded polystyrène, graphitized expanded polystyrène, or polyuréthane foam. The block may for example be made of one or more 20 materials having a Young's modulus greater than 1.0 GPa, preferably between 2.0 and 4.0 GPa, more preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 GPa. The block is rigid enough to block the frame when partially engaged in the cavity of the frame. The block is preferably made of a flame-resistant material.

[0020] The block preferably extends between ail the latéral panels of the frame 25 so as to be in contact with them. When partially housed in two superimposed frames, the block is preferably such that it extends between ail the latéral panels of the two frames, so as to be in contact with them.

[0021] Preferably, the height of the block is equal to the height of the frame.

[0022] Preferably, the block extends laterally between several parts of surfaces 30 forming a triangle, rectangle or square. These surface parts preferably comprise a fiat part intended to contact the inner surface of the cavity and a recessed part to form a chamfer at the upper end of the block.

[0023] For example, the block may be between 100 and 800 mm high, preferably about 300 mm. For example, the block can be 100 to 800 mm deep, preferably about 263 mm. 5 For example, the block can be between 100 and 800 mm wide, preferably about 263 mm. The width of the block is preferably equal to its depth.

[0024] One function of the block is to form the male part of the arrangement by interlocking while the frames form female parts. Another function of the block is to provide excellent thermal and Sound insulation.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the cavity and the block are such that the block can enter the cavity through its lower opening and exit through its upper opening.

Thus, it is possible to slide the block completely out of the cavity.

[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, the différence, taken in absolute value, between at least one latéral extent of the cavity and a corresponding latéral extent of the block 15 measured when the block is outside the cavity is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

[0027] In other words, the latéral exterit of the block may be less than, greater than, or equal to the latéral extent of the cavity, but the différence between these two extents is preferably less than 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm.

[0028] Thus, the block is intended to be inserted in a particularly tight fit in the cavity.

[0029] For the purpose of this document, a “latéral extent” of an element can be, for example, its length, width, depth. As the block is intended to be at least partially engaged in the cavity, a latéral extent of the block generally corresponds to a latéral extent of the cavity: 25 for example, the width of the block corresponds to the width of the cavity and the depth of the block corresponds to the depth of the cavity.

[0030] The absolute value of the différence between the latéral extent of the block and the corresponding latéral extent of the cavity is preferably less than 1% of the latéral extent of the block, more preferably less than 0.5% of the latéral extent of the block.

[0031] The block may be sufficiently compressible laterally so that its latéral extent decreases when it is at least partially engaged in the cavity.

[0032] In an embodiment of the invention, the différence, in absolute value, between the width of the cavity and the width of the b lock measured when the block is outside the cavity is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm and/or the différence, in absolute value, between the depth of the cavity and the depth of the block 5 measured when the block is outside the cavity is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, the upper end of the block is chamfered and/or corners of the upper end of the block are rounded.

[0034] This chamfer makes it possible te > reduce the width and/or the depth of the 10 block at its upper end so that the block can be easily introduced into the cavity through the lower opening of the frame, in particular if the latéral dimension of the block outside the cavity is close to the corresponding latéral dimension ofthe cavity. For example, the chamfer can be about 1 cm.

[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises latéral panels 15 delimiting the cavity laterally, and the block is intended to be in mechanical contact with ail the latéral panels of the frame when it is blocked, at least ]>artially, in the cavity.

[0036] This ensures a particularly strong blocking and a particularly good thermal insulation, since the thermal insulation effect of the block extends over the entire width and depth of the construction element. Preferably, the block is in mechanical contact with ail 20 the latéral panels for at least 50% or 80% of the height of the block that is in the cavity.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, the height of the frame is substantially equal to the height ofthe block. For the purpose of the présent invention, the “height” of an object is preferably the maximum distance between 1he lower end and the upper end of the object.

[0038] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame and the block hâve a polygonal, hexagonal, rectangular, triangular or square section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The horizontal section of the frame and the block are preferably rectangular, more preferably square.

[0039] In an embodiment of the inventio n, the cavity is delimited by fiat surfaces 30 parallel to the first direction.

[0040] Thus, the fiat surfaces that delimit the cavity are not inclined with respect to the first direction. This avoids, in particular, any upward or downward narrowing of the cavity.

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame is at least partially made of wood and/or polymer.

[0042] The frame may be in any material comprising wood. It can for example be made of oriented strand board called, which are sometimes known as OSB. The MDF is also possible. The frame can also be made of a polymer.

[0043] Preferably, the frame does not comprise concrète. Indeed, concrète panels should be much thicker than wood and/or polymer panels, which would make the construction element heavy.

[0044] The invention furthermore provides an assembly comprising a first and a second construction éléments, wherein the frame of the second construction element is placed on the frame of the first construction element and the block of the first construction element is mechanically blocked in the cavity of the frame of the first construction element and in the cavity of the frame of the second construction element. Preferably, this assembly does not comprise any gluing means between the frame of the first construction element and the frame of the second construction element.

[0045] The invention further provides a construction module comprising a first and a second construction éléments according to any embodiment of the invention, and wherein the frame of the first construction element is latérally fixed, for example by screwing and/or gluing, to the frame ofthe second construction element. The different construction éléments of a module are preferably identical.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the construction module further comprises a third construction element according to any embodiment of the invention laterally fixed to the frame of the second construction element. Preferably, the three construction éléments of the module are aligned or arranged in a corner.

[0047] The invention further provides a wall comprising at least three construction modules according to any embodiment o F the invention, at least a first one of the construction modules comprising:

• a first block located on the one hand in a first cavity of the first construction module and on the other hand in a cavity of a second of the construction modules, and • a second block located on the one hand in a second cavity of the first construction module and on the other hand in a cavity of a third of the construction modules.

[0048] The modules are thus arranged in offset with respect to each other in order to obtain a particularly solid wall. In addition, the wail may also comprise uprights fixed to several construction modules. This increases the stability of the wall.

[0049] The wall may also comprise a board to which some of the construction éléments are fixed, with the trame of the construction éléments fixed to the board comprising a lower cutout that receives at least an upper part of the board. The board can be called wall plate.

[0050] The invention further proposes a building comprising at least one construction element according to any embodiment of the invention, or a module according to 15 any embodiment of the invention, or a wall according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The invention further proposes a method of constructing a wall or a vertical panel and comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first trame comprising a cavity opening through an upper opening and a lower opening, (b) providing a second frame comprising a cavity opening through an upper opening and a lower opening, (c) providing a block arranged to move in a first direction in the cavity of the first frame under the action of extemal pressure and to remain at least partially blocked in the cavity of the first frame in the absence of extemal pressure, and to move in the first direction in the cavity of the second frame under the action of extemal pressure and to remain at least partially blocked in the cavity of the second frame in the absence of extemal pressure, and (d) engaging the block in the upper opening of the cavity of the first frame and in the lower opening of the cavity of the second frame.

[0052] The advantages mentioned for the device apply mutatis mutandis to the method.

Brief description of the figures

[0053] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear when reading the following detailed description, for the understanding of which one will refer to the annexed figures among which:

- Figure la is a vertical section of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 1b is a horizontal section of a frame forming part of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 1 c is a horizontal section of a block forming part of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure Id is a three-dimensional view of a construction element according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 2 is a vertical section of an assembly of two construction éléments according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of a construction module according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 4 is a vertical section of a construction module according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 5a is a vertical section of an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 5b is a vertical view of a frame that can be used in the assembly of Figure 5a,

- Figure 6 is a vertical view of a wall according to an embodiment of the invention, and

- Figure 7 is a vertical view of a wall according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a window.

Embodiments of the invention

I

I

[0054] The présent invention is described with particular embodiments and référencés to figures but the invention is not limited by them. The drawings or figures described are only schematic and are not limiting.

[0055] In the context of this document, 1 he terms “first’ ’ and “second” serve only to differentiate between the different éléments and do not imply any order between these éléments.

[0056] In the figures, identical or similar éléments may bear the same référencés.

[0057] Figures lato Id illustrate an example of trame 1 and an example of block 2 which may be part of a construction element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0058] For the purposes of this description, the first direction 101 is preferably considered to be a vertical direction.

[0059] The frame 1 comprises a cavity 22. The cavity 22 passes through the trame 1 between an upper end of the frame 1 and a lower end of the frame 1. The cavity 22 is opened by an upper opening 22a and a lower opening 22b opposite each other.

[0060] The frame 1 comprises latéral panels 23, for example two first panels la (front and back panels) and second two panels 1b (left and right panels). It is préférable that the second panels 1b be blocked laterally between the first two panels la. This can be seen in figure 1b.

[0061] The block 2 is arranged to be mechanically wedged in the cavity 22 when no extemal pressure is exerted on it, and to move in the first direction 101 when it is subjected to extemal pressure capable of moving it in the first direction 101.

[0062] The block 2 has an upper end 25 and a lower end 26. Preferably, the upper end 25 ofthe block 2 is arranged to be engaged, according to the first direction 101, in the upper opening 22a and the lower opening 22b of the cavity 22. The upper end 25 of the block 2 can thus engage in the upper opening 22a of the cavity of a first frame 1 and in the lower opening 22b ofthe cavity of a second frame 1, identical to the first frame 1, and located above the first frame 1.

[0063] More preferably, the entire block 2 can be inserted into the cavity 22 following the upper end 25 ofthe block 2. Preferably, the block 2 has a chamfer 21 on one edge of its upper end 25, so that it can be easily inserted into the frame 1.

[0064] Preferably, the block 2 is slidable in the frame 1 in the First direction 101, and its dimensions are chosen so that, in the absence of pressure, the block 2 is mechanically blocked in the frame 1.

[0065] Preferably, the frame 1 and the block 2 are of square horizontal section, but it could hâve another shape while remaining within the purpose ofthe invention.

[0066] Figure la shows the block 2 partially inserted in the cavity 22 of the frame 1, so that it protrudes from the cavity 22 at its upper end 25. This figure illustrâtes the height 51 of the frame 1 and the height 52 of the block 2.

[0067] Figure 1b illustrâtes the width 53 ofthe cavity 22 and the depth 55. Figure le makes it possible, in particular, to illustrate the width 54 of the block 2 and its depth 56.

[0068] Figure 2 shows two stacked construction éléments 10. The block 2 ofthe lower construction element 10 is partially engaged, with its upper end 25, in the frame 1 ofthe upper construction element 10. The construction éléments 10 are assembled by interlocking one on top of the other, offsetting the block 2 with respect to the frame 1, so that the block 2 is partially received in two frames located one on top of lhe other.

[0069] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate construction modules 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The construction modale 100 comprises several construction éléments 10 according to the invention, for example two construction éléments 10 for the module 100 illustrated in Figure 3 and three construction éléments 10 for the module 100 illustrated in Figure 4. The construction éléments 10 are preferably fixed together via a latéral panel at a junction 3 between two frames 1, so that they are at the same height. Preferably, a single plate forms the front panels la ofthe frames 1 of several construction éléments 10 and a single plate forms the rear panels la of the frames 1 of several construction éléments. Preferably, the blocks 2 of the different construction éléments can be moved independently.

[0070] Figure 5a shows a possible assembly with a construction element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. This assembly is in particular advantageous for forming the lowest level of a wall. For example, this assembly may comprise base blocks 8, a hermetic layer 7, a board 5 and construction éléments 1 0.

[0071] The base blocks 8 are for example Ytong blocks aligned in a direction perpendicular to the plane of figure 5a. The sealing layer 7 is for e.g. made of an EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) foil. The board 5, which can be called a wall plate, is preferably fixed by means for fixing or screws 9 to the base blocks 8. The construction éléments 10, with a frame 1 where the second panels 1b are shorlened as shown in figure 5b, are arranged so that the board 5 is engaged between the first panels la and preferably abuts against the lower ends of the second panels 1b. Means for fixing or screws 6 may be used to fix the first panels lato the board 5.

[0072] Figure 5b illustrâtes the frame 1 whose second panels 1b are shorter than the first panels la, so as to create a passage 16 arranged to receive at least the upper part of the board 5.

[0073] Figure 6 illustrâtes a wall 200 cornprising modules 100, 100a, 100b, 100c according to the embodiment of the invention and uprights 4. For reasons of clarity, only certain blocks are shown. They are shown as dotted lines to indicate that they are hidden inside the modules.

[0074] The modules 100 are preferably arranged vertically offset so that a first part of an upper module rests on a first lower module and a second part of an upper module rests on a second lower module. In addition, this ailows first 120 and second 130 blocks belonging to a first module 100a to be located partially in the first module 100a and partially in a second module 100b and third module 100c, respectively. This results in a mechanical coupling between the second 100b and third 100c modules via the first 100a module.

[0075] At the top of the wall 200, for ex ample, it is possible to eut off the upper ends of the protruding blocks, or to provide blocks of lower height, in order to finish the wall with a horizontal surface.

[0076] The uprights 4, which can also be called rafters, are fixed, for example screwed or nailed, to several superimposed construction éléments.

[0077] Figure 7 shows a part of wall cornprising a window 11. The window 11 is a part of open wall. It is delimited, for example, by a lower board 14 at the bottom, an upper board 15 at the top and latéral construction éléments 10. The upper board 15 preferably rests on second panels 1b of two of these latéral construction éléments, which can be called first latéral construction éléments 10c. The wall also comprises a lintel 12 located above the tureen board 15 and these first latéral construction éléments ICc. The lintel 12 is a construction module in which central construction éléments 10a hâve their second two panels 1b shorter than their first two panels la, and end construction éléments 10b hâve one of their second two panels 1b shorter than their first two panels la. The blocks 2 of the first latéral construction éléments 10c are partially inserted into the cavities of the end constiuction éléments 10b.

[0078] In other words, the invention relates to a construction element 10 comprising a frame 1 and a block 2 that can slide in the frame 1 when subjected to an extemal force. The block 2 can thus form a tenon between two superimposed frames 1 forming mortises. Construction éléments 10 fixed together laterally form modules 100 that can be assembled offset from one level to the other to form a wall.

[0079] The présent invention has been described in relation to spécifie embodiments, which are of purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting.

Generally speaking, the présent invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or described above. The use of the verbs “comprise”, “include”, “consist”, or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, can in no way exclude the presence of éléments other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article “a”, “an”, “one”, or the definite article “the”, to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such éléments. The reference numbers in daims do not limit their scope.

Claims (15)

1. Claims

   1. A construction element (10) comprising:

   • a frame (1) comprising a cavity (22) opening through an upper opening (22a) and a lower opening (22b), and • a block (2) arranged to move in a first direction (101) in the cavity (22) under the action of an extemal pressure and to remain blocked at least partially in the cavity (22) in the absence of extemal pressure, wherein an upper end (25) of the block (2) is able to engage the upper opening (22a) of the cavity (22) and is able to engage the lower opening (22b) of the cavity (22).
2. 2. The construction element (10) acco:ding to claim 1, wherein the cavity (22) and the block (2) are such that the block (2) can enter 1 he cavity (22) through its lower opening (22b) and exit through its upper opening (22a).
3. 3. The construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the différence, taken in absolute value, between at least one latéral extent (53; 55) of the cavity (22) and a corresponding latéral extent (54; 56) of the block (2) measured when the block (2) is outside the cavity (22) is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.
4. 4. The construction element (10) accoi ding to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the différence, in absolute value, between the width (53) of the cavity (22) and the width (54) of the block (2) measured when the block (2) is outside the cavity (22) is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm and/or the différence, in absolute value, between the depth (55) of the cavity (22) and the depth (56) of the block (2) measured when the block (2) is outside the cavity (22) is less than 3 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.
5. 5. The construction element (10) according to any of the preceding daims, in which the upper end (25) of the block (2) is chamfered and/or in which corners of the upper end (25) of the block (2) are rounded.
6. 6. The construction element (10) accoi ding to any one of the preceding daims, wherein the frame (1) comprises latéral panels (la, 1bj delimiting the cavity (22) laterally, and wherein the block (2) is intended to be in mechanical contact with ail the latéral panels (la, 1b) of the frame (1) when it is blocked, at least partially, in the cavity (22).
7. 7. The construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding daims, in which the height (51) of the frame (1) is substantially equal to the height (52) of the block (2)·
8. 8. The construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding daims, in which the cavity (22) is delimited by fiat surfaces parallel to the first direction (101).
9. 9. The construction element (10) according to any one of the preceding daims, in which the frame (1) is at least partially made of wood and/or polymer.
10. 10. An assembly comprising a first and a second construction éléments (10) according to any one of the preceding daims, wherein the frame (1) of the second construction element (10) is placed on the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) and the block (2) of the first construction element (10) is mechanically b ocked in the cavity (22) of the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) and in the cavity (22) of the frame (1) of the second construction element (10).
11. 11. A construction module (100) comprising a first and a second construction éléments (10) according to any one of daims 1 to 9, wherein the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) is laterally fixed, for example: by screwing and/or gluing, to the frame (1) of the second construction element (10).
12. 12. The construction module (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising athird construction element according to any one of daims 1 to 9 laterally fixed to the frame (1) ofthe second construction element (10).
13. 13. A wall (200) comprising at least three construction modules (11) according to claim 11 or 12, at least a first one (100a) of the construction modules comprising:

    • a first block (120) located, on the one hand, in a first cavity of the first construction module (100a) and, on the other hand, in a cavity of a second (100b) ofthe construction modules; and • a second block (130) located on the one hand in a second cavity of the first construction module (100a) and on the other hand in a cavity of a third (100c) of the construction modules.
14. 14. A building comprising at least one construction element according to any one of daims 1 to 9, an assembly according to daim 10, a module according to any one of daims 11 to 12 or a wall according to claim 13.
15. 15. A method of constructing a wall (20( ·) or a vertical panel and comprising the steps of:

    (a) providing a first frame (1) comprising a cavity (22) opening through an upper opening (22a) and a lower opening (22b), (b) providing a second frame (1) comprising a cavity (22) opening through an upper opening (22a) and a lower opening (22b), (c) providing a block (2) arranged to move in a first direction (101) in the cavity (22) of the first frame (1) under the action of an extemal pressure and to remain blocked at least partially in the cavity (22) of the first frame (1) in the absence of extemal pressure, and to move in the first direction (101) in the cavity (22) of the second frame (1) under the action of an extemal pressure and to remain blocked at least partially in the cavity (22) of the second frame (1) in the absence of extemal pressure, and (d) engaging the block (2) in the upper opening (22a) of the cavity (22) of the first frame (1) and in the lower opening (22b) of the cavity (22) ofthe second frame (1)·