WO2018163033A1

WO2018163033A1 - Male-female coupling system for mechanical locking

Info

Publication number: WO2018163033A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/051347
Authority: WO
Inventors: Victor Manuel ARISTIZABAL GIL; Juan Diego JARAMILLO FERNANDEZ; Marcela MORALES LONDOÑO
Original assignee: Universidad Eafit; Univerisdad De Medellin; Camara Colombiana De La Construccion - Camacol Regional Antioquia; Ladrillera San Cristobal S.A; Seguros Generales Suramericana S.A
Priority date: 2017-03-06
Filing date: 2018-03-02
Publication date: 2018-09-13
Also published as: CO2017002226A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising a block (1), a block of a lower height (4) and a connector (5), with constant cross sections, and to a male-female coupling system formed by arranging these units and the derived blocks thereof, by means of an assembly in which a mechanical lock is produced, such that each unit is locked in position without being able to rotate or move in any direction, this being achieved without needing to use any other additional element. The proposed male-female coupling system only requires three basic units, the main block (1), the block of a lower height (4) and the connector (5), to form the arrangement, and terminal and connection units, thereby facilitating the construction process.

Description

MECHANICAL MACHINERY WORK SYSTEM

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to masonry systems, particularly to tongue and groove type systems that are formed from the arrangement of building blocks of constant cross section, with which an assembly is obtained by means of the mechanical interlocking that occurs between these . Description of the state of the art

Traditional masonry, despite being one of the oldest and most widely accepted construction systems worldwide, has the limitation that its use is currently restricted to certain types of building, and it is only allowed to be used in areas of seismic threat Low or moderate.

These limitations are mainly due to the fact that its structural performance depends largely on the mortar, which is the weak link in the whole. This is why an alternative construction system must be developed from which it is possible to improve the seismic performance of the masonry, so that it can be used in any seismic threat zone and does not require for its use of the use of mortar of paste.

The tongue and groove masonry is a system that is formed from the assembly that is generated by the mechanical anchoring that occurs in the contact areas between the units that constitute the system, and that does not always require glue mortar for use. This system can be classified according to the cross section of the typical unit, as a constant or variable section. First, the current developments of tongue and groove masonry, in which the typical unit proposed is of variable cross-section, have the disadvantage that they cannot be implemented in manufacturing processes through the extrusion process. The previous, since from this process only units with constant cross-section can be obtained.

Secondly, current developments of tongue and groove masonry, in which the typical unit proposed is of constant cross-section, have deficiencies in terms of structural performance. This is because in the final assembly of these systems it is not always possible to break the continuity of the horizontal and / or vertical joints that are formed in the contact areas of the units that make up the system, and therefore in these sites continuous lines of weakness are generated that adversely affect the structural behavior of the system.

Third, current developments of tongue and groove masonry, in which the typical unit proposed is of constant cross-section, require three or more units for assembly. This situation slows the process of learning and adapting the system by the construction guild.

A first example of current development of tongue and groove masonry, in which the typical unit proposed is of constant cross-section, is the one disclosed in US 6189282 B l MORTARLESS CONCRETE BLOCK. This document discloses a block system that includes a first block and a second block. Each block has an outer surface with a pair of channels formed inside the outer walls, the channels are separated from each other. Each channel has a narrower outer groove portion that extends through the outer surface and a wider inner groove portion that extends from the outer groove portion in its respective block. A first pair of blocking members are provided to couple the blocks to each other by inserting into the blocking channels of the blocks. The locking members have a cross section with wider outer edges sized to fit the inner groove portions and a narrower middle section sized to fit the outer groove portions. In this system it is not possible to break the continuity of the horizontal joint that is generated in the contact areas between the units and does not contemplate the use of orthogonal wall or terminal blocks. A second example of development of tongue and groove masonry is that disclosed in US 2392511 INTERLOC KING BUILDING BLOCK. This document discloses a masonry block with grooves in its lateral faces and a central groove, where said grooves and said central groove, are responsible for receiving a connecting unit that is mechanically connected to one block with another. Additionally, each block has grooves in its lower face and protuberances in its upper face, so that one block over the other is locked, upon receiving the grooves (from the lower face of the upper block) the bumps of the upper face from the block below. In this system it is also not possible to break the continuity of the horizontal joint that is generated in the contact areas between the units and does not contemplate the use of orthogonal wall or terminal blocks.

The need to develop a tongue and groove system is evident, in such a way that the construction process is facilitated, that it is also fulfilled that the cross section of the basic unit is constant so that it is possible to manufacture it by means of the extrusion process, and that a break in the horizontal and vertical joints of the system is guaranteed to increase its structural and seismic capacity. Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention corresponds to a tongue and groove system that is formed with the arrangement of blocks of constant cross-section, by means of an assembly in which a mechanical lock is created. Consequently, each block is locked in its position, without its turning or movement in any direction being possible. The above is achieved without the need to use mortar or other additional element.

In the tongue and groove system of the invention, only two basic blocks and a connector are required for forming the arrangement, which makes the construction process easier. Additionally, the terminal or junction blocks with the orthogonal walls can be obtained from these two basic blocks. The tongue and groove system of the invention can be enabled in any seismic threat zone, for the construction of one- and two-story buildings, or for the reinforcement of existing structures, or for the lifting of dividing walls in buildings of more than two levels.

With the proposed arrangement, a better structural performance of the tongue and groove system is achieved since the continuity of the horizontal and / or vertical joints that are generated in the contact areas of the blocks is broken. Brief description of the figures

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a system mode.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a system modality.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a system mode.

FIG. 4 illustrates plan views of a system block.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the system using the variations of the basic blocks.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed view of the joint formed by blocks and connectors. FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the blocks and connectors in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates isometric view of a system mode.

FIG. 9 illustrates a table with the description of the experimental prototypes

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention corresponds to a tongue and groove mechanical locking system (hereinafter the system), which comprises the following units: a main block (1), a block of lower height (4) and a connection (5). The system is designed in such a way that with the assembly of these units, and their derivatives, it is possible to obtain an arrangement, for the construction of masonry walls. With this system a mechanical lock is generated between the blocks so that each block is locked in its position without turning or moving in any direction. This is achieved without the need to use another additional element to reinforce the mechanical assembly between the blocks that make up the arrangement. Where the main block (1), the block of lower height (4) and the connecting (5), are of constant cross section. This means that any cut made on one of the sides of these units and that is parallel to its upper and lower faces, will show that the unit always has the same profile from its upper face to its lower face. Referring to FIG. 1, the system comprises a main block (1), a block of lower height (4) and a connection (5). Both the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4), have blocking grooves (2) located on their side faces and where the blocking grooves (2) cross the entire lateral extension of the blocks (1 and 4). In one embodiment of the invention, the blocks (1 and 4) have four side faces and each side face has a locking slot (2). In this way any block (1 and 4) can be used to form a cross intersection of masonry constructions.

Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4), can have a central locking hole (8) which runs the full extent of the cross-section of the main block (1) and the smaller block height (4). The internal shape (9) of the central locking hole (8) corresponds to the external shape of the connection (5). Said central locking hole (8) can be used to insert connectors (5) that connect any superimposed block (1 or 4), or to conduct ducts, or to pass any type of element that is needed.

The geometric and dimensional characteristics of the locking grooves (2) are designed so that in these spaces it is possible to slide the connectors (5), which allow the joining, accommodation and splicing between the blocks (1 and 4). In this way it is possible to obtain an arrangement for the formation of walls, in which a mechanical lock is generated between the blocks (1 and 4) and where each block (1 and 4) is fixed in its position without it being possible to turn or move in any direction and without the need to use another additional element to ensure the union between the units.

In one embodiment of the invention, the block of lower height (4) is obtained by making a cut on one of the sides of the main block (1) and that said cut is parallel to the upper and lower faces of the main block (1) .

Referring to FIG. 2, we can see a plan view of a main block (1), a block of lower height (4) and a connect (5), where the blocking grooves (2) have an internal shape (3) formed by a inner section (6) and an outer section (7), the inner section (6) having a width (Ll) greater than the width (L2) of the outer section (7). On the other hand, the connection (5) has an external shape (13) where half of said external shape (13) corresponds to the internal shape (3) of the locking slot (2), such that the insert the plug (5) into the blocking slot (2), this will be blocked and the difference in width between the inner section (6) and the outer section (7) will generate a locking mechanism that will prevent when connecting (5) move in the horizontal direction.

Additionally, the external shape (13) of the connection (5) is symmetrical, which allows another adjacent block (1 or 4) to be inserted in its other half by means of one of its locking slots (2). Finally, for the correct functioning of the system, the blocking slots (2) must cover the entire lateral extension of the cross section of the block (1 or 4), so that the connectors (5) can slide along the entire extension of the block (1 or 4).

In the context of this document, the term "spinning" refers to the arrangement of the construction elements, in rows or in rows, to form the wall that is part of the proposed arrangement. Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the invention, the connectors (5) have a height greater than the main block (1), allowing said connection (5) to overlap with the block (1 or 4) that is located thereon. In another mode of invention, the connectors (5) that are located subsequently to those of the first course, have a recess in their height, leaving them of a height equal to that of the main block (1), generating a connection of reduced height (5A), but that also overlaps with the blocks (1 or 4) that are located on it because the heights offset has already been achieved with the connectors (5) of the first course (5). All this has the purpose of increasing the resistance of the horizontal joints of the block runs, by means of the internal overlaps generated by the connectors (5) from spinning to spinning.

Referring to FIG. 3, we can see how with the interleaving of main blocks (1) and smaller blocks (4), it is possible to generate a discontinuity in the horizontal joint of the rows of blocks (1 and 4), this is done in order to avoid the generation of planes of weakness and improve the structural performance of the system, unlike the construction of traditional masonry where the horizontal joint is constant. Additionally, in the proposed arrangement the discontinuity of the vertical joint, for a specific longitudinal cutting line is achieved by the internal overlap that occurs between the main blocks (1) or between the blocks of lower height (4), with the connectors ( 5)

Referring to FIG. 4, we can see how for one embodiment of the invention, the blocks (1 and 4) have four longitudinal cut lines (10) located on their upper and lower faces. In order to obtain an efficient structural behavior of the system, said longitudinal cutting lines (10), allow to make cuts in the blocks (1 and 4) in the vertical direction of the block (corresponding to the direction of extrusion thereof) to obtain either the intermediate main block (1A) or a block of lower intermediate height (4A); or a terminal main block (IB) or a block of lower terminal height (4B); or a main block in T (1C) or a block of smaller height in T (4C); or a main block in L (ID) or a block of smaller height in L (4D). These blocks, which are generated by making the longitudinal cutting lines (10) to the main block (1) or block of lower height (4), allow the correct conformation, termination and connection of the walls, so as not to require items additional that would increase the manufacturing and logistics costs of the system, since all these additional components are generated from the blocks (1 and 4) used in the system. Referring to FIG. 5, by making the cuts by means of the longitudinal cutting lines (10) to the main block (1) or to the block of lower height (4) it is possible to obtain the intermediate, connection and terminal blocks, which are described below. The intermediate main block (1A) or the block of lower intermediate height (4A), generated by making only two longitudinal cuts (10) to the main block (1) or to the block of lower height (4), are used for internal shaping of the walls, and are characterized by having two locking grooves (2), each located on the opposite side faces of the main block (1) or the lower block (4).

The main terminal block (IB) or the lower terminal block (4B), generated by making only three longitudinal cuts (10) to the main block (1) or the lower block (4), are used for shaping the lateral endings of the wall, and it is characterized by having a blocking slot (2) located on the face that is left with the width corresponding to the width of the wall.

The main block in L (ID) or the block of lower height in L (4D), generated by making only two longitudinal cuts (10) to the main block (1) or to the block of lower height (4), are used for conformation of the lateral termination and connection with an orthogonal wall, and is characterized by having two locking grooves (2), each located in one on the side faces of the block that are orthogonal to each other.

The main block in T (1C) or the block of lower height in T (4C), generated by making only a longitudinal cut (10) to the main block (1) or to the block of lower height (4), is used for the interior conformation of the walls and for connection with an orthogonal wall, and is characterized by having three locking slots (2) on its side faces.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the invention, longitudinal cuts are not made in the vertical direction (direction of extrusion) of the blocks (1 and 4) to generate auxiliary units, but a longitudinal cut is made, in the vertical direction, all over the center of the connectors (5), orthogonal to their upper and lower faces, generating filler connectors (5B). Said filler connectors (5B) will be used as the name implies, to fill in the blocking slots (2) that are not being used in a block arrangement (1 and 4).

In FIG. 7 illustrates how, in the proposed arrangement, the discontinuity of the vertical joint, for a specific longitudinal cutting line is achieved by the internal confrontation that occurs between the main blocks (1) or between the blocks of lower height (4), with connectors (5)

Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the invention, it is possible that the main block (1), the block of lower height (4) and the connector (5) contain through holes (12), this in order to lighten their weight. Additionally, through the through holes (12) it is possible to conduct the ducts that are required for the construction process.

The main block (1), the block of lower height (4) and the connector (5) can be manufactured from materials selected from the group of clays, polymers, cementitious material, pressed earth, composite materials, wood or a combination of the above

The main block (1), the block of lower height (4) and the connector (5) can be manufactured by means of multiple industrial processes, including extrusion, injection, thermoforming, rotomolding, carving or a combination of the above. In one embodiment of the invention, it has been proven that it is possible to implement the proposed system as a new structural alternative of construction in tongue and groove masonry from which the limitations currently faced by the traditional masonry system would be overcome.

Example

With the proposed new system it is not necessary to use another additional element, the system is self-leveling and self-adjusting, and construction times decrease. The main block (1), the block of lower height (4) and the connection (5) are obtained from an industrialized extrusion system and were manufactured in subsequently baked clay, which allows for economical, resistant and correct units anchor between them. The seismic resistances obtained with the proposed new structural system enable it to be implemented in any seismic threat zone for the construction of one- and two-story buildings.

The system was tested to validate its seismic resistance against possible stresses (horizontal flexion, vertical flexion or biaxial flexion) that can be generated when a wall is subjected to accelerations perpendicular to its plane. It should be noted that depending on the boundary conditions (clamping conditions at the ends) it is possible to enable some of these mechanisms in each prototype.

Approximately harmonic excitation signals with oscillation frequencies of 1.0Hz to 2.0Hz were applied to the system.

In FIG. 9 describes, for each prototype tested, boundary conditions, and the mechanism that is enabled,

With the resistant accelerations obtained in the prototypes tested, see FIG. 9, it is verified that the new masonry unit of constant cross section presents a better seismic performance compared to the traditional systems of non-reinforced masonry or confined masonry for use group buildings 1.

Finally, specific measures were defined in the preferred embodiment of the invention, as follows:

Main Block (1)

Length: 281mm

Width: 200mm

Height: 200mm

Lower height block (4)

Length: 281mm

Width: 200mm

Height: 100 mm

Connector (5)

Length: 85mm

Width: 57mm

Height: 250 mm

Reduced height connector (5A)

Length: 281mm

Width: 200mm

Height: 200mm

Claims

1. tongue and groove mechanical locking system, comprising: a main block (1) of constant lateral section, with a locking groove (2) located on one of its lateral faces and that runs the full lateral extension of the main block (1) ; a block of smaller height (4) of constant lateral section, with a blocking groove (2) located in one of its lateral faces and that runs the complete lateral extension of the block of smaller height (4); a connector (5) of constant lateral section, which operationally joins the main block (1) with at least one other main block (1) or with a block of smaller height (4); and where the blocking slot (2) has an internal shape (3); wherein the connector (5) slides into the locking slot (2); wherein half of the external shape of the connector (5) corresponds to the internal shape (3) of the locking slot (2) and its other half is symmetrical.

2. The system of Claim 1, characterized in that the internal shape (3) of the locking groove (2) has an inner section (6) and an outer section (7), wherein the width of the inner section (6) is greater than the width of the outer section (7).

3. The system of Claim 1, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) each have a central locking hole (8) which runs along the entire lateral extension of the block ( 1) (4), and its internal shape (9) corresponds to the external shape of the connector (5).

4. The system of Claim 1, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) each have four locking slots (2) with an internal shape (3), individually located in Its lateral faces.

5. The system of Claim 3, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) each have four longitudinal cut lines (10) located on the upper and lower faces of the block ( 1 and 4); and where the four longitudinal cut lines (10) form a rectangle.

The system of Claim 4, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) with two longitudinal cutting lines (10) are divided into an intermediate main block (1 A) or a block of lower intermediate height (4A).

7. The system of Claim 4, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) with three longitudinal cut lines (10) are divided into a terminal main block (IB) or a block of lower terminal height (4B).

The system of Claim 4, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) with a longitudinal cutting line (10) are divided into a main block in T (1C) or a block of smaller height in T (4C).

9. The system of Claim 4, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) with two longitudinal cutting lines (10) are divided into a main block in L (ID) or a block of smaller height in L (4D).

10. The system of Claim 1, characterized in that the main block (1) and the block of lower height (4) are lightened by through holes (12).

11. The system of Claim 1, characterized in that the connector (5) has through holes (12).

12. The system of Claim 1, characterized in that the main block (1), the block of lower height (4) and the connection (5) are made of materials selected from the group of clays, polymers, cementitious material, pressed earth , composite materials, wood or a combination of the above.