Joining profile and interlocking profile system for pre -fabrication construction system and respective assembly processes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a joining profile (10) for a prefabrication construction system, comprising at least one base element (11,11') in the shape of a hollow T, having a top and two free ends, with two interior slots at the top of the T, and the possibility of two exterior slots located at the free ends. Additionally, it comprises at least one connecting element (13) with at least one insertion element (13a, 13b) for each base element (11,11'), these insertion elements (13a, 13b) being complementary to the respective slots (11b) of the base elements (11,11'), connecting the base elements (11,11') to each other. Additionally, it comprises a locking element (18,18' ) for each base element (11,11'), this locking element (18,18') locking the base elements (11,11') and the connecting element (13) together. The locking element (18) fits into the base elements (11,11') by means of a drawer-type sliding movement. The joining profile (10) is intended in particular to be incorporated into panels in order to facilitate and simplify their coupling.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] "JOINING PROFILE AND FITTING PROFILE SYSTEM FOR PRE-FABRICATION CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM AND RESPECTIVE ASSEMBLY PROCESSES"

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a profile joining profile, a system of interlocking profiles for a prefabrication construction system and respective assembly processes. The present invention has application in the field of construction, more particularly in panels for modular constructions of all types of structures.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] At a time when sustainability is at the top of the list of priorities, architecture is committed to using available resources to create habitable spaces, responding to the increasing demand for modular constructions within and beyond borders.

[0007] The use of profiles to connect modules or parts intended for the modular construction of structures is well known, allowing them to be coupled together to form the desired structure or building. The coupling of these profiles to each other is achieved using a variety of technologies, from the most traditional, such as fastening methods such as screws, rivets and welding, which makes the assembly process of these profiles less versatile, with a lengthy application time and the need for auxiliary material for their assembly, to the most recent profile connection systems, through fitting, which partially dispense with the use of the aforementioned fastening methods, but which have proven insufficient to solve the problem of secure fastening, which was previously achieved using the conventional fastening methods mentioned above.

[0008] The prior art identified as most relevant to the invention is document EP3361019B, which discloses a system of interlocking profiles comprising two tabs connected perpendicularly to each other in a joint, in which one tab comprises on an internal face a rim with a male-type interlocking element and the other tab comprises on one end a female-type interlocking element, complementary to said male-type interlocking element. This complementarity allows a joint by snapping into another identically configured profile. This configuration, although versatile and advantageous, uses a considerable number of profiles, which implies a time on site that is not always the most efficient and does not allow for a series of configurations, since the profile system does not offer the option of varying the direction of the profile.It requires preparing the profile system assembly in an industrial unit during the manufacturing process for construction, resulting in changes to the assembly process and order on site. Another disadvantage of this solution is that it only allows for the use of aluminum.

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEMS SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention presents similarity with respect to its purpose, compared to the state of the art, namely to prioritize its use in the construction of buildings, however it solves the aforementioned problems, namely the non-obligation of preparation and definition of the assembly process, already in the manufacturing process in an industrial unit; possibility of changing the assembly order of the panels on site, depending on the needs of the assembly process and positioning of the base profile, possibility of defining any angular direction between profiles and also bringing new functionalities for greater profitability.

[0011] Thus, the present invention provides numerous combinations, new variations in the composition and design of buildings that were impossible to achieve with the existing state of the art, specifically:

[0012] • duplication of the base profile: profiles with specific functions, rotating profile, coverings with variable angles, rotating wall planes (figure 11); structural reinforcement, structural reinforcement - steel profile (figure 12);

[0013] • adaptation of new profiles: fixing of equipment, possibility of other construction elements being adapted such as stairs, inclined roofs, fixing of structural cables (trusses), fixing of stair and balcony guardrails (figure 13);

[0014] • variations of the base profile: starting of dividing walls (figure 14);

[0015] • panel reinforcement: possibility of the fitting profiles structurally reinforcing the components that form the panel (figure 15). The present invention, when compared with the state of the art, presents numerous advantages, highlighting:

[0016] • Increased mechanical resistance (traction, compression, in-plane shear, bending) and energy efficiency, since there is a greater distance between the profiles and the internal face of the walls;

[0017] • Ease in manufacturing frames, in the production of floors and walls, resulting in an optimization in the time used in the industrial process and in the quantities of components used, a smaller number of profiles and consequently profiles / Kg are used in the present invention;

[0018] • Possibility of varying the direction of the fitting profile, when assembling on site, this is one of the options that proves most advantageous when assembling panels on site;

[0019] • It facilitates the industrial production process of profiles (aluminum frames) for walls and floors, meaning there is no need to worry about planning the orientation of the profile designs in industrial production;

[0020] • Optimizes time in industrial production and in the on-site assembly process, making it more versatile. There is a 36.4% increase in profitability in the industrial process and in on-site assembly, since there is the possibility of the base profile without fitting integration and the profitability in the use of profiles by 2.6% (tables 1 and 2);

[0021] • Fewer profiles to be produced in the industrial process with variations in the orientation of the fitting profile, allowing for high profitability, in the same percentage proportion in the industrial process and in on-site assembly;

[0022] • System that allows the use of aluminum, but also wood. Table 1 - Comparison of aluminum used.

[0023] Table 2 - Comparison of assembly time.

[0024] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention relates to a profile joining profile (10), a system of interlocking profiles for a prefabrication construction system and respective assembly processes according to the independent claims, in particular, to be incorporated into panels in order to facilitate and simplify their coupling. This invention enables the coupling by snapping together, in an easy and safe manner, of at least two receiving profiles (21) (31) with each other, such coupling being possible through a joining profile (10). This design allows easy assembly and disassembly of construction modules without the need to resort to expensive fastening processes, which makes the present solution very versatile.

[0026] The articulation between modules allows for the formation of different typologies, making it possible, for example, to expand or reduce divisions within the same building by adding or reducing standard panels. These structures can be modified according to the needs of use / user, and can even be disassembled and moved to another geographic location.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention is described below with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows the assembly method of the prior art profile system disclosed in document EP3361019B, showing the base profiles with fitting (1) (2) and locking profile (3).

[0030] Fig. 2 shows two assembly alternatives that the profile system disclosed in this document EP3361019B allows.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows in section and perspective, the configuration of the base elements (11, 11') of the present invention, identical in hollow T-shape, comprising two internal fittings (11b) located at the top (14) of the hollow T-shape and two external fittings (11a) in those located at the free ends.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows, in section and perspective, the connecting element (13) in its linear embodiment, with fittings (13a) 13b) located at both ends and on the same face, and also with a central fitting (13c) on the opposite face.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows, in section and perspective, the connecting element (13) in its stair embodiment, with fittings (13a) 13b) located at both ends and on opposite faces, and where the central fitting (13c) is the face of the step.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows, in cross-section and perspective, the locking element (18).

[0035] Fig. 7 shows the assembly method of a joining profile (10) consisting of two identical pieces (11,11') positioned symmetrically, a connecting element (13) with two fittings (13a, 13b) joining these pieces (11,11') and two locking elements (18) , one for each piece (11,11') blocking the movement of the pieces (11,11') between themselves.

[0036] Fig. 8 shows the connecting element (13) in its embodiment in which it consists of two components (23, 23'), each of the fittings (13a) (13b) being located separately on each of the components (23, 23') respectively.

[0037] Fig. 9 shows the connecting element (13) in its embodiment in which it is constituted by two components (23, 23'), where the rotation means through their connection provide the connecting profile with the possibility of an angularity other than 180° between the base elements (11, 11'), represented in the circular area indicated as B. Also represented in the circular area indicated as A is the possibility of the connecting profile (10) without an angularity other than 180° between the base elements (11, 11').

[0038] Fig. 10 shows in section an embodiment of the system (42) in which four receiving profiles (21, 21') are used, in this case we have three receiving profiles (21), each with only one fitting (22) and a receiving profile (21') with four fittings (22'); in this figure we can see that the fittings (22, 22') have a geometry that complements the base elements (11, 11') of the joining profile (10), and that a fitting (22) receives a base element (11) and a fitting (22') receives a base element (11'), with a fitting (22') even being represented with a base element (11') fitted).

[0039] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional representation of the possibility of rotating wall planes using the connecting element (13) in its embodiment in which it consists of two elements.

[0040] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional representation of the possibility of structural reinforcement, for example with a steel or wood profile (solid representation on the right), or even duplication of profiles (on the left).

[0041] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional representation of the adaptation of the joining profiles (10), such as the fixing of construction elements and equipment (ventilation, water, sewage, electrical installations and energy production elements), represented here (on the right) (17) and the fixing of stair and balcony railings (on the left) (16). Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional representation of variations in the joining profile, such as the starting of dividing walls.

[0042] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional representation of the panel reinforcement, with the possibility of the joining profiles structurally reinforcing the components that form the panel.

[0043] Fig. 16 shows a section of a system implementation method using two receiving profiles joined by a joining profile; in this case, we are joining two walls and the same configuration for joining the wall and floor / ceiling.

[0044] Fig. 17 shows a section of a system implementation method using three receiving profiles joined by two joining profiles. In this case, we are joining three walls and the same configuration is used for joining walls and the intermediate floor / ceiling.

[0045] Fig. 18 shows a section of a system implementation method using four receiving profiles joined by three joining profiles; in this case, we are joining four walls.

[0046] TERMS USED

[0047] The expression "complementary fitting" refers to a "male-female" fitting, that is, to a fitting between two profiles of the present invention, in which a male fitting element of a first profile can be inserted into a female fitting element of a second profile identical to the first profile, so as to establish a union between the two profiles. The shapes of the elements to be fitted are naturally complementary to allow a proper fitting. The expression "male fitting element" refers generically to a projection, for example a pin or rod, arranged on one of the tabs of a profile of the invention, which projection is prepared to cooperate with a female fitting element arranged on another identical profile, so as to establish a union.

[0048] The expression "female fitting element" refers generically to a recess or opening arranged in the other flange of the same profile, in which said recess or opening is prepared to cooperate with a male fitting element of another identical profile in order to establish a union.

[0049] When in the text we refer to the exterior and interior fittings of the joining profile, it means that the interior fittings are located in the interior area, which receives the connecting and locking elements, and the exterior fittings are located in the opposite area.

[0050] In the context of this description, the term "comprising" should be understood as "including, among others". As such, said term should not be interpreted as "consisting only of".

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention relates to a profile joining profile (10), a system of interlocking profiles (42) for a prefabrication construction system and respective assembly processes, in particular, to be incorporated into panels in order to facilitate and simplify their coupling. Referring to the attached figures, a solution is presented here that enables the coupling by means of interlocking, in an easy and safe manner, of at least two receiving profiles (21) (31) with each other, such coupling being possible through a joining profile (10). The assembly of the receiving profiles (21) (31) is achieved by complementary type interlocking through joining profiles (10), which allow their combination, in order to make viable the concept of modular construction based on industrialized construction principles.

[0053] The joining profile (10) essentially comprises three components:

[0054] 1. at least one base element (11,11'), in the shape of a hollow T, this T with a top (14) and two free ends (15); These base elements (11,11') have on their interior surface, that is, inside the T, at least two interior fittings (11b), which are located at the top (14);

[0055] 2. a connecting element (13) comprising two fittings (13a, 13b), these fittings (13a, 13b) complementary to the outer fittings (11b) respectively and where they will be fitted, thus connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other; and

[0056] 3. a locking element (18,18') for each base element (11,11'), this locking element (18,18') locking the base elements (11,11') and the connecting element (13) together.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the base elements (11, 11') also present at least two external fittings (11a) located at the free ends of the T. In a preferred embodiment, the connection element (13) presents a linear geometry and comprises two fittings (13a, 13b), one at each end and orthogonal to the linearity of the connection element (13), both fittings (13a, 13b) on the same face of the connection element (13) and complementary to the external fittings (11b), respectively, connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other with an angular relationship of zero or equal to 180°. The connection element (13) may also present a central fitting (13c) orthogonal to the linearity of the connection element (13) and located on the face opposite to the face where the two fittings (13a, 13b) are located.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element (13) has a ladder geometry, presenting a single step and comprises two fittings (13a, 13b) located one at each end and opposite faces of the connecting element (13), these fittings orthogonal to the linearity of the connecting element (13) and complementary to the outer fittings (11b) respectively, connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other with an angular relationship of zero or equal to 180°. In this preferred embodiment, the connecting element (13) has an orthogonal central fitting (13c) that coincides with the base of the step.

[0059] The locking element (18,18') after being fitted by means of a drawer movement, rests on the central fitting (13c) of the connecting element (13).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element (13) has two parts, a linear part with a free end, a fitting (13b) located at the free end and complementary to the outer fittings (11b) and a second part consisting of construction elements and support means at the free ends of the base elements (11, 11'). It is in this embodiment that the possibility of having balconies, sheds, etc. is found (figure 13).

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the locking element (18,18') is made of wood.

[0062] In an even more advantageous embodiment, the connecting element (13) does not have a linear geometry and is made up of two components (23, 23'), which have the possibility of an angularity between them different from 0. oor 180°, which allows us to have a change of direction between walls, for example oblique walls between each other, or even construction of inclined ceilings. These components (23, 23') have at one end one of the fittings (13a) (13b), and at the other end fitting means (33, 33") between each other, allowing non-linearity, so in this embodiment the fittings (13a) (13b) are located separately in each of the components (23, 23') respectively.

[0063] In a preferred form, the fitting between the components (23, 23') are hollow cylinders with complementary fitting. These fittings (13a, 13b) have the same function of fitting into the fittings (11b) respectively, connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other, with an angular relationship other than 180°.

[0064] This joining profile (10) and its variations represented by the different embodiments described, allow its application to a system of fitting profiles for a prefabrication construction system, since its coupling by fitting at least two receiving profiles (21) (31) together allows the construction of various module options. It is important to detail the receiving profiles, such coupling being possible through a joining profile (10).

[0065] A receiving profile (21, 31) comprises at least one fitting (22, 22') of a maximum of four, where at least one joining profile (10) and a maximum of four are fitted. The fitting (22, 22') has a geometry complementary to the base elements (11, 11') of the joining profile (10), and that a fitting (22) receives a base element (11) and a fitting (22') receives a base element (11').

[0066] This set of profiles, joining profile (10) and receiving profile (21, 31), and their embodiments, provide a series of combinations, such as construction of at least two walls and a maximum of four, placement of ceilings or floors, with demonstrated adaptations we also have the possibility of changing direction with the use of the connecting elements (13) with the possibility of being constituted by two components with the possibility of an angularity ratio different from 0 o or 180° from each other.

[0067] These alternatives should be assembled preferably, but not restrictively, by the processes described below, first assembling the joining profile (10), connecting modules to each other with angular relations 0 o or 180° and according to different values, that is, changing to alternative directions between modules (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.), and finally the assembly of the profile system.

[0068] The process of assembling the joining profile (10) with the linear or ladder-shaped connecting element (13) is preferably defined by the steps of: a. symmetrically positioning the base elements (11, 11') forming a hollow body; b. inserting the connecting element (13) by coupling inside the hollow body and fitting the two fittings (13a, 13b) complementary to the fittings (11b) respectively, connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other; c. sliding a locking element (18, 18') inside each base element (11, 11') locking the base elements (11, 11') and the connecting element (13) to each other.

[0069] The assembly process of the joining profile (10) having with the connecting element (13) formed by two components (23, 23'), is preferably defined by the steps of: a. defining the angular relationship between the base elements (11, 11'); b. fitting the fitting means (33, 33') by sliding them together with the angular relationship defined in a., joining the components (23, 23'); c. fitting the fitting elements (33, 33') by inserting by coupling the two fittings (13a, 13b) into the fittings (11b) respectively, connecting them to the base elements (11, 11') together; d. slide a locking element (18,18') inside each base element (11,11') locking the base elements (11,11') and the connecting elements (33,33') together.

[0070] The assembly process of the system (42) is preferably carried out by joining at least two receiving profiles (21, 21') by fitting them to at least one joining profile (10) of these profiles (21, 21').

[0071] Since the assembly of the profile systems of the invention depends on a male-female snap-fit ​​coupling, it is essential to ensure that such a fit is not inadvertently undone, but it is equally essential that the necessary locking of said fit can be easily and quickly reversed, so as to confer the aforementioned advantages to the invention. To lock the system (42), locking elements (18) are used, whose arrangement in the system (42) will be obtained through a fitting process with a drawer-type movement, and these can be removed without damaging the system. Some examples of the profile system (42), after assembly, are shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 18.

[0072] The description presented here should be understood as exemplary and not limitative of the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Joining profile (10) for prefabrication construction system, the profile (10) characterized by comprising: i. at least one base element (11, 11'), in hollow T shape, each base element (11, 11') comprising a top (14) and two free ends (15) and also comprising two interior fittings (11b) located in said top (14); ii. a connecting element (13) comprising at least one fitting (13a, 13b) for each base element (11, 11'), these fittings (13a, 13b) being complementary to the fittings (11b) respectively, connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other; and iii. a locking element (18,18') for each base element (11,11'), this locking element (18,18') locking the base elements (11,11') and the connecting element (13) together.

2. Profile (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the base elements (11, 11') comprising two external fittings (11a) located at their free ends (15).

3. Profile (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (13) presents a linear geometry comprising two ends and: a. two fittings (13a, 13b), one at each end, these fittings (13a, 13b) orthogonal to the linearity of the connecting element (13), located on the same face of the connecting element (13) and complementary to the outer fittings (11b) of the base elements (11, 11'), respectively, connecting the latter between themselves with an angular relationship equal to 0 o or at 180°; and / or b. a central fitting (13c) orthogonal to the linearity of the connecting element (13) and located on a face opposite to said face where the two fittings (13a, 13b) are located.

4. Profile (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (13) has a staircase geometry with one step and comprises: a. two fittings (13a, 13b), these fittings (13a, 13b) are located at each end and on opposite faces of the element (13), are orthogonal to the linearity of the connecting element (13) and complementary to the external fittings (11b) respectively, connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other; and b. an orthogonal central fitting (13c) that coincides with the base of the step.

5. Profile (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (13) has two parts, a first linear part with a free end, a fitting (13b) located at that free end and a second part consisting of construction elements (16) (17) and support means for the free ends of the base elements (11, 11').

6. Profile (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (13) comprises two isolated components (23, 23'), these components (23, 23') each having at one end one of the fittings (13a) (13b) which fit into the fittings (11b) respectively, and at the end opposite fitting means (33,33' ), connecting the base elements (11,11' ) to each other with an angular relationship of 180° or 0 o .

7. Profile (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the fitting means (33, 33') of the components (23, 23') are hollow cylinders with complementary fitting. Profile (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking element (18, 18') is made of wood.

9. Reception profile (21) for prefabrication construction system, characterized by comprising at least one fitting (22) with geometry complementary to the base elements (11, 11') of the joining profile (10) defined in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Profile (21) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a maximum of four fittings (22).

11. System (42) of fitting profiles, characterized in that it comprises: a. at least one joining profile (10) defined in any one of claims 1 to 8; b. at least two receiving profiles (21, 21') defined in any one of claims 9 and 10; c. each receiving profile (21, 21') comprising at least one fitting (22, 22') complementary to the geometry of the base elements (11, 11'); in which a fitting (22) receives a base element (11) and a fitting (22') receives a base element (11') joined to the profiles (21,21') between themselves.

12. Method for assembling the joining profile (10) defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a. symmetrically positioning two base elements (11, 11') forming a hollow body; b. inserting by coupling the connecting element (13) inside the hollow body and fitting the two fittings (13a, 13b) complementary to the fittings (11b) respectively, connecting the base elements (11, 11') to each other; c. sliding a locking element (18, 18') inside each base element (11, 11') locking the base elements (11, 11') and the connecting element (13) to each other.

13. Method for assembling the joining profile (10) defined in any one of claims 1, 5, 9 and 10, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a. fitting a connecting element (13) into a groove (22, 22') of a receiving profile (21, 21'); b. sliding a locking element (18, 18') through the interior of the groove (22, 22') locking the connecting element (13) in the base element (11, 11').

14. Method of assembling the joining profile (10) defined in any one of claims 1, 6 and 7, characterized by comprising the steps of: a. defining an angular relationship between two base elements (11, 11'); b. fitting the fitting means (33, 33') by sliding them together with the angular relationship defined in a., joining the components (23, 23'); c. fit the fitting elements (33,33' ) by inserting the two fittings (13a, 13b) into the fittings (11b) respectively by coupling, connecting them to the base elements (11,11' ) between themselves; d. slide a locking element (18,18' ) inside each base element (11,11' ) locking the base elements (11,11' ) and the connecting elements (33,33' ) between themselves.

15. Method for assembling the system (42) defined in claim 11, characterized by joining at least two reception profiles (21, 21') defined in any one of claims 9 and 10 by fitting to at least one joining profile (10) defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, joining the profiles (21, 21') together.

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