Assembly of building elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a building element (10) comprising a frame (1) and a block (2) that can slide within the frame (1) when subjected to an external force. The block (2) can thus form a tenon between two superimposed frames (1) forming mortises. Building elements (10) fixed together laterally form modules (100) that can be assembled in a staggered arrangement from one level to the next to form a wall.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a set, or assembly of construction elements allowing, for example, the construction of a wall or a vertical partition. Previous art

[0002] US patent 3885363A describes a building element comprising a preformed insulating insert placed within a cavity in a concrete frame. Such building elements can be used to construct a wall by assembling them with mortar, for example. This assembly requires precision to ensure the building elements are properly aligned, and time is needed to apply the mortar due to this precision. Similarly, US patent 5349798A describes an insulating insert that fits into the centers of concrete building blocks. DE202007009654U1 describes a brick with at least two open vertical cavities filled with insulating material. AT340640B describes concrete bricks with vertical cavities that can be filled with insulating material. Summary of the invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide an assembly of building elements that is easy and quick to assemble, and does not require the application of mortar.

[0004] The invention proposes an assembly comprising a first and a second construction element according to claim 1.

[0005] In the present invention, when two frames are superimposed so that their cavities are aligned, the upper end of the block can be inserted into the cavity of the upper frame, while the lower end of the block can be inserted into the cavity of the lower frame. Thus, the block itself serves as a means of fixing and aligning the building element with a second identical building element. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply mortar between two superimposed building elements.

[0006] Because the block is held securely in the cavity when no force other than gravity is acting upon it, the connection between the two superimposed building elements is particularly strong. The two frames can be considered to be precisely fitted onto the block.

[0007] The fact that the block can be moved within the frame provides flexibility in its relative position. Furthermore, this allows each block to be positioned as close as possible to the frame during transport, thus reducing transport volume, and ensures that the block is at least partially protected by the frame during transport and on the construction site prior to installation.

[0008] The block remains locked in the cavity by lateral mechanical compression when no pressure is applied in the first direction, but it moves relative to the frame when subjected to external pressure in the first direction. The block is designed to fit snugly into the cavity. When a wall is constructed with this building element, the first direction is preferably vertical.

[0009] The block can, for example, be made of a compressible material or have a surface structure that allows 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 within the cavity, but if it is subjected to no forces other than gravity, it remains fixed within the cavity. Preferably, human force is sufficient to slide the block within the frame.

[0011] For the purposes of this document, "external pressure" is sufficient to displace the block within the cavity. The force corresponding to the external pressure is greater than the force of gravity, such that the block remains immobilized by the frame when subjected only to the action of gravity. The external pressure is preferably a pressure in the first direction.

[0012] Preferably, the building element is designed to weigh less than 20 kg, more preferably less than 15 kg. For example, a prototype of a building element measuring 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm, in which the frame is made of OSB and the block of expanded polystyrene, weighs approximately 4 kg.

[0013] The frame is preferably an object formed by a plurality of flat walls parallel to the first direction, so as to delimit the cavity in any direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each wall can, for example, be formed by a panel. The frame is preferably free 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] The frame can, for example, be between 100 and 800 mm high, preferably around 300 mm. The frame can, for example, be between 100 and 800 mm deep, preferably around 300 mm. The frame can, for example, be between 100 and 800 mm wide, preferably around 300 mm. The frame walls are, for example, between 10 and 30 mm thick, preferably around 18 mm. The frame can, for example, be cubic.

[0016] One function of the frame is to provide the outer walls of the structure. It also allows for the permanent fixing of several building elements together to form modules that can be moved relative to one another. A wall can thus be built by placing modules that are offset from each other, for example, in a staggered pattern.

[0017] The frame is preferably made of a thermally 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, the upper opening of the cavity is identical to the lower opening of the cavity.

[0019] The block is preferably a solid, solid object. The block is preferably made of a homogeneous and isotropic material. The block is thermally insulating. The block may, for example, be made of or comprise expanded polystyrene, graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene, or polyurethane foam. The block may, for example, be made of one or more materials having a Young's modulus greater than 1.0 GPa, preferably between 2.0 and 4.0 GPa, and more preferably between 2.5 and 3.5 GPa. The block is sufficiently rigid to lock the frame when partially engaged in the frame cavity. The block is preferably made of a flame-resistant material.

[0020] The block preferentially extends between all the lateral walls of the frame, so as to be in contact with them. When partially housed in two superimposed frames, the block is preferentially such that it extends between all the lateral walls 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 surface sections forming a triangle, a rectangle, or a square. These surface sections preferably include a flat portion intended to be in contact with the inner surface of the cavity and a recessed portion to form a chamfer at the upper end of the block.

[0023] The block can, for example, be between 100 and 800 mm high, preferably around 300 mm. The block can, for example, be between 100 and 800 mm deep, preferably around 263 mm. The block can, for example, be between 100 and 800 mm wide, preferably around 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 assembly by interlocking, while the frames form the female parts. Another function of the block is to provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.

[0025] In one 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 one embodiment of the invention, the difference, taken in absolute value, between at least one lateral extent of the cavity and a corresponding lateral extent of the block measured when the block is out of the cavity is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

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

[0028] Thus, the block is designed to be inserted in a particularly precise manner into the cavity.

[0029] For the purposes of this document, a "lateral extent" of an element can be, for example, its length, width, or depth. Since the block is intended to be at least partially engaged in the cavity, a lateral extent of the block generally corresponds to a lateral extent of the cavity: 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 difference between the lateral extent of the block and the corresponding lateral extent of the cavity is preferentially less than 1% of the lateral extent of the block, more preferably less than 0.5% of the lateral extent of the block.

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

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the difference, in absolute value, between the width of the cavity and the width of the block measured when the block is out of the cavity is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm and / or the difference, in absolute value, between the depth of the cavity and the depth of the block measured when the block is out of the cavity is less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm.

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

[0034] This chamfer reduces the width and / or depth of the block at its upper end, allowing it to be easily inserted into the cavity through the lower opening of the frame, particularly if the lateral dimension of the block outside the cavity is close to the corresponding lateral dimension of the cavity. The chamfer might be approximately 1 cm, for example.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the frame includes side walls delimiting the cavity laterally, and the block is provided to be in mechanical contact with all the side walls of the frame when it is blocked, at least partially, in the cavity.

[0036] This ensures a particularly strong seal and excellent thermal insulation, as the block's thermal insulation effect extends across the entire width and depth of the building element. Ideally, the block is in mechanical contact with all the lateral walls for at least 50% to 80% of the block's height within the cavity.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the height of the frame is substantially equal to the height of the block. Within the scope of the present invention, the "height" of an object is preferably the maximum distance between the lower and upper ends of the object.

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

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the cavity is delimited by flat surfaces parallel to the first direction.

[0040] Thus, the flat surfaces that define the cavity are not inclined relative to the first direction. This prevents, in particular, any narrowing of the cavity upwards or downwards.

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

[0042] The frame can be made of any material containing wood. For example, it can be made of oriented strand board, sometimes known as OSB. MDF is also a possibility. The frame can also be made of a polymer.

[0043] Preferably, the frame should not include concrete. Indeed, concrete walls would need to be much thicker than wood and / or polymer walls, which would make the building element heavy.

[0044] The invention further proposes an assembly comprising a first and a second building element, in which the frame of the second building element is placed on the frame of the first building element, and the block of the first building element is mechanically secured in the cavity of the frame of the first building element and in the cavity of the frame of the second building element. Preferably, this assembly does not include any means of bonding between the frame of the first building element and the frame of the second building element.

[0045] The invention further proposes a construction module comprising a first and a second construction element according to any embodiment of the invention, and in which the frame of the first construction element is fixed laterally, for example by screwing and / or gluing, to the frame of the second construction element. The different construction elements of a module are preferably identical.

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

[0047] The invention further proposes a wall comprising at least three construction modules according to any embodiment of the invention, at least one of the construction modules comprising: a first block located on one side in a first cavity of the first construction module and on the other side in a cavity of a second of the construction modules, and a second block located on one side in a second cavity of the first construction module and on the other side in a cavity of a third of the construction modules.

[0048] The modules are arranged in a staggered pattern to create a particularly strong wall. The wall may also include uprights attached to several building modules. This further enhances the wall's stability.

[0049] The wall may also include a board to which some of the building elements are attached; the frame of the building elements attached to the board has a lower cutout that receives at least one upper portion of the board. The board may be called a sill 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 any embodiment of the invention, or a wall according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The invention further proposes a method for constructing a wall or vertical partition, comprising the following steps: (a) provide a first frame comprising a cavity opening through a top opening and a bottom opening, (b) provide a second frame comprising a cavity opening through a top opening and a bottom opening, (c) provide a block arranged to move in a first direction in the cavity of the first frame under the action of an external pressure and to remain blocked at least partially in the cavity of the first frame in the absence of external pressure, and to move in the first direction in the cavity of the second frame under the action of an external pressure and to remain blocked at least partially in the cavity of the second frame in the absence of external pressure, and (d) engage the block in the top opening of the cavity of the first frame and in the bottom 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 features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached figures, among which: there figure 1a is a vertical cross-section of a building element used in an embodiment of the invention, the figure 1b is a horizontal section of a frame forming part of a building element according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 1c is a horizontal section of a block forming part of a building element according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 1d is a three-dimensional view of a building element according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 is a vertical cross-section of an assembly of two construction elements according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 3is a three-dimensional view of a construction module according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 4 is a vertical cross-section of a construction module according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 5a is a vertical cross-section of an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, the figure 5b is a vertical view of a frame that can be used in the assembly of the figure 5a , there figure 6 is a vertical view of a wall according to one embodiment of the invention, and the figure 7 is a vertical view of a wall according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a window. Embodiments of the invention

[0054] The present invention is described with particular embodiments and references 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, the terms "first" and "second" serve only to differentiate the different elements and do not imply any order between these elements.

[0056] In the figures, identical or analogous elements may bear the same references.

[0057] THE figures 1a to 1d illustrate an example of frame 1 and an example of block 2 which can 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 includes a cavity 22. The cavity 22 passes through the frame 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 opposed to each other.

[0060] Frame 1 comprises 23 lateral walls, for example, two first walls 1a (front and rear walls) and two second walls 1b (left and right walls). It is preferred that the second walls 1b be laterally blocked between the first two walls 1a. This can be seen in the figure 1b .

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

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

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

[0064] Preferably, block 2 can slide in frame 1 along the first direction 101, and its dimensions are chosen so that, in the absence of pressure, block 2 is mechanically locked in frame 1.

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

[0066] There figure 1a illustrates block 2 partially inserted into cavity 22 of frame 1, so that it protrudes from cavity 22 by its upper end 25. This figure illustrates the height 51 of frame 1 and the height 52 of block 2.

[0067] There figure 1b This allows us to illustrate, in particular, the width 53 of cavity 22, as well as its depth 55. The figure 1c This allows us to illustrate the width of block 2 (54) and its depth of 56.

[0068] There figure 2This illustrates two stacked building elements 10. Block 2 of the lower building element 10 is partially engaged, by its upper end 25, in the frame 1 of the upper building element 10. The building elements 10 are assembled by interlocking one on top of the other, offsetting block 2 relative to frame 1, so that block 2 is partially received in two frames located one on top of the other.

[0069] THE figures 3 And 4 illustrate construction modules 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The construction module 100 comprises several construction elements 10 according to the invention, for example two construction elements 10 for the module 100 illustrated in the figure 3 and three construction elements 10 for module 100 illustrated in the figure 4The building elements 10 are preferably fixed together via a side panel at a junction 3 between two frames 1, so that they are at the same height. Preferably, a single panel forms the front walls 1a of the frames 1 of several building elements 10, and a single panel forms the rear walls 1a of the frames 1 of several building elements. Preferably, the blocks 2 of the different building elements can be moved independently.

[0070] There figure 5a illustrates a possible assembly with a building element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. This assembly is particularly advantageous for forming the lowest level of a wall. This assembly may, for example, comprise base blocks 8, a waterproof layer 7, a board 5, and building elements 10.

[0071] The basic 8 blocks are, for example, Ytong blocks aligned in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure 5a The airtight layer 7 is, for example, formed from a sheet of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer). The board 5, which can be called a sandpit, is preferably fixed by fastening means or screws 9 to the base blocks 8. The building elements 10, with a frame 1 where the second walls 1b are shortened as shown in the figure 5b are arranged so that the board 5 is engaged between the first walls 1a and preferably abutted against the lower ends of the second walls 1b. Fastening means or screws 6 can be used to fix the first walls 1a to the board 5.

[0072] There figure 5billustrates frame 1 whose second walls 1b are shorter than the first walls 1a, so as to create a passage 16 arranged to receive at least the upper part of board 5.

[0073] There figure 6 Figure 200 illustrates a wall comprising modules 100, 100a, 100b, 100c according to an embodiment of the invention and uprights 4. For clarity, only certain blocks are shown. They are represented by dotted lines to indicate that they are hidden inside the modules.

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

[0075] At the top of wall 200, it is possible, for example, to cut off the upper ends of the blocks that protrude, or to provide blocks of lower height, in order to finish the wall with a horizontal surface.

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

[0077] There figure 7This illustrates a section of wall including a window 11. The window 11 is an open section of wall. It is delimited, for example, by a lower board 14 at the bottom, an upper board 15 at the top, and lateral building elements 10. The upper board 15 preferably rests on the second walls 1b of two of these lateral building elements, which can be called the first lateral building elements 10c. The wall also includes a lintel 12 located above the upper board 15 and these first lateral building elements 10c. The lintel 12 is a building module in which the central building elements 10a have their two second walls 1b shorter than their two first walls 1a, and the end building elements 10b have one of their two second walls 1b shorter than their two first walls 1a.The blocks 2 of the first lateral building elements 10c are partially inserted into the cavities of the end building elements 10b.

[0078] In other words, the invention relates to a building element 10 comprising a frame 1 and a block 2 that can slide within the frame 1 when subjected to an external force. The block 2 can thus form a tenon between two superimposed frames 1, creating mortises. Building elements 10 fixed together laterally form modules 100 that can be assembled in a staggered arrangement from one level to the next to form a wall.

[0079] The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are purely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. In general, the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and / or described above. The use of the verbs "to include," "to comprise," or any other variant thereof, as well as their conjugations, does not in any way preclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article "a," "an," or the definite article "the," "a," or "it" to introduce an element does not preclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The reference numbers in the claims do not limit their scope.

Claims

1. Assembly comprising a first and a second construction element (10), each construction element 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 external pressure and to remain blocked at least partially in the cavity (22) in the absence of external pressure, construction element wherein an upper end (25) of the block (2) is capable of being engaged in the upper opening (22a) of the cavity (22) and is capable of being engaged in the lower opening (22b) of the cavity (22), assembly wherein the frame (1) of the second construction element (10) and the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) are superimposed so that the cavities (22) are aligned, the upper end of the block (2) of the first construction element (10) is in the cavity (22) of the frame (1) of the second construction element (10) and a lower end of the block (2) of the first construction element (10) is in the cavity (22) of the frame (1) of the first construction element (10), the block being a means for fixing and aligning between the first construction element and the second construction element.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the block of each construction element is capable of being pushed as far as possible into the frame of the construction element during transport of the construction elements.

3. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame and / or the block of the construction elements are made of a heat-insulating material.

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (22) and the block (2) are such that the block (2) can enter in the cavity (22) through its lower opening (22b) and exit from it through its upper opening (22a).

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference, taken in absolute value, between at least one lateral extent (53; 55) of the cavity (22) and a corresponding lateral extent (54; 56) of the block (2) measured when the block (2) is outside the cavity (22) is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm, more preferably less than 1mm.

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) comprises lateral panels (1a, 1b) delimiting the cavity (22) laterally, and wherein the block (2) is configured to be in mechanical contact with all the lateral panels (1a, 1b) of the frame (1) when it is blocked, at least partially, in the cavity (22).

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height (51) of the frame (1) is substantially equal to the height (52) of the block (2).

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (22) is delimited by flat surfaces parallel to the first direction (101).

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) is at least partially made of wood and / or of polymer.

10. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) of the second construction element (10) rests on the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) and the block (2) of the first construction element (10) is mechanically blocked 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. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the block of the first construction element (10) is blocked 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) by lateral mechanical compression when there is no external pressure in the first direction (101), and the block is capable of moving in the first direction (101) relative to the frames when it is subjected to the external pressure.

12. Building comprising an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Method of constructing a wall (200) or a vertical panel, and comprising the steps of: - Providing a first and a second construction elements (10), each construction element 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 external pressure and to remain blocked at least partially in the cavity (22) in the absence of external pressure, construction element wherein an upper end (25) of the block (2) is capable of being engaged in the upper opening (22a) of the cavity (22) and is capable of being engaged in the lower opening (22b) of the cavity (22), - Superimposing the frame (1) of the second construction element (10) on the frame (1) of the first construction element (10) so that the cavities are aligned, - 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) of the second frame (1), the block being a means for fixing and aligning between the first construction element and the second construction element.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the block (2) is mechanically blocked at least partially in the cavity (22) of the first construction element and of the second construction element in the absence of external pressure.

15. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the block of each construction element is capable of being provided by being pushed as far as possible into the frame of the respective construction element during transport of the construction elements.

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