System for connecting room cell modules

Abstract

A system for connecting room module units (1) of a, in particular multi-story, room module building (2) is described, comprising connection nodes (3) between uprights (4) adjoining each other in a vertical direction (H).For advantageous interchangeability of at least the uprights (4), a connecting node (3) comprises end plates (5) opposite each other in the vertical direction (H), one of which is assigned to a module ceiling (6) of a lower room cell module (1) and the other end plate (5) to a module floor (7) of a room cell module (1) lying above it in the vertical direction (H), a shear plate (8) which is coupled to the end plates (5) of the uprights (4) of two adjacent room cell modules (1) lying above it in the vertical direction (H), in particular in a form-fitting manner, and at least one spacer (9) which is arranged between the shear plate (8) and the end plate (5) of the upright (4) of the room cell module (1) lying below it in the vertical direction (H), and wherein the at least one spacer (9) is detachably connected to the shear plate (8) and to the end plate (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for connecting modular units of a modular building, particularly a multi-story modular building made of wood, and / or for subsequent extensions of existing buildings. The system comprises connecting nodes between uprights adjoining one another in a vertical direction, wherein the connecting nodes serve for the vertical and horizontal connection of modular units.

[0002] Modular buildings, composed of multi-story modular units assembled into multi-story structures, can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as steel, wood, concrete, and the like. While timber modular construction is gaining popularity in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region), steel modular construction is advancing rapidly in England and other countries. Connecting nodes join the individual, self-supporting modular units in a way that resists compression and shear forces. These connecting nodes are derived, for example, from steel modular construction, particularly truss construction. A connecting node comprises connectors, sometimes also called bearings or couplings depending on the design, for the compression and shear-resistant joining of adjoining modular units.

[0003] German patent DE 102022118719 A1 discloses an intermodular connection system for connecting modular units in multi-story buildings using timber-framed modular units. The modular building comprises several modules arranged side-by-side along a horizontal axis and several modules stacked one above the other along a vertical axis, where the vertical axis is referred to as the vertical axis in DE 102022118719 A1. Each module has a floor element, a ceiling element, and at least one wall, which together define a module interior. The modules have interlocking elements on their top and bottom surfaces, with the interlocking elements on the top surface being complementary to those on the bottom surface.The interlocking elements form a positive connection between stacked modular units, with the positive connection acting longitudinally and / or transversely to the horizontal axis. Additionally, at least one node element is arranged between the walls of adjacent modular units. This node is attached to the walls with fasteners and prestressed against them, forming a positive-locking and force-locking connection between the adjacent modular units, with the positive-locking and force-locking connection acting longitudinally to the vertical axis. Replacing individual modular units or their load-bearing, potentially damaged, components is not practically feasible in such a modular building.

[0004] If modular units in buildings are to be exchanged, replaced, or similarly modified, it is known to construct the building using a skeleton frame with a steel or steel-concrete framework into which wooden modular units can be inserted (EP 4183946 A1, EP 0118957 A2 and FR 1445710 A). These structures, which allow for the exchange of entire modules, always require external support structures to which the modules are suspended or into which the modular units are inserted.

[0005] The replaceability of individual elements in timber structures in case of damage has been considered for centuries in the construction of Japanese temples. However, in modern engineered timber construction, which is independent of external load-bearing structures, no systems exist in which entire room modules can be easily replaced.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a system of the type described above, with which entire room module units can be easily exchanged in a multi-story room module building free of external supporting structures.

[0007] The invention solves the stated problem by comprising the following in a connection node for the exchange of at least one component of a modular space module, or optionally of an entire modular space module, of the modular space building: a. Opposing end plates are provided in the vertical direction and anchored to the end faces of the uprights. One end plate, acting as a top plate, is assigned to the ceiling of a lower modular unit, and the other, acting as a bottom plate, is assigned to the floor of a modular unit above it. The end plates are connected to the end faces of the load-bearing uprights in such a way that they practically form a single unit. The forces that can be transferred from each upright to the attached end plate must at least correspond to the probability of failure of the uprights. This is intended to ensure that forces occurring during operation, maintenance, and repairs of the modular building can always be safely transferred between uprights connected by joints. b.Furthermore, a shear plate is provided, which is coupled, in particular by a form-fitting connection, to the end plates of the uprights of two adjacent modular units positioned vertically above it. These shear plates serve, on the one hand, to connect adjacent modular units of the modular building. In particular, directly adjacent connection nodes of neighboring modular units share a shear plate. Thus, the uprights of stacked and adjacent modular units are connected via the shear plates. On the other hand, the shear plates serve to temporarily transfer the load of the modular unit above the one being replaced into adjacent modular units during the replacement of a component of a modular unit, or possibly an entire modular unit of the modular building.This results in a temporary transfer of force from a column / module being replaced to an adjacent column or module. Since the shear plate must withstand high loads, at least temporarily, it is preferably made of correspondingly strong steel. Furthermore, at least one spacer is provided, positioned between the shear plate and the end plate of the column of the lower module (in the vertical direction), and the at least one spacer is detachably connected to both the shear plate and the end plate. By means of the at least one spacer detachably connected to both the shear plate and the end plate, the connection point can be at least partially disassembled in the event of repair. Thus, after removing the at least one spacer, the column below is relieved of the load from the column / module above and can be replaced.The load of the space cell module above is transferred via the shear plate, as described previously.

[0008] The modular building according to the invention, constructed primarily of timber, comprises several, preferably cuboid, modular units arranged side by side along a horizontal axis and several arranged one above the other along a vertical axis. Each modular unit has a floor element, a ceiling element, and at least one wall, which together define the interior of the module. The load-bearing vertical posts are arranged at least in the corner regions of the wall(s). The posts of the modular units above rest on these vertical posts. The modular units are preferably designed such that they can be disassembled for complete or partial replacement. The system according to the invention allows for the replacement of individual modular units or parts thereof without the need for an external supporting structure and permits a higher degree of prefabrication of the modular units in a factory.Small component thicknesses, e.g. ceiling or wall thicknesses, are possible because the components fulfill several requirements at the same time, such as sound insulation, fire protection and load bearing, but also require less thermal insulation.

[0009] The inventive system for connecting modular units increases the robustness of buildings through possible load redistribution and allows for the replacement of individual elements of the modular units or the replacement of entire modules. The connection nodes reduce and simplify maintenance work and can accommodate or compensate for tolerances. The possibility of targeted force redirection, or force redirection resulting from the failure of columns, creates a robust and replaceable load-bearing structure. This enables the repairability of the main load-bearing structure regardless of the number of stories or building operation.

[0010] An elastomeric bearing can be arranged between the opposing end plates in the vertical direction, particularly between the shear plate and the end plate of the upright of the vertically positioned modular unit above. This allows for structure-borne noise damping between connected uprights. The arrangement between the shear plate and the end plate of the upright of the vertically positioned modular unit above does not impair the disassembly of the connection nodes, and forces from the upright above are always transferred across the entire surface of the shear plate.

[0011] Between the shear plate and the end plate of an associated upright, at least one shear element capable of dissipating transverse forces can be arranged, running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upright. This shear element can be fixedly or detachably connected to the shear plate and ensures that transverse forces between the uprights connected to one another in the vertical direction can be effectively dissipated. In the assembled state, the shear element engages in a corresponding recess in the end plate of the upright above and functions like a shear bolt between the shear plate and the associated end plate.

[0012] Preferably, at least two spacers are arranged at a distance from each other transversely to the vertical direction such that the spacers create a working space between them. Through this spacer, recesses provided in the spacers for fasteners, in particular screws, are accessible for handling. The spacers can be detachably connected to the shear plate and the end plate by means of the fasteners to ensure proper force transmission. The recesses allow, for example, screw heads to be advantageously accessed via the working space using a ratchet or similar tool. A lifting device can also be inserted into the working space to remove the spacers from the connection point after the fasteners have been removed.

[0013] To improve the transfer of any shear forces acting on a modular building, stiffening elements can be provided, which are connected, in particular via force transmission elements such as steel blocks, to diagonally opposite end plates of a modular building, especially one located at the corners of a modular building. Stiffening elements within the meaning of the invention can be, for example, length-adjustable tension rods or compression rods made of wood or steel, or also planar stiffeners made of wood or other materials.

[0014] For advantageous interchangeability of the room cell modules, the module floor of a room cell module can be height-adjustable and detachably connected to a crossbeam, which is arranged between two uprights on the module ceiling side, i.e. parallel to a plane spanned by the module ceiling, in particular by means of an actuating drive, for example via threaded rods, or by means of a lowerable crossbeam.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention relates to a modular room unit with a previously described system and a modular timber building with several previously described modular room units. A timber building can be, for example, a timber high-rise building or a roof extension.

[0016] The following outlines the procedural steps for replacing at least one component of a previously described room cell module of a modular timber building: a. First, the connection between the spacer, shear plate, and end plate is disconnected. b. Then, a hydraulic cylinder is inserted into a working space between the end plates, which are opposite each other in the vertical direction. c. Subsequently, the hydraulic cylinder pushes the end plate and the shear plate apart sufficiently so that at least one spacer can be removed from the space between the end plates. d. The spacer is then removed. e. The hydraulic cylinder is then released and removed. f. Finally, at least the upright of the lower space cell module (or, if necessary, the entire space cell module) is replaced. The connecting node is then reassembled in reverse order.

[0017] In the course of replacing at least one component of a modular space module, in particular replacing a modular space module as a whole, guide rails with trolleys can also be detachably arranged on the shear plates instead of the spacers, after which the at least one component of the modular space module to be replaced, in particular the modular space module to be replaced as a whole, is suspended on the trolleys via traction elements and pulled out of the modular space module assembly of the modular timber building with the trolleys and at least one component of the modular space module to be replaced, in particular a modular space module to be replaced as a whole, is pulled in analogously.

[0018] The invention is illustrated in the drawing as an example. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a multi-story modular building with a partially extended modular unit in oblique view, Fig. 2 a space cell module in oblique view and exploded view, Fig. 3 an oblique view of an exploded view of a system for connecting space cell modules, Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of the assembled system for connecting room cell modules made of Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 a detailed cross-sectional view of the assembled system made of Fig. 3 , Fig. 6 bis 8 Steps for disassembling a system Fig. 4 and Fig. 9 Steps for disassembling a space cell module.

[0019] The system for connecting modular units 1 of a multi-story modular building 2 has connection nodes 3 between uprights 4 that are adjoined in a vertical direction H. For the advantageous replacement of at least one component of a modular unit or of a modular unit of the modular building as a whole, a connection node 3 comprises at least the following: Opposing end plates 5 in the vertical direction H, anchored to the end faces of the uprights 4, one end plate 5 acting as a top plate being assigned to a module ceiling 6 of a lower room cell module 1 and the other end plate 5 acting as a bottom plate being assigned to a module floor 7 of a room cell module 1 located above it in the vertical direction H. A shear plate 8, which is coupled, in particular by positive locking, to the end plates 5 of the uprights 4 of two adjacent room cell modules 1 located above it in the vertical direction H. At least one spacer 9, which is arranged between the shear plate 8 and the end plate 5 of the upright 4 of the room cell module 1 located below it in the vertical direction H, and wherein the at least one spacer 9 is detachably connected to the shear plate 8 and to the end plate 5, here for example by screws.

[0020] An elastomeric bearing 10 is preferably arranged between the shear plate 8 and the end plate 5 of the upright 4 of the space cell module located above it in the vertical direction H, which also serves as a base plate. In particular, at least one shear body 11, which absorbs transverse forces and runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upright 4, i.e., also parallel to the vertical direction H, is arranged between the shear plate 8 and the end plate 5 of an associated upright 4.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, at least two spacers 9 are arranged at a distance from each other transversely to the vertical direction H, such that the spacers 9 span a working space 12 between them, over which clearances 13 for connecting means 14, in particular screws, are provided in the spacers 9, by means of which the spacers 9 are detachably connected to the shear plate 8 and to the end plate 5.

[0022] The room module 1 located at the corners of the modular building 2 can be assigned stiffening elements, including, for example, length-adjustable tie rods 15, which are connected, if necessary via force introduction elements, to diagonally opposite end plates 5 of the room module 1.

[0023] If necessary, the module floor 7 of a room cell module 1 can be height-adjustable and detachably connected to a crossbeam 16, which is arranged between two uprights 4 running along the module ceiling side, by means of an adjusting drive, for example by means of a threaded rod, or by means of a lowerable crossbeam. The crossbeam can be inserted between the two uprights by means of a notch, e.g. a type of finger joint K, in the exemplary embodiment a two-stage finger joint.

[0024] The replacement of at least one component of a room cell module 1 of a modular room cell module building 2 made of wood is based on the Fig. 6-8 described: First, the connection between spacer 9, shear plate 8 and end plate 5 is loosened ( Fig. 6 ). A hydraulic cylinder 17 is then inserted into the working space 12 between the end plates 5, which are opposed to each other in the vertical direction H. Subsequently, the hydraulic cylinder 17 pushes the end plate 5 and the shear plate 8 apart to such an extent that the spacer 9 can be removed from the space between the end plates 5. The spacer 9 is then removed ( Fig. 7 ). Consequently, the hydraulic cylinder 17 can be relaxed ( Fig. 8 ) and can also be removed. The lower upright is thus relieved of the weight of the upright above it. Finally, the relieved upright 4 of the lower room cell module 1 (in the vertical direction H) can be replaced. Once all uprights of a room cell module are relieved of their load, the entire module can be replaced.

Claims

1. System for connecting modular units (1) of a modular building, in particular a multi-story modular building (2), comprising connecting nodes (3) between uprights (4) adjoining each other in a vertical direction (H), characterized by the fact thatA connection node (3) for the exchange of at least one component of a space cell module (1) comprises the following: a. end plates (5) opposite each other in the vertical direction (H), which are anchored to end faces of the uprights (4), of which end plates (5) one end plate (5) is assigned to a module ceiling (6) of a lower space cell module (1) and the other end plate (5) to a module floor (7) of a space cell module (1) above it in the vertical direction (H), b. a shear plate (8) which is coupled, in particular by positive locking, to the end plates (5) of the uprights (4) of two adjacent space cell modules (1) above it in the vertical direction (H), c. at least one spacer (9) which is arranged between shear plate (8) and end plate (5) of the upright (4) of the space cell module (1) below in the vertical direction (H), and wherein the at least one spacer (9) is detachably connected to the shear plate (8) and to the end plate (5).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that An elastomeric bearing (10) is arranged between the end plates opposite each other in the vertical direction (H), in particular between the shear plate (8) and the end plate (5) of the upright (4) of the space cell module above it in the vertical direction (H).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that between the shear plate (8) and the end plate (5) of an associated upright (4) at least one shear body (11) that absorbs transverse forces is arranged and runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upright (4).

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact thatat least two spacers (9) are arranged to each other at a distance transverse to the vertical direction (H) such that the spacers (9) span a working space (12) between them, over which clearances (13) for connecting means (14), in particular screws, are provided in the spacers (9), by means of which the spacers (9) are detachably connected to the shear plate (8) and to the end plate (5).

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that Stiffening elements are provided which are connected, in particular via force introduction elements, to diagonally opposite end plates (5) of a space cell module (1).

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact thatThe module floor of a room cell module (1) is height-adjustable and detachably connected to a crossbeam (16) which is arranged between two uprights (4) on the module ceiling side, in particular by means of an actuating drive or by means of a lowerable crossbeam.

7. Space cell module (1) comprising a system according to any of the preceding claims.

8. Modular wooden building with multiple room cell modules (1) according to claim 7.

9. Method for replacing at least one component of a room cell module (1) of a modular timber building according to claim 8, a. wherein first the connection between spacer (9), shear plate (8) and end plate (5) is released, b. then a hydraulic cylinder is inserted into a working space (12) between the end plates (5) opposite each other in the vertical direction (H), c. subsequently the hydraulic cylinder pushes the end plate (5) and the shear plate (8) apart to such an extent that the spacer (9) can be removed from the space between the end plates (5), d. the spacer (9) is removed, e. the hydraulic cylinder is released and removed, f. thereupon at least the upright (4) of the lower room cell module (1) in the vertical direction (H) is replaced.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thatIn the course of replacing at least one component of a modular space module, in particular replacing a modular space module as a whole, guide rails with trolleys are detachably arranged on the shear plates (8) instead of the spacers (9), after which the at least one component of the modular space module (1) to be replaced, in particular the modular space module (1) to be replaced as a whole, is suspended on the trolleys by means of traction elements and is pulled out of the modular space module assembly of the modular timber building with the trolleys and at least one component of the modular space module (1) to be replaced, in particular a modular space module (1) to be replaced as a whole, is pulled in analogously.

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