ARTICULATED STRUCTURAL MODULE FOR A WALL

Abstract

Articulated structural module for a wall. The present invention relates to a structural module (1) for the manufacture of a wall, notable in that it comprises at least one first vertical plate (2), a second vertical plate (3), and at least one intermediate partition (4) connecting the first and second plates (2,3) to each other, and is transformable so as to move the structural module (1) from a "storage" position in which the first and second plates (2,3) are brought close together or even in contact with each other to a "construction" position in which the first and second plates (2,3) are separated from each other, and vice versa, said structural module (1) acting, in its "construction" position, as permanent formwork, the space between its first and second plates (2,3) being arranged to be filled with a suitable material. [Fig 1]

Description

Title of the invention: ARTICULATED STRUCTURAL MODULE FOR A WALL Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of wall construction, it is aimed more particularly at a structural module for a wall intended in particular for a kit swimming pool. State of the art

[0002] In the field of prefabricated swimming pool construction, after the excavation and foundation slab have been laid, it is known to use lightweight and resistant modular panels to form the inner wall of the pool basin. These modular panels are made of recycled polyvinyl chloride, resin, or polypropylene, and generally consist of a rectangular plate with a peripheral folded edge to reinforce the perimeter of the plate, and a plurality of support legs fixed to the plate on the side opposite the pool and shaped to be anchored to the foundation slab to maintain the plate in a vertical position.

[0003] These panels are assembled together on the pool construction site by clipping, bolting, or keying. Once the panels are assembled to form the inner wall of the pool basin, a large, difficult-to-control quantity of concrete is deposited between the excavation and the face of said panels located on the side opposite the basin in order to reinforce said inner wall of the basin to withstand the pressure exerted by the mass of the water contained in the basin.

[0004] To increase the mechanical strength and stability of the assembly, the panels are advantageously combined with reinforcing bars arranged horizontally around the entire perimeter of the formwork and vertically to ensure the connection between the foundation slab and the walls. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to obtain a reinforced concrete structure.

[0005] Certainly, these panels are interesting because they can be of different dimensions and different shapes (straight or curved panels for example), in order to be able to adapt to different types of modular panel swimming pools.

[0006] But they have the major disadvantage of requiring the implementation of struts, which results in them being bulky and therefore difficult to store, transport and handle. Summary of the invention

[0007] The aim of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to offer a structural module for a wall, in particular of a kit swimming pool, which is compact, easy to implement, handle, transport and store and does not require the presence of support legs while guaranteeing high mechanical resistance and overall stability.

[0008] According to the invention, a structural module is therefore proposed for the manufacture of a wall remarkable in that it comprises at least a first vertical plate, a second vertical plate, and at least an intermediate partition linking the first and second plates together, and being transformable so as to move the structural module from a "storage" position in which the first and second plates are brought close together or even in contact with each other to a "construction" position in which the first and second plates are separated from each other, and vice versa, the said structural module acting, in its "construction" position, as lost formwork, the space located between its first and second plates being arranged to be filled by a suitable material.

[0009] Advantageously, each intermediate partition comprises two substantially vertical tabs, each fixed on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates, and a substantially vertical median wall pivotally mounted at each of its vertical ends on one of the tabs around a vertical axis.

[0010] According to a second embodiment, each intermediate partition comprises two substantially vertical profiles having a generally T-shaped cross-section and each being fixed on one of the opposite faces of the first and second plates, and a substantially vertical median wall mounted pivotally along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles around a vertical axis.

[0011] According to a third embodiment, each intermediate partition comprises two profiles, each fixed substantially vertically on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates, and a substantially vertical median wall mounted pivotally along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles around a vertical axis, each profile comprising a vertically projecting elastically deformable element extending towards the interior of the structural module, and having a cross-section in the general shape of a C, and each median wall comprising along each of its vertical edges a cylindrical element shaped to snap into the vertical element of the corresponding profile.

[0012] According to a fourth embodiment, each intermediate partition comprises two profiles, each fixed substantially vertically on one of the opposite faces of the first and second plates, and a substantially vertical central wall pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles about a vertical axis, each profile comprising a vertical groove having a cross-section transverse section in the general shape of a C, and each median wall having along each of its vertical edges a projecting element having a transverse section in the general shape of a C shaped to fit into the groove of the corresponding profile

[0013] Preferably, the profiles of the third and fourth embodiments are fixed symmetrically with respect to the median vertical axis of the associated median wall, and their vertical element or groove is shaped so that, when the structural module is in its "storage" position, the median wall comes to rest against the free end of said vertical element or of said groove.

[0014] According to a fifth embodiment, each intermediate partition comprises two substantially vertical bars, each fixed on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates and being generally T-shaped, the web of which determines a slide having a generally C-shaped cross-section, two substantially vertical profiles having a generally T-shaped cross-section shaped to be inserted each into the slide of one of said bars in a substantially vertical direction, and a substantially vertical median wall mounted pivotally along each of its vertical ends on the web of one of the profiles around a vertical axis.

[0015] According to a sixth embodiment, each intermediate partition comprises four substantially vertical bars having a cross-section in the general shape of Z or L, and being fixed in pairs on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates so as to form a slide having a cross-section in the general shape of C, two substantially vertical profiles having a cross-section in the general shape of T shaped to be inserted each into one of said slides in a substantially vertical direction, and a substantially vertical median wall mounted pivotally along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles around a vertical axis.

[0016] The middle wall of the intercalated partition is a single-thickness or alveolar plate, solid or perforated.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the median wall of the intercalated partition has a hinge around a vertical axis.

[0018] Advantageously, the middle wall of the intermediate partition is associated with locking means to maintain the corresponding structural module in its "work" position.

[0019] The locking means are of the type with a saddle or with a wedge or include a bottom board resting on the upper part of the intermediate partitions or include a transverse plate extending parallel to the first and second plates and connecting two adjacent intermediate partitions to each other.

[0020] The structural module is advantageously associated with one or more prefabricated stiffening columns arranged vertically between its first and second plates in the "structure" position.

[0021] Advantageously, each stiffening column comprises two half-columns whose cross-section is generally U-shaped and each having substantially parallel flanges and a web connecting said flanges, one of the flanges comprising at its free end a connecting member and the other flange comprising at its free end a complementary connecting member, the connecting member and the complementary connecting member of one half-column cooperating respectively with the complementary connecting member and the connecting member of the other half-column.

[0022] The assembly of the connecting and complementary connecting members is preferably of the dovetail joint type or similar. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] is a partial perspective view of a prefabricated swimming pool structure module according to the invention in the "work" position,

[0025] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of the module of [Fig.1] in position "storage",

[0026] [Fig.3] is a partial top view of the module of [Fig.1],

[0027] [Fig.4] is a partial top view of the module of [Fig.2],

[0028] [Fig.5] is a partial top view of a second embodiment of the module of a prefabricated swimming pool structure according to the invention in the "structure" position,

[0029] [Fig.6] is a partial top view of the module of [Fig.5] in the "storage" position,

[0030] [Fig.7] is a partial top view of a third embodiment of the module of a prefabricated swimming pool structure according to the invention in the "structure" position,

[0031] [Fig.8] is a partial top view of the module of [Fig.7] in the "storage" position,

[0032] [Fig.9] is a partial top view of a fourth embodiment of the module of a prefabricated swimming pool structure according to the invention in the "structure" position,

[0033] [Fig. 10] is a partial top view of the module of [Fig. 9] in position "storage",

[0034] [Fig. 11] is a partial top view of a fifth embodiment of the prefabricated swimming pool structure module according to the invention in the "structure" position,

[0035] [Fig. 12] is a partial top view of the module of [Fig. 11] in position "storage",

[0036] [Fig. 13] is a partial top view of a sixth embodiment of the module of a prefabricated swimming pool structure according to the invention in the "structure" position,

[0037] [Fig. 14] is a partial top view of the module of [Fig. 13] in position "storage",

[0038] [Fig. 15] is a partial top view embodiment of the structural module of a prefabricated swimming pool according to the invention in the "structure" position with a stiffening post,

[0039] [Fig. 16] is a partial top view of the stiffening post of [Fig. 15],

[0040] [Fig. 17] is a partial top view of two adjacent modules before assembly end to end,

[0041] [Fig.18] is a partial top view of two adjacent modules of the [Fig.13] assembled,

[0042] [Fig. 19] is a partial top view of two adjacent modules assembled in such a way to form a right angle,

[0043] [Fig.20] is a partial top view of two adjacent modules assembled so to form an obtuse angle. Description of the implementation methods

[0044] Thus, with reference to figures 1 to 4, a structural module 1 according to the invention has been represented for the manufacture of the walls in particular of a basin of a kit swimming pool.

[0045] This structural module 1 comprises at least a first vertical plate 2 advantageously in the general shape of a parallelepiped, a second vertical plate 3 advantageously in the general shape of a parallelepiped, and at least an intermediate partition 4 connecting the first and second plates 2,3 to each other, and being transformable so as to move the structural module 1 from a "storage" position in which the first and second plates 2,3 are brought close together or even in contact with each other (See [Fig.2]) to a "work" position in which the first and second plates 2,3 are moved apart from each other (See [Fig.1]), and vice versa.

[0046] When the structural module 1 is in its "work" position, it is clear, on the one hand, that the said structural module 1 is perfectly stable and self-supporting, without needing to be associated with one or more struts and, on the other hand, that each intermediate partition 4 acts as a spacer and limits the crushing of the said structural module 1 and its first and second plates 2,3.

[0047] Furthermore, when the structural module 1 is in its "structure" position, it then acts as permanent formwork, and the space between its first and second plates 2, 3 is arranged to be filled with a suitable resistant material such as, for example, mortar or concrete, which has the particularly interesting consequence of avoiding the need for bracing. In addition, given the configuration of the Structure module 1, it is clear that the quantity of suitable material used to fill said space is limited and perfectly controlled.

[0048] Furthermore, it is understood that the spacing between the said first and second plates 2,3 is variable and adapted for example to the dimensions and type of installation (above ground, buried or semi-buried) of the swimming pool basin.

[0049] The first and second plates 2,3 are flat in the majority of cases, but it goes without saying that these can be, for example, curved to form in particular the corner walls of the kit pool basin.

[0050] The term "transformable" here refers to the fact that the shape and / or dimensions of each intermediate partition 4 can change to allow the structural module 1 to move from its "work" position to its "storage" position, and vice versa. Thus, each intermediate partition 4 may, for example, be at least partially deformable and / or foldable and / or telescopic.

[0051] It is understood that for reasons of stability, each structural module 1 will advantageously include two intermediate partitions 4, each located at one of the longitudinal ends of the first and second plates 2,3.

[0052] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, each intermediate partition 4 comprises two substantially vertical tabs 5, each fixed to one of the opposite faces of the first and second plates 2, 3, and a substantially vertical median wall 6 pivotally mounted at each of its vertical ends on one of the tabs 5 about a vertical axis. Thus, in this embodiment, when the structural module 1 is in its "construction" position, the median wall 6 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second plates 2, 3 and in line with the tabs 5, and the first and second plates 2, 3 are generally opposite each other. Furthermore, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the median wall 6 is substantially parallel to the first and second plates 2, 3, which are then brought closer together and offset from each other.

[0053] Here, "substantially horizontal" and "substantially vertical" refer to any element or part of an element of the structural module 1 according to the invention making an angle with the horizontal and vertical respectively between -15° and +15°.

[0054] Similarly, herein we designate by "substantially parallel(s)" and by "substantially perpendicular(s)" elements or parts of elements of the structural module 1 according to the invention making an angle between them respectively between -15° and +15°, and between 75° and 105°.

[0055] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, according to a second embodiment, each intermediate partition 14 comprises two substantially vertical profiles 15 having a generally T-shaped cross-section and each being fixed on one of the faces in opposite the first and second plates 2,3, and a substantially vertical central wall 16 pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles 15 around a vertical axis. Thus, with this second embodiment, when the structural module 1 is in its "construction" position, the central wall 16 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second plates 2,3 and within the web of the profiles 15, and the first and second plates 2,3 are generally opposite each other. Furthermore, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the central wall 16 is substantially parallel to the first and second plates 2,3, which are then brought closer together and offset from each other.

[0056] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, according to a third embodiment, each intermediate partition 24 comprises two substantially vertical profiles 25, each fixed to one of the opposite faces of the first and second plates 2, 3, and a substantially vertical median wall 26 pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles 25 about a vertical axis. Thus, with this third embodiment, when the structural module 1 is in its "construction" position, the median wall 26 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second plates 2, 3, and the first and second plates 2, 3 are generally opposite each other. Furthermore, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the median wall 26 is substantially parallel to the first and second plates 2, 3, which are then brought closer together and offset from each other.According to this embodiment, each profile 25 comprises a vertical element 27 with elastically deformable projection, extending towards the interior of the structural module 1, and having a cross-section generally shaped like a C, and each median wall 26 has along each of its vertical edges a cylindrical element 28 shaped to snap into the vertical element 27 of the corresponding profile 25 so as to form the pivoting connection between the latter and said median wall 26. In addition, the profiles 25 are fixed symmetrically with respect to the median vertical axis of the associated median wall 26, and their vertical element 27 is shaped so that, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the median wall 26 comes abutting against the free end of said vertical element 27 (See detail view of [Fig.7]). This configuration ensures that the structure module 1 is locked in its "storage" position.

[0057] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, according to a fourth embodiment, each intermediate partition 34 comprises two substantially vertical profiles 35, each fixed on one of the opposite faces of the first and second plates 2, 3, and a substantially vertical central wall 36 pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles 35 about a vertical axis. Thus, with this fourth embodiment, when the structural module 1 is in its position In the "structure" position, the central wall 36 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second plates 2,3, and the first and second plates 2,3 are generally opposite each other. Furthermore, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the central wall 36 is substantially parallel to the first and second plates 2,3, which are then brought closer together and offset from each other. According to this embodiment, each profile 35 includes a vertical groove 37 having a generally C-shaped cross-section, and each central wall 36 has, along each of its vertical edges, a projecting element 38 having a generally C-shaped cross-section, shaped to engage in the groove 37 of the corresponding profile 35 so as to form the pivoting connection between the latter and said central wall 36.Furthermore, the profiles 35 are fixed symmetrically with respect to the median vertical axis of the associated median wall 36, and their groove 37 is shaped so that, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the median wall 36 abuts against the free end of said groove 27 (see detail view of [Fig. 9]). This configuration ensures that the structural module 1 is locked in its "storage" position.

[0058] With reference to Figures 11 and 12, according to a fifth embodiment, each intermediate partition 44 comprises two substantially vertical bars 45, each fixed on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates 2,3 and being in the general shape of T, the web 46 of which determines a slide 47 having a cross-section in the general shape of C, two substantially vertical profiles 48 having a cross-section in the general shape of T, each shaped to be inserted into the slide 47 of one of said bars 45 in a substantially vertical direction, and a substantially vertical median wall 49 mounted pivotally along each of its vertical ends on the web of one of the profiles 48 around a vertical axis.Thus, with this fifth embodiment, when the structural module 1 is in its "construction" position, the median wall 49 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second plates 2,3 and to the web of the profiles 48, and the first and second plates 2,3 are generally opposite each other. Furthermore, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the median wall 49 is substantially parallel to the first and second plates 2,3, which are then brought closer together and offset from each other.

[0059] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, according to a sixth embodiment, each intermediate partition 54 comprises four substantially vertical bars 55 having a generally Z- or L-shaped cross-section, and being fixed in pairs on one of the opposite faces of the first and second plates 2, 3 so as to form a slide 56 having a generally C-shaped cross-section, two substantially vertical profiles 57 having a generally T-shaped cross-section shaped to be inserted into one of said slides 56 in a substantially vertical direction, and a substantially vertical central wall 58 pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles 57 around a vertical axis. Thus, with this sixth embodiment, when the structural module 1 is in its "work" position, the central wall 58 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second plates 2,3 and within the web of the profiles 57, and the first and second plates 2,3 are generally opposite each other. Furthermore, when the structural module 1 is in its "storage" position, the central wall 58 is substantially parallel to the first and second plates 2,3, which are then brought closer together and offset from each other.

[0060] Figures 17 and 18 show an end-to-end assembly of two adjacent 1,1' structural modules. For this purpose, one of the two adjacent structural modules 1,1' includes at one of its ends an intermediate partition 14, according to the second embodiment described above, arranged so that the wing 60 of each of the two profiles 15 extends beyond the first and second plates 2,3, and one of the two adjacent structural modules 1,1' includes at the end of its first and second plates 2',3' opposite the profiles 15 of the structural module 1, a substantially vertical bar 61' having a cross-section in the general shape of Z or L and arranged so as to cooperate with said wing 60 when the first and second plates 2,3 of the structural module 1 come into contact with the first and second plates 2',3' of the structural module 1' (See [Fig. 18]).

[0061] It goes without saying that this type of assembly (and the following one) can also be implemented with an intermediate partition 24, 34, 44 or 54, according to the third or fourth embodiment described above.

[0062] In [Fig. 19], an assembly of two adjacent structural modules 1,1" forming a right angle between them is shown. For this purpose, the two adjacent structural modules 1,1" each comprise at the end of their first and second plates 2,2",3,3", a substantially vertical bar 70,70" having a generally Z- or L-shaped cross-section, said bars 70,70" being arranged opposite each other so as to each cooperate with the flanges of an angle 71 when the first and second plates 2,3 of structural module 1 come into contact with the first and second plates 2",3" of structural module 1".

[0063] Furthermore, in [Fig. 20], an assembly of two adjacent 1,1" structural modules forming an angle greater than 90° between them is shown. This assembly is similar to that described above; the two adjacent 1,1" structural modules each comprise, at the end of their first and second plates 2,2" and 3,3" a bar 80,80" identical to the previous bars 70,70" and each cooperating with the wings of an angle 81. However, this assembly differs only in that the wings of the angle 81 form an angle greater than 90°.

[0064] Whatever the embodiment of the intermediate partition 4,14,24,34,44,54, it is understood that the structural modules 1,T,1",T" according to the invention can be of different lengths and / or heights, adjusted, cut, butted or even juxtaposed to each other in order to form elements allowing, for example, the creation and construction of prefabricated stairs adapted to the swimming pool basin.

[0065] Furthermore, the median wall 6,16,26,36,49,58 of the intercalated partition 4,14,24,34,44,54 can be a single-thickness or alveolar plate, solid or perforated (See figures 1 and 2).

[0066] In addition, the middle wall 6,16,26,36,49,58 of the intermediate partition 4,14,24,34,44,54 may have an articulation around a vertical axis so that, when the structural module l,r,l",l"' moves from its "work" position to its "storage" position and vice versa, the first and second plates 2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'" move closer together or further apart in a direction perpendicular to themselves.

[0067] Furthermore, the median wall 6, 16, 26, 36, 49, 58 of the intermediate partition 4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 is advantageously associated with locking means, not shown, for maintaining the corresponding structural module l, r, l", l"' in its "structure" position. These locking means are advantageously of the type, for example, a saddle or wedge lock.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the locking means include a bottom board, not shown, resting on the upper part of the intermediate partitions 4,14,24,34,44,54 and serving to lock the first and second plates 2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'" in the desired "work" position of said structural module l,r,l",l"' thus defining the width of the latter and therefore of the wall of the swimming pool basin.

[0069] According to a final embodiment, the blocking means comprise a transverse plate, not shown, extending parallel to the first and second plates 2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'" and connecting two adjacent intermediate partitions 4,14,24,34,44,54, when the structural module l,r,l",l"' is in the "work" position.

[0070] To further increase the mechanical resistance of the walls of the swimming pool basin while saving the amount of material filling the space between its first and second plates 2,3, the structural module l,r,l",l"' according to the invention can be associated with one or more stiffening posts, not shown, advantageously prefabricated, and arranged vertically between the first and second plates 2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'" of said structural module l,r,l",l"' in "structure" position, each stiffening post being secured to the said first and second plates 2,2',2",2"',3,3',3",3"' by sliding or fitting onto pre-installed slides or semi-slides.

[0071] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16, each stiffening column 70 advantageously comprises two half-columns 91 whose cross-section is generally U-shaped and each having flanges 92 substantially parallel to each other and a web 93 connecting said flanges 92. To assemble the two half-columns 91, 91' together to form the stiffening column 90, one of the flanges 92 includes at its free end a connecting member 95 and the other flange 92 includes at its free end a complementary connecting member 95. The connecting member 94 and the complementary connecting member 95 of one half-column 91 cooperate respectively with the complementary connecting member 95' and the connecting member 94' of the other half-column 91' (See [Fig. 15]). The assembly of the connecting elements 94, 94' and complementary connecting elements 95, 95' are advantageously of the dovetail joint type or similar.

[0072] Although the configuration shown is particularly interesting because it allows for two identical half-columns 91, 91', it is understood that these may be asymmetrical and that one of the two half-columns 91, 91' may receive two connecting elements and the other may receive two complementary connecting elements, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, each stiffening column 90 may be a single piece and / or solid, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Finally, when the stiffening column 90 is hollow, it may also, if necessary, be filled with a material such as, for example, mortar, concrete, earth, or gravel.

[0073] Thus configured, it is understood that the structural module 1,1',1",1'" 1 according to the invention has the following numerous advantages: - Factory prefabrication allowing for perfect management of flows, supplies, and waste. - a reduction in the volume of the 1,1',1",1'" structural modules thanks to their "storage" position, resulting in cost savings for their packaging, storage, and transport. - an impact on environmental protection thanks to a positive carbon footprint, the use of 100% recycled and recyclable products to manufacture the 1,1',1",1'" structural modules, and reduced use of mortar or concrete, and - a positive impact on the protection of human health through the reduction of pollution, loads and volumes to be handled for the implementation of the 1,1',1",1'" structural modules on construction sites.

[0074] It is understood that the structural module 1 according to the invention finds a particular application in the construction of walls for a prefabricated swimming pool. However, it is evident that the structural module 1 can be adapted for the construction of wall(s) used in other fields such as, for example, construction, home improvement or the improvement of environmental quality and landscapes; the structural module 1 can then be filled with materials other than mortar or concrete such as, for example, insulation materials, wood chips or pieces or gravel, in order to create, for example, stairs or retaining walls.

[0075] Finally, it goes without saying that the examples of structure modules 1 conforming to the invention which have just been described are only particular illustrations, in no way limiting of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A structural module for constructing a wall, characterized in that it comprises at least one first vertical plate (2, 2', 2", 2"), a second vertical plate (3, 3', 3", 3"), and at least one intermediate partition (4, 14, 24, 34) connecting the first and second plates (2, 2', 2", 2", 3, 3', 3", 3"), and being transformable so as to move the structural module (1) from a "storage" position in which the first and second plates (2, 2', 2", 2'", 3, 3', 3", 3") are brought close together or even in contact with each other to a "construction" position in which the first and second plates (2, 2', 2", 2'", 3, 3', 3", 3") are separated from each other, and vice versa, said structural module (1) acting, in its position "work", of lost formwork, the space located between its first and second plates (2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'") being arranged to be filled by a suitable material.

2. Structural module (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that each intermediate partition (4) comprises two substantially vertical tabs (5) each fixed on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates (2,3), and a substantially vertical middle wall (6) pivotally mounted at each of its vertical ends on one of the tabs (5) about a vertical axis.

3. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to claim 1 characterized in that each intermediate partition (14) comprises two substantially vertical profiles (15) having a generally T-shaped cross-section and each being fixed on one of the opposite faces of the first and second plates (2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'"), and a substantially vertical median wall (16) pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles (15) about a vertical axis.

4. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to claim 1 characterized in that each intermediate partition (24) comprises two profiles (25) each being fixed substantially vertically on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates (2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'"), and a substantially vertical central wall (26) pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles (25) about a vertical axis, each profile (25) comprising a vertically projecting, elastically deformable element (27) extending towards the interior of the structural module (1), and having a cross-section in the general shape of C, and each median wall (26) having along each of its vertical edges a cylindrical element (28) shaped to snap into the vertical element (27) of the corresponding profile (25).

5. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to claim 1 characterized in that each intermediate partition (34) comprises two profiles (35) each being fixed substantially vertically on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates (2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3"'), and a substantially vertical median wall (36) pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles (35) about a vertical axis, each profile (35) comprising a vertical groove (37) having a cross-section generally in the shape of C, and each median wall (36) comprising along each of its vertical edges a projecting element (38) having a cross-section generally in the shape of C shaped to engage in the groove (37) of the corresponding profile (35).

6. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to any one of claims 4 or 5 characterized in that the profiles (25,35) are fixed symmetrically with respect to the median vertical axis of the associated median wall (26,36), and their vertical element (27) or their groove (37) is shaped so that, when the structural module (1) is in its "storage" position, the median wall (26,36) comes abutting against the free end of said vertical element (27) or of said groove (37).

7. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to claim 1 characterized in that each intermediate partition (44) comprises two substantially vertical bars (45), each being fixed on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates (2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'") and being in general T shape, the web (46) of which determines a slide (47) having a cross-section in general C shape, two substantially vertical profiles (48) having a cross-section in general T shape, each formed to be inserted into the slide (47) of one of said bars (45) in a substantially vertical direction, and a substantially vertical median wall (49) pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on the web of one of the profiles (48) about a vertical axis.

8. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to claim 1 characterized in that each intermediate partition (54) comprises four substantially vertical bars (55) having a generally Z or L-shaped cross-section, and being fixed in pairs on one of the faces opposite the first and second plates (2,2',2",2"',3,3',3",3"') so as to form a slide (56) having a generally C-shaped cross-section, two substantially vertical profiles (57) having a generally T-shaped cross-section shaped to be inserted each into one of said slides (56) in a substantially vertical direction, and a substantially vertical median wall (58) pivotally mounted along each of its vertical ends on one of the profiles (57) about a vertical axis.

9. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to any one of claims 2 to 7 characterized in that the middle wall (6,16,26,36,49,58) of the intermediate partition (4,14,24,34,44,54) is a single-thickness or honeycomb plate, solid or perforated.

10. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to any one of claims 2 to 8 characterized in that the middle wall (6,16,26,36,49,58) of the intermediate partition (4,14,24,34,44,54) has an articulation about a vertical axis.

11. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to any one of claims 2 to 9 characterized in that the middle wall (6,16,26,36,49,58) of the intermediate partition (4,14,24,34,44,54) is associated with locking means for maintaining the corresponding structural module (l,r,l",l"') in its "work" position and in that the locking means are of the type with a saddle or wedge lock or comprise a bottom board resting on the upper part of the intermediate partitions (4,14,24,34,54) or comprise a transverse plate extending parallel to the first and second plates (2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'") and connecting two adjacent intermediate partitions (4,14,24,34,44,54).

12. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is associated with one or more prefabricated stiffening columns (90) arranged vertically between its first and second plates (2,2',2",2'",3,3',3",3'") in the "structure" position, each stiffening column (90) being fixed to said first and second plates (2,2',2",2"',3,3',3",3"') by sliding or fitting onto pre-installed slides or semi-slides.

13. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to claim 12 characterized in that each stiffened column (90) comprises two half-columns (91,91') whose cross-section is generally U-shaped and each comprising flanges (92) substantially parallel to each other and a web (93) connecting said flanges (92), one of the flanges (92) comprising at its free end a connecting member (94,94') and the other flange (92) comprising at its free end a complementary connecting member (95,95'), the connecting member (94) and the complementary connecting member (95) of one half-column (91) cooperating respectively with the complementary connecting member (95') and the connecting member (94') of the other half-column (91').

14. Structural module (l,r,l",l"') according to claim 13 characterized in that the assembly of the connecting members (94, 94') and complementary connecting members (95, 95') is of the dovetail joint type or similar.

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