assembly device

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly device (1) for assembling two modules, referred to respectively as the first module and the second module. The assembly device (1) comprises: - a first wedge (20) intended to be integral with the first module and having a first face; - a connecting means configured to attach the first module to the second module; - a second wedge (30) having a second face; - a locking means intended to be interposed between the first face and the second face, and which, under the effect of a bearing force exerted by one of the first and second faces towards the other of the first and second faces, deforms so as to prevent any movement of said locking means and of the connecting means along the directions of a plane defined by the first face. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly device FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of assembly devices, in particular to the field of module assembly devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly device that can be used for the modular construction of buildings. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Prefabricated buildings generally comprise an assembly of modules, for example, rectangular parallelepipeds. These modules can be manufactured in a factory and transported to the site for assembly to form a building. In particular, the use of modular buildings offers flexibility in terms of their intended use, allowing for residential, professional, and / or commercial buildings. Indeed, the factory-made modules can be designed to include the necessary features to meet the requirements associated with their intended use.

[0003] More specifically, it is possible to design modules that all have a standard general shape but whose equipment can vary according to the need. In this respect, the modules can be equipped with worktops, cupboards, windows, doors, sanitary facilities, sinks...

[0004] Once transported to the site, the modules can be arranged one on top of and / or next to each other. Attachment means can be implemented to secure the modules together. In particular, an attachment means may include a male connector located on one module, referred to as the first module, and a female connector located on another module, referred to as the second module. More specifically, the male connector is located on a corner, referred to as the male corner, of the first module, while the female connector is located on a corner, referred to as the female corner, of the second module, the first and second corners being chosen to align when the second module is placed on top of the first module.

[0005] According to this arrangement, the male connector is thus engaged in the female connector, thereby securing the first module to the second module. This engagement, without further consideration, may require precise alignment of the male connector with the female connector. To overcome this problem, the male connector can be mounted on the first module with lateral play, allowing slight displacements of said male connector along the directions of the plane orthogonal to the extension direction of said male connector.

[0006] Thus, the consideration of such a game is particularly advantageous when a plurality of attachment means are implemented for the joining of the first module and the second module.

[0007] However, the existence of such play does not allow for a firm fixing of the modules to each other.

[0008] Thus, one object of the present invention is to propose an assembly device allowing a firm and play-free fixing of modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by an assembly device for assembling two modules, referred to respectively as the first module and the second module, the assembly device comprising:

[0010] - a first wedge intended to be integral with the first module and provided with a first side;

[0011] - a second wedge provided with a second face;

[0012] - a blocking means intended to be interposed between the first face and the second face, and which under the effect of a support force exerted by one of the first face and the second face towards the other of the first face and the second face, deforms in such a way as to prevent any movement of said blocking means along the directions of a plane defined by the first face.

[0013] According to one embodiment, said assembly device further includes a connecting means configured to attach the first module to the second module, the locking means also being intended to prevent any movement of the connecting means along the directions of a plane defined by the first face as soon as said locking means is deformed under the effect of a support force exerted by one of the first face and the second face towards the other of the first face and the second face.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the connecting means comprises a male connector and a female connector, the male connector being provided with a base and a longitudinal member which extends in an elongation direction from the base, and the female connector being intended to cooperate with the longitudinal member.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locking means comprises a locking plate.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the blocking plate includes an opening, called intermediate opening, intended to be traversed by the longitudinal member.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first wedge and the second wedge are configured to cooperate with each other by interlocking, and so the deformation of the locking means results from said interlocking.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the second wedge comprises side walls between which the first wedge is intended to be fitted.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the locking plate includes lateral tabs configured to be folded against the lateral faces of the first wedge when the first wedge is fitted into the second wedge by cooperation with the lateral walls of the second wedge.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the blocking plate comprises at least two pre-cutting zones, each pre-cutting zone comprises through notches configured to allow deformation of said pre-cutting zone by punching, the first wedge comprises housings, called first housings, opening through the first face, advantageously cylindrical in shape, each first housing being intended to correspond with a pre-cutting zone, advantageously, the through notches form a cross.

[0021] According to one embodiment, said assembly device includes punches configured to deform the pre-cut areas.

[0022] According to one embodiment, each punch includes a pin, called the first pin, carried by the second wedge and projecting with respect to the second face, each first pin having a size smaller than that of the first housings.

[0023] According to one embodiment, each punch comprises a first washer and a second washer between which the locking plate is intended to be interposed, each first washer is housed in a first housing, one or the other of the first washer and the second washer is surmounted by a pin, called the second pin, intended to pass through a through opening, called the locking opening, centered on the pre-cut area of ​​the locking plate, the locking opening having a diameter greater than that of the second pin, the other of the first washer and the second washer comprises an opening in which the second pin is intended to be guided, each second washer is of a size smaller than that of the first housings so as to allow the deformation of the pre-cut areas when said second washers are in contact with said pre-cut areas.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the intermediate opening is configured to be traversed without play by the longitudinal member, advantageously, the intermediate opening conforms in terms of shapes and dimensions with those of the longitudinal member, each first washer is mounted without play in the first housing in which it is housed.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the locking means comprises an additional plate carrying the second washers and interposed between the second wedge and the locking plate.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the additional plate includes an opening, referred to as the additional opening, intended to be traversed by the longitudinal member, referred to as the additional opening. additional opening is configured to be traversed without play by the longitudinal member, advantageously the additional opening conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to the longitudinal member, the intermediate opening has dimensions greater than those of the longitudinal member, each first washer is mounted with a play in the first housing in which it is housed.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the blocking means comprises, interposed between the second wedge and the blocking plate, a deformation plate, the blocking plate comprises two lateral fins configured to fold against two lateral faces, called blocking faces and opposite to each other, of the first wedge, the deformation plate being configured to cause the folding of the lateral fins against the blocking faces as soon as the second wedge presses said deformation plate against the blocking plate.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the intermediate opening is configured to be traversed without play by the longitudinal member, advantageously the intermediate opening conforms in terms of shapes and dimensions with those of the longitudinal member.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the deformation plate comprises a central flat section bearing against the blocking plate, two lateral sections oblique to the deformation plate and each ending in a terminal section oriented in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the longitudinal member, each terminal section bearing against a lateral fin.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the male connector is retained by the first wedge with a play along the directions of the plane defined by the first face.

[0031] The invention also relates to an assembly device for assembling two modules, referred to respectively as the first module and the second module, the assembly device comprising:

[0032] - a first wedge intended to be integral with the first module and provided with a first face, the first hold comprising housing, called first housing, opening from the first face;

[0033] - a linking means configured to attach the first module to the second module;

[0034] - a second wedge having a second face and comprising at least one pin, called first pawn, in projection with respect to the second face, at least one first pawn having a size smaller than that of the first housings;

[0035] - a pocket of glue placed on the bottom of the first housings, and which under the effect Due to a pressure exerted by at least one of the first pieces, during the bringing together of the first face and the second face, it gives way and allows the glue it contains to... respond within the volume delimited by the first housing in order to seal the first pawn.

[0036] The invention also relates to an assembly device for assembling two modules, referred to respectively as the first module and the second module, the assembly device comprising:

[0037] - a first wedge intended to be integral with the first module and provided with a first side;

[0038] - a linking means configured to attach the first module to the second module;

[0039] - a second wedge provided with a second face;

[0040] - a pocket of glue on either of the first and second faces and which, under the effect of a pressure exerted during the approach of the first face and the second face, gives way and allows the glue it contains to respond to the interface formed between the first face and the second face. Brief description of the drawings

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0042] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an assembly device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular, [Fig.1] represents the assembly device in perspective view;

[0043] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the first wedge of the assembly device of the [Fig.1], in particular, the [Fig.2] represents the first wedge according to a perspective view;

[0044] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the second wedge of the assembly device of the [Fig.1], in particular, the [Fig.3] represents the second wedge according to a perspective view and by a main face opposite to the second face;

[0045] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the second wedge of the assembly device of the [Fig.1], in particular, the [Fig.4] represents the second wedge according to a perspective view and from the second face;

[0046] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the locking plate of the [Fig.1] and according to a perspective view;

[0047] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents, according to a view along a cutting plane perpendicular to the first face, the engagement of the first wedge in the second wedge;

[0048] [Fig.7] Fig.7 represents, according to a view along a cutting plane perpendicular to the first face, the fitting of the first wedge into the second wedge;

[0049] [Fig-8] The [Fig.8] is a schematic, perspective representation of the locking plate according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a schematic, perspective representation of the first wedge according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic, perspective representation of the second wedge according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of a second washer that can be implemented in a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of a first washer that can be implemented in a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of a locking plate interposed between two sets of first and second washers;

[0055] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation of the locking plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is an illustration, relating to the third embodiment, of the blocking plate resting on the front face, the second pins each being engaged in a blocking opening;

[0057] [Fig. 16] The [Fig. 16] is an illustration of the assembly device according to the third embodiment and after deformation by stamping of the pre-cut areas in order to fix the locking plate and the male connector, this [Fig. 16] represents in particular the assembly device according to a cutting plane perpendicular to the front face and passing through the longitudinal member;

[0058] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] is an illustration, relating to a fourth embodiment, of an additional plate forming part of the locking means;

[0059] [Fig. 18] The [Fig. 18] is an illustration of the assembly device according to the fourth embodiment and before the deformation by stamping of the pre-cutting areas, in particular the [Fig.18] represents in particular the assembly device according to a cutting plane perpendicular to the front face and passing through the longitudinal member;

[0060] [Fig. 19] The [Fig. 19] is an illustration, relating to the fourth embodiment, of the locking plate;

[0061] [Fig.20] The [Fig.20] is an illustration, relating to the fourth embodiment, of the first wedge;

[0062] [Fig.21] Fig.21 is an illustration relating to the fifth embodiment, of the locking plate;

[0063] [Fig.22] The [Fig.22] is an illustration, relating to the fifth embodiment, of the first wedge;

[0064] [Fig.23] The [Fig.23] is an illustration, relating to the fifth embodiment, of the deformation plate;

[0065] [Fig.24] The [Fig.24] is an illustration, relating to the fifth embodiment, of the assembly device (without the second wedge) before deformation of the lateral fins;

[0066] [Fig.25] The [Fig.25] is an illustration, relating to the fifth embodiment, of the assembly device after deformation of the lateral fins;

[0067] [Fig.26] The [Fig.26] is an illustration of a pre-cutting area on a deformation plate according to the sixth embodiment;

[0068] .

[0069] [Fig.27] The [Fig.27] is a representation of the pre-cut area of ​​the [Fig.26] by the first pawn.

[0070] [Fig.28] The [Fig.28] is an illustration, relating to the seventh embodiment, of the assembly device being shown before deformation of the pre-cut area and crushing of the glue pocket;

[0071] [Fig.29] The [Fig.29] is an illustration, relating to the seventh embodiment, of the assembly device being shown after deformation of the pre-cut area and crushing of the glue pocket;

[0072] [Fig.30] The [Fig.30] is an illustration, relating to the eighth embodiment, of the assembly device being shown before the glue pocket is crushed;

[0073] [Fig.31] The [Fig.31] is an illustration, relating to the eighth embodiment, of the assembly device being shown after the glue pocket has been crushed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] The present invention relates to an assembly device, and in particular to an assembly device suitable for use in the building sector. More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly device comprising a male connector and a female connector, in which the male connector is intended to be engaged in a direction referred to as the engagement direction. To facilitate the engagement, and in particular the alignment, of the male connector in the female connector, said male connector may have lateral play allowing slight translational movements of the latter in directions perpendicular to the engagement direction.

[0075] However, this lateral play, while facilitating assembly, does not allow for a firm assembly. Thus, the present invention proposes an assembly device for which the lateral play is neutralized after the connector is misaligned in the female connector.

[0076] Thus, the present invention relates to an assembly device for assembling two modules, referred to respectively as the first module and the second module, the assembly device comprising:

[0077] - a linking means configured to attach the first module to the second module

[0078] - a first wedge intended to be integral with the first module and provided with a first side;

[0079] - a second wedge provided with a second face;

[0080] - a blocking means intended to be interposed between the first face and the second face, and which under the effect of a support force exerted by one of the first face and the second face towards the other of the first face and the second face, deforms in such a way as to prevent any movement of the connecting means and of the second wedge along the directions of a plane defined by the first face.

[0081] According to the present invention, a module can take any shape, and is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. In particular, a module can represent a 3-dimensional object, a 2-dimensional object, or even a 1-dimensional object.

[0082] Advantageously, the connecting means comprises a male connector and a female connector, the male connector being provided with a base and a longitudinal member which extends in an elongation direction from the base, and the female connector being intended to cooperate with the longitudinal member.

[0083] Advantageously, the first wedge retains the male connector by its base, the first wedge comprising a first opening through a first face of the first wedge, the longitudinal member passing through the first opening, so as to be in projection with respect to the first face, the second wedge comprising a second opening through a second face, and through which the longitudinal member is intended to be engaged in the female connector.

[0084] The assembly device is advantageously implemented for the assembly, for example by superposition or juxtaposition, of modules of significant mass and requiring to be anchored to each other by means of a plurality of assembly devices.

[0085] By way of example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention to this aspect alone, the modules may include elementary modules constituting a building.

[0086] Typically, these elementary modules can all have the same general shape, for example a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0087] According to the present invention, the longitudinal member may have a cross-section of rectangular, square, triangular, or circular shape.

[0088] By "cross section", we mean a view along a cutting plane perpendicular to the direction of elongation of said longitudinal member.

[0089] Furthermore, it is understood that the engagement of the male connector with the female connector is completed by the locking of the latter by a fixed connection. This fixed connection may, in particular, involve a snap-lock mechanism. However, this latter aspect does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0090] Thus, and advantageously, the male connector is held by the first wedge with play along the directions of the plane defined by the first face. As considered in the present invention, this play allows slight displacements of the male connector along directions perpendicular to the direction of engagement of the longitudinal member in the female connector. These slight displacements can be on the order of a few millimeters, or even on the order of a centimeter, or even less than 1.5 centimeters, advantageously less than 1 centimeter, and even more advantageously less than 8 millimeters.

[0091] To compensate for, and more specifically to eliminate, any play after the male connector is engaged in the female connector, the assembly device may include a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism is configured, in particular, so that when deformed and clamped between the first and second faces, it prevents any movement of the male connector (more specifically, the longitudinal member) along planes perpendicular to the direction of engagement. The male connector is thus fixed in a locking position.

[0092] In particular, and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking means comprises a plate, called the locking plate, provided with an opening, called the intermediate opening, intended to be traversed by the longitudinal member.

[0093] According to a first embodiment, the first wedge and the second wedge can be configured to cooperate with each other by interlocking, and such that the deformation of the locking means results from said interlocking. In particular, the second wedge, generally rectangular in shape, comprises four lateral walls between which the first wedge is intended to be interlocked.

[0094] According to this first embodiment, the locking plate may include lateral tabs configured to be folded against the lateral faces of the first wedge when the first wedge is fitted into the second wedge by cooperation with the lateral walls of the second wedge.

[0095] Still according to this first embodiment, the intermediate opening can be dimensioned to be crossed without play by the longitudinal member.

[0096] According to a second embodiment, the blocking plate comprises at least two pre-cutting zones, each pre-cutting zone includes through notches configured to allow deformation of said cutting zone by punching, the first wedge includes housings, called first housings, opening through the first face and, for example, cylindrical in shape, each first housing being intended to correspond with a pre-cutting zone, advantageously, the through notches form a cross.

[0097] Advantageously, said assembly device may include punches configured to deform the pre-cut areas. In particular, according to this second embodiment, each punch may include a pin, called the first pin, carried by the second wedge and projecting from the second face, each first pin having a size smaller than that of the first recesses.

[0098] By "first peg having a size smaller than that of the first housings" is meant a peg which, when housed in said first housing, can be moved laterally. By way of example, a first housing may be cylindrical, and each first peg may have a diameter smaller than that of the first housings.

[0099] According to the present invention, a pre-cutting zone comprises through notches formed in the blocking plate. In particular, these through notches thus form zones whose deformation is facilitated and controlled when subjected to a deformation force. Specifically, the through notches forming a pre-cutting zone can be arranged to create areas capable of deforming by bending. To this end, a cross-shaped arrangement of the through notches can advantageously be considered.

[0100] The deformation of the pre-cut areas allows the male connector to be fixed in place. More specifically, the pre-cut areas are configured to be pressed into the first recesses during punching. This pressing, combined with the firm retention of the locking plate between the first and second faces by pressure, thus fixes the locking plate in a locked position, preventing any movement of the male connector.

[0101] According to a third embodiment, the blocking plate comprises at least two pre-cutting zones, each pre-cutting zone includes through notches configured to allow deformation of said pre-cutting zone by punching, the first wedge includes housings, called first housings, opening through the first face (for example cylindrical in shape), each first housing being intended to correspond with a pre-cutting zone, advantageously, the through notches form a cross.

[0102] Advantageously, said assembly device may include punches configured to deform the pre-cut areas.

[0103] More particularly, each punch may include a first washer and a second washer between which the locking plate is intended to be interposed, each first washer is housed in a first housing, one or the other of the first washer and the second washer is surmounted by a pin, called the second pin, intended to pass through a through opening, called the locking opening, centered on the pre-cut area of ​​the locking plate, the locking opening having a diameter greater than that of the second pin, the other of the first washer and the second washer includes an opening in which the second pin is intended to be guided, each second washer is of a size smaller than that of the first housings so as to allow the deformation of the pre-cut areas when said second washers are in contact with said pre-cut areas.

[0104] Finally, according to this third embodiment, the intermediate opening conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to those of the longitudinal member, while each first washer has a diameter equal to that of the first housing in which it is housed. More generally, the intermediate opening can be dimensioned so that the passage of the longitudinal member through said intermediate opening is without play.

[0105] Equivalently to the second embodiment, the pre-cut areas, after their deformation, fix the locking plate in a locking position preventing any movement of the male connector.

[0106] According to a fourth embodiment, the blocking plate comprises at least two pre-cutting zones, each pre-cutting zone comprises through notches configured to allow deformation of said cutting zone by punching, the first wedge comprises housings, called first housings, opening through the first face and of cylindrical shape, each first housing being intended to correspond with a pre-cutting zone, advantageously, the through notches form a cross.

[0107] Advantageously, said assembly device may include punches configured to deform the pre-cut areas.

[0108] More specifically, each punch may comprise a first washer and a second washer between which the locking plate is intended to be interposed. Each first washer is housed in a first recess. One or the other of the first and second washers is surmounted by a pin, called the second pin, intended to pass through a through opening, called the locking opening, centered on the pre-cut area of ​​the locking plate. The locking opening has a diameter greater than that of the second pin. The other of the first and second washers comprises an opening in which the second pin is intended to be guided. Each second washer is smaller than the first two. housings in such a way as to allow the deformation of the pre-cutting areas when said second washers are in contact with said pre-cutting areas.

[0109] Finally, according to this fourth embodiment, the locking means may include an additional plate carrying the second washers and interposed between the second wedge and the locking plate, the additional plate includes an opening, called the additional opening, intended to be crossed by the longitudinal member, said additional opening is configured to be crossed without play by the longitudinal member, advantageously the additional opening conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to the longitudinal member, the intermediate opening has dimensions greater than that of the longitudinal member, each first washer is mounted with a play in the first housing in which it is housed.

[0110] By way of example, the additional opening may conform in terms of shape and dimensions to the longitudinal member, while the intermediate opening may have dimensions greater than those of the longitudinal member

[0111] According to a fifth embodiment, the locking means also comprises, interposed between the second wedge and the locking plate, a deformation plate. The locking plate comprises two lateral fins configured to fold against two opposing lateral faces, referred to as locking faces, of the first wedge. The deformation plate is configured to cause the lateral fins to fold against the locking faces as soon as the second wedge presses said deformation plate against the locking plate. In particular, the intermediate opening conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to the longitudinal member.According to this fifth embodiment, the deformation plate comprises a central flat section bearing against the locking plate, two lateral sections oblique to the deformation plate and each ending in a terminal section oriented in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the longitudinal member, each terminal section bearing against a lateral fin.

[0112] According to a sixth embodiment, the locking means comprises a locking plate. The locking plate comprises at least two pre-cut areas, each pre-cut area comprising through notches configured to allow deformation of said pre-cut area by punching. The first wedge comprises recesses, referred to as first recesses, opening from the first face, advantageously cylindrical in shape, each first recess being intended to correspond with a pre-cut area. Advantageously, the through notches form a cross. Said assembly device comprises punches configured to deform the pre-cut areas. Each punch comprises a pin, referred to as the first pin, carried by the second wedge and projecting relative to the second face, each first pin having a size smaller than that of the first housings. Each first pin, of shape includes a groove, called first groove, and each first housing includes a circumferential groove, called first groove, the through notches delimiting sections of the pre-cut area, called first sections, the connecting means including the first groove, the first groove and the first sections, the first sections being shaped to, following punching, cooperate with the first groove and the first housing so as to attach the first module to the second module.Each first section forms a triangle oriented towards the center of the deformation zone, said triangle comprising an end corner and two lateral corners, the two lateral corners being configured to be at least partially housed in the first groove after their punching deformation, and the end corner being configured to be at least partially housed in the first groove after its punching deformation.

[0113] The remainder of the statement provides a description of each of the embodiments and according to particular configurations. First method of implementation

[0114] In [Fig. 1], an assembly device 1 can be seen in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] The assembly device 1 includes a male connector 10. In particular, the male connector 10 includes a base 11, for example a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped base 11, and a longitudinal member 12 which extends in an elongation direction from the base 11.

[0116] The assembly device 1 also includes a female connector (not shown) intended to cooperate with the longitudinal member 12. In particular, the cooperation between the male connector 10 and the female connector involves, firstly, the engagement of the male connector with the female connector, and then, secondly, the locking of the longitudinal member in a fixed connection with the female connector. The locking may include a snap-fit ​​mechanism. However, this aspect is given only by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0117] The assembly device 1 also includes a first wedge 20 ([Fig.2]) intended to be attached to a first module.

[0118] The first wedge 20 shown in [Fig. 2] is notably rectangular in shape. More specifically, the first wedge may comprise two parallel principal faces, one of which is designated as the first face 21. The two principal faces are further connected by lateral faces 22, 23, 24, and 25. By way of example, the lateral faces may be perpendicular in pairs. In other words, the intersection of a plane, parallel to the first face, with the lateral faces can form a rectangle or even a square.

[0119] The first wedge 20 also includes a through opening, called the first opening 26, opening from either of the two main faces.

[0120] Furthermore, the first wedge 20 is configured to retain the male connector 10 by its base 11, and such that the longitudinal member 12 passes through the first opening 26 so as to be projecting relative to the first face. More specifically, the male connector 10 is retained by the first wedge 20 by its base 11, said base 11 bearing against a principal face of the first wedge 20 and opposite the first face 26.

[0121] In this regard, the male connector 10 can be retained by the first wedge 20 with a play along the directions of the plane defined by the first face 26.

[0122] The assembly device 1 also includes a second wedge 30 ([Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4]). The second wedge 30 comprises a plate 31 delimited by two parallel principal faces, one of which is designated as the second face 32. The second wedge 30 includes a second opening 33 passing through the plate 31. In particular, the second opening 33 is configured to allow the longitudinal member 12 to be engaged, through the second face 31, in the female connector.

[0123] According to this first embodiment, the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 30 are configured to cooperate with each other by interlocking. In particular, the second wedge can be configured to allow the first wedge 20 to be interlocked with the second wedge 30. It is understood that interlocking the second wedge 30 with the first wedge 20 can also be envisaged.

[0124] Thus, by way of example, the second wedge can generally be rectangular in shape and comprises four lateral walls 34, 35, 36 and 37 between which the first wedge 20 is intended to be fitted. Each of the lateral walls 34, 35, 36 and 37 therefore extends from an edge of the plate 31 to a free edge.

[0125] The assembly device 1 also includes a locking means intended to be interposed between the first face 21 and the second face 32, and which, under the effect of a support force exerted by one of the first face 21 and the second face 32 towards the other of the first face 21 and the second face 32, deforms so as to prevent any movement of the longitudinal member along the directions of a plane defined by the first face.

[0126] By way of example, the bearing force can be exerted by the weight of either the first module or the second module. In particular, a second module equipped with the second wedge can be positioned directly above a first module equipped with the first wedge, so that the first face is opposite the second face. As it approaches the first module, the second module, and in particular the second wedge, exerts a deformation force on the locking mechanism.

[0127] According to the first embodiment, the locking means comprises a plate, referred to as the locking plate 40 ([Fig. 5]), provided with an opening, referred to as the intermediate opening 41, intended to be traversed by the longitudinal member 12. In particular, the intermediate opening 41 can be dimensioned to allow the longitudinal member to traverse it without play. Specifically, the opening 41 can have the same shape and dimensions as the cross-section of the longitudinal member 12.

[0128] According to this first embodiment, the locking plate 40 can include lateral tabs 42 configured to be folded against the lateral faces 22, 23, 24 and 25 of the first wedge 20 when the first wedge 20 is fitted into the second wedge 30 by cooperation with the lateral walls 34, 35, 36 and 37 of the second wedge 30.

[0129] In this regard, [Fig. 6] illustrates the assembly device 1 before the first wedge 20 is fully inserted into the second wedge 30. In [Fig. 6], it can be seen that the lateral tabs 42 remain in the plane of the locking plate 40. In [Fig. 7], the first wedge is fully inserted into the second wedge, which results in the locking plate 40 being immobilized. Indeed, the latter is immobilized between the first and second wedges, with the lateral tabs 42 folded against the lateral faces 22, 23, 24, and 25 of the first wedge 20. In particular, during the insertion, each free edge of the lateral walls 34, 35, 36, and 37 exerts a force on the lateral tabs, which are thus each folded against a lateral face 22, 23, 24 and 25.

[0130] Also, and as illustrated in [Fig.3], each free edge of a side wall 34, 35, 36 and 37 can include a recessed notch 36a, 37a, which fits into the side tab 42. This latter aspect allows in particular for the first wedge to be pre-engaged in the second wedge before bending said side tabs 42.

[0131] Insofar as the longitudinal member passes through the intermediate opening without lateral play, the immobilization of the locking plate leads to the immobilization of said longitudinal member. Second embodiment

[0132] The present invention also covers a second embodiment which essentially reproduces the characteristics of the first embodiment.

[0133] However, this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the locking plate is devoid of lateral tabs but includes at least two pre-cut areas.

[0134] More specifically, and as illustrated in [Fig. 8], a pre-cutting area 43 includes through notches 43a formed in the locking plate. In particular, these through notches 43a thus form zones whose deformation is facilitated and controlled when subjected to a deformation force. Specifically, through notches 43a forming a pre-cut zone can be arranged to create areas susceptible to deformation by bending. For this purpose, a cross-shaped arrangement of the through notches can be advantageously considered.

[0135] In particular, the through notches 43a can be configured to allow deformation of the cutting area by punching.

[0136] Still according to this second embodiment, the first wedge 20 ([Fig.9]) includes housings, called first housings 27, opening through the first face 21 and of cylindrical shape, each first housing being intended to correspond with a pre-cutting zone 43.

[0137] The assembly device 1 also includes punches configured to deform the pre-cut areas.

[0138] In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 10], each punch includes a pin, called first pin 38, carried by the second wedge 30 and projecting with respect to the second face, each first pin 38 having a diameter smaller than that of the first housings 27.

[0139] In operation, the assembly device 1 according to this second embodiment allows a deformation / folding of the pre-cut areas in the first housings 27 by action of the first pins 38.

[0140] This deformation results in the immobilization of the locking plate and the male connector. Third mode of implementation

[0141] The present invention also covers a third embodiment which essentially reproduces the characteristics of the second embodiment.

[0142] According to this third embodiment, the second wedge 30 may be without side walls.

[0143] As illustrated in [Fig.11], each punch comprises a first washer 51 ( [Fig. 12]) and a second washer 52 ( [Fig. 11]) between which the locking plate ( [Fig. 13]) is intended to be interposed.

[0144] Each first washer 51, housed in a first recess, is surmounted by a pin 51a, referred to as the second pin 51a, designed to pass through a through opening, referred to as the locking opening 43b, centered on the pre-cut area 43 of the locking plate 40. The locking opening 43b has, in particular, a diameter greater than that of the second pin 51a. This feature allows, in particular, for adjustment of the positioning of the locking plate before deformation of the pre-cut areas 43.

[0145] In this regard, [Fig. 15] is an illustration of the blocking plate 40 resting on the front face 21, the second pawns 51a each being engaged in a blocking opening 43b.

[0146] Still according to the third embodiment, the second washer 52 includes an opening 52a in which the second pin is intended to be guided, each second washer 52 has a diameter smaller than that of the first housings 27 so as to allow the deformation of the pre-cutting areas 43 when said second washers 52 are in contact with said pre-cutting areas 43.

[0147] According to this third embodiment, the intermediate opening 41 conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to those of the longitudinal member 12, while each first washer 51 has a diameter equal to that of the first housing 27 in which it is housed.

[0148] Equivalently to the second embodiment, the pre-cut areas, after their deformation, fix the locking plate in a locking position preventing any movement of the male connector.

[0149] In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 16], the deformation of the pre-cut areas 43 by the second washers 52 leads to a folding / stamping of said pre-cut areas 43 in the first housings 27. Fourth mode of implementation

[0150] The present invention also covers a fourth embodiment which essentially reproduces the characteristics of the third embodiment.

[0151] However, according to this fourth embodiment, the first washers 51 have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first housings 27. Furthermore, the intermediate opening 41 of the locking plate 40 allows passage of the longitudinal member 12 with a clearance.

[0152] According to this fourth embodiment, the locking means comprises an additional plate 60 ([Fig. 17]) carrying the second washers 52 on one of its faces. In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 18], the additional plate is configured to be interposed between the second wedge 30 and the locking plate 40.

[0153] The additional plate 60 includes an opening, called additional opening 61, intended to be passed through without play by the longitudinal member 12. In particular, said additional opening 61 may conform in terms of shape and dimensions to the longitudinal member 12, while the intermediate opening 26 has dimensions greater than that of the longitudinal member, each first washer 51 being, in addition, of a diameter less than that of the first housing in which it is housed.

[0154] According to this fourth embodiment, the deformation of the pre-cutting areas by a force exerted by the additional plate 52 causes the latter to freeze and consequently also immobilize the longitudinal member 12.

[0155] The blocking plate 40 ([Fig.20]) may also include side walls 44 configured to allow the first plate 20 to be fitted between said side walls 44. Fifth mode of implementation

[0156] The present invention also covers a fifth embodiment which essentially reproduces the characteristics of the first embodiment.

[0157] According to this fifth embodiment, the second wedge 30 ([Fig. 25]) may be without side walls. The locking plate 40 ([Fig. 21]) comprises two lateral fins 45 configured to fold against two lateral faces 23 and 25, called locking faces, opposite each other, of the first wedge 20. In particular, each locking face 23 and 25 ([Fig. 22]) may include a notch 23a and 25a into which each of the lateral fins 45 is designed to fold.

[0158] The locking means also includes, interposed between the second wedge 30 and the locking plate 40, a deformation plate 70 ([Fig. 23]). The deformation plate is configured in particular to cause the lateral fins to bend against the locking faces as soon as the second wedge presses said deformation plate against the locking plate.

[0159] The intermediate opening is consistent in terms of shape and dimensions with those of the longitudinal member.

[0160] According to the fifth embodiment, the deformation plate 70 comprises a central through opening 71 supported by a flat central section 72 bearing against the locking plate 40 ([Fig. 23], [Fig. 24], and [Fig. 25]), two lateral sections 73 and 74 oblique to the deformation plate, each terminating in an end section 73a and 74a oriented in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the longitudinal member 12, each end section bearing against a lateral fin. Thus, when a force is applied to flatten the deformation plate by the action of the second wedge, each of the lateral sections 73a and 74a bends the lateral fins in the notches 23a and 25a. Following this deformation, the locking plate 40 is fixed.Also, insofar as the intermediate opening of the locking plate conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to those of the longitudinal member, the latter is also fixed. Sixth embodiment.

[0161] The present invention also covers a sixth embodiment which essentially reproduces the characteristics of the second embodiment.

[0162] This sixth embodiment differs from the second embodiment by its means of connection.

[0163] Fig. 26 is an illustration of a pre-cut area 43 on a deformation plate, while Fig. 27 is a representation of the pre-cut area by the first pin 38.

[0164] According to this sixth embodiment, each first pawn 38, of shape includes a groove, called first groove 38a.

[0165] Each first housing 27 includes a circumferential groove 27a, referred to as the first groove 27a.

[0166] The through notches delimit sections of the pre-cutting area 43, called first sections 46, shaped to, following punching, cooperate with the first groove and the first housing so as to attach the first module to the second module.

[0167] According to this sixth embodiment, the connecting means includes the first groove 27a, the first groove 38a and the first sections 46.

[0168] In a particularly advantageous manner, each first section 46 forms a triangle oriented towards the center of the deformation zone, said triangle comprising a terminal corner 46a (oriented towards the center of the pre-cutting zone) and two lateral corners 46b and 46c, the two lateral corners 46b and 46c being configured to be at least partly housed in the first groove 27a after their deformation by punching, and the terminal corner 46a being configured to be at least partly housed in the first groove 38a after its deformation by punching ([Fig.27]).

[0169] Thus, during the punching process, the first pin 38 deforms each of the first sections 46 and bends them internally at the first recess 27. Following this deformation, the end corner 46a comes to rest in the first groove 38a, while the lateral corners come to rest in the first groove 27a, thus preventing any withdrawal of the first pin. The first wedge and the second wedge are thus secured to each other. The locking plate 40, for its part, is fixed and therefore deprived of any movement along the directions of a plane defined by the first face. Seventh mode of realization

[0170] The present invention also covers a seventh embodiment which essentially reproduces the characteristics of the third embodiment.

[0171] This seventh embodiment employs a glue pocket disposed between the bottom of the first housing 27 and the first washer 51 ([Fig. 28]). During operation, when the pre-cut areas are deformed, a force is also exerted on the glue pocket 53, which gives way and allows the glue it contains to spread throughout the volume of the first housing, thus sealing the deformed pre-cut area ([Fig. 29]). Eighth mode of realization

[0172] The present invention also covers an eighth embodiment which essentially reproduces the features of the seventh embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the assembly device is devoid of a locking plate and locking means ([Fig.30]).

[0173] The assembly device also lacks the first and second washers. These are replaced by the pin 38 (also considered in the second embodiment). As in the seventh embodiment, the assembly device includes a pocket of glue 53 located at the bottom of the first housing 27.

[0174] During operation, when the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 30 are brought together, the first pin crushes the glue pocket. As a result of this crushing, the glue pocket ruptures, allowing the glue to spread into the volume of the first housing 27 ([Fig. 31]), thus sealing the first pin 38.

[0175] The adhesive may comprise at least one of the following elements selected from: a hardening resin, an epoxy adhesive, a polyester adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive.

[0176] The invention also relates to a building formed of a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped-shaped modules, said modules being assembled and joined together by means of assembly devices in accordance with the principles set forth in the present invention.

[0177] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly device (1) for assembling two modules referred to respectively as first module and second module, the assembly device (1) comprising: - a first wedge (20) intended to be integral with the first module and having a first face (21); - a connecting means configured to attach the first module to the second module; - a second wedge (30) having a second face (32); - a locking means intended to be interposed between the first face (21) and the second face (32), and which, under the effect of a support force exerted by one of the first face (21) and the second face (32) towards the other of the first face (21) and the second face (32), deforms so as to prevent any movement of said locking means and of the connecting means along the directions of a plane defined by the first face (21).

2. Assembly device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking means comprises a locking plate (40).

3. Assembly device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting means comprises a male connector (10) and a female connector, the male connector (10) being provided with a base (11) and a longitudinal member (12) which extends in an elongation direction from the base (11), and the female connector being intended to cooperate with the longitudinal member (12).

4. Assembly device (1) according to claim 2 and claim 3, wherein the locking plate (40) includes an opening, referred to as the intermediate opening (41), intended to be traversed by the longitudinal member (12).

5. Assembly device (1) according to claim 2 and claim 3 or 4, wherein the first wedge (20) and the second wedge (30) are configured to cooperate with each other by interlocking, and such that the deformation of the locking means results from said interlocking.

6. Assembly device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second wedge (30) comprises side walls between which the first wedge (20) is intended to be fitted.

7. Assembly device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the locking plate (40) includes lateral tabs configured to be folded against the lateral faces of the first wedge (20) when the first wedge (20) is fitted into the second wedge (30) by cooperation with the lateral walls of the second wedge (30).

8. Assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locking plate (40) comprises at least two pre-cut areas, each pre-cut area (43) comprising through notches (43a) configured to permit deformation of said pre-cut area (43) by punching, the first wedge (20) comprising housings, referred to as first housings (27), opening through the first face (21), advantageously cylindrical in shape, each first housing (27) being intended to correspond with a pre-cut area (43), advantageously, the through notches (43a) form a cross.

9. Assembly device (1) according to claim 8, wherein said assembly device (1) comprises punches configured to deform the pre-cut areas.

10. Assembly device (1) according to claim 9, in which each punch includes a pin, called first pin (38), carried by the second wedge (30) and projecting with respect to the second face (32), each first pin (38) having a size smaller than that of the first housings (27).

11. Assembly device (1) according to claim 9, wherein each punch comprises a first washer (51) and a second washer (52) between which the locking plate (40) is intended to be interposed, each first washer (51) is housed in a first recess (27), one or the other of the first washer (51) and the second washer (52) is surmounted by a pin, referred to as the second pin (51a), intended to pass through a through opening, referred to as the locking opening (43b), centered on the pre-cut area (43) of the locking plate (40), the locking opening (43b) having a diameter greater than that of the second pin (51a), the other of the first washer (51) and the second washer (52) comprises an opening in which the second pin (51a) is intended to be guided, each second washer (52) is smaller than the first recesses (27) of manner to allow the deformation of the pre-cut areas when the said second washers are in contact with the said pre-cut areas.

12. Assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the intermediate opening (41) is configured to be traversed without play by the longitudinal member (12), advantageously, the intermediate opening (41) conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to those of the longitudinal member (12), each first washer (51) is mounted without play in the first housing (27) in which it is housed.

13. Assembly device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the locking means comprises an additional plate (60) carrying the second washers and interposed between the second wedge (30) and the locking plate (40).

14. Assembly device (1) according to claim 3 and claim 11, wherein the additional plate (60) includes an opening, referred to as the additional opening (61), intended to be traversed by the longitudinal member (12), said additional opening (61) is configured to be traversed without play by the longitudinal member (12), advantageously the additional opening (61) conforms in terms of shape and dimensions to the longitudinal member (12), the intermediate opening (41) has dimensions greater than those of the longitudinal member (12), each first washer (51) is mounted with a play in the first housing (27) in which it is housed.

15. Assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the locking means comprises, interposed between the second wedge (30) and the locking plate (40), a deformation plate (70), the locking plate (40) comprising two lateral fins configured to fold against two lateral faces, called locking faces and opposite to each other, of the first wedge (20), the deformation plate (70) being configured to cause the lateral fins to fold against the locking faces as soon as the second wedge (30) presses said deformation plate (70) against the locking plate (40).

16. Assembly device (1) according to claim 4 and claim 15, wherein the intermediate opening (41) is configured to be traversed without play by the longitudinal member (12), advantageously the intermediate opening (41) is in conformity in terms of shapes and dimensions with those of the longitudinal member (12).

17. Assembly device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the deformation plate (70) comprises a central flat section bearing against the locking plate (40), two lateral sections oblique to the deformation plate (70) and each ending in a terminal section oriented in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the longitudinal member (12), each terminal section bearing against a lateral fin.

18. Assembly device (1) according to claim 10, in which each first pin (38), of shape, comprises a groove, referred to as first groove, and each first housing (27) comprises a circumferential groove, referred to as first groove, the through notches (43a) delimiting sections of the pre-cut area (43), referred to as first sections, the joining means comprising the first groove, the first groove and the first sections, the first sections being shaped to, following punching, cooperate with the first groove and the first housing (27) so as to attach the first module to the second module.

19. Device according to claim 18, wherein each first section forms a triangle oriented towards the center of the deformation zone, said triangle comprising a terminal corner and two lateral corners, the two lateral corners being configured to be at least partially housed in the first groove after their deformation by punching, and the terminal corner being configured to be at least partially housed in the first groove after its deformation by punching.

20. Assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and claim 3, wherein the male connector (10) is retained by the first wedge (20) with play along the directions of the plane defined by the first face (21).

21. Assembly device (1) for assembling two modules referred to respectively as first module and second module, the assembly device (1) comprising: - a first wedge (20) intended to be integral with the first module and provided with a first face (21), the first wedge (20)

22. including dwellings, called first dwellings (27), opening onto the first side (21); - a means of connection configured to attach the first module to the second module; - a second wedge (30) having a second face (32) and comprising at least one pin, called the first pin (38), in projection with respect to the second face (32), the at least one first pin (38) having a size smaller than that of the first housings (27); - a pocket of glue disposed on the bottom of the first housings, and which under the effect of a support force exerted by the at least one first pin, when the first face (21) and the second face (32) are brought together, gives way and lets the glue it contains flow into the volume delimited by the first housing in order to seal the first pin. Assembly device (1) for assembling two modules, referred to respectively as the first module and the second module, the assembly device (1) comprising: - a first wedge (20) intended to be integral with the first module and provided with a first face (21); - a means of connection configured to attach the first module to the second module; - a second wedge (30) provided with a second face (32); - a pocket of glue on one or the other of the first face and the second face which under the effect of a pressure force exerted during the approach of the first face (21) and the second face (32), gives way and lets the glue which it contains respond to the interface formed between the first face and the second face.

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