Bearing wall and building comprising bearing wall

Abstract

A bearing wall 10 of a building comprises a frame structure section 11, a bearing panel 12 located within the frame structure section 11, and a plurality of coupling members 15 that join the bearing panel 12 to the frame structure section 11. The frame structure section 11 includes an upper member 21 and a lower member 22 located below the upper member 21. The bearing panel 12 is disposed within the frame structure section 11 so as not to contact the upper member 21 and the lower member 22. Each of the plurality of coupling members 15 includes an extensible portion. Some of the plurality of coupling members 15 are disposed at intervals along a space S between a bottom surface 12B of the bearing panel 12 and the lower member 22. Another some of the plurality of coupling members 15 are disposed at intervals along a space S between a top surface 12A of the bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a load-bearing wall and a building including a load-bearing wall. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A building including a load-bearing wall is known in the art (for example, Patent Literature 1). In the building described in Patent Literature 1, the load-bearing wall includes a load-bearing panel. The load-bearing panel is supported by a post or a beam via a metal fitting (in the Literature, “load-bearing panel attachment metal fitting”). The metal fitting includes a metal fitting attachment portion fixed to a post or a beam by screws, and a loadbearing panel attachment portion that holds the load-bearing panel. The metal fitting is joined to the load-bearing panel and the post or beam by screws or the like. The metal fitting that joins an upper end (or lower end) of the load-bearing panel to a beam (or a base) extends over the entire upper end of the load-bearing panel. The metal fitting that joins a side of the load-bearing panel to a post extends over the entire side of the load-bearing panel. CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Registered Utility Model No. 3193167 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

[0004] An earthquake or vibration caused by a large-sized vehicle passing by a building may rotate a load-bearing panel relative to its frame. Typically, the load-bearing panel is secured to the frame on its four sides. Therefore, such rotation of the load-bearing wall may apply torsional stress to the load-bearing panel attachment metal fitting and deform the loadbearing panel attachment metal fitting. When the load-bearing panel attachment metal fitting is plastically deformed by torsion, stress may continue to act between the load-bearing panel and the frame. This may lead to deterioration of the load-bearing wall. In this respect, a loadbearing wall and a building including a load-bearing wall that minimize residual stress are provided. Solution to Problem

[0005] (1) A load-bearing wall that solves the above problem is a load-bearing wall for a building. The load-bearing wall includes a frame structure, a load-bearing panel disposed within the frame structure, and a connector connecting the load-bearing panel to the frame structure. The frame structure includes an upper member, and a lower member located downward from the upper member. The load-bearing panel is arranged within the frame structure without contacting the upper member and the lower member. The connector includes an extension-contraction portion. The connector is one of connectors. Some of the connectors are spaced apart from one another along a gap between a lower surface of the load-bearing panel and the lower member. Some others of the connectors are spaced apart from one another along a gap between an upper surface of the load-bearing panel and the upper member. With this structure, when the load-bearing panel is rotated relative to the frame structure by shaking or vibration of the building, the comer of the load-bearing panel will not come into contact with the frame structure. This also restricts plastic deformation of the connectors.

[0006] (2) In the load-bearing wall according to aspect (1), the connector is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the frame structure and the load-bearing panel by a fastener. With this structure, when the connector becomes deteriorated, the deteriorated connector may be easily replaced. For example, if an earthquake only damaged the connector and did not damage the load-bearing panel and the frame structure, the loadbearing wall may be readily repaired by replacing the connector.

[0007] (3) In the load-bearing wall according to aspect (1) or (2), the frame structure includes a frame fastener to which the connector is fastened. The frame fastener projects from an inner peripheral surface of the frame structure. The load-bearing panel includes a panel fastener to which the connector is fastened. The panel fastener projects from a peripheral surface of the load-bearing panel. This structure allows the connector to be readily secured to the frame structure and the load-bearing panel.

[0008] (4) The load-bearing wall according to any one of aspects (1) to (3), a dimension of the connector in a thickness-wise direction of the load-bearing wall is defined as a first dimension. The first dimension of the connector is less than a thickness of the load-bearing wall. In plan view, the connector is hidden by the load-bearing wall. If the first dimension of the connector is greater than the thickness of the load-bearing wall, the connector may not be hidden by the exterior material or the interior material, to which the load-bearing panel is attached. In this respect, the above structure readily hides the connector with the exterior material or the interior material, to which the load-bearing panel is attached.

[0009] (5) The load-bearing wall according to any one of aspects (1) to (4), the extensioncontraction portion of the connector includes a first curved part projecting in a first direction, and a second curved part projecting in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first direction extends along an axis parallel to the thickness-wise direction of the loadbearing wall.

[0010] If the connector is formed by a coil spring, the force acting to deform the frame structure during an earthquake may not be sufficiently transferred to the load-bearing panel. This may result in deformation of the frame structure. In this respect, with the connector having the above-described structure, deformation in the horizontal direction during a relatively large quake will be smaller than that of a coil spring. This sufficiently transfers the force acting on the frame structure to the load-bearing panel, thereby reducing deformation of the frame structure during an earthquake.

[0011] (6) In the load-bearing wall according to aspect (5), the connector includes a first member including the first curved part, and a second member including the second curved part. The second member is coupled to the first member by a fastener. With this structure, the connector is formed by two simple members.

[0012] (7) A building that solves the above problem includes the load-bearing wall according to any one of aspects (1) to (6). This structure avoids contact of the corner of the load-bearing panel with the frame structure, and restricts plastic deformation of the connectors. This minimizes damages to the building caused by vibration.

[0013] (8) In the building according to aspect (7), the load-bearing panel includes crosslaminated timber. At least part of a surface of the load-bearing panel facing an interior of the building is exposed to the interior. With this structure, the load-bearing panel forms a woodgrain interior wall. Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0014] The load-bearing wall and the building according to the present disclosure restrict plastic deformation of the connector resulting from vibration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a building. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view enlarging a joining structure of a load-bearing panel in the building shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view enlarging the joining structure of the load-bearing panel in the building shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a frame fastening metal fitting. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the frame fastening metal fitting taken along line 5-5 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view enlarging a connector in the joining structure of the load-bearing panel. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a first member of the connector. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating deformation of a frame structure in a load-bearing wall of a reference example. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating deformation of a frame structure in the load-bearing wall of the present embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the connector of the load-bearing wall. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Building As shown in Fig. 1, a building 1 includes a foundation 2, an outer wall 3, and a roof 4. The building 1 includes a load-bearing wall 10. The outer wall 3 is disposed on the foundation 2. The roof 4 is disposed on the outer wall 3 to cover the interior space surrounded by the outer wall 3. The load-bearing wall 10 may form part of or the whole of the outer wall 3. When the building 1 includes an inner wall, the load-bearing wall 10 may form part of or the whole of the inner wall.

[0017] Load-Bearing Wall The load-bearing wall 10 includes a frame structure 11, a load-bearing panel 12 disposed within the frame structure 11, and connectors 15 connecting the load-bearing panel 12 to the frame structure 11 (refer to Figs. 1 and 9).

[0018] Frame Structure The frame structure 11 is formed from, for example, lumber. The frame structure 11 includes an upper member 21 and a lower member 22 located downward from the upper member 21 (refer to Figs. 1 and 9). The frame structure 11 further includes a first vertical member 23 and a second vertical member 24. The second vertical member 24 is spaced apart from the first vertical member 23 in the horizontal direction. The upper member 21 links the upper end of the first vertical member 23 to the upper end of the second vertical member 24. The lower member 22 links the lower end of the first vertical member 23 to the lower end of the second vertical member 24.

[0019] The frame structure 11 is part of the framework of the building 1. The framework of the building 1 includes posts, transverse beams, longitudinal beams, a base, and the foundation 2. The frame structure 11 includes some of the posts, the transverse beams, the longitudinal beams, the base, and the foundation 2. In the load-bearing wall 10 on the ground floor of the present embodiment, the upper member 21 of the frame structure 11 is a transverse beam or a longitudinal beam. The lower member 22 of the frame structure 11 is the foundation 2. The first vertical member 23 and the second vertical member 24 of the frame structure 11 are posts.

[0020] Ajoining structure of the load-bearing panel 12 at the lower left comer of the loadbearing panel 12 will now be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate section A shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the load-bearing wall 10 taken along line C-C shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the load-bearing wall 10 taken along line B-B shown in Fig. 2.

[0021] The frame structure 11 includes a rectangular opening 25. The load-bearing panel 12 is disposed in the opening 25. The frame structure 11 includes an inner peripheral surface 25 A extending along the edges of the opening 25 (refer to Fig. 9).

[0022] The frame structure 11 includes a frame fastener 28 to which the connector 15 is fastened. The frame fastener 28 projects from the inner peripheral surface 25 A of the frame structure 11. The frame fastener 28 includes a frame fastening metal fitting 30. The frame fastening metal fitting 30 is secured to the upper member 21 or the lower member 22. In the example shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the frame fastener 28 is secured to the foundation 2, which serves as the lower member 22. The frame fastener 28 is secured to the foundation 2 by bolts.

[0023] The load-bearing panel 12 includes a panel fastener 29 to which the connector 15 is fastened. The panel fastener 29 projects from a peripheral surface 12S of the load-bearing panel 12. The peripheral surface 12S of the load-bearing panel 12 includes an upper surface 12 A, a lower surface 12B, and side surfaces 12C of the load-bearing panel 12 (refer to Fig. 9). In the present example, the panel fastener 29 projects downward from the lower surface 12B of the load-bearing panel 12.

[0024] The panel fastener 29 includes a panel fastening metal fitting 40. The panel fastening metal fitting 40 is secured to the load-bearing panel 12. The panel fastening metal fitting 40 is plate-shaped. Part of the panel fastening metal fitting 40 is inserted into a slit 13 arranged in an intermediate part of the load-bearing panel 12 in the thickness-wise direction, and the part of the panel fastening metal fitting 40 is secured to the load-bearing panel 12 by bolts and drift pins.

[0025] The panel fastener 29 is joined to the frame fastener 28 by the connector 15. In an example, the panel fastener 29 is joined to the frame fastener 28 by two connectors 15 (refer to Fig. 2).

[0026] The load-bearing panel 12 is arranged in the opening 25 of the frame structure 11 (refer to Figs. 1 and 9). Specifically, the load-bearing panel 12 is arranged so that a gap S is formed between the upper surface 12A of the load-bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21 and another gap S is formed between the lower surface 12B of the load-bearing panel 12 and the foundation 2, which serves as the lower member 22.

[0027] Some connectors 15 are arranged in the gap S between the lower surface 12B of the load-bearing panel 12 and the foundation 2, which serves as the lower member 22 (refer to Fig. 9). Some other connectors 15 are arranged in the gap S between the upper surface 12A of the load-bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the connector 15 is dimensioned as follows. The largest dimension of the connector 15 in the thickness-wise direction of the load-bearing wall 10 is defined as a first dimension Al. The first dimension Al of the connector 15 is less than the thickness of the load-bearing wall 10. In plan view, the connector 15 is hidden by the loadbearing wall 10.

[0029] An interior material 6 is arranged at the lower end of the inner surface of the loadbearing panel 12 to hide the connector 15. An example of the interior material 6 is a baseboard. An exterior material 7 and a backing material 8 are arranged on the outer surface of the load-bearing panel 12. The exterior material 7 and the lower ground 8 extend beyond the lower end of the load-bearing panel 12 to hide the connector 15.

[0030] Frame Fastening Metal Fitting An example of the frame fastening metal fitting 30 will now be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. The frame fastening metal fitting 30 is configured to be secured to the foundation 2, which serves as the lower member 22, or to a transverse beam or a longitudinal beam, which serves as the upper member 21. Fig. 4 shows the frame fastening metal fitting 30 configured to be secured to the foundation 2. The frame fastening metal fitting 30 configured to be secured to the upper member 21 may have the same structure as the frame fastening metal fitting 30 shown in Fig. 4 or a different structure from the frame fastening metal fitting 30 shown in Fig. 4.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, the frame fastening metal fitting 30 includes a first base 31, a support 33, a second base 32, and a first fastening portion 34. The support 33 projects from the first base 31. The second base 32 is fixed to the support 33. The first fastening portion 34 projects from the second base 32. The first base 31 is configured to be secured to the upper member 21 or the lower member 22 by multiple fasteners 80. The first base 31 has a first through-hole 35 through which a shaft of the fastener 80 is inserted. The second base 32 has a second through-hole 36 through which the fastener 80 is inserted. The second base 32 has the longitudinal direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the first base 31. Examples of the fastener 80 include a set of a bolt and a nut, a rivet, a nail, or a drift pin. The same applies to each fastener 80 described hereinafter.

[0032] The support 33 includes a first projection 33 A extending in the longitudinal direction of the first base 31, and a second projection 33B orthogonal to the first projection 33 A. The first projection 33 A and the second projection 33B are welded to the first base 31. The second base 32 is attached to the first projection 33A and the second projection 33B by welding. Two longitudinal ends of the first projection 33 A are located between opposite ends of the first base 31 in the longitudinal direction. Two longitudinal ends of the second projection 33B are located between opposite ends of the first base 31 in the widthwise direction.

[0033] The first fastening portion 34 is configured to be joined to the connector 15. The first fastening portion 34 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second base 32. In a state in which the frame fastening metal fitting 30 is secured to the upper member 21 or the lower member 22, the first fastening portion 34 vertically projects from the second base 32. The first fastening portion 34 has a third through-hole 37. In a state in which the frame fastening metal fitting 30 is secured to the upper member 21 or the lower member 22, the third through-hole 37 horizontally extends through the first fastening portion 34 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first fastening portion 34.

[0034] The frame fastening metal fitting 30 is secured to the upper member 21 or the lower member 22 such that the longitudinal direction of the upper member 21 or the lower member 22 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the first base 31. When the frame fastening metal fitting 30 is secured to the upper member 21 or the lower member 22 in this manner, the center axis of the third through-hole 37 of the first fastening portion 34 is orthogonal to a main surface of the load-bearing wall 10.

[0035] Load-Bearing Panel The load-bearing panel 12 is arranged within the frame structure 11 without contacting the upper member 21 and the lower member 22.

[0036] In front view in which the load-bearing panel 12 is attached to the frame structure 11, the load-bearing panel 12 is rectangular. The four corners of the load-bearing panel 12 are joined to the frame structure 11 by the connectors 15. In an example, each corner of the load-bearing panel 12 is joined to the frame structure 11 by two connectors 15 (refer to Figs. 2 and 9).

[0037] Some of the connectors 15 are spaced apart from one another along the gap S between the upper surface 12A of the load-bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21. In an example, in front view, two connectors 15 are arranged at the upper right corner of the loadbearing panel 12 and are spaced apart from two other connectors 15 arranged at the upper left corner of the load-bearing panel 12 (refer to Fig. 9).

[0038] Further, some of the connectors 15 are spaced apart from one another along the gap S between the lower surface 12B of the load-bearing panel 12 and the lower member 22. In an example, in front view, two connectors 15 are arranged at the lower right corner of the load-bearing panel 12 and are spaced apart from two other connectors 15 arranged at the lower left comer of the load-bearing panel 12 (refer to Fig. 9).

[0039] The load-bearing panel 12 includes plywood formed by a stack of multiple components. Examples of the components forming the load-bearing panel 12 include a wood plate, a laminated wood plate, a resin plate, a heat-insulating resin member, an inorganic material, or the like. In an example, the load-bearing panel 12 is formed by a stack of a wood plate, a resin plate, and a heat-insulating resin member. In another example, the load-bearing panel 12 is formed by cross-laminated timber. In a further example, the load-bearing panel 12 includes an inorganic material.

[0040] The outer wall 3 may be configured so that the load-bearing panel 12 is exposed to the interior of the building 1. At least part of a surface of the load-bearing panel 12 facing the interior of the building 1 may be exposed to the interior. For example, when the load-bearing panel 12 is formed by cross-laminated timber, the load-bearing panel 12 is arranged so that the surface of the load-bearing panel 12 facing the interior is exposed. In this manner, the interior has a wood-grain finish.

[0041] Panel Fastening Metal Fitting An example of the panel fastening metal fitting 40 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the panel fastening metal fitting 40 is formed by a plate-shaped member. The panel fastening metal fitting 40 includes an embedded portion 41 and a second fastening portion 42. The embedded portion 41 is configured to be embedded in the load-bearing panel 12. Specifically, the embedded portion 41 is inserted into the slit 13 extending perpendicularly from the end surface of the load-bearing panel 12. The embedded portion 41 has a fourth through-hole 44 through which the fastener 80 is inserted. The embedded portion 41 is secured to the load-bearing panel 12 by the fasteners 80 and drift pins. The fourth through-hole 44 of the embedded portion 41 includes a hole 44 A for receiving a bolt, and a hole 44B for receiving a drift pin.

[0042] The second fastening portion 42 is configured to be joined to the connector 15. The second fastening portion 42 projects out of the load-bearing panel 12. The second fastening portion 42 projects out of the upper surface 12A or the lower surface 12B of the load-bearing panel 12. The second fastening portion 42 has a fifth through-hole 45 through which the fastener 80 is inserted.

[0043] The panel fastening metal fitting 40 is secured to the load-bearing panel 12 such that a main surface of the panel fastening metal fitting 40 is parallel to a main surface of the load-bearing panel 12. When the panel fastening metal fitting 40 is secured to the loadbearing panel 12 in this manner, the center axis of the fifth through-hole 45 of the second fastening portion 42 is orthogonal to a main surface of the load-bearing wall 10.

[0044] Connector The connector 15 will now be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. The connector 15 includes an extension-contraction portion 51. The extension-contraction portion 51 is configured to be extended and contracted by a force applied to the connector 15. The connector 15 further includes two connecting portions 52.

[0045] The extension-contraction portion 51 is arranged between the two connecting portions 52. The extension-contraction portion 51 has a structure that increases and decreases the distance between the two connecting portions 52. When the extensioncontraction portion 51 is deformed, the connector 15 contracts to shorten the distance between the two connecting portions 52 or extends to lengthen the distance between the two connecting portions 52.

[0046] The extension-contraction portion 51 of the connector 15 includes a first curved part 62 and a second curved part 72. The first curved part 62 projects in a first direction DI that extends along an axis parallel to the thickness-wise direction of the load-bearing wall 10. The second curved part 72 projects in a second direction D2 that is opposite to the first direction DI.

[0047] The connector 15 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the frame structure 11 and the load-bearing panel 12 by the fasteners 80. Details of the connector 15 will now be described.

[0048] The connector 15 includes a first member 61 and a second member 71. The second member 71 may have the same structure as the first member 61 or a different structure from the first member 61. In the present embodiment, the second member 71 has the same structure as the first member 61.

[0049] The first member 61 and the second member 71 are each formed by a metal plate. The first member 61 and the second member 71 are formed from, for example, steel. Preferably, the first member 61 and the second member 71 are formed from low-yield-point steel. The first member 61 and the second member 71 each have a thickness between 3 mm and 20 mm, inclusive. In an example, the first member 61 and the second member 71 each have a thickness between 5 mm and 10 mm, inclusive.

[0050] The first member 61 includes the first curved part 62. Specifically, the first member 61 includes the first curved part 62 and two first connecting parts 63. The first curved part 62 is arranged between the two first connecting parts 63. The first curved part 62 is formed along a circle having a predetermined radius. The predetermined radius is between 7 mm and 20 mm, inclusive. The first connecting parts 63 each have a sixth through-hole 64 through which the fastener 80 is inserted. Hereinafter, one of the two first connecting parts 63 will be referred to as the eleventh connecting part 65, and the other one of the two first connecting parts 63 will be referred to as the twelfth connecting part 66.

[0051] The second member 71 includes the second curved part 72. Specifically, the second member 71 includes the second curved part 72 and two second connecting parts 73. The second curved part 72 is arranged between the two second connecting parts 73. The second curved part 72 is formed along a circle having a predetermined radius. The predetermined radius is between 7 mm and 20 mm, inclusive. The second connecting parts 73 each have a seventh through-hole 74 through which the fastener 80 is inserted. Hereinafter, one of the two second connecting parts 73 will be referred to as the thirteenth connecting part 75, and the other one of the two second connecting parts 73 will be referred to as the fourteenth connecting part 76.

[0052] The eleventh connecting part 65 of the first member 61 and the thirteenth connecting part 75 of the second member 71 form one of the two connecting portions 52. The twelfth connecting part 66 of the first member 61 and the fourteenth connecting part 76 of the second member 71 form the other one of the two connecting portions 52. The first curved part 62 of the first member 61 and the second curved part 72 of the second member 71 form the extension-contraction portion 51 of the connector 15.

[0053] The second member 71 is coupled to the first member 61 by the fasteners 80. Specifically, the first member 61 is coupled to the second member 71 by the fasteners 80, such that the frame fastener 28 and the panel fastener 29 are sandwiched in between.

[0054] The eleventh connecting part 65 of the first member 61 is coupled to the thirteenth connecting part 75 of the second member 71 by the fasteners 80 in a state in which the second fastening portion 42 is disposed between the eleventh connecting part 65 and the thirteenth connecting part 75. Each of the fasteners 80 is inserted through the sixth through-hole 64 of the eleventh connecting part 65, the fifth through-hole 45 of the second fastening portion 42, and the seventh through-hole 74 of the thirteenth connecting part 75.

[0055] The twelfth connecting part 66 of the first member 61 is coupled to the fourteenth connecting part 76 of the second member 71 by the fasteners 80 in a state in which the first fastening portion 34 is disposed between the twelfth connecting part 66 and the fourteenth connecting part 76. Each of the fasteners 80 is inserted through the sixth through-hole 64 of the twelfth connecting part 66, the third through-hole 37 of the first fastening portion 34, and the seventh through-hole 74 of the fourteenth connecting part 76.

[0056] Operation of the Embodiment The operation of the present embodiment will now be described. The load-bearing panel 12 is disposed within the frame structure 11. The loadbearing panel 12 is not directly joined to the frame structure 11. The load-bearing panel 12 is arranged within the frame structure 11 with the gaps S in between. The frame structure 11 is joined to the frame structure 11 with connectors 15. When the building 1 is vibrated by an earthquake or the like, the load-bearing panel 12 joined to the frame structure 11 restricts deformation of the frame structure 11.

[0057] A reference example of the load-bearing wall 10 in which the load-bearing panel 12 is directly fixed to the frame structure 11 will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. When the building 1 is vibrated by an earthquake or the like, the frame structure 11 may deform even though the load-bearing panel 12 limits such deformation. The load-bearing panel 12 is relatively difficult to deform. Accordingly, in a case in which the load-bearing panel 12 is directly fixed to the frame structure 11, the load-bearing panel 12 may interfere with the frame structure 11 during vibration of the building 1. If the frame structure 11 is significantly deformed, the corner of the load-bearing panel 12 may be embedded into the frame structure 11, or the components of the frame structure 11 may be separated. Once the frame structure 11 is damaged, the building 1 becomes difficult to repair.

[0058] The load-bearing wall 10 of the present embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the present embodiment, the load-bearing panel 12 is disposed within the frame structure 11. The load-bearing panel 12 is not directly joined to the frame structure 11. The load-bearing panel 12 is arranged within the frame structure 11 with the gaps S in between. The load-bearing panel 12 is joined to the frame structure 11 by the connectors 15. Since the connectors 15 are formed from metal, the force applied to the frame structure 11 is readily transferred to the load-bearing panel 12 through the connectors 15. This restricts deformation of the frame structure 11 resulting from vibration of the building 1. Also, the connectors 15 each include the extension-contraction portion 51. Accordingly, when the building 1 is vibrated, the connectors 15 extend and contract in accordance with deformation of the frame structure 11. Such extension and contraction of the connectors 15 alleviate the stress between the frame structure 11 and the load-bearing panel 12. This avoids the connectors 15 from becoming embedded into the frame structure 11. Further, since the loadbearing panel 12 is arranged within the frame structure 11 with the gaps S in between, the load-bearing panel 12 will not come into direct contact with the frame structure 11. Furthermore, since the force applied to the frame structure 11 by an earthquake or the like is distributed to the connectors 15, the components of the frame structure 11 will not be separated.

[0059] In addition, in a case in which the connectors 15 are formed from low-yield-point steel, the connectors 15 may be buckled by a relatively large force. Therefore, such buckling of the connectors 15 may absorb a relatively large impact applied to the building 1 at the beginning of an earthquake, and mitigate damages to the frame structure 11.

[0060] The load-bearing wall 10 further includes the following operation. If the connectors 15 are arranged to fill the gaps S between the load-bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21, when the connectors 15 are plastically deformed by vibration of the building I, the stress may continue to act between the load-bearing panel 12 and the frame. This may accelerate deterioration of the load-bearing wall 10.

[0061] In this respect, the connectors 15 of the present embodiment each include the extension-contraction portion 51. Also, some of the connectors 15 are spaced apart from one another along the gap S between the lower surface 12B of the load-bearing panel 12 and the lower member 22. Some other connectors 15 are spaced apart from one another along the gap S between the upper surface 12A of the load-bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21. Thus, the connectors 15 are joined to the load-bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21 or the lower member 22 only at predetermined positions, instead of being joined to the loadbearing panel 12 and the upper member 21 or the lower member 22 along their entire lengths. This limits increases in the torsional stress applied to the connectors 15, thereby restricting plastic deformation of the connectors 15. As a result, the load-bearing wall 10 avoids a situation in which stress continues to act between the load-bearing panel 12 and the frame.

[0062] The present embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The load-bearing wall 10 includes the load-bearing panel 12 disposed within the frame structure 11, and the connectors 15. The load-bearing panel 12 is arranged within the frame structure 11 without contacting the upper member 21 and the lower member 22. The connectors 15 each include the extension-contraction portion 51. Some of the connectors 15 are spaced apart from one another along the gap S between the lower surface 12B of the load-bearing panel 12 and the lower member 22. Some others of the connectors 15 are spaced apart from one another along the gap S between the upper surface 12A of the load-bearing panel 12 and the upper member 21. With this structure, when the load-bearing panel 12 is rotated relative to the frame structure 11 by shaking or vibration of the building 1, the comer of the load-bearing panel 12 will not come into contact with the frame structure 11. This also restricts plastic deformation of the connectors 15.

[0063] (2) The connector 15 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the frame structure 11 and the load-bearing panel 12 by the fastener 80. With this structure, when the connector 15 becomes deteriorated, the deteriorated connector 15 may be easily replaced. For example, if an earthquake only damaged the connector 15 and did not damage the load-bearing panel 12 and the frame structure 11, the load-bearing wall 10 may be readily repaired by replacing the connector 15.

[0064] (3) The frame structure 11 includes the frame fastener 28 to which the connector 15 is fastened. The frame fastener 28 projects from the inner peripheral surface 25A of the frame structure 11. The load-bearing panel 12 includes the panel fastener 29 to which the connector 15 is fastened. The panel fastener 29 projects from the peripheral surface 12S of the load-bearing panel 12. This structure allows the connector 15 to be readily secured to the frame structure 11 and the load-bearing panel 12.

[0065] (4) The first dimension Al of the connector 15 is less than the thickness of the load-bearing wall 10. In plan view, the connector 15 is hidden by the load-bearing wall 10. If the first dimension Al of the connector 15 is greater than the thickness of the load-bearing wall 10, the connector 15 may not be hidden by the exterior material 7 or the interior material 6, to which the load-bearing panel 12 is attached. In this respect, the above structure readily hides the connector 15 with the exterior material 7 or the interior material 6, to which the load-bearing panel 12 is attached.

[0066] (5) The extension-contraction portion 51 of the connector 15 includes the first curved part 62 and the second curved part 72. The first curved part 62 projects in the first direction DI that extends along an axis parallel to the thickness-wise direction of the loadbearing wall 10. The second curved part 72 projects in the second direction D2 that is opposite to the first direction D1.

[0067] If the connector 15 is formed by a coil spring, the force acting to deform the frame structure 11 during an earthquake may not be sufficiently transferred to the load-bearing panel 12. This may result in deformation of the frame structure 11. In this respect, with the connector 15 having the above-described structure, deformation in the horizontal direction during a relatively large quake will be smaller than that of a coil spring. This sufficiently transfers the force acting on the frame structure 11 to the load-bearing panel 12, thereby reducing deformation of the frame structure 11 during an earthquake.

[0068] (6) The connector 15 includes the first member 61, which includes the first curved part 62, and the second member 71, which includes the second curved part 72. The second member 71 is coupled to the first member 61 by the fastener 80. With this structure, the connector 15 is formed by two simple members.

[0069] (7) The building 1 includes the above-described load-bearing wall 10. This structure avoids contact of the corner of the load-bearing panel 12 with the frame structure 11, and restricts plastic deformation of the connectors 15. This minimizes damages to the building 1 caused by vibration.

[0070] (8) In the building 1, the load-bearing panel 12 includes cross-laminated timber. At least part of the surface of the load-bearing panel 12 facing the interior of the building 1 is exposed to the interior. With this structure, the load-bearing panel 12 forms a wood-grain interior wall.

[0071] Modified Examples The above embodiment exemplifies, without any intention to limit, applicable forms of the load-bearing wall 10 and the building 1. The load-bearing wall 10 and the building 1 are applicable to forms different from the examples described in the above embodiment. For example, the structures of the above embodiment may be replaced, changed, or omitted in part or include additional elements. Modified examples of the above embodiment will now be described below.

[0072] The structure of the extension-contraction portion 51 of the connector 15 may be changed. In the present embodiment, the extension-contraction portion 51 is formed by the first curved part 62 and the second curved part 72. However, the extension-contraction portion 51 may have a different structure.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 10, the extension-contraction portion 51 may include a first portion 91 that is curved in side view, and a second portion 92 that is bent at two points. In an example, the second curved part 72 of the second member 71 is changed. Specifically, the second portion 92 of the second member 71 includes a first horizontal part 93, which projects horizontally from the thirteenth connecting part 75, a second horizontal part 94, which projects horizontally from the fourteenth connecting part 76, and a vertical part 95, which connects the first horizontal part 93 and the second horizontal part 94.

[0074] This specification discloses the following techniques. [Clause 1] A first technique relates to a load-bearing wall for a building. The load-bearing wall includes a frame structure, a load-bearing panel disposed within the frame structure, and a connector connecting the load-bearing panel to the frame structure. The frame structure includes an upper member, and a lower member located downward from the upper member. The load-bearing panel is arranged within the frame structure without contacting the upper member and the lower member. The connector includes an extension-contraction portion. The connector is one of connectors. Some of the connectors are spaced apart from one another along a gap between a lower surface of the load-bearing panel and the lower member. Some others of the connectors are spaced apart from one another along a gap between an upper surface of the load-bearing panel and the upper member.

[0075] [Clause 2] In clause 1, the connector is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the frame structure and the load-bearing panel by a fastener.

[0076] [Clause 3] In clause 2, the frame structure includes a frame fastener to which the connector is fastened. The frame fastener projects from an inner peripheral surface of the frame structure. The load-bearing panel includes a panel fastener to which the connector is fastened. The panel fastener projects from a peripheral surface of the load-bearing panel.

[0077] [Clause 4] In clause 1, a dimension of the connector in a thickness-wise direction of the loadbearing wall is defined as a first dimension. The first dimension of the connector is less than a thickness of the load-bearing wall. In plan view, the connector is hidden by the loadbearing wall.

[0078] [Clause 5] In clause 1, the extension-contraction portion of the connector includes a first curved part projecting in a first direction, and a second curved part projecting in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first direction extends along an axis parallel to the thickness-wise direction of the load-bearing wall.

[0079] [Clause 6] In clause 5, the connector includes a first member including the first curved part, and a second member including the second curved part. The second member is coupled to the first member by a fastener.

[0080] [Clause 7] A second technique relates to a building. The building includes the load-bearing wall according to any one of clauses 1 to 6.

[0081] [Clause 8] In clause 7, the load-bearing panel includes cross-laminated timber. At least part of a surface of the load-bearing panel facing an interior of the building is exposed to the interior. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0082] Al) first dimension, DI) first direction, D2) second direction, S) gap, 1) building, 10) load-bearing wall, 11) frame structure, 12) load-bearing panel, 12A) upper surface, 12B) lower surface, 12S) peripheral surface, 15) connector, 21) upper member, 22) lower member, 25 A) inner peripheral surface, 28) frame fastener, 29) panel fastener, 51) extensioncontraction portion, 61) first member, 62) first curved part, 71) second member, 72) second curved part, 80) fastener.

Claims

1. A load-bearing wall for a building, the load-bearing wall comprising:a frame structure;a load-bearing panel disposed within the frame structure; anda connector connecting the load-bearing panel to the frame structure, whereinthe frame structure includes an upper member and a lower member locateddownward from the upper member,the load-bearing panel is arranged within the frame structure without contacting the upper member and the lower member.the connector includes an extension-contraction portion,the connector is one of connectors,some of the connectors are spaced apart from one another along a gap between alower surface of the load-bearing panel and the lower member, andsome others of the connectors are spaced apart from one another along a gap between an upper surface of the load-bearing panel and the upper member.

2. The load-bearing wall according to claim 1, wherein the connector is configured tobe attachable to and detachable from the frame structure and the load-bearing panel by a fastener.

3. The load-bearing wall according to claim 2, whereinthe frame structure includes a frame fastener to which the connector is tastenea, tne frame fastener projecting from an inner peripheral surface of the frame structure, andthe load-bearing panel includes a panel fastener to which the connector is fastened, the panel fastener projecting from a peripheral surface of the load-bearing panel.

4. The load-bearing wall according to claim 1, whereina dimension of the connector in a thickness-wise direction of the load-bearing wall is defined as a first dimension,the first dimension of the connector is less than a thickness of the load-bearingwall, andin plan view, the connector is hidden by the load-bearing wall.

5. The load-bearing wall according to claim 1, wherein the extension-contraction portion of the connector includesa first curved part projecting in a first direction, the first direction extending along an axis parallel to the thickness-wise direction of the load-bearing wall, anda second curved part projecting in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

6. The load-bearing wall according to claim 5, whereinthe connector includesa first member including the first curved part, anda second member including the second curved part, andthe second member is coupled to the first member by a fastener.

7. A building, comprising:the load-bearing wall according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The building according to claim 7, whereinthe load-bearing panel includes cross-laminated timber, andat least part of a surface of the load-bearing panel facing an interior of the buildingis exposed to the interior.

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