Airtight materials and airtight construction methods for buildings

Abstract

This system creates an airtight seal without requiring extra effort, thereby shortening construction time. [Solution] The airtight material 1 comprises a bag-shaped airtight material body 2 made of an elastic material that is expandable in the length and diameter directions, a balloon that expands when gas is sealed inside to expand the airtight material body from the inside, and an expandable frame. The balloon has a gas sealing inlet 31, which penetrates the airtight material body 2 and is led out to the outside. The frame is attached to the balloon and expands as the balloon expands, and is capable of maintaining the expanded shape, thus maintaining the expanded shape of the airtight material body 2 from the inside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airtight material and an airtight construction method for forming an airtight line in a building.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to ensure the airtightness of a building, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there are known methods such as sealing the space between a sash frame and the periphery of an opening with an airtight tape, or installing an airtight material made of a resin such as ethylene propylene diene rubber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there are many protruding members with irregular shapes on the indoor side of the structural frame, and airtight-deficient sites are likely to occur around them. At an actual construction site, it is a laborious task to form an airtight line by closely adhering an airtight material without gaps so as to appropriately surround those sites, and the construction quality varies depending on the skill level of the constructor. Also, for example, there are methods such as fitting a dry airtight material made of pre-formed polypropylene resin or the like, or injecting an injection-type foaming material such as urethane resin to fill the gap with a foam. However, it is difficult to ensure the adhesion to adjacent members. When using an injection-type foaming material, it takes time until foaming is completed, the swelling shape cannot be controlled, and work to remove the portion protruding from the gap is also required.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an airtight material and a method for constructing airtight buildings that can form an airtight line without requiring extra effort and shorten construction time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present disclosure provides an airtight material that is installed in gaps in a building to form an airtight line, comprising: a bag-shaped airtight material body made of an elastic material that is expandable and expandable in the longitudinal and radial directions; a balloon disposed inside the airtight material body that expands when gas is sealed inside to expand the airtight material body from the inside; and an expandable frame disposed inside the airtight material body, wherein the balloon has a gas inlet, the inlet penetrates the airtight material body and is led out to the outside; the frame is attached to the balloon and expands as the balloon expands and can maintain its expanded shape, and the expanded shape of the airtight material body is maintained from the inside.

[0007] Furthermore, in the airtight material, the balloon is fitted with a belt, the longitudinal ends of which are overlapped and not fixed, the belt is wrapped around the balloon in the circumferential direction and is provided to expand in diameter to follow the expansion of the balloon, and a bursting member is provided on one of the longitudinal ends of the belt, and it is preferable that the bursting member bursts the balloon when the overlapping length of the ends is shortened to a predetermined length by the expanding balloon.

[0008] Furthermore, in the airtight material, it is preferable that the belt has a sharp-tipped bursting member on one end and a through hole through which the bursting member is inserted on the other end.

[0009] In that case, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the belt when the rupture member is inserted through the through hole is set to correspond to the outer diameter required for the balloon when inflated.

[0010] Furthermore, in the airtight material, it is preferable that the belt is interposed between the airtight material body and the frame. Alternatively, the belt may be interposed between the frame and the balloon.

[0011] Furthermore, a method for constructing an airtight building using the airtight materials described above to form an airtight line also falls within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure. Specifically, the airtight construction method includes the steps of: arranging the airtight material, in which the balloon is in a contracted state, along the gap in the building; inflating the balloon by sealing gas into the balloon through the sealing opening, thereby expanding the frame and the airtight material body; and rupturing or removing the expanded balloon, thereby sealing the gap with the airtight material having the expanded airtight material body whose shape is maintained on the frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to form an airtight line without requiring any extra effort, thereby shortening construction time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an airtight material according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a balloon placed inside an airtight seal. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the frame installed inside the airtight material. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the belt installed inside the airtight material. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the airtight material in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the airtight seal when a balloon is inflated. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the airtight seal after a balloon has burst. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing an airtight material according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]It is a cross-sectional view showing the airtight material according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) show an enlarged view of the foundation part of a building. Fig. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the construction preparation process of the airtight material, and Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view showing after the construction is completed. [Figure 11] Figs. 11(a) and 11(b) show an enlarged view of the pipe penetration part of a building. Fig. 11(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the construction preparation process of the airtight material, and Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view showing after the construction is completed.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The airtight material and the airtight construction method of a building according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. In addition, the common constituent parts in each embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the airtight material 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the balloon 3 disposed inside the airtight material 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the frame 4 disposed inside the airtight material 1, Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the belt 5 disposed inside the airtight material 1, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the airtight material 1 in Fig. 1.

[0016] The airtight material 1 has an airtight material body 2 made of an elastic material that can expand and contract in the length direction and the radial direction. As shown in Fig. 1, the airtight material body 2 is formed as a bag-shaped body having a certain length, and both ends in the length direction are closed. The airtight material body 2 is preferably made of a material having appropriate flexibility, softness, and airtightness so that it can be disposed in a gap between constituent members in a building. Examples of the material constituting such an airtight material body 2 include, for example, TPE (thermoplastic rubber elastomer), silicone rubber, etc., and particularly TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is preferable.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 5, inside the airtight material body 2, a belt 5, a frame 4, and a balloon 3 are arranged in this order from the outside. That is, the balloon 3, the frame 4, and the belt 5 are arranged in this order from the inside, and the whole is covered by the airtight material body 2.

[0018] Inside the airtight material body 2, the balloon 3 arranged at the most central part is made of an elastic material that can expand uniformly in the length direction and the diameter direction, and can be expanded uniformly without bias by a gas such as air enclosed therein. The balloon 3 expands by enclosing the gas and expands the airtight material body 2 from the inside.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, when contracted, the balloon 3 is formed as a bag-shaped body having an elongated shape along the length direction of the airtight material body 2. A gas inlet 31 is provided at one end of the balloon 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 31 is provided so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the airtight material body 2. The protruding direction of the inlet 31 is not limited to this, and for example, it may be provided so as to protrude in the length direction of the airtight material body 2, or may be provided to protrude in any direction. A check valve (not shown) is provided inside the inlet 31, and only the inflow of gas from the inlet 31 into the inside of the balloon 3 is allowed.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, an outlet 21 is opened near one end of the airtight material body 2. The inlet 31 of the balloon 3 is led out to the outside of the airtight material body 2 through the outlet 21. A gas supply pipe can be connected to the inlet 31. The outlet 21 is not limited to being provided near one end of the airtight material body 2, and may be opened corresponding to the position where the inlet 31 of the balloon 3 is provided, and may be provided at any position and in any shape.

[0021] The balloon 3 is externally provided with a frame 4. As shown in Fig. 3, the frame 4 has an overall shape that is long in the length direction of the airtight material body 2 corresponding to the length of the airtight material body 2. The frame 4 is made of, for example, a wire rod made of a metal that can maintain its shape, such as a wire.

[0022] In the example configuration, the frame 4 is composed of a plurality of straight sections 41 arranged along its length, curved sections 42 connecting these straight sections 41, and straight connecting sections 43 connecting the curved sections 42. The frame 4 is formed such that, as the balloon 3 disposed inside it expands, the curvature of, for example, the curved sections 42 changes, and the overall shape becomes expandable in the radial direction.

[0023] The balloon 3 is further enclosed with a belt 5. As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 4, the belt 5 is a long, strip-shaped member that is wound cylindrically along the circumferential direction C. Examples of materials that make up the belt 5 include PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and aluminum. A bursting member 53 is provided at one end 51 of the belt 5, and a through hole 54 is provided at the other end 52. The bursting member 53 is a needle-shaped member with a sharp tip that protrudes from the inner surface of one end 51 of the belt 5, with its tip extending inward (towards the center of the wound belt 5).

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the belt 5 is interposed between the airtight material body 2 and the frame 4 and is wrapped around the frame 4 and the balloon 3 inside it in the circumferential direction. The belt 5 is overlapped without one end 51 and the other end 52 being joined or fixed together. The end 51 of the belt 5, which has the rupture member 53, is positioned away from the other end 52, which has the through hole 54. The tip of the rupture member 53 is in contact with the circumferential portion of the belt 5.

[0025] In Figure 5, balloon 3 is in a deflated state with no gas sealed inside. In this state, for example, the outer diameter of the airtight material body 2 that constitutes the airtight material 1 is 2 to 10 mm, and is sized to be placed along the gap. The airtight material body 2 is formed to have an outer shape with a circular cross-section, at least when expanded. The length (lengthwise dimension) of the airtight material body 2 is not limited and can be arbitrary, and the length can be appropriately set depending on the place where it is to be placed.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the airtight material 1 when the balloon 3 is inflated. As shown in the figure, a gas supply pipe 6 is connected to the sealing port 31 of the balloon 3, and a gas such as air is sealed into the balloon 3. As a result, the balloon 3, which is positioned inside the frame 4, inflates. The expansion pressure of the balloon 3 causes the frame 4 and the airtight material body 2 to expand radially.

[0027] Furthermore, the belt 5 slides in the circumferential direction with both ends 51 and 52 approaching each other, and its overlapping length is shortened as it expands in diameter to follow the expansion of the balloon 3. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the inner diameter of the belt 5 expands to a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the expanded balloon 3. One end 51 and the other end 52 of the belt 5 overlap each other, and the rupture member 53 is inserted through the through hole 54. As a result, the tip of the rupture member 53 reaches the balloon 3 through the through hole 54, between the circumferentially adjacent straight sections 41, and is able to rupture the balloon 3.

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the airtight material 1 after the balloon 3 has burst. The burst balloon 3 can be removed to the outside, for example, through the outlet 21 of the airtight material body 2. As shown in the figure, the frame 4 maintains the shape expanded by the balloon 3 and holds the expanded shape of the airtight material body 2 from the inside. A cylindrical cavity 10 is formed inside the airtight material body 2 and the frame 4.

[0029] The airtight seal 1 configured in this way can be placed in gaps in a building to form an airtight line. For example, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the belt 5 when the bursting member 53 is inserted through the through hole 54 corresponds to the outer diameter of the balloon 3 when it is inflated. By setting the inner diameter of the belt 5 according to the size of the gap in the building where the airtight seal 1 is to be installed, and adjusting the position of the bursting member 53 and the through hole 54, it is possible to burst the balloon 3 with the desired outer diameter and make the airtight seal body 2 tightly adhere to the gap. Therefore, the cross-sectional dimensions of the airtight seal 1 can be adjusted by the belt 5.

[0030] The cavity 10 formed by removing the balloon 3 may be left as is, but it is also possible to impart thermal insulation performance to the airtight material 1 by filling the cavity 10 with thermal insulation material through the sealing opening 31 of the balloon 3.

[0031] (Embodiment 2) Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the airtight material 1a according to Embodiment 2, and is equivalent to the AA cross-sectional view in Figure 1.

[0032] In the airtight material 1, the belt 5 is not limited to being interposed between the airtight material body 2 and the frame 4. For example, as shown in the airtight material 1a in Figure 8, the belt 5 may be interposed between the frame 4 and the balloon 3.

[0033] In this configuration, the belt 5 is arranged inside the frame 4 in a more compact, wound shape. The belt 5 may have a shape with multiple bends, as shown in Figure 4, or it may be wound in a curved shape without bends, as shown in Figure 8.

[0034] When gas is sealed into the balloon 3 through the sealing port 31, the balloon 3 expands, the belt 5 expands in diameter, and the frame 4 and the airtight material body 2 also expand. The overlapping length of both ends 51 and 52 of the belt 5 is shortened, and when the bursting member 53 at one end 51 is inserted into the through hole 54 at the other end 52, the balloon 3 bursts due to the bursting member 53. As a result, similar to the above embodiment, an airtight material 1a of a predetermined shape can be obtained, in which the expanded shape of the airtight material body 2 is held from the inside by the frame 4.

[0035] (Embodiment 3) Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the airtight material 1b according to Embodiment 3, and is equivalent to the cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1.

[0036] In the airtight material 1, the belt 5 is not necessarily required. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the airtight material 1b may not have a belt 5, and the frame 4 and balloon 3 may be arranged inside the airtight material body 2 in that order from the inside.

[0037] Furthermore, the balloon 3 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a check valve, and is configured to expand and contract by sealing and releasing gas through the sealing port 31. In this case, the amount of gas sealed in the balloon 3 through the sealing port 31 is adjusted, and when the airtight material body 2 has expanded to the desired size, the sealing of gas is stopped. After that, the balloon 3 is deflated by releasing the gas, and the deflated balloon 3 can be pulled out and removed from the outlet 21 of the airtight material body 2. Even in this configuration, similar to the above embodiment, an airtight material 1b of a predetermined shape can be obtained, in which the expanded shape of the airtight material body 2 is held from the inside by the frame 4.

[0038] (Airtight construction method) The airtight construction method for buildings that forms an airtight line using the above-mentioned airtight material 1 (1a, 1b) will be explained using the case where it is applied to the foundation and pipe penetrations of a building as an example.

[0039] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are enlarged cross-sectional views showing the foundation of the building. Figure 10(a) shows the preparation process for installing the airtight sealant 1, and Figure 10(b) shows the state after installation is complete.

[0040] For example, as shown in Figure 10(a), an exterior wall material 73 is supported on a foundation 71 rising from the ground via a wall frame 74. For example, the exterior wall material 73 is an exterior wall panel that constitutes the exterior wall surface of a building. The wall frame 74 includes vertical frame members 741 and lower frame members 742 made of lip channel steel with a roughly C-shaped cross section. A flashing 75 is connected to the lower frame member 742 via mounting brackets. The flashing 75 is positioned below the exterior wall material 73 to prevent rainwater from entering the foundation 71. A support member 72 is interposed between the lower frame member 742 and the foundation 71, forming a ventilated gap.

[0041] As an airtight construction method, an airtight seal 1 is placed in such gaps to form an airtight line. As shown in Figure 10(a), the airtight seal 1 is placed on the top surface of the foundation 71 along the direction in which the lower frame member 742 is installed (construction preparation step). The airtight seal 1 has a balloon 3 in a contracted state, possesses appropriate flexibility and pliability, and can be easily placed along the gap. Multiple airtight seals 1 may be placed in a line along the length of the gap to match its length.

[0042] Next, gas is injected into the balloon 3 through the sealing port 31, inflating the balloon 3 and expanding the frame 4 and the airtight material body 2. The inflated balloon 3 bursts at the rupture member 53 of the belt 5. If the airtight material 1b does not have a belt 5, the gas sealed in the balloon 3 is released and it deflates. Then, the balloon 3 is removed from inside the airtight material body 2.

[0043] This allows the airtight material 1, which includes the expanded airtight material body 2 whose shape is maintained on the frame 4, to be installed. As shown in Figure 10(b), the airtight material 1 adheres tightly to the gap between the foundation 71 and the lower frame material 742, sealing the gap and forming an airtight line inside and outside the airtight material 1. Furthermore, in the airtight material 1 installed in this manner, insulation material may be filled inside the airtight material body 2 from which the balloon 3 has been removed.

[0044] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) are enlarged cross-sectional views showing pipe penetrations in buildings. Figure 11(a) shows the preparation process for installing the airtight sealant, and Figure 11(b) shows the area after installation is complete.

[0045] In buildings, plumbing systems such as water supply and drainage pipes are sometimes installed by penetrating floors, walls, etc. Conventionally, for example, in the case of toilet water supply pipes installed by penetrating the floor, the gap with the penetration hole is often sealed with putty or sealant. The airtight material 1 according to this embodiment can be applied not only to the foundation as described above, but also to various pipe penetrations installed indoors.

[0046] For example, as shown in Figure 11(a), the water supply pipe 81 is raised from under the floor, passing through the floor panel 82, and connected to sanitary fixtures such as toilets. A floor finishing material 83 is laid on the floor panel 82, and through holes 84 for the insertion of the water supply pipe 81 are formed in both the floor panel 82 and the floor finishing material 83.

[0047] As an airtight construction method, an airtight material 1 with a balloon 3 in a contracted state is placed in the gap between the water supply pipe 81 and the through hole 84 (construction preparation step). In this case, the airtight material 1 is placed so as to wrap around the outer surface of the water supply pipe 81. The airtight material 1, with the balloon 3 in a contracted state, has appropriate flexibility and pliability and can be easily placed along the water supply pipe 81.

[0048] Next, gas is sealed into the balloon 3 and it is inflated, expanding the frame 4 and the airtight material body 2. Then, the ruptured or deflated balloon 3 is removed from inside the airtight material body 2, and the airtight material 1, which includes the airtight material body 2 with its shape maintained, can be installed on the frame 4.

[0049] As shown in Figure 11(b), the airtight seal 1 is placed in close contact between the water supply pipe 81 and the through-hole 84, sealing the through-hole 84. This allows an airtight line to be formed inside and outside the airtight seal 1 at the pipe penetration. On the floor finishing material 83, a cover 85 is installed around the water supply pipe 81 so as to cover the through-hole 84 sealed by the airtight seal 1.

[0050] The airtight construction method for buildings, which uses airtight material 1 to form an airtight line, is applicable not only to the foundation and pipe penetrations of the buildings mentioned above, but also to various parts of the building, such as around openings and beams, and is not limited to the examples given above. By using airtight material 1, it becomes possible to form an airtight line regardless of the skill level of the worker and without requiring considerable effort, thereby shortening construction time and improving construction quality.

[0051] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical essence thereof. All technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are subject to this disclosure. The embodiments described above are preferred examples, but various modifications can be realized from the disclosed content, and such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0052] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the technical details described in each of the embodiments described above.

[0053] (Note 1) An airtight material that is installed in gaps in a building to form an airtight line, A bag-shaped airtight material body made of an elastic material that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal and radial directions, A balloon is disposed inside the airtight material body and expands when gas is sealed inside, causing the airtight material body to expand from the inside. The airtight material body is provided with an expandable frame, The balloon is provided with a gas inlet, and the inlet penetrates the airtight material body and is led out to the outside. The frame is externally mounted on the balloon and expands as the balloon inflates, and is capable of maintaining its expanded shape, and the expanded shape of the airtight material body is maintained from the inside.

[0054] (Note 2) The airtight material described in Appendix 1, The aforementioned balloon has a belt attached to its exterior. The belt is overlapped without its longitudinal ends being fixed, and is wrapped around the balloon in the circumferential direction so as to expand in diameter in accordance with the inflation of the balloon. An airtight material characterized in that a bursting member is provided at one end of the belt in the longitudinal direction, and when the overlapping length of both ends is shortened to a predetermined length by the inflating balloon, the bursting member bursts the balloon.

[0055] (Note 3) The airtight material described in Appendix 2, The aforementioned belt is an airtight material characterized in that one end is provided with the bursting member having a sharp tip, and the other end is provided with a through hole through which the bursting member is inserted.

[0056] (Note 4) The airtight material described in Appendix 3, An airtight material characterized in that the inner diameter of the belt when the bursting member is inserted through the through hole corresponds to the outer diameter required for the balloon when inflated.

[0057] (Note 5) In the airtight material described in any of the appendices 2 to 4, The aforementioned belt is interposed between the airtight material body and the frame, characterized in that the airtight material is an airtight material.

[0058] (Note 6) In the airtight material described in any of the appendices 2 to 4, The aforementioned belt is an airtight material characterized by being interposed between the frame and the balloon.

[0059] (Note 7) A method for constructing an airtight building by forming an airtight line using an airtight material described in any of the appendices 1 to 6, The process involves arranging the airtight material, in a deflated balloon state, along the gaps in the building, A step of inflating the balloon by sealing it with gas through the aforementioned opening, and expanding the frame and the airtight material body, The process includes rupturing or removing the inflated balloon, An airtight construction method characterized by sealing the gap with the airtight material having the expanded airtight material body whose shape is maintained on the frame. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Airtight material 2. Airtight material body 21 Outlet 3 Balloons 31 Envelope 4 frames 41 Straight section 42 Curved section 43 Connecting part 5 belts 51 One end 52 Other end 53 Bursting member 54 Through hole 6 Supply pipe 71 Basics 72 Support member 73 Exterior wall materials 74 Wall Frames 741 Vertical frame material 742 Bottom frame material 75 Drain 81 Water supply pipe 82 floor panels 84 Through holes

Claims

1. An airtight material that is installed in gaps in a building to form an airtight line, A bag-shaped airtight material body made of an elastic material that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal and radial directions, A balloon is disposed inside the airtight material body and expands when gas is sealed inside, causing the airtight material body to expand from the inside. The airtight material body is provided with an expandable frame, The balloon is provided with a gas inlet, and the inlet penetrates the airtight material body and is led out to the outside. The frame is externally mounted on the balloon and expands as the balloon inflates, and is capable of maintaining its expanded shape, and is characterized in that it maintains the expanded shape of the airtight material body from the inside.

2. In the airtight material according to claim 1, The aforementioned balloon has a belt attached to its exterior. The belt is overlapped without its longitudinal ends being fixed, and is wrapped around the balloon in the circumferential direction so as to expand in diameter in accordance with the balloon's inflation. An airtight material characterized in that a bursting member is provided at one end of the belt in the longitudinal direction, and when the overlapping length of both ends is shortened to a predetermined length by the inflating balloon, the bursting member bursts the balloon.

3. In the airtight material according to claim 2, The aforementioned belt is an airtight material characterized in that one end is provided with the bursting member having a sharp tip, and the other end is provided with a through hole through which the bursting member is inserted.

4. In the airtight material according to claim 3, An airtight material characterized in that the inner diameter of the belt when the bursting member is inserted through the through hole corresponds to the outer diameter required for the balloon when inflated.

5. In the airtight material according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The aforementioned belt is interposed between the airtight material body and the frame, characterized in that the airtight material is an airtight material.

6. In the airtight material according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The aforementioned belt is an airtight material characterized by being interposed between the frame and the balloon.

7. A method for constructing an airtight building by forming an airtight line using an airtight material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The process involves arranging the airtight material, in a deflated balloon state, along the gaps in the building, A step of inflating the balloon by sealing it with gas through the aforementioned opening, and expanding the frame and the airtight material body, The process includes rupturing or removing the inflated balloon, An airtight construction method characterized by sealing the gap with the airtight material having the expanded airtight material body whose shape is maintained on the frame.

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