A chamber element preform, a chamber element preform manufacturing method and a chamber element manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chamber element preform (1) comprising an inner wall (2) and an outer wall (3) made of a sheet of metal and arranged with respect to each other with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls (2, 3) are sealed with a seal (6) and define a pressure-tight hermetic inner space (4), wherein the pressure-tight hermetic inner space (4) contains an expansion agent (7). The present invention relates to a chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method and a chamber element (8) manufacturing method.

Description

[0001] A chamber element preform, a chamber element preform manufacturing method and a chamber element manufacturing method

[0002] The present invention relates to a chamber element preform, a chamber element preform manufacturing method and a chamber element manufacturing method. The objects of the invention are applied in construction, for manufacturing vehicle parts in the automotive industry, or in the furniture industry for manufacturing structural and decorative elements.

[0003] Chamber elements, made of metal sheets and provided with cavities which can be filled with a functional material, are broadly applied in various technical fields, for example as structural elements in buildings, for manufacturing wall panels, ceilings, doors and other structural elements. Chamber elements can be also used in the manufacturing of various vehicle parts, such as bodies, doors or hoods, or in the furniture industry as elements used in the manufacturing of pieces of furniture in various shapes or as decorative elements.

[0004] One method of manufacturing such chamber elements is by introducing fluid under pressure into a previously formed chamber element preform.

[0005] European document EP2110189A1 discloses a chamber element manufacturing method which comprises the forming of two sheet metal components with the desired contour, and the subsequent joining of the corresponding contours by welding for forming a pressure-tight cavity, wherein a valve is provided on one of the sheet metal components for supplying air under pressure. In the next step, air under high pressure is introduced into such a chamber element preform through the valve, resulting in the deformation of the sheet metal components within their plasticity limits and thus in a deformed chamber element. Document WO2021124093A1 discloses a multichamber structural element manufacturing method which for forming a multichamber structural element with chamber profiles extending radially from the center defined by the connection of the chamber profiles comprises steps in which at least three chamber profile preforms are provided, wherein each chamber profile preform comprises two walls made of a sheet of metal material and arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of the individual walls converge, and wherein a valve is arranged on at least one wall. In the next step, the unconnected wall edges of each of the chamber profile preforms are sealed with a seal for forming a closed hermetic empty inner space of the chamber profile preform, and subsequently a fluid under pressure is introduced through the valve into the inner space of the chamber profile preform for forming a deformed chamber profile. In the next step of the method, at least three chamber profile preforms or chamber profiles are connected in the area of the corresponding inner edges of the chamber profile preform or the chamber profile, proximal with respect to the connection axis, along at least part of the inner edges.

[0006] In turn, document WO2012159856A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a sheet metal structure deformed underthe influence of inner pressure, the method comprising at least one step of applying an inner pressure to at least one cavity of the pre-structure. The cavity is formed from one plate of sheet metal and comprises at least three fixed edges. Also provided is a pre-structure being formed from one plate of sheet metal and comprising at least one cavity, wherein the cavity comprises at least three fixed edges. The invention also provides triangular frames characterized in that one sheet metal structure deformed under inner pressure is in triangular configuration or in that at least three sheet metal structures deformed under inner pressure are assembled in triangular configuration. The technical problem of the present invention is to provide such a chamber element manufacturing method which will allow the manufacturing of a chamber element having desired properties and a defined geometry while maintaining high dimensional accuracy. It is desirable that the chamber element manufacturing method has a limited number of technological steps and is realized without the use of specialist and complicated apparatus, so as to directly provide economic benefits of a simplified, less time-consuming and thus cheaper chamber element manufacturing process. It is also desirable that the chamber element manufacturing method is characterized by low material-consumption and allows the manufacturing of a chamber element having a wide range of geometrical parameters, in particular different heights, spatial forms and both symmetrical and asymmetrical characteristics. It is also important to provide a chamber element manufacturing method which would allow the shape of the chamber element to be easily modified within a wide range of geometrical parameters and without the need to rearrange the apparatus used in the manufacturing process.

[0007] The technical problem of the present invention is also to provide a chamber element preform which will be an intermediate element in the manufacturing of a chamber element and which will require a limited number of operations to be performed in order to produce a chamber element. It is also desirable that the chamber element preform serves a function as a fire barrier, protecting structural elements of buildings against damage or providing a shield from an area of fire activity.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a chamber element preform comprising an inner wall and an outer wall made of a sheet of metal and arranged with respect to each other with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls are sealed with a seal and define a pressure-tight hermetic inner space characterized in that the pressure-tight hermetic inner space contains an expansion agent. Preferably, a valve is arranged on at least one of the walls.

[0009] Preferably, the valve is a control valve, a safety valve or a check valve.

[0010] Preferably, the seal is a fusion weld, a pressure weld, a layer of adhesive or a lap joint.

[0011] Preferably, the expansion agent is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a chamber element preform manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) an inner wall and an outer wall made of a sheet of metal material are provided and arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of the walls converge, and wherein a valve element is arranged on at least one wall, b) an expansion agent is introduced into the gap between the inner wall and the outer wall, c) the unconnected wall edges are sealed with a seal for forming a pressure-tight hermetic inner space containing the expansion agent.

[0013] Preferably, a valve is arranged on at least one of the walls.

[0014] Preferably, the valve is a control valve, a safety valve or a check valve.

[0015] Preferably, the expansion agent is introduced through the valve.

[0016] Preferably, the expansion agent is introduced through the valve into the pressure- tight hermetic inner space after the unconnected wall edges are sealed with a seal.

[0017] Preferably, the seal is made by fusion welding, pressure welding, gluing or crimping. Preferably, the expansion agent is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a chamber element manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises steps in which there is provided a chamber element preform as defined in the first aspect of the invention and subsequently there is initiated an increase of the volume or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent for deforming the inner wall and / or the outer wall with the inner pressure of the fluid generated as a result of increasing the volume of and / or generating vapors of the expansion agent.

[0019] Preferably, the increase of the volume or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent is initiated by subjecting the chamber element preform to heating, cooling, vibrations or shocks.

[0020] Preferably, the deformation degree of the inner wall and / or the outer wall is controlled with the valve.

[0021] The chamber element preform of this invention is an intermediate element in the manufacturing of a chamber element which may be in the form of a decorative element, a building element, a structural member or a protective element, for example in the form of a fire barrier. The chamber element preform is a structurally simple element comprising a limited number of component members, which is economically advantageous and increases the technological reliability. The use of the expansion agent inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the chamber element preform positively influences the chamber element manufacturing method by reducing the number of the performed steps and by limiting the involved machinery park. The manufacturing of the chamber element requires only the step of initiating the generation of vapors and / or an increase of the volume of the expansion agent, which can be due to heating and / or cooling the chamber element preform, as well as to shaking or bringing the chamber element preform into vibration. The purpose of the above actions is to initiate a chemical reaction or a physical transformation causing an increase of the inner pressure in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space for deforming the inner wall and the outer wall of the chamber element preform.

[0022] The use of the valve in the form of a check valve allows the introduction of the expansion agent into the chamber element preform and prevents the agent from escaping outside the chamber element preform. The use of the valve in the form of a safety valve additionally increases the safety of the operation of manufacturing the chamber element, by providing protection against excessive inner pressure inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the chamber element preform, which could potentially result in the breaking of the seal or of the walls. On the other hand, the use of a control valve allows a change of the threshold pressure above which the valve passes vapor to the outside of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space, allowing control over the deformation degree of the inner wall and of the outer wall and thus enabling the modification of the final desired shape of the chamber element.

[0023] The use of water as the expansion agent additionally increases the safety of the chamber element manufacturing process as no harmful vapor is generated. The use of the expansion agent in the form of a container made for example of thin glass allows the vapor generation or the volume increase to be initiated by shaking the chamber element preform, in effect facilitating and improving the chamber element manufacturing process. Furthermore, the use of the expansion agent in the form of compounds generating foamed plastic (e.g. PUR) additionally causes the thus formed chamber element to have additional functionalities, such as increased compressive strength or increased level of thermal insulation.

[0024] The solution according to the present invention has been shown in the embodiments below and illustrated in the drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of the first embodiment of the chamber element preform according to this invention,

[0025] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the chamber element preform according to this invention,

[0026] Figs. 3A-F are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the first embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0027] Fig. 4 is a front view of the first embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0028] Fig. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0029] Fig. 6 is an axonometric view of the first embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0030] Fig. 7 is a front view of the second embodiment of the chamber element preform according to this invention,

[0031] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the chamber element preform according to this invention and an enlarged view of detail A,

[0032] Figs. 9A-E are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the second embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0033] Fig. 10 is a front view of the second embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0034] Fig. 11 is a side view of the second embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0035] Fig. 12 is a top view of the second embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention, Fig. 13 is an axonometric view of the second embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention,

[0036] Figs. 14A-E are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the third embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention, secured to a load-bearing column of a building structure,

[0037] Figs. 15A-C are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the fourth embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention, secured to a load-bearing column of a building structure,

[0038] Fig. 16 is an axonometric view of the fourth embodiment of the chamber element according to Fig. 15C).

[0039] Example 1

[0040] The first embodiment of the chamber element preform 1 of this invention is schematically shown in the front view of Fig. 1 and in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the chamber element preform 1 is in the shape of a square with rounded corners and is, upon the manufacturing of the chamber element 8, a decorative element in the form of an element hung or secured to flat surfaces, such as walls.

[0041] This embodiment of the chamber element preform 1 was manufactured with the chamber element preform manufacturing method of this invention, which comprises a step in which an innerwall 2 and an outer wall 3, both made of a sheet of metal material, are provided and arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them. The edges of the walls 2, 3 converge.

[0042] In the next step of manufacturing the chamber element preform 1, an expansion agent 7 is introduced into the gap formed between the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. In the next step, the unconnected wall 2, 3 edges are sealed with a seal 6 for forming a pressure-tight hermetic empty inner space 4 between the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 of the chamber element preform 1, in which the expansion agent 7 is provided. The sealing is performed on the edges of the metal sheet forming the walls 2, 3 of the chamber element preform 1 after they have been matched with each other. In this embodiment, the sealing is thus performed on all the circumferential edges of the matched walls 2, 3 of the chamber element preform 1. In this embodiment, the sealing was performed by means of welding the corresponding edges together, forming circumferential welds. By sealing all of the above-listed edges, a pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 is formed in the chamber element preform 1, as schematically shown in the cross-section of Fig. 2. The type of seal 6 is in this case not a limitation to the scope of the invention, and it is possible in alternative embodiments to use any type of seal 6, on condition that a pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 is formed in the chamber element preform 1, by means for example of pressure welding, soldering, gluing, bending or pressing.

[0043] The result is a chamber element preform 1, whose structure is shown in detail in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2, with an enlarged view of detail A.

[0044] The chamber element preform 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 thus comprises the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of the walls 2, 3 converge.

[0045] The pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1 contains the expansion agent 7. In this embodiment, the expansion agent 7 is glycerin, which was introduced into the approximately 10 cm high chamber element preform 1 in the amount of several grams and at an ambient temperature below 20°C for maintaining its solid state of aggregation. The solid-state expansion agent 7 introduced at a lowered temperature is shown in Fig. 3A. In turn, Fig. 2 shows the expansion agent 7 which was heated to a temperature above 20 °C and as a result changed its state of aggregation into liquid and due to gravity accumulated in such state in the lower region of the chamber element preform 1. As can be observed in Fig. 2, the expansion agent 7 is present in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 in free form and remains therein because the chamber element preform 1 is pressure-tight. In alternative embodiments, the expansion agent 7 is water, another alcohol, an alcohol mixture or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors. Importantly, both the type and the volume of the expansion agent 7 introduced into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 depends on the type of the physical or chemical transition occurring in a particular expansion agent 7, on the thickness of the metal sheet used to make the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3, as well as on the size of the chamber element preform 1. The expansion agent 7 can be thus such a compound or mixture which, due to the step of initiating from the outside a particular physical or chemical transition, causes a sufficient pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1 to deform the inner wall 2 and / or the outer wall 3 for forming a deformed chamber element 8.

[0046] After performing the above steps, a chamber element preform 1 is formed comprising an inner wall 2 and an outer wall 3 made of a sheet of metal and arranged with respect to each other with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls 2, 3 are sealed with a seal 6 and define a pressure- tight hermetic inner space 4, wherein the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 contains an expansion agent 7.

[0047] The thus prepared chamber element preform 1 is used for forming the chamber element 8. In order to form a chamber element 8 from the chamber element preform 1, there is initiated an increase of the volume of or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent 7 for deforming the inner wall 2 and / or the outer wall 3 with the inner pressure of the fluid generated as a result of increasing the volume and / or generating vapors of the expansion agent 7. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned initiation step is realized by heating the chamber element preform 1. The chamber element preform 1 is placed in a furnace and heated to a temperature which ensures that the expansion agent 7 in the form of glycerin is boiled and that vapors are thus generated and the inner pressure is increased in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1. For ensuring a more dynamic transition, in this embodiment, the chamber element preform 1 was placed in a furnace and heated to the temperature of 300 °C for a period of 10 minutes. In alternative embodiments, the initiation temperature and the heating duration time may be different and are selected to match a particular expansion agent 7. For example, when the expansion agent 7 is a 60% ethyl alcohol, the heating may be performed in a lower temperature, for example 100 °C and for a shorter time, for example 5 minutes. As the expansion agent 7 in the form of glycerin changes its state of aggregation to gaseous, the inner pressure in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 increases to a value which causes a gradual plastic deformation of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3, as illustrated in successive steps in Figs. 3A-E. As can be observed in the figures, the chamber element 8 assumes its final deformation form in Fig. 3E, with the gaseous expansion agent 7 being in this step inside the chamber element 8. After the chamber element 8 is cooled to ambient temperature, the expansion agent 7 undergoes a transition back from gaseous state to liquid or solid state, depending on the value of ambient temperature, as shown in Fig. 3F. The thus formed chamber element 8 is shown in various views in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. As can be observed in the figures, the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 have been deformed, causing the "inflation" of the chamber element 8. The greatest deformation degree is observed in the central regions of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3, at a distance furthest from the seal 6. The smallest deformation degree (or none) is observed in regions adjacent to the seal 6, and as a result, the chamber element 8 reflects the original shape defined by the chamber element preform 1.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] The second embodiment of the chamber element preform 1 of this invention is schematically shown in a front view in Fig. 7 and in a cross-sectional view in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the chamber element preform 1 is in the shape of a five- pointed star and is, upon the manufacturing of the chamber element 8, a decorative element in the form of an element hung or secured to flat surfaces.

[0050] The embodiment of the chamber element preform 1, as well as of the chamber element preform 1 manufacturing method is substantially similar to the method shown in Example 1, and therefore similar technical and structural characteristics of the chamber element preform 1, as well as the steps of the chamber element preform 1 manufacturing method, will not be discussed in detail for the clarity of this disclosure.

[0051] Unlike in the chamber element preform 1 shown in Example 1, the chamber element preform 1 according to this embodiment has a valve 5 on one of the walls 2, 3. In this embodiment, the valve 5 is arranged on the innerwall 2, as for example illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, but the location of the valve 5 in the chamber element preform 1 is not a limitation on condition that fluid communication with the inside of the chamber element preform 1 is allowed. The location of the valve 5 is not a limitation to the scope of the present invention, and thus the valve 5 may be arranged in any location on the metal sheet used to make the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3.

[0052] The valve 5 of the chamber element preform 1 serves substantially two functions, first as an access element for the expansion agent 7 introduced into the pressure- tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1, and second as a control element during the manufacturing of the chamber element 8, as will be described in more detail below.

[0053] Unlike in the chamber element preform 1 manufacturing method shown in Example 1, in this embodiment the expansion agent 7 is introduced into the chamber element preform 1 through the valve 5 after the step of sealing the edges of walls 2, 3 with the seal 6, i.e. after the forming of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1.

[0054] In this embodiment, the valve 5 is a check valve ensuring a one-way fluid communication with the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4. In alternative embodiments, the valve 5 is realized in the form of a control valve or a safety valve, thus ensuring the functionality of controlling the step of manufacturing the chamber element 8.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, in which the chamber element preform 1 is provided with the valve 5 in the form of a safety valve, pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 is limited to the threshold value (for example 20 bar) of the safety valve. The exceeding of this value causes the valve 5 to open and thus to release the gases from the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4. This release on the one hand allows the deformation degree of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 to be limited, and on the other hand protects against pressure increase above the critical value, which would result in the breaking of the chamber element 8.

[0056] In another alternative embodiment, in which the chamber element preform 1 is provided with the valve 5 in the form of a control valve, pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 is regulated to the set value (for example 2 bar) by regulating the control valve. It is thus possible to control the deformation degree of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 and to influence the shape of the final desired chamber element 8. For example, it is possible to limit the set value of the control valve to 1.5 bar and as a result to stop the deformation of the chamber element 8 at the step shown in Fig. 9B. Above the value of 1.5 bar in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4, the control valve will pass the gases and prevent further pressure increase.

[0057] Preferably, the valve 5 is secured to the inner wall 2 or the outer wall 3 by means of a removable connection, for example of a bolted joint. After the manufacturing of the chamber element 8, the valve can be removed, and a hanger can be fastened in its place for hanging the chamber element 8 being for example a decorative element.

[0058] In this embodiment, the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1 contains the expansion agent 7 in the form of at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of the volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.

[0059] The expansion agent 7 is schematically shown in Fig. 7, in the form of a container with two compartments, in which two compounds are stored separately. For example, such a container can be made of thin glass which, when the chamber element preform 1 is subjected to shocks, breaks and spills the two compounds into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1, where the compounds are mixed, initiating a chemical reaction resulting in the increased volume of the expansion agent 7 and / or in the generation of vapors. The container can be also made of thin plastic which, under the influence of external factors such as increased temperature or shocks, loses its pressuretightness and allows the separately stored compounds to combine. Importantly, the geometrical dimensions of the container should allow it to be introduced through the valve 5. In an alternative embodiment, the container can be arranged in the gap between the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 before the step of sealing 6, analogically to Example 1.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, only one compound can be stored in the container, and the second compound, which reacts with the first compound, can be stored freely in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4. When the container loses its pressure-tightness due to for example an impact or shocks, the compound stored in the container escapes and combines with the second compound stored in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4.

[0061] A non-limiting example of the expansion agent 7 comprising at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of the volume or in the generation of heat and vapors are polyol and isocyanate which, when combined, produce a chemical reaction causing the expansion of polyurethane foam. As a result, the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 is filled with PUR foam, which causes an inner pressure increase and a desired deformation of the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3, thus forming the chamber element 8.

[0062] In alternative embodiments it is possible to use any two or more compounds which, when combined, cause a volume increase and / or vapor generation resulting in a pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 for deforming the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 of the chamber element preform 1. Such compounds can comprise for example separately stored iron and copper(ll) oxide, in which during the reaction iron is reduced and copper is oxidized generating a significant amount of heat which can be used to boil the fluid present in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 for generating vapors and increasing pressure inside the chamber element preform 1.

[0063] In another alternative embodiment, the above-mentioned initiation step is realized by freezing the chamber element preform 1. The chamber element preform 1 is placed in a freezer and is cooled to a temperature which ensures that the expansion agent 7 in the form of water is frozen (for example to the temperature of -6 °C for a period of 2 hours) and that the volume inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1 is increased. In this alternative embodiment, the volume of the expansion agent 7 in the chamber element preform 1 is close to the maximum volume or is the maximum volume of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1. A significant volume of the expansion agent 7 in the form of water is necessary as water has a limited degree of volumetric expansion due to freezing, which causes the pressure inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 to increase and thus the innerwall 2 and the outerwall 3 of the chamber element preform 1 to deform for obtaining the final desired, i.e. deformed, chamber element 8.

[0064] After the step of deforming the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 is performed, the chamber element 8 can be placed in room temperature or in an elevated temperature for melting the ice present in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4, and subsequently the valve 5 can be removed (for example by unscrewing) and the water present in the chamber element 8 can be poured out for obtaining the final decorative element.

[0065] The chamber element 8 formed from the chamber element preform 1 of this embodiment is shown in various views in Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] The third embodiment of the chamber element preform 1 of this invention is schematically shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 14A. In this embodiment, the chamber element preform 1 is a functional element used in the form of a fire barrier protecting vulnerable load-bearing elements of a building, such as loadbearing columns 9. Figs. 14A-E are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the third embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention, secured to a load-bearing column of a building structure.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 14A, the chamber element preform 1 manufactured with the method shown in the second embodiment is secured to the external surface of the load-bearing column 9 and is fastened thereto on its entire surface, preserving the pressure-tightness of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4. The thus prepared chamber element preform 1 is a ready-to-use fire barrier.

[0069] In alternative embodiments, the chamber element preform 1 can be fastened to the fire-protected structures by means of partial or point fastening.

[0070] In the case of a fire spreading in the vicinity of the load-bearing column 9 with the chamber element preform 1 arranged thereon, a temperature increase causes the expansion agent 7 present inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 to rapid boil, resulting in the increase of inner pressure and in the deformation of the chamber element preform 1, as shown in successive views in Figs. 14B-D. In the situation when the inner wall 2 is fastened to the load-bearing column 9 on its entire surface, its deformation degree is significantly limited, which causes a significantly greater deformation of the outer wall 3. As a result, a chamber element 8 is formed, which is a fire barrier protecting the load-bearing column 9 from direct contact with flames and reducing the temperature affecting the loadbearing column 9, as shown in Fig. 14D. It is worth mentioning that the valve 5 is arranged on the inner wall 2 of the chamber element preform 1 fastened to the load-bearing column 9. In order for the inner wall 2 to completely contact the surface of the load-bearing column 9, the load-bearing column 9 has an opening made therein, whose purpose is to accommodate the valve 5 of the chamber element preform 1.

[0071] Fig. 14E shows the chamber element 8 after cooling, in which the expansion agent 7 has returned to its original state.

[0072] Alternatively, in the case of using the expansion agent 7 in the form of polyol and isocyanate, as shown in the second embodiment, the external temperature increase can cause the above-mentioned compound storage container to be broken and thus the compounds to combine and initiate a reaction resulting in the generation of polyurethane foam inside the chamber element 8. The filling of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element 8 with polyurethane foam having good thermal insulation properties additionally improves the barrier function of the chamber element 8.

[0073] Example 4

[0074] The fourth embodiment of the chamber element preform 1 of this invention is schematically shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 15A. In this embodiment, the chamber element preform 1 is a functional element used in the form of a fire barrier protecting vulnerable load-bearing elements of a building, such as loadbearing columns 9. Figs. 15A-C show cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the fourth embodiment of the chamber element according to this invention, secured to the load-bearing column 9 of the building structure, and Fig. 16 shows an axonometric view of the chamber element manufactured from the chamber element preform 1 of Fig. 15A.

[0075] The embodiment of the chamber element preform 1, as well as of the chamber element preform 1 manufacturing method is substantially similar to the method shown in Example 3, and therefore similar technical and structural characteristics of the chamber element preform 1, as well as the steps of the chamber element preform 1 manufacturing method, will not be discussed in detail for the clarity of this disclosure.

[0076] Unlike in the chamber element preform 1 shown in Example 3, the chamber element preform 1 according to this embodiment is not provided with a valve, as in Example 1. The pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4 contains the expansion agent 7 comprising at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of the volume or in the generation of heat and vapors, analogically as in Example 2. In this embodiment, the chamber element preform 1 has an expansion agent shield 12 formed on the outer wall 3 in the form of a press-formed region forming a space which can accommodate the containers with the expansion agent 7. Such a solution allows the compact form of the entire chamber element preform 1 to be preserved, limiting its thickness dimension. The inner space of the expansion agent shield 12 is an integral part of the pressure- tight hermetic inner space 4 of the chamber element preform 1.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 16, the chamber element 8 (as well as the chamber element preform 1, from which the chamber element 8 was manufactured) comprises mounting holes 11, which are pass-through openings. The mounting holes 11 are circumferentially sealed for preserving the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4. The mounting holes 11 are penetrated by fastening elements 10, for example in the form of bolt fasteners, which provide fastening to the fire-protected structure, for example to the load-bearing column 9. Such a solution facilitates the fastening of the chamber element preform 1 to the desired structures which are protected against high temperature and fire.

[0078] Owing to high temperature in the case of a fire, the container which separately stores the compounds of the expansion agent 7 is broken and in effect the expansion agent 7 is combined and a transition and / or reaction occurs producing vapors and increasing the inner pressure in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 4, which results in the deformation of the chamber element preform 1 and in the formation of the chamber element 8 being a fire barrier for the load-bearing column 9.

[0079] List of reference numerals:

[0080] 1 - chamber element preform

[0081] 2 - inner wall

[0082] 3 - outer wall 4 - pressure-tight hermetic inner space

[0083] 5 - valve

[0084] 6 - seal

[0085] 7 - expansion agent

[0086] 8 - chamber element 9 - load-bearing column

[0087] 10 - fastening element

[0088] 11 - mounting hole

[0089] 12 - expansion agent shield

Claims

Claims1. A chamber element preform (1) comprising an inner wall (2) and an outer wall (3) made of a sheet of metal and arranged with respect to each other with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls (2, 3) are sealed with a seal (6) and define a pressure-tight hermetic inner space (4), characterized in that the pressure-tight hermetic inner space (4) contains an expansion agent (7).

2. The chamber element preform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a valve (5) is arranged on at least one of the walls (2, 3).

3. The chamber element preform (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the valve (5) is a control valve, a safety valve or check valve.

4. The chamber element preform (1) according to any of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the seal (6) is a fusion weld, a pressure weld, a layer of adhesive or a lap joint.

5. The chamber element preform (1) according to any of claims 1 - 4 characterized in that the expansion agent (7) is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.

6. A chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) an inner wall (2) and an outer wall (3) made of a sheet of metal material are provided and arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of the walls (2, 3) converge,b) an expansion agent (7) is introduced into the gap between the inner wall(2) and the outer wall (3), c) the unconnected wall (2, 3) edges are sealed with a seal (6) for forming a pressure-tight hermetic inner space (4) containing the expansion agent (7).

7. The chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method according to claim 6, characterized in that a valve (5) is arranged on at least one of the walls (2, 3).

8. The chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve (5) is a control valve, a safety valve or check valve.

9. The chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the expansion agent (7) is introduced through the valve (5).

10. The chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that the expansion agent (7) is introduced through the valve (5) into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space (4) after the unconnected wall (2, 3) edges are sealed with the seal (6).

11. The chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method according to any of claims 6 - 10, characterized in that the seal (6) is made by fusion welding, pressure welding, gluing or crimping.

12. The chamber element preform (1) manufacturing method according to any of claims 6 - 11 characterized in that the expansion agent (7) is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.

13. A chamber element (8) manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises steps in which there is provided a chamber element preform (1) as defined in any of claims 1 - 5 and subsequently there is initiated an increase of the volume of or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent (7) for deforming the inner wall (2) and / or the outer wall(3) with the inner pressure of the fluid generated as a result of increasing the volume of and / or generating vapors of the expansion agent (7).

14. The chamber element (8) manufacturing method according to claim 13, characterized in that the increase of the volume or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent (7) is initiated by subjecting the chamber element preform (1) to heating, cooling, vibrations or shocks.

15. The chamber element (8) manufacturing method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the deformation degree of the inner wall (2) and / or the outer wall (3) is controlled with the valve (5).

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