OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The object of the present invention is a construction device that comprises a prefabricated
module with a base, roof, pillars or walls between the base and the roof and connecting
pieces embedded in the corner elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known in the state of the art the construction devices that have a prefabricated
module which comprises a base, a roof, a plurality of pillars or walls between the
base and the roof, and connecting pieces embedded in at least the corner elements.
The known connecting pieces have a lower element which has a protuberance and an upper
element which has a housing shaped to correspond with the protuberance and facilitate
the stacking and placement of one prefabricated module on top of another.
[0003] It is, therefore, also known in the state of the art the use of connecting pieces
that are located in each one of the corners of the prefabricated module of the construction,
so the joint between prefabricated modules is made by connecting together at least
two of the pieces mentioned above.
[0004] These connecting pieces may have a pipe to spread mortar that connects both ends,
so when positioning the prefabricated module in a vertical position the mortar descends
from the upper part to the lower part. They may also have a truncated conical protuberance
in their lower part and an antagonist truncated conical housing for the insertion
of a truncated conical protuberance of a connecting piece located superiorly and associated
with an adjacent prefabricated module. These pieces also possess some means of horizontal
fixing between modules that comprise a perforated casing configured to receive fixing
screws that connect to a casing of an adjacent connecting piece to horizontally join
two adjacent prefabricated modules.
[0005] However, this type of connecting piece has the disadvantage of having a high rigidity
and which does not prevent the transmission of unnecessary stresses between prefabricated
modules, such as for example, the vertical load stresses between adjacent prefabricated
modules.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The construction device object of the invention is of the type that comprises a prefabricated
module comprising a base, a roof, a plurality of pillars or walls between the base
and the roof and connecting pieces embedded in at least the corner elements.
[0007] The connecting pieces comprise a lower element comprising a protuberance and an upper
element comprising a housing configured to correspond with the protuberance and facilitate
the stacking and placement of one prefabricated module on top of another.
[0008] The object of the present invention is a connecting device according to that described
which comprises a connecting piece between prefabricated modules which is compact
and functional. Therefore, the piece is configured so that it only transmits the stresses
that ensure the prefabricated modules conform and behave structurally as a whole,
but avoids transmitting the rest of the unnecessary stresses. Therefore, it resolves
the technical problem of the stress transmission between adjacent prefabricated modules.
[0009] The connecting piece manages to avoid relative horizontal displacements between adjacent
prefabricated modules subject to a cutting force i.e., in the direction of the line
of the joint between both prefabricated modules or subject to a separation stress,
i.e., transverse stresses to the line of the joint between modules. Avoiding those
relative displacements between adjacent prefabricated modules the building structure
behaves as a whole, creating a rigid diaphragm on the horizontal plan.
[0010] Furthermore, the connecting piece also permits avoidance of the transmission of vertical
loads between prefabricated modules. With the aim of not allowing vertical load transmission
from a prefabricated module to the adjacent prefabricated modules, the piece object
of the invention comprises means that allow the connection to the piece of the adjacent
prefabricated module so it comprises a rotation axis which is configured on a plane
perpendicular to the vertical loads and is parallel to the joint line between the
adjacent prefabricated modules, i.e., in this way on joining the two pieces according
to the invention the joint possesses both horizontal rotation axes that prevent not
only the horizontal displacements previously cited but also the transmission of the
abovementioned vertical stresses between adjacent prefabricated modules.
[0011] Thus, because the joint is not subject to this class of vertical stress the connecting
piece is simplified, since, by not having to absorb these stresses, it can be more
compact.
[0012] Therefore the upper element of the connecting piece between prefabricated modules
comprises:
- a base element,
- a connecting element attachable to another connecting piece that is configured so
that it is joined pivotally to the base element around a pivot axis that is configured
so that it is on a horizontal plane and parallel to the line of the joint between
adjacent prefabricated modules, understanding by horizontal plane, that it is perpendicular
to vertical loads, and
- means that prevent the relative movement between both elements, i.e., the base element
and the connecting element, at least in the direction of the pivot axis and in the
transverse direction to the pivot axis.
[0013] Additionally the aforementioned means that prevent the relative movement between
the base element and the connecting element can comprise slotted orifices that allow
absorption of the construction tolerances in both horizontal directions, i.e., in
the direction of the pivot axis and in the transverse direction to the same.
[0014] Additionally the connecting element between the prefabricated modules may also have
a second vertical rotation axis that would cancel the bending moments of the vertical
axis, avoiding the transmission of this type of stresses and contributing therefore
to simplifying and compacting the connecting piece.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] To complement the description that is being made and in order to help better understand
the features of the invention, according to a preferential example of practical embodiment
of the same, it is accompanied as an integral part of said description by a set of
drawings wherein with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been
represented:
Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the upper element of
the connecting piece.
Figure 2.- Shows a section of the upper element of the connecting piece corresponding
to the embodiment of Figure 1.
Figure 3.- Shows a section of an embodiment of the lower element of the connecting
piece.
Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of an embodiment wherein a connection exists between
the upper element and lower element of the connecting piece.
Figure 5.- Shows an embodiment of both adjacent prefabricated modules which incorporates
both connecting pieces according to the embodiment of Figure 1.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The connecting piece between prefabricated modules (2) of the embodiment corresponding
to the figures comprises an upper element (10) and a lower element (40) which are
embedded in at least the corner elements of the modules. The lower element (40) comprises
a protuberance (41) and the upper element (10) comprises a housing (11) configured
to correspond with the protuberance (41) and facilitate the stacking and placement
of one prefabricated module (2) on top of another.
[0017] The upper element (10) comprises a base element (12), which is joinable to the prefabricated
module (2). It also comprises a connecting element (20) to a connecting piece that
is located in the adjacent prefabricated module (2) to be joined. This connecting
element (20) is configured such that it is attached pivotally to the base element
(12) around a pivot axis. This pivot axis is available so that it is included on a
horizontal plane and parallel to the line of the joint between adjacent prefabricated
modules (2), understanding by horizontal, perpendicular to vertical loads. In this
way a pivot axis is defined which allows the connecting piece to absorb vertical loads
and that these are not transmitted to the adjacent module (2) through the connecting
pieces between prefabricated modules (2). Furthermore, the joint between the base
element (12) and the connecting element (20) comprises means that prevent the relative
movement between both elements (12, 20) in the direction of the pivot axis and in
the transverse direction to the pivot axis. In this way the prevention of displacements
of the adjacent prefabricated modules (2) is achieved in the directions mentioned
so that the structure formed by both prefabricated modules (2) and the joint between
both behaves as a whole, forming a rigid horizontal diaphragm.
[0018] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base element (12) comprises two housings
(13) configured for the introduction of the two projections (21) of the connecting
element (20) which comprise an orifice for the introduction of the axis (16) so that
the joint between the base element (12) and the connecting element (20) is pivotable
around the aforementioned axis (16). This embodiment also prevents the displacements
in the direction of and transverse to the pivoting axis, since the projections (21)
of the connecting element (20) remain inserted in the housings (13) of the base element
(12) so that it avoids displacement in the direction of the pivoting axis. Furthermore,
the axis (16) remains inserted in the orifices of the projections (21) of the connecting
element (20) avoiding a transverse displacement to the pivoting axis.
[0019] The connecting element (20) comprises, for its attachment to an adjacent connecting
piece, at least one lug (22) that comprises an orifice (23) for the insertion of a
screw that is provided according to the direction of the vertical loads.
[0020] The connecting piece of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 comprises for its
attachment to the prefabricated module (2) wherein some bars are installed (60) projecting
from the base element (12) and which would remain inserted in the prefabricated module
(2). These bars (60) have the function of joining the connecting pieces to the framework
of the pillars. The embodiment shown in the figures has long and short bars (60) both
possessing the function described.
[0021] For the joint between connecting pieces placed according to the direction of the
vertical loads, the base element (12) comprises a housing (11) for the fitting of
the antagonist protuberance (41) of the lower element (40) of an adjacent connecting
piece. Said housing (11) is formed in a dome-shape in the embodiment shown in the
figures. The dome-shaped form allows proper support between the upper element (10)
and the lower element (40) even when both elements (10, 40) are not perfectly aligned
or slightly rotated. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base element (12)
comprises a receiving piece (15) that contains the housing (11) located in turn in
a housing (14) inside of the base piece (12). The receiving piece (15) is therefore
independent of the base element (12), so its position with regard to said base element
(12) can be adjusted to the tolerances of the superior prefabricated module (2) by
being able to move in the housing (14) in determined directions, being in contact
with the base element (12) in the other directions in order to transmit the necessary
stresses.
[0022] In Figure 3 the lower element is represented (40) which comprises the antagonist
protuberance (41) of the housing (11). It also comprises a base plate (42) from which
the protuberance (41) is projected from one of its sides and projected from the opposite
side, some rods (60) of distinct lengths for its connection to the prefabricated module
(2).
[0023] The upper (10) and lower (40) elements can be independently created, just as is represented
in Figures 1 to 4, one found in the upper part of the same prefabricated module (2),
or, both elements (10, 40) can be joined together, just as is represented in Figure
4, using a connecting rod (50) between both elements (10, 40).
[0024] Additionally the connecting piece comprises means that allow definition of a rotation
axis that is configured according to a vertical rotation axis. In this way the joint
of the two adjacent connecting pieces manages to cancel the bending moments of the
vertical axis between prefabricated modules (2).
[0025] Therefore, the connecting element (20) comprises two first lugs (22) which comprise
an orifice (23) for the insertion of both connecting screws with the adjacent connecting
piece, adapted for placement between both lugs (22), a third lug (32) of the adjacent
connecting piece which comprises an orifice (31) for the insertion of a screw so that
it defines a vertical rotation axis between both prefabricated modules (2). Furthermore,
the three lugs (22, 32) are adapted to be joined together by at least one orifice
plate (70) for the passage of the three connecting screws. The connecting screws associated
to the first lugs (22) are adapted to be prestressed, so that they ensure the transmission
of stresses, whilst the third lug (32) is not in contact with the plate (70), for
example because it has a lesser thickness than the first lugs (22), thus the rotation
around the vertical axis is not prevented.
[0026] The orifices (23) corresponding to the first lugs (22) are slotted in one direction,
in the embodiment shown in the figures, in the direction perpendicular to the line
of the joint between prefabricated modules (2), whilst the orifices (not represented)
corresponding to the plate (70) and in correspondence with the first lugs (22) become
slotted in perpendicular direction to the first orifices (23) for the absorption of
tolerances in both horizontal directions.
[0027] Each piece comprises a second connecting element (30) comprising the base element
(12) two entry slots (18) for inserting both projections (33) of the second connecting
element (30) that comprises an orifice for the introduction of an axis (16) so that
the joint between the base element (12) and the second connecting element (30) is
pivotable around the aforementioned axis (16). This second connecting element (30)
also has at least one lug (32) for its insertion between two lugs (22) of an adjacent
connecting piece. In this way the vertical rotation axis is configured using the collaboration
of the two lugs (22) of the first connecting element (20) and the lug (32) of the
second connecting element (30) of the adjacent piece.
[0028] The final joint between the adjacent connecting pieces can comprise on top of the
first and third lugs mentioned (22, 32), a second plate (not represented) so the lugs
(22, 32) are located between both plates. The screws from the first lugs (22) are
prestressed.
[0029] The base element (12) can comprise around the housing (11) some entries (17) which
allow for the introduction of a suitable tool to lift and manipulate the prefabricated
module (2).
1. Construction device that comprises:
a prefabricated module (2) which comprises a base, a roof, a plurality of pillars
or walls between the base and the roof and connecting pieces embedded in at least
the corner elements, the connecting pieces comprising a lower element (40) which comprises
a protuberance (41) and an upper element (10) which comprises a housing (11) configured
to correspond with the protuberance (41) and facilitate the stacking and placement
of one prefabricated module (2) on top of another,
characterized in that the upper element (10) of the connecting piece comprises in addition:
• a base element (12),
• a connecting element (20), attachable to another connecting piece of an adjacent
prefabricated module (2), which is configured so that it is attached pivotally to
the base element (12) around a pivot axis that is configured so that it is on a horizontal
plane perpendicular to vertical loads and parallel to the line of the joint between
adjacent prefabricated modules (2), and
• means that prevent the relative movement between both elements (12, 20) at least
in the direction of the pivot axis and in the transverse direction to the pivot axis.
2. Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (20) comprises two housings (13) in the base element (12)
configured for the introduction of both projections (21) of the connecting element
(20) which comprises an orifice for the introduction of an axis (16) so that the joint
between the base element (12) and the connecting element (20) is pivotable around
the aforementioned axis (16).
3. Construction device, according to claim 2, characterized in that the means that prevent the relative movement between the base element (12) and the
connecting element (20) consist of that the projections (21) of the connecting element
(20) are found inserted in the housings (13) of the base element (12) so that their
displacement is avoided in the direction of the pivot axis.
4. Construction device, according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the means that prevent the relative movement between the base element (12) and the
connecting element (20) consist of that the axis (16) is inserted in the orifices
of the projections (21) of the connecting element (20) avoiding a transverse displacement
to the pivot axis.
5. Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (20) comprises at least one lug (22) which comprises an orifice
(23) for the insertion of a screw that is configured according to the direction of
the vertical loads for its connection to another connecting piece between adjacent
prefabricated modules (2).
6. Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper element (10) comprises rods (60) projecting from the base element (12).
7. Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (11) is dome-shaped.
8. Construction device, according to claims 1 or 7, characterized in that the upper element (10) comprises a receiving piece (15) located on the inside of
the base element (12) which has the housing (11).
9. Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (20) comprises both lugs (22) which comprise an orifice (23)
for the insertion of both connecting screws with a connecting piece of an adjacent
prefabricated module (2), adapted to place between both lugs (22), a third lug (32)
of the connecting piece of the adjacent prefabricated module (2) that comprises an
orifice (31) for the insertion of a screw so that it defines a vertical rotation axis
of both adjacent prefabricated modules (2), the three lugs being adapted (22, 32)
to be joined together by at least an orifice plate (70) for the passage of the three
connecting screws and the connecting screws associated to the first lugs being adapted
(22) to be prestressed whilst the third lug (32) is adapted in order to not be in
contact with the plate (70).
10. Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower element (40) comprises a base plate (42) from whose lower side is projected
the protuberance (41) and on its opposite side are projected superiorly some rods
(60).
11. Construction device, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a connection rod (5) between the upper element (10) and the lower element
(40).