IMPROVED MODULAR BUILDING AND SEGMENTS

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a modular building comprising at least a first set of one or more wedge-shaped segments and a second set of beam-shaped segments, wherein each wedge-shaped segment of the first set comprises a first rectangular frame and a second rectangular frame, which are connected to each other, each beam-shaped segment of the second set comprising a first rectangular frame and a second rectangular frame, which are connected to each other, the segments being arranged one behind the other and wherein each two adjoining segments with corresponding frames are fastened to each other to form an open structure through the frames of the segments, characterised in that the two rectangular frames of each wedge-shaped segment are fixed together in an apex side, and that the first and second rectangular frame of each beam-shaped segment have dimensions that are substantially equal to dimensions of at least the first rectangular frame of each wedge-shaped segment in order to be able to closely connect each of the first and the second rectangular frames of each beam-shaped segment to the first rectangular frame of each wedge-shaped segment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular building that can be used as a human living space, for example a workspace and/or a relaxation space, as well as the modules and segments from which the modular building can be constructed.

PRIOR ART

[0002] Modular buildings are buildings that consist of a limited number of module types that are configured so that modules of one type can be interconnected and/or modules of different module types can be connected to each other. In many cases, the number of modules that can be processed in a building can in principle be unlimited. A major challenge when designing and creating modular buildings is to limit the number of module types, while at the same time maximising the possible designs for the building.

[0003] Patent US 4,000,589 describes a building formed by horizontal merging of a plurality of congruent, self-supporting, sector-like modular building segments, each comprising a sector floor and a congruent roof section, and a straight and opposite V-shaped roof section, supported between two opposite and converging identical rib frames, each of which is structurally and symmetrically continuous around their respective planes of symmetry, whereby a plurality of modular building segments can be connected on each side of the rib frame to produce a variety of building configurations, one of which is a regular polygon such as a building with an open courtyard. Interconnected rib frames of adjoining modular building segments, each having approximately a bedroom surface area, are fully open within their rectangular rib frame perimeter for contiguous room expansion and for placement of various types of multifunctional detachable inner partition walls. The rib frames structurally protrude continuously from the outside to accommodate common foundation elements, to provide support for stacking multiple floors and for separating independent floor and roof elements between all floor lines. Modular building segments, to be transported in either their pre-fabricated, unfinished, portable component sections or factory-assembled modular units, can each be mechanically connected and disconnected between the interconnected rib frames of all adjoining modular building segments and also between individually assembled floor, roof, wall and rib frame sections. Straight and V-shaped wall sections contain one and two openings, respectively, to accommodate either door, window or other removable façade panel elements with different function and design to optionally change the external character of a modular building segment. For each of the four modular building segment corners, facilities are accessible from the outside, where floor and roof sections meet non-bearing opposite wall sections.

[0004] A shortcoming of the module of US 4,000,589 is that it creates a multitude of internal angles in the space, making it difficult to incorporate certain features such as cabinets, built-in furniture or separate rooms into the space. In addition, the possible modular structures that can be obtained with the US 4,000,589 module are limited in form and floor plan. The production of the segments can also be difficult, and the possible structural strength of the module is limited.

[0005] The present invention aims to at least find a solution to some of the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages. The object of the invention is to provide a future owner with the possibility of constructing a modular building which gives great freedom in terms of its general shape, allowing certain facilities to be built in, such as cupboards, built-in furniture or separate rooms, of which the modules can be manufactured and transported in a simple manner, and can be assembled in a simple manner into a modular building, as well as being easily substituted and/or replaced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To this end, the invention provides a modular building according to claim 1, a wedge-shaped segment according to claim 11, a beam-shaped segment according to claim 12, a transportable module according to claim 13 and a transportable corner module according to claim 14.

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the modular building and the segments and/or modules that form part thereof are shown in claims 2 to 10, and further in this document.

[0008] The presence of wedge-shaped segments ensures that the modular building is angular and can have a very wide variety of floor plans with a limited number of types of segments, in practice preferably only two types of segments: wedge-shaped segments and beam-shaped segments.

[0009] Moreover, it is preferable to use wedge-shaped segments whose base and top face essentially form a right-angled triangle with the right angle formed by a first connecting side face and the outer side face. With such a configuration, modular buildings can be constructed with an insulated corner in the sidewall: the right angle ensures that the outer side face in the extension of the outer side face of the adjoining beam-shaped segment, and the insulated corner is formed by the combination of the corners between the outer side face and the second connecting side face of the adjoining wedge-shaped elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] 

Figures 1 and 2 show a wedge-shaped element and the ground plane.

Figures 3 and 4 schematically show the floor plans of two modular buildings that can be built with the segments according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of two wedge-shaped segments with a right angle in their essentially triangular ground plane, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Two detailed examples of a modular building according to the present invention are shown in figures 6a-6b and figures 7a-7b.

Figures 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate how, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a structural framework for a connecting face of the segments of the present invention can be manufactured.

Figure 9 shows how a connecting panel can be attached to the side of a frame.

Figures 10a-b illustrate a beam-shaped segment according to the present invention.
A beam module according to the present invention consisting of one, two, three, four or more beam-shaped segments, and thus no wedge-shaped segments, is shown in Figure 11 .

Figure 12 illustrates the road transport of modules according to the present invention and Figure 13 illustrates how modules according to the present inventions can be packaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly.

[0012] In this document, 'a' and 'the' refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context presupposes otherwise. For example, 'a segment' means one or more segments.

[0013] When the term 'around' or 'about' is used in this document with a measurable quantity, a parameter, a duration or moment, and the like, then variations are meant of approx. 20% or less, preferably approx. 10% or less, more preferably approx. 5% or less, even more preferably approx. 1% or less, and even more preferably approx. 0.1% or less than and of the quoted value, insofar as such variations are applicable in the described invention. However, it must be understood that the value of a quantity used where the term 'about' or 'around' is used, is itself specifically disclosed.

[0014] The terms 'comprise', 'comprising', 'consist of', 'consisting of', 'provided with', 'include', 'including', 'contain', 'containing', are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, as known from or disclosed in the prior art.

[0015] Quoting numerical intervals by endpoints includes all integers, fractions and/or real numbers between the endpoints, these endpoints included.

[0016] In the context of this document, the term 'wedge-shaped' essentially means having the shape of a right angle prism with a triangle as its base, with one of the angles of the triangle, the 'apex angle', being substantially smaller than the other two angles, e.g., an apex angle of 30° or less while the other two angles are both 60° or larger, e.g., an apex angle of 15°, and the other two angles are 90° and 75°. The side of the segment at the apex angle is also called 'top side', 'apex' or 'apex side'. Fig. 1 shows a wedge-shaped element (10), indicating the triangular base (11), the triangular top face (12) which is essentially parallel to the base (11), the apex angle (13) which is essentially the same for the base (11) as for the top face (12), and which is situated on the apex side (14) of the wedge-shaped element. Opposite the apex side (14) lies the outer side face (15). Fig. 2 shows a top view, on which the apex angle (13) and the outer side surface (15) are also indicated. A first connecting side face (16) and a second connecting side face (17) are also indicated on this. The connecting side faces (16, 17) are the upright side faces of the wedge-shaped element (10), which connect the outer side face (15) to the apex side (14).

[0017] In the context of this document, the term 'beam-shaped' essentially means having the shape of a beam, with a rectangular base, a rectangular top face parallel to the base, and with upright side faces connecting the base with the top face. In the context of the present invention, a distinction is made between outer side faces and connecting side faces, wherein a beam-shaped element has two opposing outer side faces, and two opposing connecting side faces.

[0018] The terms 'outer side faces' and 'connecting side faces' are chosen to represent the orientation of the upright side faces when beam-shaped and/or wedge-shaped elements are placed in a modular construction according to the present invention. The outer side faces of the various elements here essentially form a left sidewall and a right sidewall of the structure, while the connecting side faces of adjoining elements are connected to each other. Here, one connecting side face of a front element forms the front of the modular building, and one connecting side face of a rear element forms the rear of the modular building.

[0019] The term 'angular' is used in the context of this document to indicate, for the modular building of the present invention, that its floor plan differs from a rectangle in that an angle is present in at least one, and preferably in at least two, of the side walls of the building. This angle is not necessarily a right angle, preferably the angle is less than 90%, and preferably the angle corresponds to a number of times (n) the value of the apex angle of the wedge-shaped elements, n being greater than or equal to 1, preferably where n is an even number, most preferably n=2.

[0020] The above terms are best illustrated by Figures 3 and 4, which schematically show the floor plans of two modular buildings.

[0021] The first building (Fig. 3), consists of three beam-shaped segments (21a, 21b, 21c) that are attached to each other along the connecting side faces (22a, 22b). One connecting side face (23a) of segment (21a) forms the front of the building and one connecting side face (23b) of segment (21c) forms the rear of the building. The side walls (24a, 24b) are formed by the connected outer side faces of the segments (21a, 21b, 21c). A modular building with a floor plan as in Fig. 3 can be built with only beam-shaped segments according to the present invention.

[0022] The second building (Fig. 4), consists of a set of four beam-shaped segments (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) and a set of four wedge-shaped segments (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d), which are attached to each other along the connecting side faces (27a-g). One connecting side face (28a) of wedge-shaped segment (26a) forms the front of the building and one connecting side face (28b) of beam-shaped segment (25d) forms the rear of the building. The side walls (29a, 29b) are formed by the connected outer side faces of the segments. The left sidewall (29a) is thus formed by the outer side faces of segments (26a, 26b, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) and the right sidewall (29b) is formed by the outer side faces of segments (25a, 26c, 26d, 25b, 25c, 25d). Due to the presence of wedge-shaped segments, the modular building in Fig. 4 is angular. In this specific example, the left sidewall in the floor plan has two corners (30a, 30b) and the right sidewall has one corner (30c).

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the modular building comprises two adjoining wedge-shaped segments, more preferably the modular building only comprises wedge-shaped segments adjoining to another wedge-shaped element and/or to the front or rear of the building, wherein preferably one of the connecting side faces of the wedge-shaped elements correspond to the connecting side faces of the beam-shaped elements. The second connecting side face of the wedge-shaped segments can here be different in width, preferably greater in width, than the connecting side faces of the beam-shaped segments. Adjoining wedge-shaped segments can then be attached to each other with their connecting side face that does not correspond to that of the beam-shaped segments, wherein optionally their other connecting side face, i.e. the connecting side face that corresponds to that of the beam-shaped segments, can be attached to a beam-shaped segment or another wedge-shaped segment. The advantage here is that the modular building can be constructed with one type of wedge-shaped segment and one type of beam-shaped segment. In a preferred form, the modular building comprises two adjoining wedge-shaped segments which are attached to each other with their connecting side face that does not correspond to that of the beam-shaped segments, the adjoining wedge-shaped segments having a common component in their common connecting side face, preferably this common component being a rectangular frame, more preferably the two wedge-shaped segments having a common second rectangular frame.

[0024] Moreover, in such a case it is preferable to use wedge-shaped segments whose base and top face essentially form a right-angled triangle with the right angle formed by a first connecting side face and the outer side face. With such a configuration, modular buildings can be constructed with an insulated corner in the sidewall: the right angle ensures that the outer side face in the extension of the outer side face of the adjacent beam-shaped segment, and the insulated corner is formed by the combination of the corners between the outer side face and the second connecting side face of the adjacent wedge-shaped elements.

[0025] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of two wedge-shaped segments (41a, 41b) with a right angle (42a, 42b) in their essentially triangular base, which are connected to each other via their respective second connecting side faces, in this case with a common second rectangular frame (100b). An insulated corner (43) is hereby built into the modular construction. Figure 5 also shows how the wedge-shaped segments connect to each other so that a passage (A) is created through the connecting side faces which, in combination with further segments, creates a space.

[0026] Two detailed examples of a modular building according to the present invention are shown in figures 6a-6b and figures 7a-7b. The example in figures 6a and 6b shows a base (Fig. 6a) consisting of a first set of three beam-shaped segments (51) at the rear, a second set of four beam-shaped segments (52) at the front, with in between them a section of:

• two wedge-shaped segments that meet in their apex side (53c) and with outer side faces (53a) and (53b) forming an insulated corner;
• one beam-shaped segment with outer side faces (54), and
• two wedge-shaped segments that meet in their apex side (55c) and with outer side faces (55a) and (55b) forming an insulated corner.

[0027] The kink that is thus formed in the floor plan allows a number of things to be built into the modular building in a way that is not possible with existing technologies. For example, a bathroom (56) can be built-in against the right sidewall, wherein the right side faces of the segments from the apex side (53c) to the front form the outer sidewalls of the bathroom, and wherein on the inside a wall (57) can be built in that lies in the extension of the right inner walls (58) of the first set of three beam-shaped segments (51) so that a wall that is flat along the inside is formed for the living space, as becomes clear from Fig. 6b. Furthermore, it is also easy to build in a cupboard (59), such as on the left inner wall against the two wedge-shaped elements with outer side faces (53a) and (53b) and the inclined bar-shaped segment with outer side face (54). Because of the insulated corner formed by wedge-shaped elements (53a) and (53b), a parallel-shaped box (59) can be built in, two sides of which are already formed by the structural elements, and so that no projecting wall has to be formed.

[0028] A modular building according to the present invention with a different floor plan is illustrated in figures 7a and 7b, which consists of a first set of two beam-shaped segments (61) at the front (64), a second set of four beam-shaped segments (62) at the back (65), with a section between them of two wedge-shaped segments that meet in their apex side (63c) and with outer side faces (63a) and (63b) forming an insulated corner. The one insulated corner ensures that the front (64) and the rear (65) do not have to be parallel, with the advantage that a modular building according to the present invention does not necessarily need a rectangular piece of land in order to be sited, for example, in an environment with a number of obstacles such as trees, walls of other buildings, drains, canals, etc. Moreover, a toilet can be built in between the front and the corner formed by the outer side faces of the wedge-shaped segments. The presence of a toilet is hardly noticeable in this respect because it appears to be part of the corner in the building, as is more clearly visible in Figure 7b.

[0029] In an embodiment, the modular building of the present invention is a stand-alone building, with a front, a rear, and a row of segments arranged one behind the other, the row extending from the front to the rear of the modular building. Here, each segment is connected to two other segments, i.c. the previous segment and the subsequent segment in the row, with the exception of the segments positioned at the front and the rear of the building.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the modular building is integrated with one or more structures or objects, the modular building comprising a row of segments placed one behind the other in the row, the row extending from a front to a rear of the modular building. Here, every segment in the row, with the exception of the front and rear segments, is connected to the segment in front or behind it in the row. The segment at the front and/or the segment at the rear in the row, and optionally also the other segments in the row can here be integrated with one or more structures or objects, such as another building, a landscape element such as a rock or dyke, a natural element such as a tree or shrub, etc.

[0031] Figures 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate how, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a structural framework for a connecting face of the segments of the present invention can be manufactured. By a 'structural framework' is meant a structure open in the middle that can absorb forces and moments of force in the plane of the frame that correspond to predetermined maximum values, which in turn depend on the expected weather conditions, e.g. wind and precipitation load. The design allows certain parameters in the design to be changed in such a way that a smaller or larger load can be accommodated.

[0032] Fig. 8a shows a rib element (70) of a rectangular frame as it can be used in the segments of the present invention. The rib element (70) has a length (71), a width (72) and a thickness (73), and narrowings (74a, 74b) at the longitudinal ends of the rib element:

• The length (71) of the rib element corresponds to the height or the width of the rectangular frame. If the rib element must correspond to an upright rib of the frame and thus largely determines the height of the frame and the segment, the length is preferably at least 2 m, preferably at least 2.20 m, more at preferably at least 2.40 m and at most 3.60 m, preferably at most 3.40 m, more preferably at most 3.20 m, such as 2.40 m, 2.50 m, 2.60 m, 2.70 m, 2.80 m, 2.90 m, 3.00 m, 3.10 m, 3.20 m or a value between them, most preferably around 3 m. If the rib element must correspond to a horizontal rib of the frame and thus largely determines the width of the frame and the segment, the length is preferably at least 3 m, preferably at least 3.25 m, more preferably at least 3.50 m and at most 5.00 m, preferably at most 4.75 m, more preferably at most 4.50 m, such as 3.50 m, 3.60 m, 3.70 m, 3.80 m, 3.90 m, 4.00 m, 4.10 m, 4.20 m, 4.30 m, 4.40 m, 4.50 m or a value in between, most preferably around 4 m.
• The width (72) of the rib element largely determines the difference between the outside dimension and the inside dimension of the open space formed by the frame and therefore also of the open space of the modular building. The width (72) can also be adjusted to adjust the structural strength of the frame. The width is preferably at least 5 cm, more preferably at least 10 cm, even more preferably at least 15 cm, and at most 70 cm, more preferably at most 60 cm, even more preferably at most 50 cm, such as 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm or a value in between, most preferably around 20 cm or around 26 cm.
• The thickness (73) of the rib element can be adjusted to a large extent depending on the desired structural strength. The thickness (73) is preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, even more preferably at least 20 mm, and at most 60 mm, more preferably at most 55 mm, even more preferably at most 50 mm, such as 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm or a value between them, most preferably around 30 mm. The narrowings (74a, 74b) at the longitudinal ends preferably have a thickness that is half the thickness (73) of the rib element (70) in order to easily fit in corresponding narrowings of other rib elements of the same thickness at the ends of the rib elements, as illustrated in Figs. 8b and 8c.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, a rib element (70) comprises wood and/or wood fibres, more preferably the rib element comprises one or more layers of which at least one layer consists of wood and/or a wood fibre material. Preferably, the rib element is essentially made of wood and/or wood fibre material, optionally with jointing material such as glue to connect the wood and/or wood fibre material and/or the layers to each other. More preferably, the rib element is made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). If the rib element is made of such a material, the dimensions of the rib element are preferably as described above.

[0034] Alternatively, or additionally, the rib element comprises a plastic, preferably a polymer, more preferably a cured polymer such as a thermoset.

[0035] A rectangular frame that can be used in an embodiment of the present invention can be assembled with a rib element as described above by connecting four rib elements with the narrowings at the ends, in order to obtain a rectangular frame with an open space as indicated in Figs. 8b and 8c. Here, four rib elements (75a-d) are fitted with the ends together and fixed at the ends with adhesives such as preferably a glue and/or a set of bolts. The lengths of opposite rib elements are essentially the same here in order to form a rectangular frame. Furthermore, preferably one or more of the following applies:

• The length of the narrowing (76) of a first rib element corresponds essentially to the width (77) of a second rib element attached thereto, and/or the length of the narrowing (78) of the second rib element essentially corresponds to the width (79) of the first rib element.
• The narrowings of rib elements fixed to each other have a common thickness that essentially corresponds to the thickness of the rib elements.
• The width of each of the rib elements can be selected such that the corners of the formed rectangular frame can withstand a set of predetermined loads such as a minimum force and a minimum moment of force in the plane of the frame, and/or such that a certain predetermined difference between the inside and outside dimensions of the frame, the segment and the building can be achieved. We note here that the widths of the four rib elements can differ from each other and preferably do so.

[0036] The segments according to the present invention can be manufactured in an embodiment by connecting two rectangular frames, preferably as described above, with a set of connecting panels. The connecting panels are connected to the frames in such a way that a beam-shaped or wedge-shaped segment is formed. Preferably, the connecting panels are connected to or on the outer circumference of the frames so that the frames do not protrude beyond the connecting panels.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting panels comprise a structural component and/or an insulating layer. More preferably, the connecting panels comprise a 'Structural Insulated Panel' or 'SIP'. Fig. 9 shows how such a connecting panel (85) can be attached to the side of a frame (86). The connecting panel (85) herein comprises a structural component (87), preferably made from medium-density fibreboard (MDF) or high-density fibreboard (HDF), and an insulating layer (88), preferably made from polyurethane, which are attached to each other, e.g. by means of glue. Along the edges (89a-d) of the connecting panel, the structural component may have parts missing the insulating layer in order to be able to firmly connect the panel to the frame structurally, e.g. with glue and/or mechanical connection means such as bolts, screws, nails, etc. The insulating layer can also be connected to the frame in order to obtain better insulation.

[0038] In addition to a structural component, a connecting panel can also comprise one or more of the following components:

• a transparent or semi-transparent element such as a window, e.g. made of glass or plastic, optionally in combination with insulating components and/or layers such as a sealing ring around the window;
• a door or a cantilever window;
• a skylight;
• one or more ventilation openings.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a beam-shaped segment can comprise two frames (90, 91) connected to four essentially rectangular connecting panels (92a-d), as illustrated in Figs. 10a and 10b. The four connecting panels include a roof panel (92a), two side panels (92b, 92d) and a base panel (92c).

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a wedge-shaped segment can comprise two frames (100a, 100b) connected to one essentially rectangular connecting panel (101a) on the outer side face, i.e. a rectangular side panel, and two essentially triangular connecting panels (102a, 103a): a roof panel (102a) and a base panel (103a), as shown in Figure 5.

[0041] Preferably, the connecting panels comprise a maximum width of at least 60 cm, more preferably at least 70 cm, even more preferably at least 80 cm, and of at most 150 cm, more preferably at most 140 cm, even more preferably 130 cm, such as 80 cm, 90 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, 130 cm, or a value between them, most preferably around 100 cm. As a result, a segment has a maximum depth between the connecting side faces corresponding thereto, i.e. a maximum depth of 70 cm to 150 cm, most preferably around 100 cm.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the modular building comprises two adjoining wedge-shaped segments, more preferably the modular building comprises wedge-shaped segments adjoining to another wedge-shaped element and/or to the front or rear of the building, wherein one of the connecting side faces of the wedge-shaped segments correspond to the connecting side faces of the beam-shaped segments. In particular, the modular building preferably comprises a corner module comprising two such adjoining wedge-shaped segments (Fig. 5, 41a and 41b). The corner module comprises a first rectangular frame (100a), a second rectangular frame (100b) and a third rectangular frame (100c), which are connected to each other:

• having a first side panel (101a) in an outer side face of the first wedge-shaped segment (41a) connecting the first frame (100a) to the second frame (100b);
• having a second side panel (101b) in an outer side face of the second wedge-shaped segment (41b) connecting the second frame (100b) to the third frame (100c);
• with a substantially triangular first base panel (103a) on an underside of the first wedge-shaped segment (41a) connecting the first frame (100a) to the second frame (100b), and a substantially triangular second base panel on an underside of the second wedge-shaped segment (41b) connecting the second frame (100b) with the third frame (100c), and
• with a substantially triangular first roof panel (102a) on an upper side of the first wedge-shaped segment (41a) connecting the first frame (100a) to the second frame (100b), and a substantially triangular second roof panel (102b) on an upper side of the second wedge-shaped segment (41b) connecting the second frame (100b) with the third frame (100c),

characterised in that the first, second and third rectangular frames of the corner module are attached to each other in an apex side, and
that the first and third rectangular frames have dimensions that are essentially equal to dimensions of the first and second rectangular frames of each beam-shaped segment, of at least the first rectangular frame of each wedge-shaped segment and/or of the first and third rectangular frame of each corner module in order to be able to closely connect each of the first and third rectangular frames of each corner module to the first and the second rectangular frames of each beam-shaped segment and to the first rectangular frame of each wedge-shaped segment.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the corner module comprises one, two, three or more beam-shaped segments which are fixed to the wedge-shaped segments.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a double corner module comprising two corner modules which are attached to each other directly or via a set of beam-shaped segments, and a modular building comprising such a double corner module.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a beam module consisting of one, two, three, four or more beam-shaped segments, and thus no wedge-shaped segments. See also Fig. 11 for this.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a transportable module comprising one or more segments according to the present invention, wherein the length of the module is at most around 4 m, preferably at most around 3 m. Limiting the lengths of the transportable modules ensures that they can and/or may be transported by road, via normal transport with a maximum width of 3 m or via exceptional transport with a maximum width of 4 m, as illustrated in Fig. 12. Preferably, the transportable modules are preferably packed, as illustrated in Fig. 13. Since a segment preferably has a maximum depth of between 70 cm and 150 cm, and most preferably around 100 cm, a transportable module preferably comprises one, two, three or four segments.

[0047] Preferably, the transportable module comprises two, three or more wedge-shaped and/or beam-shaped segments, the segments being arranged one behind the other and wherein each two adjoining segments with corresponding frames are fastened together to form an open structure through the frames of the segments. Preferably, the transportable module comprises a corner module or a beam module according to the present invention. In embodiments, the transportable module according to the present invention comprises at least one wedge-shaped element.

[0048] In an embodiment, the building, the modules and/or the segments are provided with an inner lining and/or an outer lining.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the inner lining is connected to the inside of the frames of the segments. This creates a space between the inner lining and the connecting panels, in particular side panels, base panels and/or roof panels, which can be used as a technical space. In a preferred embodiment, the frames for the segments and/or modules according to the present inventions comprise passage holes or passage recesses at predetermined positions that allow technical facilities to be installed through the modular building, i.e. across different segments.

[0050] In an embodiment, the segments, modules or the building comprise external lining such as a plastic or aluminium barrier. The external lining can be connected to the outside of the frames and/or applied to the outside of the connecting panels, in particular on the side panels and/or the roof panel.

[0051] In a preferred form of the modules or the modular building, the segments are attached to each other via mechanical connecting means, preferably comprising a set of bolts that attach adjoining frames of adjoining segments to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means also comprise a, preferably elastic, sealing means such as an O-ring. The sealing means is preferably arranged between the two adjoining frames and around the opening created by the frames. Most preferably, the sealing means comprises one or more rubber strips and/or O-rings arranged around the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the frames comprise one or more slots arranged on the outside of the frame, i.e. the side of the frame in the connecting side face of the segment of which it forms part, wherein the slots are configured to accommodate the sealing means. Preferably, the one or more slots therefore form a continuous ring or spiral around the opening in the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the frames comprise four rib elements which are provided, and preferably provided in advance, with slots, the slots in the rib elements connecting to each other when the rib elements are connected to each other.

Claims

1. Modular building comprising at least a first set of one or more wedge-shaped segments and a second set of beam-shaped segments,
each wedge-shaped segment of the first set comprising a first rectangular frame and a second rectangular frame, which are connected to each other:

- with a side panel in an outer side face of the wedge-shaped segment;

- with a substantially triangular base panel on an underside of the wedge-shaped segment, preferably a base panel in the form of a substantially right-angled triangle, and

- with a substantially triangular roof panel on an upper side of the wedge-shaped segment, preferably a roof panel in the form of a substantially right-angled triangle,

each beam-shaped segment of the second set comprising a first rectangular frame and a second rectangular frame connected to each other:

- with two side panels in each of two outer side faces of the beam-shaped segment;

- with a substantially rectangular base panel on an underside of the beam-shaped element, and

- with a substantially rectangular roof panel on a top side of the beam-shaped element,

the segments being arranged one behind the other and wherein each two adjoining segments with corresponding frames are fastened together to form an open structure through the frames of the segments,
characterised in that the two rectangular frames of each wedge-shaped segment are attached to each other in an apex side, and
that the first and the second rectangular frame of each beam-shaped segment have dimensions that are essentially equal to dimensions of at least the first rectangular frame of each wedge-shaped segment in order to be able to closely connect each of the first and the second rectangular frame of each beam-shaped segment with the first rectangular frame of each wedge-shaped segment,
wherein at least one frame, and preferably all rectangular frames, comprise(s) four rib elements each having a length (71), a width (72) and a thickness (73), and narrowings (74a, 74b) at longitudinal ends of the rib element, wherein

- the length (71) of each rib element corresponds to the height or width of the rectangular frame;

- preferably, the width (72) of each rib element is adjusted to ensure the structural strength of the frame;

- preferably, the narrowings (74a, 74b) at the longitudinal ends have a thickness that is half the thickness (73) of the rib element (70) in order to easily fit in corresponding narrowings of other rib elements of the same thickness at the ends of the rib elements,

wherein a rib element (70) comprises wood and/or wood fibres, preferably wherein the rib element comprises one or more layers of which at least one layer consists of wood and/or a wood fibre material.

2. Modular building according to claim 1, wherein the rib element is made of laminated veneer lumber.

3. Modular building according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein:

- the length of the narrowing (76) of a first rib element corresponds essentially to the width (77) of a second rib element attached thereto, and/or the length of the narrowing (78) of the second rib element essentially corresponds to the width (79) of the first rib element;

- the narrowings of rib elements fixed to each other have a common thickness that essentially corresponds to the thickness of the rib elements.

- the width of each of the rib elements are chosen such that the corners of the formed rectangular frame can withstand a set of predetermined loads such as a minimum force and a minimum moment of force in the plane of the frame, and/or such that the difference between the inside and outside dimensions of the frame, the segment and the building can be achieved, and/or

- at least two of the four rib elements have different widths.

4. Modular building according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two rectangular frames of at least one segment, and preferably of all segments, are connected to each other with a set of connecting panels to form a beam-shaped or wedge-shaped segment, the connecting panels preferably being connected to or on the outer circumference of the frames so that the frames do not protrude beyond the connecting panels.

5. Modular building according to claim 4, wherein the connecting panels comprise a structural component and/or an insulating layer.

6. Modular building according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the connecting panels comprise a Structural Insulated Panel.

7. Modular building according to any of claims 5 or 6, further comprising:

- a transparent or semi-transparent element such as a window, e.g. made of glass or plastic, optionally in combination with insulating components and/or layers such as a sealing ring around the window;

- a door or a cantilever window;

- a skylight, and/or

- one or more ventilation openings.

8. Modular building according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the segments are connected to each other with connecting means and wherein a sealing means is arranged between two adjoining frames and around the opening created by the frames in one or more slots arranged on an outside of the framework for accommodating the sealing means.

9. Wedge-shaped segment for constructing a modular building according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a first rectangular frame and a second rectangular frame, which are connected to each other:

- with a side panel in an outer side face of the wedge-shaped segment;

- with a substantially triangular base panel on an underside of the wedge-shaped segment, preferably a base panel in the form of a substantially right-angled triangle, and

- with a substantially triangular roof panel on an upper side of the wedge-shaped segment, preferably a roof panel in the form of a substantially right-angled triangle,

characterised in that the two rectangular frames of each wedge-shaped segment are attached to each other in an apex side,
wherein at least one frame, and preferably all rectangular frames, comprise(s) four rib elements each having a length (71), a width (72) and a thickness (73), and narrowings (74a, 74b) at longitudinal ends of the rib element, wherein

- the length (71) of each rib element corresponds to the height or width of the rectangular frame;

- preferably, the width (72) of each rib element is adjusted to ensure the structural strength of the frame;

- preferably, the narrowings (74a, 74b) at the longitudinal ends have a thickness that is half the thickness (73) of the rib element (70) in order to easily fit in corresponding narrowings of other rib elements of the same thickness at the ends of the rib elements,

wherein a rib element (70) comprises wood and/or wood fibres, preferably wherein the rib element comprises one or more layers of which at least one layer consists of wood and/or a wood fibre material.

10. Beam-shaped segment for constructing a modular building according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a first rectangular frame and a second rectangular frame, which are connected to each other:

- with two side panels in each of two outer side faces of the beam-shaped segment;

- with a substantially rectangular base panel on an underside of the beam-shaped element, and

- with a substantially rectangular roof panel on a top side of the beam-shaped element,

characterised in that the first and the second rectangular frame of each beam-shaped segment have dimensions that are essentially equal to dimensions of at least the first rectangular frame of the wedge-shaped segment according to claim 11, in order to be able to closely connect each of the first and the second rectangular frame of each beam-shaped segment with the first rectangular frame of said wedge-shaped segment,
wherein at least one frame, and preferably all rectangular frames, comprise(s) four rib elements each having a length (71), a width (72) and a thickness (73), and narrowings (74a, 74b) at longitudinal ends of the rib element, wherein

- the length (71) of each rib element corresponds to the height or width of the rectangular frame;

- preferably, the width (72) of each rib element is adjusted to ensure the structural strength of the frame;

- preferably, the narrowings (74a, 74b) at the longitudinal ends have a thickness that is half the thickness (73) of the rib element (70) in order to easily fit in corresponding narrowings of other rib elements of the same thickness at the ends of the rib elements,

wherein a rib element (70) comprises wood and/or wood fibres, preferably wherein the rib element comprises one or more layers of which at least one layer consists of wood and/or a wood fibre material.

11. Transportable module for building a modular building according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising two, three or more wedge-shaped segments according to claim 9 and/or beam-shaped segments according to claim 10, preferably comprising at least one wedge-shaped segment, the segments placed one behind the other and wherein each two adjoining segments with corresponding frames are fastened together to form an open structure through the frames of the segments.

12. Transportable corner module according to claim 11 for constructing a modular building according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising two wedge-shaped segments (41a, 41b), the corner module comprising a first rectangular frame (100a), a second rectangular frame (100b) and a third rectangular frame (100c), which are connected to each other:

- having a first side panel (101a) in an outer side face of the first wedge-shaped segment (41a) connecting the first frame (100a) to the second frame (100b);

- having a second side panel (101b) in an outer side face of the second wedge-shaped segment (41b) connecting the second frame (100b) to the third frame (100c);

- with a substantially triangular first base panel (103a) on an underside of the first wedge-shaped segment (41a) connecting the first frame (100a) to the second frame (100b), and a substantially triangular second base panel on an underside of the second wedge-shaped segment (41b) connecting the second frame (100b) with the third frame (100c), preferably wherein the first and/or second base panel have the shape of a substantially right-angled triangle, and

- with a substantially triangular first roof panel (102a) on an upper side of the first wedge-shaped segment (41a) connecting the first frame (100a) to the second frame (100b), and a substantially triangular second roof panel (102b) on an upper side of the second wedge-shaped segment (41b) connecting the second frame (100b) with the third frame (100c), preferably wherein the first and/or second roof panel have the shape of a substantially right-angled triangle,

characterised in that the first, second and third rectangular frames of the corner module are attached to each other in an apex side, and
that the first and third rectangular frames have dimensions that are substantially the same as the dimensions of the frames of the segments of the modular building in order to be able to closely connect each of the first and third rectangular frames of each corner module to the frames of every segment of the modular building.

Drawing