TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular building.

In more detail, the present invention relates to a modular wooden building which can be quickly assembled and dismantled even several times, in which the disassembly-reassembly operations do not change the properties of the system.

BACKGROUND ART

In the building sector, today, there are special types of constructions, generally of medium-small dimensions, which are designed to meet different types of needs. Often, these types of buildings are set up to meet certain needs which limited in time; or, they are set up to meet any requests for a structural modification and/or for a change of location of the building itself.

Examples of these buildings, with reference to all the most common destinations (residential, agricultural, industrial, etc.) can be buildings such as warehouses, bams, depots, animal shelters, small artisan or industrial sheds, or even residential buildings aimed at providing temporary accommodation in the event of a disaster, and others.

Currently, to meet this type of needs, buildings are used, consisting, in their essential parts, of construction elements made of light materials (typically wood, and its derivatives), so that they can be assembled, disassembled, and possibly also reassembled, quickly, easily and with reasonable expenditure of resources.

The use of wood and its derivatives is certainly optimal from many points of view: in particular, the components made of these materials are very light and easy to handle, are easily available, have a limited cost, and last but not least have good mechanical, thermal, acoustic properties, etc.

However, the use of components made of this type of material is not without its drawbacks.

In fact, it is known that the assembly and disassembly of wooden components, repeated several times, can cause the rapid deterioration of the parts themselves, particularly at the mutual connection portions. This can be caused mainly by the type of connection systems used, i.e. typically nails or self-tapping screws, which in each phase of new assembly of the building require making new holes essentially in the same portions of the components.

In some cases, some components must be replaced after a certain number of disassembly and reassembly: the damaged components must then be properly disposed of.

Another drawback that afflicts buildings of a known type is the limited possibility of changing, on a case by case basis, certain features of the building.

In particular, if the user means to change the mass of the building, or its acoustic or thermal insulation, or other properties or features, it is necessary to replace, at least, the infill or closure components with others of different characteristics.

This, in addition to requiring time and work, can also cause accidental damage to the infill or closure components and also to the load-bearing structures, for the reasons explained above.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the sector of modular buildings.

Within such technical aim, it is an object of the present invention to develop a modular building that can be assembled, disassembled and subsequently reassembled, even several times, simply and quickly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular building which can be assembled, disassembled and subsequently reassembled, even several times, without the individual components undergoing any type of damage or even deterioration of their properties.

A further object of the present invention is to make available a modular building whose thermal, acoustic and mass properties can be easily defined in the design or construction phase, in a simple and economic way.

A further object of the present invention is to make available a modular building whose compositional features (shape and dimensions) can be easily modified in a simple and economic way, even after the assembly of the building itself. Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular building which is very versatile and customizable in relation to the various application needs.

Another object of the present invention is to develop a modular building with a low cost, and achievable with easily available materials.

This aim and these purposes are achieved by the modular building according to the attached claim 1.

The building includes a load-bearing structure, consisting of a base foundation from which pillars rise which are mutually connected, at the top, by a crowning curb.

The load-bearing structure further comprises a plurality of wall modules, mutually connected and constrained to the base foundation by means of connecting elements, so as to create at least some perimeter walls and a top cover.

According to an aspect of the invention, the wall modules are formed by perimeter wooden elements closed by wooden panels on both sides, so as to form one or more compartments inside the wall module, which can be filled with materials suitable for reaching specific acoustic, thermal, density or other required properties.

According to an aspect of the invention, the connecting elements comprise connecting members, each comprising at least one threaded bar, and tightening elements, engageable at the ends of the threaded bar itself.

The threaded bar can be inserted, in a removable way, through the through holes specifically provided in the load-bearing structure and in the wall modules.

This is a particularly effective solution to ensure quick and easy assembly/disassembly of building components, without risking damaging/deteriorating the parts after repeated interventions.

In fact, the threaded bars can be inserted and extracted several times from the respective through holes, without causing any damage to the parts to be connected, which therefore remain perfectly intact for a possible reassembly, or for any future different destinations.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features of the invention will be better understood by each technician of the branch from the description that follows and from the attached drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a possible modular building according to the invention;

Figure 2 is another axonometric view of the building, from a different angle;

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the building, with the wall modules removed for greater clarity;

Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the building, with some parts removed for greater clarity;

Figure 5 is another axonometric view of the building, with further parts removed for greater clarity;

Figure 6 is an axonometric view of a first wall module of the building according to the invention;

Figure 7 is an axonometric view, from different angle, of the same first wall module of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an axonometric view of a second wall module of the building;

Figure 9 is an axonometric view, from different angle, of the same second wall module of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an axonometric view of a third wall module of the building;

Figure 11 is an axonometric view, from different angle, of the same third wall module of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an axonometric exploded view of the first wall module of Figures 6,7;

Figure 13 is an axonometric exploded view of the second wall module of Figures 8,9;

Figure 14 is an axonometric view of the special elements of the first door of the building; Figure 15 is an axonometric exploded view of the special elements of the first door of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is an axonometric view of the special elements of the second door of the building;

Figure 17 is an axonometric exploded view of the special elements of the second door of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is an axonometric detail view of one of the angular base elements of the foundation of the load-bearing structure;

Figure 19 is an axonometric detail view of one of the rectilinear base elements of the foundation of the load-bearing structure;

Figure 20 is an axonometric detail view of one of the beams of the building cover;

Figure 21 is an axonometric detail view of the beams that make up the crowning curb of the load-bearing structure;

Figure 22 is an axonometric detail view of some of the vertical portions which constitute the frames of the wall modules;

Figure 23 is an axonometric detail view of one of the pillars of the load- bearing structure;

Figure 24 is an axonometric detail view of the other horizontal portions which constitute the frames of the wall modules;

Figures 25-29 are axonometric detail views of the different connecting plates of the various elements that make up the building;

Figure 30 is an axonometric detail view of one of the connecting members of the various elements that make up the building.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the attached Figure 1, a modular building according to the present invention is wholly indicated with 1.

The modular building 1 described below represents a generic building, and it has a completely general use.

For example, it can be used in the construction of warehouses, bams, depots, animal shelters, small artisan or industrial sheds, or residential buildings aimed at providing temporary accommodation in the event of a disaster, and others, without particular limitations.

The system referred to in building 1 can be assembled, disassembled and subsequently reassembled, even several times, without the individual components undergoing any type of damage or even deterioration of their properties.

Modular building 1 includes a load-bearing structure, indicated as a whole with A (shown in Figure 2 and then in Figure 4 with various parts removed for greater clarity).

The load-bearing structure A comprises a base foundation B.

The load-bearing structure A also includes pillars 2, which rise from the base foundation B.

The pillars 2 are connected to each other, at the top, by a crowning curb C.

The load-bearing structure A, furthermore, comprises a plurality of wall modules 3,4,5.

Wall modules 3,4,5 can be mutually connected along their respective lateral edges, to give rise to assembled components.

Advantageously, the wall modules 3,4,5 have both a load-bearing function and an infill and closing function.

The pillars 2, instead, mainly have the function of connecting the wall modules 3,4,5 at the corners of building 1.

Wall modules 3,4,5 are connected to the load-bearing structure A by means of connecting elements D.

As better clarified below, the connecting elements D comprise connecting members

6.

The wall modules 3,4,5 are mutually connected, and linked to the load-bearing structure A, by means of the aforementioned connecting elements D, so as to make assembled components, that is, substantially, perimeter walls 7,8,9,10 and a top cover 11.

More in detail, and in the specific case in which the modular building 1 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, the wall modules 3,4,5 are suitable for realizing a first perimeter wall 7, a second perimeter wall 8, a third perimeter wall 9 and a fourth perimeter wall 10, two with two opposite each other.

However, it should be noted that the modular building 1 could have any other conformation, in relation to specific application needs, without particular limitations for the purposes of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, each of the wall modules 3,4,5 comprises at least one support frame 12.

The frame 12 can have, in general, any shape.

In the embodiment, of particular practical interest, illustrated in the attached figures, the frame 12 has a rectangular or square shape.

The frame 12 is associated with at least two opposite panels 13,14.

Preferably the panels 13,14 are identical, but they could also be different, for certain application reasons.

The opposing panels 13,14 enclose at least one internal compartment 15.

As better clarified below, the internal compartment 15 of each of the wall modules 3,4,5 can be used to introduce materials or components of various kinds, particularly, but not exclusively, to modify the characteristics and properties of the same wall modules 3,4,5.

The frame 12 of each of the wall modules 3,4,5 is provided with through holes 16 for the removable insertion of the aforementioned connecting members 6.

In addition to this, or in combination with this, also the panels 13,14 of each of the wall modules 3,4,5 are provided with respective through holes 17 for the removable insertion of the aforesaid connecting members 6.

Furthermore, the frame 12 of each of the wall modules 3,4,5 comprises shape coupling means 18 with the frames 12 of the adjacent wall modules 3,4,5, or with the pillars 2.

The shape-coupling means 18 are provided along the external perimeter surface 19 of the frame 12.

Consequently, the pillars 2 are also provided with respective shape-coupling means 18 with the wall modules 3,4,5.

The aforesaid shape-coupling means 18 comprise, more particularly, protrusions 20, and recesses 21, in which such protrusions 20 can engage.

The protrusions 20 and the recesses 21 are provided along the external perimeter surface 19 of the frame 12 of each wall module 3,4,5, so as to run along the entire perimeter of the frame 12 itself.

The protrusions 20 and the recesses 21 can be distributed, in various ways, along the external perimeter surface 19 of the frame 12.

For example (see in this regard Figures 6-13) the frame 12 of each of the wall modules 3,4,5 can comprise two protrusions 20 along two adjacent sides, and two recesses 21 along the remaining two sides.

This allows to easily interconnect the various wall modules 3,4,5 during the assembly of the modular building 1.

In other words, the shape-coupling means 18 constitute a convenient and effective reference for assembling the wall modules 3,4,5 in different ways.

In a first interconnection mode, the wall modules 3,4,5 are placed one on top of the other vertically, or substantially vertically, to create the perimeter walls 7,8,9,10.

In a second interconnection mode, the wall modules 3,4,5 are placed side by side horizontally, or substantially horizontally, to make the cover 11.

Each frame 12 of each wall module 3,4,5 comprises (with particular reference to Figures 12,13) perimeter portions 22,23,24,25 assembled in a rectangular or square configuration.

In greater detail, each frame 12 comprises a first perimeter portion 22, a second perimeter portion 23, a third perimeter portion 24 and a fourth perimeter portion 25.

The four perimeter portions 22,23,24,25 are all different from each other, in order to obtain the desired configuration of the shape-coupling means 18.

In fact, the first perimeter portion 22 includes a respective protrusion 20, which runs along the entire length thereof; the second perimeter portion 23 (opposed to the first perimeter portion 22) includes a respective recess 21, which runs along the entire length thereof (visible in particular in Figure 7).

The third perimeter portion 24 (also this, better visible in Figure 7) includes a respective protrusion 20, which runs along the entire length thereof; the fourth perimeter portion 25 (opposed to the third perimeter portion 24) includes a respective recess 21, which runs along the entire length thereof.

Such perimeter portions 22,23,24,25 are illustrated, in detail, in Figures 22 and 24. Still with reference to Figures 12,13, the perimeter portions 22,23,24,25 of each frame 12 are mutually connected by means of "L" angle brackets 26,27 (also shown in detail in Figure 25), with the help of nails, screws, adhesives, or the like.

According to an aspect of the invention, essentially three types of wall modules 3,4,5 can be distinguished in modular building 1.

In particular, building 1 includes a plurality of first wall modules 3 (Figures

6.7.12), which can be used to make the perimeter walls 7,8,9,10 or the cover 11. Each first wall module 3 has a rectangular configuration, with the width being twice the height (width and height are, in this context, completely conventional and non-limiting definitions).

The panels 13,14 of the first wall module 3 have essentially the same external dimensions as the frame 12.

As shown in the exploded view of Figure 12, the frame 12 of the first wall module 3 comprises an additional reinforcement and stiffening central portion 28.

The central portion 28 (shown in detail in Figure 22) is fixed at the center line of the first perimeter portion 22 and of the third perimeter portion 24, by means of the aforementioned "L" angle brackets 26,27.

The central portion 28 also divides the internal compartment 15 of the first wall module 3 into two distinct sub-compartments, which can also possibly be used in a different way (for example, to be filled with materials having different properties). In addition, building 1 includes a plurality of second wall modules 4 (Figures

8.9.13), which also can be used to make the perimeter walls 7,8,9,10 or the cover

11.

Each second wall module 4 has a substantially square configuration (equal dimensions of width and height).

Also in this case, the panels 13,14 have essentially the same external dimensions as the frame 12.

Building 1 also includes a plurality of third wall modules 5 (Figures 10.11), which can be used to create the perimeter walls 7,8,9,10 or the cover 11.

The third wall modules 5 differ from the first wall modules 3 in that the panels 13,14 do not, in this case, have the same external dimensions as the frame 12, but only essentially half of the same.

This allows an opening 29 or window to be obtained in the third wall module 5: it is therefore possible to use a third wall module 5 in an area of the perimeter walls 7,8,9,10 of building 1, or even of cover 11, in which a window is to be obtained. The three types of wall elements 3,4,5 can obviously be combined in various ways to obtain modular buildings 1 of different characteristics and configurations, without particular limitations.

Each of the pillars 2 of the load-bearing structure A is illustrated in detail in Figure 23.

Similarly to what is provided in the wall modules 3,4,5, also in each of the pillars 2 the shape-coupling means 18 comprise at least a protrusion 20 and at least a recess 21.

In more detail, each of the pillars 2 comprises a protrusion 20 and a recess 21, provided on adjacent portions of the external surface of the pillar 2 itself.

In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the pillars 2 have a square or rectangular cross section.

Consequently, in each of the pillars 2, the protrusion 20 and the recess 21 are provided along two adjacent faces of the external surface of the pillar 2 itself, so as to run along the entire length of the pillar 2.

The base foundation B comprises a plurality of foundation elements 30,31, of the type illustrated in Figures 18,19.

In more detail, the base foundation B comprises a plurality of rectilinear foundation elements 30 and four corner foundation elements 31. The foundation elements 30,31 have, for example, a substantially inverted "T" cross section, so as to rest on the ground with their larger portion.

The foundation elements 30,31 are mutually joined along a closed line (for example square or rectangular, but possibly also of another shape).

As shown, for example, in Figure 3, the cover 11 of the modular building 1 comprises a plurality of beams 32, or cross beams, fixed above the crowning curb C.

In turn, the wall modules 3,4,5 are fixed to the beams 32, and complete the cover

11.

Each of the beams 32 (see in particular Figure 20) can have a cross section of an area varying from a minimum, at the ends, to a maximum, at the center line, so as to obtain a sort of two-pitched cover 11 once assembled the wall modules 3,4,5.

The crowning curb C comprises a plurality of beams 33,34.

The beams 33,34 can have the same length, or different lengths; in the latter case (corresponding to the specific embodiment shown in the figures), first beams 33 of shorter length, and second beams 34 of longer length, can be distinguished.

The first beams 33 can be mounted, for example, at the corners of the load-bearing structure A, while the second beams 34 can be provided along the sides of the load- bearing structure A itself.

Each of the first beams 33 and second beams 34 (both shown in detail in Figure 21) comprises respective connectable ends 35,36, opposite each other.

Said connectable ends can comprise a first tooth- shaped end 35 (for example rectangular), and a second end 36 shaped substantially as a notch, or recess (also, for example, rectangular), mutually engageable.

In this way, as shown in Figure 3, the first, second beams 33,34 can be chained in series, to obtain the crowning curb C.

The modular building 1 according to the present invention can be provided with a certain number of doors 37,38, or entrances, or the like.

In the specific embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the modular building 1 comprises a first door 37 and a second door 38, provided respectively on certain perimeter walls 7,8,9,10 of the building 1 itself.

Obviously, in other embodiments of the invention, the number, arrangement and size of doors 37,38 could be any, in relation to specific application needs.

Each of the doors 37,38 comprises two vertical elements 39,40, surmounted by a horizontal element 41.

Furthermore, each of the doors 37,38 also includes shape-coupling means 18 with the wall modules 3,4,5 of the perimeter walls 7,8,9,10.

The shape-coupling means 18 are provided along the perimeter surface of each of the doors 37,38.

More specifically, each of the doors 37,38 comprises a first vertical element 39 and a second vertical element 40, as well as a horizontal element 41.

The shape-coupling means 18 also include, in this case, a recess 21, provided in the first vertical element 39, which runs along its entire length; moreover, the shape coupling means 18 comprise a protrusion 20, provided in the second vertical element 40, which runs along its entire length.

The shape-coupling means 18 also comprise a protrusion 20, provided in the horizontal element 41, which runs along its entire length.

Through elements 39,40,41 of doors 37,38 through holes 41c are provided, for the insertion of the connecting members 6.

During the assembly of building 1, the wall modules 3,4,5 can therefore also be coupled to the doors 37,38, thanks to the shape-coupling means 18, so as to create perimeter walls 7,8,9,10 uniform, clean, and seamless.

In correspondence with the doors 37,38 and the windows of building 1, fixtures, or the like, can obviously be installed, if necessary.

According to an important aspect of the invention, and as already mentioned above, the mutual fixing and locking of all the components of the modular building 1 is carried out by means of connecting members 6 engaged in through holes 16,17 provided in the wall modules 3,4,5 (in particular in frames 12 and panels 13,14). The through holes 16,17 for the engagement of the connecting members 6 also affect, in minimal part, the rest of the load-bearing structure A; in a preferred embodiment of the invention, only the crowning curb C comprises respective through holes 41c for the connecting members 6.

Further important construction details can be understood by observing, in particular, Figures 4 and 5, where various parts are removed for greater clarity.

As will become clearer hereinafter, the connecting elements D comprise a plurality of brackets and plates 42-63 for the reciprocal constraint of the wall modules 3,4,5 and for the constraint of the wall modules 3,4,5 to the pillars 2, to the base foundation B, to the crowning curb C and to the cover 11, provided with holes for the insertion of the connecting members 6, which also allow the removal of the same connecting members 6 without altering the wooden structures and steel. The rectilinear foundation elements 30 and the corner foundation elements 31 of the base foundation B are mutually connected by means of the brackets 42 illustrated in Figure 25.

Each of these brackets 42 comprises two flat portions, orthogonal to each other, in which holes, for fixing to the foundation elements 30,31 and also the wall modules 3,4,5 in a vertical configuration, are provided.

The aforesaid brackets 42 are fixed in correspondence with the mutual joints of the foundation elements 30, 31.

Further brackets 43, of similar shape (also shown in Figure 25), can be used to constrain the wall modules 3,4,5 to the surfaces of the foundation elements 30,31. The pillars 2 (see in particular Figure 5) are positioned on the base foundation B by means of lower brackets 44,45, shown in Figure 26.

In particular, the lower brackets 44,45, fixed on the corner foundation elements 31, define respective insertion seats for the pillars 2 themselves.

A first lower perimeter row of wall modules 3,4,5 (i.e. indifferently the first, second or third wall modules 3,4,5, in relation to the particular configuration to be given to building 1), is bound to the base foundation B by means of the aforesaid brackets 42,43, and coupled to the pillars 2 by means of the shape-coupling means 18.

Obviously, doors 37,38 or the like can be provided: these too are fixed to the foundation elements 30,31 by means of respective shaped brackets 46,47 shown in Figure 28.

The coupling between the doors 37,38 and the wall modules 3,4,5 takes place, also in this case, through the shape-coupling means 18.

Then the upper rows of the wall modules 3,4,5 are mounted, always taking advantage of the convenient and quick positioning and reference of the shape coupling means 18.

The rows of wall modules 3,4,5 topped are those necessary to reach the desired height of building 1.

As shown in Figures 4,5, the wall modules 3,4,5 are constrained to each other by means of side plates 48-52 (also shown in detail in Figures 25,26,28) provided with holes for the engagement of the connecting members 6.

The side plates 48-52 have different conformation in relation to the position in which they are installed.

In particular, the side plates 49 are installed at the corners of the wall modules 3,4,5, while the side plates 48 are installed at the center line of the same wall modules 3,4,5.

The side plates 50-52 are, instead, used for the connection of the top row of the wall modules 3,4,5 to the crowning curb C.

On the other hand, to secure the pillars 2 to the wall modules 3,4,5 immediately adjacent to them, comer brackets 53-57 are used (Figures 26,27), provided with holes for inserting the connecting members 6.

The comer brackets 53-57 are shaped in such a way as to surround the pillars 2 and the wall modules 3,4,5 adjacent to them, both from the outside and from the inside. In particular, the comer brackets 53,54 are used at the intermediate sections of the pillars 2, while the corner brackets 55-57 are used at the tops of the pillars 2 themselves.

A series of additional upper brackets 58,59,60 and upper plates 61,62,63 (shown in detail in Figure 29) are also provided, which allow to connect to each other the wall modules 3,4,5 which make up the cover 11; moreover, the upper brackets 58,59,60 allow connecting the wall modules 3,4,5, which constitute the cover 11, to the beams 32; some of them can be used at the comers of the wall modules 3,4,5, while others at the lateral edges of the cover 11.

According to another aspect of the invention, each of the connecting members 6 comprises at least one threaded bar 64, and also two washers 65 and nuts 66,67 (in particular two nuts 66 and two lock nuts 67).

In practice, during the assembly of building 1, each threaded bar 64 is inserted into the respective through hole 16,17,41c; subsequently, at both protruding ends of the bar 64 the washers 65, which abut on the surface of one of the various brackets or plates 42-63, and finally the nuts 66 and lock nuts 67, are inserted.

All building components (with the exception of connecting elements D) can be made of wood, or even in one of its derivatives, if the specific situation permits. However, the use of other types of materials with properties suitable for this application is not precluded.

The invention, thus conceived, allows to achieve important technical advantages. The assembly of building 1 is made particularly simple and easy thanks to the type and configuration of the connecting members 6 used.

In fact, the simple insertion of threaded bars 64 into the specially prepared through holes 16,17,41c allows obtaining the mutual constraint of the wall modules 3,4,5, and the constraint of the same modules 3,4,5 to the rest of the load-bearing structure 2 in an immediate and effective way.

In addition, for the same reasons, the disassembly of building 1 is also particularly simple and quick.

In addition, the use of this type of connecting members 6, and the particular configuration of the wall modules 3,4,5, prevents all parts of the building 1 from being accidentally damaged or deteriorated during disassembly and reassembly, even repeated several times.

It should also be noted that the particular configuration of the shape-coupling means 18, provided between the wall modules 3,4,5, the pillars 2 and the doors 37,38, constitutes a considerable help for the operators during the assembly of the building 1, since the various components are correctly maintained in the assembly position until the bond with the connecting members 6 is completed.

Another important feature of the invention consists in the fact that the wall modules 3,4,5 are widely customizable, since the various internal compartments 15 can be filled with any material, insert or element suitable for conferring certain properties, for example of thermal or acoustic insulation, or a certain mass, etc.

The same components of building 1 (i.e. mainly the wall modules 3,4,5, and the brackets-plates 42-63 together with the connecting members 6) can also be used to create internal partitions, or the like.

It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the proposed purposes.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be conceived without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.