Patent Description:
Such prefab construction elements, for instance made of concrete, may already have been provided with internal pipes for instance for the electrical wiring of the building.

There is a need to also provide prefab construction elements with pipes for the water management, sewer system, electricity, air treatment or ventilation, which pipes can easily be coupled during installation.

<CIT> is considered to be prior art and describes a factory-made construction element for a system of joists, multiple construction elements being designed to be placed adjacent to each other on a framework. A layer of light clinker concrete is provided between a first concrete layer and a second concrete layer, and an elongate reinforcement member extends in a longitudinal direction through the construction element between the concrete layers.

<CIT> is considered to be prior art and describes a construction element with pipework. The pipework comprises a coupling piece which enables easy connection of conduits after casting of the construction element.

The invention provides an assembly according to claim <NUM>.

The first construction element and the second construction element in which the first pipe and the second pipe have been accommodated, form prefab construction elements that can be transported to a building site in order to be placed in the building under construction, such as a concrete slab. The fragile outer ends of the pipes are either situated in the first recess, which is situated recessed from the head surface of the construction element, or said fragile outer ends may project from the construction element. In case the fragile outer ends of the pipes are situated in the first recess, the head surface will buffer the blows during transport and hoisting the construction element in, and the outer ends of the pipes remain well-protected. Once the construction elements have been placed, the pipes can be coupled one to the other by introducing the insert coupling according to the invention into the installation space and converting it to the second position or condition. The insert coupling comprises an intermediate pipe between the first pipe and the second pipe, and a slider sleeve around the intermediate pipe which can be shifted along the intermediate pipe, wherein the insert coupling can be converted between the first condition and the second condition by shifting the slider sleeve along and over the intermediate pipe.

In one embodiment, the second construction element contains a second recess that is adjacent to the second head surface, wherein the first recess and the second recess jointly define the installation space for the insert coupling. The recesses that are complementary to each other can in that case each remain small in size, whereas a sufficiently large installation space for the insert coupling is realized.

In one embodiment, the installation space debouches in the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the construction elements, so that the insert coupling can easily be placed in there from the top side or bottom side of the construction elements.

In one embodiment thereof, the installation space debouches in the upper surface or lower surface, and is bounded opposite the debouching location by a bottom surface in the base material of the construction elements. The insert coupling can then for instance be installed from the top side of the construction elements, wherein the bottom surface prevents the insert coupling from falling down when it is being placed in there.

In one embodiment, halfway the height of the first construction element, the first head surface merges via a support surface into a front surface situated recessed from the first head surface in order to form a support edge of the first construction element, and the second head surface merges via a bearing surface into a front surface situated recessed from the second head surface in order to form a bearing edge of the second construction element, wherein the second construction element with its bearing edge is situated at the support edge. The construction elements can then easily be placed in a mutual bond.

In an alternative, blunt embodiment the first head surface and the second head surface extend over the full height of the construction elements.

In one embodiment, the first pipe has a first end edge that is situated in a first wall of the installation space or is situated recessed in the base material of the first construction element, and/or the second pipe has a second end edge that is situated in a second wall of the installation space or is situated recessed in the base material of the second construction element. As a result, the pipe in question is also protected inside the recess against for instance the hoist slings with which the construction element can be hoisted up.

In one embodiment thereof, the first pipe and/or the second pipe behind the first end edge or second end edge, respectively, is free from the base material of the construction elements and an annular space extends around the outer end of the first pipe and/or the second pipe. The insert coupling can then easily be connected by for instance partially pushing it over the pipe, wherein the overlapping portion ends up in the annular space.

In one embodiment, in the second position or condition, the insert coupling and the first pipe, and the insert coupling and the second pipe, are partially inserted into each other in order to connect the first pipe and the second pipe in a flowing manner.

In one embodiment thereof, the insert coupling comprises a first introduction pipe that fits in the first pipe, and/or a second introduction pipe that fits in the second pipe. The insert coupling can then be installed by inserting the introduction pipe in question into the pipe in the construction element.

In one embodiment thereof, a circumferential, flexible sealing extends at the interior of the first pipe and/or second pipe, which sealing engages onto the first introduction pipe or the second introduction pipe, respectively. The flexible sealing has then already been incorporated in the construction elements and is protected in there.

In an alternative embodiment, the insert coupling comprises a first pipe coupling that engages around the first pipe, and/or a second pipe coupling that engages around the second pipe. The insert coupling can then easily be connected by placing the pipe coupling in question at the end edge of the pipe and subsequently, for instance pushing it over the pipe.

In one embodiment, the insert coupling has been provided with a circumferential, flexible sealing inside the first pipe coupling and/or the second pipe coupling.

In one embodiment, the first pipe coupling and/or the second pipe coupling comprises a one-way coupling, which blocks retraction of the first pipe or second pipe immediately once it has been engaged. Subsequent to placing and pushing, the one-way coupling is immediately fixated.

Alternatively, the first pipe coupling and/or the second pipe coupling is a press-coupling, compression fitting or a coupling that is threaded at the first pipe or second pipe.

In one embodiment, the insert coupling comprises an intermediate pipe having the first pipe coupling and the second pipe coupling at its outer ends. The pipe couplings and the intermediate pipe then form a kit that is easy to assemble in the installation space.

In one embodiment thereof, the first pipe coupling and/or the second pipe coupling comprises a one-way coupling that engages around the intermediate pipe.

In one embodiment, the insert coupling comprises a first slider pipe and a second slider pipe between the parts that engage onto the first pipe or second pipe, which slider pipes are telescopically inserted into each other, wherein the insert coupling can be converted between the first position and the second position by shifting the slider pipes relative to each other. The insert coupling can then be installed by telescopically extending the slider pipes so that the engaging parts of the insert coupling engage onto the pipes of the construction elements. This is easy to do using two hands.

In one embodiment thereof, the insert coupling comprises a circumferential, flexible sealing between the first slider pipe and the second slider pipe.

In a combined embodiment, the insert coupling can be converted between the first condition and the second condition by shifting the slider sleeve along the intermediate pipe and over the first or second introduction pipe. The introduction pipes may be separate pipe members or form an integral part of the insert coupling.

In one embodiment, the first pipe and the second pipe have a circular cross-section having an outer diameter of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>. They can for instance be used as sewer pipes.

In one embodiment, the first pipe and the second pipe may have a circular cross-section having an outer diameter of <NUM>-<NUM>. They can for instance be used as ventilation ducts.

In one embodiment, the first pipe and the second pipe are medium transporting pressure pipes having a circular cross-section having an outer diameter of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>. They can for instance be used as water supply pipes.

In one embodiment, the first pipe and the second pipe may have an oval cross-section.

Alternatively, the first pipe and the second pipe may have a rectangular or square cross-section.

Said oval, rectangular or square cross-sections will for instance make the pipes highly suitable for use as ventilation ducts.

Said pipe diameters and pipe cross-sections and the various embodiments of the insert coupling, in particular their connecting parts, may be used together in any combination according to need.

In a preferred embodiment, the base material of the construction elements is concrete.

In a preferred embodiment, the base material of the construction elements is wood.

In a preferred embodiment, the base material of the construction elements is synthetic material, such as PUR, epoxy or polyester.

In a preferred embodiment, the base material of the construction elements is metal, such as iron.

In a preferred embodiment, the first pipe and the second pipe have been made of synthetic material, such as PVC or PE.

In a preferred embodiment, the first pipe and the second pipe have been made of metal, such as copper or iron.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert coupling has been made of synthetic material, such as PVC or PE.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert coupling has been made of metal, such as copper or iron.

The aspects and measures described in this description and the claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects and other aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications relating thereto. This particularly applies to the measures and aspects that are described per se in the sub claims.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:.

<FIG> schematically shows a part of a building that is being erected, constructed using prefab plate-shaped construction elements having a rectangular basic outline. In this example, the construction elements are a first concrete slab <NUM> and a second concrete slab <NUM>, which are placed horizontally along their edges on a wall <NUM> in order to span a room and to form a floor. Possible base materials for the construction elements are concrete, wood, steel or synthetic material, such as PUR, epoxy or polyester.

The concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM> both have an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> extending parallel to each other, and a head surface <NUM> extending transverse thereto. At approximately halfway the height, the head surface <NUM> of the first concrete slab <NUM> merges via a support surface <NUM> into a front surface <NUM> situated recessed, as a result of which a rebate or support edge <NUM> extending over the width of the first concrete slab <NUM> is defined. At approximately halfway the height, the head surface <NUM> of the second concrete slab <NUM> merges via a bearing surface <NUM> into a front surface <NUM> situated recessed, as a result of which a nose or bearing edge <NUM> extending over the width of the second concrete slab <NUM> is formed. When constructing the building, the first concrete slab <NUM> will be placed on the lateral side on the upper surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM>, after which the second concrete slab <NUM> will be placed thereon with the bearing edge <NUM> in order to form a floor. The front surface <NUM> of the second concrete slab <NUM> will then abut the head surface <NUM> of the first concrete slab <NUM>.

The first concrete slab <NUM> has been provided with a first recess <NUM> that is bounded by a bottom surface <NUM> extending parallel to the upper surface <NUM> and that is situated lower than the support surface <NUM>, a rear surface <NUM> extending parallel to the head surface <NUM> and that is situated recessed more deeply than the front surface <NUM>, and two parallel side surfaces <NUM> transverse thereto. The second concrete slab <NUM> has been provided with a second recess <NUM> that is bounded by a rear surface <NUM> that is situated in the extension of the front surface <NUM>, and two parallel side surfaces <NUM> transverse thereto. In the placed condition of the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> jointly form a closed off installation space <NUM> having a rectangular contour that can only be accessed from above. The installation space <NUM> with the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> that are situated recessed, is always the same for all three embodiments described herein.

<FIG> show further details of the embodiment not within the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, two parallel sewer pipes <NUM>, <NUM> have been accommodated in the floor slabs <NUM>, <NUM>, the sewer pipes having different diameters in this example. At their ends the synthetic sewer pipes <NUM>, <NUM> have a bush having an end edge <NUM>, which is situated in the rear surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the installation space <NUM> or which is situated recessed a few mm therefrom, and an internal rubber sealing <NUM> just behind the end edge <NUM>. The sewer pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are situated in each other's extension and are connected to each other in a flowing manner by means of insert couplings <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the insert couplings <NUM> have a first cylindrical, synthetic slider pipe <NUM> which at one side merges into a cylindrical introduction pipe <NUM> having an oblique pilot edge <NUM> and a circumferential flange <NUM>. The first synthetic slider pipe <NUM> has been inserted in a wider second synthetic slider pipe <NUM> which at one side, via a stop edge <NUM>, merges into an introduction pipe <NUM> having an oblique pilot edge <NUM>. There is an internal, rubber sealing in the second slider pipe <NUM>, which sealing seals off all around against the first slider pipe <NUM>. The slider pipes <NUM>, <NUM> can be shifted in direction A relative to each other in order to adjust the distance between the introduction pipes <NUM>, <NUM>.

Once the first concrete slab <NUM> and the second concrete slab <NUM> have been placed as shown in <FIG>, the insert couplings <NUM> are being placed in the first retracted position in the installation space <NUM> and subsequently in direction A brought into the second, extended position as shown in <FIG>. As a result, the introduction pipes <NUM>, <NUM> extend up to the circumferential flange <NUM> or the stop edge <NUM>, respectively, in the sewer pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the sealings <NUM> engage onto them in a watertight manner. Subsequently the installation space <NUM> is filled with fluid concrete <NUM> to connect the upper surfaces <NUM> of the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM> to each other.

<FIG> shows a variant of the embodiment as shown in <FIG>. Corresponding parts have been provided with the same reference numbers. Only the parts deviating therefrom will be further discussed below. In this variant the sewer pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are ending in a cylindrical, annular space <NUM> which debouches in the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, as a result of which the outer ends will sit in there so as to be free from the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM>. The end edges <NUM> of the sewer pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are situated recessed in the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> or a few mm therefrom. The insert coupling <NUM>' comprises the first cylindrical synthetic slider pipe <NUM> which, in this variant, merges into a wider accommodation pipe <NUM>' in which a rubber sealing <NUM>' has been accommodated. The second slider pipe <NUM> also merges into a wider accommodation pipe <NUM>' having said rubber sealing <NUM>'. Once the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM> have been placed, the insert coupling <NUM>' is placed in the installation space <NUM> in the retracted position and is telescopically extended in direction A, as a result of which the accommodation pipes <NUM>', <NUM>' end up in the cylindrical annular spaces <NUM> and engage onto the sewer pipes <NUM>, <NUM> in a sealing manner inside them.

<FIG> show further details of an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment air ducts <NUM> having an oval cross-section have been accommodated in the floor slabs <NUM>, <NUM>. The synthetic air ducts <NUM> have an end edge <NUM> which is situated in the rear surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the installation space <NUM> or is situated recessed a few mm therefrom, and an internal pilot edge <NUM> along the end edge <NUM>. The internal pilot edge <NUM> is situated in a widened insert end <NUM> of the air duct <NUM>. The air ducts <NUM> are situated in each other's extension and are connected to each other in a flowing manner by means of a synthetic insert coupling <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> the insert coupling <NUM> comprises two introduction pipes <NUM> having the same cross-section and size as the air ducts <NUM>. The introduction pipes <NUM> fit in the widened insert end <NUM> and have been provided with an oblique pilot edge <NUM> at both sides to facilitate the introduction. The insert coupling <NUM> comprises an intermediate pipe <NUM> having the same cross-section and size as the introduction pipes <NUM>, and around them two slider sleeves <NUM> having the same cross-section which can be shifted in direction B over the intermediate pipe <NUM>.

Once the first concrete slab <NUM> and the second concrete slab <NUM> have been placed as shown in <FIG>, the introduction pipes <NUM> are put into the insert ends <NUM> of the air ducts <NUM>, wherein approximately half their length is accommodated in the insert ends <NUM> and the remainder thereof protrudes in the installation space <NUM>. The slider sleeves <NUM> around the intermediate pipe <NUM> are shifted towards each other so that the intermediate pipe <NUM> defines the largest length of the whole. With this length, the intermediate pipe <NUM> fits between the introduction pips <NUM> with a little play as shown in <FIG>. Subsequently the slider sleeves <NUM> are shifted away from each other in direction B over the introduction pipes <NUM> up to the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the installation space <NUM>. Finally, in this example, the installation space <NUM> is filled with fluid concrete <NUM> in order to connect the upper surfaces <NUM> of the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM> to each other as explained above. The fluid concrete <NUM> ensures that the insert coupling <NUM> is closed off airtight. The material with which the installation space <NUM> is being filled, may be the same material as the base material of the construction elements.

<FIG> shows a variant of the embodiment as shown in <FIG>. Corresponding parts have been provided with the same reference numbers. Only the parts deviating therefrom will be further discussed below. In this variant, the oval air ducts <NUM> are ending in an oval, annular space <NUM> which debouches in the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, as a result of which the outer ends will sit in there so as to be free from the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM>. The end edges <NUM> of the air ducts <NUM> are situated recessed in the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> or a few mm therefrom. The insert coupling <NUM>' comprises the intermediate pipe <NUM> with the two pipe couplings or slider sleeves <NUM>' surrounding it, which pipe couplings or slider sleeves may have been provided with a circumferential pilot edge <NUM>'. Once the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM> have been placed, the insert coupling <NUM>' is placed in the installation space with the slider sleeves <NUM>' in the position in which they have been shifted towards each other and are telescopically extended in direction A, as a result of which the slider sleeves <NUM>' partially end up in the oval, annular spaces <NUM> and inside them engage onto the air ducts <NUM> while retaining overlap with the intermediate pipe <NUM>.

<FIG> show further details of the further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment pairs of synthetic water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM> have been accommodated in the floor slabs <NUM>, <NUM>, for instance for passing through hot and cold tap water, or for underfloor heating. The water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM> have an end edge <NUM> which is situated in the rear surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the installation space <NUM> or is situated recessed a few mm therefrom. The outer end of the water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM> is situated in a cylindrical space <NUM> which debouches in the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The pairs of end edges <NUM> are situated opposing each other, off-center from the rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to each other in a flowing manner using insert couplings <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the insert couplings <NUM> each comprise a synthetic intermediate pipe <NUM> having the same diameter as the water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM>. The intermediate pipes <NUM> are pre-bent in an L-shape. At the one outer end, there is a straight pipe coupling <NUM> and at the other outer end there is a right-angled pipe coupling <NUM>. Said pipe couplings <NUM>, <NUM> both contain two so-called 'push-fit' or one-way couplings <NUM> that accommodate the outer ends of the water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM> or the synthetic pipe <NUM> in a watertight manner. The introduced outer ends can only be detached by disassembling the one-way couplings <NUM>.

Once the first concrete slab <NUM> and the second concrete slab <NUM> have been placed as shown in <FIG>, the straight couplings <NUM> are put with the one-way couplings <NUM> in direction C on the outside one of the pairs of water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM> and the right-angled couplings <NUM> are put in direction C on the inside one of the pairs of water supply pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, with the as yet free one-way coupling <NUM> facing away from the straight coupling <NUM>. Subsequently the synthetic intermediate pipe <NUM> is inserted in direction D in the one-way coupling <NUM> of the straight pipe coupling <NUM>. This provides sufficient flexibility to insert the other outer end easily in direction E in the one-way coupling <NUM> of the right-angled coupling <NUM>. Finally, the installation space <NUM> is filled with fluid concrete <NUM> in order to connect the upper surfaces <NUM> of the concrete slabs <NUM>, <NUM> to each other as explained above.

The above-mentioned characteristics in terms of shape of the pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the insert couplings <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, in particular those parts that engage onto the pipes, can all be combined with each other. Per pipe, the engagement can take place inside the pipe or around the pipe, irrespective of the type of engagement at the other side of the insert coupling. The scope of protection as stated in the claims therefore is by no means restricted to the specific combinations described in detail above.

In the above-mentioned examples the pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the parts of the various insert couplings <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM> have been made of synthetic material, such as PVC or PE. Alternatively, the pipes and the parts have been made of metal, such as copper or iron.

Claim 1:
Assembly of a first plate-shaped construction element (<NUM>) and a second plate-shaped construction element (<NUM>) which, parallel next to each other, form a horizontal floor or ceiling of a building, wherein a first pipe (<NUM>) has been accommodated in the first construction element (<NUM>) and a second pipe (<NUM>) has been accommodated in the second construction element (<NUM>), which pipes are coupled to each other by means of an insert coupling (<NUM>; <NUM>') connecting the first pipe and the second pipe, wherein the first construction element (<NUM>) comprises a first head surface (<NUM>) and a first recess (<NUM>) adjacent thereto and the second construction element (<NUM>) comprises a second head surface (<NUM>) extending parallel to the first head surface, wherein the first recess (<NUM>) defines an installation space (<NUM>) for the insert coupling where the first pipe and the second pipe are ending, wherein the insert coupling (<NUM>; <NUM>') can be converted from a first position or condition in which it can be placed in the installation space, to a second position or condition in which it engages onto the first pipe and the second pipe, characterized in that the insert coupling (<NUM>; <NUM>') comprises an intermediate pipe (<NUM>) between the first pipe and the second pipe, and a slider sleeve (<NUM>; <NUM>') around the intermediate pipe which can be shifted along the intermediate pipe, wherein the insert coupling (<NUM>; <NUM>') can be converted between the first condition and the second condition by shifting the slider sleeve (<NUM>; <NUM>') along and over the intermediate pipe (<NUM>).