OA18895A - Spacer element for a disposable formwork for the construction of walls and disposable formwork incorporating the spacer element. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spacer element (4) for a disposable formwork (1) for the construction of a wall, said formwork (1) being of the type comprising a first panel (2) and a second panel (3). The spacer element (4) is configured to mutually couple said first panel (2) and said second panel (3) arranged at a certain distance one from the other. The spacer element (4) comprises : a first connecting portion (23) configured to be coupled, in use, with said first panel (2) ; a second connecting portion (25) opposite said first connecting portion (23) and configured to be coupled, in use, with said second panel (3) ; and at least one pipe (14, 15, 16) equipped with at least one lateral opening (14', 14", 15', 15", 16', 16") communicating, in use, with the outside of said formwork (1). In said at least one pipe (14, 15, 16) at least one through hole (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) is afforded communicating, in use, with an inside part of the formwork (1) so as to allow the passage of air from the outside of the formwork (1) towards said inside part and the outflow of liquids from said inside part towards the outside of the formwork (1). The invention further concerns a disposable formwork (1) for the construction of a wall. Such formwork (1) comprises two panels (2,3) and at least one spacer element (4) of the type indicated above, arranged between the two panels (2,3) so as to couple said two panels (2,3).

Description

SPACER ELEMENT FOR A D1SPOSABLE FORMWORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WALLS AND DISPOSABLE FORMWORK INCORPORATING THE SPACER ELEMENT.

DESCRIPTION

The présent invention relates to a spacer element for a disposabie formwork and a disposabie formwork incorporating such spacer element, wherein said formwork is intended in particular for the construction of walls, specifically both exterior enclosure walls and interior partition walls.

Various types of disposabie formworks are known for the construction of walls.

A first example of a formwork for the construction of concrète walls is shown in international patent application no. WO 2014/091377, which actually refers to a disposabie formwork comprising a plurality of opposing modular panels and a sériés of connecting means provided for coupling two panels arranged opposing one another at a certain distance from one another.

Such connecting means display a rectilinear overtumed U” shape, wherein the two respective end portions are engaged within slots formed on the inside part of the same panels.

Another modular formwork solution is described in international patent application no. WO 2014/042502.

This formwork is formed by a sériés of panels arranged opposing one another and held together by various rows of spacer éléments having a substantially rectangular shape, in which two through holes are afforded, arranged one above the other.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Formworks of the known type, however, hâve various drawbacks and technical limits mainly connected with their use on the site.

After the cement-based mortar has been cast in the formworks, there is normally a slow and inadéquate setting of the cement-based mortar itself.

A further example of a disp o sable formwork is shown in Italian patent application no. AN2015A000011 by the same Applicant, which, in fact, discloses a formwork substantially comprising two perforated panels, arranged opposing one another and joined through a sériés of spacer members.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the problème of the prior art highlighted above and to further perfect the technical solution proposed by the same Applicant in Italian patent application no. AN2015A000011.

Another object of the invention is to provide a spacer element for a disposable formwork for the construction of walls, that contributes to obtaining a wall with high mechanical résistance characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to provide a spacer element for a disposable formwork for the construction of walls, that allows the time required for obtaining the finished wall to be reduced.

Therefore, the spécifie subject matter of the present invention is a spacer element for a disposable formwork for the construction of a wall, said formwork being of the type comprising a first panel and a second panel, said spacer element being configured for mutually coupling said first panel and said second panel arranged at a certain distance one from the other, said spacer element comprising: a first connecting portion configured to be coupled, in use, to said first panel; a second connecting portion opposite said first connecting portion and configured to be coupled, in use, to said second panel; and at least one pipe provided with at least one latéral opening communicating, in use, with the outside of said formwork; in said at least one pipe there being afforded at least one through hole communicating, in use, with an inner part of said formwork in such a jvay as to allow the flow of air from the outside of the formwork toward said inside part and the outflow of liquids from said inside part toward the outside of the formwork.

Advantageously, according to the invention, said first connecting portion may comprise a first connecting means and said second connecting portion may comprise a second connecting means.

Furthennore, according to the invention, said first connecting means and said second connecting means may be fonned in a single piece with said at least one pipe.

Preferably according to the invention, said at least one through hole in said at least one pipe may comprise at least one row of through holes arranged longitudinally to said at least one pipe.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said at least one through hole may hâve a diameter less than or equal to 3 mm.

Preferably according to the invention, said at least one latéral opening may comprise at least a first latéral opening arranged at said first connecting portion, and at least a second latéral opening arranged at said second connecting portion.

Again according to the invention, said at least one pipe may hâve a first internai slope toward said at least one first latéral opening and a second internai slope toward said at least one second latéral opening.

Preferably according to the invention, said at least one pipe may comprise three pipes mutually spaced apart and substantially parallel.

Advantageously, according to the invention, said spacer element may comprise a lower engagement portion configured to be coupled, in use, to a lower alignment element

Furthermore, according to the invention, said spacer element may comprise an upper engagement portion configured to be coupled, in use, to an upper alignment element.

Advantageously, according to the invention, in an intermediate zone of said at least one pipe, an interruption element may be provided to prevent the heat bridge phenomenon.

The subject matter of the présent invention is also a disposable formwork for the construction of a wall, said formwork comprising two panels and at least one spacer element of the type indicated above, arranged between said two panels so as to couple said two panels.

Advantageously, according to the invention, in at least one panel of said two panels at least one opening may be afforded, communicating with said at least one latéral opening of said at least one pipe.

Characteristics and advantages will become more apparent in the following description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment shown by way of a nonlimiting example in the appended drawings, wherein:

figure 1 shows a disposable formwork incorporating a plurality of spacer éléments, according to the présent invention;

figure 2 is an axonometric view of a spacer element according to a first embodiment of the présent invention;

figure 3 is a latéral view of the spacer element according to figure 2;

figure 4 is a plan view from above of the spacer element according to figures 2 and 3;

figure 5 is a perspective view of a spacer element in a second embodiment of the présent invention;

figure 6 is a latéral view of the spacer element shown in figure 5;

figure 7 is a plan view from above of the spacer element according to figures 5 and 6;

figure 8 is a detailed view of a first side of a panel of the disposable formwork shown in figure 1; and figure 9 is a detailed view of a second side of a panel of the disposable formwork illustrated in figure 1.

With reference to the enclosed figures, 1 indicates a modular disposable formwork for the construction of walls of buildings, specifically both exterior enclosure walls and interior partition walls.

The formwork 1 comprises a first panel 2 and a second panel 3 of a substantially square or rectangular shape, and a plurality of spacer éléments 4 arranged between said first panel 2 and second panel 3.

The spacer éléments 4, like the first panel 2 and the second panel 3, are preferably made of plastic materials.

The first panel 2 and the second panel 3 each hâve a first side 5a and a second side 5b opposite to said first side 5a.

In the assembled configuration of the formwork 1 shown in figure 1, the first panel 2 and the second panel 3 are opposing one another, i.e. with the respective first sides 5a mutually facing one another.

On the first side 5a of each of said panels 2, 3 a plurality of guides 6 is provided, arranged on various vertically aligned rows, which perform the fonction of enabling the connection with the aforementioned plurality of spacer éléments 4.

Each guide 6 is formed by two L-shaped tabs 6a, 6b, arranged opposing one another so as to form an empty space 7 between them, open at the top through a first horizontal slit 8, at the bottom through a second horizontal slit 9, on the first side 5a through a third vertical slit 10 and on the second side 5b with a fourth opening 11.

Each of said first panel 2 and second panel 3 further has a sériés of openings 6' for allowing the ventilation of the inside part of the formwork 1 and the outflow of liquids from the latter after the concrète has been cast in the formwork 1 itself, as better specified below.

On the first panel 2 and on the second panel 3, ventilation openings 12 are also afforded, for allowing the ventilation of the cement-based mortar after it has been cast in the formwork 1.

On the perimetral edges of each of said first panel 2 and second panel 3, there are portions conformed like connecting éléments to allow connection with other panels of the type described above, both in the vertical and horizontal direction.

Now, with reference to figure 1, the spacer éléments 4 are of the same number as the vertical rows of guides 6 provided on each panel.

In the spécifie case shown in the endosed figures, there are three spacer éléments 4.

As mentioned above, the spacer éléments 4 are interposed between the first panel 2 and the second panel 3.

Each spacer element 4 is formed by a frame 13 comprising three mutually paralle] cross members,i.e. an upper cross member 14, a lower cross member 15 and a central cross member 16 arranged in a substantially équidistant position with respect to the upper cross member 14 and the lower cross member 15.

The upper cross member 14, the lower cross member 15 and the central cross member 16 are each formed by a pipe defining respectively a first latéral opening 14', 15', 16' and a second latéral opening 14, 15, 16, for the ventilation of the inner part of the formwork 1 and the outflow of liquide, and in which four respective longitudinal rows of through holes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 16a, 16b, 16c, Ï6d are afforded.

In particular, the first latéral openings 14', 15', 16' provided on one side of the spacer element 4, like the second latéral openings 14, 15, 16 provided on the other side, are arranged so that, in the assembled configuration of the formwork 1, they are each facing towards the openings 6'.

Each hole of the aforementioned longitudinal rows of through holes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d preferably has a diameter less than or equal to 3 mm.

The insïde part of the upper cross member 14, the lower cross member 15 and the central cross member 16 are not perfectly straight; they each hâve two opposing slopes that originate from the respective central zone, lowering towards the relative ends, to facilitate the outflow of liquids towards the outside, as better specihed below.

The frame 13 further comprises a set of three upper uprights comprising a first latéral upper upright 17a, a second latéral upper upright 17b and a central upper upright 17c, which ex tend perpendicularly from the central cross member 16 to the upper cross member 14.

The frame 13 also comprises a set of three lower uprights formed by a first latéral lower upright 18a, a second latéral lower upright 18b and a central lower upright 18c, which extend perpendicularly from the central cross member 16 to the lower cross member 15.

In particular, the first latéral upper upright 17a, the second latéral upper upright 17b and the central upper upright 17c are respectively aligned with the first latéral lower upright 18a, the second latéral lower upright 18b and the central lower upright 18c, so as to form, together with the upper cross member'14, the lower cross member 15 and the central cross member 16, four empty spaces 19, 20, 21, 22 of a substantially identical shape.

On a first latéral edge of the spacer element 4, at the first latéral upper upright 17a and at the first latéral lower upright 18a, a first fiat element 23 is provided, arranged in the most extemal position with respect to the first latéral openings 14', 15', 16' of the pipes of the cross members 14,15,16, so that respective slits are formed between the cross members 14,15,16 and the first fiat element 23.

Furthermore, in the first fiat element 23 three first openings 24a, 24b, 24c are afforded, respectively arranged substantially opposite the first latéral openings 14, 15', 16' of the pipes of the cross members 14,15,16.

Likewise, on a second latéral edge of the spacer element 4, opposite the aforementioned first latéral edge, there is a second fiat element 25 arranged paraüel to the first fiat element 23 and in a more extemal position with respect to the second latéral openings 14, 15, 16of the pipes of the cross members 14,15,16, so that, also in this case, respective slits are formed between the cross members 14,15,16 and the second fiat element 25.

In the second fiat element 25 three second openings 26a, 26b, 26c are also provided, respectively positioned substantially opposite the second latéral openings 14, 15, 16 of the pipes of the cross members 14,15,16.

In the lower part of the lower cross member 15 a lower engagement portion 27 is provided, from whose lower edge two lower openings 28', 28 extend, of a substantially rectangular shape.

Likew tse, in the upper part of the upper cross member 14 an upper engagement portion 29 is provided, from whose upper edge two upper openings 30', 30 extend, of a substantially rectangular shape.

The lower openings 28', 28 and the upper openings 30, 30 are adapted to engage with respective complementary éléments (not shown in the enclosed daims) arranged longitudinally with respect to the formwork 1, for the purpose of performing the aligmnent in the space of ail the spacer éléments 4.

In each of the empty spaces 19, 20, 21, 22 a curved appendage 31, 32, 33, 34 is provided, which extends, respectively, from said first latéral upper upright 17a, second latéral upper upright 17b, first latéral lower upright 18a and second latéral lower upright 18b, towards the central cross member 16..

Such curved appendages 31, 32, 33, 34 act as guides for the passage of pipes and/or cables for installations of any kind, the latter being able to pass into the formwork 1 in the spaces defined by them, before the cement-based mortar is cast.

Each spacer element 4 is formed in a single piece.

For the assembly of the formwork 1, the spacer éléments 4 must be coupled to the corresponding vertical rows of guides 6 provided on the first panel 2 and on the second panel 3, by inserting the first fiat element 23 into the housings 7 identified by the guides 6 of one of said panels, and making the second fiat element 25 pass into the housings 7 identified by the guides 6 of the other panel, so that said panels 2, 3 are arranged parallel to one another and opposing one another.

Once the entire structure of form works 1 has been built for the construction of the wall, by coupling them appropriately in the horizontal and/or vertical direction, the cement-based mortar can be cast in the formworks 1 which comprise such structure, and then the surface finishing works on the wall being built can be performed.

At this point, it is necessary to wait for the cement-based mortar used for the finished wall to set completely.

Now, with spécifie reference to figures 5, 6 and 7, number 4' indicates a further spacer element, still according to the present invention.

Such spacer element 4' has an identical structure to that of the above-described spacer element 4 except that the pipes of the three cross members hâve a respective interruption 35', 36', 37' in the relative central part so that each pipe is, in fact, configured as a pair of pipes 38', 39'; 40', 41‘; 42', 43' separate from one another and closed in the respective face facing towards the inside of the spacer element 4', so as not to be communicating with one another.

The provision of such interruptions 35', 36', 37' allows the particularly unwanted phenomenon of heat bridges to be prevented, which would otherwise arise in the finished construction.

Whereas, in relation to the methods for assembling the formwork 1 in the event of using the spacer éléments 4' they remain the same as those indicated above with

II reference to the spacer éléments 4.

When using the formworks 1 described above for the construction of a wall, a double effect has surprisingly been found, i.e. a significant réduction in the setting times of the cement-based mortar and a net improvement in the mechanical and structural performance of the wall itself due to a more homogeneous and uniform setting process of the wall.

Such double effect arises due to the provision of the above-described cross members 14, 15, 16 in each spacer element 4, which on one hand allow the liquid products of the cement-based water to flow out of the formwork 1 from the openings 14', 14, 15', 15, 16', 16 passing through the through holes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and on the other hand allow the air in the extemal environment to reach the inside part of the formwork 1 passing into the pipes comprising the cross members 14, 15, 16, in order to promote the drying and therefore the setting of the cement-based mortar.

The above is intended to provide an exemplificative and non-limitative description, therefore any construction variations are considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present technical solution as described above and claimed below.

Claims (13)

1. A spacer element (4, 4') for a disposable formwork (1) for the construction of a wall, said formwork (1) being of the type comprising a first panel (2) and a second panel (3), said spacer element (4, 4') being configured to mutually couple to each other said first panel (2) and second panel (3) arranged at a certain distance one from the other, said spacer element (4, 4’) comprising:

- a first connecting portion (23) configured to be coupled, in use, to said first panel (2);

- a second connecting portion (25) opposite to said first connecting portion (23) and configured to be coupled, in use, to said second panel (3); and

- at least one pipe (14, 15, 16) provided with at least one latéral opening (14', 14, 15'. 15. 16', 16) communicating, in use, with the outside of said formwork (1); in said at least one pipe (14, 15, 16) there being afforded at least one through hole (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d; 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d; 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) corrununicating, in use, with an inner part of said formwork (1) in such a way as to allow the flow of air from the outside of the formwork (1) toward said inside part and the outflow of liquids from said inside part toward the outside of the formwork (1).

2. The spacer element (4, 4') according to claim 1, characterised in that said first connecting portion comprises first connecting means (23) and said second connecting portion comprises second connecting means (25).

3. The spacer element (4, 4') according to claim 2, characterised in that said first connecting means (23) and said second connecting means (25) are formed in a single piece with said at least one pipe (14, 15, 16).

4. The spacer element (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding daims, characterised in that said at least one through hole in said at least one pipe (14, 15, 16) comprises at least one row of through holes (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d; 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d; 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) arranged longîtudinally with respect to said at least one pipe (14, 15, 16).

5. The spacer element (4, 4’) according to any one of the preceding daims, characterised in that said at least one through hole (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d; 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d; 16a. 16b, 16c, 16d) has a diameter less than or equal to 3 mm.

6. The spacer element (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding daims, characterised in that said at least one latéral opening comprises at least one first latéral opening (14', 15’, 16') arranged at said first connecting portion (23), and at least one second latéral opening (14, 15, 16) arranged at said second connecting portion (25).

7. The spacer element (4, 4’) according to claim 6, characterised in that said at least one pipe (14, 15, 16) has a first internai slope toward said at least one first latéral opening (14‘, 15', 16’) and a second internai slope toward said at least one second latéral opening (14, 15, 16).

8. The spacer element (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding daims, characterised in that said at least one pipe comprises three pipes (14, 15, 16) mutually spaced apart and substantially parallel.

9. The spacer element (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding daims, characterised in that it comprises a lower engagement portion (27) configured to be coupled, in use, to a lower alignment element.

10. The spacer element (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding daims, characterised in that it comprises an upper engagement portion (29) configured to be coupled, in use, to an upper alignment element.

1 1. The spacer element (4¹) according to any one of the preceding daims, characterised in that in an interrnediate zone of said at least one pipe, an interruption element (35', 36', 37') is provided to prevent the heat bridge phenomenon.

12. A disposable formwork (1) for the construction of a wall, said formwork (1) comprising two panels (2, 3) and at least one spacer element (4, 4') according to any one of the preceding daims ananged between said two panels (2, 3) in such a way as to couple said two panels (2, 3).

13. The formwork (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that in at least one panel of said two panels (2, 3) at least one opening (6') is afforded communicating with said at least one latéral opening (14', 14, 15', 15, 16', 16) of said at least one pipe (14, 15, 16).