Fastening system, method for fastening a fastener and fastener

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for the planned fastening of a fastening means with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A fastening system of this type is known from international patent application WO 2013 / 113586 A1. It describes an undercut anchor consisting of a conical bolt and an expansion sleeve. To fasten the undercut anchor in a borehole, the expansion sleeve is pushed onto the conical bolt, thereby expanding a front portion of the sleeve. A circumferential groove is provided on the conical bolt as a setting depth marker. This groove is visible in the intended fastening state, when the expansion sleeve has been pushed far enough onto the conical bolt, and can be detected by a camera. A code for identifying the undercut anchor is also provided on the rear face of the conical bolt; this code can also be read by the camera.By reading the code, the exact designation of the undercut anchor can be recorded and the final position of the undercut anchor, which is also recorded with the camera, can be documented, thus proving that this undercut anchor was installed as planned.

[0003] The object of the invention is to further improve the known fastening system and the method for fastening a fastening element.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The corresponding fastening system serves for the planned fastening of a fastener that is part of the fastening system. A fastener within the meaning of the invention is an anchor, for example, an undercut anchor as known from the prior art described above, or a bolt or sleeve anchor, as is also commercially available. The method according to the invention is aimed at fastening an anchor in a borehole, in particular in a borehole in a mineral building material, especially concrete. For fastening, the fastener can be transferred from an initial state, in which the fastener is delivered to the user, for example, to a planned fastening state, in which the fastener is planned, i.e., as intended for the safe absorption of acting forces, in or on the substrate.The mounting surface can be, for example, a concrete wall in which a borehole has been drilled to accommodate a fastening device designed, for example, as an undercut anchor.

[0006] In addition to the fastening means, the fastening system comprises a sensor separate from the fastening means, in particular an optoelectronic sensor, in particular a camera, in particular a camera of a smartphone or a corresponding mobile device, such as a tablet PC.

[0007] The fastening system also comprises at least one marking means and at least one machine-readable information element, preferably both of which are arranged on the fastening means. However, it is also possible, for example, to arrange the marking means on the fastening means and the information element on an attachment belonging to the fastening system, which can be fastened to the fastening base with the fastening means. The marking means is preferably a control means for quality control of the intended fastening of the fastening means. For the purposes of this invention, the marking means only becomes a marking means when the fastening is in its intended state. For example, the marking means is a setting depth marking of an undercut anchor, as known from the prior art described above, where the setting depth marking indicates, as a quality feature, that the expansion sleeve has been moved as intended on the conical bolt.The marking element is only visible in this state. However, it is also conceivable that the marking is already visible in its initial state, but only becomes a marking element within the meaning of this invention through a change, for example, a color change or reaching a specific position. "Machine-readable" here preferably means that the information element can be read by means of an optoelectronic sensor, in particular a camera of a smartphone or a corresponding mobile device. For this purpose, the information element preferably comprises a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional code, in particular a DataMatrix code (DM code) or a Quick Response code (QR code), or the information element is designed as a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional code.Generally speaking, the information element can also be an alphanumeric code or an electronic element, for example an RFID element, which can be read by means of the sensor. The code can, for example, be printed, embossed or applied by laser engraving, the method of application being not essential to the invention.

[0008] According to the invention, the marking means and the information element are arranged such that they can be detected together with the sensor for verifying proper fastening in the fastening state, but not before and / or during assembly. In particular, the marking means and the information element are arranged such that they can only be detected together with the sensor for verifying proper fastening in the fastening state. That is, only when, for example, a screw is tightened as intended or an anchor or dowel is set as intended and can safely withstand the expected loads, can the marking means and the information element be detected together, i.e., simultaneously and at the same time, by the sensor.In the assembled state, the marking device and the information element are arranged such that when the marking device is fully detected, the information element is obscured or at least not fully detectable, or that when the information element is fully detected, the marking device is obscured or at least not fully detectable. If the fastening device is, for example, an undercut anchor as known from the prior art described above, then the sleeve, for instance, obscures the information element in the initial state and only exposes it sufficiently in the intended fastening state so that it can be read and detected together with the marking device.

[0009] The method according to the invention has the advantage that only in the intended fastening state is it possible to capture the marking means and the information element together, and thus document the intended fastening in a single image, for example, captured by the sensor. If the fastening system is not in the intended fastening state, then simultaneous capture and documentation in a single image is not possible.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the information element and the marking means are identical and designed as a single element. In this case, for example, the information element, designed as a DM code, can perform the function of the setting depth marking on an undercut anchor, whereby the DM code can only be detected and read once the expansion sleeve has been slid onto the expansion cone of the conical bolt to the intended extent. In the initial state, the expansion sleeve completely covers the code or at least to such an extent that reading is not possible.

[0011] Preferably, the information element or marking device can be detected by the sensor even in the installed state. This means that both the information element and the marking device can be detected by the sensor in the installed state, but not simultaneously, particularly in an image captured by a camera. This has the advantage that, for example, the information element can be read out in its initial state. By reading the information element, a user can access a website containing further information for the corresponding fastener, such as installation instructions and / or similar information required for proper installation.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the fastening element has a cover element designed such that, before and / or during assembly, particularly in the initial state, it covers at least the information element or the marking means in such a way that the information element and the marking means cannot be detected together. Upon reaching the final state, the cover element releases the marking means and / or the information element for joint detection by the sensor, in particular by moving, deforming, or tearing off the cover element during assembly.The cover element can be, for example, the expansion sleeve in the case of an undercut anchor, or a shear-off head in the case of a screw, which, when a defined torque is reached during tightening of the screw, breaks off from the screw head at a predetermined breaking point, thereby releasing the information element and / or the marking device for joint perception of the information element of the marking device.

[0013] Preferably, the fastening system comprises a breakaway element consisting of two parts connected by a predetermined breaking point, as is known, for example, from a shear nut or shear bolt. In these elements, for example, a conventional nut or bolt as the base body is integrally connected to a shear head as the breakaway element via a predetermined breaking point. The breakaway element has a turning point for a screw tool, for example, an external hexagon. The screw tool is used to tighten the shear bolt or shear nut as intended until, upon reaching the intended tightening torque, the shearaway element breaks away from the base body of the nut or bolt, thus completing the assembly process. In this embodiment, the information element and the marking means are arranged together on one of the two parts, in particular on the base body.In particular, the information element and the marking means are arranged at points opposite each other with respect to the axis of a thread. In the case of a nut, the axis is the axis of the nut thread, and in the case of a screw, it is the axis of the screw thread. In this embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention, the predetermined separation point after the separation of the two parts of the shear nut can serve as a marking means, which, after separation, can be detected by the sensor together with the information element arranged on one of the parts.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the fastening system comprises an expansion anchor with an anchor bolt and a sleeve. The sleeve surrounds the anchor bolt circumferentially, in particular completely. The sleeve is expandable, in particular at one end. At least the information element or the marking means, in particular both, are arranged on the anchor bolt. In particular, the information element is arranged on an end face of the anchor bolt, in particular on the end face that protrudes from the borehole in which the expansion anchor is fastened in the planned fastening state.

[0015] In this embodiment of the fastening system, the marking device is preferably arranged on an assembly tool with which the fastener can be installed as intended. For example, the marking device on the assembly tool can indicate when a sleeve of an expansion anchor has been moved a predetermined distance along the anchor bolt.

[0016] In a fastening device, in particular an undercut anchor as described above, and in a further preferred embodiment of the fastening system, the marking means comprises at least one alphanumeric character. Preferably, the marking means is a multi-digit alphanumeric code, in particular a check digit. The marking means can thus also be read by the sensor. In this case, the marking means is arranged such that it can only be detected and read in the intended fastening state, so that it is clearly proven that the fastening device is in the intended fastening state. In this case, the marking means can also serve as an information element.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferred that the information element be unique for each fastener. This means that in a set of fastening systems comprising at least one sensor and several fasteners, each fastener has an information element that differs from the information elements of the other fasteners in the set. Thus, each fastener in the set receives its own unique name through its unique information element. This has the advantage that, on a construction site where several identical fasteners of the same type are used, it is possible to provide unambiguous documentation for each fastener with the sensor that the intended fastening state has been achieved.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the marking agent is designed such that it becomes visible by a color change when the intended fastening state is reached. In particular, the color can change through a chemical reaction, so that after the color change it serves as a marking agent. For example, in the case of a bonded anchor that is glued into a borehole with an adhesive, the adhesive can change color as it cures, so that it assumes a specific color in the intended fastening state and acts as a marking agent.

[0019] A characteristic feature of the method according to the invention is that, after the fastener has been installed as planned, the marking element and the information element are detected simultaneously and together with the sensor. Preferably, after detection, a photograph showing both the marking element and the information element is taken and stored for documentation purposes. This has the advantage that the photograph can also be read out retrospectively at a later time, and the unambiguous assignment of the marking element and the information element is still possible.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to five exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing.

[0021] They show: Figure 1 shows a first fastening system before, during, and after the installation of the fastener in sectional views 1a) to 1c) and in a top view 1d); Figure 2 shows a second fastening system before and after the installation of the fastener in sectional views 2a) and 2b); Figure 3 shows a third fastening system before and after the installation of the fastener in sectional views 3a) and 3b); Figure 4 shows a fourth fastening system before and after the installation of the fastener in sectional views 4a) and 4b); and Figure 5 shows a fifth fastening system before and after the installation of the fastener in perspective views 5a) and 5b).

[0022] The illustrations a) to d) of the Figure 1The first fastening system shown comprises an anchor as a fastening element 1, which is inserted into a borehole 2 in a concrete anchoring base 3. An attachment 4 is fastened to the anchoring base 3 by means of the fastening element 1. In this case, the fastening element 1 is an expansion anchor with an anchor bolt 5 having an external thread 11, onto which a shear nut of the expansion anchor is screwed as a shear element 6, thereby pressing a washer 7 against the attachment 4 and thus clamping the attachment 4 against the anchoring base 3. Figure 1bThe breakaway element 6 is manufactured in one piece from steel, consisting of two parts 8 and 9, which are connected to each other via a predetermined separation point 10. The two parts 8 and 9 have a common through-bore 26 in which a thread 12 is arranged in the second part 9, in this case an internal thread which, like the through-bore 26, extends along an axis L of the thread 12. The thread 12 corresponds to an external thread 11 of the anchor bolt 5, onto which the breakaway element 6 can be screwed for mounting on the anchor bolt 5. The first part 8 of the breakaway element 6, facing away from the attachment part 4, is nut-like and has wrench flats on its circumference as a tool seat 13, on which a turning tool (not shown), for example a wrench or the socket of an impact wrench, can be applied for assembly.The second part 9 of the tear-off element 6, facing the attachment part 4, has a bell-shaped circumferential surface with a circular cross-section, which tapers in diameter towards the predetermined separation point 10. The predetermined separation point 10 is designed as a V-shaped groove extending circumferentially around the axis L, which extends radially deep enough that, in a top view of the tear-off element 6, looking away from the attachment part 4 and in the direction of the axis L, the first part 8 of the tear-off element 6 covers the second part 9 in an annular cover area 14. The first part 8 is thus a cover element 20 for the cover area 14. A marking element 15 and an information element 16 are arranged in the cover area 14. The information element 16 comprises a code 17, here in the form of an optoelectronically readable DM code.The information element 16 and the marking means 15 are located at opposite points in the cover area 14 with respect to the axis L of the thread 12.

[0023] Code 17 contains information for identifying fastener 1: For example, code 17 contains a link to a website providing information about fastener 1. Alternatively, code 17 can also be unique to fastener 1. "Unique" means that code 17 is used only once in the same form for exactly that fastener 1. For example, code 17 contains a unique serial number to identify that one fastener 1.

[0024] After attaching the shear-off element 6, designed as a shear nut, to the external thread 11 of the anchor bolt 5 ( Figure 1aThe breakaway element 6 is screwed onto the external thread 11. A torque is applied to the breakaway element 6 via the tool seat 13 using a rotary tool (not shown). This torque is then transferred from the first part 8 of the breakaway element 6, via the predetermined breaking point 10, to the second part 9 of the breakaway element 6, which has the thread 12. When the attachment 4 is clamped against the anchoring base 3 as intended by screwing the thread 12 of the breakaway element 6 onto the external thread 11 of the anchor bolt 5, an installation torque characteristic of this intended fastening state is reached. The predetermined breaking point 10 is designed such that it yields when the installation torque is reached, causing the first part 8 of the breakaway element 6 to break off from the screwed-on second part 9 and be separated. In this planned fastening state, the marking agent 15 and the information element 16 are no longer covered by the first part 8.In contrast to the original initial state, the marking agent 15 and the information element 16 can now be detected together, i.e. in one image and simultaneously by a sensor 18 ( . Figure 1c In the exemplary embodiment, sensor 18 is an optoelectronic sensor, namely the camera of a mobile phone. Figure 1d ) shows the image that the sensor can capture in this planned mounting state when viewed from above in the direction of axis L.

[0025] In an initial state where the first part 8 of the tear-off element 6 covers the covering area 14, the marking agent 15 and the information element 16 cannot be detected together, i.e., simultaneously and in one image. The sensor 18 cannot be detected in the initial state ( Figure 1a ) or detect the information element 16 or the marking device 15 during assembly, but not both together.

[0026] The marking element 15, for example a colored marking, does not contain a code or any additional information in the exemplary embodiment. The marking element 15 is a control device for quality control of the planned fastening. Only when the marking element 15, together with the unique information element 16 in this case, can be detected by the sensor 18, is it proven that the required quality characteristic, here the achievement of the required installation torque, has been met. This quality characteristic can be documented with the sensor 18 by capturing the marking element 15 and the information element 16 together with the mobile phone's camera, documenting them in a photograph, and storing it permanently. The unique code 17 ensures the permanent assignment of the image to the respective fastening element 1. The code 17 is also visible in the photograph and thus readable.

[0027] The Figures 2 to 5show further fastening systems that differ from the first fastening system of the Figure 1 The parts differ, in particular, in the fastening element used. To avoid repetition, only the differences will be discussed below. For the sake of clarity, corresponding parts will be given the same reference numerals.

[0028] The Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a self-tapping undercut anchor as an alternative fastening means. This comprises an anchor bolt 5 and a sleeve 19. In an unspread initial state ( Figure 2aThe sleeve 19 conceals a code 17, also a data matrix code, which is arranged axially between two circumferential rings on the anchor bolt 5 as an information element 16. The two rings form the marking element 15. The rear end of the sleeve 19, which protrudes beyond the anchoring base 3 in the unspread initial state, conceals the code 17 and the marking element 15 and thus functions as a cover element 20. In the initial state, the information element 16 and the marking element 15 are completely covered by this cover element 20, so that they cannot be detected by the sensor 18. To transfer the undercut anchor from this initial state to a planned fastening state, in which the undercut anchor is anchored as a fastening element 1 in the undercut borehole 2 ( Figure 2b), the sleeve 19 is driven into the borehole 2 in the manner known for self-tapping undercut anchors using a tool (not shown), thereby expanding a spreading area of ​​the sleeve 19, creating the undercut of the borehole 2 and anchoring the undercut anchor in the borehole 2 as planned, which Figure 2b) shows. In this planned mounting state, the sleeve 19 is shifted far enough into the borehole 2 that it no longer covers either the two rings (marking element 15) or the code 17 (information element 16). Therefore, both the marking element 15 and the information element 16 can be detected and documented by the sensor 18. Alternatively, the code 17 can represent both the information element 16 and the marking element 15, meaning the two rings can be omitted. In this case, the marking element 15 would be identical to the information element 16. Regardless of whether the rings or the code 17 constitute the marking element 15, the marking element 15, as a quality control indicator, shows that the sleeve 19 has been shifted sufficiently far into the borehole 2 and thus expanded.

[0029] The third embodiment of the Figure 3 corresponds to the second embodiment of the Figure 2The difference is that a check digit 21 is arranged between the two rings of the marking device 15 instead of the code 17. The check digit, together with the rings, forms the marking device 15. Alternatively, the two rings can also be omitted in this case, so that only the check digit 21 forms the marking device 15. The check digit 21 is a three-digit number, i.e., a multi-digit alphanumeric character or an alphanumeric code. The information element 16, also a DM code, is arranged on the rear end face of the anchor bolt 5. Thus, the information element 16 can already be detected by the sensor 18 in its initial state, so that a user can, for example, use the information element 16 to retrieve information on the assembly of the fastener 1 from a website accessible by scanning the code 17.In contrast, after the planned installation of the undercut anchor, both the marking device 15 and the information element 16 can be detected, which . Figure 3bThe check digit 21 also functions as a code 17 here: Only when the check digit 21 can be fully detected and read as a number by sensor 18 is it guaranteed that the intended fastening state has been reached. If the check digit 21 cannot be read, this means that the sleeve 19 has not been moved far enough and the intended fastening state has not yet been reached. Code 17 can be uniquely assigned to the fastener 1. Code 17 then contains information about the check digit 21, which is assigned to the fastener 1 as a defined number. By scanning the DM code with sensor 18, the user and / or processing software receives the check digit 21, which is then compared with the detected check digit 21.After the correct check digit 21 has been detected, an image can be taken with the sensor 18 on which the code 17 and the check digit 21 are shown together, so that the achievement of the planned fastening state is permanently and verifiably documented.

[0030] In Figure 4 is a variation of the one from the Figure 2 The second known fastening system is shown. This fourth fastening system is characterized by an assembly tool 22. The assembly tool 22 is a hollow cylinder with an opening 23, the edges of which form the marking means 15 or whose edges are marked as marking means 15 in color or otherwise. For assembly, the assembly tool 22 is placed on the anchor bolt 5 so that it rests against the sleeve 19. Blows are exerted on the sleeve 19 via the assembly tool 22, thereby driving the sleeve 19 into the borehole 2 ( Figure 4a ). After reaching the planned fastening state ( Figure 4b The information element 16, here a DM code 17, located on the anchor bolt 5, is visible through the opening 23. In this planned fastening state, the marking means 15 and the information element 16 can thus be detected together with the sensor 18, and the achievement of the planned fastening state can be documented.

[0031] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a fifth embodiment of the fastening system. The fastening element 1 is a threaded rod 24, which is bonded into the borehole 2 in the anchoring base 3 with a hardening adhesive 25. A code 17, again a DM code, is arranged on the outer end face of the threaded rod 24 as an information element 16. According to the invention, the adhesive 25 changes its color as it hardens, so that in the intended fastening state, in which it has hardened, it has a specific, predefined color and thus acts as a marking agent 15. The adhesive 25 becomes the marking agent 15 through the color change; that is, the marking agent 15 only becomes visible through the color change. The sensor 18 and / or the associated evaluation program is configured such that it only accepts and detects the adhesive 25 as a marking agent 15 when it has assumed the predefined color. Figure 5b). Prior to this, the joint recording of information element 16 and marking device 15 is not possible due to system limitations.

[0032] The described fastening systems allow for the unambiguous recording and documentation of the achievement of a planned fastening state. According to the invention, faulty documentation resulting from the recording of marking means 15 and information element 16 in the initial state or during assembly is prevented. Reference symbol list Fastening system, method for fastening a fastener, and fasteners

[0033] 1 Fastener 2 Drill hole 3 Anchorage base 4 Attachment 5 Anchor bolt 6 Breakaway element 7 Washer 8 First part of the breakaway element 6 9 Second part of the breakaway element 6 10 Designed break point 11 External thread 12 Thread 13 Tool seat 14 Cover area 15 Marking element 16 Information element 17 Code 18 Sensor 19 Sleeve 20 Cover element 21 Check digit 22 Mounting tool 23 Opening 24 Threaded rod 25 Adhesive 26 Through hole L Axis of the thread 12

Claims

1. Procedure for the planned fastening of an anchor as a fastening means (1) in a drill hole (2) using a fastening system, wherein the fastening system comprises the fastening means (1) and a sensor (18) separate from the fastening means (1), wherein the fastening means (1) can be converted from an initial state to a planned fastening state during installation, wherein the fastening system comprises at least one marking means (15) and at least one machine-readable information element (16), wherein the marking means (15) and the information element (16) are arranged in such a way that they can be detected together with the sensor (18) in the planned fastening state, but not before and / or during installation, in order to verify the planned fastening, characterised in that after the planned installation of the fastening means (1) in the planned fastening state, the marking means (15) and the information element (16) are detected simultaneously and together with the sensor (18).

2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that at least the information element (16) comprises an optoelectronically readable code (17) for identifying the fastening means (1) or is such a code (17).

3. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the information element (16) and the marking means (15) are identical and formed as a single element.

4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the information element (16) or the marking means (15) can already be detected by the sensor (18) in the initial state.

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the marking means (15) is a control means for checking the quality of the planned attachment of the fastening means (1).

6. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (1) has a cover element (20) which is designed in such a way that, before and / or during installation, it covers at least the information element (16) or the marking means (15) in such a way that they cannot be grasped together, and in that the cover element (20) releases the information element (16) and / or the marking means (15) when the final state for jointly detecting the information element (16) and marking means (15) by means of the sensor (18) is reached, in particular by displacing, deforming or tearing off the cover element (20) during installation.

7. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening system comprises a breakaway element (6) consisting of two parts (8, 9) connected by a designed-to-break point (10), and in that the information element (16) and the marking means (15) are arranged together on one of the two parts (8, 9), in particular at locations opposite one another with respect to an axis (L) of a thread (12) of the breakaway element (6).

8. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening system comprises an expansion anchor with an anchor bolt (5) and a sleeve (19), wherein at least one of the information element (16) and the marking means (15) is arranged on the anchor bolt (5).

9. A method according to claim 8, characterised in that the marking means (15) is arranged on an assembly tool (22) for planned assembly of the fastening means (1).

10. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the marking means (15) comprises at least one alphanumeric character.

11. A method according to claim 10, characterised in that the marking means (15) is a multi-digit alphanumeric code, in particular a check digit (21).

12. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the information element (16) is one-to-one for the fastening means (1).

13. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a marking means (15) is designed in such a way that it becomes visible by changing colour when the planned state of fastening is reached.