DEVICE FOR TESTING THE PULL-OUT STRENGTH OF FASTENING ELEMENTS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for testing the pull-out strength of fastening elements, such as dowels or other elements, which are used in walls, ceilings or floors of buildings for the installation of, for example, suspended ceilings or raised floor systems.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to testing devices for the strength of fasteners where a minimum test load prescribed for installation must be maintained. In the area of ​​such building fasteners, it is necessary that the fasteners installed by drilling and insertion also be checked for sufficient pull-out strength before further installation of elements, such as suspended ceilings or other building components, takes place. For this purpose, so-called anchor testing devices were used in the prior art, which are equipped with a device for multi-point support on the ceiling or wall, which is, for example, equipped with a spindle-shaped pulling device and a measuring device for the currently applied test load.Such anchor testing devices have previously been implemented, for example, as a screw spindle section equipped with several support stands. The screw spindle has a central mounting hole for attaching it to a screw or other fastener and securing it for testing the anchor. When the screw spindle is tightened after the anchor testing device is attached, the pull-out strength is determined using a measuring device integrated into the spindle, such as a ring force gauge. If the fasteners demonstrate sufficient resistance to being pulled out of the fixing point, the fastener is then released or its condition is documented.

[0003] The existing anchor testing devices have the disadvantage of being relatively complex to assemble and install for testing purposes. The multi-point support must first be attached at the location of the fastener, and the adapters for insertion into the fastener must then be firmly connected to the screw spindle measuring unit. Operation is achieved by tightening the screw spindle measuring unit. This requires the operator to be relatively close to the fastener itself, which, for example, necessitates the use of scaffolding or a ladder in areas with high ceilings.

[0004] Furthermore, existing anchor testing devices have the disadvantage that they do not allow for simple calibration when testing pull-out strength. In each application, the user must ensure that the displayed measurement value in the measuring unit corresponds to the actual minimum required pull-out test load. Finally, these devices are also problematic because, for example, when attaching components to the fasteners, such as suspended ceilings with longitudinal profiles, mounting them is difficult. This means that the fasteners (anchors, etc.) must be individually and laboriously inspected before the suspended elements are attached to the ceilings. Finally, existing anchor testing devices lack the ability to verify measurements without separate manual recording by the user.

[0005] From DE 44 43 343 A1, for example, an auxiliary device for safety monitoring of scaffolding assembly is known, in which a wall support with three legs is mounted around a dowel assembly, which is connected via a threaded connection to a tubular actuating support. Inside the tubular actuating support is a measuring transducer that can be connected by means of a hook element protruding from the tube to a tension anchor screwed into the mounting element. After adjusting the distance via the thread, the electromechanical transducer located inside is actuated by means of a lever to determine the tensile strength with an evaluation unit located remotely and connected via a data line. The installation, assembly, and operation of such a device, for example, in the ceiling area, are quite complex and time-consuming.

[0006] US Patent 9,360,397 B1 also discloses a test device for fastening anchors, which is mounted around the fastening element with three support elements formed by threaded rods. The three threaded rods are connected via two plate-shaped intermediate supports, and a measuring device is provided in the central area, which must be hooked onto the fastening element to be tested via two hinged hook elements. This device also requires handling and installation directly in place, so that testing remotely from the fastening element is not possible.

[0007] WO 2012 / 069691 A1 describes a test setup using a hydraulically actuated actuator at one end of the base plate, while a multi-point support with threaded rods and nuts is mounted at the opposite, free end of the base plate. A wire rope with eyelets connects these supports to the fastener under test, so that the strength is measured via the wire rope when hydraulic pressure is applied to the pressure element, using the leverage of the base plate. This device is also complex in design, difficult to assemble, and not suitable for quick and easy testing, for example, in ceiling areas, without additional equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, etc.

[0008] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for testing the pull-out strength of fasteners in buildings, such as anchors for suspended ceilings or wall systems, which enables faster and more effective testing of the pull-out capacity of fasteners even in more remote or difficult-to-access areas. The device is designed to be user-friendly and to ensure the reliable determination of sufficient pull-out strength.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device for testing the pull-out strength of fasteners according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, a device for testing the pull-out strength of fastening elements, in particular anchors for suspended ceilings of buildings or similar structures, is provided with a tension element for detachable attachment to the side of the suspension or the fastening element and with a support element for support against a ceiling, wall or floor of a building, wherein the tension element and the support element are coupled to each other in a pull-out direction F of the fastening element in a relatively adjustable manner and a measuring unit for measuring a tensile force on the fastening element can be attached or is provided, wherein the device is characterized in that the tension element and the support element are provided in the form of at least one rod-shaped element with a longitudinal direction parallel to the pull-out direction F and with a distal end D arranged in the region of the fastening element and a proximal end P opposite it.that a clip-on test holder and a single-point support are provided at the distal end D, and that a release element for testing by a user remote from the mounting element is provided at the proximal end P.

[0011] This device allows for safe pull-out strength testing of ceilings, even from the floor. The rod-shaped element can be easily attached or inserted by the user at a distance from the fastener and suspension components, and the test is activated with the trigger. Therefore, a ladder or scaffold is no longer necessary for this type of ceiling suspension test. Many different anchors can be quickly tested in this way, and their pull-out strength can be documented.

[0012] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the tension element and the support element are parallel, rod-shaped elements with a longitudinal direction parallel to the extension direction F and with a distal and a proximal end. At the proximal end, a pivotally mounted deflection bracket is provided transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped elements, with a connection or adapter for the measuring unit or an actuating lever for testing by the user remotely from the fastening element. The device according to the invention is thus significantly more flexible and easier to use than previous such testing devices, particularly in hard-to-reach and distant locations on the fastening elements. For example, on ceilings that would otherwise only be accessible with a ladder or scaffolding.The device according to the invention allows the pull-out strength of the fastening elements for the suspension of ceiling elements or similar to be checked easily and quickly, even in hard-to-reach places in buildings.

[0013] The user can attach the device with the tensioning element to the suspensions or the fastening element itself and perform the check by adjusting the two rod-shaped elements, namely the tensioning element and the support element, from their proximal end, i.e., from the ground. With the device according to the invention, it is not necessary to attach the tensioning element directly to the fastening element, for example, by screws or clamps.In a single operation of the device, a direct marking of the test point can also be carried out on the fastening element after sufficient strength has been determined by mutual displacement between the pulling element and the support element, for example by automatically applying a mark, such as a color mark, at the distal end directly close to the fastening element through the relative displacement or through extra handling by an operator.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention has the advantage that no additional fastening to a substructure, as is required for conventional dowel testing devices, is necessary. The pull-out element can be detachably attached for testing by simply hooking or inserting a test adapter, for example, an approximately C-shaped element or a bolt projecting laterally to the longitudinal direction of the device. The test can then be initiated by the user on the ground – i.e., away from the testing location – using the deflection bracket, which is articulated at the lower, proximal end of the rod-shaped elements. The user inserts a measuring unit or an actuating lever, which is attached to the deflection bracket or is attached separately for the test. The measuring unit or the actuating lever is positioned essentially transversely to the pull-out direction F to apply the test load.For this purpose, the device has corresponding adapters or connections for the measuring unit, for example a torque wrench, with which the user can then directly check and record the preset test load. Alternatively, the measuring unit can also be integrated into the deflection bracket, the tension element, or the support element, for example in the form of a defined tension or compression spring or a pressure sensor. The latter can also be integrated into the support element at its proximal end P.

[0015] The device of the invention is also suitable for an electrified version of the testing process. The measuring unit can be connected, for example, via a wired or wireless data line, so that the respective measured value of the achieved test load or pull-out strength of the fastening element can be monitored for each location of the fastening element. This allows, for example, GPS-supported testing processes and test process data to be recorded and used for later logging and archiving of the respective tests. The device can also be implemented purely electrically with a battery for the measuring unit.

[0016] By using only rod-shaped elements as support and tension elements, positioned parallel to each other, the device is relatively lightweight and easy to install even in hard-to-reach areas. The rod-shaped elements are connected via linkages at their proximal ends on the deflection bracket, which is then equipped with a measuring unit or an actuating lever. The measuring unit can be integrated directly into the bracket or located elsewhere on the device, where it is automatically activated when the tension element is tightened.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a single-point support, preferably in the form of a length-adjustable bolt, is provided at the distal end of the support element. The single-point support has the advantage that only a single point, located next to the fastening element, is required for support during the testing process. Laterally projecting multi-point supports, such as the three inclined support brackets found in a known tripod dowel testing device, are no longer necessary, resulting in a lighter overall construction. Furthermore, less space is required laterally from the fastening element for the testing process. The single-point support can, for example, be in the form of a bolt that is adjustable in length or spacing.Such adjustability, achieved for example by means of screws, has the advantage that the distance between the ceiling suspensions being measured and the ceiling itself can be easily fine-tuned. The support point can thus be precisely adjusted as needed by screwing the bolt in or out of the distal end of the rod-shaped support element, similar to a fine adjustment. Alternatively, the distal end of the rod-shaped support element itself can also serve directly as a support at the test point.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tension element has a test holder at its distal end, i.e., at the end located on the side of the fastener being tested, which can be attached or clipped on without separate fasteners. This test holder can, for example, be in the form of a test bracket or a test bolt, which is adapted to the respective shape of the suspension or the attachment elements on the fastener for the respective application. This allows the fastener itself to be tested indirectly by applying a tensile load to the ceiling suspension or the attachment elements on the fastener, and does not require direct testing of the fastener or anchor itself. This significantly simplifies the installation and removal before and after the test compared to previous anchor testing devices equipped with screws or other clamping devices on the tension element.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rod-shaped elements are longitudinally movably connected to one another between the distal and proximal ends via sliding guides. While the two rod-shaped elements, namely the tension element and the support element, are pivotally coupled at their lower (proximal) ends via a deflection bracket with corresponding pivot axes, the elements are coupled to one another in an upper region, for example near the distal end, via corresponding guide elements in the form of sliding guides. They can nevertheless be adjusted relative to each other in the longitudinal direction to enable the load test to be performed between the tension element and the support element. Such a sliding guide can, for example, also be provided at three-quarters of the height between the proximal and distal ends of the rod-shaped elements in the form of annular guides or a central section.Sliding guides in the form of sleeves that are rigidly connected to one another can also be provided. This keeps the device relatively lightweight and allows for effective testing of the pull-out strength of fasteners or ceiling suspensions fixed with fasteners, even over greater distances. Such sliding guides can also be implemented as simple guide rings with a rod-shaped connection, provided that they are fixed at the appropriate height on one of the elements.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a torque wrench or a spring scale with a connection for detachable mounting, particularly on the deflection bracket or an adapter thereof, is provided as a measuring unit for testing pull-out strength. This allows for the flexible selection of the most suitable measuring unit. The measuring unit is simply attached to the side of the tension element on the deflection bracket. Depending on the required forces, the appropriate measuring unit can be selected, adjusted, and used. The measuring unit can then be reused for other applications, and the device is not limited to a specific type of measuring unit. A spring scale, a torque wrench, or a force measuring device can all be used. The application possibilities and variability of the device according to the invention are therefore relatively broad.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tension element and / or the support element are designed to be adjustable in length. In this way, the device can be adjusted to different ceiling heights in buildings or distances between vertical wall applications and fastening elements. Adjusting the length of the rod-shaped elements, namely the tension element and the support element, can also be used to adjust the relative distance between a ceiling to which the fastening element is attached and a suspension point. Length adjustability of the rod-shaped elements can be achieved in any form known to those skilled in the art. A preferred form is so-called telescopic rods, with which the individual rod-shaped elements can be variably adjusted in length and securely fixed in the desired position.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a C-shaped receptacle, open laterally towards the outside, is provided as a test fixture or test adapter. Such an outwardly open C-shaped receptacle on the pull-out element allows for easy insertion from the side, even with ceiling suspensions located relatively far apart. The same applies to test points located far away in the floor or wall area. After inserting or attaching the C-shaped test fixture, the pull-out strength can then be reliably measured by means of the single-point support of the support element. This is achieved by the user pulling and actuating the suspended pull-out element in the pull-out direction F relative to the support element using a measuring unit. When the preset pull-out force is reached, the torque wrench can then engage accordingly.With a spring scale, the user can read the required pull-out force when it is reached and note or mark it, either manually or automatically, at the location of the fastening element. This invention allows for the inspection, verification, and documentation of numerous fastening points, such as those of a large suspended ceiling in a building, from a remote location on the ground, even without scaffolding or a ladder. This ensures the correct installation of the fastening elements and the sufficient pull-out strength of each point. The invention thus enables a much faster inspection of individual anchors or fastening elements on ceilings or walls of buildings, or even in the floor area, for example, in raised floors.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a marking device for applying a test mark to the ceiling, wall, or floor is provided at the distal end of the support element, i.e., in the area of ​​the fastening element itself. This marking device can be actuated by the user, particularly from the proximal end, after a successful test. Automatic actuation of the marking device is also conceivable, for example, if a torque wrench with maximum detent is coupled to the marking device via a cable or similar mechanism. In this way, the pull-out strength of the fastening elements can be easily checked not only on the fastening element itself but also on a suspension attached to it. Direct documentation and marking of a successful or unsuccessful test of the fastening points in the building can also be carried out in the same step.A test mark can be applied, for example, using a spray can of paint attached to a bracket, clamp, or quick-release fastener on the support element at its distal end, i.e., near and to the side of the upper end of the support element. The marking can be triggered by a fastening element located further away at the proximal end, such as a cable pull with a handle or an electric trigger button if an electric marking system is implemented.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit is either directly integrated or indirectly coupled via the adapter in a detachable manner. Thus, the measuring unit can also be a purely electrical sensor. Alternatively, it can be integrated as a defined compression spring on the support element or a tension spring on the tension element.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit is integrated into the support element in the region of the distal end D. It can, for example, be integrated as a pressure sensor between a bolt used for support against the wall or ceiling and the distal end D of the support element. A purely mechanical version of the measuring unit in this region, in the form of a defined compression spring, is also feasible in this form.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tension element and the support element are realized as an electrically activated combined unit. The device can be provided with a single rod-shaped element. At the lower, proximal end P, there is a trigger element for activating the test by the user. At the upper, distal end of the rod, a test bracket for hanging from the ceiling suspension or anchor, as well as an electrically extendable ceiling-side support, are provided, which incorporates a pressure / tension measuring sensor.

[0027] Further advantageous embodiments, features, and aspects of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for testing a pull-out strength in application on a ceiling suspension; and Fig. 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for testing a pull-out strength in application on a ceiling suspension with length-adjustable rod-shaped elements and with marking means for the test point.

[0028] The device 10 according to the invention for checking the pull-out strength and load-bearing capacity of fastening elements 2 or suspensions 20 on fastening elements 2 has, according to the first embodiment, which is described in the Fig. 1 The figure shows a tension element 1 for remotely detachable mounting on the side of a suspension 20 or the fastening element 2, which is coupled to a parallel, rod-shaped support element 3. The rod-shaped tension element 1 is provided at its distal end D with a test bracket 8, which is adapted for easy lateral attachment or mounting on a ceiling suspension 20. Parallel to the rod-shaped tension element 1, a similarly rod-shaped support element 3 is provided, which is pivotally connected to the tension element 1 at its proximal end P via a deflection bracket 5.The two rod-shaped elements 1, 3, namely the tension element 1 and the support element 3, are movably connected to each other at a point between the distal end D and the proximal end P of the rod-shaped elements 1, 3, in addition to the articulated coupling at the deflection bracket 5, via guides 9, which are designed, for example, as sliding guides. A connection or adapter 6 for attaching a measuring unit 4 for measuring the exerted and permissible holding force or required pull-out force of the fastening element 2 is provided on the deflection bracket 5 at the lower end or proximal end of the device 10.

[0029] The measuring unit 4 is in the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a separate torque wrench is used, which can be attached to the deflection bracket 5 via a suitable adapter or connection on the adapter 6. When a force is applied to the torque wrench, which serves as the measuring unit 4, the rod-shaped pull element 1 is loaded in the direction of the pull-out force F or pull-out direction, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1 As shown, due to the support provided by the rod-shaped support element 3 and the single-point support 7 located at the distal end D on the ceiling 30, the force applied by actuating the measuring unit 4 is exerted on the ceiling suspension 20 and thus on the fastening element 2. This allows, firstly, the instantaneous pull-out force that the fastening element 2 can withstand to be measured. Secondly, when the maximum torque is set on the torque wrench as measuring unit 4, the required minimum pull-out force can be tested here in a calibrated manner.When the test load is reached, the measuring unit 4 is over-rotated so that the user knows that sufficient strength is present, and then a marking of the measuring point on or next to the fastening element 2 can subsequently be made to indicate that the fastening point of the suspension 20 at the respective tested point of the fastening element 2 has a sufficient specified tensile strength.

[0030] In the first embodiment according to the Fig. 1 At the upper end of the rod-shaped tension element 1, a test fixture 8 is provided, essentially a C-shaped receptacle in cross-section, which has an opening facing outwards from the device 10. This allows the device 10 to be easily hooked laterally onto supports, etc., for the testing process. Alternatively, other test fixtures 8 can be used. For example, instead of the C-shaped bracket, a bolt or retaining pin projecting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped elements 1, 3 can be provided if a suspension 20 or a fastening element 2 has a corresponding opening, such as a through hole or slot, into which the device 10 can be easily hooked or attached remotely without separate fastening means.It is also conceivable to provide a combination of a suspension bracket and a protruding insertion pin as a test fixture 8 at the distal end D of the tensile element 1, as long as the strength for transmitting the tensile force for the test process in the direction of the pull-out direction F (see arrow F in . Fig. 1 ) is made possible in various applications without changing the test element on the tension element 1. At the distal end D of the support element 3, which is rod-shaped and runs parallel to the tension element 1 of the device 10, slightly offset laterally, the Fig. 1 A single-point support 7 is provided. The single-point support 7 can be implemented as a simple end of the rod-shaped support element 3. In the example shown, the support 7 is a longitudinally adjustable, projecting pin, which allows for fine adjustment by turning the threaded pin and thus adjusting the actual distance between the ceiling 30 and the ceiling suspension element 20. This allows for even more precise adjustment to the specific measurement conditions of the respective suspensions 20 or ceiling elements. The device 10 has a total length L, which is sufficient to bridge the common distances between the floor and ceiling of building spaces.

[0031] The invention is not limited to testing the pull-out strength of fasteners 2 in the area of ​​ceilings 30 or suspensions 20 on ceilings 30. It can also be used equally well for wall fasteners 2 or for fasteners 2 mounted in the area of ​​floors, for example, in raised floors. Here, too, the advantages of the invention are realized, namely the ability to perform pull-out strength tests at a certain distance, i.e., at a distance from the actual test location, and the small space requirement at the test location. The longitudinally extending, parallel, rod-shaped elements 1, 3 of the device 10 allow for a reliable test of the pull-out strength and test load to be easily achieved.Even if the device itself does not have to be attached and fixed by hand directly at the location of the fastening elements 2, as was necessary in the prior art, the required strength tests and the documentation of the tests can thus be carried out easily and quickly.

[0032] In this embodiment, the rod-shaped tension element 1 and the parallel rod-shaped support element 3 are the Fig. 1 The rod-shaped elements 1 and 3 are provided as simple rods with pivot points or joint axes on the side of the deflection bracket 5 at the proximal end. Alternatively, the rod-shaped elements 1 and 3 can also be individually adjustable in length L, or one of them can be individually adjustable in length L, to allow adjustment to the respective height of the ceiling 30 or the test location (wall, floor, etc.) or the distance between the ceiling 30 and the ceiling suspension element 20, to which the test bracket 8 is inserted and hooked. This would then allow relative adjustability between the position of the test bracket 8 and the support 7 on the support element 3. Likewise, if the length L of the device 10 could be adjusted on both rod-shaped elements 1 and 3, adjustment to the corresponding ceiling height or distance to the test location would also be easily accomplished.

[0033] Instead of a measuring unit 4 designed as a torque wrench for measuring the pull-out strength and test load in the pull-out direction F with respect to the fastening element 2, another measuring unit 4 could be used, such as a spring scale, in which the achieved maximum test load or the required minimum pull-out strength of the fastening element 2 within the tolerance range is checked by pulling in the pull-out direction F. Alternatively, an electrified or digital measuring instrument could also be used as measuring unit 4. Such a design would further simplify the documentation and logging of the test process. For example, the corresponding measured values ​​could be transmitted wirelessly or via a wired connection to a central control system or database.A combination with a GPS system for the precise localization of the measured test point of the fastening element 2 on a ceiling 30, a wall, or a floor would also be possible. Furthermore, the measuring unit 4 can be attached to the proximal end P of the pulling element 1 or the deflection bracket 5 in a manner other than with an adapter 6. It is also possible to integrate the measuring unit 4 directly into either the deflection bracket 5 or the rod-shaped pulling element. With such a design, the device 10 would be even more compact, and handling or operation could be achieved either via the pulling element 1 itself or via a handle or similar device attached to its side.

[0034] In the Fig. 2 Figure 10 is a second embodiment of a test device 10 according to the invention for determining the pull-out strength of fastening elements 2, using a ceiling suspension 20 as an example, as shown in a schematic side view. Similar to the first embodiment, described above in connection with the Fig. 1 In the described embodiment, the device 10 has an overall elongated structure consisting of a tension element 1 in a rod-shaped design and a parallel rod-shaped support element 3, wherein the elements 1 and 3 are pivotally coupled to each other via a deflection bracket 5 at the proximal end of the device 10 and corresponding axes. Furthermore, in this example, the rod-shaped elements 1 and 3, namely the tension element 1 and the support element 3, are coupled in a central region via sliding guides 9 such that they are suitable, in the manner of a parallelogram, for applying laterally supported tensile forces to the fastening element 2 or the suspension element of the ceiling suspension 20 attached to the fastening element 2. For this purpose, in the Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 3 with the support 7 is attached to the ceiling directly next to the fastening element 2, and a test bracket 8 or another element serving as a test fixture is attached to a crossbeam of the ceiling suspension 20 from below, i.e., from the floor, by the user from the side. When the device 10 is detachably attached to the ceiling suspension 20 in this way, a corresponding tensile force for testing the pull-out strength is applied from the fastening element 2 to the ceiling suspension 20 by actuating a measuring device 4, which is attached to the deflection bracket 5, in the direction of the arrow, i.e., in the pull-out direction F. The pull-out torque or pull-out force that the ceiling element 2 must withstand is then measured and recorded.

[0035] In this second embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit 4 is also in the form of a torque wrench, which can be attached laterally, i.e., essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction 10, to the deflection bracket 5 via a connection or adapter 6. The measuring unit 4 can have a different shape and a different integration into the device 10: For example, an electronic force sensor can be integrated into the rod-shaped tension element 1, enabling digital processing of the measurement data. Other mechanical or electromechanical measuring units 4 can also be provided on the device 10 in the region of the deflection bracket 5 or on the tension element 1 at its proximal end P.

[0036] In contrast to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment the rod-shaped tensioning element 1 is adjustable in length L. For this purpose, the rod-shaped tensioning element 1 is provided in the form of a telescopic rod, which can be adjusted in length so that the effective length L of the device 10 from its proximal end P to its distal end D, i.e., the distance to the ceiling 30 or the test point on the wall or floor, can be variably adjusted. This allows for variable adjustments to different ceiling heights of the ceilings 30 or ceiling suspensions 20. The distance between the test fixture 8 and the single-point support 7 can also be changed in this way. In the Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, both the rod-shaped tension element 1 and the rod-shaped, parallel support element 2 are adjustable in length L by means of so-called telescopic rods. Other forms of length adjustment for setting the actual ceiling height in the respective application for the rod-shaped elements 1, 3 are also feasible within the scope of the invention. Length adjustability of only the support element 3 is also possible.

[0037] Another difference from the first embodiment is that in the second embodiment, in the Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a marking device 11 is also present, which is attached to the proximal end P of the rod-shaped support element 3 in the form of a paint marker or spray can. For this purpose, a receptacle is provided for the marking device 11, for example, a detachable holder or clamp for a spray can or similar item, and a Bowden cable or pull cord is provided as a release element 12 for the marking device 11. The user can actuate the pull cord at a lower proximal end P as the release element 12 to apply the paint marker laterally to the fastening element 2 after successful testing of the required or minimum necessary pull-out strength using the measuring unit 4 in the form of a torque wrench.After actuating the measuring unit 4 and verifying the sufficient pull-out strength of the fastening element 2 for the ceiling suspension 20, the user of the testing device 10 can directly actuate the release element 12 for the marking agent 11. The device 10 can then be used analogously for further tests at other locations on the building ceiling 30. The test and marking can therefore be carried out virtually in one operation. The activation of the marking agent 12 and the testing process can also be directly combined using the measuring unit 4, for example, by using a release element 12 for the marking agent 11 that is coupled to a torque wrench or to another measuring unit 4, which may also be electrified.

[0038] In this second embodiment, instead of the test bracket 8 designed as a C-shaped test hanger, a different type of test adapter that can be attached without additional fasteners or tools can be implemented. As long as the connecting element attached to the distal end D of the tension element 1 has a shape that is easy to attach and can be positioned remotely, it can be fixed to corresponding shapes of the ceiling suspensions 20 or the fastening element 2 itself on the ceiling or other building components. This second embodiment also allows for... Fig. 2 At the distal end D of the rod-shaped support element 3, a length-adjustable bolt is provided as a single-point support 7, allowing fine adjustment of the distance to the test fixture 8 and the distance of the ceiling suspension 20 from the actual building ceiling 30. The adjustability of the support 7 can also be omitted. Alternatively, a rod-shaped end of the support element 3 can simply be used for the single-point support 7. This also applies to the second embodiment ( Fig. 2Instead of an L-shaped deflection bracket 5, a different articulated connection between the two rod-shaped elements 1 and 3 can be provided at the lower, proximal end P of the device 10. As long as the force between the rod-shaped tension element 1 in the direction of the pull-out force F and the force of the support on the ceiling 30 can be sufficiently transmitted via the support element 3, other elements can be provided for coupling between the two rod-shaped elements 1 and 3 and for attaching and measuring the pull-out strength via the device 10 using the measuring unit 4.

[0039] The device 10 according to the invention offers numerous advantages over previously known testing devices of this kind for the pull-out strength of anchors, both according to the first and the second embodiment. The pull-out strength of fastening elements 2 can be tested, recorded, and marked quickly and effectively, even at remote locations on ceilings 30, walls, or in the floor area of ​​buildings, without the need for a ladder or scaffolding. Screwing or other complex mounting of pull-out holders, as required by previously known testing devices, is no longer necessary with the testing device 10 according to the invention.By simply hooking, inserting or laterally attaching the test holders 8 to the distal end D of the rod-shaped pulling element 1, the device can be positioned by the user for force transmission and the test can be carried out directly by supporting it at the support point 7 through the rod-shaped support element 3 laterally from the fastening element 2.

[0040] Testing can be carried out safely and effectively with the device 10 according to the invention, both directly on the fastening element 2 itself and on attached connection elements such as ceiling suspensions 20. For a detachable coupling to the fastening element 2 itself, a fork-shaped test holder 8 can be provided, for example, which can engage a screw screwed into a dowel. If the device 10 according to the invention is electronically coupled with electronic measuring units 4 and corresponding data recorders or log recorders, recording of the respective measured test point of fastening elements 2 can also be easily carried out. Thus, for example, electronic logs can be created for the tests carried out, corresponding to the respective points of the fastening elements 2 for a room or an entire building.Furthermore, the logging process can be improved even further when combined with a GPS-controlled or other positioning element. An electrified version can also be used for electrically controlled color marking of the respective test point. This also makes it easy to perform digital inspections and documentation of interior construction systems, including entire suspended ceilings, which can then be processed and stored for structural engineering, statics, and testing purposes.

[0041] Finally, the device 10 can also be electrically powered with a cable connection or wirelessly with a battery for the measuring unit 4 and / or the marking means 11. In a fully electric version of the device 10, a form with only one rod-shaped element and a combined unit for the tension and support elements 1, 3 is also preferably possible. Both spring-based mechanical measuring units 4 and purely electrical force sensors can be used. The measurement results of the pull-out strength test can be transmitted directly online for processing, both with regard to the strength values ​​and location parameters, for example via GPS systems.

Claims

1. Device (10) for testing the pull-out resistance of fastening elements (2), in particular of dowels for ceiling suspensions (20) of buildings or the like, with a tension element (1) for releasable attachment on the side of the suspension (20) or the fastening element (2) and with a supporting element (3) for support on a ceiling (30), wall or floor of a building, wherein the tension element (1) and the supporting element (3) are coupled in a manner such that they can be adjusted relative to one another in a pull-out direction F of the fastening element (2), and having a measuring unit (4) for measuring a tensile force that can be attached or provided on the fastening element (2), characterised in that the tension element (1) and the supporting element (3) are provided in the form of at least one rod-shaped element with a longitudinal direction parallel to the pull-out direction F and with a distal end D arranged in the region of the fastening element (2) and a proximal end P opposite thereto, in that a push-on test holder (8) and a single-point support (7) are provided at the distal end D, in that a triggering element for testing by a user away from the fastening element (2) is present at the proximal end P, and in that the tension element (1) and the supporting element (3) are rod-shaped elements running parallel to one another, with a longitudinal direction parallel to the pull-out direction F and with a distal D and a proximal end P, and in that a deflecting bracket (5), which is in each case attached in an articulated manner transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped elements (1, 3), is provided at the proximal end P, with a connection or adapter (6) for the measuring unit (4) or an actuating lever for testing by the user away from the fastening element (2).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that a single-point support (7) in the form of preferably a length-adjustable bolt is provided at the distal end of the supporting element (3).

3. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tension element (1) has at the distal end a test holder (8), in particular in the form of a test bracket or test bolt, which can be attached or pushed on without separate fastening means.

4. Device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the rod-shaped elements (1, 3) are connected to one another in a longitudinally movable manner between the distal end D and the proximal end P via sliding guides (9).

5. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a torque wrench or a spring balance with a connection for releasable attachment, in particular to the deflection bracket (5) or to the adapter (6), is provided as the measuring unit (4).

6. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tension element (1) and / or the support element (3) are / is designed to be adjustable in length L.

7. Device (10) according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that a C-shaped receptacle that is laterally open toward the outside is provided as the test holder (8) or test adapter.

8. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a marking means (11) for attaching a test marking to the ceiling (30) or wall is provided at the distal end D of the supporting element (3), which marking means can be actuated by the user in particular from the proximal end P after a positive test has been carried out.

9. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the measuring unit (4) is provided directly integrated or indirectly releasably coupled via the adapter (6).

10. Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the measuring unit (4) is provided integrated on the supporting element (3) in the region of the distal end D.

11. Device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the tension element (1) and the supporting element (3) are implemented as an electrically activatable combined unit.