Positioning element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a positioning element (1) for positioning an embedded part (3) in a concrete segment (4) to be cast on a metal formwork by means of a magnetic arrangement (2). The positioning element (1) comprises a base (6) and a surrounding side wall (7), which together enclose a first receiving chamber (9) for receiving a magnet (15) of the magnetic arrangement (2), and a receiving opening (11) opposite the base (6) through which the first receiving chamber (9) is accessible. A tubular spigot (8) projects axially from a rear side (17) of the base (6), enclosing a second receiving chamber (10) for holding a pin (14) of the magnetic arrangement (2). The second receiving chamber (10) is accessible from the first receiving chamber (9) through an opening (12) in the base (6).Furthermore, the positioning element (1) comprises at least one radially deformable tongue (18) arranged in a wall (13) of the nozzle (8) for holding the pin (14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a positioning element for positioning an installation part on a metal formwork in a concrete segment to be cast by means of a magnetic arrangement.

[0002] Nowadays, concrete segments of structures, such as concrete walls, floors, or ceilings, are manufactured with pre-cast components for further assembly. These components can include, for example, junction boxes for electrical switches, sockets, lights, appliances, or for branch connections, which are embedded in the concrete at the designated locations within the building. Also common are components in the form of anchoring elements, for example, for connecting the individual concrete segments to one another, or in the form of wall and ceiling transition pieces for securing plastic conduits for introducing installation lines into a concrete segment or for transferring installation lines from one concrete segment to an adjacent one.

[0003] The installation of these embedded components in a concrete segment is achieved by positioning them relative to the (metal) formwork before the concrete segment is poured. The embedded component is then cast into the concrete. Typically, the embedded component is temporarily attached to the formwork of the concrete segment being cast, for example, by gluing or magnetic attachment. Depending on the embedded component, additional positioning elements are required to position the component relative to the magnetic arrangement and to secure it to the formwork.

[0004] EP 3 534 476 A1 discloses a positioning element for positioning an embedded part in a concrete segment to be cast on a metal formwork by means of a magnetic arrangement.

[0005] One problem with using such positioning elements is that an additional step may be required to remove the positioning element itself, in addition to removing the magnet assembly. Furthermore, quick and cost-effective removal of the usually reusable magnet assembly from the metal formwork and / or the positioning element after a concrete segment has been cast is more difficult.

[0006] Another existing problem is that the component is usually difficult to align with the formwork, so it assumes a predetermined and defined position and possibly orientation. However, this is advantageous, especially with regard to automated processes.

[0007] Another existing problem is that the components can vary in size depending on the individual application and therefore cannot simply be used with the same magnet arrangement.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to further develop the prior art with regard to positioning elements. Advantageously, at least one of the aforementioned problems should be reduced or eliminated.

[0009] The problem is solved in a general way by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0010] Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent patent claims as well as the following description and the figures.

[0011] The present invention, according to claim 1, relates to a positioning element for positioning an embedded component in a concrete segment to be cast by means of a magnetic arrangement. The embedded component is generally intended to remain at least partially within the cast concrete segment – ​​particularly at designated locations. The embedded component can serve for mounting the concrete segment and / or for installing electrical installations within the concrete segment. Preferably, however, the embedded component described below is an anchoring element. The anchoring element can serve for the (subsequent) attachment of further mounting elements. The mounting elements can, for example, serve to connect the respective concrete segments (such as a concrete wall, a concrete floor, or a concrete ceiling) to one another or to attach further elements (e.g., furniture, partition walls, etc.) to the concrete segment.

[0012] The positioning element according to the invention comprises a base and a surrounding side wall, which together enclose a first receiving chamber, and a receiving opening opposite the base with respect to the first receiving chamber, through which the first receiving chamber is accessible. The base can transition into the side wall. The first receiving chamber serves to receive a magnet of the magnet assembly. The magnet serves to temporarily attach the positioning element to the metal formwork of the concrete segment to be cast. A tubular spigot projects axially from a rear side of the base, surrounding a second receiving chamber for a pin of the magnet assembly. The spigot also serves to allow the insert to be placed onto it, or the spigot to be inserted into a mounting opening of the insert. The pin of the magnet assembly serves to attach the magnet to the positioning element.The second receiving chamber can be open at the rear. The nozzle advantageously projects from the base coaxially with the side wall of the positioning element. The positioning element can, for example, be rotationally symmetrical about a central axis. The central axis thus extends in the axial direction. The second receiving chamber is accessible from the first receiving chamber (i.e., from a front opposite the rear) through an opening in the base. In the context of this application, "front" here refers to the area facing the metal formwork in the later, installed / cast-in state. Consequently, the rear is the area facing away from the metal formwork.

[0013] In one wall of the tubular fitting, at least one radially deformable tongue is arranged for holding the pin. Advantageously, the at least one tongue has a first (outer) contact surface for contact between the positioning element and the insert when the insert is mounted on the fitting, and a second (inner) contact surface opposite the first contact surface with respect to the wall of the fitting for contact with the pin. The tongue extends from a proximal to a distal end, particularly in the axial direction. Viewed from the axial direction, the tongue can be arranged essentially within the contour of the fitting.For example, the tongue (in its undeformed state) can be arranged essentially within the contour of the nozzle wall, so that, if present, only the raised section and / or the support element, as described below, project beyond the wall contour. For optimal force transmission, the distal end of the tongue advantageously points towards the first receiving space. However, it is also conceivable that the distal end points away from the first receiving space or that the at least one tongue extends in the direction of travel of the nozzle. A rotationally symmetrical design of the at least one tongue (about the central axis) is also conceivable. To allow the at least one tongue to deform radially as effectively as possible, it is surrounded, at least in part, by a recess extending radially through the wall. Advantageously, the at least one tongue is integrally formed with the nozzle wall.In this case, the tongue merges into the wall at the proximal end of the nozzle. The recess can thus surround the tongue in a U-shape, particularly from the proximal end onwards.

[0014] Depending on the application, at least one tongue may have a projection that extends into the second receiving chamber. If a projection is present, the previously described second (inner) contact surface may be located at least partially on the projection. The projection extends from an inner side of the spigot, which may also be an inner side of the tongue facing the second receiving chamber. The projection may serve to lock the positioning element to the magnetic assembly, as described in more detail below. In other words, the projection may be designed to lock the positioning element to the magnetic assembly, particularly when the component is inserted. A thickening on the pin may interact with the tongue, especially the projection on the tongue, to achieve this locking action.The raised section is advantageously located at a distal end of the tongue and / or the thickened section is advantageously located at an end of the pin facing away from the magnet. Thus, the raised section of the at least one tongue can engage between the thickened section of the pin and a base of the pin. The pin is attached to the magnet at its base. The thickened section of the pin can be cylindrical or convex. When the at least one tongue is locked, the thickened section, in conjunction with the raised section, forms an undercut in the axial direction. This undercut can be released by deforming the tongue radially outwards.In a mounted state of the component on the nozzle of the positioning element, the at least one tongue cannot be deformed outwards or only to a limited extent, so that the magnet arrangement is locked with the positioning element, or the release of the undercut in the axial direction is prevented.

[0015] When the component is attached to the positioning element's nozzle and a magnetic force is applied axially to the magnet assembly, the positioning element detaches from the component, while the magnet assembly remains locked to the positioning element. This speeds up and simplifies the removal of the magnet assembly and the positioning element, as they can be removed together in a single step.

[0016] In the fitted state of the component onto the positioning element's nozzle, the first force connecting the component to the positioning element is therefore less than the second force connecting the positioning element to the magnet assembly. This is because the connection between the component and the positioning element (i.e., the first force) is based solely on friction in this case (i.e., the first force is only a frictional force). In contrast, the connection between the magnet assembly and the positioning element (i.e., the second force) can be based on a positive fit in addition to friction. This positive fit can extend from the undercut into the axial direction.A stronger second force has the advantage that, when the cast magnet segment is demolded, the magnetic force acting on the magnets of the magnet assembly in the axial direction ensures that the magnet assembly, together with the positioning element, remains attached to the metal formwork, while the cast-in component remains in the concrete segment. In other words, at least one tongue can be designed such that, when the component is attached to the stub, it forms an undercut with the pin in the axial direction.

[0017] To limit the radial outward deformation of the tongues when the component is in place, the at least one tongue can have a support element on its outer surface to brace the tongue radially against the component. If a support element is present, the first (outer) contact surface described above can be located at least partially on the support element. Furthermore, the support element can be designed such that it restricts or even prevents outward deformation of the at least one tongue when the component is in place on the fitting.Depending on the height of the respective support element (measured radially from the outside of the nozzle), the at least one tongue can be held in the undeformed position when the component is attached, or even be deformed further radially inwards by contact with the component, so that the undercut between the tongue and the pin and / or the frictional force between the tongue and the pin is further increased.

[0018] To center the component mounted on the fitting, several centering elements can be arranged on the outer surface of the fitting. One of these centering elements can be, for example, a centering collar encircling the outer surface of the fitting. The centering collar is preferably located at the proximal end of the fitting where it is attached to the base. The centering collar and the at least one tongue can be positioned at different axial locations on the fitting. Alternatively or additionally, several centering elements (e.g., in the form of axially extending ribs) can be arranged circumferentially around the circumference of the fitting. These are preferably positioned axially and adjacent to the at least one tongue.To lock the magnet arrangement with the positioning element, the support element described above can also project the same distance in the radial direction from the nozzle as the centering elements (in the undeformed state of the at least one tongue).

[0019] For precise alignment of the magnet arrangement with the positioning element, the nozzle advantageously has at least one rib projecting into the second receiving space for positioning and, in particular, centering the pin. It is beneficial if the rib projects radially into the second receiving space to essentially the same extent as the elevation on the tongue (in the undeformed state of the at least one tongue).

[0020] For proper alignment of the installation component, the base advantageously features a contact surface on the rear side for the front of the component. This contact surface can also incorporate a seal to seal the installation component against the positioning element during concrete pouring. The seal can be ring-shaped and arranged around the nozzle.

[0021] Depending on the application, the side wall can have a conical outer surface. This tapers advantageously towards the nozzle. The conical design allows for easy molding of the positioning element from the (subsequently) cast concrete segment. Conversely, it is advantageous for the inner surface of the side wall, which defines the first receiving space, to extend primarily in the axial direction. This ensures better circumferential retention of the magnet within the first receiving space. Consequently, the side wall can have a triangular or V-shaped cross-section. Depending on the application, a circumferential groove, open to the front of the positioning element, can also be arranged between the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall. An additional seal can be positioned in the groove to seal the positioning device against the metal formwork. This additional seal protects the magnet assembly from contact with the concrete.For the respective seals, a soft elastic material is suitable, for example.

[0022] A suitable magnet arrangement can have various shapes. The magnet can have a disc-shaped configuration with two parallel cover surfaces and a circumferential surface extending between the cover surfaces, with one of the cover surfaces being designed to abut the metal casing. The magnet can therefore, in particular, have a substantially circular disc shape. An axis running through the center of the cover surfaces, typically perpendicular to them, is called the central axis of the magnet arrangement. When the magnet arrangement is mounted on the positioning element, the central axis of the magnet arrangement advantageously overlaps the central axis of the positioning element. A preferably non-magnetic pin can project centrally from one of the cover surfaces. The magnet is advantageously arranged concentrically to the pin.In one embodiment, the pin can protrude from the rear cover surface. For example, it can be screwed into the magnet or permanently attached in some other way, such as by pressing and / or gluing. Furthermore, the pin can be integral or formed in one piece with the magnet assembly. Additionally, the pin, or its thickening, can be conical or tapered at least partially with respect to the central axis of the magnet assembly. The described embodiments of the magnet assembly also disclose corresponding embodiments of the positioning element for the operative connection with the positioning element according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0023] Since the magnet is generally reusable, but the size of the mounting opening and / or the design of the component can vary depending on the application, it is advisable to provide a set of different positioning elements. A set of different positioning elements can include several positioning elements designed to be inserted into mounting openings of components with different diameters. To ensure optimal interaction with a magnet arrangement of the same design, the individual positioning elements can differ in the design of their nozzles (e.g., by different outer diameters of the nozzles and / or different heights of the support elements and / or different heights of the centering elements).

[0024] Furthermore, a positioning device can be provided, comprising at least one positioning element (e.g., a single positioning element or a set of different, alternative positioning elements) according to one of the previously described variants and a magnet assembly (with a magnet and a pin arranged on the back of the magnet). The magnet is receptacled in the first receiving space of the positioning element, and the pin is receptacled, at least partially, in the second receiving space of the positioning element. The insert for casting into a concrete segment can be plugged onto the nozzle of the positioning element. Advantageously, the insert is an anchoring element, as described above.

[0025] An anchoring element typically features a mounting opening in its main body. This opening is open (i.e., accessible) at the front and closed at the rear. When the anchoring element is installed on the positioning element, the mounting opening extends axially along the positioning element. During concrete pouring, the mounting opening (at the front) is closed by the positioning element onto which the anchoring element is placed. This prevents concrete from entering the mounting opening of the anchoring element. After the concrete has been poured and the positioning element removed, the mounting opening can be used to accommodate additional mounting elements, such as screws, pins, or bolts. These can be used, for example, to connect one concrete segment to another or to attach other elements (e.g., furniture, partition walls, etc.) to the concrete segment.For this purpose, the mounting opening can have an internal thread, at least in some areas. Since large forces can act on the mounting elements and, conversely, on the cast-in anchoring element, it is advantageous for the anchoring element to have a disc-shaped section that projects laterally from the main body and serves to form a (comparatively large) undercut in the axial direction with the cast concrete. The disc-shaped section thus reduces the risk of the anchoring element breaking out of the cast concrete segment, especially under high forces. Additionally, the anchoring element can also have stiffening ribs. These extend advantageously from the disc-shaped section in the axial direction and towards the front and / or back of the anchoring element.The described embodiments of the anchoring element also reveal correspondingly designed embodiments of the positioning element for the operative connection with the positioning element according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0026] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description. The figures show: Fig. 1 A positioning device with a variant of the positioning element according to the invention in a disassembled state in a perspective view; Fig. 2 The positioning device according to Figure 1 in an assembled state in a sectional view; Fig. 3 A variant of the positioning element according to the invention in a top view; Fig. 4 The sectional view A - A of the positioning element according to Figure 3 ; Fig. 5The positioning element according to Figure 3 in a perspective view.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each figure shows a positioning device 5 for a mounting component 3 in the form of an anchoring element. The positioning device 5 comprises a positioning element 1 and a magnetic arrangement 2, which is operatively connectable to the positioning element 1 and comprises a magnet 15 and a pin 14 for attaching the magnet 15 to the positioning element 1.

[0028] The magnet 15 has a disc-shaped design with a front and a rear cover surface 31, 32 and a circumferential surface extending between the cover surfaces 31, 32. The front cover surface 31 serves for contact and magnetic attachment of the magnet assembly 2 to a metal casing. The pin 14 projects from the rear cover surface 32 for operative connection with the positioning element 1. The pin 14 has a thickening 30 at one end facing away from the magnet 15.

[0029] The positioning element 1 establishes an operative connection between the magnet assembly 2 and the mounting component 3. For this purpose, the positioning element 1 comprises a base 6 and a circumferential side wall 7 that merges into it, together enclosing a first receiving chamber 9 for receiving the magnet 15 of the magnet assembly 2. Opposite the base 6 is a receiving opening 11 through which the first receiving chamber 9 is accessible and the magnet 15 can be inserted therein. A tubular spigot 8 projects axially from a rear surface 17 of the base 6, surrounding a second receiving chamber 10 for holding the pin 14 of the magnet assembly 2. Opposite the rear surface 17 is a front surface 16 of the positioning element 1, which serves to abut the metal formwork.The second recording chamber 10 is accessible from the first recording chamber 9 through an opening 12 in the floor 6, so that the magnet arrangement 2 can be inserted into the first and second recording chambers 9, 10 from the front.

[0030] In Figure 1The embedded part 3, in the form of the anchoring element, is also shown. The anchoring element comprises a main body 33 with an axially extending mounting opening 35. As shown, the anchoring element 3 can have a plate-shaped area 34, which projects laterally from the main body 33 to form an undercut in the axial direction with the cast concrete. The plate-shaped area 34 thus reduces the risk of the anchoring element 3 breaking out of the cast concrete segment 4. Furthermore, the anchoring element 3 also has stiffening ribs 36, which extend axially from the plate-shaped area 34 to a front face of the anchoring element 3 and support the force distribution on the plate-shaped area 34.It is also evident that the anchoring element 3 is closed on one rear side of the anchoring element 3, so that no concrete can penetrate into the mounting opening 35.

[0031] As in Figure 1 as in the Figures 3 to 5As can be seen, two radially deformable tongues 18, arranged oppositely, are formed in the wall 13 of the nozzle 8 in the illustrated case for holding the pin 14. However, a different number or configuration of the tongues 14 is also possible. For good force transmission, the distal end 21 of each tongue 18 points towards the first receiving space 9. Furthermore, the tongues 18 are partially surrounded by a recess 22 extending radially through the wall 13. At a proximal end 20, each tongue 18 merges into the wall 13. When the pin 14 is inserted into the socket 8, an inwardly pointing elevation 19 arranged on an inner side 23 of the tongue 18 comes into contact with the thickening 30 of the pin 14 and the tongues 18 are deformed radially outwards when the pin 14 is inserted deeper.If the pin 14 is inserted far enough, and the thickening of the pin 14 reaches behind the projection 19 in the axial direction, the tongues 18 snap back and the thickening 30 forms an undercut in the axial direction with the projection 19 of the tongue 18. To release the undercut, the tongues 18 must deform radially outwards again. This is usually possible without any problems, but not if they are in an inserted state (as in ). Figure 2(as shown) the installation part is inserted onto the fitting 8. In the inserted state, the fitting 8 is positioned in the mounting opening 35 of the installation part 3 such that radial outward deformation of the tongues 18 is prevented, at least in some areas. The positioning element 1 is thus locked to the magnetic arrangement 2. This is further supported by the fact that a support element 26 is provided on the outer side of each tongue 18, or of the fitting 8, for bracing the tongues against the installation part. For a clean locking of the magnet arrangement 2 with the positioning element 1, the support element 26 can project radially from the nozzle 8 by the same distance as the centering elements 25 also arranged on the outside for centering the component 3 mounted on the nozzle 8. In the present example, several centering elements 25 are arranged circumferentially distributed around the circumference of the nozzle 8 (see figure).. Figure 5 ). A centering element 25 has the form of a circumferential centering collar arranged around the outer surface and in the area of ​​a base of the nozzle 8.

[0032] In the Figure 2In the assembled state of the positioning element 1 with the magnet arrangement 2 in the mounting part 3 shown, the magnet arrangement 2 cannot be detached from the positioning element 1. Therefore, if a force is applied axially to the magnet 15, the connection between the positioning element 1 and the mounting part 3 is released. In the mounted state of the mounting part on the stub of the positioning element 1, the first force connecting the mounting part 3 to the positioning element 1 is less than the second force connecting the positioning element 1 to the magnet arrangement 2, since the connection between the mounting part and the positioning element is based solely on friction, while the connection between the magnet arrangement and the positioning element 1 is based on a positive fit in addition to friction (undercut between tongue 18 and pin 14).This has the advantage that when the cast concrete segment 4 is demolded, the magnetic force acting on the magnet 15 of the magnet arrangement 2 in the axial direction causes the magnet arrangement 2 to remain on the metal formwork together with the positioning element 1, while the cast-in component 3 remains in the concrete segment 4 with the mounting opening 35 exposed. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 Positioning element 19 Survey 2 Magnetic arrangement 20 Proximal end 3 Installation part 21 Distal end 4 concrete segment 22 recess 5 Positioning device 23 inside 6 Floor 24 outside 7 side wall 25 Centering elements 8 Support 26 Support element 9 First recording room 27 Site area 10 Second recording room 28 rib 11 opening 29 Nut 12 opening 30 thickening 13 wall 31 Front cover surface 14 Cones 32 Rear cover surface 15 magnet 33 Main body 16 Front 34 plate-shaped area 17 back 35 Mounting opening 18 Tongue 36 stiffening ribs

Claims

1. Positioning element (1) for positioning an installation part (3) in a concrete segment (4) to be cast on a metal formwork by means of a magnet arrangement (2), the positioning element (1) comprising a. a base (6) and a surrounding side wall (7), which together surround a first receiving space (9) for receiving a magnet (15) of the magnet arrangement (2), and a receiving opening (11) located opposite the base (6) and through which the first receiving space (9) is accessible; characterized in that the positioning element (1) b. has a tube-shaped socket (8) for mounting the installation part (3), wherein i. the socket (8) protrudes from a rear side (17) of the base (6) in an axial direction, ii. the socket (8) surrounds a second receiving space (10) for holding a spigot (14) of the magnet arrangement (2), and the second receiving space (10) is accessible from the first receiving space (9) through an opening (12) in the base (6), and iii. at least one radially deformable tongue (18) is arranged in a wall (13) of the socket (8) to hold the spigot (14).

2. Positioning element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one tongue (18) has a first contact surface for the contact of the positioning element (1) with the installation part (3) in a mounted state of the installation part (3) on the socket (8) and a second contact surface, located opposite the first contact surface with respect to the wall (13) of the socket (8), for the contact with the spigot (14).

3. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tongue (18) is configured in such a way that, in a mounted state of the installation part (3) on the socket (8), it is designed to form an undercut with the spigot (14) in the axial direction.

4. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one radially deformable tongue (18) has an elevation (19) which protrudes into the second receiving space (10).

5. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distal end (21) of the at least one tongue (18) points in the direction of the first receiving space (9).

6. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tongue (18) is surrounded, at least in regions, by a recess (22) extending radially through the wall (13).

7. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the socket (8) has centering elements (25) on an outer side (24) for centering the installation part (3) mounted on the socket (8).

8. Positioning element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that one of the centering elements (25) is configured in the form of a circumferential centering collar.

9. Positioning element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that several centering elements (25) are distributed around the socket (8) and arranged next to the at least one tongue (18).

10. Positioning element (1) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tongue (18) has a supporting element (26) on the outer side (24) for supporting the tongue (18) against the installation part (3).

11. Positioning element (1) according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the supporting element (26) protrudes in the radial direction essentially the same distance from the outer side (24) of the socket (8) as the centering elements (25).

12. Positioning element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the socket (8) has at least one rib (28) that protrudes into the second receiving space (10) for positioning the spigot (14), which protrudes into the second receiving space (10) radially essentially the same distance as the elevation (19).

13. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (7) has a conical outer side which tapers towards the socket (8).

14. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inner side of the side wall (7), which delimits the first receiving space (9), extends essentially in the axial direction.

15. Positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circumferential groove (29) opens towards a front side (16) of the positioning element (1) is arranged in the side wall (7).

16. Positioning element (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that a circumferential seal is arranged in the groove (29).

17. A positioning device (5) comprising at least one positioning element (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims and a magnet arrangement (2) with a magnet (15) and a spigot (14) arranged on a rear side of the magnet (15), wherein the magnet (15) can be received in the first receiving space (9) of the at least one positioning element (1) and the spigot (14) can be received at least in regions in the second receiving space (10) of the at least one positioning element (1).

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