Tensor for bracing a vertical structure to a ground and process of assembling / disassembling the tensor to / from the vertical structure

Abstract

Tensor for bracing a vertical structure (20) comprising an elongated body (2) and a head (3) attached to the elongated body (2) and configured to be attached to a horizontal bolt (22) of the vertical structure (20). The head (3) comprises at least one groove (6) extending obliquely with respect to the elongated body (2) and configured to engage the tensor (1) to the horizontal bolt (22). The tensor (1) further comprises locking means (10) pivotable with respect to the head (3) and configured to retain the horizontal bolt (22) in the groove (6) when the tensor (1) is arranged in a locking position in which the head (3) is inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle (β) that is at least equal to a predetermined locking angle. Process for assembling / disassembling a tensor to / from the vertical structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a tensor for bracing a vertical structure to the ground, in particular a formwork structure, and to a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor to the vertical structure.PRIOR ART

[0002] In the construction industry, the term "tensors" refers to elements that are arranged at an angle and act as bracing between a vertical and a horizontal part.

[0003] In GB696260A there is disclosed a telescoping tensor each part of which is coupled to a respective support configured to move along a horizontal guide and a vertical guide respectively.

[0004] EP3169857A1 describes a method for erecting a formwork structure in which a tensor is initially fixed to the floor in a pivoting manner, the other end of the tensor being fixed to the formwork structure in a sliding manner. For this purpose, the tensors are attached to vertical profiles of the formwork structure through vertical grooves in the profiles. The tensors also have a central part for adjusting the length of the tensors. The angle of the formwork structure to the ground can be refined by adjusting the length of the tensors.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a tensor for bracing a vertical structure to a ground and a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor to / from the vertical structure, as defined in the claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a tensor for bracing a vertical structure, comprising an elongate body and a head coupled to one end of the elongate body and configured to be coupled to a horizontal bolt of the vertical structure. The head comprises at least one groove that extends obliquely with respect to the elongated body and is configured to engage the tensor with the horizontal bolt. The tensor further comprises locking means pivotable with respect to the head and configured to retain the horizontal bolt in the groove when the tensor is arranged in a locking position in which the head is inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle that is at least equal to a predetermined locking angle.

[0007] A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor to / from the corresponding horizontal stud of the vertical structure. The process for assembling the tensor comprises the steps of: raising the tensor at an angle of inclination to the ground until the head overpasses the corresponding horizontal bolt, said angle of inclination being smaller than the locking angle; hooking the head, inclined to the ground at an angle less than the locking angle, into the horizontal bolt through the corresponding groove; and tilting the tensor by increasing the angle of inclination to the ground until the locking position is reached in which the locking means retain the horizontal pin and prevent it from moving along the groove.

[0008] This results in an optimized tensor that can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled from the corresponding vertical structure, particularly in cases where the attachment position is not accessible to the operator because the height at which the clamp has to be attached is higher than 2 m, which is not possible for an operator to carry out unless he is at a height.

[0009] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in view of the figures and the detailed description of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a formwork structure braced by tensors according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the tensor shown in figure 1 in a horizontal position. Figure 3 shows another view of the detail of the tensor shown in figure 2. Figure 4 shows some sequences of the process of assembling the tensor to the formwork structure in the embodiment of figure 1. Figure 5 shows some sequences of the process of disassembling of the tensor in the embodiment of figure 1. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Figure 1 shows a vertical structure 20 with tensors 1 that tensor the vertical structure 20 to the ground. The vertical structure 20 comprises vertical profiles 21 with horizontal pins or fasteners 22 to one of which the corresponding tensor 1 is attached. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the vertical structure 20 is a formwork structure, but it could be any vertical structure used in the construction sector and requiring tensors for bracing to the ground.

[0012] A first aspect of the invention relates to a tensor 1. The tensor 1 according to the invention comprises an elongate body 2, a head 3 coupled to one end of the elongate body 2 and configured to be coupled to the corresponding horizontal bolt 22 of the vertical structure 20, and a coupling 4 for attachment to the ground. The tensor 1 is configured to enable the operator to attach the head 3 to the horizontal bolt 22 from the ground when the height or distance of the horizontal bolt 22 to the ground is not accessible to the operator. In particular, horizontal bolts 22 arranged at a distance from the ground greater than 2 m, preferably greater than 2.20 m, are considered to be inaccessible to the operator.

[0013] The head 3 comprises at least one groove 6 which extends obliquely with respect to the elongate body 2 and which is configured to engage the tensor 1 with the corresponding horizontal bolt 22. The locking means 10 are configured to retain the corresponding horizontal bolt 22 in the groove 6 when the tensor 1 is arranged in a locking position in which the head 3 is inclined at an angle β, which is at least equal to a predetermined locking angle β1, preventing the relative displacement of the horizontal bolt 22 along the groove 6.

[0014] Preferably the locking means 10 are configured to pivot relative to the head 3 under the effect of gravity. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking means 10 comprise a hook 11 coupled via a pin 12 to the head 3, so that the hook 11 is free to rotate around the pin 12. When the head 3 is tilted, the hook 11 pivots around the pin 12 under the effect of gravity until it is positioned in an equilibrium position. The equilibrium position of the hook 11 does not change and is independent from the inclination of the head 3. In the locking position of the tensor 1, the head 3 is positioned with respect to the hook 11 so that the hook 11 retains the horizontal bolt 22 preventing its displacement along the corresponding grooves 6. For this purpose, the hook 11 comprises a seat or support base 11a wherein it retains the horizontal bolt 22 in the locked position, preventing its displacement along the groove 6.

[0015] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the head 3 is hollow and the hook 11 is housed inside it. The head 3 comprises flat surfaces 7 which delimit the hollow of the head 3 and in each of which the corresponding groove 6 extends. Each groove 6 has an open end 6a to enable assembly / disassembly of the head 3 with respect to the horizontal bolt 22, and a closed end 6b which houses the horizontal bolt 22 in the locked position, the closed end 6b collaborating with the hook 11 to retain the horizontal bolt 22 in the groove 6 and thereby keep the tensor 1 engaged with the vertical structure 20.

[0016] On the other hand, the tensor 1 comprises at the end opposite to the head 3, a coupling 4 to be fixed to the ground in the locking position by means of a bracket 5.

[0017] In the embodiment shown in the figures, where the tensor 1 is configured so that it can be hooked from the ground to the horizontal bolt 22 located at a distance from the ground greater than 2 m, preferably greater than 2.20 m, the groove 6 is inclined with respect to the elongated body 2 at an angle θ maximum of 30°, preferably at an angle θ of 25°.

[0018] A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor 1 to / from the vertical structure 20. The process for assembling the tensor comprises the following steps (see figure 4): raising the tensor 1 at an angle of inclination β to the ground until the tensor 3 passes over the corresponding horizontal bolt 22, the angle of inclination β being smaller than the locking angle β1; hooking the head 3, inclined to the ground at an angle β less than the locking angle β1, into the horizontal bolt 22 through the corresponding groove 6; and tilting the tensor by increasing the angle of inclination β to the ground until the locking position is reached in which the locking means 10 retain the horizontal bolt 22 and prevent it from moving along the groove 6.

[0019] Taking into account that the locking means 10 swing around the pin 12 under the effect of gravity, as long as the tensor 1 is lifted inclined at an inclination angle β smaller than the blocking angle β1, the locking means 10 do not prevent the horizontal bolt 22 from moving along the corresponding groove 6.

[0020] Once the head 3 passes over the horizontal bolt 22, the head 3 is supported on the horizontal bolt 22 and lowered until the horizontal bolt 22 is inserted into the groove 6. Once the horizontal bolt 22 is inserted into the groove 6, the operator moves the tensor 1, the groove 6 guiding the movement of the tensor 1 relative to the horizontal bolt 22 until the groove 6, in particular the closed end 6b of the groove 6, butts against the horizontal bolt 22.

[0021] Subsequently, the tensor 1 is swung into the locked position in which the hook 11 retains the horizontal bolt 22 and prevents it from moving along the groove 6, the tensor 1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal by an angle β of between 30° and 60°. Finally, once the tensor 1 is in the locked position, it is fixed to the ground by means of the coupling 4.

[0022] To disengage the tensor 1 from the vertical structure 20, the end of the tensor 1 fixed to the ground must first be released. Subsequently, the operator tilts the tensor 1 until the locking means 10, in particular the hook 11, no longer retain the horizontal bolt 22. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the operator must tilt the tensor 1 until the angle of inclination β of the head 3 with respect to the horizontal is less the locking angle β1. From this position, the operator can lift the tensor 1 with respect to the horizontal bolt 22, moving it inclined an angle of inclination keeping the angle of inclination β less than the locking angle β1, the movement being guided by the groove 6 with respect to the horizontal bolt 22, until the horizontal bolt 22 comes out of the groove 6. This way, the tensor 1 is released.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in figures 4 and 5, the predetermined locking angle β1 is at least 30°. Preferably, the locking angle β1 is at most 60°.

[0024] The described features and / or aspects of the tensor disclosed are also valid and applicable to the process for assembling / disassembling the tensor from the vertical structure and / or vice versa, the described features and / or aspects of the process are also valid and applicable to the tensor.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]Figure 1 shows a vertical structure 20 with tensors 1 that tensor the vertical structure 20 to the ground. The vertical structure 20 comprises vertical profiles 21 with horizontal pins or fasteners 22 to one of which the corresponding tensor 1 is attached. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the vertical structure 20 is a formwork structure, but it could be any vertical structure used in the construction sector and requiring tensors for bracing to the ground.

[0012]A first aspect of the invention relates to a tensor 1. The tensor 1 according to the invention comprises an elongate body 2, a head 3 coupled to one end of the elongate body 2 and configured to be coupled to the corresponding horizontal bolt 22 of the vertical structure 20, and a coupling 4 for attachment to the ground. The tensor 1 is configured to enable the operator to attach the head 3 to the horizontal bolt 22 from the ground when the height or distance of the horizontal bolt 22 to the ground is not accessib...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a tensor for bracing a vertical structure to the ground, in particular a formwork structure, and to a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor to the vertical structure.PRIOR ART

[0002] In the construction industry, the term "tensors" refers to elements that are arranged at an angle and act as bracing between a vertical and a horizontal part.

[0003] In GB696260A there is disclosed a telescoping tensor each part of which is coupled to a respective support configured to move along a horizontal guide and a vertical guide respectively.

[0004] EP3169857A1 describes a method for erecting a formwork structure in which a tensor is initially fixed to the floor in a pivoting manner, the other end of the tensor being fixed to the formwork structure in a sliding manner. For this purpose, the tensors are attached to vertical profiles of the formwork structure through vertical grooves in the profiles. The tensors also have a central part for adjusting the length of the tensors. The angle of the formwork structure to the ground can be refined by adjusting the length of the tensors.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a tensor for bracing a vertical structure to a ground and a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor to / from the vertical structure, as defined in the claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a tensor for bracing a vertical structure, comprising an elongate body and a head coupled to one end of the elongate body and configured to be coupled to a horizontal bolt of the vertical structure. The head comprises at least one groove that extends obliquely with respect to the elongated body and is configured to engage the tensor with the horizontal bolt. The tensor further comprises locking means pivotable with respect to the head and configured to retain the horizontal bolt in the groove when the tensor is arranged in a locking position in which the head is inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle that is at least equal to a predetermined locking angle.

[0007] A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor to / from the corresponding horizontal stud of the vertical structure. The process for assembling the tensor comprises the steps of: raising the tensor at an angle of inclination to the ground until the head overpasses the corresponding horizontal bolt, said angle of inclination being smaller than the locking angle; hooking the head, inclined to the ground at an angle less than the locking angle, into the horizontal bolt through the corresponding groove; and tilting the tensor by increasing the angle of inclination to the ground until the locking position is reached in which the locking means retain the horizontal pin and prevent it from moving along the groove.

[0008] This results in an optimized tensor that can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled from the corresponding vertical structure, particularly in cases where the attachment position is not accessible to the operator because the height at which the clamp has to be attached is higher than 2 m, which is not possible for an operator to carry out unless he is at a height.

[0009] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in view of the figures and the detailed description of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a formwork structure braced by tensors according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the tensor shown in figure 1 in a horizontal position. Figure 3 shows another view of the detail of the tensor shown in figure 2. Figure 4 shows some sequences of the process of assembling the tensor to the formwork structure in the embodiment of figure 1. Figure 5 shows some sequences of the process of disassembling of the tensor in the embodiment of figure 1. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Figure 1 shows a vertical structure 20 with tensors 1 that tensor the vertical structure 20 to the ground. The vertical structure 20 comprises vertical profiles 21 with horizontal pins or fasteners 22 to one of which the corresponding tensor 1 is attached. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the vertical structure 20 is a formwork structure, but it could be any vertical structure used in the construction sector and requiring tensors for bracing to the ground.

[0012] A first aspect of the invention relates to a tensor 1. The tensor 1 according to the invention comprises an elongate body 2, a head 3 coupled to one end of the elongate body 2 and configured to be coupled to the corresponding horizontal bolt 22 of the vertical structure 20, and a coupling 4 for attachment to the ground. The tensor 1 is configured to enable the operator to attach the head 3 to the horizontal bolt 22 from the ground when the height or distance of the horizontal bolt 22 to the ground is not accessible to the operator. In particular, horizontal bolts 22 arranged at a distance from the ground greater than 2 m, preferably greater than 2.20 m, are considered to be inaccessible to the operator.

[0013] The head 3 comprises at least one groove 6 which extends obliquely with respect to the elongate body 2 and which is configured to engage the tensor 1 with the corresponding horizontal bolt 22. The locking means 10 are configured to retain the corresponding horizontal bolt 22 in the groove 6 when the tensor 1 is arranged in a locking position in which the head 3 is inclined at an angle β, which is at least equal to a predetermined locking angle β1, preventing the relative displacement of the horizontal bolt 22 along the groove 6.

[0014] Preferably the locking means 10 are configured to pivot relative to the head 3 under the effect of gravity. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking means 10 comprise a hook 11 coupled via a pin 12 to the head 3, so that the hook 11 is free to rotate around the pin 12. When the head 3 is tilted, the hook 11 pivots around the pin 12 under the effect of gravity until it is positioned in an equilibrium position. The equilibrium position of the hook 11 does not change and is independent from the inclination of the head 3. In the locking position of the tensor 1, the head 3 is positioned with respect to the hook 11 so that the hook 11 retains the horizontal bolt 22 preventing its displacement along the corresponding grooves 6. For this purpose, the hook 11 comprises a seat or support base 11a wherein it retains the horizontal bolt 22 in the locked position, preventing its displacement along the groove 6.

[0015] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the head 3 is hollow and the hook 11 is housed inside it. The head 3 comprises flat surfaces 7 which delimit the hollow of the head 3 and in each of which the corresponding groove 6 extends. Each groove 6 has an open end 6a to enable assembly / disassembly of the head 3 with respect to the horizontal bolt 22, and a closed end 6b which houses the horizontal bolt 22 in the locked position, the closed end 6b collaborating with the hook 11 to retain the horizontal bolt 22 in the groove 6 and thereby keep the tensor 1 engaged with the vertical structure 20.

[0016] On the other hand, the tensor 1 comprises at the end opposite to the head 3, a coupling 4 to be fixed to the ground in the locking position by means of a bracket 5.

[0017] In the embodiment shown in the figures, where the tensor 1 is configured so that it can be hooked from the ground to the horizontal bolt 22 located at a distance from the ground greater than 2 m, preferably greater than 2.20 m, the groove 6 is inclined with respect to the elongated body 2 at an angle θ maximum of 30°, preferably at an angle θ of 25°.

[0018] A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for assembling / disassembling the tensor 1 to / from the vertical structure 20. The process for assembling the tensor comprises the following steps (see figure 4): raising the tensor 1 at an angle of inclination β to the ground until the tensor 3 passes over the corresponding horizontal bolt 22, the angle of inclination β being smaller than the locking angle β1; hooking the head 3, inclined to the ground at an angle β less than the locking angle β1, into the horizontal bolt 22 through the corresponding groove 6; and tilting the tensor by increasing the angle of inclination β to the ground until the locking position is reached in which the locking means 10 retain the horizontal bolt 22 and prevent it from moving along the groove 6.

[0019] Taking into account that the locking means 10 swing around the pin 12 under the effect of gravity, as long as the tensor 1 is lifted inclined at an inclination angle β smaller than the blocking angle β1, the locking means 10 do not prevent the horizontal bolt 22 from moving along the corresponding groove 6.

[0020] Once the head 3 passes over the horizontal bolt 22, the head 3 is supported on the horizontal bolt 22 and lowered until the horizontal bolt 22 is inserted into the groove 6. Once the horizontal bolt 22 is inserted into the groove 6, the operator moves the tensor 1, the groove 6 guiding the movement of the tensor 1 relative to the horizontal bolt 22 until the groove 6, in particular the closed end 6b of the groove 6, butts against the horizontal bolt 22.

[0021] Subsequently, the tensor 1 is swung into the locked position in which the hook 11 retains the horizontal bolt 22 and prevents it from moving along the groove 6, the tensor 1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal by an angle β of between 30° and 60°. Finally, once the tensor 1 is in the locked position, it is fixed to the ground by means of the coupling 4.

[0022] To disengage the tensor 1 from the vertical structure 20, the end of the tensor 1 fixed to the ground must first be released. Subsequently, the operator tilts the tensor 1 until the locking means 10, in particular the hook 11, no longer retain the horizontal bolt 22. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the operator must tilt the tensor 1 until the angle of inclination β of the head 3 with respect to the horizontal is less the locking angle β1. From this position, the operator can lift the tensor 1 with respect to the horizontal bolt 22, moving it inclined an angle of inclination keeping the angle of inclination β less than the locking angle β1, the movement being guided by the groove 6 with respect to the horizontal bolt 22, until the horizontal bolt 22 comes out of the groove 6. This way, the tensor 1 is released.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in figures 4 and 5, the predetermined locking angle β1 is at least 30°. Preferably, the locking angle β1 is at most 60°.

[0024] The described features and / or aspects of the tensor disclosed are also valid and applicable to the process for assembling / disassembling the tensor from the vertical structure and / or vice versa, the described features and / or aspects of the process are also valid and applicable to the tensor.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]Figure 1 shows a vertical structure 20 with tensors 1 that tensor the vertical structure 20 to the ground. The vertical structure 20 comprises vertical profiles 21 with horizontal pins or fasteners 22 to one of which the corresponding tensor 1 is attached. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the vertical structure 20 is a formwork structure, but it could be any vertical structure used in the construction sector and requiring tensors for bracing to the ground.

[0012]A first aspect of the invention relates to a tensor 1. The tensor 1 according to the invention comprises an elongate body 2, a head 3 coupled to one end of the elongate body 2 and configured to be coupled to the corresponding horizontal bolt 22 of the vertical structure 20, and a coupling 4 for attachment to the ground. The tensor 1 is configured to enable the operator to attach the head 3 to the horizontal bolt 22 from the ground when the height or distance of the horizontal bolt 22 to the ground is not accessib...

Claims

1. Tensor for bracing a vertical structure (20) to a ground, comprising an elongated body (2), and a head (3) attached to the elongated body (2) and configured to be attached to a horizontal bolt (22) of the vertical structure (20), characterised in that the head (3) comprises at least one groove (6) extending obliquely with respect to the elongated body (2) and configured to engage the tensor (1) to the horizontal bolt (22), and in that the tensor (1) comprises locking means (10) pivotable with respect to the head (3) and configured to retain the horizontal pin (22) in the groove (6) when the tensor (1) is arranged in a locking position in which the head (3) is inclined with respect to the ground at an angle (β) that is at least equal to a predetermined locking angle (β1).

2. Tensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking means (10) are configured to pivot with respect to the head (3) under the effect of gravity.

3. Tensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means (10) comprises a hook (11) coupled through a pin (12) to the head (3), the hook (11) being free to swing relative to the pin (12) under the effect of gravity, the hook (11) being configured to retain the horizontal bolt (22) in the locked position.

4. Tensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (6) has an open end (6a) to enable assembly / disassembly of the head (3) with the horizontal bolt (22) and a closed end (6b) that retains the horizontal bolt (22) in the locked position.

5. Tensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (6) extends into the head (3) at an angle (θ) maximum of 30° to the elongated body (2).

6. Tensor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means (10) are housed inside the head (3), the head (3) further comprising flat surfaces (7) which delimit the inside of the head (3) and in each of which the corresponding groove (6) extends.

7. Process for assembling / disassembling a tensor according to any of the preceding claims to the vertical structure (20), wherein the process for assembling the tensor (1) comprises the steps of: • raising the tensor (1) at an angle of inclination (β) to the ground which is at most the maximum angle (β1) until the tensor (3) passes over the corresponding horizontal bolt (22); • hooking the head (3), inclined to the ground at an angle (β) less than the locking angle (β1), into the horizontal bolt (22) through the corresponding groove (6); and • tilting the tensor by increasing the angle of inclination (β) to the ground until the locking position is reached in which the locking means (10) retain the horizontal bolt (22) and prevent it from moving along the groove (6).

8. Process according to the preceding claim, wherein, once the head (3) is attached to the horizontal bolt (22), the tensor (1) is moved by guiding the groove (6) to move relative to the horizontal bolt (22) until the groove (6) stops against the horizontal bolt (22).

9. Process according to claims 7 or 8, wherein, for disassembling the tensor (1), starting from the locked position, the tensor (1) is tilted by decreasing the angle of inclination (β) with respect to the horizontal until the locking means (10) no longer retain the horizontal bolt (22), the tensor (1) being subsequently raised and guided along the groove (6) until the horizontal bolt (22) is released from the groove (6).

10. Process according to the preceding claim, wherein, for disassembling the tensor (1), starting from the locked position, the tensor (1) is tilted until the angle of inclination (β) is less than the locking angle (β1).

11. Process according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the locking angle (β1) is at least 30°.

12. Process according to any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the locking angle (β1) is at most 60°.

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