System for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls

Abstract

A system (1) for fixing to cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls, comprising: - at least one substantially plate-like anchoring element (2) provided with a first surface (2a) associable with a wall (M) to be cladded and a second surface (2b), arranged opposite to the first, which is adapted to be at least partially surmounted by at least one cladding panel (P), - at least one mechanical connecting element (3) associated with the at least one anchoring element (2) for fixing to the wall (M), - at least one substantially plate-like contrast element (4) having a first surface (4a) adapted to be at least partially superimposed on the at least one panel (P) and a second surface (4b), arranged opposite to the first, in the operative configuration the contrast element (4) being arranged at a distance from the at least one anchoring element (2) that is at least equal to the thickness of the at least one panel (P), and - mechanical hindrance means (5) for hindering the movement of the at least one contrast element (4) from the operative configuration at least in the direction away from the at least one anchoring element (2).

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR FIXING CLADDING PANELS, PARTICULARLY VACUUM INSULATION PANELS, TO WALLS

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls.

[0003] It is known that, in the construction sector, a variety of cladding panels for the aesthetic or functional finish of buildings is provided. In particular, as regards materials for thermal insulation of buildings, ongoing research is being conducted which is aimed at developing panels that have reduced thickness for the same level of insulation obtainable, or an increased level of insulation for the same thickness of the panels. To this end, vacuum insulation panels (VIP) have been developed which consist substantially of a slab of glass fiber, or other material for thermal insulation, inserted in a vacuum inside a sealed enclosure of glass fiber and aluminum, or the like, which increases its resistance to cutting and erosion.

[0004] This type of vacuum panel needs to be mounted by juxtaposing each panel with the adjacent panels, so as to obtain a seamless covering layer in order to prevent the formation of thermal bridges.

[0005] The peculiarity of these vacuum panels is that they cannot be cut to measure or perforated, so as not to compromise their thermal insulation properties.

[0006] Nowadays it is known to apply such vacuum panels to walls to be cladded by means of adhesive bonding and subsequent application of a finishing layer (plaster) over the panels.

[0007] However there are limitations to using this method above certain heights (typically over 12 meters) for reasons of safety, in that the hold of the adhesives and of the finishing materials used tends to deteriorate over time with the consequent risk of accidental separation of the panels which could cause damage to property or injury to persons as a result of falling.

[0008] In order to seek to solve these drawbacks, at least partially, it is also known to use segments of pultruded bars, constituted by a bundle of reinforcement fibers bonded in a resin matrix of the type generally used for work on the anti-seismic reinforcement of buildings, to boost the anchoring effect of the vacuum insulation panels to the wall.

[0009] The segments first need to be fixed to the wall by making inclined holes in the areas where two or more panels are joined. Resin is injected into each hole and one end of the segment is inserted, which then is anchored to the wall once the resin has hardened.

[0010] Then the portion of the segment protruding from the wall is “tasseled”, so as to remove the resin matrix and free up the fibers which take the form of a tassel.

[0011] At this point the insulating panels are applied to the wall by means of adhesive bonding, compressing the fibers of each tassel in the joining regions between two or more panels.

[0012] In this step it is essential to distribute the fibers so as to reduce the space they occupy to the minimum, so as to be able to snugly juxtapose the panels, avoiding points of discontinuity in the cladding which would result in the formation of thermal bridges.

[0013] The fibers of the tassel are then opened out radially onto the adjacent panels and covered with epoxy resin to create a form of mesh for retaining the panels.

[0014] This operating method is not devoid of drawbacks either, among which is the fact that the lifetime and reliability over time of the fixing obtained are not guaranteed as the holding properties of the materials used tend to deteriorate.

[0015] Also, the positioning of the fibers of the tassel between the mutually juxtaposed panels is a highly critical factor, in that it entails a high risk of creating discontinuities in the cladding, with the consequent formation of thermal bridges which penalize the degree of thermal insulation obtainable.

[0016] Furthermore, operating according to this method is rather laborious and application times are lengthy, since after each step it is necessary to wait for the necessary hardening times of the resins or for the adhesives used to take hold, and therefore this method entails non-negligible performance costs.

[0017] Last but not least, the use of epoxy resin to make the reinforcement fibers adhere to the panels can result in the formation of peeling blisters of the finishing layer applied later, because some materials, such as those used for the cementitious plaster layer, do not adhere well to resin.

[0018] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks in the background art by providing a system for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls, which makes it possible to perform an anchoring of mechanical type between the panels and the wall to be cladded, therefore long-lasting and reliable over time, with low performance times and costs, without requiring perforation or cutting of the panels themselves and allowing their correct juxtaposing in order to obtain a seamless cladding.

[0019] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to also make it possible for the cladding panels to be applied at heights of over 12 meters in complete safety, so that it is possible to execute a uniform cladding of buildings of any height, obtaining an excellent result in terms of aesthetic finish and / or of thermal insulation.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to enable an effective fixing of panels for thermal insulation, in particular of vacuum insulation panels, without the risk of formation of thermal bridges.

[0021] Last but not least, another object of the present invention is to provide a simple structure that is easy and practical to implement, safe in use and effective in operation, and of low cost.

[0022] This aim and these and objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a system for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls according to the appended main and independent claim 1, and optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics recited in the dependent claims.

[0023] This aim and these and other objects are likewise achieved by a method for fixing cladding panels to a wall as specified in claims 14-16.

[0024] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of two preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a system for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective exploded front view of a first embodiment of a system for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls, according to the invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective front view of the system of Figure 1 in the assembled configuration;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective exploded rear view of the system of Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective rear view of the system of Figure 3 in the assembled configuration;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective front view of the first embodiment of the system according to the invention used for fixing four juxtaposed panels;

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane that passes through the two vertically arranged laminar elements in Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane that passes through two connecting screws of Figure 5;

[0032] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane that passes through one of the horizontally arranged laminar elements in Figure 5;

[0033] Figures 9-13 are respective perspective views of successive steps of installation of the system of Figure 5;

[0034] Figure 14 is a perspective front view of the first embodiment of the system according to the invention used for fixing three juxtaposed panels;

[0035] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective front view of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0036] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a system for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls.

[0037] The system 1 can be used for fixing cladding panels to walls with an aesthetic finish or a functional finish, such as panels for thermal and / or acoustic insulation.

[0038] The system 1 is especially intended to be used for fixing panels to walls which are for thermal insulation of the vacuum type, known as VIPs (Vacuum Insulation Panels), which cannot be cut or perforated during installation.

[0039] Such cladding panels are generally polygonal in shape, preferably quadrangular. Furthermore, the panels have two dimensions (length and width) which are much greater than the third dimension (thickness), so defining two mutually opposite main faces that have greater area than the other faces, of which one is the laying face, adapted to adhere to the wall to be cladded, and the other is the exposed face, adapted to be directed outward.

[0040] In use such panels are juxtaposed in pairs so that each panel presents a respective edge that is at least partially adjacent to the edge of a contiguous panel, so as to obtain a uniform cladding.

[0041] For thermal insulation panels, it is fundamentally important to minimize the gaps between adjacent panels, so as to prevent the formation of thermal bridges. Generally gaps between adjacent panels of 2mm maximum width can be tolerated.

[0042] The system 1 comprises at least one substantially plate-like anchoring element 2 provided with a first surface 2a associable with a wall M to be cladded and a second surface 2b, arranged opposite to the first, which is adapted to be at least partially surmounted by at least one cladding panel P.

[0043] Typically at least two panels P arranged juxtaposed along respective sides are partially superimposed on the at least one anchoring element 2.

[0044] In the present description the term “substantially” means “except for the usual machining tolerances and / or tolerances in the assembly of the component parts”.

[0045] Furthermore, the term “plate-like” defines a three-dimensional body with an extension along two dimensions that is much greater than that along the third dimension, defining two main surfaces connected by a perimeter band.

[0046] In the installation of panels for thermal insulation, the at least one anchoring element 2 is preferably made of plastic or another thermally insulating material. The at least one anchoring element 2 can be obtained by molding plastic material.

[0047] The plate-like shape structure of the at least one anchoring element 2 makes it possible not to interfere with the correct adhesion of the panels P to the wall M.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the system 1 comprises an anchoring element 2 which is circular in shape, but the possibility is not ruled out that it could have a different shape or different dimensions.

[0049] Furthermore the system 1 comprises at least one mechanical connecting element 3 associated with the at least one anchoring element 2 for fixing the element to the wall M.

[0050] Preferably the at least one connecting element 3 is a screw or the like. The connecting element 3 can be made, for example, of metal.

[0051] The at least one anchoring element 2 is associated with at least one through hole 6 for inserting the at least one connecting element 3. In more detail, the at least one hole 6 is defined directly in the at least one anchoring element 2.

[0052] In the present description, the term “through” means that it passes through the thickness from end to end.

[0053] Preferably the shape of the hole 6 substantially matches the shape of the head of the corresponding connecting screw 3.

[0054] Even more preferably the head of the connecting screw 3 is completely accommodated in the hole 6 so as not to protrude with respect to the thickness of the anchoring element 2.

[0055] In the embodiments shown, the at least one connecting screw 3 has a conical head and the corresponding hole 6 has a flared shape.

[0056] In the embodiments shown, five holes 6 are provided, of which four are perimetric and one central, and four connecting screws 3, the central hole 6 not being engaged with a corresponding connecting screw 3. The possibility is not ruled out that there could be an additional connecting screw 3 to engage the central hole 6.

[0057] The number, the shape and the arrangement of the holes 6 can be modified with respect to the embodiments shown.

[0058] For example, the holes 6 could be constituted by respective slots, elongated, L-shaped or cross-shaped, in order to allow the adjustment of the positioning of the anchoring element 2 on the wall M during installation.

[0059] The system 1 also comprises at least one substantially plate-like contrast element 4 having a first surface 4a adapted to be at least partially superimposed on the at least one panel P and a second surface 4b arranged opposite to the first. In the operative configuration the contrast element 4 is arranged at a distance from the at least one anchoring element 2 that is at least equal to the thickness of the at least one panel P. Preferably, in the operative configuration the contrast element 4 is arranged at a distance from the at least one anchoring element 2 that is substantially equal to the thickness of the at least one panel P.

[0060] If there is at least one additional covering layer (not shown) combined with the at least one panel P, the at least one contrast element 4 in the operative configuration can be positioned at a greater distance from the at least one anchoring element 2 than the thickness of the panel.

[0061] In the operative configuration the contrast element 4 is adapted to retain the panel or panels P adhering to the wall M to be cladded, so as to obtain a fixing that is reliable and long-lasting over time.

[0062] In the installation of panels for thermal insulation, the at least one contrast element 4 is preferably made of plastic or another thermally insulating material. The at least one contrast element 4 can be obtained by molding plastic material.

[0063] The plate-like shape structure of the at least one contrast element 4 makes it possible not to create protrusions on the exposed face of the at least one panel P.

[0064] In the embodiments shown, the system 1 comprises a contrast element 4 which is circular in shape, but the possibility is not ruled out that it could have a different shape or different dimensions.

[0065] Preferably the anchoring element 2 and the contrast element 4 have substantially matching shapes and dimensions.

[0066] Finally, the system 1 comprises mechanical hindrance means 5 for hindering the movement of the at least one contrast element 4 from the operative configuration at least in the direction away from the at least one anchoring element 2.

[0067] In this manner, in the operative configuration, a portion of the at least one panel P is clamped between the anchoring element 2 and the contrast element 4. By means of the mechanical hindrance means 5, accidental movements of the contrast element 4 away from the anchoring element 2 are avoided, and as a consequence the risk of the panel P detaching from the wall M is avoided.

[0068] The mechanical hindrance means 5 can prevent the displacement of the contrast element 4 from the operative configuration, both in the direction away from and in the direction toward the anchoring element 2.

[0069] Such mechanical hindrance means 5 comprise at least one laminar element 7 which protrudes from the second surface 2b of the anchoring element 2, at least one through slit 8 associated with the at least one contrast element 4 for the insertion of the laminar element 7, and locking means 9 adapted to prevent relative sliding between the at least one laminar element 7 and the at least one contrast element 4 in the operative configuration, at least in the direction away from the at least one anchoring element 2.

[0070] The slit 8 is provided directly in the contrast element 4.

[0071] Preferably the locking means 9 comprise at least one set of teeth 10 associated with a face of the at least one laminar element 7 and at least one flexible hook 11 associated with the contrast element 4 proximate to the corresponding slit 8.

[0072] The hook 11 is positioned at the slit 8.

[0073] The hook 11 can be integral with the contrast element 4.

[0074] The hook 11 is adapted to deform in order to allow the relative sliding between the contrast element 4 and the laminar element 7 inserted through the slit 8, in the direction toward the anchoring element 2, and to engage the set of teeth 10 so as to prevent the contrast element 4 from moving away from the anchoring element 2.

[0075] Alternatively, the locking means 9 could have a grub screw, a peg or the like, which is adapted to prevent the relative sliding between the contrast element 4 and the laminar element 7 inserted through the slit 8, in both directions. In this case the laminar element 7 can also be provided with a set of teeth 10.

[0076] Preferably the at least one laminar element 7 consists of a component that is separate from the anchoring element 2, which therefore comprises at least one through opening 12 for inserting that element. The opening 12 is defined directly in the contrast element 4. In this case, the laminar element 7 is contoured to define a head 7a at a longitudinal end associated with the anchoring element 2.

[0077] It should be noted that the laminar element 7 extends mainly along a longitudinal direction which is substantially transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the anchoring element 2. Furthermore, the cross-section of the laminar element 7 is transverse to the longitudinal extension which is substantially rectangular, having a first dimension which is much greater than a second dimension, which defines its thickness. This second dimension is kept conveniently low so as to allow a sufficient juxtaposing of the panels P to be fixed to the wall M, as can clearly be seen from the description below. Preferably the thickness of the laminar element 7 does not exceed 2mm.

[0078] The anchoring element 2 comprises at least one receptacle 13 for the head 7a which is blended in communication with the opening 12 and is facing at the corresponding first surface 2a. The receptacle 13 is directly provided in the contrast element 4. The head 7a is completely contained in the receptacle 13, so as not to protrude from the first surface 2a of the anchoring element 2. The head 7a protrudes transversely with respect to the extension of the laminar element 7, so as to abut against the inside of the corresponding receptacle 13.

[0079] In the installation of panels for thermal insulation, the at least one laminar element 7 is preferably made of plastic or another thermally insulating material in order to prevent the formation of thermal bridges. The at least one laminar element 7 can be obtained by molding plastic material.

[0080] As a function of the number of mutually juxtaposed panels P at which the system 1 is positioned, the number and the arrangement of the laminar elements 7 and the corresponding number of slits 8 and openings 12 with associated receptacles 13, can vary.

[0081] Preferably the mechanical hindrance means 5 have at least two laminar elements 7 with substantially coplanar or perpendicular arrangements. The contrast element 4 is provided with at least two corresponding slits 8 with corresponding hooks 11. The anchoring element has at least two openings 12 with associated receptacles 13 arranged at respective slits 8.

[0082] Even more preferably, the mechanical hindrance means 5 comprise four laminar elements 7 distributed along a circumference and arranged substantially in a cross arrangement, so that the elements are arranged in pairs along two respective mutually-perpendicular diameters of the circumference. The contrast element 4 is provided with four corresponding slits 8 with corresponding hooks 11. The anchoring element 2 comprises four openings 12 with associated receptacles 13 arranged at respective slits 8.

[0083] It should be noted that in this case the system 1 is adapted to use up to four laminar elements 7, but the number and the configuration of the laminar elements 7 actually used can vary as a function of the number and the arrangement of the panels P at which the system is applied.

[0084] In a variation (not shown), the laminar elements 7 can be connected in pairs by means of a linear base element defining a single U-shaped body, or all four can be connected together by a cross-shaped base element. In this case the first surface 2a of the anchoring element 2 must be shaped so as to define suitable receptacles for the base elements that connect the laminar elements 7.

[0085] In an additional variation (not shown), the system 1 can have one or more laminar elements 7 defined integrally with the anchoring element 2 and protruding from the corresponding second surface 2b.

[0086] Figure 5, for example, shows the system 1 installed at the region of intersection of four juxtaposed panels P using four laminar elements 7, each one of which is interposed between two adjacent panels P.

[0087] Figure 14 by contrast shows the system 1 installed at the connecting region of three panels P that are arranged offset, using three laminar elements 7, each one of which is interposed between two juxtaposed panels P.

[0088] The contrast element 4 has at least one through slot 15. In the embodiments shown, there are four slots 15 alternating with the slits 8.

[0089] In a second embodiment, shown in Figure 15, the anchoring element 2 and the contrast element 4 are provided with respective truncating means 16 and 17 which facilitate its splitting if the system 1 is installed at a corner of the wall M.

[0090] Such truncating means 16 and 17 comprise at least one respective scoring or precut line defined in the thickness of the anchoring element 2 and the contrast element 4.

[0091] Preferably each scoring or precut line 16 or 17 passes through the extension of the anchoring element 2 or the contrast element 4.

[0092] It should be noted that the scoring or precut line 16 passes through the anchoring element 2 so as to split it into two portions, a first portion 2' with three openings 12 and a second portion 2" with a single opening 12. In the same way, the scoring or precut line 17 passes through the contrast element 4 so as to split it into two portions, a first portion 4' with three slits 8 and a second portion 4" with a single slit 8.

[0093] If the system 1 is installed along a corner of the wall M, then after splitting the anchoring element 2 and the contrast element 4, the first portions 2' and 4' are used.

[0094] The possibility is not ruled out that the truncating means 16 and 17 could comprise two respective scorings or precut lines arranged perpendicular to each other and defined in the thickness of the anchoring element 2 and the contrast element 4, defining four quadrants, each one with a corresponding opening 12 or slit 8.

[0095] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the invention the system 1 could have a single anchoring element 2 and a contrast element 4 for each laminar element 7 or an anchoring element 2 for each laminar element 7 and a single contrast element 4 or an anchoring element 2 and a corresponding contrast element 4 for each laminar element 7.

[0096] The system according to the invention is used in a method for fixing cladding panels P to walls, which is illustrated in Figures 9-13 and comprises the following sequence of steps of: - providing at least one system 1 as described above,

[0097] - providing at least one cladding panel P adapted to be associated with a wall M to be cladded. Preferably at least two panels P are provided which are adapted to be arranged on the wall M to be cladded, mutually juxtaposed along respective sides. The figures show four panels P juxtaposed in pairs along respective sides;

[0098] - positioning the anchoring element 2 so that its first surface 2a adheres to the wall M to be cladded, and with the laminar elements 7 inserted through the corresponding openings 12 and positioned on the wall M at at least one edge of the at least one panel P. If there are two or more panels P, the laminar elements 7 must be positioned at the join lines L of those panels. First one or more laminar elements 7, located at the join lines L as a function of the arrangement of the panels P to be fixed, must be inserted in the anchoring element 2. The figures show four laminar elements 7 arranged in a cross along the two join lines L,

[0099] - fixing the anchoring element 2 to the wall M by means of the connecting screws 3 (Figure 9). Optionally, adhesive materials also can be interposed between the wall M and the anchoring element 2,

[0100] - making the at least one panel P adhere to the wall M and to the anchoring element 2 with the laminar elements 7 positioned along the perimeter of that panel. If there are two or more juxtaposed panels P, then the laminar elements 7 are interposed between the panels (Figure 10). For example, the panels P can be made to adhere to the wall M by means of the interposition of a suitable glue C,

[0101] - positioning the contrast element 4 on the at least one panel P, inserting the laminar elements 7 through the corresponding slits 8 until the contrast element is positioned in the operative configuration, with its first surface 4a in contact with the panel, so activating the locking means 9 (Figure 11). In the figures, the contrast element 4 is superimposed on the panels P in the region of intersection. If the locking means 9 comprise a set of teeth 10 and a hook 11 then, once the contrast element 4 is threaded along the laminar elements 7 until it is brought to the operative configuration, the engagement of the hook 11 in the corresponding set of teeth 10 prevents the extraction of the contrast element.

[0102] Furthermore the method also comprises a step of splitting (Figures 11 and 12) the laminar elements 7 at the second surface 4b of the contrast element 4 in the operative configuration and of removing the protruding portion from the contrast element. Alternatively, laminar elements 7 of different lengths could be provided, which are selected for use as a function of the thickness of the panels P to be fixed.

[0103] Finally, the method also entails a step of distributing (Figure 13) a finishing layer F on the at least one panel P, preferably on the juxtaposed panels P, and on the second surface 4b of the contrast element 4. The finishing layer F can be constituted for example by mortar, glue, smoothing finish, mesh or the like.

[0104] Through the slots 15, the finishing layer F adheres to the portions of panels P underneath the contrast element 4, increasing the strength of the fixing obtained.

[0105] It should be noted that according to the invention, the contrast element 4 is kept in the operative configuration after installation, so as to obtain the permanent fixing of the panel or panels P, while any excess portion of the laminar elements 7 is removed. Then the contrast element 4 is covered with the finishing layer F, and therefore is incorporated in that layer.

[0106] It should be noted that the steps described above can be performed one after the other, with no wait times between one step and the next.

[0107] In practice it has been found that the invention as described achieves the intended aim and objects and, in particular, attention is drawn to the fact that the system according to the invention makes it possible to perform an anchoring of mechanical type between the panels and the wall to be cladded, therefore long-lasting and reliable over time, with low performance times and costs.

[0108] Moreover, application of the system according to the invention does not necessitate perforation or cutting of the panels, and makes it possible to juxtapose them while minimizing, if not eliminating, the gaps between one panel and the next in order to obtain a seamless cladding, as a result being particularly suitable for use with thermal insulation panels, in particular with vacuum insulation panels.

[0109] Furthermore, the system according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a stable fixing of the panels to the wall that is such as to enable their installation at any height from the ground, so as to be able to obtain uniform claddings for buildings of any height.

[0110] The system according to the invention also avoids the formation of thermal bridges and does not interfere with the continuity of the cladding obtained if thermal insulation panels are used.

[0111] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0112] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0113] In practice the materials employed, as well as the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0114] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000015927 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0115] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (1) for fixing cladding panels, particularly vacuum insulation panels, to walls, characterized in that it comprises:- at least one substantially plate-like anchoring element (2) provided with a first surface (2a) associable with a wall (M) to be cladded and a second surface (2b), arranged opposite to the first surface (2a), which is adapted to be at least partially surmounted by at least one cladding panel (P),- at least one mechanical connecting element (3) associated with said at least one anchoring element (2) for fixing to said wall (M),- at least one substantially plate-like contrast element (4) having a first surface (4a) adapted to be at least partially superimposed on said at least one panel (P) and a second surface (4b), arranged opposite to the first, in the operative configuration the contrast element (4) being arranged at a distance from said at least one anchoring element (2) that is at least equal to the thickness of said at least one panel (P), and- mechanical hindrance means (5) for hindering the movement of said at least one contrast element (4) from the operative configuration at least in the direction away from said at least one anchoring element (2).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanical hindrance means (5) comprise at least one laminar element (7) which protrudes from the second surface (2b) of said at least one anchoring element (2), at least one through slit (8) associated with said at least one contrast element (4) for the insertion of said laminar element (7), and locking means (9) adapted to prevent relative sliding between said at least one laminar element (7) and said at least one contrast element (4) in the operative configuration at least in the direction away from said at least one anchoring element (2).

3. The system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said locking means (9) comprise at least one set of teeth (10) associated with aface of said at least one laminar element (7) and at least one flexible hook(11) associated with said at least one contrast element (4) proximate to said at least one slit (8), the flexible hook (11) being adapted to deform in order to allow the contrast element (4) to slide with the laminar element (7) inserted so as to pass through the slit (8) in the direction toward the anchoring element (2) and to engage the set of teeth (10) so as to prevent the contrast element (4) from moving away from the anchoring element (2).

4. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one anchoring element (2) comprises at least one through opening (12) for the insertion of said at least one laminar element (7).

5. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one laminar element (7) comprises a head (7a) at a longitudinal end associated with said anchoring element (2).

6. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one anchoring element (2) comprises at least one receptacle (13) for accommodating the head (7a) of said at least one laminar element (7) which faces at the first surface (2a) of said anchoring element and is connected to said at least one through opening(12).

7. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one through slot (15) associated with said contrast element (4).

8. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an anchoring element (2) and a contrast element (4) and in that said mechanical hindrance means (5) comprise at least two of said laminar elements (7) and at least two corresponding slits (8) associated with respective locking means (9).

9. The system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least two laminar elements (7) have substantially coplanar or perpendiculararrangements.

10. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said anchoring element (2) comprises at least two of said openings (12) with corresponding receptacles (13).

11. The system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said mechanical hindrance means (5) comprise four of said laminar elements (7), which are distributed along a circumference and are arranged substantially in a cross-like pattern, and four corresponding slits (8) associated with respective locking means (9).

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said anchoring element (2) comprises four of said openings (12) with corresponding receptacles (13).

13. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one anchoring element (2) and said at least one contrast element (4) comprise respective truncating means (16, 17) to facilitate their splitting into two distinct portions (2', 2"; 4', 4").

14. A method for fixing cladding panels to a wall, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:- providing at least one fixing system (1) according to one or more of claims 1-12,- providing at least one cladding panel (P) adapted to be associated with a wall (M) to be cladded,- positioning said anchoring element (2) so that its first surface (2a) adheres to the wall (M) to be cladded, with said at least one laminar element (7) on one side of said at least one panel (P),- fixing said anchoring element (2) to said wall (M) by means of said at least one mechanical connecting element (3),- making said at least one panel (P) adhere to said wall (M) and to said anchoring element (2) with said at least one laminar element (7) positioned along the perimeter of said panel,- positioning said contrast element (4) on said at least one panel (P), inserting said at least one laminar element (7) through the corresponding slit (8) until the contrast element (4) is positioned with its first surface (4a) in contact with said panel in the operative configuration, so activating said locking means (9).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that it also comprises a step of splitting said at least one laminar element (7) at the second surface (4b) of said contrast element (4) in the operative configuration and of removing the protruding portion from said contrast element.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it also comprises a step of distributing a finishing layer (F) on said at least one mutually juxtaposed panel (P) and on said contrast element (4) in the operative configuration.

Images