Connection system and method for the lifting, assembly and / or anchoring of prefabricated components

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system and method for the lifting, assembly and / or anchoring of prefabricated components, comprising: at least one anchor box having an open face accessible from the outside on a prefabricated component; at least one anchor plate arranged on the upper part of the at least one anchor box; at least one opening arranged in the at least one anchor plate; and at least one securing means which secures the at least one anchor plate to the prefabricated component via the at least one opening.

Description

System and method of connection for lifting, assembly and / or anchoring prefabricated components DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM

[0001] The present invention relates to an innovative anchoring system that allows for the completion of prefabricated panels or walls at the manufacturing plant, eliminating the need to finish structural walls on the construction site. This invention is designed to optimize the construction process, reduce labor costs at the construction site, and improve the quality of the final product. Specifically, the system focuses on the use of metal fittings, particularly a box-shaped design that allows access to the anchor bolts after installation, facilitating necessary adjustments without compromising the wall's integrity.

[0002] In this regard, the system of the invention essentially comprises at least one anchor box, having an open face accessible from the outside in a prefabricated component; at least one anchor plate, arranged on the top of the at least one anchor box; at least one hole, arranged in the at least one anchor plate; and at least one fixing means, which fixes the at least one anchor plate to the prefabricated component through the at least one hole. BACKGROUND

[0003] Mid-rise timber construction around the world faces prefabrication challenges, especially in the installation of walls that must arrive at the construction site as "unfinished" structures. This requires anchors to be installed on-site, a process that demands specialized personnel and generates significant delays. Some specific problems include: - Loss of the production chain: The need to finish the walls on site distorts the industrialized approach, generating losses in efficiency and in the quality of the final product. - Quality risks: On-site interventions can introduce human errors, affecting the stability and safety of the structure.

[0004] In this regard, the construction industry offers systems such as the Holdown anchor, which are widely used for construction with wood panels. (Sin 80972 1) However, these systems have significant limitations in achieving a high degree of prefabrication and finishing with plasterboard, such as the inability to access the fixing means on site, so finishing tasks must be carried out by personnel on site, slowing down the processes.

[0005] Furthermore, in the area of ​​patents, there are also some solutions related to anchoring systems for prefabricated components. For example, US patent application US2006053714A1 describes a system comprising a clamping connector that attaches to an anchor bolt in a concrete base, allowing lateral rotation. This reduces deformation in the stud or post to which it connects, enabling these elements to be smaller and have a lower stress rating. The connector design includes a bearing surface that allows for better distribution of tensile forces, improving strength and predictability of failure. It is characterized by a hinge mechanism that reduces additional forces on the anchor bolt, allowing for better performance in overload or overturning situations.

[0006] Although the system in document US2006053714A1 allows for some rotation and is designed to minimize deformation in the wall studs or posts, thus improving load resistance, this document does not provide access from the outside of the panel or wall to allow for efficient adjustment of the anchor bolts without requiring personnel on site to complete the assembly of the prefabricated components.

[0007] On the other hand, Japanese patent application JPS5256714A describes a frame construction method that uses fittings for connection. This document describes a method for joining wooden frame elements (beams and columns). It focuses on the efficient construction of frames requiring joinery and carpentry work, without relying on specialized skills. This system allows the parts to be manufactured in a factory, meaning that only tightening the nuts is required on-site during installation. However, this system is not intended for light-frame structures. This invention is also not intended for prefabricated wall systems, and therefore does not specifically address access to fasteners or provide an anchoring system that minimizes additional work on-site.

[0008] In light of the above, it is necessary to have a system that offers better performance than state-of-the-art solutions, specifically one that provides direct access from the outside to the anchors, allowing the tightening of connectors, such as holddown connectors, without the need to remove the sheathing and finishing panels at the installation site, unlike traditional methods. This results in a solution that 80972 2 It allows the walls to be fully industrialized, resulting in a product that is faster to install on site, safer, and of high quality.

[0009] This and other advantages associated with other aspects of the technology are described in more detail below. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention relates to a connection system for lifting, assembling and / or anchoring prefabricated components, such as panels, walls or prefabricated modules, which allows their completion in the industrial plant.

[0011] According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises: - at least one anchor box, which has an open face accessible from the outside in the prefabricated component; - at least one anchor plate, arranged on top of the at least one anchor box; - at least one hole, arranged in at least one anchor plate; and - at least one means of fixing, which fixes the at least one anchor plate to the prefabricated component through the at least one hole.

[0012] The proposed system includes a box-shaped metal fitting that allows external access to the anchoring means once the panel has been installed. This innovative design ensures that all finishing operations are carried out on-site, guaranteeing: - Access from the outside: The system allows the adjustment of the anchors without the need to dismantle the structure, facilitating access to the components. - On-site installation: All anchors can be installed and tested under controlled conditions at the manufacturing plant, ensuring consistent product quality. - Ease of lifting: The system includes a design that facilitates the lifting of panels, walls or modules, improving assembly efficiency.

[0013] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises at least one additional anchor plate, which provides enhanced mechanical performance and includes at least one hole. This embodiment further comprises at least one additional fastening means, which secures the at least one additional anchor plate to the prefabricated component through the at least one hole. 80972 3

[0014] Both embodiments of the invention may further comprise at least one lifting means, arranged in conjunction with at least one anchoring means, through at least one hole, on the exterior of the prefabricated component. Said at least one hole is preferably arranged on at least one of the faces of the at least one anchor box.

[0015] In both embodiments of the invention, the at least one anchoring means comprises at least one bar, at least one washer, and at least one nut.

[0016] The at least one lifting means comprises at least one plate and at least one ring, which allows attachment to external lifting systems.

[0017] Regarding the installation of at least one lifting device, the at least one bar of the at least one anchor device is positioned so that it protrudes from one face of the at least one anchor box. In this way, the at least one plate of the at least one lifting device can be placed over the at least one bar, and then the at least one ring can be attached. The assembly can then be secured with a nut that fastens the at least one plate and the at least one ring against the outer face of the at least one anchor box.

[0018] In the first embodiment of the invention, the at least one fastening means corresponds to at least one connector, arranged through the at least one hole, which allows the at least one anchor plate to be attached to the prefabricated component. Preferably, the at least one connector corresponds to screws or commercially available Simpson-type connectors.

[0019] In the second embodiment of the invention, the at least one fastening means and the at least one additional fastening means correspond to at least one pin, arranged through at least one hole, which allows the at least one anchor plate and the at least one additional anchor plate to be fastened to the prefabricated component. The additional anchor plate confirms a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which steel pins are preferably used that pass through the at least one anchor plate and the at least one additional anchor plate. This configuration aims to obtain an anchor with greater strength than the embodiment originally described, since it uses the structural principle of increasing the shear planes by means of pins that pass through steel plates.

[0020] According to the second embodiment of the invention, at least one pin is made of steel.

[0021] In both embodiments of the invention, the at least one anchor box and the at least one anchor plate are made of steel.

[0022] In both embodiments of the invention, the connection between the at least one anchor box and the at least one anchor plate is made by welding. 80972 4

[0023] In both embodiments of the invention, the open face of the at least one anchor box comprises a lid fixed to the at least one box by means of anchoring. Preferably, the lid is made of steel.

[0024] In both forms of the invention, the prefabricated component corresponds to one or more of a prefabricated wooden panel, wall or module, a cross-laminated timber system, a system of cold-formed metal profiles, panels derived from the above and / or modules derived from the above.

[0025] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the invention, a method for lifting, assembling, and / or anchoring prefabricated components comprising a connection system as detailed above is described, wherein the lifting and assembly phase comprises the steps of: a) inserting or previously embedding in the foundation at least two bars, one for each corner of a prefabricated component to be assembled; b) lifting the assembly component by means of a lifting device, and moving the assembly component towards the foundation; and c) lowering the prefabricated component vertically in such a way that at least one hole of the at least one anchor box, at each lower corner of the prefabricated component, is inserted into each of the two bars in the foundation;and wherein the anchoring phase comprises the steps of: a) from at least one open face of the at least one anchor box, which allows access from the outside, manually inserting at least one anchoring means, which is fixed and tightened onto the bar inserted in the foundation; b) taking the cover that allows closing the open face of the anchor box, placing it in position and fixing the cover by means of joining such as screws preferably; and c) repeating steps a) and b) for the other lower corner of the prefabricated component.

[0026] In view of the above description, it is possible to conclude that the system and method of the invention presents significant advantages over prior art solutions, such as: - Improved efficiency: Eliminating on-site finishing work reduces overall construction time and associated costs. - Error reduction: By minimizing manual intervention on site, the risk of errors that could compromise the quality of the work is reduced. 80972 5 - Boost to the national industry: The possibility of local manufacturing of anchoring systems or hardware promotes the national economy and creates employment in the construction sector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] As part of the present invention, the following representative figures are presented, which show preferred configurations of the invention and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting the definition of the claimed subject matter.

[0028] It is important to note that all views shown in the figures are relative to the prefabricated component viewed from the front. Furthermore, all figures or views show lightweight timber-framed walls, but both embodiments of the invention can be applied to cross-laminated timber systems and cold-formed metal profile systems, panels derived from the former, and modules derived from the latter. Figure 1 shows an interior side view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to a first preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 2 shows an external side view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the first preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a front view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the first preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view from the outside side of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the first preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 5 shows an interior cross-sectional view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the first preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a front view of the prefabricated component, which includes the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components installed, according to the first preferred configuration of the present invention. 80972 6 Figures 7A and 7B show in detail the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components shown in Figure 6, according to the first preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 8 shows a front view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to a second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 9 shows an interior side view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 10 shows an external side view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view from the outside side of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 12 shows an interior cross-sectional view of the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components, according to the second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 13 shows a front view of the prefabricated component, which includes the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components installed, according to the second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figures 14A and 14B show in detail the connection system for anchoring prefabricated components shown in Figure 13, according to the second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 15 shows the connection system for lifting and / or assembling prefabricated components, where its use is applicable to both preferred configurations of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] With reference to the accompanying figures, Figures 1, 2, and 3 show different views of the connection system (1) of the present invention, according to its first preferred configuration. Specifically, it can be seen that the connection system comprises an anchor box. 80972 7 (10), generally made of steel, has an open face (10a) that allows easy access to the anchoring means on site. An anchor plate (11) is also shown, positioned over the anchor box (10) and attached to it by welding, for example. This anchor plate (11) has multiple holes (12) through which connectors (13) are inserted to join the anchor plate (11) to the prefabricated component. Finally, Figure 3 shows that the connection system (1) also includes a cover (10b) that closes the open face (10a) of the anchor box (10). The cover is attached to the box using fasteners such as screws, bolts, or any other suitable fixing device. This allows the personnel installing the prefabricated components to conceal the open face (10a) once the component has been secured in the desired location.

[0030] Furthermore, Figures 4 and 5 show cross-sectional views of the connection system (1) installed on the prefabricated component (100), according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows the open face of the anchor box (10), which is positioned in a way that is accessible from the outside of the prefabricated component for the installer. This allows the installer to easily manipulate the anchoring means, which consists of a bar (14), a nut (15), and a washer (16). In this way, prefabricated components (100), such as wooden panels, walls, or modules, can be delivered to the construction site with the connection system already installed. The installer then only needs to place the nut (15) and washer (16) onto the bar (14) at the construction site and then secure and tighten them firmly with a suitable tool, such as a wrench.This prevents the panel or wall from having to be shipped to the construction site without the finishing boards and / or gypsum boards installed, when using connection systems where the anchoring means are concealed after assembly and finishing. Figure 5 also shows the components previously described for the connection system (1), such as the anchor plate (11) with its multiple holes (12).

[0031] Figure 6 shows a prefabricated component (100), specifically a light timber frame wall, in which the connection system (1) according to the first configuration of the invention is installed on both sides. As can be seen, the open face of the connection system (1) faces the exterior of the wall, facilitating access for the installers to the anchoring means of the connection system on said wall. Figures 7A and 7B show in detail the connection system (1) shown in Figure 6, arranged on the prefabricated component (100), where its main components are visible, such as the anchor box (10), the anchor plate (11), and the connectors (13), which can be screws or commercial Simpson-type connectors, for example. 80972 8 Note also the hole through which the anchor bar passes. Furthermore, regarding Figure 7B, which shows the connection system (1) at the top of the wall, it should be noted that this arrangement allows for the placement of a lifting device at the end of the bar protruding from the prefabricated component, thus facilitating its lifting. The primary function of these anchors at the top of the walls is to connect a given wall to the walls of the upper floors of the structure. However, these anchors are also the elements used for lifting operations.

[0032] Furthermore, Figures 8, 9 and 10 show different views of the connection system (I) of the present invention, according to its second preferred configuration. Specifically, it is observed that the connection system also comprises an anchor box (10), generally made of steel, having an open face (10a), which will allow easy access to the anchoring means on site. Two anchor plates (11) are also observed, arranged on the anchor box (10) and joined to it by welding, for example. These anchor plates (11) have a plurality of holes (12) through which pins (17) are arranged to join the two anchor plates. (II) to the prefabricated component. Finally, Figure 8 shows that the connection system (1) also includes a cover (10b) that allows the open face (10a) of the anchor box (10) to be closed. The anchor box is attached to the cover using fasteners such as screws, bolts, or any other suitable fixing device. This allows the personnel responsible for installing the prefabricated components to conceal the open face (10a) once the component has been secured in the desired location.

[0033] In this regard, it is important to highlight the differences between this second configuration and the first one described in Figures 1 through 7. The first difference relates to the number of anchor plates in each configuration: the first has one anchor plate, and the second has two. The second difference concerns the method of attaching the anchor plates to the prefabricated component. The first configuration uses connectors such as screws or Simpson connectors, while the second configuration preferably uses steel pins that pass through both anchor plates. The choice between the first or second preferred configuration of the invention will depend on the application and the specific requirements of the prefabricated component in use. The second configuration offers greater strength and rigidity compared to the first preferred configuration.

[0034] Furthermore, Figures 11 and 12 show cross-sectional views of the connection system (1) installed in the prefabricated component (100), according to the second preferred configuration of the invention. Figure 11 shows the open face of the anchor box (10), which 80972 9 The anchoring means, consisting of a bar (14), a nut (15), and a washer (16), is readily accessible from the outside of the prefabricated component for the installer. This allows the installer to easily manipulate the anchoring means. As with the first preferred configuration, prefabricated components (100), such as wooden panels, walls, or modules, can be shipped to the construction site with the connection system already installed. The installer then only needs to place the nut and washer onto the bar at the construction site and then secure and tighten them firmly with a suitable tool, such as a wrench. This eliminates the need to ship the panel or wall to the construction site without the structural sheathing and / or finishing gypsum board already installed, which is necessary when using connection systems where the anchoring means are concealed after assembly and finishing.Figure 11 also shows the components previously described for the connection system (1), such as the anchor plate (11) with its plurality of holes (12).

[0035] Figure 13 shows a prefabricated component (100), specifically a lightweight timber-framed wall, in which the connection system (1) according to the second configuration of the invention is installed on both sides. As can be seen, the open face of the connection system (1) faces the exterior of the wall, facilitating access for the installers to the anchoring means of the connection system on the wall. Figures 14A and 14B show in detail the connection system (1) shown in Figure 13, arranged on the prefabricated component (100), where its main components are visible, such as the anchor box (10), the anchor plates (11), and the pins (17). The hole through which the anchoring bar passes is also visible in this figure.Furthermore, in relation to Figure 14B, where the connection system (1) is observed at the top of the wall, it should be noted that this arrangement allows for the placement of a lifting device at the end of the bar protruding from the prefabricated component, in order to facilitate the lifting of said prefabricated component, as explained above for the modalities described in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0036] Finally, Figure 15 shows in detail the arrangement of a lifting device, consisting of a welded ring (18) and plate (19), along with the anchoring device, consisting of the bar (14), nut (15), and washer (16). Specifically, it can be seen that the bar (14) passes through the anchoring box of the connection system and the face of the prefabricated component, protruding outwards. This allows the plate (19), to which the ring (18) is attached, to be attached to the outside of the bar (14). This connection enables the use of external lifting devices to lift or move the prefabricated component, such as a wall or wooden panel, facilitating such operations. 80972 10 work. To fix the lifting means to the bar (14) an additional nut (15) can be used, fixing it against the plate (19). NUMERICAL REFERENCES I Connection system for lifting, assembling and / or anchoring prefabricated components 10 Anchor box 10a Open face 10b Lid II Anchor plate 12 Hole 13 Connector 14 Bar 15 Nut 16 Washer 17 Pin 18 Ring 19 Plate 100 Prefabricated component 80972 11

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A connection system for lifting, assembling and / or anchoring prefabricated components, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: - at least one anchor box, which has an open face accessible from the outside in a prefabricated component; - at least one anchor plate, arranged on top of the at least one anchor box; - at least one hole, arranged in at least one anchor plate; and - at least one means of fixing, which fixes the at least one anchor plate to the prefabricated component through the at least one hole.

2. The system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises at least one additional anchor plate, comprising at least one hole; and at least one additional fixing means, which fixes the at least one additional anchor plate to the prefabricated component through the at least one hole.

3. The system according to any of claims 1 to 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises at least one lifting means, arranged in conjunction with at least one anchoring means, through at least one hole, in the upper outer part of the prefabricated component.

4. The system according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the at least one anchoring means comprises at least one bar, at least one washer, and at least one nut.

5. The system according to any of claims 3 to 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the at least one lifting means comprises at least one plate and at least one ring, which allows attachment to external lifting systems.

6. The system according to any of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the at least one fixing means corresponds to at least one connector, arranged through the at least one hole, which allows fixing the at least one anchor plate to the prefabricated component.

7. The system according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the at least one fixing means and the at least one additional fixing means correspond to at least one pin, arranged through the at least one hole, which allow fixing the at least one anchor plate and the at least one additional anchor plate to the prefabricated component.

8. The system according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that at least one pin is made of steel.

9. The system according to any of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the at least one anchor box and the at least one anchor plate are made of steel.

10. The system according to any of claims 1 to 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the connection between the at least one anchor box and the at least one anchor plate is made by welding.

11. The system according to any of claims 1 to 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the open face of the at least one anchor box comprises a lid fixed to the at least one box by means of anchoring.

12. The system according to any of claims 1 to 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the prefabricated component corresponds to one or more of a prefabricated wood panel, wall or module, a cross-laminated timber system, a cold-formed metal profile system, panels derived from the foregoing and / or modules derived from the foregoing.

13. A method for lifting, assembling and / or anchoring prefabricated components comprising a connection system according to claims 1 to 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the lifting and assembly phase comprises the steps of: a) inserting or pre-embedding in the foundation at least two bars, one for each corner of a prefabricated component to be assembled; b) lifting the assembly component by means of a lifting device, and moving the assembly component towards the foundation; and c) lowering the prefabricated component vertically in such a way that at least one hole of the at least one anchor box, at each lower corner of the prefabricated component, is inserted into each of the two bars in the foundation; and wherein the anchoring phase comprises the steps of: a) from the at least one open face of the at least one anchor box, which allows access from the outside, manually inserting at least one anchoring means, which is fixed and tightened onto the bar inserted in the foundation; b) taking the cover which allows closing the open face of the anchor box, placing it in position and fixing the cover by means of joining such as screws preferably; and c) repeating steps a) and b) for the other lower corner of the prefabricated component.

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