FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a constructive element, of the modular and prefabricated type, usable in the building trade to make walls, where the word wall shall include both flat or curved structures with a vertical development, and also horizontal structures, such as for example floors or floor slabs of buildings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to make walls of buildings using constructive elements, substantially flat and consisting of a plurality of panels made of heat insulating material, such as for example expanded polystyrene.

In particular, during the production step, the panels of insulating material are disposed facing each other so as to define an interspace for a cast of concrete, and possibly so as to introduce a metal reinforcement. Between adjacent panels it is necessary to insert spacers, to maintain the panels distanced from each other and to define the overall thickness of the wall. The spacers can consist of reinforcement rods, inserted through in the thickness of two facing panels and at the ends of which clamping terminals are attached.

Furthermore, several panels are disposed adjacent and in continuation to each other, and possibly connected reciprocally to define the continuous surface of the wall to be made. The connection of adjacent panels is achieved by braces, brackets or analogous connection means which are anchored to the metal reinforcement disposed in the interspace between the panels.

The operations of reciprocal coupling of the panels are particularly complex and time consuming, and expensive in terms of usable devices. Indeed, to obtain an effective containment of the concrete cast it is necessary to guarantee a seal between adjacent panels, preventing any gaps being generated between them through which the concrete could undesirably pass.

Forms of embodiment are also known, for example described in documents AU-A-80741.75, US-A-5.553.430 and EP-A- 1.596.021, comprising two panels disposed facing each other with respective internal surfaces, in which corresponding spacers are inserted and retained. It is also known, for example from said document US-A-5.553.430, to use joining elements suitably configured to allow the reciprocal connection of two consecutive panels to define walls of a predetermined length.

However, these forms of embodiment require that a plurality of different components are disposed and managed, depending on the function they have to perform.

This makes the constructive elements particularly complex both to assemble and to manage, due to the variability of the components used.

In addition to this, there are also problems regarding storage and the production of each of the components.

Once the concrete cast has set, the external surfaces of the panels must be covered with a layer of plaster, or layers of plasterboard to protect the panels from external agents or stresses, and to confer on the wall thus obtained a pleasant esthetic appearance.

One purpose of the present invention is to obtain a constructive element that is simple to assemble and simple to manage.

Another purpose of the present invention is to reduce the productional complexity of the constructive elements.

Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain a constructive element for making walls that allows a simple and rapid installation.

Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain a constructive element for making walls of buildings that reduces the finishing operations once it has been installed.

Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain a constructive element that is able to be assembled/dis-assembled so as to reduce the bulk involved in transport and storage.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea. In accordance with the above purposes, a constructive element for making walls comprises a plurality of first panels assembled with each other so as to be substantially aligned with each other, and a plurality of second panels assembled with each other so as to be substantially aligned with each other. The first panels and the second panels are made of polymer material and are disposed facing each other, so as to define an interspace between the respective facing surfaces, or internal surfaces.

According to some possible forms of embodiment, each of the internal surfaces of the first and second panels is provided with at least a first housing seating. The first panels and the second panels have lateral or perimeter edges provided with second housing seatings.

According to one possible feature of the present invention, the constructive element comprises spacers provided with at least a central core and terminals provided on the longitudinal edges of the central core.

According to some possible forms of embodiment, the first housing seatings, the second housing seatings and the terminals are configured to allow the insertion of the terminals both in the first housing seatings, so as to maintain the first panels and the second panels distanced from each other and to define the interspace, and also alternatively so that each can be inserted into two of the second housing seatings of two of the first panels or two of the second panels assembled and aligned with respect to each other so that they can be connected.

In this way, the same spacer can be used both with the function of spacer between the first and second panels, and also with the function of reciprocal connection between assembled and aligned pairs of first panels or second panels. This form of embodiment allows to reduce the productional complexity of the constructive element, and to simplify the warehouse management of the components necessary to make it.

According to some possible forms of embodiment, the interspace between the first panels and the second panels can be filled with heat and/or sound insulating material or with a cast of reinforced concrete for subsequently making the walls with structural and heat/sound insulation characteristics established by the specifications.

The particular configuration described above of the spacers and panels allows to obtain a constructive element that can be installed quickly and simply in order to make walls of buildings. The spacers in fact allow to assemble adjacent panels rapidly, defining both the thickness of the wall to be obtained and also the interspace that can possibly be filled by a concrete cast or with insulating material.

Once assembled with the spacers, the panels are already in their final condition for use, and do not require other interventions, for example external covering with plaster.

To this purpose it may be provided that, in some forms of embodiment, the external surface of at least one of the panels is covered with a layer made of different material from that of the panel, and having a function of protecting the panels from external agents and also an enhancing function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of one form of embodiment, given as a non- restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a section view of a constructive element according to the present invention;

- fig. 2 is an enlarged detail of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 3 is a first variant of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 4 is a second variant of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 5 is a third variant of fig. 1;

- fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of fig. 5.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one form of embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other forms of embodiment without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME FORMS OF EMBODIMENT

With reference to the attached drawings, a constructive element according to the present invention is indicated in its entirety by the reference number 10 and is used to make the walls of buildings.

The constructive element 10 comprises at least two panels, respectively a first panel 1 1, internal during use, and a second panel 12, external during use, disposed facing each other and defining between them an interspace 13.

In the form of embodiment shown in figs. 1-6, the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12 have a substantially flat shape, although it is not excluded that, in other forms of embodiment, they can have a curved configuration.

The first panel 1 1 and/or the second panel 12 can be made of polymer material, chosen from a group comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, high- density polyethylene or "HDPE", polycarbonate or in general thermoplastic polymers for example of the type deriving from waste from recycling plastics. In some forms of embodiment the first panel 1 1 and/or the second panel 12 can be made of composite material, for example of the type described in the patent application WO-A-201 1/117699 in the name of the present Applicant.

The material that the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 are made of allows to give the constructive element 10 characteristics of mechanical resistance, bearing capacity, resistance to aging and to knocks.

One form of embodiment of the present invention provides that the first panel 1 1, disposed during use toward the inside of the building, is made of a transpirant material, for example of the type described in the application WO-A- 201 1/1 17699, and that the second panel 12, disposed toward the outside during use, is made with one of the polymer materials identified above. This solution prevents any passage of humidity from the outside toward the inside, and a temporary retention and subsequent release of the humidity produced inside the building.

In the form of embodiment shown in fig. 1, the first panel 11 comprises a single layer 1 1a with a substantially uniform thickness for the whole of its surface extension. The second panel 12 instead comprises two layers 12a, 12b equidistanced from each other by spacer portions to define together a plurality of closed-section longitudinal cells 20. The closed-section longitudinal cells 20 can have the function of heat insulation of the constructive element 10, once it has been installed.

In other forms of embodiment, for example those shown in figs. 3-6, the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12 have the same configuration, and in particular both the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 are provided with a single layer 1 1 la and respectively 1 12a (figs. 3, 5 and 6), or both the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12 are provided with two layers 21 1a, 211b and respectively 212a, 212b defining between them longitudinal cells 220 (fig. 4).

Both the first panel 11 (figs. 1-6) and the second panel 12 have an internal surface 14 and an external surface 15, opposite the internal surface 14 and which when installed defines the finished surface of the wall that is made.

The internal surface 14, of both the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12, is provided with a plurality of first housing seatings 16, hereafter referred to only as housing seatings 16, to allow at least one spacer 17 to be inserted into them, as will be described hereafter.

The housing seatings 16 can have a substantially C-shaped, L-shaped or H- shaped cross section.

The housing seatings 16 are made in the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12 reciprocally separated by a predefined pitch along the width of the latter.

In the form of embodiment shown in figs. 1-6, each of the housing seatings 16 has an aperture 18 facing only toward the internal surface 14 of the first panel 1 1 or the second panel 12.

In the form of embodiment shown in figs. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, the housing seatings 16, or at least some of them, are made in portions 19 protruding with respect to the internal surface 14.

In other forms of embodiment, (figs. 1, 2 and 4), the housing seatings 16, or at least some of them, are instead completely contained in the thickness of the first panel 11 and/or the second panel 12.

In particular (fig. 2), whether it is made on the first panel 11 or on the second panel 12, each housing seating 16 is defined by two first segments 16a facing each other which are connected and extend transversely, in this case orthogonal, with respect to the layer 1 1a, 11 1a, 211a or respectively layer 12a, 1 12a, 212a, and two second segments 16b which extend transversely from the first segments 16a, in this case orthogonal to the first segments 16a and in the space comprised between the latter.

The second segments 16b define with their edges said aperture 18 for the insertion of the spacers 17 and, together with the first segments 16a, undercuts to anchor the spacers 17. Some forms of embodiment can provide that the housing seatings 16 (fig. 6) have a continuous development for the entire height of the first 11 and second panel 12, although it is not excluded that in other forms of embodiment the housing seatings 16 extend only for a part of the height.

Each spacer 17 (figs. 1-6) is defined by a section bar having a longitudinal development and a width substantially equal to the width of the interspace 13 between the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12.

The spacers 17 can be made of polymer material such as polyvinyl chloride

The cross section of each spacer 17 is shaped like a double T, that is, it is defined by a central core 17a, substantially rectangular in shape, at the ends of which terminals 17b are provided, having shape and sizes mating with the cross section of the housing seatings 16. The central core 17a has a width substantially equal to the width of the aperture 18, to allow to couple the spacers 17 with the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12.

The central core 17a of each spacer 17 is disposed in use transversely to the internal surface 14 so as to divide the interspace 13 comprised between the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12 into a plurality of compartments 21.

Some forms of embodiment, for example the one shown in fig. 6, provide that the central core 17a is provided along its longitudinal extension with a plurality of through apertures 22 that connect adjacent compartments 21 with each other.

In some forms of embodiment, it is provided that each of the terminals 17b has, or is defined by, at least two first segments 32 that extend transversely to the central core 17a and on one side and the other of the latter, and two second segments 33, each of which associated with one of the first segments 32, transversely to the development of the latter. In other words, the first segments 32 and the second segments 33 define together a C-shaped cross section and the central core 17a is connected in the center line of the intermediate side of the C.

According to another form of embodiment, the second segments 33 face toward the inside of the central core 17a, and are parallel thereto.

Furthermore, the first segments 32, the second segments 33 and the central core 17a define, on one side and the other of the central core 17a, two attachment concavities 34 open toward the inside of the central core 17a.

According to some possible forms of embodiment of the present invention, the housing seatings 16 are mating in shape with one of the terminals 17b and have the aperture 18 open toward the internal surface 14 to allow passage through it of at least part of the central core 17a, in this case to allow the passage of the thickness of the central core 17a. The particular configuration of the housing seatings 16 allows to couple the spacers 17 in a fixed manner with the first panels

1 1 and the second panels 12.

Some forms of embodiment (figs. 3 and 4) provide that the interspace 13 comprised between the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12 is filled with a heat and/or sound insulating material 23.

If the spacers 17 are provided with a central core 17a with through apertures

22, the insulating material 23 is distributed continuously between one compartment 21 and the adjacent one.

In other forms of embodiment (figs. 5 and 6), a heat and/or sound insulating layer 24 is associated with the internal surface 14 of the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, or with at least one of the two.

The insulating layers 24 have a width substantially equal to the pitch at which the housing seatings 16 are made on the first panel 11 and second panel 12. In this way the apertures 18 of each housing seating 16 remain open to allow the insertion of the spacers 17.

The insulating layers 24 define between them, or possibly with the first 11 or second panel 12, an interspace 25 (fig. 5) which is separated, along the width of the first panel 1 1 and second panel 12, by the spacers 17.

Some forms of embodiment, for example the one shown in figs. 5 and 6, provide that the interspace 25 is filled with a concrete cast 26, possibly fiber reinforced.

It may also be provided that a metal reinforcement 27 is inserted in the interspace 25, and when installed is drowned in the concrete cast 26. The concrete cast 26 can be substantially continuous in the width of the constructive element 10.

In other forms of embodiment (figs. 1-6), the external surface 15 of the first panel 11 and/or the second panel 12 is lined with a layer 28 having the function of protecting the first panel 11 and/or the second panel 12, and also an enhancing function. The layer 28 is made of a different material from that of the first panel 1 1 and second panel 12.

Some forms of embodiment of the invention provide that the layer 28 is co- extruded with the first panel 1 1 and/or the second panel 12, for example of UV- resistant acrylic material, or applied on the external surface of the panel.

The layer 28 can be suitably enhanced using at least one of the operations of embossing or brushing.

The first panel 11 and the second panel 12 can be provided on their lateral edges 29 with respective second housing seatings, or attachment seatings 30, configured to allow the reciprocal connection of one panel and the consecutive one.

According to one possible form of embodiment, the attachment seatings 30 have an aperture 31 open toward the lateral edge 29 and a mating shape to receive one of the first segments 32 and one of the second segments 33 of the terminal 17b. This solution allows to define an attachment seating 30 suitable to constrain the reciprocal distancing of first panels 11 and second panels 12 and therefore to perform the function of reciprocal connection.

In this case (fig. 2), the attachment seatings 30 have the aperture 31 open in a direction orthogonal to the thickness of the first panel 11 and second panel 12.

Each attachment seating 30 is configured to allow the insertion and anchoring therein of a part of the terminal 17b of the spacers 17.

The attachment seating 30 has a substantially L-shaped cross section so as to define an undercut for the insertion of a first half of the terminal 17b of the spacer 17.

In the assembled condition, two adjacent panels are disposed with their attachment seatings 30 facing, and the terminal 17b of one of the spacers 17 is inserted therein.

The terminal 17b engages with a first half in the attachment seating 30 of one panel and with the other half in the attachment seating 30 of the adjacent panel, defining the reciprocal connection of the panels.

In still other forms of embodiment (fig. 3), the connection between one panel and the consecutive one can be obtained by suitably shaping the lateral edges 29, to allow same-shape coupling of one lateral edge 29 and the adjacent one.

The present invention also concerns a method for making a constructive element 10 of the type described above.

The method can comprise a step of making the first panels 1 1 and the second panels 12 as described above, in which the housing seatings 16 are made in a single piece.

The method also comprises a step of assembling the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, which provides to dispose the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 facing and reciprocally distanced so as to define the interspace 13 between them.

The reciprocal connection is then provided between the first panel 1 1 and the second panel 12 by inserting the spacers 17 into the housing seatings 16.

The spacers 17 are completely contained inside the interspace 13 defined between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12.

By suitably connecting the first panels 1 1 and the second panels 12 with the spacers it is therefore possible to construct, directly on site, constructive elements 10 that will subsequently define walls of buildings.

The first panels 1 1 and the second panels 12 can be reciprocally coupled with analogous first panels 11 and respectively second panels 12, disposed consecutive to each other to make walls of the desired sizes.

A step may also be provided of applying insulating layers 24 and/or the layer 28 respectively on the internal surface 14 and the external surface 15 of the first 11 and second panel 12.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the constructive element 10 for making walls as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of constructive element 10 for making walls, and the corresponding production method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.