Device for detachably fastening a floor panel to a mounting rail and system for installing a floor panel to a mounting rail

Abstract

Device (1) for releasably fastening a floor panel (2) to a mounting rail (3), comprising: • A screw (4) comprising: ◯ at least partially an external thread; ◯ a screw head (5); • a pot (6) for resting on the edge of an opening (7) in the floor plate (2), comprising: ◯ a passage opening for a shaft of the screw; ◯ a spring element (8) through which the screw is guided; and • a retaining bracket (9), comprising: ◯ an internal thread into which the screw (4) is screwed; ◯ a retaining arch (10) with a contact edge (11) and a rear grip (12); wherein the screw (4) can be guided through the pot (6) and through the retaining bracket (9), wherein the screw (4) is designed as a connecting element for connecting the pot (6) and the retaining bracket (9), wherein the screw (4) can be tensioned with the spring element (8), wherein the retaining bracket (9) can be guided through the opening (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for releasably fastening a floor panel to a mounting rail and a system for installing a floor panel to a mounting rail.

[0002] Floor panels are particularly used as floor panels in shipbuilding and for large equipment and machinery. They can be placed on mounting rails and screwed to them, creating a robust and easy-to-walk floor, for example in technical and engine rooms on ships. Alternatively, they can also form a boundary between different areas or fulfill both functions. In this case, it is particularly important to achieve secure fastening in order to make the floor panels safe to walk on and to meet the highest safety standards. The floor panels must also be easy to maintain, as must the maintenance and servicing of the elements underneath. For this reason, floor panels must also be easy to remove in order to access these areas or to remove them again during conversions.

[0003] The installation space on ships is usually relatively limited, so the installation and removal of such floor panels can often be complex. Especially when fastening can only be done from the top, it is difficult with conventional systems with floor panels screwed directly into the supporting substructure to ensure the precise positioning of the panel relative to the substructure when reattaching it through the screw hole.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for releasably fastening a floor plate to a mounting rail and a system for installing a floor plate to a mounting rail, which are suitable for ensuring simple and safe assembly, disassembly and reassembly.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent protection claims.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims, the enclosed description and the figures.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for releasably fastening a floor panel to a mounting rail is provided, which device has a screw, a cup for resting on the edge of an opening in the floor panel, and a retaining bracket. The screw comprises, at least in some areas, an external thread and a screw head. The cup comprises a through-opening for a shaft of the screw and a spring element through which the screw is guided. Furthermore, the cup has, at least in some areas, a circumference selected such that it is larger than the opening in the floor panel. This allows the device to apply the necessary holding force to the floor panel and prevents it from falling through the opening in the floor panel and becoming lost. The retaining bracket comprises an internal thread into which the screw is screwed for reception, and a retaining arc with a contact edge and a rear grip.The screw can be guided through the cup and the retaining bracket and is designed as a connecting element for connecting the cup and retaining bracket. This is particularly advantageous because commercially available screws can be used to manufacture the device, making it inexpensive to manufacture. The screw can be tightened using the spring element, and the retaining bracket can be passed through the opening. The device is advantageously suitable for securing the floor panel to the mounting rail by one person and without sufficient visibility of the retaining bracket.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, a locking device is provided that prevents the retaining bracket from becoming detached from the screw. This locking device can, for example, be welded on or screwed on and locked, and prevents overtightening of the external thread of the screw when turned counterclockwise, as well as separation between the screw and retaining bracket. This ensures that the retaining bracket cannot be lost after it has been inserted through the floor panel. Such loss would be particularly disadvantageous in situations where areas beneath the floor panels are not easily accessible or accessible. In addition, the locking of the screw on the retaining bracket enables the screw and retaining bracket to be rotated and pivoted together initially during assembly.

[0009] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining bracket has a rotation stop for lateral engagement with the mounting rail. The engagement of the rotation stop with the mounting rail serves to prevent the retaining bracket from rotating and increases the safety of use of the device.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the rotation stop is formed by a lateral bend in the retaining bracket, the rotational orientation of which is offset from the retaining curve. This bend allows the retaining bracket to be formed as a single piece and yet still be guided through a comparatively small opening in the floor panel. The arrangement is offset from the retaining curve. The rotation stop therefore indicates by striking that the retaining bracket is in the fastening position. This means that the device can be used to fasten floor panels "blindly", even if the person installing it is working above the floor panel and cannot see the area below, including the mounting rail and the retaining bracket, which are to be connected to one another.In addition, this lateral deflection ensures the function and at the same time creates a retaining bracket geometry that is suitable for being inserted through the opening of the floor plate by turning and changing the retaining angle.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device is made of metal, at least in part. This ensures high power transmission and durability, as well as a crush-resistant connection that withstands even stress. It is conceivable to manufacture the entire device from metal, or only in certain areas. Furthermore, it is conceivable to choose different metals for different individual parts of the device. In this way, the device can be optimally designed in terms of economy and functional reliability.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, a system for installing a floor panel on a mounting rail is provided. The system comprises at least one mounting rail. Advantageously, a plurality of mounting rails is provided, which can, for example, be arranged at right angles to one another and form a basic framework for the system. It is also conceivable to provide other longitudinal structures instead of mounting rails. The system additionally comprises at least one floor panel arranged on the mounting rail. The floor panel can also be provided in the form of a grid, but also as a continuous, solid panel. The panel can be individually selected with regard to its material in order to optimally meet the respective requirements. Here, too, depending on the total area to be covered, several floor panels can be provided instead of just one.In this way, the system can be handled by a single person even on large areas, as the floor panels have a manageable size, for example 1 m. 2, have. In addition, the system comprises at least one device, wherein an opening is provided in the floor panel for each device and the holding bracket of the device can be guided through this opening in the floor panel. The openings can, for example, be those of the grid if the floor panel is designed this way. Alternatively, they can be provided in the form of holes or punchings, for example. It can simply be pushed through the opening from the top side of the floor panel, which is intended as the walkable surface, so that the holding bracket is on the opposite side, i.e. the underside of the floor panel. The holding bracket of the holding bracket with the rear engagement engages underneath the mounting rail in the installed position and thus ensures basic locking.The device is captively connected to the floor plate using the screw and is easy to tighten (and can also be loosened again by turning the thread in the opposite direction). After tightening the screw, the floor plate is clamped between the cup and the mounting rail. This is achieved by the stop, which can form a lateral limit, as well as the retaining arch and the undercut, which create a canting connection with the mounting rail.

[0013] The number of openings and corresponding devices can be individually selected. For example, a square floor panel with a size of 1 m 2be attached to preferably 2, particularly preferably 3 sides of their surface. Openings are preferably provided every 15 to 50 cm, particularly preferably every 20 to 30 cm. A certain tolerance can be applied, since the eccentric dimension of the stop edge and the dimension of the contact edge relative to the dimension of the position of the rail slot on the inner rail side of the mounting rail can be selected to be sufficiently large so that the holes are always usable, regardless of how the floor panels are rotated and arranged on the mounting rails. This makes the system very user-friendly and less prone to errors during installation.

[0014] It is also possible to retrofit walkable floor panels on rail structures using one or more devices to maintain the system. This allows existing systems to be retrofitted at any time.

[0015] The transverse forces, as well as vertical forces that occur due to dynamic conditions, particularly in shipbuilding applications, can be absorbed by the system's fixture. This prevents the walkable floor panels from slipping on the mounting rails.

[0016] The position of the floor plate and its opening must be selected so that the distance between the opening and an inner rail side of the mounting rail to which the floor plate is to be attached is less than the eccentricity of the retaining bracket. If the underside of the screw head rests against the cup, a clockwise rotation can be carried out, for example using a socket wrench, until the rotation stop of the retaining bracket rests against the inner rail side of the mounting rail. The longitudinally shaped mounting rail is dimensioned such that the retaining bracket with the contact edge and undercut extends below the underside of the mounting rail and is in contact with the undercut in a hole structure or slot in the mounting rail as soon as the device is lifted, which is brought about by the restoring force of the spring element.The undercut prevents further rotation of the retaining bracket, so that when the screws are turned further clockwise, the thread of the screw rotates further in the thread of the retaining bracket and pulls the bracket upwards towards the floor panel until the contact edge rests against the support structure or mounting rail and a secure connection is ensured. The device can be released again by turning the screw counterclockwise. As soon as the contact edge has detached itself from the mounting rail by the amount of the undercut, the entire bracket can be swung out. The spring force of the spring element allows the screws to be lifted, allowing the bracket to be swung further and removed from the hole in the panel.

[0017] This system is detachable and therefore suitable for multiple and repeated use. Furthermore, it can be installed in confined spaces despite the lack of visibility, making it economically advantageous and less prone to errors.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the spring element is completely housed inside the cup when tensioned. This way, the spring element takes up no unnecessary space, is protected from damage, and is therefore more durable.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cup is designed to accommodate the screw flush. This offers the advantage that the device sits flush with the floor panel. This creates a flat surface of the cup when the device is in operation, on which nothing can catch or break off. This ensures the longevity of the system.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the screw is designed as a countersunk head screw. This allows for a flush fit with the cup by simply screwing the screw into the cup until the countersunk head stops. These screws are also cost-effective and available in a wide range of sizes, making them even more advantageous for this application.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cup includes a ring rim that is suitable for receiving the screw in the opening and for flush fitting with the floor slab. In addition to the flush fitting of the screw in the cup, it is advantageous for the cup to also be flush with the floor slab to create a smooth surface and thus increase foot safety. Furthermore, a device recessed into the floor slab is less susceptible to damage and reduces the risk of injury.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the distance between the opening and the mounting rail is selected such that the rotary stop can rest laterally against the mounting rail and the undercut can engage underneath the mounting rail. This ensures that the rotary stop and the undercut work together optimally and securely connect the system. The dimensions are adjustable and can be individually selected according to the dimensions of the floor panels to be attached and the mounting rails.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing.

[0024] They show: Fig. 1a, b a device according to the invention in a front and a side view; and Fig. 2 a system in a schematic perspective view

[0025] In the Fig. 1a and b show an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1a shows the device 1 in a front view, while Fig. 1b shows it in a side view. The device 1 comprises a screw 4 with a screw head 5. The screw 4 is screwed through a cup 6 and guided through a spring element 8 associated with the cup 6, with which the screw 4 can be tensioned. The cup 6 has an annular rim 14. The screw 4 is guided through the cup 6 with the end opposite the screw head 5 far enough that a retaining bracket 9 is screwed onto an external thread of the screw 4. A locking device 15 prevents the screw 4, retaining bracket 9, and cup 6 from becoming detached from one another. The retaining bracket 9 comprises a retaining bracket 10 and a rotation stop 13. In Fig. 1b also shows a contact edge 11 associated with the retaining bracket and a rear engagement portion 12. The contact edge 11 and the rear engagement portion 12 allow a detachable connection of the device 1 to the mounting rail. In addition, the retaining bracket 9 has a rotation stop 13, which is suitable for lateral engagement with the mounting rail.

[0026] Fig.2 shows a system 16 with two mounting rails 3, a floor plate 2 and two devices 1. The mounting rails 3 are arranged at right angles to one another in the present case and form the basic framework of the system 16. A floor plate 2 rests on these. This floor plate 2 has a plurality of openings 7. In the present exemplary embodiment, the floor plate 2 is designed as a solid base plate with openings 7 in the form of bores. However, it is also conceivable to provide a grid and to use the openings 7 in the grid instead of bores. A device 1 can be guided through each of these openings 7. In the operating state, the pot 6 is located above the floor plate 2 on the side of the floor plate 2 facing away from the mounting rails 3 and the retaining bracket 9 is located on the side of the floor plate 2 facing the mounting rails 3. The screw 4 connects both sides of the floor plate 2 to one another.A detachable connection is to be made as follows: First, the retaining bracket 9 is guided through the opening 7. The device 1, with its cup 6, now lies movably in the opening 7 of the floor plate. The ring edge 14 prevents the device 1 from being pushed entirely through the opening 7 and thus becoming lost during installation. The device 1 can now be rotated until the rotation stop 13 comes into contact with the mounting rail 3 and strikes it. The screw 4 is pressed against the spring pressure of the spring element 8 until the stop is reached. In this way, an installer can align the retaining bracket 10 from the other side of the floor plate 2 without being able to see it so that it can connect to the mounting rail 3.As soon as the rotation stop 13 rests against the mounting rail 13, the retaining bracket 9 can no longer be turned and the installer knows that he can now release the pressure from the screw 4 and begin fastening the device 1. By applying the pressure, the spring element 8 pushes the screw out of the cup 6 far enough that the retaining bracket 10 is pressed against the mounting rail and the engagement groove 12 engages in an inner rail slot. For permanent fastening, the screw 4 can now be screwed further into the cup 6 and against the spring element 8 until a firm connection is established. The retaining bracket 10 is then permanently pressed against the mounting rail 3 by the screw connection. The engagement groove 12 is hooked into the inner rail slot of the mounting rail 3, preventing further rotation or movement of the device 1. The device 1 now connects the floor plate 2 and the mounting rail 3 to one another in a captive manner.If the system needs to be dismantled again, the screw 4 can be loosened in the opposite direction. As soon as the screw 4 is loosened far enough, the retaining bend 10 and the rear grip 12 are no longer firmly in contact with the mounting rail 3. The device 1 can now be removed again through the opening 7 by grasping the screw 4 and turning and pulling the device 1 until it has been completely removed from the floor panel 2. The spring element 8 is also helpful for this purpose, as it pushes the screw 4 upwards after it has been loosened so that it is easily accessible. In this way, a walk-in system 16 can be created that is captive and easy to handle and can be assembled and disassembled by one person, even without or with poor visibility of the individual components of the system. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 floor slabs 3 mounting rail 4 screw 5 screw head 6 pot 7 Opening 8 spring element 9 support brackets 10 tie bows 11 Contact edge 12 Behind grip 13 Rotation stop 14 ring rim 15 Fuse 16 systems

Claims

[1] Device (1) for releasably fastening a floor plate (2) to a mounting rail (3), comprising: • A screw (4) comprising: ◯ an external thread at least in some areas; ◯ a screw head (5); • a pot (6) for resting on the edge of an opening (7) in the floor plate (2), comprising: ◯ a passage opening for a shank of the screw; ◯ a spring element (8) through which the screw is guided; and • a retaining bracket (9), comprising: ◯ an internal thread into which the screw (4) is screwed; ◯ a retaining arch (10) with a contact edge (11) and a rear grip (12); wherein the screw (4) can be guided through the pot (6) and through the retaining bracket (9), wherein the screw (4) is designed as a connecting element for connecting the pot (6) and the retaining bracket (9), wherein the screw (4) can be tensioned with the spring element (8), wherein the retaining bracket (9) can be guided through the opening (7). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that a safety device (15) is provided which prevents the retaining bracket (9) from becoming loose from the screw (4). [3] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the retaining bracket (9) has a rotation stop (13) for lateral contact with the mounting rail (3). [4] Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the rotation stop (13) is formed by a lateral bend of the retaining bracket, the rotational orientation of which is offset from the retaining arch (10). [5] Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the device (1) is made of metal at least in part. [6] System (16) for installing a floor plate (2) on a mounting rail (3), comprising: • at least one mounting rail (3); • at least one floor plate (2) arranged on the mounting rail (3); • at least one device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5; wherein an opening (7) is provided for each device (1), and the retaining bracket (9) of the device (1) can be guided through this opening (7) in the floor panel (2); wherein the retaining bracket (9) engages under the mounting rail (3) with the rear engagement (12) in the mounting position; wherein the device (1) can be captively connected to the floor panel (2) by means of the screw (4), and wherein, after the screw (4) has been tightened, the floor panel (2) is clamped between the pot (6) and the mounting rail (3). [7] System (16) according to claim 6, characterized by that the spring element (8) is completely accommodated inside the pot (6) when tensioned. [8] System (16) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized by that the pot (6) is designed to receive the screw (4) flush. [9] System (16) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the screw (4) is designed as a countersunk head screw. [10] System (16) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that the pot (6) comprises a ring rim which is suitable for being received in the opening (7) and for being flush with the floor plate (2). [11] System (16) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by that a distance of the opening (7) to the mounting rail (3) is selected such that the rotation stop (13) can rest laterally against the mounting rail (3) and the rear grip (12) can grip under the mounting rail (3).

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