Distance stone

The spacer block with a direct screwing slot simplifies assembly and improves recyclability by eliminating the need for additional fastening elements, ensuring secure and stable attachment of structural elements.

DE202025105790U1Active Publication Date: 2026-01-08NIEDAX
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE202025105790
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-25
Publication Date
2026-01-08
Estimated Expiration
2035-09-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing spacer blocks for structural elements require additional components like metal rails, complicating assembly and impairing recyclability and load-bearing capacity.

Method used

A spacer block with a longitudinally extending fastening slot for direct screwing of fastening screws, eliminating the need for additional fastening elements and ensuring secure, stable attachment.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates simple and secure fastening of structural elements, enhances recyclability, and maintains structural integrity while reducing manufacturing complexity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Spacer block (1) for receiving and fastening a mounting element, in particular a cable tray (3), wherein the spacer block (1) has at least one longitudinally extending fastening slot (2) into which a fastening screw (4) can be screwed directly, by means of which the mounting element can be fixed directly to the spacer block (1).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spacer block, in particular a concrete block, for receiving and fastening a structural element, in particular a cable tray.

[0002] Spacer blocks are frequently used in roof and floor mounting as spacers or support elements for mounting systems. These include, in particular, cable tray systems, pipelines, rail systems, or support structures for photovoltaic modules.

[0003] In the prior art, spacer blocks are known that are equipped with anchor rails or integrated mounting rails. These serve to indirectly fasten cable trays or other structural elements. Systems with transverse mountings or fixing shoes are also common.

[0004] However, such solutions have several disadvantages. They require additional components such as metal rails or mounting rails, which makes assembly complex. Furthermore, the separation of the materials used is more difficult, which impairs reuse and recycling. Additionally, extra transverse slots or recesses can make manufacturing more complex and weaken the stone's load-bearing capacity.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, a spacer block for a cable tray system is to be provided that enables the simple fastening of structural elements, especially cable trays, without requiring additional fastening rails, exhibits improved recyclability, and at the same time allows for easy handling.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a spacer stone having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description, each of which can individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention.

[0007] According to the invention, the spacer block has at least one longitudinally extending fastening slot into which a fastening screw can be directly screwed, by means of which the mounting element can be fixed directly to the spacer block. This enables direct and simple fastening without the need for additional fastening elements such as anchor rails or inserted metal rails.

[0008] "Directly screwable" means that the fastening screw is inserted directly into the concrete of the fastening slot, without intermediate elements such as dowels, screw strips or screw shoes.

[0009] The spacer block is preferably made of concrete. Here, "concrete block" refers to a block made of normal concrete, lightweight concrete, or polymer concrete. Choosing this material ensures high strength and stability of the block, while also allowing for economical production.

[0010] It is particularly preferred that the side walls of the fastening slot have no openings running transversely to the slot depth. This has the advantage of achieving a particularly stable construction of the spacer block and simultaneously distinguishes it from known systems with transverse slots, where separate fastening elements must be used.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fastening slot can be provided for in the spacer block exclusively from one side. The fastening slot can be formed during the manufacture of the spacer block by inserting a formwork or core, or subsequently created from the top side by machining processes such as sawing or milling.

[0012] The spacer stone can also be advantageously manufactured using the continuous casting process.

[0013] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the fastening slot has a width of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, and most preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm. This allows for the secure insertion of commercially available fastening screws while simultaneously preventing excessive opening of the concrete body.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting slot has a depth of 40 - 60 mm, particularly preferably 45 - 55 mm.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the spacer stone has a length of 200 to 600 mm, a width of 100 to 200 mm, and a height of 80 to 150 mm, preferably weighing 5 to 30 kg, and more particularly weighing 10 to 15 kg. These dimensions ensure that the spacer stone offers sufficient stability while still being manageable by one person and can be positioned on a flat roof or floor area.

[0016] To ensure the secure fixing of the assembly element, it is further specified that the fastening screw is a concrete screw and preferably the fastening screw is used together with a washer to fix the assembly element. This achieves a particularly strong connection of the assembly element to the spacer block.

[0017] To enable a continuous fastening line, it can be provided that the fastening slot is formed continuously over the entire length of the spacer stone.

[0018] This facilitates the flexible positioning of screws and the alignment of the respective assembly element.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the spacer block has a recessed grip on each of two opposite sides, preferably on its longitudinal sides. The recessed grip is groove-shaped and preferably has a semicircular cross-section. It preferably extends along the entire length of the spacer block. This improves the ergonomic handling of the spacer block, particularly during transport and installation.

[0020] To protect the contact surface, it is preferably provided that the spacer block is equipped with a protective covering on its underside, which is made of foam, preferably an elastic foam such as foam rubber. The protective covering is detachably, and preferably snap-in, attached to the spacer block, with several, preferably four, snap-in fastening elements preferably being provided, which are arranged in the area of ​​the corners of the spacer block. The fastening elements are preferably formed by cuts in the protective covering itself, so that elastic locking tabs are created that grip the spacer block. Preferably, the protective covering extends over the entire underside of the spacer block and projects laterally beyond it, thus providing a large and simultaneously protective contact surface.

[0021] This ensures secure fixing of the protective layer while allowing for easy disassembly. Furthermore, it reliably prevents damage to sensitive roof waterproofing and guarantees easy separation of the stone or concrete layer from the protective layer, thus improving recyclability.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the invention relates to a fastening system comprising a spacer block and a fastening screw, wherein the fastening screw can be screwed directly into the fastening slot of the spacer block for fastening an attachment element. This ensures simple and material-saving assembly.

[0023] The invention further relates to a fastening system comprising a spacer block and a mounting element, wherein the mounting element is fixed directly in the mounting slot of the spacer block by means of a fastening screw. This achieves a direct connection without intermediate elements.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the mounting element is a cable support system, in particular a cable tray, a rail, or a pipe. This particularly supports the main application of the spacer block in the area of ​​cable routing.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cable tray rests directly on the spacer block with its base and is fixed in the mounting slot by fastening screws passing through the base. This results in a particularly stable and secure attachment of the cable tray to the spacer block.

[0026] In another embodiment, the assembly element is a photovoltaic module or another energy generation or energy conversion element. This enables the use of the spacer block in the field of energy installations, particularly on flat roofs.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0028] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a distance stone according to the invention, Fig. 2 the distance stone according Fig. 1 with a fastening screw, Fig. 3 the distance stone according Fig. 2 in a frontal view, Fig. 4 an embodiment of the spacer stone with a cable tray which is placed on the spacer stone, Fig. 5. Remove the spacer stone with the cable tray resting on it. Fig. 4 in a side view, Fig. 6 another embodiment of the spacer stone with a protective covering arranged on the underside, and Fig. 7 another embodiment of the spacer stone with a protective pad arranged on the underside.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a spacer block 1 in perspective view. The spacer block has a roof-shaped top surface, with two sloping surfaces rising towards a central ridge. A longitudinal fastening slot 2 is provided along this ridge, preferably extending over the entire length of the spacer block and serving for the insertion of a fastening screw. Grip recesses 5 are provided on both longitudinal sides, also extending over the entire length and having a substantially semicircular cross-section to facilitate handling of the spacer block. The spacer block 1 has a length-to-width ratio of preferably approximately 2:1 to 3:1, resulting in an elongated shape with good stability and easy handling.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows the spacer block 1 with a fastening screw 4 arranged above the fastening slot 2, which can be screwed into the spacer block.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows a front view of the distance stone 1 according to Fig. 2 with the fastening screw 4 screwed in. In this view, the fastening slot 2, which was inserted from above, and the side grip recesses 5 can be seen. The fastening screw 4 is screwed directly into the spacer block 1, i.e., without intermediate elements such as dowels, screw strips, or screw shoes.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 shows the spacer block 1 with a cable tray 3 resting on it, which is designed as a perforated sheet metal cable tray. The base of the cable tray 3 has numerous openings, allowing for flexible positioning of the fastening screw 4. The cable tray 3 rests directly on the top of the spacer block 1 and is fixed directly in the fastening slot 2 by means of a fastening screw 4, which passes through one of the openings in the base of the tray. The length of the spacer block 1 is preferably matched to the width of the cable tray 3, so that optimal support and secure fastening are achieved.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 shows the spacer block 1 with a cable tray 3 in side view, with the fastening screw 4 being screwed through the tray bottom into the fastening slot 2.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the spacer stone 1 with a protective pad 6 arranged on the underside, which is detachably attached and serves to protect the substrate.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the spacer block 1 with a protective pad 6 arranged on its underside. The protective pad 6 is detachably attached to the spacer block 1 by means of four locking tabs 7 provided in the area of ​​the corners. The locking tabs 7 are formed by cuts in the protective pad 6 and elastically grip the spacer block 1, thus ensuring secure fixation while simultaneously allowing for easy disassembly.

[0036] The embodiments shown are to be understood merely as preferred examples. Deviations in the shape, size or proportions of the spacer stone, the design, width or arrangement of the fastening slot, as well as the design of the grip recesses or the protective covering, are equally covered by the scope of protection of the invention, insofar as they make use of the teaching specified in the claims. Reference symbol list: 1 distance stone 2 mounting slots 3 cable trays 4 fastening screws 5 recessed handles 6 Protective measure 7 Rastlatsche

Claims

[1] Spacer block (1) for receiving and fastening a mounting element, in particular a cable tray (3), wherein the spacer block (1) has at least one longitudinally extending fastening slot (2) into which a fastening screw (4) can be screwed directly, by means of which the mounting element can be fixed directly to the spacer block (1). [2] Spacer stone (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer stone is made of concrete, in particular normal concrete, lightweight concrete or polymer concrete. [3] Spacer stone (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls of the fastening slot (2) do not have openings extending transversely to the slot depth. [4] Spacer stone (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing slot (2) has a width of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm and particularly preferably a width between 4 - 8 mm. [5] Spacer stone according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing slot has a depth of 40 - 60 mm, preferably 45 - 55 mm. [6] Distance stone (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance stone (1) has a length of 200 to 600 mm, a width of 100 to 200 mm and a height of 80 - 150 mm, wherein the distance stone (1) has a weight preferably of 5 - 30 kg, in particular 10 - 15 kg. [7] Spacer block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening screw (4) is a concrete screw and preferably the fastening screw (4) is provided together with a washer for fixing the assembly element. [8] Spacer stone (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening slot (2) is formed continuously over the entire length of the spacer stone (1). [9] Spacer stone (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer stone (1) has a grip recess (5) on each of two opposite sides, preferably on its longitudinal sides. [10] Spacer stone (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer stone (1) is provided on its underside with a protective covering (6), in particular made of foam rubber, wherein the protective covering (6) is detachably, in particular snap-in, attached to the spacer stone (1). [11] Spacer stone (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer stone (1) is provided on its underside with a protective covering (6), in particular made of foam rubber, wherein the protective covering (6) is detachably, in particular by means of snap-in fastening elements (7), attached to the spacer stone (1), wherein the fastening elements (7) are preferably formed integrally by incisions in the protective covering (6) and form elastic locking tabs that encompass the spacer stone (1). [12] Fastening system comprising a spacer block (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a mounting element, wherein the mounting element is fixed directly in the mounting slot (2) of the spacer block (1) by means of a fastening screw (4). [13] Fastening system according to claim 12, wherein the assembly element is a cable support system, in particular a cable tray (3), a rail or a tube. [14] Fastening system according to claim 13, wherein the cable tray (3) rests directly on the spacer stone (1) with its base and is fixed in the fastening slot (2) by fastening screws (4) through the base. [15] Fastening system according to claim 11, wherein the assembly element is a photovoltaic module or another energy generation or energy conversion element.