Plug-in intermediate floor and building

Abstract

Intermediate floor (1) for a building (20), in particular for a switchgear building for housing control cabinets (10) and other electrical installations, for a fiber optic box or for a PoP station, comprising a frame (2) for forming a substructure, wherein the frame (2) has: • a frame (3) that defines the plane of the substructure and forms the outer edge of the frame (2), • at least one longitudinal beam (4) and at least one transverse beam (5), • wherein at least one longitudinal beam (4) runs between two adjacent parts of the frame (3), • wherein at least one crossbeam (5) runs between the longitudinal beam or one of the longitudinal beams (4) on the one hand and another of the longitudinal beams (4) or the frame (3) on the other hand, • wherein the at least one cross member (5) is connected to one of the longitudinal members (4) and the frame (3) or to two of the longitudinal members (4) via a plug connection (7) and / or wherein the at least one longitudinal member (4) is connected to the frame (3) via a plug connection (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an intermediate floor for a building, in particular for a switchgear building for housing control cabinets and other electrical equipment, a fiber optic box or a PoP station according to the preamble of claim 1, and a corresponding building according to the preamble of claim 16.

[0002] Buildings belonging to network operators, known as Point-of-Presence (PoP) stations, are known from the prior art. The Point of Presence is the physical node within a communication system that establishes the connection between two or more communication networks. The application of a Point of Presence is explained, for example, in EP 4 254 853 A1.

[0003] The object of the invention is to propose an extensional construction for a corresponding building that enables easy assembly and high flexibility in use.

[0004] The problem is solved, starting from a switching station or a fiber optic box of the type mentioned above, by the features of claim 1 and by the characterizing features of claim 16.

[0005] The measures mentioned in the dependent claims make advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention possible.

[0006] The invention initially provides an intermediate floor comprising a frame for forming a substructure. This allows such a building, such as a switchgear building, a point-of-presence (PoP) station, or a fiber optic box, to be divided not only into laterally adjacent compartments, but also, thanks to the intermediate floor, into two or more vertically oriented areas.

[0007] A PoP station like this forms a physical node within a communication system, establishing a connection between two or more communication networks. This allows for easier routing of lines, cables, etc., eliminating the need to lay them on the floor and thus preventing obstacles when walking on the mezzanine level, or the need for potentially complex tunneling to avoid tripping hazards. The structure initially comprises a frame that defines the plane of this substructure and forms its outer edge. Within the frame, at least one longitudinal beam and at least one transverse beam are arranged, with the at least one longitudinal beam running between two adjacent parts of the frame. The at least one transverse beam, in turn, runs between one or more of the longitudinal beams and another of the longitudinal beams or the frame itself.

[0008] The longitudinal beams run from one side of the frame to the opposite side. Individual crossbeams are used perpendicular to these, typically running either between a section of the frame and a longitudinal beam or between two longitudinal beams. Therefore, the longitudinal beams running from one side of the frame to the opposite side are generally longer than the crossbeams, which only bridge the gap between adjacent longitudinal beams or between the frame and the next longitudinal beam. This allows for a flexible layout, as the crossbeams do not need to be spaced at regular intervals; their spacing can vary without significantly compromising stability.

[0009] The terms longitudinal beams and transverse beams each define a uniform orientation towards each other, but not, for example, whether the intermediate floor is laid in such a way that the longitudinal beams are arranged in a defined longitudinal or transverse direction of the building.

[0010] The intermediate floor according to the invention is particularly distinguished by the fact that the at least one crossbeam is connected to one of the longitudinal beams and the frame, or to two of the longitudinal beams, via a plug-in connection. The longitudinal beam(s) can also be connected to the frame via the plug-in connection. This allows for particularly simple and quick assembly of the intermediate floor. The design also facilitates the easy routing and securing of cables, as the beams can be used for fastening and the cables can be laid through the large gaps between the crossbeams and longitudinal beams. To ensure that the intermediate floor can bear loads uniformly at essentially all points, the longitudinal and crossbeams, as well as the frame, can have a truss-like structure.

[0011] The use of a plug-in connection allows for relatively quick and easy modifications, should they become necessary. In one embodiment, the plug-in connection can be designed as a detachable link, enabling non-destructive modification of the intermediate floor without replacing any components. Such a modification can be carried out very quickly and easily.

[0012] In one design variant, additional supports can also be used that run parallel to the orientation of the longitudinal beams, but not from one side of the frame to the opposite side, rather between two crossbeams or between the frame and a crossbeam, if, for example, this additional support increases stability. These additional supports can also be attached using such a plug-in connection.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the frame and / or at least one of the longitudinal beams and / or at least one of the crossbeams can have a grid of recesses arranged at equal intervals along their respective longitudinal extent, into which one of the crossbeams or longitudinal beams to be attached can be inserted by means of a plug connection. Such a grid is advantageous for allowing the intermediate floor to be used as flexibly as possible, because the longitudinal and crossbeams can easily be repositioned. Furthermore, more crossbeams or longitudinal beams can be used if the intermediate floor is subjected to a heavier load, or conversely, fewer beams can be used if the load is lower. Individual areas can also be reinforced by a higher beam density. In addition, the intermediate floor can be more easily used for different switchgear enclosures. The planning effort is reduced.

[0014] The grid pattern can be designed so that it runs along the side of the frame or beam (e.g., longitudinal or transverse beam) only on one side and not on both sides of the beam. However, a common grid pattern for both opposite sides of the beam is also possible.

[0015] To simplify the connection process, the crossbeams and / or longitudinal beams each have a hook-in device at their respective ends for insertion into one of the recesses, allowing the crossbeam and / or longitudinal beam to be inserted into the recess. This enables quick assembly. Furthermore, the hook-in device can be in the shape of an inverted "U", allowing the beam to be inserted into the upward-facing recess from above and quickly removed in the opposite direction.

[0016] To increase stability and keep assembly as simple as possible, at least one suspended crossbeam cannot project beyond the longitudinal or transverse beam with the recess and / or beyond the plane defined by the frame, especially not beyond the plane defined by the frame on the top of the intermediate floor. This ensures that all beams and the frame support the intermediate floor evenly. Furthermore, the flooring material or planks can be more easily positioned and attached.

[0017] If the recesses extend over a corner of the support, then in this embodiment the support to be fastened can be easily inserted or plugged in from above, while the connection is still stable against loads in the direction of gravity or against laterally acting forces.

[0018] In one design variant, the frame and supports can be made of sheet steel, particularly as sheet steel beams. This material allows for a stable construction, is easy to work with, and relatively lightweight. Cutouts are easier to make in sheet steel than in solid material. Sheet metal can be easily bent and is less expensive than solid material.

[0019] The space between the intermediate floor and the building floor (e.g., of the switchgear building, PoP station, or fiber optic box) can be used for laying cables or similar items. To span this space, the frame can be supported from the building floor or the surface on which it is to stand by at least one support. Generally, it is sufficient to screw the supports to the frame. For example, the supports can be screwed to the outside. In one embodiment, stability can be increased by designing the support as an angle bracket and attaching it to each corner of the frame. The support wraps around the corner of the frame. During modifications, the support is easily accessible and can also be easily removed if necessary.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the intermediate floor can be designed without supports. Specifically, apart from the outer supports on the frame, no supports can be used. The advantage is that almost the entire area below the intermediate floor can be used freely for laying or installing cables without any support obstructing the process. For example, the support(s) can be attached exclusively to the frame. In one embodiment, the at least one longitudinal beam and / or the at least one transverse beam can be designed without supports. For instance, no support can be attached to either the longitudinal beam and / or transverse beam.

[0021] The frame can be made from a single piece and therefore be very stable, but it can also consist of a separate part or support on each side, which is usually less complex to manufacture.

[0022] To allow a control cabinet or similar item to be placed on the frame, and to make the intermediate floor accessible, the frame can be covered with planks. Wooden planks are generally sufficient for this purpose, as they are lighter than metal plates, slip-resistant, and easy to walk on. Plywood sheets are also inexpensive and generally suitable as planks as well.

[0023] If particularly heavy electrical equipment and control cabinets are to be installed, these areas of the mezzanine can be reinforced, for example by installing additional supports, such as extra crossbeams, or by reinforcing the planks. The wooden planks can be laid on the frame. If they extend laterally to the wall, they are secured against shifting. Alternatively, the planks can be fastened to the frame. It is also conceivable to place the structures, such as control cabinets and electrical equipment, on the mezzanine using battens or other foundation elements.

[0024] The plane defined by the frame or structure can form the support surface for the planks, any battens, or foundation components. In one embodiment, the upper edges of the frame and structure can be at the same height, thus forming a plane. Alternatively, the frame, crossbeams, or longitudinal beams can act as a spacer upon which the planks are later placed. This spacer can be formed as a collar when welding together two sheets of metal, from which the corresponding beam is then constructed.

[0025] As mentioned above, the longitudinal and transverse beams, or the frame, can form a checkerboard pattern. Depending on requirements, individual beams, especially transverse beams, can be omitted or added if the expected load on the floor allows or requires it.

[0026] Accordingly, a building according to the invention (such as a switching station or fiber optic block or a PoP station) is characterized by the use of an intermediate floor with the aforementioned advantages. This floor is not only inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble or modify, but also allows for easy cable routing and installation.

[0027] In one embodiment, the building, switchgear building, fiber optic block, or PoP station can also be designed as a prefabricated concrete module that simply needs to be erected at its intended location. This saves time because less extensive construction work is required on site. Consequently, costs can also be reduced because the work on site is less time-consuming, the site can be dismantled more quickly, and the associated road closures, for example, do not need to be in place for as long. Examples of implementation:

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below, including further details and advantages. Specifically, the drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic, perspective view of an intermediate floor according to the invention, as well as Fig. 2: a schematic representation of a PoP station or fiber optic box according to the invention.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows an intermediate floor 1 with a frame 2. The frame 2 is initially enclosed by a frame 3, which defines the rectangle shown. Within the frame 3, the frame 2 is traversed by longitudinal beams 4, which run parallel to each other continuously from one side of the frame to the opposite side. In addition, there are crossbeams 5, which run perpendicular to the longitudinal beams 4. In this embodiment, the crossbeams 5 are shorter than the longitudinal beams 4; they extend between the frame 3 and the next longitudinal beam 4 or between two longitudinal beams 4. Both the frame 3 and the longitudinal beams 4, as well as some of the crossbeams 5, are provided with a grid 6, which is designed as recesses arranged at regular intervals. The longitudinal and transverse beams 4, 5 can be inserted into the recesses from above by means of a plug connection 7.

[0030] The grid pattern 6 can be finer or coarser depending on the application. The finer the grid, i.e., the more cutouts there are and the closer they are to each other, the more precisely the carriers 4, 5 can be positioned.

[0031] The intermediate floor 1 or frame 2 is / are positioned at a specific distance from the floor of the PoP station / fiber optic box in which it is installed. To maintain this distance, supports 8 in the form of angle brackets are arranged at each corner of frame 3, framing the corners and screwed to frame 3. Frame 2 can be covered with wooden planks (not shown) so that an operator can walk on it.

[0032] In the areas where the installation of control cabinets is planned, there are in Fig. 1 only the substructures of the switch cabinets 10 are indicated and provided with the corresponding reference numeral 10.

[0033] The placement of the intermediate floor 1 from Fig. 1 in a PoP station 20 precast concrete part is in Fig. 2 shown. There is sufficient space below the intermediate floor 1 for laying and installing cables.

[0034] Cable laying and installation are particularly easy in room area 11 because the PoP station or fiber optic box 20 is designed without supports. Supports 8 are only provided on the outside of the frame 3; the area enclosed by the frame 3 does not contain any supports.

[0035] All embodiments and further developments have in common that the intermediate floor for a building, in particular a switchgear building for housing control cabinets and other electrical installations, a PoP station or fiber optic box, comprises a frame for forming a substructure, wherein the frame has: • a frame that defines the plane of the substructure and forms the outer edge of the frame, • at least one longitudinal beam and at least one transverse beam, • wherein at least one longitudinal beam runs between two adjacent parts of the frame, • wherein at least one crossbeam runs between the or one of the longitudinal beams and another of the longitudinal beams or the frame and • wherein the at least one crossbeam is connected to one of the longitudinal beams and the frame or to two of the longitudinal beams via a plug connection and / or wherein the at least one longitudinal beam is connected to the frame via such a plug connection.

[0036] The intermediate floor or building according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it is not only easy and inexpensive to assemble, but also allows for easy cable installation and cable routing. Reference symbol list: 1 intermediate floor 2 frames 3 frames 4 longitudinal beams 5 crossbeams 6 Rasterization 7 Connector 8 support 9 spacers 10 Control cabinet / Control cabinet base 11 Room area for cable installation 20 PoP stations / fiber optic boxes QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 4 254 853 A1

[0002]

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