Device for filling and / or at least optically sealing an expansion joint between two building components

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for filling and / or at least optically sealing an expansion joint between two components, in particular between a floor and a wall.

[0002] After laying a floor covering, screed, separating layer, and / or insulating layer on a load-bearing floor, the floor can expand and contract due to movement of the building structure and / or depending on the room temperature and humidity. In practice, this is addressed by providing expansion joints or gaps around the floor, at least in certain areas. These can be located between two floor sections, between the floor and a wall, heating pipes, pillars, or similar structures, or in doorways. The optimal width of an expansion joint depends primarily on the materials used and their coefficients of thermal expansion, as well as the floor area. If an expansion joint is not implemented or is not adequately sized, expansion of at least one of the building components can potentially lead to damage to the components, particularly the floor itself.of the floor covering.

[0003] To fill the gap in the expansion joint and to protect the expansion joints and the flooring in the area from the penetration of dirt and / or water, expansion joints are usually filled with permanently elastic materials, especially silicone. However, silicone joints get dirty very easily and often look poorly finished. Alternatively or additionally, baseboards are often installed on the wall above the expansion joints. Baseboards with a rubber lip positioned at the angle between the floor and wall are also common. However, in modern interior design, there is a growing trend to forgo old-fashioned baseboards altogether and instead create a visually seamless transition between high-quality floor coverings and the wall. For discerning customers / users, a simple silicone joint is not an option.Further devices for covering expansion joints are known from US patents US 5,184,442 A and US 5,357,727 A. Furthermore, German patent DE 36 32 648 C1 discloses a movement profile system comprising a cover profile and a plastic folding profile.

[0004] The necessary technical measures must therefore relate to the expansion joint between two building components, especially between a floor and a wall.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of offering an alternative possibility for filling and / or at least optically sealing an expansion joint between two components, in particular between a floor and a wall, and of ensuring optimal protection of the components in the event of expansion and contraction of at least one of the components.

[0006] The aforementioned problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. According to this invention, a device for filling and / or sealing an expansion joint between two components, in particular between a floor and a wall, comprises a mechanically acting joint body, a receiving body that at least partially receives the joint body, and at least one elastic element arranged in the receiving body and acting between the joint body and the receiving body. The elastic element is an edge insulation strip. Furthermore, the receiving body is associated with one of the components forming the expansion joint, and the joint body acts between the components forming the expansion joint, wherein the joint body is movably mounted in the receiving body such that it substantially closes and / or seals the expansion joint. In other words, the joint body compensates for a change in the distance between the components.

[0007] The invention recognizes that it is particularly advantageous not to fill and seal an expansion joint with a permanently elastic material such as silicone. On the contrary, the invention takes a completely different approach, as it does not involve an injected elastic material, but rather a device, specifically a mechanical joint. It has been ingeniously recognized that it is particularly advantageous if one body – namely the receiving body – is assigned to one of the components forming the expansion joint, for example, a wall or a floor, and another body – namely the joint body – is movably mounted within the receiving body in such a way that it acts between the components forming the expansion joint, thus compensating for changes in distance between the components and thereby filling and / or sealing the expansion joint.The receiving body at least partially incorporates the jointing body, and at least one permanently elastic element, located within the receiving body and acting between the two, may be arranged between them. This elastic element may be a compression element that pushes the jointing body away from the receiving body. The jointing body may either rest against the component or be rigidly connected to it.

[0008] According to the invention, expansion joints can be formed between floor sections, for example in the area of ​​door thresholds, between a floor and a wall, a heating pipe, a pillar, etc. The receiving element can be arranged against a component forming the expansion joint, for example a floor section, a wall, a heating pipe, a pillar, etc., and the joint body can act precisely against the other component, for example another floor section, a wall, a heating pipe, a pillar, etc.

[0009] The flooring can refer to any floor components installed on a load-bearing floor. In particular, this includes floor coverings, screed, separating layers, and / or insulation layers, with or without heating elements. The floor covering can be either textile or non-textile, such as parquet, stone, vinyl, or similar materials.

[0010] Consequently, the device according to the invention offers an alternative possibility for filling and / or at least visually sealing an expansion joint between two components, in particular between a floor and a wall, and ensures optimal protection of the components in the event of expansion and contraction of at least one of the components.

[0011] Advantageously, the receiving body for at least partially receiving the jointing element has a profile that is open on at least one side, allowing the jointing element, which is at least partially received into the receiving body, to move in and out of the receiving body. This profile is preferably, at least in part, a U-profile, an E-profile, or an I-profile. Such profiles are particularly well-suited for integrating the receiving body into a floor or wall, specifically into plaster and / or masonry, and for providing the jointing element with protection and freedom of movement. The at least one open side of the receiving body faces the expansion joint and is accessible from it, so that the jointing element can move across the expansion joint towards the component opposite the receiving body.

[0012] It is advantageous if the receiving body is made at least partially of metal, preferably brass and / or steel. Profile steels, in particular, are well-suited for cost-effective and simple manufacturing of the device. However, custom, freely curved shapes for the receiving body are also conceivable. Manufacturing or at least partially coating the device with brass has the advantage of eliminating the need for lubricants, which, in combination with dust, could cause the receiving body to stick together.

[0013] To achieve particularly good concealment and a visually appealing appearance of the device, it is especially advantageous if the mounting body can be at least partially integrated into a building component, particularly a wall or floor. It is conceivable that the device or mounting body could be integrated into a floor covering, screed, separating layer, and / or insulating layer. With complete integration of the mounting body, ideally only the movable joint element would be visible. At least one open side of the mounting body faces the expansion joint, allowing the joint element to move out of the mounting body and into the expansion joint.

[0014] For better and more secure attachment of the mounting body to or within one of the components forming the expansion joint, especially a wall or floor, it is particularly advantageous if the mounting body has at least partial profiling on its outer surfaces. This increases the long-term hold of the mounting body as well as the stability of the entire device within the expansion joint.

[0015] To make the device as inconspicuous as possible, it is particularly advantageous if at least the visible part of the device, the mounting body, and / or the joint body is made of the same material as the floor covering. Surfaces made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, etc., brushed, polished, lacquered, or similar materials are also conceivable and would contribute to a sophisticated appearance. It is also possible to implement a visible base as an extension of the mounting body, extending above the floor area onto a wall or the plaster of a wall. In this case, the device could be designed so that the visible surfaces can be individually fitted or covered by the customer with the desired material.

[0016] Advantageously, the joint element is at least partially made of wood, stone, metal, plastic, and / or rubber, preferably as a rubber lip. This allows for low manufacturing costs and an extremely robust joint element which—depending on the type of elastic element—either acts against the other component, particularly a floor, when a component expands or contracts, or withstands the tension between the component and the receiving element. Ideally, the joint element is shaped so that it can be moved out of the receiving element parallel or obliquely without obstruction. With a U-shaped receiving element, a substantially rectangular cross-section of the joint element would be suitable.

[0017] The edge insulation strip is a permanently elastic element that pushes the joint body away from or out of the receiving body in such a way that the joint body acts against the component opposite the receiving body and / or can always compensate for changes in distance between the components forming the expansion joint during expansion or contraction of the floor and / or fill and / or seal the expansion joint. It is also conceivable that the pressure element is adjustable and / or replaceable to adapt to the width of the expansion joint and / or the expansion coefficients of the components, especially the floor(s).

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if an accessible and / or removable collection channel for collecting dirt and / or water is provided below the joint body and / or the receiving body. It is conceivable that the joint body can be manually returned to the receiving body, so that the collection channel can either be removed or accessed for cleaning or emptying. The collection channel could, for example, be a tray. Especially when installing the device on patio doors, it is particularly advantageous if the collection channel is designed as an integrated water collection trough that collects condensation, meltwater, or driving rain. A connection to a wastewater system is also conceivable. To ensure that dirt and / or water are ideally collected by the channel, it is also conceivable that a perforated surface is arranged above the channel. This perforated surface could, for example, be made of...about the underside of the recording body.

[0019] For easier handling, it is particularly advantageous if the collection channel is designed with means for hooking and / or clicking into place. This could, for example, be a groove running around the collection tray.

[0020] The device can be designed such that the joint body and / or receiving body are visible in the expansion joint. Alternatively, a cover can be provided that is positioned above the joint body and / or the receiving body and covers them, at least partially. Ideally, this cover can be opened for inspection and / or cleaning of the device. Preferably, this cover can be hinged, for example, connected to the receiving body via a hinge. Using a cover can further improve protection against dirt and the appearance of the expansion joint, as the cover partially conceals the receiving body and / or the joint body.

[0021] In a further refined manner, light-emitting diodes can be integrated into the device, particularly the mounting body. For example, LED strips and / or LED tapes could be arranged on the inside of a mounting body with an E-profile. The mounting body would be positioned in the lower recess of the E-profile, located at floor level, and the LED strips / tapes in the upper recess, located above floor level, so that they shine downwards, creating indirect light near the floor. This would result in a sophisticated optical effect. Other arrangements of LED strips / tapes are also conceivable. The transformer for the LEDs could be located in the same component as the mounting body, such as a wall or floor.

[0022] Advantageously, the device, particularly the receiving body, is equipped with or can be equipped with a suction system that removes dirt from within the device. A connection to a wastewater system for draining water contained in the device is also conceivable.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the joint body is firmly connected to the liquid screed. Specifically, the joint body can be arranged on an anchor component connected to the screed, in particular a thread protruding from the screed. Ideally, the expansion joint is concealed within the receiving body.

[0024] There are now various ways to advantageously elaborate and further develop the teaching of the present invention. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained.

[0025] The drawing shows Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the receiving body is integrated into a wall and has a visible base; Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the receiving body is integrated into a wall and does not have a visible base; Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the receiving body is integrated into a floor; Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention with a collection channel; Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention with LED lighting; and Fig.Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the joint body is firmly connected to the screed.

[0026] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for filling or at least optically sealing an expansion joint 1 between a floor 2 and a wall 3 with a mechanically acting joint body 4, a receiving body 5 which at least partially receives the joint body 4 and several permanently elastic pressure elements 6 arranged in the receiving body 5 and acting between the joint body 4 and the receiving body 5.

[0027] The receiving element 5 is integrated into the wall 3 above a load-bearing floor 7. At least at floor level, the receiving element 5 has the shape of a U-profile, with the open side of the U-profile oriented towards the expansion joint 1. Above the U-profile section, the receiving element 5 has a visible base 5a, which is flush with the plaster surface of the wall 3. Specifically, the receiving element 5 is made of profile steel and, at least in the area of ​​the U-profile, is preferably clad in brass. This has the advantage that lubricants, which in combination with dust can cause the joint body 4 to stick, can be omitted. Instead of a straight U-channel, the receiving element can also be custom-made with a unique, freely curved shape for expansion joints that are not straight.

[0028] Several elastic elements 6 are arranged at intervals along the receiving body 5. These are designed as spiral springs.

[0029] The joint body 4 is designed as a rubber lip with a substantially rectangular cross-section. Due to the action of the elastic pressure element 6, it is movably mounted relative to the receiving body 5 and is pushed out of the receiving body 5 by the elastic pressure element 6. There is sufficient play between the joint body 4 and the receiving body 5 so that the joint body 4 can move towards the expansion joint 1 and back. The movement of the joint body 4 is symbolized by the double-sided arrow. At the end of the joint body 4 opposite the receiving body 5, the joint body 4 rests against the floor covering 8 and the screed 10. When the floor 2, in particular the floor covering 8, expands or contracts, and a resulting change in distance occurs between the wall 3 and the floor 2, 8, 10, the joint body 4 moves within the expansion joint 1 and compensates for the change in distance.The surface of the joint body 4 is almost flush with the surface of the floor covering 8, so that the joint body 4 represents an optical extension of the floor covering 8.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows all the features of the preceding embodiment from Figure 1 , with the difference that above the section with U-profile the receiving body 5 has no visible base, but the plaster with the plaster edge 15 d terminates directly at the U-profile.

[0031] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the receiving body 5 is integrated into the floor 2. Specifically, the receiving body 5 is arranged below the floor covering 8 and above the insulation 9, namely at the level of the screed 10. The end of the joint body 4 opposite the receiving body 5 is flush with the wall 3. Otherwise, the device from the third embodiment ( Fig. 3 ) the same features of the device of the first embodiment ( Fig. 1 ) on.

[0032] Fig. 4Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the receiving body 5 is associated with the wall 3 and the joint body 4 is flush with the floor 2. Specifically, the receiving body 5 is integrated into the plaster 14 of the wall 3 and has the shape of a triple U-profile. A collection channel 11 for collecting dirt and / or water is arranged in the lower section 5c of the receiving body 5. To improve the collection of dirt and / or water, the web of the receiving body 5 that covers the collection channel 11 is perforated. The elastic pressure element 6 and the joint body 4 are arranged in the middle section 5b of the receiving body 5. The upper section 5a of the receiving body 5 is arranged above the floor 2 and forms a recess in the plaster 14 that extends to a reinforced plaster edge 15. This recess can serve as a base 5a to protect the wall.Possible materials for the visible base surface 5a include stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, etc., brushed, polished, etc., or a colored lacquer finish. A hinged cover 12 is provided above the central section 5c of the receiving body 5, and this cover is attached to the wall by a hinge 13. The height of the recess / base 5a corresponds essentially to the length of the hinged cover 12, so that the wall is protected from impact damage caused by the cover 12. The cover 12 can be opened, providing access to the interior of the device for cleaning the collection channel 11 and for maintenance. The joint body 4 can be pushed into the receiving body 5b against the spring force by hand for cleaning or maintenance. Further details regarding the features of the device of the fourth embodiment are described in [reference to relevant section]. Fig. 4 Reference is made to the preceding examples of embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 5Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention, wherein the receiving body 5 is designed as an E-profile and integrated into the wall 3. The opening-side ends of the E-profile are flush with the plaster 14 of the wall 3. A spiral spring 6 and a joint element 4 are arranged in the lower section 5b of the E-profile, the latter being flush with the floor 2 at the end opposite the receiving body 5. The upper section 5a of the E-profile forms an open recess in the wall 3. This recess is provided with a mesh on the wall side for optimal plaster adhesion. A reinforced plaster edge 15 is provided at the edge where the receiving body 5 and the plaster 14 meet. An LED strip 16 is arranged downwards within the upper section 5a of the E-profile, illuminating the recess 5a and the floor. This creates a particularly striking visual effect.Otherwise, with regard to further features of the device, reference is made to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Finally, it shows Fig. 6A sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown in a schematic cross-section. The receiving body 5b is associated with the wall 3, but not integrated into it. Specifically, the receiving body 5b is integrated into the plaster 14 of the wall 3 and screwed to the wall 3. Furthermore, the receiving body 5b has the shape of a U-profile, with the open side of the U-profile oriented towards the expansion joint 1. The joint body 4 is firmly connected to the liquid screed 10 via a thread protruding from the screed or a screw 17. The screed thus terminates at the joint body. The connection of the screw 17 to the screed 10 and the installation of the joint body 4 are carried out on site. The expansion joint 1 is concealed within the receiving body 5b and is therefore not visible.A permanently elastic edge insulation strip 6 is arranged on the joint body 4. This strip can compress almost completely when the screed 10 expands and the joint body 4 moves as a result, and can fully expand again when the screed 10 contracts and the joint body 4 retracts. The floor covering 8 extends completely over the top surface of the joint body 4 and thus projects into the receiving body 5 and can be slid into the receiving body 5b, so that the joint body 4 is not visible from outside the expansion joint 1. A sealing lip 18 is arranged below the plaster edge 15, sealing the area between the floor covering 8 and the receiving area 5b. The principle of a joint body 4 firmly connected to a component 2, 3 is also conceivable for filling and / or at least visually sealing an expansion joint in suspended ceilings.

[0035] It should be noted at this point that the construction of the devices according to the Figure 1 , 2 , 4 and 5 likewise with a joint body 4 firmly attached to the screed 10 according to Fig. 6 are feasible.

[0036] To avoid repetition, reference is made to the general part of the description with regard to features that cannot be deduced from the figures.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above serve only to illustrate the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to these embodiments. Reference symbol list

[0038] 1 Expansion joint 2 Floor 3 Wall 4 Joint body / Rubber lip 5 Receptacle body 5a Visible / upper section of the receptacle body / Baseboard 5b Middle section of the receptacle body / Receptacle body 5c Lower section of the receptacle body / Receptacle of the collection channel 6 Elastic element / Spiral spring / Edge insulation strip 7 Load-bearing floor 8 Floor covering 9 Insulation layer 10 Screed 11 Collection channel 12 Hinged cover 13 Hinge 14 Plaster 15 Plaster edge 16 LED strip 17 Anchor part / Thread 18 Sealing lip at plaster edge

Claims

1. Device for filling and / or at least visually sealing an expansion joint (1) between two components (2, 3), in particular between a floor (2) and a wall (3), having a receiving member (5), wherein the receiving member (5) can be associated with one of the components (2 or 3), wherein the receiving member (5) at least partially receives a mechanically acting joint member (4); wherein the joint member (4) acts between the components (2, 3), wherein the joint member (4) is movably supported in the receiving member (5) in such a manner that it can substantially close and / or seal the expansion joint (1); wherein at least one resilient element (6) is arranged in the receiving member (5) and acts between the joint member (4) and the receiving member (5); characterised in that the resilient element (6) is an edge insulation strip.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the receiving member (5) has for at least partially receiving the joint member (4) a profile which is open at least at one side, preferably a U-shaped profile, E-shaped profile or I-shaped profile.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the receiving member (5) is produced at least in areas from metal, preferably from brass and / or steel, in particular from profiled steel.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the receiving member (5) can be integrated at least partially in one component (2, 3), in particular in the wall (3) or in the floor (2).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the receiving member (5) at least partially has a profiling which promotes attachment in and / or on one component (2, 3), in particular a wall (3) and / or a floor (2).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the receiving member (5) and / or the joint member (4) at least on the visible surface thereof is / are made from the same material of the floor covering (8).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the joint member (4) is made at least partially from wood, stone, metal, plastics material and / or rubber, preferably as a rubber lip (4).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that below the joint member (4) and / or the receiving member (5) an accessible and / or removable collection channel (11) is provided for collecting dirt and / or water.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the connection channel (11) is constructed with means for suspension and / or click-fitting.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a cover (12) which can be opened, preferably folded by means of a hinge, for inspection and / or cleaning of the device is provided above the joint member (4) and / or the receiving member (5).

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the floor (2) may be any floor components on the supporting base (7), in particular a floor covering (8) and / or a screed (10) and / or a separation layer and / or an insulation layer with or without heating elements, wherein the floor covering (8) may be a non-textile covering and / or a textile covering.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that light-emitting diodes, in particular LED strips (16) and / or LED bands (16), can be associated with the device, in particular the receiving member (5).

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a suction system can be associated with the device, in particular the receiving member (5).

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the joint member (4) is securely connected to the screed (10), is preferably secured to an anchoring component (17) which is connected to the screed (10), in particular a screw thread (17) which protrudes from the screed (10).