FUNCTIONAL ELEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a functional element for construction, made from a mineral material with edge protection.

[0002] There has long been a need to manufacture functional elements for construction, such as manhole covers, drain covers, cover plates, drainage channels, outlets, inlets, and similar components, that guarantee reliable functionality, are durable, and require little maintenance. Mineral materials like concrete, bound with cement or resin, are of particular importance in this context due to cost considerations. Components made of such materials are typically equipped with edge protection made of ferritic materials and corresponding anchors for embedding in concrete. In this way, the functional elements are permanently and positively connected to the respective edge protection.

[0003] This design leads to problems, such as damage to the edge protection or cracks resulting from thermal stresses in the individual components. This has significant consequences for the mineral material, as water can penetrate and cause corrosion and frost damage, among other things.

[0004] There are also products with edge protection made of synthetic resin or resin-bonded fiber composites, which are also firmly bonded to the concrete. These typically use permanent bonds, although chemical bonding methods such as adhesives are also known. However, these organic materials differ significantly in their expansion behavior from the material properties of the mineral concrete. This necessitates complex manufacturing processes that are technically demanding and therefore prone to errors. This has disadvantages for their use from both an economic and technical perspective. Furthermore, if the functional elements are damaged, and especially at the end of their service life, the materials cannot be separated, or can only be separated with difficulty. This leads to costly and time-consuming disposal.Separating a plastic edge protector, for example a resin-bonded fiber composite, from the mineral material is currently practically impossible. As a result, the entire functional element, including the edge protector, must be disposed of as hazardous waste, incurring correspondingly high costs.

[0005] This is due, on the one hand, to the strong or chemical bond of the resin edge protector, which can hardly be separated economically. Furthermore, such thermosetting materials can generally only be recycled thermally, which should ideally be avoided. While an edge protector made of ferritic material can be easily separated from the functional element, these components are typically shredded and the metallic parts separated from the mineral material using magnets. This allows for recycling. However, ferritic edge protectors are heavy, and the cost of ferritic material has risen sharply recently. Document CH-687261-A5 discloses a functional element according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The problem is to specify a method for easily manufacturing functional elements in such a way that they can be easily separated at the end of their life cycle and thus recycled. Furthermore, the underlying problem of the invention is to specify a functional element that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, durable, and yet easily recyclable.

[0007] The problem is solved in a process of the type mentioned above by providing a mold and producing the functional element by pouring flowable mineral material into the mold.

[0008] In this way, a functional element can be manufactured with precise dimensions and high accuracy, to which an edge protector can be permanently and removablely attached.

[0009] Furthermore, the problem with the functional element of the type mentioned above is solved by the fact that the mineral material is flowable and that the edge protection is removable.

[0010] This removable edge protector allows the functional element to be easily and simply disassembled into its components at the end of its service life. With a suitable material selection for the edge protector, simple reuse is possible.

[0011] A further development of this process is characterized by the use of a resin-based mold. Such a resin mold is robust, reusable, and produces a high-quality surface finish. Suitable mold materials include thermoplastics, preferably polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). These materials are easy to process, for example, using injection molding, and are also readily recyclable. The use of thermoset materials is also possible. For example, this could be a fiber-reinforced polyester resin. Since the mineral material shrinks during curing, the mold should be soaked in water before use. An internal coating of resin, especially immediately before casting, is also advantageous, either as an alternative or in addition, as this leads to an improved surface finish of the functional element.

[0012] Another refinement of the process is characterized by the use of cast concrete as the flowable mineral material. In contrast to the commonly used pressing of earth-moist concrete, this cast concrete, produced using the so-called wet-cast method, achieves good dimensional accuracy and stability with a high surface quality, thus advantageously facilitating the removable application of edge protection. Cement-bound or resin-bound cast concrete can be used. Both are easy to process and offer good properties.

[0013] It is also advantageous in this process if the flowable mineral material hardens in the mold. Since the hardening process for cast concrete takes a relatively long time, the functional element can harden reliably and securely in the mold.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous in this process to surface-treat the functional element after curing. While the use of a flowable mineral material already results in a relatively high surface quality, the material can be surface-treated in known ways, such as sandblasting or coating, to achieve special effects. This allows for considerable flexibility in the optical design.

[0015] It is also possible to complete the functional element after it has hardened.

[0016] In a multi-part assembly, add-on components can be arranged. For example, suitable edge protection can be attached. It is particularly advantageous if assembly can be done without tools, making it especially easy. It is particularly beneficial if the edge protection is attached to the functional element in a removable manner. This allows the functional element and edge protection to be easily separated and recycled if damaged or at the end of their service life. Fastening is preferably achieved by means of snap-fit, clamping, screwing, bolting, and / or centering pins. Such connections are solid and robust, yet can be separated again if necessary. Furthermore, with a suitable design, any water that has penetrated the connection can drain away.

[0017] For this functional element, it is advantageous if the base body is made of a flowable mineral material. This base body provides high stability, for example, to withstand being driven over by a vehicle. The edge protection is detachably attached to this base body. This allows for flexible use and easy separation of the components.

[0018] A further development of the functional element is characterized by the fact that the flowable mineral material is cast concrete. This allows for simple manufacturing with good dimensional accuracy and stability. The use of cement-bound or resin-bound cast concrete is advantageous, as it possesses material properties beneficial for the intended application.

[0019] The functional element features an expansion joint for the edge protector. Since the edge protector is made of a different material than the functional element itself, different coefficients of expansion are to be expected depending on humidity and temperature. This expansion joint allows for the necessary compensation. The base body incorporates the expansion joint. This allows the expansion joint to be created during the manufacturing process of the base body. The expansion joint is designed as a radial slot on the outer circumference of the base body. The edge protector can be securely clamped in this slot, ensuring both a secure fit and the necessary length compensation.

[0020] It is advantageous for the functional element if the edge protector is attached to the base body in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or friction-fit manner. This can be achieved, for example, by snapping, clamping, screwing, bolting, and / or using centering pins. This ensures easy removal while maintaining a secure fit, and simultaneously allows water that may penetrate between the functional element and the edge protector to drain away. This prevents damage to the functional element.

[0021] Another advantageous embodiment of the functional element is characterized by its design as a channel cover, manhole cover, cover plate, drainage channel, drain, or inlet. Such functional elements are versatile and widely required in the construction sector.

[0022] Another embodiment of the functional element is characterized by an insert with a lifting opening. Such an insert can also be used independently of the invention. With frequently used lifting openings, the mineral material of functional elements is particularly vulnerable to damage from lifting tools. If an insert made of a suitable material has the lifting opening, the functional element made of the mineral material is protected. If the insert is detachably attached to the base body, it can be easily removed if damaged or for recycling. This attachment can be, in particular, positive locking, force locking, or friction locking. This allows for easy assembly. At the same time, a suitable drainage channel for any water that may penetrate can be provided. Preferably, the insert is made of a synthetic resin material.This makes manufacturing particularly easy. For example, if a thermoplastic material, preferably polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), is used as the resin material, simple manufacturing is possible. Here, for instance, the insert can be manufactured as an injection-molded part. Furthermore, such thermoplastic materials are easy to recycle.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the insert can be slid into the radial slot as a clamping piece. This simplifies assembly. It is also advantageous if the insert has a receptacle for a lifting tool on one side of the lifting opening. This results in a simple design and reliable protection of the mineral material against damage from the lifting tool. It is also advantageous if the clamping piece has a collar adjacent to the receptacle. This collar allows force to be applied to lift the functional element without causing damage.

[0024] Another advantage of the insert is that it is open on one side. This saves material. Reinforcement can be achieved by incorporating ribs in the usual manner. In particular, the insert should be open at the collar end. In this case, the opening would face downwards when installed, preventing water from collecting inside the insert.

[0025] A further advantage arises from the fact that the insert piece is designed as a clamp for the edge protector. This ensures easy installation and a reliable fit of the edge protector to the functional element.

[0026] An advantageous design of the functional element results from the edge protection being made of a synthetic resin material. Such synthetic resin materials are inexpensive and easy to produce. A thermoplastic material is particularly suitable as a synthetic resin material, since it can be easily processed, especially using injection molding. Furthermore, the use of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), for example, results in good recyclability.

[0027] In an advantageous design of the functional element, the edge protector has recesses that correspond to projections on the base body. This allows for a simple and reliable form-fitting connection, particularly a snap-fit ​​connection. Specifically, the projections and / or recesses are located on the outer circumference of the base body. This makes the edge protector particularly easy to position while simultaneously providing good protection.

[0028] The functional element according to the invention is also characterized in that the edge protector has inwardly directed mounting tabs for engaging in the radial slot. This results in a simple, removable attachment. It is advantageous if the mounting tabs are arranged at the ends, as this makes the edge protector easy to install. Installation becomes particularly simple if the mounting tabs are designed to engage in a corresponding receptacle in the insert. The insert can then serve as a kind of clamp. It is advantageous if the mounting tab is secured in the corresponding receptacle. This attachment is achieved particularly easily by positive locking, force locking, or friction locking. It is especially advantageous if the mounting tab is snapped, clamped, screwed, bolted, or pinned in the corresponding receptacle.This results in a reliable, removable attachment.

[0029] It is further advantageous if the functional element has a storage compartment for a dirt collection basket and / or a cover. This allows for flexible use.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective representation of a functional element with the features of the invention, Fig. 2 the functional element of Fig. 1 in a partially cutaway view, Fig. 3 an edge protector in a perspective view, Fig. 4 an insert piece of the functional element of Fig. 1 in perspective view, Fig. 5 the insert piece of Fig. 4 In another perspective view from below, Fig. 6, a bearing ring of the functional element of Fig. 1 in a top view, Fig. 7 the bearing ring of Fig. 6 in a perspective partial view, Fig. 8 a representation similar to Fig. 6 with a dirt collection basket arranged in the bearing ring, Fig. 9 illustrates Fig. 8 in a side view, and Fig. 10 an enlarged perspective partial view of Fig. 8 .

[0031] Fig. 1 Figure 1 schematically shows a functional element 10 as an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view. In the illustrated embodiment, the functional element 10 has a support part 11 and a cover part 12. In this embodiment, the support part is a bearing ring 11 into which a cover 12 is inserted. In this embodiment, the functional element 10 with cover 12 and bearing ring 11 is a manhole cover.

[0032] In the functional element 10 shown, the bearing ring 11 and the cover 12 are each made of a mineral material. Cement-bound or resin-bound concrete serves as the mineral material. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing ring 11 and the cover 12 are manufactured from low-viscosity concrete using the so-called wet-casting process. This results in a good surface finish and high dimensional accuracy.

[0033] As can be seen in the figure, the bearing ring 11 has an edge protector 13 on its inner circumference, while the cover 12 also has an edge protector 14 on its outer circumference. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge protector 13 and the edge protector 14 are removable from the bearing ring 11 and the cover 12, respectively, as will be explained in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge protector 13 and the edge protector 14 are made of a thermoplastic material. Polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) can be used for this purpose.

[0034] As can be seen from the figure, the lid 12 has alternating projections 15 and recesses 16 on its outer circumference. For clarity, only one projection 15 and one recess 16 are labeled. Tabs 17 are formed on the edge protector 14 corresponding to the recesses 16, thereby attaching the edge protector 14 to the lid 12 in a manner that will be explained in more detail below. The tabs 17 and the recesses 16 together form a detachable, positive-locking connection between the edge protector 14 and the lid 12.

[0035] The Fig. 1 It can also be seen that the cover 12 has radially extending slots 18 on diametrically opposite outer edges. A total of two slots 18 are provided. Insert pieces 19, each with a lifting opening 20, are inserted into the slots 18. The lifting opening 20 serves to guide a tool through it for lifting the cover 12 out of the bearing ring 11, as will be explained in more detail below. Furthermore, inwardly extending tabs of the edge protection 14, not shown in the figure, are inserted into the insert pieces 19 from the outer circumference of the cover 12 and snapped into them in a manner also explained below.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a cutaway partial representation of functional element 10 of Fig. 1 As can be seen in the figure, the bearing ring 11 has a support 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 21 is ring-shaped and is covered by the edge protector 13. In this way, the edge protector 13 covers the inner circumference and the support area of ​​the bearing ring 11 in such a way that no damage occurs to the bearing ring 11 when the cover 12 is inserted and removed.

[0037] As can be further seen from the figure, the edge protector 14 surrounds the outer circumference of the lid 12 and is located on the underside of the lid 12, which is associated with the support 11. Furthermore, the edge protector 14 has an opening 22 at its lower outer corner as shown in the figure. The edge protector 14 thus has an L-shaped cross-section, with the openings 22 being located in the area where the two legs of the L meet.

[0038] Since the edge protector 14, as explained above, is only positively engaged with the cover 12, any water that penetrates between the edge protector 14 and the cover 12 can drain away again through the opening 22, thus preventing water damage between the edge protector 14 and the cover 12, especially in freezing conditions. Furthermore, the cover 12 rests on the support 21, protected by the edge protector 14 and the edge protector 13. The cover 12 is also separated from the bearing ring 11 on its circumference by the edge protector 14 and the edge protector 13. This prevents damage to the bearing ring 11 and the cover 12 when a vehicle drives over it or when the cover is inserted or removed.

[0039] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the edge protection 14. As can be seen from the figure, the edge protection 14 is formed from two approximately semicircular elements, of which only one element is shown in the figure. Two identically formed elements make up the entire edge protection 14. Fig. 1 It can be seen that the edge protector 14 has a support section 23 and a circumferential section 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the support section 23 is formed flat as part of a circular ring disc. On the outer circumferential side of the support section 23, the circumferential section 24 is formed in the manner of part of a cylindrical ring.

[0040] The figure further shows that the openings 22 are arranged in the area of ​​the support section 23. At each end, a fastening tab 25 is arranged in the area of ​​the circumferential section 24. The fastening tabs 25 are arranged radially inwards, facing each other, on the circumferential section 24. In this way, they can be inserted into the insert pieces 19 to fasten the edge protector 14 to the cover 12, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0041] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one of the insert pieces 19 with a lifting opening 20. As can be seen in the figure, the insert piece 19 has a body 26 which, in the figure, has a collar 27 at the top and bottom, i.e., at the longitudinal ends of the lifting opening 20. At the lower end of the lifting opening 20, receptacles 28 for a lifting tool are arranged. Such a lifting tool is usually T-shaped and can thus be positioned with its T-shaped end lengthwise in the lifting opening 20 and pushed through it. Once the T-shaped end has passed through the lifting opening 20, it can be rotated about the longitudinal direction of the lifting opening so that it can be received in the receptacles 28. In this way, a force can be exerted from the lower collar 27 on the cover 12 to lift it out of the bearing ring 11.

[0042] As can be further seen from the figure, the body 26 has spring elements 29 and 30 at its longitudinal end facing away from the lifting opening 20. The spring elements 29, of which only one spring element 29 is visible in the figure, are directed outwards, while the spring elements 30, which are designed here as wedges 30, are arranged directed inwards on the body.

[0043] Fig. 5 The figure shows the insert 19 in a perspective view from below. Both receptacles 28 for a lifting tool (not shown in the figure) are visible. Furthermore, the figure shows that the lifting opening 20 in the illustrated embodiment is limited to the left by a web 31. The insert 19 is designed as a hollow part. This results in material savings and allows the spring elements 29, 30 to spring inwards or outwards. To secure the insert 19 in the slot 18, it is driven radially into the slot 18 from the outside until the spring elements 29 come to rest against corresponding recesses on the longitudinal sides of the slot 18 (not shown in the figures). In this way, the insert 19 is securely locked in the respective slot 18.Similarly, when attaching the two parts of the edge protection 14 to the lid 12, the end tabs 25 are inserted into the . Fig. 5 The open end of the insert 19, shown at the front, is pushed in and frictionally clamped together by the spring elements 30, which are designed as wedges. In this way, a secure, removable fit of the edge protector 14 to the cover 12 is ensured.

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a top view of bearing ring 11 of Fig. 1 With the cover 12 removed, it can be seen that the support 21 is made up of several parts. In particular, the support 21 is divided into four circular segments by means of four recessed drains 32. As will be explained in more detail below, the entire area between the inner circumference of the bearing ring 11 up to the support 21 and the drains 32, and covering them, is provided with the edge protector 13. In this way, the bearing ring 11 is well protected against damage from the cover 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge protector 13 is simply inserted and can thus be easily removed for replacement if damaged.

[0045] Furthermore, any water that penetrates between the bearing ring 11 and the catenary protection 13 can drain away in the area of ​​the drains 32.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a partial perspective view of Fig. 6 As can be seen from the figure, the edge protection 13 completely lines the inner circumferential surface of the bearing ring 11 including support 21 and drain 32.

[0047] Fig. 8 shows a representation similar Fig. 6 with a dirt collection basket 33 suspended in the bearing ring 11. As can be seen in the figure, the dirt collection basket 33 has several holders 34 on its outer circumference; in the illustrated embodiment, there are four holders 34, each corresponding to the drains 32. Specifically, the holders 34 are placed in the area of ​​the drains 32, so that these serve as supports for the holders 34. Two struts 35 run diagonally between radially opposite holders 34 on the dirt collection basket 33. The struts 35 serve to stabilize and lift the dirt collection basket 33.

[0048] As can be seen from the figure, the dirt collection basket 33 has a large number of openings 39. The openings 39 serve to allow water to drain away.

[0049] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a side view of the bearing ring 11 with the attached dirt trap basket 33. It can be seen that the dirt trap basket 33 has a funnel section 36 and a sieve section 37 located below it in the figure. The openings 39, not shown in the figure, are located in the base of the sieve section 37. Slots 38 are also arranged on the outer circumference of the sieve section 37. The slots 38 and the openings 39 allow water to drain away and retain dirt and larger particles.

[0050] Fig. 10 shows an enlarged perspective partial view of Fig. 8 It can be clearly seen that the holder 34 rests on the edge protector 13 in the area of ​​the drain 32. In this way, secure storage is ensured on the one hand, and damage to the bearing ring 11 by the holder 34 is reliably prevented on the other.

[0051] The illustrated embodiment provides functional elements for construction. These are generally devices for covering a surface or geometry with a support element (in the illustrated embodiment, the bearing ring 11) and a cover element (in the illustrated embodiment, the lid 12). These functional elements serve to cover the underlying area in such a way that it is possible to drive over them, for example, with a vehicle. These functional elements can be, for example, channel covers, manhole covers, cover plates, drainage channels, drains, inlets, or similar items.The production of the respective base body, i.e., in the illustrated embodiment, the bearing ring 11 and the cover 12, from a mineral material, here cement-bound concrete using the so-called wet-cast process as a relatively aqueous material, allows for the simple production of sufficiently dimensionally accurate, smooth surfaces, so that a removable edge protector 13, 14 can be detachably attached to the respective base body by means of clamping or snapping. In this way, if the respective edge protector is damaged, it can be easily replaced. In addition, simple separation for recycling is possible. If, as in the illustrated embodiment, a thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), is used for the edge protector, simple recycling is possible both due to the ease of separation and due to this choice of material.The insert piece can also be made of the same material as the edge protector 13 or 14. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0052] 10 Functional element 11 Bearing ring 12 Cover 13 Edge protection 14 Edge protection 15 Projection 16 Recess 17 Tab 18 Slot 19 Insert piece 20 Lifting opening 21 Support 22 Opening 23 Support section 24 Circumferential section 25 Mounting tab 26 Body 27 Collar 28 Receptacle 29 Spring element 30 Spring element 31 Web 32 Drain 33 Dirt collection basket 34 Holder 35 Strut 36 Funnel section 37 Sieve section 38 Slot 39 Opening

Claims

1. Functional element for construction, made of a mineral material with an edge protection (13, 14), wherein the mineral material is flowable and the edge protection (13, 14) is removable, characterised by an expansion joint (18) for the edge protection (14), wherein the base body (12) has the expansion joint (18), which is formed as a radial slot (18) on the outer circumference of the base body (12), wherein the edge protection (14) has inwardly directed fastening tabs (25) for engagement in the radial slot (18).

2. Functional element according to claim 1, characterised by a base body (11, 12) made of the flowable mineral material, to which the edge protection (13, 14) is preferably removably attached.

3. Functional element according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the flowable mineral material is cast concrete, preferably cement-bound or resin-bound cast concrete.

4. Functional element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the edge protection (13, 14) is arranged on the base body (11, 12) in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or friction-fitting manner, in particular by means of snap-latching, clamping, screwing, bolting, and / or centring pins.

5. Functional element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a design as a channel cover, manhole cover, cover plate, drainage channel, drain, or inlet.

6. Functional element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by an insert (19) with a lifting opening (20), which is preferably removably attached to the base body (12), in particular by form-fitting, force-fitting, or friction-fitting, wherein the insert (19) is preferably made of a synthetic resin material, in particular a thermoplastic material, preferably polyethylene, PE, or polypropylene, PP, and in particular an injection-moulded part, wherein in particular the insert (19) can be inserted as a clamping piece into the radial slot (18) and / or has a receptacle (28) for a lifting tool on one side of the lifting opening (20), wherein a collar (27) adjacent to the receptacle (28) is preferably provided.

7. Functional element according to claim 6, characterised in that the insert (19) is open on one side, in particular on the collar side, and preferably has webs (31), wherein the insert (19) is preferably designed as a clamp for the edge protection (14).

8. Functional element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the edge protection (13, 14) and / or the insert (19) consists of a synthetic resin material, in particular a thermoplastic material, preferably polyethylene, PE, or polypropylene, PP, and in particular is an injection-moulded part.

9. Functional element according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the edge protection (13, 14) has recesses to which projections (15) and / or recesses (16) on the base body (12), in particular on its outer circumference, are assigned.

10. Functional element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the edge protection (14) has end-side inwardly directed fastening tabs (25) for engagement in the radial slot (18), preferably for engagement in an associated receptacle (30) in the insert (19), wherein the fastening tab (25) is engaged in the associated receptacle (30), in particular in a form-fitting, force-fitting, or friction-fitting manner, preferably by means of latching, clamping, screwing, bolting, or pinning.

11. Functional element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a bearing (31, 32) for a dirt collection basket (33) and / or a cover (12).