Socket for an access panel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a socket for an access panel for an opening in a floor. The socket enables improved installation of the access panel in the floor opening, as it facilitates installation and improves the stability of the secured socket. The invention also relates to an extrusion die for a metal profile and to a metal profile itself. Further aspects of the invention relate to an access panel and a method for mounting a socket in an opening in a floor.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of civil engineering, in particular to the field of building construction. A first aspect of the invention relates to a socket for an opening in a floor. A second aspect relates to an extrusion die for a metal profile; a third aspect relates to a metal profile. A fourth aspect relates to an access panel. A fifth and final aspect relates to a method for mounting a socket in an opening in a floor.

[0002] In structural engineering, when constructing buildings, especially those with large spaces such as office buildings, event halls, shopping centers, or single-family and multi-family homes, it is essential to ensure flexible and comprehensive access to critical infrastructure elements such as piping, such as plumbing and lines for liquid and gaseous media, and electrical cabling, such as data and power cables. Traditionally, such access points are often located on the side walls of rooms. However, this can lead to significant limitations in large spaces, as access to these critical elements is restricted to specific areas of the room.

[0003] In such cases, access panels for openings in the floors, also known as floor boxes, are used. These allow access to piping and wiring directly from the floor, significantly increasing accessibility and flexibility by eliminating the need for access points on the walls.

[0004] Such access panels typically comprise a socket that is fixed in an opening in the floor. Depending on the intended use of the access panel, a specially designed insert may be mounted within the frame. For example, the insert can be equipped with power sockets and / or network ports that connect to the building's electrical network and / or data network. Fittings for gases and liquids are also conceivable. The access panel is usually closable with a cover that is connected to the socket either via a hinge and / or a snap connection, or can be placed loosely on the socket.

[0005] As a rule, it is desirable that, after applying a certain floor covering (e.g. carpet, linoleum, polyurethane coverings (PU coverings), parquet, stone slabs, cast flooring, hard concrete, terrazzo or polished subfloor) to the floor and to the cover of the socket, the access panel is flush with the surface of the floor.

[0006] The following sections describe the different floor types (subfloors, raised access floors and raised access floors) in which access panels are used.

[0007] With a subfloor, the desired floor installations (e.g., thermal and sound insulation, electrical conduits, underfloor ducts, and underfloor heating pipes) are first installed on the building's supporting floor. The subfloor material (e.g., anhydride or cement) is then poured in such a way that the entire floor is filled with the material up to the desired height.

[0008] A hollow floor (or cavity floor) is raised on supports above the supporting floor, creating a space for installations. After applying a separating layer (Schrenzlage), the floor is poured.

[0009] A raised access floor, similar to a hollow floor, has a gap between the floors, as it is raised by supports. In certain raised floor designs, individual panels are visible, which can be removed. In other raised floor designs, the floor panels are attached to each other using a tongue-and-groove or tongue-and-groove adhesive connection. The floor covering is then laid over the entire surface.

[0010] These types of floors can be equipped with access panels to provide access to the installation elements. In the current state of the art, the sockets for these access panels are often supported on the underlying load-bearing subfloor and adjusted to the desired level. With subfloors, the socket is positioned at the desired location before pouring, and the internal volume of the socket is not filled. With hollow space floors and raised access floors, cutouts are machined into the floor into which the sockets are inserted.

[0011] Because the sockets are supported on the supporting floor and therefore require height adjustment, installing such an arrangement is very complex and often leads to inaccuracies in the installation height of the sockets. Furthermore, subsequent adjustment of the height adjustment (especially with subfloors) is very cumbersome or even impossible. Other problems that arise with this arrangement include increased sound transmission to the supporting floor, the formation of cracks in the floor, and the need for putty joints between the floor and the socket.

[0012] As an alternative, the prior art also describes sockets for access panels that are equipped with a flange that rests on the edge of the floor opening and supports the access panel. Such a supporting flange is described, for example, in EP 1173647 B1 (CABSCAPE HOLDINGS, September 23, 2009). The socket does not rest on the supporting floor and therefore does not need to be adjusted in height. However, a supporting flange must be able to withstand a correspondingly high load-bearing capacity if the access panel is subjected to heavy loads. If the flange is too thin, there is a risk that the access panel will collapse under excessive load or that fatigue symptoms will occur after a certain period of time due to constant loading and unloading.Even if the flange is thick enough to withstand high static and / or cyclic loads over extended periods, the assembly often cannot be designed to sit flush with the floor surface. This prevents a level floor surface, making it difficult to push objects and roll carts. Furthermore, such raised areas in the floor pose dangerous tripping hazards.

[0013] If the socket's support flange needs to be as thin as possible and thus no longer performs a load-bearing function, there are various state-of-the-art methods for securing a socket in a floor opening. Common techniques include mechanical fastening and bonding.

[0014] With mechanical fastening, the socket is secured in the floor opening using screws or other fasteners. This method provides a robust connection but can be complex to use.

[0015] Bonding, on the other hand, uses adhesives to hold the socket securely in the base opening. This enables a slimmer design, but can impose limitations in terms of long-term stability and ease of maintenance. EP 2177689 B1 (BRECO-BAUELEMENTE AG, November 30, 2016) discloses a socket for a floor box which has a non-load-bearing flange for positioning the socket at the top of a base opening. The socket also has a circumferential surface on which an undercut is formed. This undercut acts as an adhesive groove when the circumferential surface is bonded to the inner wall of the base opening. According to EP 2177689 B1, this adhesive groove enables improved bonding of the socket in the base opening compared to a planar surface. Before the socket is inserted into the base opening, the adhesive is applied to the circumferential surface.However, it has been found that with a socket prepared in this way, the adhesive is often not distributed evenly along the outer surface when the socket is inserted, and the adhesive groove, into which the adhesive should actually be applied, is only insufficiently filled with adhesive. Furthermore, the adhesive layer in the adhesive groove is very thick, making it difficult for the adhesive to dry completely. In practice, this often leads to an insufficiently strong adhesive bond, meaning the socket cannot withstand the necessary static and cyclic loads. In addition to being susceptible to poor adhesive bonding, the angular profile of the socket also has predetermined breaking points, making the socket even more susceptible to failure. This unreliable stability of state-of-the-art adhesive-bonded floor boxes leads to complex repair work and also represents a high risk of accidents.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least some, if not all, of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a socket for an access panel for an opening in a floor, which socket allows for improved assembly. The improved assembly comprises both easier installation of the socket in the opening and improved stability of the installed socket under load. This improved stability should be ensured, in particular, even in the event of careless assembly.

[0017] The problem is solved by a socket for an opening in a floor, an extrusion die for a metal profile for producing a socket, a metal profile for producing a socket, an access panel for an opening in a floor, and a method for mounting a socket in an opening in a floor according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0018] A first aspect of the invention relates to a socket for an opening in a floor. The floor is, in particular, the floor of a building. The socket comprises a flange for resting on the floor. It also comprises a lateral surface for insertion into the opening. The lateral surface, in turn, comprises an adhesive region for fixing the socket in the opening. The socket is characterized in that the distance between the flange and the adhesive region is at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, even more preferably at most 1 mm. Most preferably, the adhesive region is directly adjacent to the flange.

[0019] For the purposes of the present invention, a socket as part of an access panel is a circumferential structure specifically designed for an opening in a floor, the opening having substantially vertical side walls. The primary function of the access panel is to provide orderly and safe access to electrical wiring and / or piping running beneath the floor surface. The socket serves as a frame or housing that is inserted into the opening in the floor and provides a stable and defined interface to secure and support the access panel.

[0020] The frame can be adapted to various floor types and floor coverings. The floor covering is the uppermost, visible part of the floor. Possible floor coverings include carpet, linoleum, polyurethane (PU) flooring, parquet, stone slabs, cast flooring, hard concrete, and terrazzo. Depending on the type and thickness of the floor covering, the frame is adapted accordingly so that the access panel sits flush with the floor surface. The floor type refers to the part of the floor between the supporting floor and the floor covering. The frame according to the invention can be used in various floor types. Possible floor types include subfloors, raised access floors, and raised access floors.

[0021] With a subfloor, the desired floor installations (e.g., underfloor ducts) are installed on the building's supporting floor. Where the access panels are to be placed, appropriate formwork is placed as recesses in the supporting floor. The liquid material (anhydride or cement) for the subfloor is then poured in such a way that the entire floor is filled with the material up to the desired height. The recesses are not filled. The side walls of the recesses are then glued to the adhesive area of ​​the frame.

[0022] Both a hollow floor and a raised access floor are supported by supports on the supporting floor. Unlike a cavity floor, the individual floor panels of a raised floor are visible. For both types of floors, cutouts are made in the floor during installation, into which the sockets can be inserted.

[0023] In general, the inventive socket can also be installed in concrete slabs and wooden structures. Furthermore, the application area of ​​the inventive socket is not limited to access panels for openings in floors, but also for openings in walls and ceilings.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, a floor is a horizontally oriented structural element on which people and objects can be placed and / or moved.

[0025] The flange, as part of the socket according to the invention, is a structure that extends from the outside of the socket, starting from the center of the socket opening. During the socket assembly phase, the flange is placed on the base and serves as a temporary support, holding the weight of the socket before the adhesive used to bond the socket to the base opening has cured. The flange is not designed to support heavy loads such as the weight of people and objects such as furniture or even cars.

[0026] The lateral surface, in the context of a socket according to the invention, refers to the part of the socket's peripheral outer surface that lies below the flange when the socket is installed as intended in an opening in a base. The lateral surface is the part of the socket's outer surface that is inserted into the opening in the base and serves as a connecting element between the socket and the surrounding base structure. After the socket is inserted, a gap exists between the opening in the base and the lateral surface, which can be at least partially filled, for example with an adhesive.

[0027] The adhesive area refers to a specific part or the entire outer surface of a socket according to the invention, which serves to fix the socket, in particular in an opening in a base. The adhesive area is a specially shaped area designed so that an adhesive, which is to be introduced into the gap between the socket and the base opening during intended use, can cure to form a positive connection. The positive connection between the adhesive area and the adhesive enables a permanent and stable connection between the socket and the surrounding structure. The adhesive area is preferably not a self-adhesive area of ​​the outer surface, but rather an area intended for bonding with an adhesive applied thereto.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, the adhesive region has, in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a strip of the frame between a starting point and an end point at a cutoff wavelength of 2 mm, a waviness profile with a wave depth of between 0.6 mm and 2.4 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, most preferably between 1.4 mm and 1.6 mm.

[0029] Preferably, the measured surface profile is determined using a non-contact measuring device, preferably a white light interferometer. The waviness profile is determined from this measured surface profile. The waviness profile (W-profile) is the profile resulting from electronic low-pass filtering of the measured surface profile with a cutoff wavelength of 2 mm.

[0030] The cutoff wavelength is used to decompose the surface profile into two components: the waviness profile (long wavelength) and the roughness profile (short wavelength). Wavelengths longer than the cutoff wavelength are assigned to the waviness profile, while shorter wavelengths are assigned to the roughness profile. When analyzing a surface, the measured overall profile is decomposed into these two components using appropriate filtering techniques so that the macroscopic waves (waviness) can be distinguished from the microscopic irregularities (roughness). The cutoff wavelength is the wavelength at which the Gaussian filter used attenuates the wavelength by 50%. This also means that this wavelength is transmitted at 50%.

[0031] The distance between the flange and the bonding area is the shortest distance between the side of the flange facing the bonding area and the beginning of the bonding area.

[0032] It has been shown that a socket according to the first aspect of the invention enables particularly good installation in a floor opening. This good installation includes both easier installation of the socket and improved stability of the installed socket under load.

[0033] In particular, it has been shown that placing the beginning of the bonding area as close as possible, especially directly to the flange, leads to improved distribution of the adhesive along the entire bonding area. Even if the adhesive is applied to the edge between the flange and the outer surface, the adhesive is distributed in the intended bonding area and not outside it (as, for example, in EP 2177689 B1, BRECO-BAUELEMENTE AG, November 30, 2016). Thus, with a socket according to the invention, the adhesive is applied to the desired location even in the event of careless installation. Firstly, this facilitates the installation of the socket, and secondly, it leads to improved stability and thus to a lower susceptibility to failure of the installed socket under load compared to sockets of the prior art.

[0034] In addition to simplified installation and increased stability, the socket according to the invention requires a shorter outer surface than comparable prior art sockets because the bonding area begins closer to the flange. This saves material and also makes the socket according to the invention suitable for shallower openings in floors.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a strip of the frame, the chord length between a starting point and an end point of the adhesive region is at least 13 mm, preferably at least 18 mm, most preferably at least 23 mm.

[0036] A bead of a frame preferably refers to a specific elongated side part formed from metal profiles. These beadings are created, for example, by cutting and beveling the metal profile and then welding several such beveled metal profiles together. The definition of a beading as described here also applies to all subsequent preferred embodiments.

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, the longitudinal axis of a strip is defined as the imaginary line that extends in the longitudinal direction of the strip and determines its course. It runs parallel to the longest sides of the strip.

[0038] For the purposes of the present invention, a cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a frame's ledge refers to an imaginary cut that runs perpendicular to the ledge's longitudinal axis. This cut does not represent a physical separation or modification of the ledge as a structural feature, but rather serves as a conceptual reference and / or viewing plane.

[0039] The starting point and end point of the bonding area refer to specific positions on the section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a frame strip. For the purposes of the present invention, the starting point of the fastening area is defined as the point where the bonding area begins, while the end point marks the end of this area.

[0040] Mathematically speaking, the chord length between two points on a plane curve is the straight line connecting the two points, without considering the curve itself. The chord length between the starting point and the end point in the context of the present invention refers to the shortest connecting line between these two points.

[0041] It has been shown that a bonding area as long as possible, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a socket strip, and thus the largest possible bonding area on the socket's outer surface, is particularly advantageous for the adhesive's adhesion when bonding the socket to the side wall of the opening in the floor. This leads to greater stability of the socket in the opening and thus contributes to improved installation of the socket.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the adhesive region of the frame is an adhesive region which is edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a strip of the frame.

[0043] An edgeless and corrugated fastening area in the context of the present invention refers to an area that has no sharp or pronounced edges and whose surface has a wave-like structure. The waves can have different shapes, wavelengths, and amplitudes. The waves can be harmonic waves, where the wavelength and amplitude are constant, or inharmonic waves, where the wavelength, the amplitude, or both parameters vary along the length of the wave. Examples of edgeless harmonic waves that can be used are sine waves, edgeless sawtooth waves, edgeless rectangular waves, and edgeless triangular waves, with any edges of the waveform being rounded off. The radius of the rounding is at least 0.50 mm, preferably at least 0.75 mm, and most preferably at least 1.00 mm. Superimposed waveforms are also possible.

[0044] In a sinusoidally corrugated adhesive area, the wave has a sinusoidal shape.

[0045] It has been shown that a corrugated adhesive area and its edgeless design ensures a uniform and trouble-free connection between the socket and the opening in the base: The corrugated adhesive area enables a particularly well-developed form fit (as already described above) between the adhesive area and the adhesive. When the socket is loaded in the assembly direction, the wave crests of the corrugated adhesive area are pressed evenly onto the form-fitting, cured adhesive, which leads to a uniform force transfer to the adhesive. The wave shape also increases the contact area between the adhesive area and the adhesive. When the socket is inserted into the opening in the base, the adhesive is also evenly distributed in the corrugated adhesive area, which in turn leads to an even distribution of the load on the adhesive bond.In addition, the adhesive can dry better if it is better distributed than if the entire volume of the adhesive is in a single place, which makes it difficult or even impossible to dry the core of the volume.

[0046] Furthermore, it has been shown in the prior art sockets with edged adhesive areas (such as in EP 2177689 B1, BRECO-BAUELEMENTE AG, November 30, 2016) that the adhesive bond is not particularly stable. Surprisingly, it was discovered that an adhesive seam connected to an edged surface is more likely to break than an edgeless adhesive area. It was therefore found that, among other things, the angular cross-section is responsible for this instability. In addition to the more stable adhesive seam, the edgeless design of the adhesive area also makes the socket itself more stable. The edges of the adhesive area are predetermined breaking points, which can lead to the socket breaking under excessive stress. The edgeless adhesive area of ​​the socket according to the invention therefore leads to increased stability.

[0047] Due to the greatly improved stability of the adhesive bond and the socket compared to state-of-the-art sockets, a shorter shell surface is required, which (as described above) leads to material savings and enables the socket to be installed in less deep openings.

[0048] It has also been shown that a sinusoidally corrugated adhesive area is particularly advantageous in ensuring better stability of the socket and the adhesive bond.

[0049] Thus, an edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, adhesive area enables improved mounting of the socket.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the ratio between the arc length and the chord length between a starting point and an end point of the edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, adhesive region in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a strip of the frame is greater than 1.2, preferably greater than 1.3, even more preferably greater than 1.4, most preferably greater than 1.5.

[0051] The arc length of a plane curve is used to describe the physical length of the curve between two points lying on the curve. Unlike the chord length, which describes the shortest distance between the two points, the arc length describes the distance of the path along the curve. For the purposes of the present invention, the arc length refers to the length of the potentially curved path connecting the two points within the bonding area.

[0052] It has been shown that a ratio of arc length to chord length according to the invention is particularly advantageous for achieving the properties of the adhesive region according to the invention described above. In particular, this increases the surface area of ​​the adhesive region, which strengthens the adhesive bond and thus increases the load-bearing capacity of the frame.

[0053] A further preferred embodiment of one of the two preceding embodiments of the first aspect of the invention relates to a frame in which the edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, adhesive region in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a bar of the frame has a wavelength of between 4.7 mm and 6.0 mm, preferably between 5.0 mm and 5.7 mm, most preferably between 5.3 mm and 5.4 mm. Furthermore, said adhesive region has an amplitude of between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm, most preferably between 0.7 mm and 0.8 mm.

[0054] It has been shown that a corrugated bonding area with such a wave structure is particularly advantageous for achieving the object of the invention. On the one hand, these wavelength and amplitude dimensions lead to a stable, positive connection between the adhesive and the bonding area. On the other hand, the recesses of the wave structure are not too deep, which allows for rapid and complete drying of the adhesive.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the preceding embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the length of the edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, adhesive region in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a strip of the frame is at least 2.5, preferably at least 3.5, most preferably at least 4.5 wavelengths.

[0056] It has been shown that an edgeless and corrugated bonding area with multiple wave cycles is particularly advantageous. This allows the force from the frame to be transferred to the cured adhesive via multiple bulges in the bonding area when the frame is subjected to stress. With multiple wave cycles, the adhesive is also better distributed along the bonding area, which is advantageous (as described above).

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the flange of the socket is at most 1.0 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, most preferably at most 0.5 mm thick in the vertical direction when used as intended.

[0058] In this context, the intended use refers to the use of the socket in a soil.

[0059] A flange that's as thin as possible allows the floor to be as level as possible after the flooring is installed, even where the flange of the socket rests on the floor surface below the flooring. Raised flooring above the flange is not only aesthetically undesirable, but also leads to damage to the flooring if people repeatedly walk on it, if the access panel is repeatedly driven over, or if objects are pushed over it.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the socket additionally comprises a projection extending toward the center of the socket for supporting an insert and / or a cover. An upper side of the projection is lower than a side of the flange facing the adhesive area. Furthermore, the distance between the upper side of the projection and the side of the flange facing the adhesive area is between 4 mm and 9 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm, most preferably between 6 mm and 7 mm.

[0061] In this context, the term "deeper" means the spatial position of the top of the projection relative to the side of the flange facing the bonding area when the socket is inserted into an opening in the base as intended.

[0062] The projection, as part of the socket according to the invention, is a structure that extends from the inside of the socket toward the center of the socket opening. The projection is configured such that an insert and / or a lid can be placed thereon such that a top surface of the lid is substantially coplanar with the side of the flange facing the adhesive area. This allows the top surface of the access panel to be coplanar with the top surface of the floor when the floor covering is applied to the floor and to the lid.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the preceding embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, at least one connecting edge between an inner surface of the socket and the projection is rounded with a radius of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, most preferably at least 3 mm.

[0064] An inner surface of the socket is a surface whose normal vector is directed to the center of the socket and which is both perpendicular to the flange and perpendicular to the section which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a strip of the socket.

[0065] The connecting edges between the inner surface of the socket and the projection are edges that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of a strip of the socket. They form the transition between the inner surface of the socket and the projection, which are preferably arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0066] Rounding at least one connecting edge between the inner surface of the socket and the projection increases the strength of the projection and thus the entire socket. This prevents or at least reduces deflection of the projection or other parts of the socket when forces are applied to the access panel cover.

[0067] It is also possible that further edges of the frame are rounded to ensure greater stability.

[0068] A second aspect of the invention relates to an extrusion die for a metal profile, in particular an aluminum profile, for producing a socket according to the first aspect of the invention by cutting to length, beveling and welding.

[0069] An extrusion die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing, particularly in the extrusion process (also called extrusion molding). It consists of a robust mold, often made of hardened steel or other durable materials, with one or more openings with a specific cross-section. These openings correspond to the desired shape of the final product, such as a metal profile.

[0070] In the extrusion process, a heated and malleable material, such as aluminum or plastic, is forced through the extrusion die. The material takes on the shape of the openings in the die and solidifies upon cooling, creating the desired profile.

[0071] To produce the frame, a metal profile produced by the extrusion process, preferably aluminum profile, is processed by: Cutting to length, wherein cutting to length comprises cutting the metal profile into individual metal profile parts, preferably aluminum profile parts; beveling, wherein beveling comprises cutting the ends of the metal profile parts, preferably aluminum profile parts, to a desired angle; and welding, wherein welding comprises joining the beveled metal profile parts, preferably aluminum profile parts, to form a socket.

[0072] For a square or rectangular frame, the ends are beveled at a 45° angle. For a square or rectangular frame, four beveled metal profile pieces are welded together to create the finished frame. These metal profile pieces are the strips that form part of the frame.

[0073] Cutting, beveling, and welding are the only substantial steps required. Other steps such as grinding cut edges and surface treatment (e.g., cleaning, sanding, polishing, painting, galvanizing, or anodizing) are also possible, although these steps do not significantly alter the profile. The structural characteristics of the strips of the finished frame correspond to the structural characteristics of the metal profile produced by the extrusion process, preferably aluminum. Therefore, no additional recesses are milled into the profile, for example.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the socket of the first aspect of the invention comprises a protective edge for protecting the floor covering, wherein the protective edge is a circumferential projection formed on the side of the flange facing away from the adhesive area. Thus, the extrusion die of the second aspect of the invention comprises a corresponding recess for this protective edge. This protective edge can be cut to the desired length after extrusion of the metal profile, preferably aluminum profile, depending on the thickness of the floor covering, which is the only significant change to the profile of the socket.

[0075] An extrusion die according to the second aspect of the invention enables the production of a socket according to the first aspect of the invention with the aforementioned advantages. The second aspect of the invention thus enables the provision of a socket for an access panel for an opening in a floor, which enables improved assembly.

[0076] A third aspect of the invention relates to a metal profile, in particular an aluminum profile, for producing a socket according to the first aspect of the invention by cutting to length, beveling and welding.

[0077] The frame is manufactured from the metal profile, preferably an aluminum profile, as described in the second aspect of the invention; the manufacturing process is also subject to the limitations stated therein. The essential structural features of the metal profile according to the invention, preferably an aluminum profile, correspond to those of a strip of the frame of the first aspect of the invention.

[0078] The third aspect of the invention also enables the provision of a socket for an access panel for an opening in a floor, which enables improved assembly.

[0079] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to an access panel for an opening in a floor, in particular a floor of a building. The access panel comprises a frame according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0080] The access panel also optionally includes an insert. The insert can be placed on a projection of the socket and mounted to the socket. It is preferably mounted using a screw connection and / or clamp connection.

[0081] For the purposes of this invention, the term "or" is to be understood as an exclusive disjunction. "A or B" indicates that exactly one of the two statements is true (if the disjunction is true).

[0082] The access panel also includes a cover. The cover can be placed on the socket projection and / or the optional insert to close the access panel. When the access panel is closed, a top surface of the cover is substantially coplanar with a side of the socket flange facing the adhesive area.

[0083] The access panel also optionally includes a damping element made of a rubber-elastic material. The rubber-elastic material is preferably an ethylene propylene diene rubber from the M group (EPDM). The damping element can be placed between the cover and the socket and / or between the cover and the optional insert. The damping element is preferably glued to the cover, the socket, or the optional insert.

[0084] The insert is usually made of a robust metal or plastic construction that can be placed on the projection and secured there. For example, after the insert has been placed, screws can be fitted into the socket so that the insert is firmly in place and cannot be removed from the socket without loosening the screws. An adhesive connection is also conceivable for mounting the insert. The insert can, for example, be designed for power sockets and / or network connections so that corresponding sockets can be built into the insert and the corresponding cables can be connected to the sockets. The insert can also include fittings for gases and / or liquids that are connected to the corresponding lines. If the access panel includes such an insert, it is also referred to as a junction box. If the access panel only allows access to underfloor ducts, for example, it is referred to as a junction box.

[0085] The lid is adapted to receive the same flooring as the rest of the room floor, such that the top surface of the flooring on the lid and the top surface of the flooring on the rest of the floor are substantially coplanar with each other.

[0086] To close the lid, it can either be placed loosely on the socket's protrusion and / or the optional insert. It is also possible for the lid to be attached to the socket with a hinge and / or a clamp connection.

[0087] In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially coplanar" means that two surfaces lie at least almost in the same geometric plane. Minor deviations or irregularities that may occur in practice are permitted. However, these deviations are so minimal that they do not significantly impair the intended function of the objects in question. In the present case, the fact that the top side of the lid, when the access panel is closed, is arranged substantially coplanar with a side of the socket flange facing the adhesive area means that the planes in which the two surfaces lie are at most 3.0 mm, preferably at most 2.0 mm, even more preferably at most 1.0 mm, and most preferably at most 0.5 mm apart.

[0088] The optional damping element serves as sound insulation and also protects the material of the socket, the optional insert and the cover.

[0089] Ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers from the M group (EPDM) are terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and an unspecified diene and are defined by the standard ASTM D1418-22 (as of June 15, 2015).

[0090] The access panel of the fourth aspect of the invention comprises the socket of the first aspect of the invention, the advantages of which have been described in detail above; thus, the access panel according to the fourth aspect of the invention also enables improved mounting of the socket.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, the access panel comprises a first protective edge for protecting the floor covering. The first protective edge is formed as part of the frame or as a separate component attached to the frame. Optionally, the access panel comprises a second protective edge for protecting the floor covering, wherein the second protective edge is formed as part of the cover.

[0092] If the first protective edge is formed as part of the socket, the first protective edge is a projection surrounding the socket, which is formed on the side of the flange facing away from the adhesive area.

[0093] If the first protective edge is a separate component attached to the frame, it is preferably secured via an adhesive bond to a recess formed in the frame and running around the frame. Such a protective edge can also be referred to as a plug-in edge. Typically, such a first protective edge is made of a material that matches the appearance of the flooring, since the first protective edge is visible when the access panel is closed.

[0094] The second protective edge is a projection on the top of the lid that runs around the lid.

[0095] In a socket installed in the floor, the first and / or second protective edge is / are directed upwards. The length of the first and / or second protective edge is defined by the thickness of the respective floor covering such that a planar upper surface of the respective protective edge is arranged essentially coplanar with the surface of the floor covering.

[0096] The first protective edge and the optional second protective edge protect the edges of the flooring against damage when people repeatedly walk on them or when the access panel is repeatedly driven over or objects are pushed over it.

[0097] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting a socket according to the first aspect of the invention in an opening in a floor. The opening is larger than the socket. The method comprises the step of bonding the socket in the opening. Bonding is performed in such a way that an adhesive is distributed in a gap between the bonding area and the opening, so that the gap is at least partially filled with adhesive.

[0098] The opening in the floor has substantially vertical side walls and provides access to electrical wiring and / or pipes. The socket is preferably part of an access panel according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0099] Bonding is achieved by applying a suitable adhesive so that the bonding area is filled with adhesive after the socket is inserted into the opening. Depending on the loads that will later be exerted on the cured bond, care must be taken to ensure that at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably 100% of the bonding area is covered with adhesive. This ensures a sufficiently stable bond.

[0100] After the adhesive is applied, the socket is inserted into the opening. The flange then rests on the base surface and supports the socket while the adhesive cures. Before the socket cures, the socket should not be subjected to any additional load other than its own weight. In this state, the socket can support the insert and / or the lid, for example, but not heavier loads such as people, furniture, or vehicles.

[0101] After curing, the adhesive forms a positive connection with the adhesive surface of the socket, which imparts particularly high stability to the connection between the socket and the floor opening. The advantages of the method of the fifth aspect of the invention correspond to the advantages of the preceding aspects. Thus, the fifth aspect of the invention also enables improved assembly of a socket for an access panel for an opening in a floor.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, the gluing of the socket in the opening is carried out in such a way that the adhesive is applied to the gluing area of ​​the socket.

[0103] In addition, the adhesive can also be applied to the bottom opening or to the flange of the socket.

[0104] The invention will now be described using specific embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. Fig. 1: Sectional drawings of the strips of various embodiments of the inventive socket; Fig. 2: Sectional drawing of a strip of an inventive socket glued into a floor opening; Fig. 3: Illustration of the lateral surface and the adhesive area lying thereon of an inventive socket; Fig. 4: Sectional drawing of an inventive extrusion die; Fig. 5: Illustration of the manufacturing process of an inventive socket starting from a metal profile; Fig. 6: Sectional drawing of an inventive access panel in a floor opening; and Fig. 7: Perspective exploded view of an inventive access panel.

[0105] In Figure 1Sectional views of the strips (1130) of three different embodiments of the inventive frame (1100) are shown. The sectional view corresponds to the section (1140) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130). A frame (1100) is typically composed of several metal profile elements, which form the individual strips (1130) in the finished frame (1100) (see below).

[0106] The socket (1100) comprises a flange (1110) directed away from the center of the socket (1100) and a lateral surface (1120). The lateral surface (1120) begins in Figure 1under the flange (1110) and extends to the lower end of the socket (1100). A sinusoidally corrugated adhesive area (1121) is formed on the outer surface (1120). In the exemplary embodiments shown, essentially the entire outer surface (1120) is the adhesive area (1121). The side (1111) of the flange (1110) facing the adhesive area (1121) directly borders on the adhesive area (1121) in all three exemplary embodiments. A recess directed towards the center (to the right in Figure 1 ) of the socket, a projection (1150) comprising a top side (1151) and a rounded connecting edge (1152) lies on Figure 1 deeper than the flange (1110).

[0107] The three examples differ in their respective design of the protective edge (1160) for protecting the floor covering. The design in Figure 1A has a lower protective edge (1160') than the protective edge (1160") in Figure 1B . The version (1100) in Figure 1Ais designed for less thick floor coverings (2300) than the version (1100) in Figure 1B. Figure 1C shows a socket (1100) without a protective edge. Instead, this embodiment includes a recess (1170) designed to accommodate a protective edge as a separate component. This separate protective edge is attached to the socket (1100) by an adhesive bond.

[0108] In Figure 2 is the socket (1100) of the embodiment from Figure 1Ashown in a sectional view. The outer surface (1120) is inserted into an opening (2210) of a base (2200). The side (1111) of the flange (1110) facing the adhesive area (1121) rests on the surface (2220) of a base (2200). Between a side wall (2211) of the opening (2210) and the adhesive area (1121) there is a gap (2230) which is filled with adhesive (3000). The cured adhesive (3000) forms a positive connection with the adhesive area (1121) of the socket (1100). If a load acts on the socket (1100) in a vertical direction, the elevations of the adhesive area (1121) are pressed onto the positive-fitting elevations of the adhesive (3000) for optimal force transmission.Because the adhesive area (1121) begins immediately below the flange (1110) (in this embodiment there is no distance (1122) between the flange (1110) and the adhesive area (1121)) and because the adhesive (3000) is distributed over the entire adhesive area (1121) by the holder (1100) according to the invention during insertion, the adhesive connection is particularly stable.

[0109] The terms “vertical” and “horizontal” refer to the horizontal surface (2220) of the ground (2200) with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0110] The upper side (1151) of the projection (1150) is located at a certain distance (1153) below the side (1111) of the flange (1110) facing the adhesive area (1121), so that a cover (1300) can be placed on the projection (1150). After applying the floor covering (2300), which is Figure 2not shown, to the floor (2200) and the lid (1300), the surface of the floor covering (2300) is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the protective edge (1160') to form an overall flat surface.

[0111] In Figure 3 The lateral surface (1120) of a sinusoidally corrugated bonding area is illustrated in detail. The bonding area (1121) is the part of the lateral surface (1120) that lies between the starting point (1141) and the end point (1142). The chord length (1143) between these two points is their direct connecting line (dotted line). The arc length (1144) is the actual length of the curve between the two points (dash-dotted line). The wavelength (1145) corresponds to the distance between two adjacent vertices of the wave structure. The amplitude (1146) describes the distance between the imaginary center line of the wave structure and the vertices.

[0112] In Figure 4An extrusion die (4000) is illustrated for a metal profile (5000) for producing a frame (1100) according to the invention. The inner region of the contour of the frame (1100) is milled out of the extrusion die (4000). The process for producing a square frame (1100) according to the invention starting from a metal profile (5000) is shown in Figure 5 illustrated. The metal profile (5000) is first cut to length (i) into sections of the desired length. By beveling (ii) the sections, they can be joined together by welding (iii). The four sections form the individual strips (1130) of the finished frame (1100). Figure 5 the longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130) is also shown, as well as a section (1140) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130).

[0113] The socket (1100) according to the invention is shown in the sectional drawing in Figure 6as part of the access panel (1000) according to the invention with protective edges (1160, 1320). In this embodiment, a base (2200) is applied to the supporting floor (2100), with an opening (2210) in the floor (2200) being cut out for the access panel (1000). An insert (1200) lies on the socket (1100) and is fastened (the fastening is shown in Figure 7not visible). The insert (1200) comprises socket openings (1210) to which power cables can be connected. In addition, access openings (1220) allow the connected cables to be passed through from the access panel (1000). A cover (1300) is placed on the insert (1200) and therebetween there is a damping element (1400) which is fastened to the cover (1300). The cover (1300) is also provided with a second protective edge (1320). The floor covering (2300) is applied to the surface (1310) of the cover (1300) and to the base (2200), wherein the floor covering (2300) on the cover (1300) and the floor covering (2300) on the base (2200) are arranged substantially coplanar to one another.

[0114] Figure 7shows an isometric exploded view of the access panel (1000) according to the invention without a protective edge, comprising a socket (1100), an insert (1200), a cover (1300) and a damping element (1400) attached to the cover (1300).

Claims

1. A socket (1100) for an opening (2210) in a floor (2200), in particular a floor of a building, the socket (1100) comprising: - a flange (1110) for resting on the floor (2200); and - a lateral surface (1120) for insertion into the opening (2210), the lateral surface (1120) comprising an adhesive region (1121) for fixing the socket (1100) in the opening (2210); characterized in that the distance (1122) between the flange (1110) and the adhesive region (1121) is at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, even more preferably at most 1 mm, most preferably that the adhesive region (1121) directly adjoins the flange (1110).

2. Socket (1100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a section (1140) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130) of the socket (1100), the chord length (1143) between a starting point (1141) and an end point (1142) of the adhesive region (1121) is at least 13 mm, preferably at least 18 mm, most preferably at least 23 mm.

3. Socket (1100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive region (1121) is an adhesive region (1121) which is edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, in a section (1140) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130) of the socket (1100).

4. The socket (1100) according to claim 3, wherein the ratio between the arc length (1144) and the chord length (1143) between a starting point (1141) and an end point (1142) of the edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, adhesive region (1121) in a section (1140) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130) of the socket (1100) is greater than 1.2, preferably greater than 1.3, even more preferably greater than 1.4, most preferably greater than 1.

5.

5. The socket (1100) according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, adhesive region (1121) in a section (1140) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130) of the socket (1100) - has a wavelength (1145) of between 4.7 mm and 6.0 mm, preferably between 5.0 mm and 5.7 mm, most preferably between 5.3 mm and 5.4 mm; and - has an amplitude (1146) of between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm, most preferably between 0.7 mm and 0.8 mm.

6. The socket (1100) according to claim 5, wherein the length of the edgeless and corrugated, preferably sinusoidally corrugated, adhesive region (1121) in a section (1140) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1131) of a strip (1130) of the socket (1100) is at least 2.5, preferably at least 3.5, most preferably at least 4.5 wavelengths (1145).

7. Socket (1100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (1110) is at most 1.0 mm thick, preferably at most 0.8 mm, most preferably at most 0.5 mm thick in the vertical direction when used as intended.

8. Socket (1100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the socket (1100) additionally comprises a projection (1150) extending towards the centre of the socket (1100) for supporting an insert (1200) and / or a cover (1300), wherein - an upper side (1151) of the projection (1150) is lower than a side (1111) of the flange (1110) facing the adhesive region (1121); and - the distance (1153) between the upper side (1151) of the projection (1150) and the side (1111) of the flange (1110) facing the adhesive region (1121) is between 4 mm and 9 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm, most preferably between 6 mm and 7 mm.

9. Socket (1100) according to claim 8, wherein at least one connecting edge (1152) between an inner surface of the socket (1100) and the projection (1150) is rounded with a radius of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, most preferably at least 3 mm.

10. Extrusion die (4000) for a metal profile (5000), in particular an aluminum profile, for producing a socket (1100) according to one of the preceding claims by cutting to length, beveling and welding.

11. Metal profile (5000), in particular aluminum profile, for producing a socket (1100) according to one of claims 1 to 9 by cutting to length, beveling and welding.

12. Access panel (1000) for an opening (2210) in a floor (2200), in particular a floor of a building, the access panel (1000) comprising: - a socket (1100) according to one of claims 1 to 9; - optionally, an insert (1200), wherein - the insert (1200) can be placed on a projection (1150) of the socket (1100), and - the insert (1200) can be mounted on the socket (1100), preferably by a screw connection and / or clamp connection; a cover (1300), wherein - the cover (1300) can be placed on the projection (1150) of the socket (1100) and / or the optional insert (1200) to close the access panel (1000), and - an upper side (1310) of the cover (1300) is arranged substantially coplanar with a side (1111) of the flange (1110) of the socket (1100) facing the adhesive area (1121) when the access panel (1000) is closed;and - optionally, a damping element (1400) made of a rubber-elastic material, preferably an ethylene-propylene-diene rubber from the M group, wherein - the damping element (1400) can be placed between the cover (1300) and the socket (1100) and / or between the cover and the optional insert (1200), and - the damping element (1400) is preferably glued to the cover (1300), to the socket (1100) or to the optional insert (1200); 13. Access panel (1000) according to claim 12, wherein the access panel (1000) - comprises a first protective edge (1160) for protecting the floor covering (2300), wherein the first protective edge (1160) is formed as part of the socket (1100) or is a separate component attached to the socket (1100); and - optionally, comprises a second protective edge (1320) for protecting the floor covering (2300), wherein the second protective edge (1320) is formed as part of the cover (1300).

14. A method for mounting a socket (1100) according to one of claims 1 to 9 in an opening (2210) in a base (2200), wherein the opening (2210) is larger than the socket (1100), the method comprising the step of: - gluing the socket (1100) in the opening (2210) in such a way that an adhesive (3000) is distributed in a gap (2230) between the adhesive region (1121) and the opening (2210) such that the gap (2230) is at least partially filled with adhesive (3000).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the bonding of the socket (1100) in the opening (2210) is carried out in such a way that the adhesive (3000) is applied to the bonding area (1121) of the socket (1100).

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