Plastering ring for recess-mounted installations

Abstract

The invention relates to a plastering ring (1) for recess-mounted installations, in particular for a lighting device, comprising a mounting disc (2) which has a wall fastening surface (5) and spans a through-opening and on which a collar (6) surrounding the through-opening (7) is arranged on the side of the mounting disc facing away from the wall fastening surface (5). In order to provide advantageous mounting conditions, it is proposed that at least one centring element (9) projects radially into the through-opening (7), said centring element being adjustable in length in the radial direction (10).

Description

[0001] Flush-mounted ring for concealed installations

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a flush-mounted ring for concealed installations, in particular for a lighting device, with a mounting disc having a wall mounting surface and spanning a through-opening, on which a collar framing the through-opening is arranged on its side facing away from the wall mounting surface.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] From EP2372230A1, a flush-mounting ring for a lighting device, comprising a mounting disc, is known. The mounting disc creates a through-opening for inserting a lighting device into a wall opening and has a wall mounting surface on one side and a collar on the other side that frames the through-opening. In this way, the flush-mounting ring can be placed over a wall opening, fastened there with screws, and then plastered over up to the edge of the collar, thus concealing the ring except for the through-opening. After plastering, the lighting device can be inserted through the through-opening into the wall opening and installed there.A disadvantage of this approach, however, is that different lighting fixtures have different sizes, requiring wall openings of varying dimensions depending on the fixture. To accommodate these diverse lighting fixtures, a wide range of recessed mounting ring sizes with different opening diameters is necessary. This is cumbersome, costly, and increases the risk of installation errors. Furthermore, precise alignment of the recessed mounting ring with a given wall opening can be challenging, especially if the mounting plate's opening is significantly larger than the wall opening. This often necessitates pre-marking to correctly center the mounting ring, slowing down the installation process.

[0006] From GB2571320A, a plastering disc with a wall mounting surface is known. A collar is arranged on the side facing away from the wall mounting surface. After plastering, the plastering disc can be cut along a circular notch within the collar, creating a through-opening.

[0007] Description of the invention

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a flush-mounted ring for concealed installations, in particular for lighting fixtures, which on the one hand allows flexible use with regard to concealed installations of different sizes and on the other hand permits a simple and quick installation process. A further objective is to provide an installation tool for the rapid and reproducible installation of the flush-mounted ring, as well as to provide an advantageous installation method for the flush-mounted ring.

[0009] The invention solves the stated problem by providing at least one centering element that projects radially into the through-opening and is adjustable in length in the radial direction. According to this feature of the invention, the plastering ring can be centered and thus aligned on wall openings of different sizes by means of the centering element, so that a single plastering ring can be used for flush-mounted installations, particularly for lighting fixtures of different dimensions. The centering element, which runs transversely to the central axis of the plastering ring, acts as a distance marker between the wall opening and the edge of the through-opening, thus eliminating the need for additional pre-marking on the wall. For large wall openings, the centering element can be shortened so that a smaller, constant distance between the wall opening and the edge of the through-opening can be specified.It probably goes without saying that the opening through the wall should generally be larger than the wall opening. In the context of the invention, "length-adjustable" means that the length of the centering element can be changed, either by lengthening and / or shortening. This term encompasses both designs that allow only lengthening or only shortening, and those that allow length adjustment in both directions. A form of length adjustment in both directions can be achieved, for example, by a telescopic centering element. A design that allows only shortening can be realized by providing kinks or predetermined breaking points for shortening the centering element. To adapt to a round wall opening, the centering element can have a concave, arc-shaped edge section.When the description refers to a wall or wall opening, this includes the ceilings of a room and therefore ceiling-wall openings. In addition to the centering element, the plastering ring has a collar that frames the opening and is located on the side of the mounting plate facing away from the wall mounting surface. The collar preferably projects from the mounting plate in the direction of the plastering ring's central axis and determines the subsequent plaster thickness, thus enabling clean plastering of the plastering ring. The distance between the collar's edge and the wall therefore determines the final plaster thickness.

[0010] According to the invention, at least one centering element projects radially into the through-opening. This means that the centering element projects radially inwards relative to the edge of the through-opening. The centering element can, in particular, be an internal projection. The internal projection can be flat. Preferably, the internal projection has two longitudinal ribs connected to each other by transverse ribs. The spacing between the transverse ribs can form the predetermined breaking points. In order to be able to mount common lighting fixtures, in particular ceiling spotlights including ceiling outlet boxes, with the flush-mounting ring, the through-opening diameter can be 60–80 mm, preferably 70–75 mm. This allows common ceiling spotlights to be inserted through the through-opening, with their cover plates still able to close the through-opening.The plaster ring height can be 4-10 mm, preferably 8 mm, in order to specify a minimum plaster thickness to compensate for any unevenness in the wall.

[0011] To allow for easy adjustment of the centering element's length to the wall opening, it is proposed that the centering element, which is particularly flat, be integrated into the wall mounting surface. This ensures the centering element lies in the same plane as the wall mounting surface. In this way, the wall mounting surface of the plastering ring can be aligned with the wall for length adjustment, allowing the centering element to also rest against the wall. This positions the centering element directly above the wall opening, facilitating precise length adjustment to the opening.

[0012] In principle, a single centering element can ensure sufficiently accurate alignment of the plastering ring with the wall opening. However, particularly precise and rapid installation is achieved when two, three, or four centering elements are used, distributed around the circumference of the opening. Preferably, two opposing centering elements are employed, which facilitates easy centering and results in a structurally simple plastering ring. For centering, the length of all centering elements can be adjusted so that they are flush with the wall opening. This ensures a constant distance between the edge of the opening and the wall opening, and thus precise centering, provided all centering elements are of the same length. Length markers can be provided to allow for easy adjustment of the length of all centering elements.To enable simple and precise length adjustment of the centering element in advance, regardless of whether the plastering ring is in contact with the wall opening, the length of the centering element can be discreetly adjustable via predefined steps. For wall openings of known dimensions, the corresponding step of the centering element can be set, which can be predetermined during the production of the plastering ring. This further reduces installation errors and increases the speed of centering. Preferably, the length of the centering element can be discreetly adjustable via three predefined steps. A first step can specify a distance of 30 mm from the center of the plastering ring to the edge of the centering element on the side facing the center of the plastering ring, a second step a distance of 34 mm, and a third step a distance of 37.5 mm.This allows for optimal centering on wall openings with diameters of 60 mm, 68 mm, and 75 mm, respectively. In a simpler version, particularly for smaller diameter luminaires, the length of the centering element can be discreetly adjusted via two predefined steps. The first step can specify a distance of 30 mm from the center of the mounting ring to the edge of the centering element on the side facing the mounting ring, and the second step a distance of 34 mm. To achieve the maximum distance, in a particularly simple embodiment, the length of the centering element can be adjusted so that the distance from the edge of the mounting ring to the center of the mounting ring is predetermined.

[0013] A simple implementation of the step formation can be achieved by providing at least one predetermined breaking point for the incremental shortening of the centering element. By providing two predetermined breaking points, three steps can be realized; by providing one predetermined breaking point, two steps can be realized. The predetermined breaking points can be created by weakening the material at the given location. A predetermined breaking point can be positioned at the level of the opening's edge, thus defining the distance from the opening's edge to the center of the plastering ring. In principle, it is possible to install the plastering ring manually. To simplify the use of a suitable installation tool, the mounting disc can have two tool receptacles opposite each other with respect to the opening. In the simplest case, these can be formed by holes.The mounting tool holders allow the plastering ring to be connected to the mounting tool in a twisted position.

[0014] During a rapid plastering process around the plastering ring, the opening that needs to remain open may become covered or filled with plastering material, requiring subsequent removal. To prevent this, it is proposed that the plastering ring have a cover that can be detachably connected to the collar to close the opening, with marking domes protruding from it. If sufficiently long, these marking domes cannot be plastered over, thus indicating the position of the cover and therefore the opening even after plastering. By removing the located cover, the opening can then be exposed. The cover can have a circumferential cutting edge on the side facing away from the opening to ensure a clean, residue-free seal between the plastering material and the opening when the cover is removed.The cover can have an external thread. The collar can have an internal thread that interacts with the external thread of the cover. The cover can have a tool holder for a turning tool. The turning tool can have a guide recess for inserting the marking domes. In this way, the marking domes serve not only to locate the cover but also to guide the alignment of the turning tool in the tool holder.

[0015] The plastering ring according to the invention can be mounted on a wall using a mounting tool. The mounting tool has a plastering ring receptacle that spans a receiving space for securing a plastering ring, and two wall stop surfaces opposite each other with respect to the plastering ring receptacle and projecting towards the receiving space. Due to the wall stop surfaces projecting towards the receiving space in the direction of the mounting tool's axis of symmetry and thus in the direction of the plastering ring's central axis, a constant distance between the wall mounting surface of the plastering ring and the wall is maintained when the mounting tool, together with the plastering ring, is placed against the wall.If an adhesive layer is applied to the wall mounting surface or the wall before positioning and pressing the collar into place, and this layer has a thickness exceeding this constant distance, then, as the adhesive layer is displaced and cures, a constant distance, determined by the mounting tool, can be created between the wall and the collar's edge. Using the mounting tool, this constant distance allows for a plaster layer of consistent thickness, which is defined by the collar's edge. The mounting tool's wall contact surfaces lie in a common plane and project beyond the receiving area. The receiving area is defined as the area of ​​the plaster ring recess that is occupied by the plaster ring, as defined by the mounting tool, without any adhesive layer. The plaster ring recess can therefore comprise a receiving area and a free space.While the plastering ring, in its position determined by the mounting tool, is not in the free space but only in the receiving space, the adhesive layer can be located in the free space.

[0016] Preferably, to create the projection towards the receiving area, the wall mounting surfaces can be spaced 2-4 mm away from the base surface of the plastering ring. To further improve the alignment of the plastering ring, a spirit level can be integrated into the installation tool.

[0017] To ensure a secure hold of the plastering ring in the installation tool despite its pronounced collar, it is proposed that the plastering ring receptacle have receiving surfaces parallel to the wall contact surfaces, interrupted by two receiving notches opposite each other with respect to an axis of symmetry of the installation tool. The receiving notches provide space for the collar and can be designed to conform to a circular contour for receiving a ring-shaped object, particularly a ring-shaped collar. The cross-section of the receiving notch can have a trapezoidal shape that widens towards the receiving surfaces to simplify the insertion of the plastering ring.

[0018] To ensure a secure fit of the plastering ring in the installation tool, the plastering ring receptacle can have two domes opposite each other with respect to an axis of symmetry of the installation tool, for securing the plastering ring against rotation. The domes can be inserted into mounting tool receptacles, in particular holes of the plastering ring.

[0019] To enable the use of a plastering ring according to the invention on walls with significant irregularities, without compromising reproducible plastering, it is proposed that the wall contact surfaces of the mounting tool form plate receptacles for spacer plates that can be detachably connected to them. In this way, the distance from the wall to the collar's edge can be further increased with a suitably selected adhesive layer thickness, thus allowing for a greater plaster layer thickness from the collar and enabling the compensation of significant irregularities. The detachable connection between the plate receptacle and the spacer plates can be magnetic.

[0020] The plastering ring and the mounting tool according to the invention together form a device for mounting a plastering ring on a wall to be plastered. In an advantageous embodiment, the device further comprises a cover for closing the opening and a rotary tool for inserting and removing the cover.

[0021] The device comprising the plastering ring and the mounting tool can be used to mount the plastering ring on a wall, wherein the length of the centering element is adjusted to the wall opening to be framed, the plastering ring is fixed in the plastering ring receptacle with its side facing away from the wall mounting surface first, the wall mounting surface or a wall area in the region of the wall opening is coated with an adhesive layer, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is greater than the distance in the direction of the plastering ring's central axis between the wall stop surfaces of the mounting tool and the wall mounting surface of the plastering ring, after which, with the centering element or elements aligned with the wall opening to be framed, the stop surfaces of the mounting tool receiving the plastering ring are pressed against the wall.After a predetermined curing time of the adhesive layer, the mounting tool is removed from the wall and the bonded plastering ring, and the wall is plastered. The provision of stop surfaces ensures that only a small amount of the slightly excess adhesive layer is displaced when pressure is applied.The desired distance between the wall and the wall mounting surface is maintained and filled by the hardened adhesive. The stop surfaces prevent the plastering ring from approaching the wall beyond this desired distance. In this way, the distance between the collar's edge and the wall remains constant, even when multiple plastering rings are installed by different installers. A conventional construction adhesive is suitable as the adhesive layer. Before plastering, the opening can be closed with a cover that is detachably connected to the collar and has protruding marking domes. After plastering, the cover can be removed from the collar. A rotary tool can be used for removal and installation of the cover.

[0022] Brief description of the invention

[0023] The invention is illustrated in the drawing as an example. It shows

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of a plastering ring according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a side view of the plastering ring according to Fig. 1.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly tool according to the invention for the plastering ring according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic partially cutaway side view of the assembly tool according to the invention according to Fig. 3 with the plastering ring according to Fig. 1 mounted on a wall.

[0026] Fig. 5 shows a schematic, partially cut-away side view of the mounting tool according to the invention as shown in Fig. 3, with spacer plates and with the plastering ring shown in Fig. 1, during mounting on a wall.

[0027] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the plastered-in plaster ring according to Fig. 1.

[0028] Fig. 7 shows a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the plastering ring according to the invention with a removable cover,

[0029] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of the embedded plastering ring according to Fig. 7 with a rotary tool compatible with the removable cover and

[0030] Fig. 9 shows a detailed side view of a centering element according to the invention.

[0031] Ways to implement the invention

[0032] As can be seen, for example, in Figures 1 and 2, a plastering ring 1 according to the invention has a mounting disc 2, which may have gear-like projections, and is used to create a clean transition between a wall opening 3a, 3b, 3c in a wall 4, in which concealed installations, for example lighting fixtures, may be arranged, and a plaster layer V. The mounting disc 2 has a wall mounting surface 5 on its side facing the wall 4 and a collar 6 projecting from the mounting disc 2 on the other side, which frames a through-opening 7 in the mounting disc 2. The collar 6 preferably projects in the direction of the plastering ring's central axis 8 in order to form a precise plastering edge that defines the plaster layer thickness. According to the invention, one or more, in this case two opposing, centering elements 9 project radially, i.e., transversely to the plastering ring's central axis 8, into the through-opening 7.These centering elements 9 are length-adjustable in the radial direction 10, in this case only shortenable. By appropriately adjusting the length of the centering elements 9 to the wall openings 3a, 3b, 3c of different sizes, the plastering ring 1 can be aligned or centered on wall openings 3a, 3b, 3c of different diameters, so that the plastering ring 1 according to the invention can be used to precisely and reproducibly enclose concealed installations of different sizes.

[0033] The length adjustment, in this case the shortening, of the centering elements 9 can be carried out discretely via steps, which in the exemplary embodiment are formed by material-weakening-induced predetermined breaking points 11. If, in the present case, a wall opening 3b is to be framed, the centering elements 9 can be broken off at their first, inner predetermined breaking point 11 so that the centering elements 9 are flush with the wall opening 3b, thus enabling precise centering. If a wall opening 3c is to be framed, the next outermost predetermined breaking point 11 is broken off.

[0034] The centering elements 9 project radially inwards from the edge of the opening. The centering elements 9 can, in particular, be internal projections. The centering elements 9 can, in particular, be flat and comprise two longitudinal webs 13 connected to each other by transverse webs 12. The spacing between the transverse webs 12 can form the predetermined breaking points 11. To adapt to a round wall opening 3a, 3b, 3c, the centering element 9 can have a concave, arcuate edge section on the wall opening side.

[0035] To secure the plastering ring 1 against rotation on a mounting tool 14, the latter can have two mounting tool receptacles M opposite each other with respect to the through-opening 7.

[0036] Figures 3 to 5 show the assembly tool 14 according to the invention. This tool has a plastering ring receptacle 15 in which a receiving chamber 16 extends. The receiving chamber 16 is that part of the plastering ring receptacle 15 which is occupied by the plastering ring 1 inserted into the assembly tool 14, as indicated in Figure 4. The assembly tool 14 further has two wall stop surfaces 17 that are opposite each other with respect to the plastering ring receptacle 15 and project towards the receiving chamber 16. For this purpose, the wall stop surfaces 17 can be spaced 2-4 mm apart from a receiving base surface 18 of the plastering ring receptacle 15 in the direction of the plastering ring central axis 8, or the assembly tool symmetry axis 19.To receive the collar 6 of the plastering ring 1, the receiving base surfaces 18, which are parallel to the wall stop surfaces 17, can be interrupted by two receiving notches 20 opposite each other with respect to an axis of symmetry 19 of the mounting tool. These notches are preferably designed to conform to a circular contour for receiving a ring-shaped object. To facilitate insertion of the collar 6, the receiving notches 20 can have a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0037] To secure the plastering ring 1 against rotation, two domes 21 opposite each other with respect to the mounting tool symmetry axis 19 can be provided, which are designed for insertion into mounting tool receptacles M of the plastering ring 1.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows that the wall stop surfaces 17 of the mounting tool 14 can be equipped with spacer plates 22 to increase the distance between the receiving base surfaces 18 and the wall 4, and thus the distance between the wall mounting surface 5 of the plastering ring 1 fixed in the mounting tool 14 and the wall 4. For this purpose, the wall stop surfaces 17 can form plate receptacles. In this way, when the mounting tool 14 together with the plastering ring 1 is pressed against the wall, less previously applied adhesive is displaced, resulting in a thicker adhesive layer 23 and allowing the end edge of the collar 6 to be further away from the wall 4, thus enabling a thicker plaster layer V to compensate for unevenness in the wall. The spacer plates 22 can be detachably connected to the mounting tool 14 by means of magnets 24. The mounting tool 14 can have a spirit level receptacle 25 for receiving a spirit level 26. From the Figs.At points 7 and 8, a second embodiment of the plastering ring 1 according to the invention can be removed, wherein the collar 6 is equipped with a detachably connectable cover 27 for closing the through-opening 7. The detachable connection can be made via a threaded connection. Marking domes 28 can project from the cover 27, which simultaneously serve as guides for guide receptacles 29 of a rotary tool 30. The rotary tool 30 can also have engagement lugs 31 for engaging in rotary tool receptacles 32 of the cover 27.

[0039] Fig. 9 shows a close-up of the centering element 9, from which the material weakening, acting as a predetermined breaking point 11 for length adjustment, is evident. In particular, it can be seen from Fig. 9 that the centering element 9 can run in the same plane as the mounting disc 2 and thus be part of the wall mounting surface 5.

[0040] The inventive method for mounting a plastering ring 1 can also be derived from the figures. First, the length of the centering element 9 is adjusted to the wall opening 3a, 3b, 3c to be framed (Fig. 1). This can be done by breaking off the centering elements 9 at their predetermined breaking points 11. Next, the plastering ring 1 is positioned in the plastering ring receptacle 15 with its side facing away from the wall mounting surface 5 at the front, and the wall mounting surface 5 or a wall area in the region of the wall opening 3a, 3b, 3c is coated with an adhesive layer 23, the thickness of which is greater than the distance between the wall stop surfaces 17 of the mounting tool 14 and the wall mounting surface 5 of the inserted plastering ring 1. Subsequently, with the centering elements 9 aligned with the wall opening 3a, 3b, 3c to be framed, the stop surfaces 17 of the mounting tool 14 which receives the plastering ring 1 are pressed against the wall 4 (Fig.4) or the spacer plates 22, which are detachably connected to the plate holders of the wall stop surfaces 17 of the mounting tool 14, are pressed against the wall 4 (Fig. 5). After a predetermined curing time of the adhesive layer 23, the mounting tool 14 is detached from the wall 4 and from the bonded plastering ring 1, and the wall 4 is plastered (Fig. 6). Additionally, before plastering, the passage opening 7 can be closed by a cover 27 with protruding marking domes 28, which can be detachably connected to the collar 6, and after plastering, the cover 27 can be removed from the collar 6 (Figs. 7 and 8).

Claims

Patent claims 1. Flush-mounted ring (1) for flush-mounted installations, in particular for a lighting device, with a mounting disc (2) having a wall mounting surface (5) and spanning a through opening (7), on which a collar (6) framing the through opening (7) is arranged on its side facing away from the wall mounting surface (5), characterized in that at least one centering element (9) projects radially into the through opening (7), which is length-adjustable in the radial direction (10).

2. Plastering ring (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the centering element (9), which is particularly flat, is part of the wall mounting surface (5).

3. Plastering ring (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two, three or four centering elements (9) are provided, which are arranged circumferentially distributed around the passage opening (7).

4. Plastering ring (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the length adjustment of the centering element (9) is discreetly adjustable via predetermined steps.

5. Plastering ring (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one predetermined breaking point (11) is provided for the stepwise shortening of the centering element (9).

6. Plastering ring (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mounting disc (2) has two mounting tool receptacles (M) opposite each other with respect to the through-opening (7).

7. Plastering ring (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a cover (27) detachably connectable to the collar (6) for closing the through-opening (7), from which marking domes (28) project.

8. Device for mounting a plastering ring (1) on a wall (4) to be plastered, comprising a plastering ring (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a mounting tool (14) with a plastering ring receptacle (15) for securing the plastering ring (1) and two wall stop surfaces (17) opposite each other with respect to the plastering ring receptacle (15) and projecting towards the receiving space (16).

9. Device for mounting a plastering ring (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the plastering ring receptacle (15) of the mounting tool (14) has receiving base surfaces (18) parallel to the wall stop surfaces (17), which are interrupted by two receiving notches (20) opposite each other with respect to a mounting tool symmetry axis (19).

10. Device for mounting a plastering ring (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the receiving notches (20) for receiving a ring-shaped object are modeled on a circular contour.

11. Device for mounting a plastering ring (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the plastering ring receptacle (15) of the mounting tool (14) has two domes (21) opposite each other with respect to a mounting tool symmetry axis (19) for securing the plastering ring (1) in a rotationally secure manner.

12. Device for mounting a plastering ring (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by spacer plates (22) that can be detachably connected to plate receptacles of the wall stop surfaces (17) of the mounting tool (14).

13. Method for mounting a plastering ring (1) on a wall (4) using a device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the length of the centering element (9) is adapted to a wall opening (3a, 3b, 3c) to be framed, the plastering ring (1) is positioned with its side facing away from the wall mounting surface (5) facing forward in the plastering ring receptacle (15), the wall mounting surface (5) or a wall area in the region of the wall opening (3a, 3b, 3c) is coated with an adhesive layer (23), wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer (23) is greater than the distance between the wall stop surfaces (17) of the mounting tool (14) and the wall mounting surface (5) of the plastering ring (1) positioned in the mounting tool (14),whereupon, with the centering element (9) aligned with the wall opening (3a, 3b, 3c) to be framed, the stop surfaces (17) of the mounting tool (14) which receives the plastering ring (1) are pressed against the wall (4), after a predetermined curing time of the adhesive layer (23) the mounting tool (14) is released from the wall (4) and from the bonded plastering ring (1) and the wall (4) is plastered.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that, prior to plastering, the through-opening (7) is closed by a cover (27) detachably connected to the collar (6) with protruding marking domes (28) and that, after plastering, the cover (27) is removed from the collar (6).

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