WO2009003941A1

WO2009003941A1 - Component comprising functional elements, and method for the production thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2009003941A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/058264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Veronika Köckritz; Jörg FRANZKE
Original assignee: Koeckritz Veronika; Franzke Joerg
Priority date: 2007-06-29
Filing date: 2008-06-27
Publication date: 2009-01-08
Also published as: DE102007031935B4; DE102007031935A1; DE102007031935B8

Abstract

The invention relates to a component which is made of a setting pouring compound such as concrete and comprises functional, e.g. light-guiding, elements (14) that are embedded in the pouring compound. The aim of the invention is to design a corresponding component in such a way that the functional elements (14) can be introduced into the component in a functionally safe manner and as much as possible without influencing the structural properties of the component. Said aim is achieved by designing the functional elements as largely dimensionally stable members which are disposed on a matrix (12, 16) at least during the embedding process.

Description

Component with functional elements and method for its

manufacturing

The invention relates to a component with functional elements _.. according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a mold part for producing the component according to claim 17th

The use of such components is mainly in the construction industry, when structural, structural and functional effects are to be achieved with components. The integration of the functional elements, which may be of an optical nature, for example, makes it possible to use structurally necessary, stable components for functional or designer effects, without the functional elements having a relevant influence on the structural properties of the components.

GB 1 561 142 discloses the possibility of forming receptacles for introducing light-conducting fibers as functional elements into the component by means of through-bores subsequently attached to the finished component.

DE 20 2007 000 753 U1 shows a cast, light-transmissive component into which optical waveguides are cast in order to be able to guide light through the component. The light guides are part of an inserted into the casting mass sheet.

Based on the last-mentioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a component with functional elements made of a hardening casting compound to form that the functional elements can be inserted functionally reliable and with the least possible impact on the structural properties of the component in this.

To solve this problem, a training with the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 is proposed in a generic component.

For this purpose, the functional elements are designed as largely dimensionally stable and thus no additional support requiring body, which are arranged for positioning in the component to be cast on a matrix. The matrix is positioned with the functional elements in such a way that at least the functional elements are embedded in the component. A matrix is to be understood as a structure with which the individual functional elements are connected to one another and thus positioned relative to one another. Functional elements in the context of the invention are elements with which a functionality such as the transmission and / or transmission of light, electricity, data, matter or the like can take place.

In a first embodiment, the functional elements are detachably arranged on the matrix. By using the matrix as a mere aid in the positioning of the functional elements during the casting of the component, the matrix and the functional elements can be easily separated from each other after the elements have been cast, leaving the elements in the component and separating the matrix from it becomes. This is also the case if the matrix additionally forms part of the casting mold for the component or is arranged directly on the wall of such when casting the component.

In an alternative embodiment, the functional elements are integrally formed with the matrix, whereby after the elements have been poured into the component during its manufacture, the matrix remains at least once on or in the cast component. If the matrix remains on or in the component, it is possible to include the matrix in the functionality of the elements, since the matrix connects all the elements and thus can also serve as the basis for the distribution of the medium associated with its functionality.

In this case, it may be advantageous to form the functional elements and the matrix as a molded part. The molded part can be produced for example by casting, also injection molding, pressing or a similar, common method. This allows a simple, inexpensive production with a high degree of design freedom. A separation can also be made later in one-piece training.

It can also make sense to make the matrix malleable. For example, an adaptation to different shapes of the component is possible. The term "formability" should be understood to mean, in particular, but not exclusively, the possibility of a change of shape in three-dimensional space.

In a suitable embodiment, the matrix is a grid with breakthroughs. The functional elements are in such a design of the matrix preferably in the field of Nodes of the grid arranged. A grid with breakthroughs has a low material requirement in the production and is due to its training easily formable and / or bendable. The grid can be further advantageously composed of individual elements. The individual elements can be composed both two- and three-dimensional. The individual elements can also be hinged together.

In an advantageous embodiment of the component, the functional elements are designed as elongated bodies, wherein an angle with a base of the matrix is formed by the extension direction of the longitudinal axes of the elongate body.

The largely dimensionally stable bodies, as the functional elements are formed, stand out at the intended angle from the base of the matrix. Depending on the desired extension of the functional elements in the cast component, angles between 0 ° and 180 ° are possible. While one end of the longitudinal axis coincides with or is at least arranged on the base of the matrix, the opposite end of the longitudinal axis is a free end of the largely dimensionally stable body forming the functional element. This free end may be within the mold of the component or at its interface with the environment. It is also conceivable that the body of the functional element protrudes from the component and thus the free end is outside the poured volume.

In a favorable development of the invention, the functional elements are designed as pins, since it makes sense to design the functional elements in such a way that they pass through the component with as little material as possible and thus with the least possible constructional influence in order to be able to transport the desired medium such as light or electric current through the component.

In a favorable development of the invention, a plurality of molded parts can be arranged in the component in order to increase the variability of the arrangement. Several moldings can be connected to each other and form larger surfaces and / or spatial forms. The base of these forms is preferably closed.

In a variant of the embodiment of the invention, the matrix is a planar carrier, which has a continuous base on which the functional elements are arranged. On a flat support, the functional elements can be arranged at arbitrary positions, in arbitrary patterns and on largely freely selectable base surfaces. In order to ensure a spatial formability of the flat carrier can be further formed with advantage limp.

According to a further variant of the invention, the functional elements can also be arranged on both sides of the flat carrier in order to achieve an even greater variance in the design of the component. Thus, it is possible, for example, to arrange the flat support inside the casting, wherein on both sides of the support functional elements in the direction of the interfaces of the component or these are even thorough.

In the casting of the component of the hardening casting material, the flat support itself may be part of the casting mold and optionally after the casting of the component and the in the component be cast-molded functional elements are separated.

The object is further achieved by a molding according to claim 17, wherein by using the molding during casting of the component, the component can be provided with the desired functional elements. An advantageous application of the invention is the use of optical fibers for the functional elements in order to achieve illuminating or other optical effects on components with these optical fibers. Thus, light and information can be transmitted by intrinsically opaque and impenetrable building materials such as concrete and these building materials aesthetical lightness and transparency are made their own.

The use according to the invention of light guides as well as of other functional conductors can also take place beyond the functional elements in the matrix in order to use them, for example in the introduction of light, as a base connected to all functional elements.

Furthermore advantageously, the matrix can also have a reflective layer, which is connected to the light-conducting elements arranged on the matrix. With this layer, light that has been picked up by the light-conducting elements can be mirrored and emitted again by the elements. The reflective layer can be arranged as a film in or on the matrix or by applying, for example by so-called sputtering, such a reflective layer can be generated. The invention is also achieved by a method in which a matrix and functional elements arranged on the matrix are encapsulated in a casting mold with the casting-like mass. The functional elements can either be machined to the desired length before casting and then cast accordingly or alternatively, both the component can be machined after casting as well as the functional elements are machined in the desired length of the component, the length of the individual elements in all applications may be different.

Further advantages and details of the invention can be taken from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawing show:

Fig. 1 is a matrix with arranged at this functional elements in perspective

Representation, Fig. 2 is a matrix of FIG. 1 in a first

Alternative, Fig. 3 shows a matrix according to Fig. 1 in a further

Alternative, Fig. 4 shows a matrix according to Fig. 1 in a third

Alternative, Fig. 5 is a matrix of FIG. 1 in a fourth

Alternative, Fig. 6 shows a matrix with arranged on this functional elements and with a separate

Light line, 7 shows a matrix according to FIG. 5 with an alternative light pipe.

The figures are described below coherently and comprehensively. The same components are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a molded part 10 with a matrix 12 on which optical fibers are arranged as functional elements 14. The matrix 12 is designed as a flat carrier 16 having a base surface. The functional elements 14 are largely dimensionally stable bodies, which rise from the base of the flat support 16. The functional elements 14 have an extension in the longitudinal direction, with an end face of their longitudinal axis being arranged on the planar support 16 and thus on the matrix 12, while the opposite end of the longitudinal axis forms a free end of the functional elements 14.

The molding 10 may be formed in one or more parts, in the present example, the molding with the functional elements is made in one piece as an injection molded part.

With the planar support 16, the functional elements 14, which, as shown in FIG. 1, can have various geometric shapes, such as pyramids or cylinders, can be positioned in the component not shown, which is to be cast. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the functional elements 14 are optical fibers with which optical effects can be produced in and on the cast component. The component not shown is a concrete component, since concrete is a more versatile material and in concrete components optical effects can produce a particular lightness in the aesthetics, with which the aesthetic severity of a solid concrete component can be reduced or even canceled.

The shape of the functional elements 14 can be chosen largely arbitrarily, in particular in the case of injection-molded parts, and is not limited to the examples shown. Also, other functions than light pipe, such as the conduction of electric current or of matter, such as water can be realized.

The arrangement of the functional elements 14 on the matrix 12 formed as a flat carrier 16 is not limited to an angle of 90 ° between the longitudinal axis of the elements 14 and the base of the carrier 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the functional elements 14 can also be arranged at an angle α <90 ° to the base surface of the carrier 16. In principle, any angle between 0 ° and 180 ° is possible depending on the position of the molded part 10 during pouring and on the desired orientation of the functional elements 14 to be infiltrated.

Fig. 2 also shows a preferred embodiment of the functional elements 14 as cylindrical pins, in which case the longitudinal axes of the identically formed pins are parallel. FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the matrix 12 as a regular basic grid 18, which has openings 20. At the nodes of the grid 18, the pin-shaped functional elements 14 are arranged. The division of the grid 18 in mutually parallel or vertical connecting webs between the individual functional elements is only an example. The matrix 12 is formed in a plurality of planes substantially parallel to one another, the elements 14 forming the connection between the planes. The basic grid 18 forms a first level. The further levels 23, 27 are composed of individual webs 17, which are arranged on the elements 14. These connecting webs 17 may themselves have different shapes, for example by the formation of constrictions and be arranged one below the other in different geometrical or even non-geometric shapes. Several webs can also be firmly connected to the basic grid 18. The sole criterion is a sufficient rigidity of the molded part 10, as are positioned with the molded part arranged on this functional elements in the casting of the component, not shown. Also, webs can be used for connection between the levels. In a basic form, the matrix 12 consists only of the grid 18 and the pin-shaped functional elements 14 arranged at its nodes.

In all embodiments, it is possible to combine several, even different moldings 10 with each other and / or arranged to interconnect. A closed arrangement using multiple moldings is preferred, but not required.

Individual moldings 10 can be designed so that the functional elements the plan view of a letter or form a number. By combination and arrangement of the molded parts in the manner of a setting technique words or numbers can be formed with multiple digits.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the matrix 12 of a plurality of individual mold elements 15, whereby a further feature of the invention is realized. It shows the possibility of making the matrix 12, which is formed either as a flat carrier or - as shown - as a grid, spatially flexible or shapable. This flexibility or configurability is achieved either by corresponding material, by indentations at certain points for so-called "desired bending points" or, as in the example shown, moldings arranged next to one another by joints 13. The matrix 12 is like a link chain made of shaped elements 15, on which the functional elements 14 are arranged, with this design possibility of the matrix an adaptation to any shape of the component is possible.

Depending on the application, the matrix may remain on the component after casting or may be completely or at least partially removed. Also, the matrix can be inserted into the mold so that the matrix is arranged after the casting of the component on the outer wall or even forms part of the wall of the mold,

Fig. 5 shows the characteristic of the invention to be able to arrange the functional elements 14 on the opposite bases of the matrix 12, so that the elements are arranged on both sides of the matrix. The matrix may also form the interface between two cast components, as may be cast into a component, to light or other functional property of the elements on a Page of the matrix to transfer elements on the other side of the matrix.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, in addition to the functional elements 14, the matrix 12 itself may also be designed to transmit light or other functional properties.

FIG. 6 shows a variant in which the matrix 12 has a reflective layer 21 which is arranged on the base surface of the planar support opposite the photoconductive pins 14. This leads to a passive illumination, by reflected on the photoconductive pins at the free ends and forwarded light at the layer 21 and is emitted at the free ends of the photoconductive pins again. 7 shows a variant in which the matrix 12 has on one of its front sides a luminous source 22, from which the light is guided in a planar manner to the photoconductive functional elements 14 (shown by arrows). In this case, the matrix 12 itself can be light-conducting or have embedded fibers for the transmission of light or for the transfer of another function.

A fundamental advantage of the present invention, it is further that, for example, in the light pipe, a translucent material, for. B. concrete can be produced with a maximum of creative freedom. With the combination of a matrix 12 as a carrier for functional elements 14, wherein the matrix may be formed in different shapes and the functional elements are formed as substantially dimensionally stable body, which is the matrix Not for stabilization but solely as an aid for positioning when pouring into the hardenable mass, this maximum level of creative freedom is given.

Even after the casting and curing of the component further design measures are possible, for example, by milling, grinding, sawing or polishing of the cured component, the functional elements can be exposed in the desired plane of the component. Due to the arbitrary shape of the functional elements 14 with, for example, changing cross sections along their longitudinal axis, different cross sections can be exposed during mechanical machining of the component. Thus, a patterning can be achieved by a change in cross section of the pin-shaped functional elements along their longitudinal axis in combination with a change in the length of the elements.

The matrix 12 may also be formed with any thickness, in particular in the embodiment as a flat carrier 16.

The pin-shaped or otherwise formed functional elements 14 may be arranged in any geometrical, regular or irregular patterns on the matrix 12 in order to achieve corresponding effects. Due to the largely dimensionally stable design of the functional elements 14, these wear themselves.

The matrix 12 itself can also have various regular or irregular basic shapes, which can furthermore be combined arbitrarily in two or three dimensions. Fastening means, not shown, may also be arranged on the shaped parts 10, which may consist of a different material, such as metal, and which are suitable for positioning a plurality of molded parts against one another, on structures of the casting mold or also on additional reinforcing elements in the casting mold, such as textile mats. By fastening means are to be understood means by which moldings can be connected by fabric, form or adhesion to patterns.

Claims

claims

1. A component made of a hardening casting material, which has functional elements which are cast into the casting compound, characterized in that the functional elements (14) are formed as largely dimensionally stable bodies which, at least when poured on a matrix (12, 16, 18 ) are arranged.

2. Component according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional elements (14) are detachably arranged on the matrix (12, 16, 18).

3. Component according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional elements (14) are formed integrally with the matrix (12, 16, 18).

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein the functional elements and the matrix are formed as a molded part.

5. Component according to claim 4, characterized in that the molded part (10) is a casting.

6. Component according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the matrix (12, 16, 18) is flexibly shapeable.

7. Component according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the functional elements (14) are formed as elongated body, wherein by the extension direction of the longitudinal axes of the elongated body an angle (α) with a base of the matrix (12, 16 , 18) is formed.

8. Component according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the functional elements (14) are designed as pins.

9. Component according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by, a plurality of mold parts arranged in the component (10).

10. Component according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the matrix (12) is a grid (18) with openings.

11. Component according to claim 10, characterized in that the grid (18) is composed of individual elements.

12. Component according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the matrix (12) is formed as a flat carrier (16).

13. Component according to claim 12, characterized in that the flat carrier (16) is limp.

14. Component according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the functional elements (14) on the two opposite sides of the matrix (12, 16, 18) are arranged,

15. Component according to one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that the flat-shaped carrier (16) of the molded part (10.] is part of the casting mold of the component.

16. Component according to one of claims 4 to 15, characterized in that at least the functional elements (14) of the molded part (10) are light-conducting.

17. Component according to claim 16, characterized in that the matrix (12, 16, 18) has a reflective layer (22;) which is connected to the light-conducting elements (14) arranged on the matrix.

18. molded part having a matrix (12, 16, 18) and arranged on the matrix functional elements (14), wherein the functional elements are formed as a substantially dimensionally stable body.

19. A method of manufacturing a castable composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a matrix (12, 16, 18) and functional elements (14) arranged on the matrix are encapsulated in a casting mold with the casting-like mass.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the preferably designed as pins elements (14) are processed before pouring to the desired length and the component is poured into the desired shape.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the component is processed after casting and the elements is subsequently machined out of the component in the desired length.