EP2212484B1

EP2212484B1 - A floor assembly

Info

Publication number: EP2212484B1
Application number: EP08844672A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hendrik Diederik Willem Van Groen
Original assignee: INFRA and BV
Current assignee: INFRA and BV
Priority date: 2007-11-01
Filing date: 2008-10-29
Publication date: 2013-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-29
Also published as: NL1034619C2; US20100293878A1; WO2009058001A1; EP2212484A1

Description

The invention relates to a floor assembly comprising at least one plate, at least one girder connected to said plate, which girder is provided with at least one passage extending transversely to the girder and which supports at least one removable panel.
The invention also relates to a section suitable for such a floor assembly.
With such a floor assembly, which is known from International patent application WO98/13560 , a number of removable panels are supported by a number of girders extending parallel to each other. Conduits, for example for gas, water, electricity and data communication, may be installed between the girders, after which said conduits are hidden from view by the panels. Adding conduits or changing the course of said conduits can be done in a simple manner by removing the panels, whereupon access to the conduits can be gained again.
In practice it has been found that the provision of removable panels over the entire floor area is relatively costly. Furthermore, the provision of underfloor heating in such removable panels is labourious, if not altogether impossible. When carpeting is present on removable panels, the edges of the panels frequently show through the carpeting. Furthermore, removable panels have a limited stability and load-bearing capacity.
The object of the invention is to provide a floor assembly in which the course of conduits can be changed in a simple manner whilst avoiding the drawbacks of the known floor assembly.
This object is accomplished with the floor assembly according to the invention in that the floor assembly further comprises at least one section supported by said at least one girder, at a side remote of the plate which section extends in a direction transversely to the girder and which comprises a separating segment and first and second supports located on either side of said separating segment, wherein said first and said second support are located at different heights relative to an upper side of the separating segment, which first support supports the panel, whilst the second support supports a stonelike floor, which second support is located near a bottom side of the separating segment remote from the upper side, wherein a space is present under the stone-like floor and the removable panel and above the plate, said space being accessible via the removable panel.
In this way the floor assembly comprises removable panels as well as stonelike floors located adjacent to said removable panels. An advantage of such a stonelike floor is that it can be constructed at relatively low cost. In addition, the load-bearing capacity of such a stonelike floor is often higher than that of a removable panel. The term "stonelike floor" is understood to include, inter alia, a concrete floor, a floor constructed with concrete tiles, and a floor comprising anhydrite.
It has been found that certain parts of the floor assembly in particular need to be accessible when changing the course of the conduits, whilst the fact that other parts of the floor assembly are not accessible does not lead to insurmountable problems. The floor assembly according to the invention is flexible and accessible at those places where this is necessary and can be provided with underfloor heating etc at relatively low cost at the other places.
Since the sections are supported by the girders, a space is present under the panels and the stonelike floors, through which space conduits can be passed. Said conduits are accessible near the removable panels for maintenance, replacement, etc.
Removable panels are preferably relatively thin so as to minimise the weight of the panel. The stonelike floor is usually thicker than the panel in practice so as to achieve a desired strength. Since the supports are located at different heights, the panels and the stonelike floor can be installed at any desired height relative to each other.
Since the upper sides of the panel and the stonelike floor are located at substantially the same height as the upper side of the separating segment, the panel and the stonelike floor form a substantially level floor. When the stonelike floor is being constructed, for example by pouring, the upper side of the separating segment functions to indicate the level when pouring the concrete.
Since the second support is located near a bottom side of the separating segment remote from the upper side, both the second support and the bottom side of the separating segment are supported by the girder.
As a result, an adequate transmission of forces from the stonelike floor to the support surface via the second support is realised.
Since the section extends in a direction transversely to the girders, which girders are provided with at least one passage extending transversely to the girders, conduits can be passed under the stonelike floor to a space located under the removable panel, where the conduits are accessible for maintenance, repairs and replacement.
Yet another floor assembly according to the invention is characterised in that said section is provided with a strip extending transversely to the separating segment on a side remote from the second support, which strip is provided with a third support on a side remote from the separating segment for supporting a side of a panel remote from said first support.
The space present between said first and said third support is suitable for installing conduits therein and forms a kind of cable duct, as it were. Such a section is preferably provided at an edge of the floor assembly that abuts a horizontally extending wall.
In this way a "cable duct" is created along the wall in a simple manner. Said "cable duct" can be closed and opened again in a simple manner by the removable panel supported by the first and third supports.
Yet another embodiment of the floor assembly according to the invention is characterised in that said strip is provided with at least one separating segment located between said first and said third support.
Said separating segment divides the cable duct into at least two parts, wherein one part may be used for electric conduits, for example, whilst the other part may be used for air pipes or data communication lines.
Yet another embodiment of the floor assembly according to the invention is characterised in that the support comprises a strip extending transversely to the separating segment or is tubular and/or angular in shape.
These shapes of the support lead to a strong support which is nevertheless easy to form.
Yet another embodiment of the floor assembly according to the invention is characterised in that the floor assembly further comprises a profiled plate material which is supported by the second support, on which profiled plate material a poured stonelike floor is present.
The profiled plate is a sheet of corrugated iron for example.
In this way it is possible to pour a stonelike floor, whilst a space located under the second support remains freely accessible. Furthermore, the stonelike floor is not in direct contact with a support surface located under said stonelike floor in this way.
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a floor assembly according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of said first embodiment of a floor assembly according to the invention;
Figures 3a-3e are perspective views of various embodiments of sections, which are suitable for use in the floor assembly shown in figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the floor assembly according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of said second embodiment of a floor assembly according to the invention;
Figures 6a-6d are perspective views of various embodiments of sections suitable for use in the floor assembly shown in figures 4 and 5.

Like parts are indicated by the same numerals in the figures.
Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a first embodiment of a floor assembly 1 according to the invention, which comprises a number of sections 2 extending parallel to each other, two of which are shown in figure 1. The floor assembly 1 further comprises a number of panels 3 supported by the sections 2, only one of which is shown in figure 1. The floor assembly 1 further comprises stonelike floors 4 supported by the sections 2, only one of which is shown in figure 1.
Each section 2 comprises a vertically extending separating segment 5, a tubular first support 6 located on one side of the separating segment and a strip-shaped second support 7 located on the other side of the separating segment 5. The bottom sides of the supports 6, 7 lie in the same plane. The upper side of the tubular first support 6 is located at a distance H1 from the upper side of the separating segment 5, whilst the second support is located at a distance H2 from the upper side of the separating segment. As figure 1 clearly shows, two sections 1 located adjacent to each other are arranged in mirror symmetry, so that the first supports 6 face towards each other. The first supports 6 support the panel 3, which removably rests on said supports 6. The panel 3 has a thickness D that corresponds to the distance H1, so that the upper side of the panel 3 lies at the same level as the upper side of the separating segment 5. The second support 7 supports one end of a profiled plate material 8, on which profiled plate material 8 the poured stonelike floor 4 is present. The height of the profiled plate material 8 combined with that of the stonelike floor 4 equals the distance H2, so that the upper side of the stonelike floor 4 coincides with the upper side of the separating segment 5, and thus the upper side of the panel 3. The height H1 is 40 mm, for example, whilst the height H2 is 70 mm, for example.
The profiled plate material 8 rests with two sides facing away from each other on spaced-apart second supports 7. The longitudinal direction of the crests and valleys of the profiled plate material 8 preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sections 2, so that the profiled weight material 8 forms a solid support for the stonelike floor 4 to be poured thereon.
The floor assembly 1 further comprises a concrete plate 12 and a number of I-shaped girders 13 extending parallel to each other, which are connected to the concrete plate 12. Each I-shaped girder 13 has two parts 14, 15 extending parallel to each other and a bridge part 16 extending in transverse direction between said parts 14, 15. The part 14 is embedded in the concrete plate 12. The bridge part 16 is provided with passages 17 extending transversely to the bridge part 16. The sections 2 of the floor assembly 1 extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the I-shaped girders 13.
Once the concrete plate 12 and the I-shaped girders 13 have been installed in a building, conduits can be laid on the surface of the plate 13 in practically any desired pattern, which conduits can be passed through the passages 17 at the location of the I-shaped girders 13. Following that, the sections 2 and subsequently the panels 3 and the floors 4 are placed on the I-shaped girders 13. When conduits are to be replaced or added after the installation of the floor assembly 1, the removable panels 3 are removed, so that access is gained to the space under the panels 3 and the stonelike floors 4.
Figures 3A-3E are perspective views of other embodiments of sections suitable for the floor assembly 1 as shown in figures 1 and 2. The various sections 21-25 each comprise a vertically extending separating segment 5 and a strip-shaped second support 7 connected to the bottom side of the separating segment 5.
The section 21 comprises a first support 26, which, like the second support 7, is strip-shaped.
The first support 27 of the section 22 is tubular in shape and has a square cross-section.
The first support 28 of the section 23 is tubular in shape and has a triangular cross-section.
The first support 29 of the section 24 comprises a strip 26, a longitudinal side of which remote from the separating segment 5 is connected to the bottom side of the separating segment 5 via a curved plate 30.
The section 25 comprises a hook-shaped first support 31. The various sections are different from each other as regards their load-bearing capacity, cost price, manner of production, etc.
Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of a floor assembly 41 according to the invention, which comprises an elongated section 42 and panels 3 supported by the section 42, as well as a supported stonelike floor 4. The section 42 comprises a vertically extending separating segment 5, a strip-shaped first support 43 extending transversely to the separating segment 5 and a strip-shaped second support 7 extending on another side of the separating segment 5, transversely to said separating segment 5. The first support 43 is spaced from the upper side of the separating segment 5 by a distance which corresponds to the thickness of the panel 3. The second support 7 extends from the bottom side of the separating segment 5. On the side where the first support 43 is located, the section 42 comprises a strip 44 which extends in line with the second support 7. On a side remote from the separating segment 4, said strip 44 has a vertically extending wall part 45 and a strip-shaped third support 46 connected to the end of the wall part 45. Said third support 46 lies in the same plane as the first support 43 and functions to support a side of the panel 3 remote from the first support 43. The section 42 further comprises a separating segment 47 extending transversely to the strip 44, which separating segment divides the space between the separating segment 5 and the wall part 45 into two separate spaces 48, 49. The space 49 is suitable for passing electric conduits therethrough, for example, in which case the panel 3 may be provided with wall plugs 50, for example. The space 48 may function as an air duct, for example for a ventilation system, in which case the air to be supplied or discharged through the air duct is carried to or from the room located above the panel 3 via air grates 51 in the panel 3.
The section 42 is preferably provided near a wall 52 of a building, in which case the wall part 45 abuts the wall 52.
It is possible to provide sections 42 only near walls 52. Is also possible, however, to provide sections 42 near walls 52 and to use the above-described sections 2, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 at locations spaced from said walls 52 for supporting stonelike floors 4 or panels 3.
The floor assembly 41 according to the invention comprises, in a manner comparable to the floor assembly 1, a concrete plate 12, I-shaped girders 13 connected thereto, and sections 42, panels 3 and floors 4 present thereon. When the floor assembly 41 is used in this manner, the strip 44 is preferably provided with passages to the space present under the strip 44 and above the plate 12, so that it is possible to gain access to said space and the conduits present therein.
Figure 6 shows embodiments of sections suitable for use with the assembly 41 as shown in figures 4, 5.
Figure 6 shows a section 62, which, in contrast to the section 42, is not provided with a separating segment 47.
Figure 6B shows the section 42.
Figure 6C shows a section 63, which comprises tubular first and third supports 65, 66 instead of strip-shaped first supports 43, 44. The first and third supports 65, 66 have a rectangular cross-section. In said supports 65, 66, cables and air ducts may be provided. A strip 67 is located on a side of the third support 66 remote from the first support 65. The strip 67 extends in line with the strip 44.
Figure 6D shows a section 64 provided with tubular first and third supports 68, 69 having a triangular cross-section.
The wall 45 of the section 64 is also provided with a passage 70. It is possible to lead air into the space 49 via the wall 52 and the passage 70. The space 48 is used for electric conduits in that case.
The sections may be made of a metal, for example, in which case the various parts are welded together. It is also possible to manufacture the sections by extrusion, casting, cold-rolling, etc. It is also possible to form the sections from other materials, for example a plastic material.
A floor assembly having good acoustic and/or thermal values is obtained by providing an acoustically and/or thermally insulating layer under the sections.

Claims

A floor assembly (1) comprising at least one plate (12), at least one girder (13) connected to said plate (12), which girder (13) is provided with at least one passage (17) extending transversely to the girder and which girder (13) supports at a side remote of the plate (12) at least one removable panel (3), characterised in that the floor assembly (1) further comprises at least one section (2) supported by, said at least one girder (13), at a side remote of the plate (12) at which section (2) extends in a direction transversely to the girder (13) and which comprises a separating segment (5) and first and second supports (6, 7) located on either side of said separating segment (5), wherein said first and said second support (6, 7) are located at different heights relative to an upper side of the separating segment (5), which first support (6) supports the panel (3), whilst the second support (7) supports a stonelike floor (4), which second support (7) is located near a bottom side of the separating segment (5) remote from the upper side, wherein a space is present under the stonelike floor (4) and the removable panel (3) and above the plate (12), said space being accessible via the removable panel (3).
A floor assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that a section (2) is provided on either side of the panel (3), which panel is supported by the first supports of said sections.
A floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said section (2) is provided with a strip (7) extending transversely to the separating segment (5) on a side remote from the second support, which strip is provided with a third support on a side remote from the separating segment for supporting a side of a panel (3) remote from said first support.
A floor assembly according to claim 3, characterised in that said strip (7) is provided with at least one separating segment located between said first and said third support.
A floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said support comprises a strip (7) extending transversely to the separating segment.
A floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said support is tubular in shape.
A floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said support is angular in shape.
A floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the floor assembly further comprises a profiled plate material which is supported by the second support, on which profiled plate material a poured stonelike floor is present.
A floor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plate is a concrete plate (12).