EP2749712B1 - Decoupling mat - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a decoupling mat for a floor covering structure with a sheet-like or plate-shaped compensation element, which has starting from a support plane in a first direction projecting, regularly and spaced from each other arranged formations spaced form the support plane a flat footprint and between those in the first Run in the direction of open channels, each extending along a plurality of formations from a first side edge of the compensation element to a second side edge of the compensation element, each channel consists of several merging channel sections, their respective end regions with a within the channel portion straight and parallel to the support plane extending portion line connectable, each channel having at least two channel sections, the section lines are aligned at an angle to each other, so that the channel no over de n forms a channel course extending rectilinear lines of weakness, and wherein on the compensation element, a channel covering cover layer of a nonwoven fabric is attached.

Decoupling mats are used, for example, in construction in the manufacture of flooring. The decoupling mats are laid on a substrate and form a support surface for flooring elements such as for example, ceramic tiles. In order to fix the flooring elements on the decoupling mat, a thin layer of adhesive mortar is usually applied to the support plane of the decoupling mat and laid the individual flooring elements or tiles on the adhesive mortar. After curing of the adhesive mortar, which penetrates into the recesses formed by the formations, the individual flooring elements are set on the decoupling mat.

Due to the decoupling mats, the flooring elements connected to the adhesive mortar are separated from the substrate and mechanically decoupled. The channels formed on the underside between the individual formations, which extend over the entire compensation element, can absorb or compensate for mechanical stresses and in particular shear stresses which are generated, for example, due to the different properties of the substrate and of the flooring laid thereon in the event of temperature and moisture influences ,

Such decoupling mats can also be used for sealing and impact sound insulation. The sheet or plate-shaped compensation element can be made impermeable to water and prevent moisture from penetrating from above through the decoupling mat to the ground or moisture can rise from the substrate to the individual flooring elements. The individual channels form air-filled chambers, which can cause a significant reduction in impact sound.

When refurbishing old buildings or floor coverings, for example, pressboard or dry screed panels can be laid on a solid or loose floor and serve as a support element for laid on tiles. However, the pressboard or dry screed plates are not completely rigid and can therefore deform or bend under load. The decoupling mats are also deformed, whereby a considerable mechanical stress on the individual flooring elements and the flooring composite formed with these flooring elements are exercised.

From practice decoupling mats are known which have different shapes and arrangements of individual formations. Often decoupling mats are used, which have regularly arranged round or rectangular knob-like formations. The series and column-shaped formations form channels extending therebetween, which extend over the entire decoupling mat.

In EP 1 914 351 A2 is a drainage mat is described in which the individual knobs form protruding formations that can be filled to remove a mechanical load can. The nubs are spaced from each other and regularly arranged so that a continuous cavity is formed between the nubs.

In DE 298 07 258 U1 a decoupling mat is described, in which from a support plane upwardly projecting formations form honeycombed channels, between which a mortar layer applied from above forms load-bearing stilts.

The channels that are open to the ground, run in these decoupling mats in parallel flocks of channels and the in EP 1 914 351 A2 additionally described drainage mat in intersecting flocks of channels. Since the individual channels are covered only by a thin layer of the adhesive mortar, the channels form lines of weakness which promote deformation of the decoupling mat along the lines of weakness. If these weakening lines coincide with a joint course between adjacent floor covering elements, hairline cracks or major damage to the adhesive mortar layer applied to the decoupling mat often occur.

It is therefore regarded as an object of the present invention to design a decoupling mat or a floor covering structure with plate-shaped floor covering elements in such a way that the decoupling mats can withstand the highest possible mechanical load and reduce cracking or damage of the adhesive mortar layer or the flooring elements laid thereon arranged on the decoupling mat or completely avoided.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that at least some formations have a non-convex surface shape, with at least two points within the non-convex surface shape existing in a non-convex surface shape whose straight line extending connecting line at least partially outside the surface shape. By avoiding a straight course of the individual channels can be ruled out that across larger areas of the decoupling mat away through the channels straight lines extending lines of weakness are formed and these lines of weakness can coincide with joints between adjacent flooring elements. On the contrary, the channel sections aligned at an angle can ensure that in each direction a channel section extending in this direction meets a formation which interrupts a weakening formed by the relevant channel section and prevents the formation of longer lines of weakness.

Regardless of the orientation of the decoupling mat during installation, it can be ensured in this way that the joints formed by a floor covering laid on the decoupling mat run again and again over formations in sections and are not congruent over a longer section with a duct section running in the decoupling mat.

The compensation element has only such channels, which extend from one side edge to another side edge of the compensation element and have a plurality of channel portions aligned at an angle to one another. Each space between adjacent formations represents a channel section and is part of a channel, so that extending straight across the compensation element lines of weakness are excluded between the spaced-apart formations.

According to the invention, it is provided that at least some formations have a non-convex surface shape. The surface shape of a molding is a parallel to the support plane and the contact plane extending cross-sectional area of this formation referred to. A non-convex surface shape is characterized by the fact that at least two points exist within the non-convex surface shape whose rectilinear connecting line runs at least in sections outside the surface shape. As a result, a channel running along one side edge of a non-convex surface form must inevitably have at least two channel sections whose section lines are oriented at an angle to one another. By forming moldings which have a non-convex surface shape, it can be ensured, with a suitable arrangement of these moldings, that channel sections with a straight-line section line are limited to dimensions which essentially correspond to the dimensions of the moldings.

The length of channel sections having a straight-line section line may be reduced by overlapping a first formation adjacent to a second formation having a non-convex surface shape with at least one imaginary connection line joining two points within the second formation. A region of the first formation thus projects into one of the second formation surrounded area. The intervening channel region must inevitably have several channel sections, which are each aligned at an angle to each other. By a suitable selection of shapes, dimensions and arrangements of the individual formations can be ensured that run in each arbitrary shape direction in each case only short channel sections with a straight line section and each one a course in this direction is interrupted by formations.

According to one embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that two channel sections of a channel whose section lines are at an angle to one another adjoin two adjacent formations. The individual formations can have simple basic shapes such as squares or rectangles. Neighboring formations must then be arranged offset from one another, so that a channel section formed between two juxtaposed formations meets an adjacent, laterally offset formation.

It is also conceivable that two channel sections of a channel whose section lines are at an angle to each other, adjacent to a molding. In this case, the formations each have complex shapes. Already along a side wall of a formation, the direction of the channel course changes and prevents the formation of weakening lines extending over many formations.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive idea, it is provided that the formations have a bone-shaped surface shape. The bone-shaped formations can either rectified laterally offset from one another or each rotated by 90 °, but also be arranged laterally offset from one another. The channels which run between the individual bone-shaped formations and are delimited by these have a curved course everywhere. A rectilinear side edge of a floor covering element arranged on the decoupling mat runs alternately over channel sections and over formations, so that a coincidence of longer sections of weakening lines with the side edge of the floor covering element is excluded.

It is also conceivable and also advantageous that the formations have an angular surface shape. Neighboring formations, each having an angular surface shape, may be laterally staggered so that a corner region of a first formation along its two adjacent side edges abuts an angular region of a second adjacent formation. Although each individual formation has rectilinear side edges, longer channel sections having a straight-line section line can be avoided.

Depending on the surface shape predetermined for the individual formations, it may be expedient for at least two groups of formations to be arranged on the compensation element, which are mutually separate have different orientations. In particular, in conjunction with a lateral offset between adjacent formations can be generated by complex patterns of formations that do not allow longer straight-line channel sections.

Such a decoupling mat can be used in a particularly advantageous manner for decoupling a tile covering from a substrate. For common tile coverings, in which the individual tiles have side edges with a length between 20 cm and 60 cm, it is advantageous that a maximum distance of two opposite side edges of each formation in a range between 1 cm and 15 cm, preferably in one area between 1.5 cm and 5 cm. In this way it can be ensured that each individual tile which is laid on the decoupling mat covers a larger number of formations and, accordingly, a larger number of individual straight-line channel sections.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept it is provided that the compensation element has moisture-permeable recesses or openings. For this purpose, the formations may have slots created by sawing or milling or punched holes or through holes. It is also conceivable that passage openings are formed in the side walls of the formations or that passage openings extend into the side walls. Also, between adjacent formations holes or recesses may be arranged. One in this way moisture-permeable trained decoupling mat can be installed or glued on a still moist surface and allows a subsequent gradual drying out of the substrate. So it is for example possible to lay a decoupling mat on the still damp screed for a short time after the production of a screed and to lay a tile covering on the decoupling mat before a complete drying of the screed. The remaining moisture in the screed can escape through the openings of the decoupling mat between the joints of adjacent tiles.

The moisture-permeable decoupling mat can also take over drainage functions and dissipate a moisture which penetrates the floor covering, for example, from precipitation or in closed wet spaces, through the decoupling mat.

In order to fix an adhesive mortar applied to the decoupling mat even more strongly to the decoupling mat, provision can be made for the formations to have an undercut at least in regions along its circumferential line. The adhesive mortar penetrating from above into the formations surrounds the undercuts and forms a positive connection with the compensation element in each molding. By the shaping of the individual formations and in particular by the channel sections extending between adjacent formations, it is possible to ensure that shear stresses and shear forces acting in the horizontal direction are present between those on the decoupling mat installed flooring elements and the ground act, can be reliably absorbed and degraded in the decoupling mat.

The undercuts in the individual formations can completely circulate or surround the formations along a circumferential line. The penetrating into the formations material of the adhesive mortar forms along all side walls and thus over the entire circumference a positive connection with the compensation element. Regardless of an occurring in the individual case preferred direction of a shear force or other mechanical stresses is prevented by existing in this direction undercuts that applied to the decoupling mat adhesive mortar can dissolve out of the formations of the compensation element.

It is also conceivable and in view of a simple and cost-effective production of the compensation element expedient to provide the undercuts in the individual formations only partially, or longitudinally limited sections along a circumferential line of the formations. In this way, a demolding of the compensation element can be facilitated by the tool used for its production. By means of a suitable design and arrangement of the individual undercut sections, it can be ensured at the same time that unwanted detachment of the mortar material which has penetrated into the formations is prevented by the compensation element in the context of the usually occurring shearing forces and stresses.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, it can be provided that the undercuts are arranged on opposite side walls of a molding.

In order to prevent that during the production of a floor covering, for example, mortar material applied freshly to the substrate penetrates into the channels, provision is made for a covering layer of a nonwoven covering the channels to be secured to the compensation element. Instead of a nonwoven material, it is also possible to use a textile cover layer or a perforated plastic film which, on the one hand, is designed to be permeable to moisture and, on the other hand, prevents the penetration of relatively large quantities of material, in particular mortar material or adhesives into the channels.

In order to facilitate a reliable and mechanically load-bearing connection with adjacent layers of a floor covering structure, it is provided that a textile or latticed cover is fastened on one side or on both sides of the compensation element.

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer Unterseite eines Kompensationselements mit vorspringenden winkelförmigen Ausformungen,
• Fig. 2A eine schematische Schnittansicht einer Entkopplungsmatte mit einem Kompensationselement gemäß Fig. 1, das auf einer Unterseite mit einer Abdeckschicht aus einem Vliesmaterial und auf einer Oberseite mit einer gitterförmigen Abdeckung versehen ist,
• Fig. 2B eine schematische Schnittansicht eines auf einem Untergrund angeordneten Bodenbelags, bei dem Bodenfliesen auf der in Fig. 2A gezeigte Entkopplungsmatte verlegt sind,
• Fig. 3 eine schematische Ansicht einer Unterseite eines Kompensationselements mit knochenförmigen Ausformungen,
• Fig. 4 eine schematische Ansicht einer Unterseite eines Kompensationselements mit abweichend ausgestalteten knochenförmigen Ausformungen,
• Fig. 5 eine schematische Ansicht einer Unterseite eines Kompensationselements mit wiederum abweichend ausgestalteten knochenförmigen Ausformungen, und
• Fig. 6 eine schematische Ansicht einer Unterseite eines Kompensationselements mit muschelförmigen Ausformungen.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the inventive concept will be explained in more detail, which are illustrated in the drawing. It shows:

• Fig. 1 a schematic view of an underside of a compensation element with projecting angular shapes,
• Fig. 2A a schematic sectional view of a decoupling mat with a compensation element according to Fig. 1 which is provided on a lower side with a cover layer of a nonwoven material and on a top side with a grid-shaped cover,
• Fig. 2B a schematic sectional view of a floor covering arranged on a ground, in the floor tiles on the in Fig. 2A shown decoupling mat are laid,
• Fig. 3 a schematic view of an underside of a compensation element with bone-shaped formations,
• Fig. 4 a schematic view of an underside of a compensation element with differently designed bone-shaped formations,
• Fig. 5 a schematic view of an underside of a compensation element with again differently designed bone-shaped formations, and
• Fig. 6 a schematic view of an underside of a compensation element with shell-shaped formations.

An in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated compensation element 1 is made of a rigid plastic film. The compensation element 1 has on its underside regularly and in each case laterally offset from one another arranged angular formations 2. Only on a side edge of the compensation element 1, the formations 2 correspondingly adapted and deviating from the angular shape shapes. Between adjacent formations 2 channels 3 are formed, which may extend over the entire bottom of the compensation element 1 away. The channels 3 consist of individual mutually merging channel sections 4, 5, in the figure according to Fig. 1 horizontally and vertically.

The individual channel sections 4, 5 each extend in a straight line until an end region of the respective channel section 4, 5 encounters an adjacent formation 2 or until an end region of a straight channel section 4, 5 encounters a corner 6 in the formation 2 within a formation 2. In each case, the orientation of the adjacent channel section 5, 4 and thus of the course of the channel 3 changes at these points.

Again Fig. 1 can be taken, straight channel sections 4, 5 extend at most along two adjacent formations 2. The two adjacent formations 2 are opposite to a lateral offset two other formations 2. The respective opposite formations 2 form the lateral boundary for the channel sections 4, 5. The distance between two opposite formations 2 and thus the width of the individual channel sections 4, 5 is a few millimeters. Since rectilinear channel sections 4, 5 can each extend only a maximum of two adjacent formations 2, the maximum length of a straight line of weakness is limited, which is inevitably formed in the manufacture of the floor covering structure by the channels 3.

The individual angular formations 2 have suitable dimensions of the angle-connected legs, so that only a short straight line channel sections 4, 5 are formed in the case of a lateral offset of adjacent or opposite formations 2.

In the FIGS. 2A and 2B exemplified is a sectional view of a decoupling mat 7, which contains a compensation element 1.

On a top 8 of the compensation element 1, a grid 9 is attached to allow a highly resilient connection with a layer of adhesive material or mortar material 10 applied thereon, wherein the pasty material 10 surrounds the grid 9 and in the open from the top 8 from Formations 2 can penetrate. The upper side 8 forms a support surface for plate-shaped floor covering elements 11 arranged thereon, which are fixed on the compensation element 1 with an adhesive material or mortar material 10.

The individual formations 2 may have partial undercuts 12 in the region of side walls 13 of the individual formations 2, in order to enable a clawing of material 10 penetrating into the formations 2 with the formations 2. Also along the side walls 13 along a circumference complete undercuts 12 are conceivable.

On a bottom 14 of the compensation element 1, a water-permeable nonwoven layer 15 is attached. The water-permeable nonwoven layer 15 allows a moisture-removing drainage effect of the decoupling mat 7 and simultaneously prevents any not yet cured and therefore deformable material 10 penetrates into the channels 3 at the bottom 14 and can clog or solidify them, whereby the decoupling effect or the drainage effect could be impaired. The underside 14 of the compensation element 1, which is formed by the formations 2, simultaneously forms a footprint on which the decoupling mat 7 can be placed on a substrate 16 and on which the compensation element 1 is supported.

In order to improve the lateral discharge of moisture penetrating passage openings 17 are arranged in the side walls 13, which extend to the bottom 14 to the footprint. Rainfall water impinging on the floor covering 11 from above or moisture entering the floor covering 11 can be transferred through these passage openings 17 into the channels 3 and discharged through the channels 3 in the lateral direction.

In Fig. 3 By way of example, an underside of a compensation element 1 with formations 2 is shown, wherein the individual formations 2 have a bone-shaped shape. This shaping is the same as in the Fig. 1 shown embodiment by a non-convex shape. By arranging adjacent formations 2 with an offset in both spatial directions, rectilinear channel sections 4, 5 are limited to short areas in this exemplary embodiment as well and extend at most along each of them two adjacent formations 2. Each adjacent formations 2 are arranged so close to each other that the formations 2 extend in some areas in an area surrounded by an adjacent formation 2 on two or three sides and would overlap, if the adjacent formation 2 would have no recess there ,

In the Fig. 4 and 5 merely exemplary embodiments of a compensation element 1, each with bone-shaped formations 2 are shown. In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 the side walls 11 have a much rounded course compared to the embodiments according to the Fig. 3 and 5 on. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5 the formations 2 are very similar to the formations 2 in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 , However, in the embodiments according to the Fig. 4 and 5 each adjacent formations 2 rotated by 90 ° to each other.

In an embodiment according to Fig. 6 the individual formations 2 each have a shell-shaped shape.

Claims (13)

1. A decoupling mat (7) for a floor covering construction with a web- or plate-like compensating element (1), having shapings (2) projecting in a first direction starting from a supporting plane, arranged regularly and spaced apart from each other, which form a level contact surface spaced apart from the supporting plane and between which channels (3), which are open in the first direction, run, each channel (3) extending along multiple shapings (2) from a first side edge of the compensating element (1) to a second side edge of the compensating element (1), wherein each channel (3) consists of multiple merging channel sections (4, 5), the respective end regions of which can be connected by a section line running within the channel section (4, 5) in a straight line parallel to the supporting plane, wherein each channel (3) has at least two channel sections (4, 5), the section lines of which are oriented at an angle to each other such that the channel (3) does not form any straight lines of weakness extending over the course of the channel, and wherein a covering layer composed of a fleece (15) is affixed to the compensating element (1) so as to cover the channels (3), characterised in that at least some shapings (2) have a non-convex surface shape, wherein in the case of a non-convex surface shape at least two points exist within the non-convex surface shape, the straight connecting line between said points running outside the surface shape at least in part.
2. The decoupling mat (7) according to claim 1, characterised in that two channel sections (4, 5) of a channel (3), the section lines of which are at an angle to each other, border two adjacent shapings (2).
3. The decoupling mat (7) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that two channel sections (4, 5) of a channel (3), the section lines of which are at an angle to each other, border a shaping (2).
4. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first shaping (2), which is adjacent to a second shaping (2) with a non-convex surface shape, overlaps at least one imaginary connecting line which connects two points within the second shaping.
5. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shapings (2) have a bone-shaped surface shape.
6. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the shapings (2) have an angular surface shape.
7. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two groups of shapings (2) having differing orientations are arranged on the compensating element (1).
8. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a maximum distance between two opposite side edges (13) of each shaping (2) is in a range of between 1 cm and 15 cm, preferably in a range of between 1.5 cm and 5 cm.
9. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each channel section (4, 5) has a width of between a few mm and a few cm, at least in some regions.
10. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the compensating element (1) has moisture-permeable recesses or openings.
11. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shapings (2) have an undercut (12) along their perimeter at least in some regions.
12. The decoupling mat (7) according to claim 11, characterised in that the shapings (2) have an undercut (12) on two opposite sections of side walls (13) of the shapings (2).
13. The decoupling mat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on one side (8) or on both sides (8, 14) of the compensating element (1) an anchoring fleece or a textile or grid-like cover (9) is affixed.

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