WO2006123845A1

WO2006123845A1 - Functional access floor

Info

Publication number: WO2006123845A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/001429
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moon-Soo Lee
Original assignee: Moon-Soo Lee
Priority date: 2005-05-16
Filing date: 2005-05-16
Publication date: 2006-11-23

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a functional access floor, which can absorb vibration and block static electricity and electronic waves. Specifically, this invention relates to an access floor capable of absorbing noise and vibrations, regarded as problematic in modern society, in which conductive means is applied on the upper surface of the access floor so as to block static electricity, and as well, tile is laminated on the upper portion of the access floor without the use of a bonding agent. The access floor (100) of this invention includes a holder (10), and a support (20) for supporting the holder (10), in which a noise-proof member is attached to the bottom surface of the support (20), and a noise-proof member containing conductive material is applied on all or part of the upper surface of the holder (20).

Description

FUNCTIONAL ACCESS FLOOR

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a functional access floor, which can absorb vibration and block static electricity and electronic waves, and more particularly, to an access floor capable of absorbing noise and vibrations, which are regarded as problematic in modern society, in which rubber containing conductive material is applied on the upper surface of the access floor so as to block static electricity, and as well, tile is laminated on the upper portion of the access floor without the use of a bonding agent.

[2] With the development of various electric instruments and communication equipment, people may enjoy convenient lives but may suffer from fatal diseases due to electronic waves occurring therefrom.

[3] In order to block such electronic waves, various electronic instruments have been manufactured according to standards for the generation of electronic waves. In addition, research not only into electronic waves but also into water vein waves has been conducted in recent years, from which water vein waves have been deduced to negatively affect the health of human beings. Background Art

[4] In general, water vein waves are energy emitted from water flowing under the earth's surface, that is, harmful waves, and thus act to crack buildings and to cause various diseases. Therefore, people must avoid the exposure of their bodies to water vein waves.

[5] With the goal of blocking water vein waves harmful to the human body, many products have been developed. In this regard, an access floor having an expensive copper plate formed thereon has been proposed to block such water vein waves, but is disadvantageous because it is expensive. Further, in the case where tile is laminated on the copper plate, it may undesirably expand or contract depending on seasonal variation in temperature.

[6] In addition, an access floor capable of simultaneously blocking water vein waves and electronic waves and absorbing vibration and noise has not yet been developed, and therefore the problem of interlayer noise, which is regarded as problematic in modern society, cannot be solved.

[7] Moreover, in the case where tile is laminated on the upper surface of a conventional access floor formed of an iron plate using a bonding agent, the bonding agent may fail due to variation in temperature, and thus the tile may become detached from the upper surface of the access floor. In particular, in the winder season, the coldness of the iron plate is transferred to the tile, so that the tile may undesirably contract. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems with access floors encountered in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an access floor capable of decreasing static electricity occurring from underneath the access floor. [9] Another object of the present invention is to provide an access floor capable of blocking electronic waves and water vein waves, as well as the static electricity mentioned above. [10] A further object of the present invention is to provide an access floor capable of decreasing noise and vibration. [11] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an access floor which is lightweight and has excellent noise absorption ability. [12] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an access floor having excellent surface adhesion of a bonding agent. [13] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an access floor for preventing emission of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) gases in the event of a fire.

Technical Solution [14] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an access floor comprising a holder, a support for supporting the holder, and functional means attached to the upper surface of the holder. [15] In addition, the functional means may comprise a noise-proof member applied on all or part of the upper surface of the holder, and the support may have a noise-proof member attached to the bottom surface thereof. [16] In addition, the noise-proof member may contain a conductive material. As such, the conductive material may be carbon, any one selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum, or a mixture comprising

20-30 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum, and 70-80 wt% of carbon powder. [17] In addition, the conductive material may be a mixture comprising 30-40 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum, and 60-70 wt% of any one functional material selected from among jade, yellow soil, and elvan. [18] In addition, in the access floor of the present invention, the functional means may comprise conductive means. [19] Further, the conductive means may be a carbon coating or a carbon film obtained by thermally compressing a synthetic resin containing carbon.

[20] Further, the conductive means may be a metal sheet coating formed of any one selected from nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum.

[21] Further, the conductive means may be a metal sheet coating formed of a mixture comprising 20-30 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 70-80 wt% of carbon powder.

[22] Further, the conductive means may be a metal sheet coating formed of a mixture comprising 30-40 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 60-70 wt% of any one functional material selected from among jade, yellow soil, and elvan.

[23] In addition, the holder may have a scratched portion artificially formed on the surface thereof so as to allow a bonding agent to easily adhere thereto upon lamination of tile.

[24] In addition, the holder and the support may be formed of a synthetic resin-foamed material further including wood powder and mineral powder, the synthetic resin being used in an amount of 55-60 wt%, the wood powder being used in an amount of 25-30 wt%, and the mineral powder being used in an amount of 10-15 wt%.

[25] In addition, antistatic tile may be composed of a synthetic resin and a carbon coating formed on the upper surface of the synthetic resin or the lower surface thereof.

Advantageous Effects

[26] According to the present invention, the upper surface of the access floor is coated with a noise-proof member containing conductive material. Thereby, upon lamination of tile on the access floor without the use of a bonding agent, the adhesion of the tile may be increased by frictional force of the noise-proof member coating layer. Therefore, environmental pollution due to the use of the bonding agent is prevented, and as well, the tile may be simply replaced, and noise and vibration may be absorbed.

[27] In addition, since the conductive material is contained in the noise-proof member applied on the access floor, not only static electricity but also electronic waves and water vein waves, which are regarded as problematic in modern society, may be blocked.

[28] In addition, the noise-proof member is attached to the bottom surface of the support of the access floor, thus absorbing noise and vibration capable of occurring from the upper surface of the access floor.

[29] The access floor is formed of a synthetic resin-foamed material and thus is lightweight and easily transported. Further, in a fire, harmful gases may be generated in smaller amounts. Furthermore, since the used material is soft, noise absorption ability is increased. [30] Moreover, the scratched portion is formed on the surface of the access floor.

Thereby, when attaching the tile to the surface of the access floor, the adhesion of a bonding agent becomes excellent, leading to a shortened construction period.

Brief Description of the Drawings [31] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an access floor according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [32] FIG. 2a is a view showing a state in which a rubber coating layer is formed on all of the upper surface of the holder of the access floor formed of PVC, according to the present invention; [33] FIG. 2b is a view showing a state in which a rubber coating layer is formed on part of the upper surface of the holder of the access floor formed of PVC, according to the present invention; [34] FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which tile is laminated on the rubber coating layer of the holder of the access floor formed of PVC, according to the present invention; [35] FIG. 4a is a view showing a state in which a rubber coating layer is formed on all of the upper surface of the holder of the access floor formed of an iron plate, according to the present invention; [36] FIG. 4b is a view showing a state in which a rubber coating layer is formed on part of the upper surface of the holder of the access floor formed of an iron plate, according to the present invention; [37] FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which tile is laminated on the rubber coating layer of the holder of the access floor formed of an iron plate, according to the present invention; [38] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an access floor for blocking electronic waves and water vein waves, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and [39] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the access floor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[40] <Description of the Reference Numerals in the Drawings>

[41] 100: access floor 10: holder

[42] 12, 14: rubber coating layer 20: support

[43] 22: rubber layer 30: tile

[44] 200: access floor 40: holder

[45] 42: conductive means 44: scratched portion [46] 50: support 52: rubber layer

[47] 60: antistatic tile 62: synthetic resin

[48] 64,66: carbon coating

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[49] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings.

[50] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an access floor according to the present invention, FIG. 2a is a view showing a state in which a rubber coating layer is formed on all of the upper surface of the holder of the access floor of the present invention, FIG. 2b is a view showing a state in which a rubber coating layer is formed on part of the upper surface of the holder of the access floor of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which tile is laminated on the rubber coating layer of the holder of the access floor of the present invention.

[51] As shown in FIG. 1, the access floor 100 of the present invention comprises a holder 10, and a support 20 for supporting the holder 10. In addition, a rubber layer 22 having a jagged shape at a lower surface thereof is attached to the bottom surface of the support 20 in order to absorb noise and vibration occurring from the access floor.

[52] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, a rubber coating layer 12, 14 is provided on all or part of the upper surface of the holder 10. In the case where tile (papered floor) 30 is laminated on the holder 10 as shown in FIG. 3, the rubber coating layer formed on the upper surface of the holder 10 functions to prevent the tile 30 from slipping thanks to high surface friction of rubber. Further, although not shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface of the tile may be coated with rubber, thus preventing the tile from slipping on the surface of the floor. Instead of a bonding agent conventionally used to attach the tile 30 to the upper surface of the holder 10, the rubber coating layer is applied on the upper surface of the holder 10, thereby reducing environmental pollution occurring upon use of the bonding agent. Further, the process may be easily conducted and the tile 30 may be recycled.

[53] As the rubber, either natural rubber or synthetic rubber may be used. Preferably, a mixture comprising PVC and synthetic rubber is used, in which PVC is contained in an amount of 70-80% and the synthetic rubber is contained in an amount of 20-30%.

[54] The synthetic rubber is preferably any one selected from among styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), polychloroprene rubber (CR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, and urethane rubber.

[55] The holder 10 is formed of PVC, and preferably has a rubber layer made of natural rubber or synthetic rubber on the upper surface thereof.

[56] Also, the rubber coating layer 12, 14 preferably further includes conductive material.

[57] In addition to the PVC or rubber as the material for the access floor of the present invention, an iron plate may be applied, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Mode for the Invention

[58] A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained in light of the following examples which are set forth to illustrate, but are not to be construed to limit the present invention.

[59] Example 1

[60] When the upper surface of the holder of the access floor was coated with a mixture comprising rubber and carbon as the conductive material, the surface resistance thereof was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, which was regarded as effective for the prevention of static electricity.

[61] When the upper surface of the holder of the access floor was coated with a mixture comprising rubber and any one selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum as the conductive material, the surface resistance thereof was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, at which an antistatic effect and an electronic wave blocking effect were exhibited.

[62] The electronic waves of the access floor of the present invention were measured according to ASTM D4935-89, resulting in a decibel value (A) of 8 + 05 dB. Thus, when the decibel value (A) was substituted for an equation for calculating an electronic wave blocking effect (blocking effect (%) = (1-10^"^¹⁰) x 100%), 82.21-85.87% of the electronic waves were confirmed to have been blocked.

[63] When mixing rubber with an admixture comprising 20-30 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 70-80 wt% of carbon powder as the conductive material, the surface resistance of the access floor was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, at which an antistatic effect was exhibited. In addition, as the result of measuring the electronic waves according to ASTM D4935-89, 60-65% of the electronic waves were confirmed to have been blocked.

[64] In addition, when conducting a coating process using a mixture comprising rubber and an admixture composed of 30-40 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 60-70 wt% of any one functional material selected from among jade, yellow soil and elvan as the conductive material, the surface resistance of the access floor was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, at which an antistatic effect was exhibited. As the result of measuring the electronic waves according to ASTM D4935-89, 65-70% of the electronic waves were confirmed to have been blocked. [65] Further, water vein waves, which are regarded as problematic in modern society, were confirmed to have been blocked. Water vein waves are harmful waves emanating from at least 100-200 m below the earth's surface. When useful waves are applied to a position from where the harmful waves emanate, the harmful waves may be naturally neutralized and made powerless. However, scientific equipment for measuring water vein waves has not yet been introduced, and measurement can only be conducted using an L-rod or pendulum, depending on the sensitivity of humans. Thus, whether water vein waves are being blocked is measured using a far infrared emission test or a thermal imaging system. According to an FT-IR spectrometer process based on the assumption that the emissivity of a theoretical sample, such as a black body, which does not actually exist, is determined to be 1, the far infrared emissivity of the access floor of the present invention was measured to be 0.68, that is, 68%. Further, 250 W of emission energy was produced, thus neutralizing water vein waves. The access floor according to the present invention was subjected to a thermal imaging test. As a result, since far infrared light at 3O⁰C was emitted at room temperature of 26⁰C, water vein waves were confirmed to have been neutralized.

[66] Although the noise-proof member attached to the upper surface of the access floor of the present invention is formed of rubber, the present invention is not limited thereto, and PVC, epoxy, etc., may be used.

[67] In addition, the upper surface of the access floor of the present invention is coated with conductive means and then measured as mentioned above. The results are described in Example 2.

[68] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an access floor for blocking electronic waves and water vein waves, according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the access floor comprises a holder 40 and a support 50 for supporting the holder 40. Further, a rubber layer 52 having a jagged shape is attached to the bottom surface of the support 50 in order to absorb noise and vibration occurring from the access floor.

[69] Furthermore, the conductive means 42 is provided on the upper surface of the holder 40 so as to prevent the generation of static electricity on the bottom surface of the access floor 200 and to prevent static electricity and water vein waves from being transmitted upwards from the lower portion of the access floor 200.

[70] Moreover, a scratched portion 44 is artificially formed on the upper surface of the holder 40, and the conductive means 42 is further provided on the scratched portion 44. In this way, in the case where tile is laminated on the holder 40 having the scratched portion 44, it is not dislocated, thanks to friction between the tile and the scratched portion 44. Simultaneously, in the case where the tile is laminated using a bonding agent, the adhesion is further increased. [71] The access floor 200 is formed of a synthetic resin-foamed material. As such, a synthetic resin and a foaming agent are directly melted and mixed in an extruder and thus extruded into the shape of the access floor of the present invention.

[72] A conventional access floor composed mainly of PVC has a specific gravity of 1.45 g/D and thus is relatively heavy. Therefore, it is difficult to transport such a conventional access floor. As well, harmful gases are generated in a fire. Further, since the material for the access floor is hard, noise absorption ability is low. However, in the present invention, when the access floor is manufactured using the synthetic resin- foamed material, its specific gravity is decreased to 0.6-0.7 g/D. Thus, the access floor of the present invention is lightweight and therefore may be easily transported. In a fire, harmful gases are generated in smaller amounts, and the noise absorption ability is increased by virtue of the use of the soft material.

[73]

[74] Example 2

[75] The conductive means 42, which is a carbon coating or a carbon film resulting from thermal compression of the synthetic resin containing carbon, was applied on the surface of the access floor 200.

[76] As the result of measurement of surface resistance of the access floor 200, the surface resistance was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, which was regarded as effective for the prevention of static electricity.

[77] As the conductive means 42, a sheet formed of any one selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium and aluminum was applied on the upper surface of the holder. As a result, the surface resistance thereof was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, at which an antistatic effect was exhibited. As well, the following electronic wave blocking effect was exhibited.

[78] The extent of the electronic waves to be blocked by the access floor 200 was measured. To this end, ASTM D4935-89 was applied, and the resulting decibel value (A) was found to be 8 ± 05 dB. Thus, when the decibel value (A) was substituted for an equation for calculating an electronic wave blocking effect (blocking effect (%) = (1-10^¹⁰) x 100%), 82.21-85.87% of the electronic waves were confirmed to have been blocked.

[79] As the conductive means 42, a sheet formed of a mixture comprising 20-30 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 70-80 wt% of carbon powder was applied on the upper surface of the access floor. Thereby, the surface resistance thereof was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, at which an antistatic effect was exhibited.

[80] As the result of measuring the electronic waves according to ASTM D4935-89,

60-65% of the electronic waves were confirmed to have been blocked. [81] As the conductive means 42, a sheet formed of a mixture comprising 30-40 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 60-70 wt% of any one functional material selected from among jade, yellow soil and elvan was applied on the surface of the access floor. Thereby, the surface resistance thereof was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, at which an antistatic effect was exhibited. Also, when measuring the electronic waves according to ASTM D4935-89, 65-70% of the electronic waves were confirmed to have been blocked.

[82] Further, water vein waves, which are regarded as problematic in modern society, were confirmed to have been blocked. Water vein waves are harmful waves emanating from at least 100-200 m below the earth's surface. When useful waves are applied to a position from where the harmful waves emanate, the harmful waves may be naturally neutralized and made powerless. However, scientific equipment for measuring water vein waves has not yet been introduced, and measurement can only be conducted using an L-rod or pendulum, depending on the sensitivity of humans. Thus, whether water vein waves are blocked is measured using a far infrared emission test or a thermal imaging system. According to an FT-IR spectrometer process based on the assumption that the emissivity of a theoretical sample, such as a black body, which does not actually exist, is determined to be 1, the far infrared emissivity of the access floor for blocking electromagnetic waves and water vein waves of the present invention was measured to be 0.68, that is, 68%. Further, 250 W of emission energy was produced, thus neutralizing water vein waves. The access floor for blocking electronic waves and water vein waves according to the present invention was subjected to a thermal imaging test. As the result, since far infrared light at 3O⁰C was emitted at room temperature of 26⁰C, water vein waves were confirmed to have been neutralized.

[83] The holder and the support were formed using a synthetic resin-foamed material further including wood powder and mineral powder, in which the synthetic resin was used in an amount of 60 wt%, the wood powder of 30 wt%, and the mineral powder of 10 wt%.

[84] When the wood powder was added, the contraction of the surface of the access floor was prevented. Also, when the mineral powder was added, VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) gases were reduced by about 30%.

[85] FIG. 7 shows the structure in which the tile is laminated on the access floor for blocking electronic waves and water vein waves mentioned in Example 2. As such, as the tile, the static electricity proof tile of Korean Patent No. 0367885 or 0417910, which was filed and registered by the present applicant, was used.

[86] The antistatic tile 70 includes a synthetic resin 34 and a carbon coating 62, 66 formed thereon or therebeneath. As the result of measuring electric resistance of the surface of the tile 30, the electric resistance was measured to be 10 -10 Ω/D, at which an antistatic effect was exhibited.

[87] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[I] An access floor, comprising a holder, a support for supporting the holder, and functional means attached to an upper surface of the holder.

[2] The access floor according to claim 1, wherein the functional means comprises a noise-proof member applied on all or part of the upper surface of the holder. [3] The access floor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support has a noise-proof member attached to a bottom surface thereof. [4] The access floor according to claim 2, wherein the noise-proof member contains a conductive material.

[5] The access floor according to claim 4, wherein the conductive material is carbon.

[6] The access floor according to claim 4, wherein the conductive material is any one selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum. [7] The access floor according to claim 4, wherein the conductive material is a mixture comprising 20-30 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and

70-80 wt% of carbon powder. [8] The access floor according to claim 4, wherein the conductive material is a mixture comprising 30-40 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and

60-70 wt% of any one functional material selected from among jade, yellow soil, and elvan. [9] The access floor according to claim 1, wherein the functional means is conductive means. [10] The access floor according to claim 9, wherein the conductive means is a carbon coating or a carbon film obtained by thermally compressing a synthetic resin containing carbon.

[I I] The access floor according to claim 9, wherein the conductive means is a metal sheet coating formed of any one selected from nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum.

[12] The access floor according to claim 9, wherein the conductive means is a metal sheet coating formed of a mixture comprising 20-30 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 70-80 wt% of carbon powder.

[13] The access floor according to claim 9, wherein the conductive means is a metal sheet coating formed of a mixture comprising 30-40 wt% of any one metal powder selected from among nickel, copper, silver, potassium, magnesium, cadmium, and aluminum and 60-70 wt% of any one functional material selected from among jade, yellow soil, and elvan.

[14] The access floor according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the holder has a scratched portion artificially formed on the surface thereof in order to allow a bonding agent to easily adhere thereto upon lamination of tile.

[15] The access floor according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the holder and the support are formed of a synthetic resin-foamed material.

[16] The access floor according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the holder and the support are formed of a synthetic resin-foamed material further including wood powder and mineral powder, the synthetic resin being used in an amount of 55-60 wt%, the wood powder being used in an amount of 25-30 wt%, and the mineral powder being used in an amount of 10-15 wt%.

[17] The access floor according to any one of claims 9 to 15, which has antistatic tile attached to an upper surface thereof in order to block electronic waves and water vein waves, the antistatic tile being composed of a synthetic resin and a carbon coating formed on an upper surface of the synthetic resin or a lower surface thereof.