AT527815B1 - Ceiling element operable for heating or cooling a room, as well as functional ceilings with such ceiling elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a ceiling element (3; 3'; 3'') operable to heat or cool a room (100) equipped therewith. The ceiling element is configured for installation in a ceiling area (101) of the room and is designed with a fastening geometry (43; 43') that enables fastening of a further functional element (4) or several further functional elements (4) to the ceiling element. The ceiling element is designed, after its installation in the ceiling area, to mechanically support the further functional element or elements, either alone or in cooperation with at least one further ceiling element. The invention further relates to a functional ceiling (1; 1') for a room (100), comprising a plurality of such ceiling elements (3; 3'; 3'') as well as several support rails (2) and at least one further functional element (4), preferably several further functional elements (4). In the functional ceiling, the support rails are mounted directly or indirectly on a bare ceiling (102) or integrated into a bare ceiling (102). The ceiling elements are arranged next to one another and are each mounted and held on at least two of the support rails. The additional functional element(s) is/are held on the bare ceiling via the ceiling element and the support rails to which the ceiling element is mounted.

Description

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Description

FUNCTIONAL CEILING WITH CEILING ELEMENTS THAT CAN BE USED TO HEAT OR COOL A ROOM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a functional ceiling for a room, comprising a plurality of ceiling elements, wherein the ceiling elements are each operable to heat or cool a room equipped with the ceiling element.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to heat and/or cool rooms, particularly large office spaces, using heating and/or cooling devices arranged in a ceiling area. Such heating and/or cooling devices are, for example, designed to be flat overall and may have lines through which a temperature control fluid is conducted. In this way, for example, a floor area can be kept free of heating/cooling devices. Furthermore, such heating and/or cooling can contribute to creating a pleasant room climate.

[0003] For example, heating elements are known which are designed with a length of several meters and are suspended from a bare ceiling in the ceiling area of the room.

[0004] DE 200 11 751 U1 further describes a ceiling element with which rooms can be heated or cooled, wherein the ceiling element comprises a mineral fibre board and a gypsum board arranged as a composite.

[0005] Furthermore, a conventional device for air conditioning a room with a heat exchanger provided below a ceiling is described in EP 2 410 246 A2. The heat exchanger is formed by a coiled tube that is attached to the ceiling via retaining elements.

[0006] Although the conventional construction methods described above allow for greater flexibility in the floor area, for example, for cabling, it has now become apparent that the conventional arrangement of heating/cooling elements in the ceiling area significantly complicates the planning of the accommodation of other functional components in the ceiling area, such as lighting fixtures. Furthermore, equipping a shell, such as an open-plan office, in this conventional manner increases the number of trades whose work in the ceiling area must be carefully coordinated.

[0007] Once installed, a ceiling structure designed and constructed in the conventional manner, which allows for room temperature control through heating and/or cooling, is very difficult to subsequently modify. The arrangement of components, such as lighting fixtures, which have separate functions in the ceiling area from the heating or cooling function, is also difficult to modify using the conventional approach. Adaptations to changing room layout requirements or similar requirements are therefore very labor-intensive with the existing construction methods.

[0008] DE 200 15 084 U1 describes a heat-conducting profile and a heat exchanger ceiling. A connection of the heat-conducting profile to ceiling cladding panels by means of magnetic force is described. Furthermore, it is described that the heat-conducting profile is formed with a strip-like base element, with recesses formed on an underside of the base element as chambers for the positive reception of magnetic strips.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 38 27 371 A1 describes a substructure for the fastening of elongated, essentially U-shaped profiled panels. Support rails are described, the lower support rail section of which extends to longitudinally extending flanges.

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is widened, with tabs with legs provided on these flanges for clamping the longitudinal edges of the panels. An upper support rail section is shaped to fit the shape of, for example, a tubular radiator.

[0010] Furthermore, WO 2019/229 598 A1 describes a temperature control body with a temperature control section for controlling the temperature of a room and with a lighting receptacle for receiving a lighting element. The lighting element, which is received in the lighting receptacle, emits light away from the front of the temperature control body. WO 2019/229 598 A1 describes that the lighting receptacle has at least one rear engagement surface that allows the lighting element to engage behind it. In this way, the lighting element is to be held in the lighting receptacle with respect to a force direction toward the front of the temperature control body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved possibility for heating and/or cooling a room and for providing one or more further functions, including lighting, which enables simpler planning and installation and can also be subsequently modified with less effort if necessary.

[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a functional blanket having the features of claim 1.

[0013] A ceiling element is proposed which can be operated to heat or cool a room equipped with it. The ceiling element provided in the invention is designed for installation in a ceiling area of the room and is constructed with a fastening geometry which enables the fastening of a further functional element or several further functional elements to the ceiling element. In this case, the ceiling element is designed, after its installation in the ceiling area, to mechanically support the further functional element or the further functional elements, alone or in cooperation with at least one further ceiling element. The further ceiling element is, in particular, such a ceiling element.

[0014] According to the invention, a functional ceiling for a room with the features of claim 1 is proposed, wherein the functional ceiling comprises a plurality of such ceiling elements equipped with a fastening geometry, a plurality of support rails and at least one further functional element, preferably a plurality of further functional elements. In this case, the support rails are mounted on a bare ceiling of the room directly or indirectly via additional holding elements or the support rails are integrated into a bare ceiling of the room in an accessible manner. The ceiling elements are arranged next to one another and are each mounted and held on at least two of the support rails. According to the invention, it is provided that the further functional element or the further functional elements interact or interact with the fastening geometry of at least one of the ceiling elements and are thereby held on the bare ceiling via the at least one ceiling element and the support rails to which the at least one ceiling element is mounted.

[0015] One idea of the present invention is to propose a ceiling system whose ceiling elements, which fulfill a heating and/or cooling function, can also be used as support elements for additional functional elements. The ceiling elements are thus designed in a manner that makes it possible to attach the additional functional element(s) to the ceiling element or, for example, to two or more ceiling elements in a defined manner, in a flexible and, if necessary, adaptable manner, and at the same time absorb the loads introduced into the ceiling element(s) by the functional element, in particular by its weight, and reliably transmit them into a bare ceiling.

[0016] The planning and installation of a functional ceiling are made easier with the invention

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and with less effort and time. For example, it is no longer necessary to install separate fastening and holding devices for each individual trade, for heating or cooling the room, or for other functions such as lighting, acoustic improvement, sound reinforcement, or information provision. Instead, the invention provides a consistent fastening solution based on the ceiling elements as the carrier of a fastening geometry.

[0017] This makes it possible to plan and implement the expansion of rooms more quickly during new construction or renovation. In this way, for example, office space can be made available more easily and cost-effectively. Rooms equipped with a functional ceiling according to the invention also offer significantly greater flexibility for subsequent modifications than conventional construction methods, especially since the additional functional elements do not have to be attached and reattached separately from the ceiling elements designed for heating and/or cooling, but rather use a defined attachment geometry of the ceiling element. In this way, damage to the equipment used for heating or cooling, for example due to accidental drilling into pipes carrying temperature control fluid, is also avoided.

[0018] According to the invention, the further functional element or at least one of the further functional elements is a lighting device for illuminating the room or a part thereof. In the case of lighting devices as functional element(s), the invention achieves considerable advantages, particularly since lighting devices or elements are often provided in large numbers in the ceiling area, and their configuration and arrangement must be carefully planned for pleasant and appropriate lighting, as well as often comprehensively adapted when the room layout changes.

[0019] According to the invention, the ceiling element is designed in a panel-like or plate-like manner. Thus, the ceiling element can act as a flat heating and/or cooling element and enable effective heating and/or cooling of the room. Ceiling elements of this type can be easily arranged to fill the entire ceiling area, allowing a single area of the ceiling to be effectively utilized for the temperature control function and other functions.

[0020] According to the invention, the fastening geometry is designed with several undercut grooves. Such grooves enable the reliable fastening of a multitude of additional functional elements in a diverse and flexible arrangement.

[0021] In the functional ceiling according to the invention, the further functional element or at least one of the further functional elements, which is designed as the lighting device for illuminating the room or part thereof, is suspended from one of the ceiling elements or from two or more of the ceiling elements using the fastening geometry.

[0022] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fastening geometry allows the fastening of the additional functional element(s) on a side of the ceiling element that faces the room after its installation. Thus, the fastening of one or more functional elements intended to fulfill a function in the room is possible in a simple and expedient manner.

[0024] In a further development, the fastening geometry is formed on a side of the ceiling element that faces the room after its installation and/or is accessible from this side of the ceiling element. This configuration advantageously makes it considerably easier for a fitter to install or modify functional elements, particularly after full-surface or largely full-surface installation of the ceiling elements, due to simplified access to the fastening geometry from the room side.

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[0025] According to a further development, one of the further functional elements is an acoustic element for modifying the acoustic properties of the room or a part thereof. The invention also achieves significant advantages in the case of acoustic elements as functional element(s), especially since these elements are often numerous, require considerable installation space, and may therefore require attachment at a variety of locations. The invention thus simplifies the arrangement and spatial coordination of acoustic elements with other, further functional elements, such as lighting devices, in planning and implementation.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, one of the further functional elements can comprise a loudspeaker or a display device, in particular a monitor, or a sensor, in particular a sensor for detecting movement in the room or a sensor for detecting smoke or a gaseous substance or an elevated temperature. The invention thus makes it possible, with little effort, to enable sound and/or the display of information, for example, in the room, as well as to provide further additional functions by means of a sensor.

[0027] According to a further development of the functional ceiling, one of the further functional elements is designed as a loudspeaker or a display device or a sensor.

[0028] In particular, the ceiling element can be elongated.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, a line or lines for receiving a heating or cooling fluid, in particular a liquid, for example water, is/are provided or can be arranged on or in the ceiling element. The heating or cooling fluid can alternatively be, for example, water with additives or, instead, another temperature control fluid. The line or lines can be laid in the ceiling element, for example, in a serpentine or meandering pattern.

[0030] In one embodiment, the ceiling element comprises a base body made of a metal material, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy or steel. Such a base body offers, in particular, suitable mechanical strength to serve as a support for additional functional elements.

[0031] In a further development, the base body can be designed, in particular, as a flat profile. This can contribute to the expedient production of a base body, for example, a base body with a geometry that is essentially constant and possibly complex along a longitudinal direction.

[0032] In one embodiment, the plurality of undercut grooves with which the fastening geometry is formed are designed as T-slots. The plurality of undercut grooves are preferably of the same design.

[0033] In a further development, the grooves can be introduced into the base body during its manufacture, in particular by extrusion, for example, as a profile. The grooves can thus be produced in a suitable manner. Production of the base body by extrusion can be particularly suitable if the base body is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the fastening geometry is formed with a pattern or grid of a plurality of openings, in particular of similar openings. In a further refinement, the fastening geometry can also be provided with several groups of similar openings arranged in a pattern or grid. Openings of one or more types are well suited if the base body is manufactured, for example, not as an extruded profile, but as a sheet metal part or bent sheet metal part, for example, from steel.

[0035] In particular, the openings, for example, as round holes or elongated holes, can be introduced into the base body by means of punching and/or machining. In this way, the openings can be conveniently produced.

[0036] In one embodiment, it can thus be provided that the fastening geometry 4133

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with several undercut grooves, in particular several T-slots, and additionally with a pattern or grid of a plurality of openings that are similar or similar in groups. This creates even more diverse fastening options on the ceiling element.

[0037] In a further development of the functional ceiling, it is provided that the support rails are mounted on a surface of a concrete ceiling facing the room, as the bare ceiling, or suspended from the concrete ceiling, or that the support rails are integrated into one or more prefabricated concrete ceiling elements forming the bare ceiling, for example, embedded in the prefabricated concrete ceiling element(s). A variety of arrangements of the support rails are thus possible.

[0038] In particular, the support rails can be arranged spaced apart from one another and parallel to one another. In this embodiment, the longitudinal directions of the support rails preferably extend substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal directions of the ceiling elements. Thus, the ceiling elements can be conveniently supported along their length.

[0039] In one embodiment, the support rails can have a cross-section that is open on one longitudinal side, in particular a C-shaped cross-section. This allows for reliable and flexible installation of the ceiling elements on the support rail with a comparatively simple cross-sectional geometry.

[0040] According to a further development of the functional ceiling, adapter pieces are provided, each of which can be inserted into one of the support rails, in particular at a freely selectable location along a longitudinal direction of the support rail, and can be mechanically coupled, preferably detachably, to the support rail. The ceiling elements are designed to be mechanically coupled, preferably detachably, to several of the adapter pieces. For example, the ceiling elements can each be designed to be coupled to one or preferably several of the adapter pieces in opposite longitudinal edge regions of the ceiling element. This enables a highly adaptable installation of the ceiling elements in the ceiling region.

[0041] In one embodiment, the ceiling elements can be clipped or locked to the adapter pieces. This allows for particularly simple and time-saving installation of the ceiling elements.

[0042] In another embodiment, the ceiling elements can be designed to be screwed onto the adapter pieces.

[0043] The above embodiments and further developments of the invention can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0044] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures of the drawings. In the figures:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a ceiling element for a functional ceiling according to a first embodiment of the invention, in perspective from a first side;

[0046] Fig. 2 shows the ceiling element of Fig. 1 in perspective from a second side;

[0047] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of an end region of the ceiling element of Fig. 1 per-

perspective from the second side;

[0048] Fig. 4-7 some steps in the construction of the functional ceiling according to the first embodiment, seen in perspective from a room;

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[0049] Fig. 8 shows the finished functional ceiling according to the first embodiment, seen in perspective from a visible side facing the room;

[0050] Fig. 9-12 show the steps illustrated in Fig. 4-7 in a side view; [0051] Fig. 13 shows the functional blanket from Fig. 8 in a side view;

[0052] Fig. 14 shows an adapter piece being inserted into a support rail to form the functional ceiling of the first embodiment in a side view;

[0053] Fig. 15, 16 the adapter piece when inserted into the support rail, as shown in Fig. 14, in perspective views;

[0054] Fig. 17 shows ceiling elements arranged side by side, held by means of adapter pieces inserted into support rails, as shown in Figs. 14-16, according to the first embodiment, during the fastening of a further functional element designed as an acoustic element, in perspective and in detail;

[0055] Fig. 18 a larger section of the situation from Fig. 17;

[0056] Fig. 19 shows the step shown in Figs. 7 and 12 in the construction of the functional ceiling, in a further perspective view;

[0057] Fig. 20, 21 are end-face detailed views of the finished functional ceiling shown in Fig. 13 according to the first embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the functional ceiling of Fig. 13, in the region of one of the adapter elements to which two of the ceiling elements are held;

[0059] Fig. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the functional ceiling of Fig. 13, in the

area of an acoustic element attached to one of the ceiling elements;

[0060] Fig. 24 is a perspective, partial detailed view B, as indicated in Fig. 19, of a fixing of the acoustic element from Fig. 23;

[0061] Fig. 25 is a visible bottom view of a section of the functional ceiling according to the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13;

[0062] Fig. 26 is a frontal detailed view of a fastening of a further functional element designed as a lighting device by means of suspension on one of the ceiling elements;

[0063] Fig. 27 shows the situation from Fig. 26, seen in perspective from the visible side, in a detail A, as indicated in Fig. 19;

[0064] Fig. 28 Parts of a functional ceiling according to a variant of the first embodiment, in a side view

[0065] Fig. 29 parts of a functional ceiling according to yet another variant of the first embodiment, seen in perspective from the visible side;

[0066] Fig. 30 shows a first fastening method of a support rail for the functional ceiling according to the embodiment of Figs. 1-29 and its variants, in cross section of an exemplary concrete ceiling;

[0067] Fig. 31 shows a second method of fastening a support rail for the functional ceiling according to the embodiment of Fig. 1-29 and its variants, in cross section of an exemplary prefabricated concrete ceiling element;

[0068] Fig. 32 shows a further fastening method of a support rail for the functional ceiling according to the embodiment of Fig. 1-29 and its variants, in cross section of an exemplary concrete ceiling;

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[0069] Fig. 33 shows a section of a functional ceiling according to a second example to explain a further embodiment, with a support rail, an adapter piece, a ceiling element and a further functional element, schematically in a cross section of the ceiling element;

[0070] Fig. 34 shows a section of the ceiling element according to the second example, in a visible bottom view;

[0071] Fig. 35 shows an adapter piece and a ceiling element mounted thereon by means of screws according to yet another embodiment; and

[0072] Fig. 36 is an enlarged view of a section of the acoustic element from Fig. 17 and a fastening component for the same.

[0073] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon reference to the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0074] In the figures, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference numerals, unless otherwise stated.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0075] Figs. 1-29, 36 illustrate a functional ceiling 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The functional ceiling 1 is intended for installation in a room 100, for example, in an office space, such as an open-plan office. However, the functional ceiling 1 can equally be useful for and be used in a variety of other types of rooms.

[0076] The functional ceiling 1 comprises a plurality of panel-like or plate-like, elongated, similar ceiling elements 3, each of which can be operated for heating or cooling the room 100 equipped with the ceiling element 3 and which are designed to be mounted in a ceiling area 101 of the room 100.

[0077] The ceiling element 3 has a base body 23, which is formed as a flat profile made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. During the manufacture of the base body 23, which can be carried out in particular by extrusion, the base body 23 was provided with several similar, undercut grooves 143. The grooves 143 extend parallel to one another and parallel to a longitudinal direction L3 of the ceiling element 3 on a side 13 of the ceiling element 3, which, after its assembly, faces the room 100, and open toward the side 13.

[0078] On a side of the ceiling element 3 opposite side 13, which faces the room 100 after the installation of a bare ceiling 102, the ceiling element 3 is equipped with at least one fluid-carrying line 33, in which a heating and/or cooling fluid, in particular a liquid such as water, can circulate. The line 33 can be arranged on the base body 23 between ribs 63 provided integrally thereon and held by these ribs 63. Fig. 22, for example, shows a cross-sectional view of such ribs 63, which are also produced, for example, during the extrusion of the base body 23 and together form a channel with a rounded base, whereby good contact and good heat transfer between the line 33 and the base body 23 is achieved.

[0079] The ceiling elements 3 can, for example, each have a length of approximately 6 m, although other lengths are also conceivable.

[0080] The functional ceiling 1 further comprises a plurality of support rails 2, a plurality of adapter pieces 5 and further functional elements 4.

71733

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[0081] Fig. 4-7 illustrate some steps of the installation of the functional ceiling 1 in the ceiling area 101 of the room 100.

[0082] First, the support rails 2 are fastened to the soffit 102 parallel to one another at intervals, in particular at uniform intervals, for example at a distance of 2 m from one another. For this purpose, the support rails 2 can be fixed directly to a surface of the soffit 102 facing the room 100, as illustrated by way of example in Fig. 30, for example by screwing, or instead can be indirectly suspended from the soffit 102 with the aid of additional holding elements 22, as shown in Fig. 32, in order to create a distance between the support rails 2 and the soffit 102. The soffit 102 is designed in Figs. 30 and 32 as a concrete soffit 103, although another type of soffit construction can also be considered instead. Alternatively, the support rails 2 can be embedded in a prefabricated soffit component, such as a prefabricated concrete soffit component 103', and thus integrated. Such an embedding of the support rail 2 is shown as an example in Fig. 31.

[0083] The support rails 2 are designed identically to one another and each have a C-shaped cross-section that is open on a longitudinal side 12. After the support rail 2 has been mounted or embedded, the open longitudinal side 12 faces the space 100. In the case of the support rail 2 being embedded, as in Fig. 31, at least the open longitudinal side 12 is accessible from the space 100.

[0084] The adapter pieces 5 serve to mount the ceiling elements 3 on the support rails 2, wherein the ceiling elements 3 in the embodiment shown are arranged next to one another and parallel to one another in such a way that the longitudinal directions L3 of the ceiling elements 3 extend substantially at a right angle to the longitudinal directions L2 of the support rails 2.

[0085] A plurality of adapter pieces 5 are arranged at a distance from one another on the support rails 2, see Fig. 5. The adapter pieces 5 shown enlarged in Figs. 14-16 are of identical design and each have a base part 75, on both sides of which are arranged locking elements 15 designed as spring elements, which can also be referred to as locking springs. In addition, each of the adapter pieces 5 has an engagement element 25 that is rotatable relative to the base part 75. In order to couple the adapter piece 5 to the support rail 2, the adapter piece 5 is inserted at a freely selectable location along the longitudinal direction L2 with the engagement element 25 leading through the open longitudinal side 12 of the support rail 2 into the interior of the latter.

[0086] The engagement element 25 is flat, elongated, and plate-like and has two diagonally opposite, rounded corners and two further, opposite corners that are essentially unrounded. Figures 14-16 show that during insertion, a longitudinal extension direction of the engagement element 25 runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction L2 of the support rail 2. When the engagement element 25 is completely inside the support rail 2, the engagement element 25 is rotated by an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the space 100. For this purpose, an engagement geometry of a pivot pin 35, which is firmly connected to the engagement element 25 and mounted in the base part 75, can be accessible on the side of the adapter piece 5 facing away from the support rail 2, for example through an opening in the base part 75. After rotating the engagement element 25, the adapter piece 5 is quickly, easily, and reliably mechanically coupled to the support rail 2. This mechanical coupling can be released, if necessary, by rotating the engagement element 25 in the opposite direction.

[0087] The adapter pieces 5 are attached to the support rails 2, see Fig. 5, in such a way that corresponding adapter pieces 5 are aligned with each other on each of the support rails 2. The free choice of the position of the adapter pieces 5 along the support rails 2 allows for a high degree of flexibility in positioning the ceiling elements 3 in the direction L2.

[0088] In variants of the first embodiment, the adapter pieces 5 could be in other

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be attached to the support rails 2 in any manner, for example by clipping, locking or screwing.

[0089] After fixing all adapter pieces 5, the ceiling elements 3 are each latched onto several of the adapter pieces 5 from the side of the room 100 and are thereby mechanically held releasably on the support rails 2. Each ceiling element 3 is mounted and held in a latching manner on at least two support rails 2, in Fig. 6, for example, on three support rails 2.

[0090] In this way, the ceiling elements 3, as well as additional, narrower ceiling elements 3a, for example for peripheral areas of the room, are arranged next to one another, filling a flat area of the ceiling region 101. Fig. 17 also shows an enlarged view of a section of a ceiling element 3a, which in Fig. 17, for example, is not provided with a duct 33 for heating and/or cooling, but serves, for example, as an edge finish. In a variant, a duct 33 could also be arranged on the ceiling element 3a.

[0091] The mechanical coupling of the ceiling elements 3 to the adapter pieces 5 and thus to the support rails 2 is shown enlarged in Figs. 20-22. The ceiling elements 3 each have an edge region 53 on both longitudinal sides thereof, which is formed as an L-shaped rib in the profile cross-section of the base body 23. One leg of the L-shape protrudes outward at the longitudinal edge of the ceiling element 3. The ceiling elements 3a can be provided with longitudinal edge regions 53 in a similar manner.

[0092] On a side opposite the engagement element 25, the base part 75 of the adapter piece 5 has a central section 55 and wall sections 45 arranged symmetrically on both sides thereof. Each of the wall sections 45, together with the central section 55, defines a channel-like inner region into which the resilient locking elements 15 project at an angle from the central section 55.

[0093] For the mechanical coupling of a ceiling element 3 or 3a to the adapter pieces 5, the edge region 53 is inserted into the inner region between the central section 55 and the wall section 45, wherein the free-standing leg of the L-shape slides over the ramp-like inclined locking element 15 and resiliently pushes the locking element 15 back until it snaps behind the free leg 153 of the L-shape of the edge region 53, see in particular Fig. 22. To release the locking coupling, a sufficiently flat tool can be used, for example, to push back the locking element 15. In this way, the ceiling elements 3, 3a can each be clipped or locked to the adapter pieces 5 at their edges, wherein only a narrow gap remains between adjacent longitudinal edges of adjacently arranged ceiling elements 3, 3 or 3, 3a. The interaction of the edge regions 53 with the locking elements 15 can also advantageously enable a freely selectable positioning of the ceiling elements 3, 3a in the direction L3.

[0094] After fixing the ceiling elements 3 and, if necessary, 3a, a substantially closed surface is formed, see Fig. 6, which allows heating or cooling of the room from the ceiling area 101. The ceiling elements 3 are supported reliably and at the same time easily installable by the support rails 2 on the bare ceiling 102.

[0095] At the same time, in the functional ceiling 1, as described below, the ceiling elements 3 serve as supports for the additional functional elements 4. The supplementary ceiling elements 3a can also serve as such supports in some embodiments. Not all adapter pieces 5, by means of which the supplementary ceiling elements 3a can be held, are shown in the figures.

[0096] For this purpose, the undercut grooves 143 are designed as flat T-grooves. The T-grooves 143 form a fastening geometry 43, which is accessible from the side 13 of the ceiling elements 3, 3a facing the room 100 after assembly and is arranged on the side 13. The fastening geometry 43 enables the fastening of a plurality of the further functional elements 4 on the side 13 of the ceiling elements 3, 3a facing the room 100, wherein the further functional element 4 interacts with the fastening geometry 43. Fig. 6 shows the essentially closed, coherent, by the de-

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surface formed by the corner elements 3 and 3a, which is provided on the underside with the parallel grooves 143 facing the space 100.

[0097] For example, a further functional element 4 can be mechanically supported by only one of the ceiling elements 3 or by a ceiling element 3 in cooperation with one or more further ceiling elements 3 or 3a. The ceiling elements 3, 3a, the adapter pieces 5, and the support rails 2 are designed to reliably transmit the loads, in particular weight forces, which the further functional elements 4 impose on the ceiling elements 3 and, if applicable, 3a, into the bare ceiling 102.

[0098] Fig. 7 shows two exemplary further functional elements 4 as components of the functional ceiling 1. One of the further functional elements 4 is designed as a lighting device 14 for illuminating the room 100 or a part of the room 100, for example as an elongated lighting device 14. Another functional element 4 is designed as an acoustic element 24 and serves to modify, in particular to improve, the acoustic properties of the room 100 or a part thereof.

[0099] Fig. 8 shows a completed functional ceiling 1 in a perspective view from a visible side of the functional ceiling 1, which faces the room 100 and is arranged in the ceiling area 101. The ceiling elements 3 carry a plurality of similar, elongated acoustic elements 24 arranged parallel to one another as further functional elements 4, of which only a few are provided with the reference numeral 24 in Fig. 8 for the sake of clarity.

[00100] Between two of the acoustic elements 24, an elongated lighting device 14 is arranged as a further functional element 4, essentially parallel to these.

[00101] Fig. 8 further shows that in Fig. 8, the longitudinal directions L3 of the ceiling elements 3 run parallel to a longitudinal direction L14 of the lighting device 14 and parallel to a longitudinal direction L24 of the acoustic elements 24. The longitudinal directions L3, L14, and L24 are also aligned substantially normal to the longitudinal directions L2 of the support rails 2. In the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 8, each of the further functional elements 4 is mechanically supported by one of the ceiling elements 3 at several points along the same.

[00102] The multitude of similar T-slots 143, which serve as the fastening geometry 43, enables a very diverse, flexible arrangement of the additional functional elements 4. Their fastening using the T-slots 143 is described in more detail below. Reference is made in particular to Figs. 17-27 and 36.

[00103] On the acoustic element 24, which is designed, for example, with a narrow, elongated basic shape, several fastening components 6 are arranged on a narrow longitudinal side, for example four fastening components 6, which are distributed over the length of the acoustic element 24 and arranged at intervals from one another. Figs. 17-19, 24 each show one of these. Fig. 36 shows the fastening component 6 fixed to the acoustic element 24 in a shallow recess thereon.

[00104] The fastening component 6 has two fixed hook sections 36 on a first side thereof and two movable hook sections 16 on a second side opposite the first side. The fixed and movable hook sections 36 and 16 are designed to engage behind the undercuts of the flat T-slot 143 and thus to fasten the acoustic element 24 using the fastening geometry 43, see, for example, Figs. 22, 23. For fastening, the fixed hook sections 36 can be inserted behind the undercut on one side of the T-slot 143 and then the acoustic element 24 can be pivoted into its end position, whereby the movable hook sections 16, in particular with the aid of sliding ramps thereof that point away from the acoustic element 24, engage behind the undercut on the other side of the T-slot 143. An actuating section 26 of the fastening component 6 enables retraction of the movable, for example spring-loaded, hook sections 16 in order to release the acoustic element 24 again. Figs. 19, 22, 24, 25 show that the actuating section 26 can be closed after fastening the acoustic element 24 to side 13 of the ceiling element 3.

10 / 33

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is accessible. Acoustic elements 24 mounted in this way are shown in Figs. 19-25.

[00105] The further functional element 4, designed as a lighting device 14, is suspended from a ceiling element 3, for example, in Fig. 19, using the fastening geometry 43 by means of two similar fastening components 7. If necessary, more than two fastening components 7 can be used, which, depending on the orientation of the lighting device 14, can interact in the same way with the fastening geometry 43 on two or more of the ceiling elements 3.

[00106] The fastening component 7 is illustrated in more detail in Figs. 21, 26 and 27 and can, for example, be designed as a substantially one-piece component to which a cable 37 for suspending the functional element 4 is connected. On a side opposite an exit of the cable 37, the fastening component 7 has an engagement element 27, which is formed, for example, integrally with an actuating area (not further designated) accessible from the side 13 of the ceiling element 3. The engagement element 27 is formed in two sections, between which a recess 17 is provided. A fitter can insert the engagement element 27 into the T-slot 143 and then, using the actuating area, rotate it through an angle of approximately 90 degrees, whereby the engagement element 27 engages behind the undercuts of the T-slot 143. In Fig. 27, the rotation is indicated by a double-dash-dotted arrow. The recess 17 can allow a certain elastic retraction of the portions of the engagement element 27 in the lateral direction of the T-slot 143 during rotation, whereby the fastening component 7 is firmly seated in the fixed position (see Figs. 26-27).

[00107] The fastening components 6 and 7 can each be fixed with high flexibility at a freely selectable location of a selected T-slot 143, so that the functional element 4 can be freely placed along the T-slot 143.

[00108] In a variant of the first embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 28, in a functional ceiling 1, functional elements 4 can be attached to the ceiling elements 3 and/or 3a in such a way that a longitudinal direction of the further functional element 4 extends not parallel, but at an angle to the longitudinal directions L3 of the ceiling elements 3, in particular at right angles to the longitudinal directions L3. Fig. 28 shows this as an example for a lighting device 14 whose longitudinal direction L14 runs at right angles to the longitudinal direction L3 and parallel to the longitudinal direction L2 of the support rails 2. The lighting device 14 is suspended from two of the ceiling elements 3. Acoustic elements 24 can also be arranged with the longitudinal direction L24 aligned at right angles, or at a different angle, to the longitudinal directions L3. Furthermore, in a variant not shown in the drawing, it is possible to arrange the further functional element 4, such as the lighting device 14 or the acoustic element 24, not parallel to a plane formed by the ceiling elements 3, but obliquely to this, for example by means of cables 37 of different lengths.

[00109] Fig. 29 illustrates some parts of a functional ceiling 1 according to yet another variant of the first embodiment, wherein a lighting device 14 is arranged and attached in the same way as in Fig. 28. In the functional ceiling 1 shown in Fig. 29, in addition to the lighting device 14, further functional elements 4 are provided. One of the further functional elements 4 is designed as a display device 34, in particular a monitor. Information for the users of the room 100 can be displayed on the monitor, for example. The display device 34 is attached to two adjacent ceiling elements 3, for example suspended. Another of the further functional elements 4 is designed as a loudspeaker 44 in the variant of Fig. 29 and is suspended from one of the ceiling elements 3. The attachment of the loudspeaker 44 and the display device 34 is implemented in Fig. 29 in the same way as described for the lighting device 14, using fastening components 7.

[00110] In addition, the further functional element 4, which is schematically shown in Fig. 29 and is designed as a loudspeaker 44, can instead be designed, for example, in the same or similar form as a

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Sensor or be configured with a sensor. The sensor can, for example, be a motion sensor that detects movement in the room 100, for example, to provide control of the lighting device 14 based thereon. Furthermore, it is conceivable to attach sensors of other types, such as smoke detectors or sensors for detecting heat or a gaseous substance, in a manner analogous to the loudspeaker 44.

[00111] Further functional elements 4, which are designed as lighting devices 14 or acoustic elements 24 or display devices 34 or sensors or loudspeakers 44, can be provided in functional ceilings 1 according to all embodiments of the invention described here. Various combinations of the aforementioned functional elements 4 are possible. However, further functional elements 4 of a different type are also conceivable.

[00112] The functional ceiling 1 advantageously offers the possibility of utilizing a ceiling area intended for heating and/or cooling the room in a space-saving, cost-saving, and aesthetically pleasing manner for accommodating additional functional elements 4, such as lighting, acoustic enhancement, sound reinforcement, information display, or sensor technology. The functional ceiling 1 can be planned and implemented in a time-saving manner and offers the possibility of rearranging or replacing the functional elements 4 with reduced effort, if necessary, for example, if the use of the room 100 changes.

[00113] A functional ceiling 1' according to a second example, for explaining a further exemplary embodiment, is shown schematically and in detail in Figs. 33 and 34. The functional ceiling 1' has support rails 2, adapter pieces 5, ceiling elements 3', and further functional elements 4. The support rails 2 and adapter pieces 5 are designed and mounted as above for the first exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the functional elements 4 are designed as explained above for the first exemplary embodiment, but each is equipped with fastening components 6' that are modified compared to the first exemplary embodiment.

[00114] In the second example, the ceiling elements 3' are also equipped with lines 33 for a heating and/or cooling fluid.

[00115] However, unlike those of the first embodiment, the ceiling elements 3' of the second example do not have any visible T-slots as a fastening geometry for the additional functional elements 4. In the second example, the ceiling element 3' is flat and smooth on the side 13 facing the room 100 after assembly and has a fastening geometry 43' for the additional functional elements 4, which is formed with a pattern or grid of a plurality of openings 143' and 243'.

[00116] In the second example, see Fig. 34, the fastening geometry 43' is formed with a plurality of similar round holes 143' and a plurality of similar elongated holes 243'. In variants, differently shaped openings can be provided instead. Furthermore, in variants of the second example, it is possible to incorporate only one type of similar opening as the fastening geometry 43'.

[00117] In the second example, each functional element 4 has one or more of the fastening components 6'. The fastening component 6' is designed to engage in one or more of the openings 143' and 243' and to engage behind the base body 23' in order to hold the functional element 4 to the ceiling element 3'.

[00118] For example, the fastening component 6' may have a rotatable engagement portion or a snap-in engagement portion.

[00119] The ceiling element 3' of the second example is formed, for example, from a steel sheet. For example, a base body 23' can be manufactured from the steel sheet by bending it as a whole or by bending individual parts and connecting them. The openings 143', 243' can be created, for example, by punching in a time-saving manner. Alternatively, the openings 143', 243' could be created by other means, such as machining.

[00120] In yet another variant, openings, for example analogous to the openings 143' and/or 243', with grooves, such as the T-grooves 143 of the first embodiment, could be provided in

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a fastening geometry of a ceiling element to enable an even greater number of different fastening methods.

[00121] In yet another embodiment of a functional ceiling, which is shown only partially in Fig. 35, ceiling elements 3" can be screwed to an adapter piece 5" by means of screws 65" instead of being locked. Furthermore, the adapter piece 5" and the ceiling element 3" can be designed as described above for the first or second embodiment for the adapter piece 5 and the ceiling elements 3, 3a, 3'.

[00122] Although the invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

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LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1.1' functional blanket

2 mounting rails

22 Holding element

12 Long side (support rail)

L2 Longitudinal direction (support rail) 3 Ceiling element

3', 3" ceiling element

3a additional ceiling element L3 longitudinal direction (ceiling element) 13 side (ceiling element)

23 basic bodies

33 Line

43, 43 Mounting geometry

143 T-slot

143', 243' opening

53 Marginal area

153 legs

63 rib

4 additional functional element 14 lighting device

L14 Longitudinal direction (lighting device) 24 Acoustic element

L24 Longitudinal direction (acoustic element) 34 Display device

44 speakers

5.5" adapter piece

15 locking element

25 engagement element

35 pivot pins

45 wall section

55 Central Section

65" screw

75 base part

14 / 33

6.6 Fastening component 16 Movable hook section 26 Actuating section

36 fixed hook section

7 Fastening component 17 Recess

27 intervention section

37 rope

100 rooms

101 Ceiling area

102 soffit

103 Concrete ceiling

103' precast concrete slab

Claims (16)

A 'hes AT 527 815 B1 2025-07-15 Ss N patent claims 1. Functional ceiling (1) for a room (100), comprising a plurality of ceiling elements (3; 3"), a plurality of support rails (2) and at least one further functional element (4), preferably a plurality of further functional elements (4); wherein the ceiling elements (3; 3") are each operable for heating or cooling the room (100) equipped with the ceiling element (3; 3"), the ceiling elements (3; 3") are each configured for installation in a ceiling area (101) of the room (100) and are designed with a fastening geometry (43) which enables fastening of the further functional element (4) or the plurality of further functional elements (4) to the ceiling element (3; 3"), and the ceiling elements (3; 3") are each configured, after installation of the ceiling element (3; 3") in the ceiling area (101), alone or in cooperation with at least one further ceiling element (3, 3a; 3"), to support the further functional element (4) or to mechanically support the other functional elements (4); wherein the ceiling elements (3; 3") are each designed in the form of panels or plates, and the fastening geometry (43) is designed with a plurality of undercut grooves (143); wherein the support rails (2) are mounted on a bare ceiling (102) of the room (100) directly or indirectly via additional holding elements (22), or the support rails (2) are integrated into a bare ceiling (102) of the room (100) in an accessible manner, wherein the ceiling elements (3; 3") are arranged next to one another and are each mounted and held on at least two of the support rails (2), and wherein the further functional element (4) or the further functional elements (4) interact or interact with the fastening geometry (43) of at least one of the ceiling elements (3; 3") and are thereby held on the bare ceiling (102) via the at least one ceiling element (3; 3") and the support rails (2) on which the at least one ceiling element (3; 3") is mounted, or are; wherein the further functional element (4) or at least one of the further functional elements (4) is designed as a lighting device (14) for illuminating the room (100) or a part thereof and is suspended from one of the ceiling elements (3) or from two or more of the ceiling elements (3) using the fastening geometry (43). 2. Functional ceiling according to claim 1, characterized in that the support rails (2) are fastened to a surface of a concrete ceiling (103) as the bare ceiling (102) facing the room (100) or are mounted suspended from the concrete ceiling (103) or the support rails (2) are integrated into a prefabricated concrete ceiling part (103') or several prefabricated concrete ceiling parts (103') with which the bare ceiling (102) is formed, for example are embedded in the prefabricated concrete ceiling part(s) (103'). 3. Functional ceiling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support rails (2) have a cross-section open on one longitudinal side (12), in particular a C-shaped cross-section. 4. Functional ceiling according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that adapter pieces (5; 5") are provided, each of which can be inserted into one of the support rails (2), in particular at a freely selectable location along a longitudinal direction (L2) of the support rail (2), and can be mechanically coupled, preferably detachably, to the support rail (2), wherein the ceiling elements (3; 3") are designed to be mechanically coupled, preferably detachably, to a plurality of the adapter pieces (5; 5"). 5. Functional ceiling according to claim 4, characterized in that the ceiling elements (3) can be clipped or latched to the adapter pieces (5) or that the ceiling elements (3") are designed to be screwed to the adapter pieces (5"). 16 / 33 6. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening geometry (43) enables the fastening of the further functional element (4) or the further functional elements (4) on a side (13) of the ceiling element (3; 3") which, after its assembly, faces the room (100). 7. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening geometry (43) is formed on a side (13) of the ceiling element (3; 3") which faces the room (100) after its installation and/or is accessible from this side (13) of the ceiling element (3; 3"). 8. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the further functional elements (4) is designed as an acoustic element (24) for modifying acoustic properties of the room (100) or a part thereof or that one of the further functional elements (4) is designed as a loudspeaker (44) or a display device (34) or a sensor. 9. Functional ceiling according to claim 8, characterized in that the display device (34) is a monitor or that the sensor is a sensor for detecting a movement in the room (100) or a sensor for detecting smoke or a gaseous substance or an increased temperature. 10. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ceiling elements (3; 3") are each elongated. 11. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a line (33) or lines (33) for receiving a heating or cooling fluid, in particular a liquid, for example water, is/are provided or can be arranged on or in each ceiling element (3; 3"). 12. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ceiling elements (3; 3") each have a base body (23) made of a metal material, in particular of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or a steel, wherein the base body (23) is designed in particular as a flat profile. 13. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of undercut grooves (143) are designed as T-grooves (143) and/or the plurality of undercut grooves (143) are designed in the same way. 14. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 12, characterized in that the grooves (143) are introduced into the base body (23) during the manufacture of the base body (23), in particular by extrusion thereof. 15. Functional ceiling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening geometry is formed with a pattern or grid of a plurality of openings (143', 243'), in particular openings of the same type. 16. Functional ceiling according to claim 15 in conjunction with claim 12, characterized in that the openings (143', 243'), for example as round holes (143') or as elongated holes (243'), are introduced into the base body by means of punching and/or machining. 16 sheets of drawings 17 /33