US20160069064A1

US20160069064A1 - Room system

Info

Publication number: US20160069064A1
Application number: US14/786,635
Authority: US
Inventors: Harald Martin; Daniel Muench
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-24
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2016-03-10
Also published as: CN105358779A; WO2014173405A3; EP2931994A2; DE102013207392A1; WO2014173405A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a room system having at least two room modules (1), wherein the room modules (1) can be connected to one another and form a room unit in the connected state, characterized in that each room module (1) comprises a frame (11), the frame legs of which form a cuboid and are used for receiving identical or different surface elements and/or functional elements that define the room delimited by the frame.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage application, filed under 35 U.S.C. §371, of International Application No. PCT/DE2014/200123, filed Mar. 13, 2014, which claims priority to German Application No. 10 2013 207 392.5, filed Apr. 24, 2013, the contents of both of which as are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field The invention involves a room system with at least two room modules, wherein the room modules can be connected with each other and form a room unit in the connected state.

The room systems of the category-defining type are known from experience. A room unit is thereby formed consistently with a supporting structure and the supporting structure is closed e.g. with an outer skin like a tent. Modular room systems are also known already, which are assembled from floor, wall and ceiling elements—part by part.
The disadvantage of the known room systems is that their assembly is elaborate and thus, time-consuming. Trained fitters are required to build the respective room unit, owing to mostly very complex systems.
Individually manufactured room systems for one-time use, which are manufactured and constructed regularly by carpenters are particularly known in the field of exhibition stand construction. Such room systems are regularly used for a single exhibition/trade fair and are built in terms of partitions mostly without special floor elements and without ceiling. Such room systems are not very suitable for conferences, colloquia, seminars, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention has the objective to develop and build a room system of the aforementioned type in such a way that it can be combined easily, quickly and comfortably to a standard room unit without having to deploy expert booth builders. An adequate sound insulation should be ensured.
The aforementioned problem is resolved by a room system with the features of the patent Claim 1. As per the same, the category-defining room system is characterized in that every room module comprises a frame, the frame legs of which form a cuboid and are used for receiving identical or different surface and/or functional elements, which define the room delimited by the frames.
As per the invention, it has been recognized that the self-contained room units can be ideally combined using the room modules, wherein each of the room modules comprises a frame providing stability or statics. The frame legs thereby form a cuboid with basically any dimensions, wherein the dimensions depend on whether the room modules should be suitable for “outdoors” transport or whether they are to be used for the erection or completion, for example, within an exhibition hall where housed as more or less stationary.
The frame of each room module specifies the external dimensions of the room module, wherein the frame is used for receiving different surface and/or functional elements. The surface/functional elements are arranged and fixed on the frame or between the frame legs such that the room unit forms a unit closed to the outside. Heights of 300 cm to 350 cm are established. A room module can weigh up to 5 tons.
A high degree of flexibility is achieved with the room system as per the invention such that any number of room modules can be combined into a room unit. Basically, it is possible that the room modules are combined on a common level; one after another or next to each other. It is also possible that the room modules are arranged on top of each other, correspondingly creating a higher room unit. Any combination options of individual room modules are possible.
The surface elements can be defined corresponding to their function. Floor elements, ceiling elements, wall elements and/or door elements can be considered as special surface elements. These include those “surfaces”, which extend between the leg frames of the respective cuboid.
A very special function is regularly assigned to the floor elements, namely, in order to provide certain comfort, on one hand and to ensure comfort with simultaneous sound absorption, on the other hand. Thus, the floor elements can have a special structure; for example, a reinforcing trapezoidal sheet metal as the base. A wooden or gypsum fiberboard can lie on the top of the trapezoidal sheet metal as is common practice in drywall installation. The actual floor covering, such as a carpeted floor with a high degree of wear, a laminate or a durable plastic floor, lies on top of it, depending upon the requirement. It is important that the floor elements have a reasonable footstep sound insulation, whereby further comfort is provided. T-molding can be provided between the floor coverings of the adjacent room modules for carpet joint. Corresponding facings can be provided on the vertical heading joints of the adjacent frame legs so that a uniform room impression is created even from inside.
Ceiling elements on the upper side are provided for establishing a room unit suitable for presentations, which has a sound absorbing structure. The ceiling element extends between the frame legs on the upper side and can have stabilizing crossbars corresponding to the dimensioning. The ceiling elements are equipped with a panel forming a system ceiling on the lower side, for example, with so-called linear panels. These are regularly fixed to a supporting structure. Any number of functional elements, for example, related to the electricity supply or lights or related to air conditioning unit or ventilation, can be provided between the frame legs adjacent to the ceiling elements. The ceiling element can be covered, for example, by the clamping plate at the top, which can be coated with synthetic skin, if necessary. In any case, it is of great significance that the ceiling elements contribute to sound insulation or sound reduction to a great extent so that the room modules combined into a room unit are especially suitable for presentations via the sealing ceiling elements even in a noisy environment, as it is the case in exhibition halls.
Supply shafts and/or supply ducts can be provided between the frame legs in the previously discussed ceiling elements, which can be connected with each other between the individual room modules. The space between the frame legs on the ceiling side can be ideally used, in any case, for insulation, on one hand and for incorporation of functional units, on the other hand.
The wall elements could be wall panels, which extend between the frame legs on one side of the room module—as a single part or as multiple parts. Sound insulation measures are provided even in this case. Corresponding wall elements can be used for hanging pictures, posters or as pin board, screen, with integrated slat screen, etc. from the inside.
Wall elements could comprise functional wall parts and/or glass windows and/or glass walls, for example, glazing reaching from the floor to the ceiling, either with or without privacy shield.
The wall elements could be such that they can opened by themselves or should comprise at least one window that can be opened. Any number of entrance/ventilation options can be implemented by opening the wall elements.
It is also possible that the wall elements and/or the floor elements are equipped preferably with electrical heating systems so as to attain comfortable room temperatures even in an otherwise cold or cool environment. The combination of wall and floor heating systems, even in combination with the overhead heating, is of advantage.
Individual heating elements of the room modules can be combined into a complete heating system, preferably controlled by a room thermostat.
Door elements can be provided as further surface elements or functional elements, which comprise one-wing or two-wing entry doors. Since the room modules comprise a relatively wide and thereby stable frame, comprising of individual frame legs, and since the frames forming the floor elements always lie on the height-adjustable feet, it is of further advantage, if a step or a ramp is connected to the door elements from outside so that the room system or the individual room modules are easily accessible. The step or the ramp can be docked from the outside on the lower frame legs to advantage. A clamping system can be provided for quick joining in addition to the conventional screw connection.
The door elements can include not just a one or two-wing entry door, but it can also include an emergency exit door, corresponding to any statutory regulations for large room units.
As mentioned previously, the surface elements or the functional elements are equipped in an advantageous manner with the heat-insulating and/or sound insulating properties so that the function of the room unit is again beneficial for presentation purposes. A proper heat/acoustic enclosure of the room unit can be provided with suitable aeration and ventilation.
Supply/disposal elements can be provided as special functional elements, for example, for electricity, heating, air conditioning system, water, etc. Thus, desired functional elements can be provided between the frame legs; with the function of a wall connection on one hand and on the other hand, with an additional specific function, if required. Lights can be provided on the inner side of the wall/functional elements. It is also possible to equip a complete wall panel with luminescent surface. With respect to the integration of diodes and a RGB control, desired color effects can be implemented in the scope of lighting.
It is clear in the light of the present statements that the room modules can have different functions with regard to their layout with surface/functional elements, wherein it can concern, for example, entry modules, rear wall modules, emergency exit modules, intermediate modules and/or supply/connection modules. The complete room unit can comprise or can be combined with a combination of these modules, wherein a room unit can be made up of an entry module, an emergency exit module, one or more intermediate modules and a rear wall module. The modules form a complete room unit in the coupled state.
It has already been stated often previously that the individual room modules are connected with each other at the leg frames that are adjacent to each other. Extremely stable corner areas are particularly suitable for the connection, wherein a simple screwing, for example, with two screws per corner area is possible. Two modules can be connected with a total of only eight screws in the corner areas in the context of such a design, whereby a simple assembly of the room system results in the formation of a room unit.
It is beneficial for the simple combination of different room modules if the room modules have special interfaces for electricity and/or air conditioning and/or water at their periphery. The functional connection can be implemented in the area of ceiling elements, wall elements or even the floor elements. It is thereby important that the corresponding pipelines, ductwork, etc. are not visible in combined state of the room modules.
With respect to the frame legs adjacent to the room modules or holding the surface elements, these are rectangular profiles in cross-section that are screwed together, riveted, jammed, snapped together or welded at the periphery to advantage. A peripheral combination over edge angle or other corner connectors, preferably made of steel, is possible. The frame legs, in any case, attain sufficient stability, especially also for the transport of a room module.
The frame legs on the floor side are provided with height-adjustable feet to advantage so that it is possible to level the room modules combined into a room unit properly even on an uneven ground so that a room unit is formed with an even floor space. The feet are preferably adjusted from outside the module, wherein it is also possible to close the area between the lower frame legs and the ground with a skirting or similar.
Furthermore, it is particularly beneficial, if all the room modules are equally large, that is, have an identical frame or cuboid for receiving the surface and/or functional elements. Insofar as the room modules concern mobile units, these are dimensioned such, to greater advantage, that they match with the loading area of a truck or low-loader. Effortless transport is thus possible. Loading and unloading can be carried out by means of a fork lifter. The same is applicable for positioning at the installation site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

At this point, there are various options for developing and implementing the theory of the present invention to advantage. For this purpose, reference is hereby made at first, to the claims subordinate to claim 1, and secondly, to the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with the help of the drawing. In the context of the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention and the drawing, other generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the theory are explained as well. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a design sample of a room system as per the invention, comprising of five room modules, in a schematic view,

FIG. 2 shows the room system from FIG. 1, seen from the other side, in a schematic view,

FIG. 3 shows the object from FIGS. 1 and 2 in top view,

FIG. 4 shows an entry module in a schematic view,

FIG. 5 shows an intermediate module in a schematic view,

FIG. 6 shows an emergency exit module in a schematic view and

FIG. 7 a rear wall module in a schematic view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a room system comprising a total of five room modules 1, wherein the room modules 1 together form a room unit inside the room module 1.
FIG. 1 shows the room modules 1 connected with each other in a schematic view, wherein one entry module 2, two intermediate modules 3, one emergency exit module 4 and one rear wall module 5 are provided.
FIG. 1 shows that the entry module 2 is equipped with a two-wing entry door 6. Surface elements 7 are provided on the right and the left of the entry door 6, which form a glazing. The lateral surface elements 8 are closed in the terms of wall elements.
Both the intermediate modules 3 are equipped laterally with closed surface elements 8.
An emergency exit module 4 follows the intermediate modules 3, which is equipped with an escape door 9 on each side for the purpose of emergency exit. The door leaf can comprise mainly of glass; for example, it can be designed as metal frame with glass filling.
The rear wall module 5 is connected to the emergency exit module 4, which can have closed surface elements 8 at the rear side or a glazing corresponding to the surface elements 7.
Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows that the individual room modules 1 are equipped with ceiling elements 10 so that a closed room unit is formed.
Besides this, FIG. 1 clearly shows that each of the room modules 1 is formed by a single frame, namely by frame legs 11, which form a frame delimiting the respective room module 1.
FIG. 2 shows the room system from FIG. 1 from the other side, wherein it can be identified that the emergency exit module 4 has one escape door 9 on the opposite side, that is, it is equipped with a total of two escape doors 9.
FIG. 3 shows the room system from FIGS. 1 and 2 in top view, wherein the two-wing entry door 6 and the escape door 9 on the left side are open. Ceiling elements 10 can be identified from the top of the room system, which close the room unit at the top.
FIGS. 4 to 7 show the individual modules, namely FIG. 4 shows the entry module 2; FIG. 5 shows the intermediate module 3; FIG. 6 shows the emergency exit module 4 and FIG. 7 shows the rear wall module 5.
Concretely, FIG. 4 clearly shows that the entry module 2 is equipped with a two-wing entry door 6 and with front-side surface elements 7 as glazing. The lateral surface elements 8 are designed as closed wall elements. The entry module 2 is open on the rear side, namely, for direct coupling with an intermediate module 3 as shown in FIG. 5.
The intermediate module 3 is also equipped with a frame made of frame legs 11 as per the illustration in FIG. 5 and it is open on the front and the rear side, namely, for the integration in the room system or for creation of a room unit together with the other modules. Closed surface elements 8 are provided laterally for building a non-transparent wall.
Besides, FIG. 5 shows the equipment of the module with a floor element 12, as is provided in all the modules.
FIG. 6 also shows a module that is open on both sides, namely, an emergency exit module 4 with escape doors 9 on both sides. Even the emergency exit module is built by the frame legs 11 or by a cuboid-shaped frame, on which all the surface and/or functional elements are fixed.
FIG. 7 shows a rear wall module 5 on one side, wherein the rear wall is equipped with surface elements 7 in terms of glazing or with surface elements 8 in terms of a closed wall. The floor element 12 can be also identified here.
Furthermore, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the provision of height-adjustable feet 13, which are used for leveling.
Furthermore, it is observed that all the modules—entry module 2, intermediate module 3, emergency exit module 4 and rear wall module 5—are built from the identical rooms or cuboid, namely, from the frames of equal size so that uniform transport is possible, for example, on the loading area of a low-loader. The room modules can be basically designed as larger in size for more or less stationary use without the need of a long-distance transport, such as for use within a hall; moreover, they can be of a different size as well. It is also possible that special ceiling modules are provided, which create more room height of the combined room unit.
In view of further advantageous forms of the room system as per the invention, a reference is made to the general part of the description as well as to the patent claims in order to avoid repetitions.
Finally, it is hereby pointed out explicitly that the above-described exemplary embodiments of the room system as per the invention are only used to explain the claimed theory, and the theory is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

- 1 Room module
- 2 Entry module
- 3 Intermediate module
- 4 Emergency exit module
- 5 Rear wall module
- 6 Entry door, two-wing
- 7 Surface element, glazing
- 8 Surface element, lateral, closed
- 9 Escape door
- 10 Ceiling element
- 11 Frame legs, frame, cuboid
- 12 Floor element

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. Room system with at least two room modules (1), wherein the room modules (1) can be connected to one another and form a room unit in the connected state, wherein each room module (1) comprises a frame (11) with frame legs, the frame legs forming a cuboid and being used for receiving at least one of identical or different surface elements or functional elements that define the room delimited by the frame (11), and wherein each of the room modules further comprises at least one entry module (2) and one rear wall module (5).

21. Room system as per claim 20, wherein at least one of floor elements (12), ceiling elements (10), wall elements, or door elements are provided.

22. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the floor elements (12) are equipped with a carpeted floor.

23. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the floor elements (12) are equipped with a footfall sound insulation.

24. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the ceiling elements (10) have a sound absorbing structure.

25. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the ceiling elements (10) include at least one of a supply shaft or supply ducts.

26. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the wall elements comprise at least one of functional wall parts or glass windows.

27. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the wall elements comprise glass windows that may be selectively opened.

28. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the wall elements and/or the floor elements (12) are equipped with electrical heating systems.

29. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the door element comprises at least one of a one-or a two-winged entry door (6), wherein the door elements can include an emergency exit door.

30. Room system as per claim 21, wherein the door element comprises an emergency exit door.

31. Room system as per claim 20, wherein the surface elements have at least one of thermal insulation or sound insulation properties.

32. Room system as per claim 20, wherein supply/disposal elements for at least one of an electric, heating, air conditioning, or water systems are provided.

33. Room system as per claim 20, wherein the room modules (1) are equipped with surface/functional elements and have at least one of an emergency exit module (4), an intermediate module (3), or a supply/connection module, each separate and distinct from the entry module (2) and the rear wall module (5).

34. Room system as per claim 20, wherein one entry module (2), one emergency exit module (4), one or more intermediate modules (3). and one rear wall module (5) build the room in the connected state.

35. Room system as per claim 20, wherein the room modules (1) have periphery interfaces for at least one of electricity, air conditioning, or water.

36. Room system as per claim 20, wherein the frame legs (11) comprise steel profiles that are at least one of quadratic or right-angled in cross-section.

37. Room system as per claim 20, wherein the floor-side frame legs (11) are equipped with height-adjustable feet.

38. Room system as per claim 20, wherein each of the room modules (1) is of the same size.

39. Room system as per claim 20, wherein each of the room modules (1) has an identical frame or cuboid.

40. Room system as per claim 20, wherein the room modules (1) are dimensioned such that they match with the loading area of at least one of a truck or a low-loader.