Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for closing a leadthrough in a
constructional element, in particular, for closing a wall leadtrough, for
conduits
such as cables, pipes, channels, and the like, and including a frame member
enclosing a leadthrough space, and a plurality of strip-shaped sealing
elements
arranged in the leadthrough space displaceably relative to each other.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In order to be able to pass conduits through a constructional element such as
a
wall or ceiling of a building, leadthroughs are provided in the constructional
elements. In order to prevent spread of fire in the building in case of a
fire, the
leadthroughs should be closed with suitable elements. In addition to the
prevention of the spread of fire, also, the spread of produced, in case of a
tire,
flue gases should be prevented.
Suitable elements for closing leadthroughs are , i.e., compressible plates of
mineral wool which are cut in accordance with dimensions of leadthroughs and
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are squeezed into the leadthroughs. As sealing elements, soft, slightly
defonnable plates, which are directly screwed to constructional elements which
surround the leadthroughs, are used. Alternatively, preliminary prepared
modular blocks, which are piled up in leadthroughs for closing the same, can
be
used. In order to provide a free space in the closing elements for conduits,
which are to be passed through the leadthroughs, the closing elements are
adapted with suitable tools at the use site, and the produced slots and
openings
are closed, e.g., with a sealing mass or with sealing elements.
A drawback of all of the conventional solutions consists in that with a
temporary closing of the leadthroughs, dl1r111g removal of conduits or a
subsequent insertion of additional conduits, the inserted sealing elements
need
first to be removed, if necessary, using suitable tools, and then again need
to be
inserted in the leadthroughs. These additional works are time-consuming and in
most cases costs-intensive. Often, the above-mentioned elements, after being
removed, cannot be used again, and new elements need be used. The original
elements must be separably disposed.
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German Patent DE 41 31 147 C2 discloses a device for closing a wall
leadthrough for passing through conduits with a frame member enclosing a
leadthrough space. On the frame member, there is suspended an apron of
copper wire mesh having, at a lower end edge, a fringe falling between the
pass-through conduits. The apron is pivotally supported on the frame member
with a hinge. For removal of conduits from the leadthrough and insertion of
conduits thereinto, no special tool is necessary. The drawback of the device
consists in that with large differences in the conduit dimensions, e.g., in
conduit
diameters with bundlings of several conduits, the device cannot insure a flue
gasproofness without additional measures. Moreover, a complete filling of the
leadthrough with several conduits, together with a reliable flue gasproofness,
is
not possible.
German Publication DE 103 26 775 A 1 discloses a device for closing a wall
leadthrough for conduits and leaving a frame member enclosing a leadtlv~ough
space in which there are arranged a plurality of pairs of strip-shaped sealing
elements which are formed of an intermescent material, extend parallel to each
other, and are displaceable relative to each other. A later insertion of
conduits
into the leadthrough reauires no instr-u~nents. A drawback of the disclosed
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device consist in that with filling of the leadthrough with conduits having
different diameters or with different bundles of several conduits, the flue
gasproofness is not insured until the strip-shaped sealing elements expand.
Moreover, the closing of the leadthrough takes place within the box-shaped
frame member and, therefore, can only partly be ascertained from outside by
the worker.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a device for closing a
leadthrough in a constructional element that would insure a flue gasproofness
of
the leadthrough to a most possible extent without any additional elements.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for closing a
leadthrough that would provide for a later insertion of conduits without use
of
any tools, while simultaneously insuring a flue gasproofness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of the present invention, which will become apparent
hereinafter, are achieved by providing a frame member at least one frame
section of which has an opening through which the strip-shaped sealing
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elements are at least partially extendable out of the leadthrough space that
is
enclosed by the frame member.
A plurality of strip-shaped sealing elements close the leadthrough space,
which
is enclosed by the frame member, in a fence-like manner. The strip-shaped
sealing elements are tightly at-ranged next to each other, forcing a
substantially
closed wall. Advantageously, all of the strip-shaped sealing elements are
arranged parallel to each other. In addition, to a flue gasproofness, the
inventive device also insures damping of an airborne noise. The strip-shaped
sealing elements are formed, advantageously, of a close-cellular material,
e.g.,
of a close-cellular foam material, are an-anged tightly next to each other,
and
can be easily displaced relative to each other.
As a result of such arrangement, the strip-shaped sealing elements can be
easily
conformed to the profile of the pass-through conduits. Through the opening in
at least one frame section of the frame member, each separate strip-shaped
sealing element can be withdrawn from the leadthrough space in accordance
with the profile or contour of the conduits passing through a corresponding
region.
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Advantageously, the at least one opening is formed as a through-slot, with the
frame section provided with the through-slot, forming a top section of the
frame
member in the mounted condition of the device. The sections of the strip-
shaped sealing elements, which project from the leadthrough space through the
through-slot, can be pulled down for closing gaps and openings beneath the
conduits and between the adjacent conduits. Thus, no additional fireproof
materials, such as sealing masses or modals, become necessary for a perfect
closing of a leadthrough in a constructional element. The tight arrangement of
the strip-shaped sealing elements next to each other insures a flue
gasproofness
and a cold flue gasproofness achievable with the inventive device.
The width of separate strip-shaped sealing elements can be selected within a
large range of widths. However°, a plurality of strip-shaped sealing
elements
with a small width insure a better closing or sealing of the leadthrough.
Instead
of one uniform width, the strip-shaped sealing elements of the same device can
have different width. E.g., in the side, edge regions of the leadthrough
enclosed
by the frame member, strip-shaped sealing elements can have a greater width
than the strip-shaped sealing elements in the central region of the
leadthrough
space.
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Advantageously, there is provided on the frame member at least one locking
device for securing the strip-shaped sealing elements which are positioned
relative to each other. In order to remove conduits from the leadthrough or
insert additional conduits into the leadthrough which is closed with the
device
in which the strip-shaped sealing elements are fixed, firstly, the locking
device
is released, an appropriate adaptation is made and, after aligning of the
strip-
shaped sealing elements anew, the locking device is tightened, fixing the
strip-
shaped sealing elements. The locking device acts on the strip-shaped sealing
elements preferably sidewise, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal extent of
the
strip-shaped sealing elements. Upon tightening of the locking device, the gaps
between the strip-shaped sealing elements are closed, which substantially
improve the flue gasproofness of the formed sealing. When the strip-shaped
sealing elements are made from a compressible material, a particularly tight
closing of the leadthrough is achieved when the locking device is tightened.
The locking device includes a pressure place, which is provided in the frame
member, and screws which act on the pressure place, pressing it against the
strip-shaped sealing element. According to an alternative embodiment of the
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locking device, it is fornled as a clamping device having clamping cheeks that
act on the strip-shaped sealing elements, aligning and fixing them.
In order to form a fireproof sealing, an intumescent band or inlay can be
provided on the frame member of the inventive device on a side of the frame
member adjacent to the constructional element. The strip-shaped sealing
elements are advantageously formed of a material that remains temperature
stable over a certain period of time and can withstand fire for some time in
case
of f re, until the intumescent fireproof band expands, completely closing the
leadthrough. E.g., fire-resistant or ablative materials can be used for
forming
the str ip-shaped sealing elements.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the strip-
shaped sealing elements themselves are formed of an actively fireproofing
material. Thereby, the strip-shaped sealing elements take over not only the
flue
gasproofing function but also the fireproofing function. With this embodiment,
the provision of an intumescent fireproof band or of an intumescent inlay on
the
frame member to insure fire-proofing can be dispensed with.
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Advantageously, a frame section of the frame member, which is located
opposite the section with an opening, is removably secured on the frame
member. This enables an easy insertion of further conduits into the device
even
when the device is secured to the constructional element. After removing the
removable frame section, the strip-shaped sealing elements can be pulled out
of
the leadthrough space enclosed by the frame member, so that additional
conduits can be passed through the leadthrough. The removable frame section
of the frame member can, e.g., be attached to the frame member with screws or
a holding device. According to one embodiment of the device, the removable
section if pivotally secured on the frame member so that after the release of
the
holding device or means, the removable section is pivoted away, without being
detached, which insure that it would not be lost.
Advantageously, there are provided attachment elements for securing the frame
member to the constructional component. The attachment elements can, e.g.,
be welded to the frame member. Advantageously, brackets, which are provided
on the frame member, can have opening through which fastening elements, e.g.,
screws, expanding anchor, or dowel can extend for securing the frame member
to the constructional component.
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According to an embodiment of the invention, a box-shaped section can be
provided on the frame member which, e.g., enables arrangement of the frame
member at a distance from an outer wall of a constructional element. Thus,
e.g., later, an insulation layer can be placed at the edge of the leadthrough.
In
addition, a one-sided arrangement of the inventive device on a to-be-closed
leadthrough, adequately insures the flue gasproofness. With the additional box-
shaped section, the inventive device can be provided already during formation
of a constructional element, e.g., during casting of a boarding. When the
arrangement of an intumescent fireproof band or inlay is contemplated, it is
advantageously provided in the box-shaped section.
According to a further embodiment, of the invention, there is provided an
arrangement with two devices for closing a leadthrough which are spaced from
each other and are connected by a box-shaped section. The length of the box-
shaped section, or the distance between the two devices advantageously
corresponds to the thickness of the constructional element with a leadthrough,
and the arrangement can be cast into the constructional element when the
constructional element is formed. When the arrangement of an intumescent
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fireproof band or inlay is contemplated, it advantageously is provided in the
box-shaped section.
The novel features of the present invention, which are considered as
characteristic for the invention, are set forth in the appended claims. The
invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of
operation,
together with additional advantages and objects thereof, will be best
understood
from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, when read
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The drawings show:
Fig. 1 a front, partially cross-sectional, elevational view of a device
for closing an opening according to the present invention; and
Fig. 2 a longitudinal cross-section view along line II-II in Fig. 1.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An arrangements for a flue gasproof closing of a wall leadthrough 2 for
conduits 3 includes two devices I 1 according to the present invention and
which are connected with each other by a box-shape section 12. The
arrangement 1 is cast-in as a whole when the wall 4 is formed. In order to
insure fire protection, an intumescent fireproof band 13 is provided in the
connection regions between the devices 11 and the box-shaped section 12.
EacI1 of the devices 11 includes a frame member 16 that encloses a leadthrough
space 17, and a plurality of strip-shaped sealing elements 18 which are
arranged
in the leadthrough space 17 parallel to each other and are displaceable
relative
to each other. The strip-shaped sealing elements I 8 are formed of a
compressible material. The strip-shaped sealing elements 18 can additionally
be formed of an actively fireproofing material. In the later case, the
arrangement of the intumescent fireproof bands 13 is not necessary. The frame
member 16 is formed of an upper frame section 19, two side frame sections
21,22 which extend substantially perpendicular to the upper frame section I 9
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and are fixedly connected therewith, and a lower frame section 23 which is
secured to one of the side frame sections, section 22, with a hinge 24, and
which is releasably connected with another of the side frame sections, section
21, with screw means 25. The lower frame section 23 is, thus, can be pivoted
downwardly in order to provide for mounting in the wall leadthrough of further
conduits 3 or for removal of conduits 3. The upper frame section 19 is
provided
with a slot-shaped opening 20 through which the strip-shaped sealing elements
18 extend, at least partially from the leadthrough space 17.
A locking device 31 is arranged on one of the side frame sections, section 21,
of
the frame member 16 for securing the strip-shaped sealing elements 18. The
locking device 31 has a pressure plate 32 which acts on the strip-shaped
sealing
elements 18, and two screws 33 which act on the pressure plate 32.
In order to provide a free space for insertion of conduits 3 through the
leadtllrough space 17, which is enclosed by the frame member 16, a portion of
the strip-shaped sealing elements 18 is withdrawn from the leadthrough space
17, as shown in Fig. 1. After the conduits 3 are pushed through the wall
leadthrough 2, the strip-shaped sealing elements 18 are brought into contact
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with the upper contour of the conduits 3. Upon actuation of the screws 33, the
pressure plate 32 locks the strip-shaped sealing elements 18 in a position in
which they are properly aligned with each other.
Two brackets 37 are welded to the upper frame section 19, and a further
bracket
37 is welded to each of the side frame sections 21, 22, whereby attachment
elements 36 are formed. Each of the brackets 37 has an opening 38 through
which a fastening element is extendable for attaching the frame member 16 to
the wall 14.
Sections 26 of the strip-shaped sealing elements 18, which project above the
upper frame section 19 of the frame member 16, can be used for closing gaps 5
between the conduits 3 and adjacent thereto.
Though the present invention was shown and described with references to the
preferred embodiment, such is merely illustrative of the present invention and
is
not to be construed as a limitation thereof, and various modifications of the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is
therefore, not
intended that the present invention be limited to the disclosed embodiments or
details thereof, and the present invention includes all variations and/or
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alternative embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as
defined by the appended claims.
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