AU2011313553B2

AU2011313553B2 - Metal ceiling substructure

Info

Publication number: AU2011313553B2
Application number: AU2011313553A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Karl Wenig
Original assignee: Knauf AMF GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Knauf Ceiling Solutions GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2010-10-04
Filing date: 2011-10-04
Publication date: 2015-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-04
Also published as: ZA201301695B; JP5934223B2; CN103154399A; BR112013007902A2; EP2625346A2; ES2688456T3; KR102017501B1; EP2447434A1; WO2012045438A3; EP2447434B1; ES2464464T3; AU2011313553A1; EP2625346B1; WO2012045438A2; JP2013542348A; PL2625346T3; PL2447434T3; UA110944C2; CN103154399B; BR112013007902B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metal ceiling substructure for ceiling elements, which consists of metal beams which cross one another and are spaced apart from the ceiling. The metal beams here form a grid and are configured in the form of main beams and crossbeams. The metal beams are connected to one another here by means of specially designed connectors which engage in openings arranged in the web region of the metal beams and which lock the individual metal beams together.

Description

1 Metal ceiling substructure The invention relates to a metal ceiling substructure for ceiling elements comprising 5 intersecting metal beams spaced apart from the ceiling. In this respect, the metal beams form a grid and are configured in the manner of main beams and crossbeams. The connection of the metal beams to one another is in this respect realized by especially configured connectors which engage into openings arranged in the web region of the metal beams and latch the individual metal beams to one 0 another. Metal ceiling substructures for ceiling elements comprising intersecting metal beams spaced apart from the ceiling and forming a grid are known in the prior art. 5 Such a metallic ceiling substructure is described in US 6,199,343 B1. In this substructure already known from the prior art, a grid is likewise formed by latching main beams and crossbeams. The main beams and transverse beams described there are in this respect formed in the shape of a T section. The latching in this respect already takes place by connectors which are arranged at the end faces of 0 the metal beams and engage through an opening which is arranged in the web region of the metal beams. The opening in the T beams is in this respect formed in a specific rectangular shape. It has, however, now been shown that the latching of the connectors by the opening described in US 6,199,343 B1 is time-consuming. It is also difficult to release the latching again if this is desired. 25 A further comparable system is disclosed in US 4,779,394. It is also proposed in accordance with this US patent to form a metal ceiling substructure in that the main beams and the crossbeams are latched via connectors. A special design of the opening in the web region of the metal beams is admittedly provided in US patent 30 4,779,394, but the mutual latching of the two crossbeams with the main beam is also awkward and time-consuming. A release of the latched connection is also not easily possible. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 2 Furthermore, a T beam of a web and a flange is described in WO 2009/087378 Al which can also be used for metal ceiling substructures. In the above-named WO specification, it is proposed in this respect to introduce reinforcement ribs in the web 5 region for reinforcing the material. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a metal ceiling substructure for ceiling elements in which the individual metal beams, i.e. the main beams and crossbeams, can be simply and reliably latched to one another. A simple separation 0 of the latched connection may also be possible by the embodiment. A further embodiment of the present invention may also comprise proposing a connector which is as simple as possible in design and which nevertheless ensures a secure latching of the individual metal beams to one another. 5 In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a metal ceiling substructure for ceiling elements is proposed comprising intersecting metal beams spaced apart from the ceiling and forming a grid. The metal beams are configured as main beams and crossbeams and in this respect comprise an inverted T section whose flange is aligned in the direction of the interior of the room. The points of 0 intersection of the grid are formed by connectors which are arranged at the end face ends of the crossbeams and which are latched to one another via openings in the web region of the metal beams, wherein the metal beams have an opening having a rectangular base shape, with first projections and second projections respectively arranged centrally at the short sides of the rectangle and respectively at the long 25 sides of the rectangle at the same level in the direction of the interior of the opening, wherein the connectors each have two splays at their long sides which cooperate with the first and second projections, wherein the second projections are configured at the long side in the upper third portion of the rectangle remote from the flange side and wherein the metal material of the beams is a steel sheet from a cold-rolled band 30 and the metal material of the connectors is a stainless steel. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 3 It is important in the ceiling substructure in accordance with the first aspect that the metal beams have an opening having a rectangular base shape, wither first projections and second projections respectively arranged centrally at the short sides of the rectangle and respectively at the long sides of the rectangle at the same level 5 in the direction of the interior of the opening. These especially configured openings can then cooperate with the connectors such as have been proposed in accordance with the first aspect, namely with connectors which have respective splays at their long sides. O It can be achieved by such a construction that a secure and simple latching of the metal beams to one another is ensured. It has also been found that an easy and problem-free separation of the beams from one another can also be made possible by the specific configuration of the opening and of the connectors. It has furthermore been found that a much improved stability and strength can be achieved by the 5 specific configuration of the connectors with the splays which form an omega shape when the metal beams are latched to one another. It has also been found that the torsional stiffness with such "omega connectors" can be considerably improved. It can furthermore be advantageous in the solution in accordance with an 0 embodiment of the invention that the projections, i.e. the projections both at the short side of the rectangle and those which are arranged at the long sides are worked out of the material of the metal beams themselves. The projections can thereby simultaneously be formed in a simple production step on the manufacture of the metal beams. 25 It is preferred in this respect if the projections at the long side are formed at the long side in the upper region remote from the flange side. The second projections are configured at the long sides in the upper third, preferably 30 in the upper fourth, particularly preferably in the upper fifth. The projections and the opening itself can be in this respect dimensioned so that they are suitable for guiding connectors leading through the opening. In accordance with an embodiment of the 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 4 invention, the size ratios of the rectangle are thus directly coordinated with the connector. The connectors themselves can be in this respect, as known per se, fastened at the 5 end-face ends of the crossbeams via at least one connection device, preferably via a pressing connection and/or a rivet. The connectors which are fastened at the end face ends of the crossbeams can then naturally project beyond the end-face ends of the crossbeams. The connectors can be in this respect coordinated with one another with respect to their dimensioning and their design such that they cooperate in O combination with the openings in the web region of the metal beams. It can be important in this respect that each connector respectively has a splay at both sides at the long sides which cooperates with the projections. In principle, the specific form of the connector in the sense of the invention is not 5 limited. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in this respect the connectors can, provided they have the above-described splays in omega shape, be configured both as hook connectors and click connectors. The hook connectors which can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the 0 invention are in this respect designed such that the connector itself has two openings which are both configured in the part projecting beyond the end-face end of the web region. The two openings can in this respect either be designed as planar or, as can be preferred, so that the first opening, and indeed that opening which faces the end face end of the web, has an approximately rectangular shape and is outwardly 25 arched. The second opening can be configured in this respect so that respective arched opening of the other connector of the crossmember can engage into the second opening. A further stabilization of the latch connection may thereby be effected. 30 The hook connector as described above is furthermore characterized in that it can have an arcuate recess and an additional nose in the splayed region, and indeed on the side remote from the flange side. It may be ensured by this specific design of the 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 5 arcuate recess with the nose that in the latched state an easy release of the latch connection then becomes possible. If namely one of the rails, preferably the main beam, is then pressed to the side, the nose can be released from its contact point and the crossbeam can then be pulled out via its opening. The hook connector which 5 is proposed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and which has a hook at its free end can thus be characterized in that it likewise has an omega shape and that it has an arcuate recess in the splayed region beside the nose. As already explained above, an embodiment of the invention in this respect, O however, also comprises other designs, namely by means of one opening in the connector, or also two openings which can each also be planar. The invention also comprises embodiments which are configured without any opening in the connector. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, however, not only the above 5 described hook connectors can be used for latching crossbeams to the main beam or the crossbeams to one another, but the latching can also take place by means of so-called click connectors. Such click connectors are known in principle in the prior art. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, however, it can now propose to use a click connector which likewise again has the omega shape already 0 described above with the hook connector. The click connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can thus also be characterized in that it can have the above-described splays so that an omega shape of the click connectors is formed and with then a spring being arranged in the region spanned between the two splays. The design of the spring is known per se in the prior art. As already 25 described above, what is different from the prior art, however, is that the click connector can also have an omega shape due to the splays. It may now be achieved by the specific design of the connector in omega shape proposed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in cooperation with the 30 projections of the opening that not only identical connectors among one another, i.e. click connectors or hook connectors, can be used for the latching, but a latching can also be possible in a manner such that a click connector is arranged in the end-face 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 6 end at a crossbeam and e.g. a hook connector is arranged at the other end-face end of the second crossbeam. A latching of these two different connector types can also be ensured by the omega shape. 5 In the metal ceiling substructure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as described above a latching takes place in this respect by means of the above described connectors between two crossbeams and the main beam. In the metal ceiling substructure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, provision can then also be made in this respect, as is already known in the prior art, that the 0 crossbeams can in turn be latched to one another. In this case, the crossbeams then can also have the previously described opening in the web region. A latching can then take place with two further crossbeams using the previously described connectors. A grid can then be built up by such a system, as has already previously become established as known in the prior art. It can be important with such grids that 5 the ceiling boards manufactured by the industry, which have a standard size, can be hung into the corresponding grid. The main beam can be for this purpose 3 to 4 m long, preferably 3.6 m or 3.75 m, and the crossbeam has a length of 0.5 m to 2.0 m, preferably 0.6 m to 0.625 m and 1.2 m or 1.25 m. 0 The metal ceiling substructure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is furthermore still characterized in that the connection of the crossbeams to the main beam or the connection of two crossbeams to another crossbeam can be formed by the opening arranged in the web region such that metal beams are in abutting connection at the points of intersection. In this case, the end-face end of the flange 25 of the crossbeams can abut the long edge of the flange. A transition flush in the direction of the room side can thereby be achieved. The ceiling substructure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can, however, also be designed so that the end-face ends of the crossbeams have a 30 crank so that this crank then engages over the flange of the main beam or also of the crossbeam so that then a secure hold is ensured. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 7 A further particularly preferred embodiment now proposes that a respective projection is present which is worked out of the material of the crossbeam for the secure connection of the crossbeams to the main beam or of the crossbeams to one another. This projection can then engage in the latched state over the flange of the 5 main beam or of the crossbeam and provides an additional stabilization. The advantage of this solution now comprises the fact that this projection can be worked out of the material of the crossbeam in one workstep with the manufacture of the crossbeam. The projection which projects out of the web of the crossbeam can 0 thus be an integral component of the crossbeam. The length and dimensioning of the projection of the crossbeam can be coordinated such that a secure engagement of the projection over the upper side of the flange of the main beams or of a further crossbeam is achieved. It has been found that in particular this variant is preferred since it can be inexpensive to manufacture, on the one hand, and can additionally 5 make possible a secure and stable latching. This solution with the projection can also have the advantage that when the latch connection is released, no jamming occurs so that the latch connection releases in a simple manner again. In the construction in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the T beam is O preferably formed from a double sheet. The manufacture of such a T beam can thus take place from a planar metal sheet which is shaped by specific shaping processes so that a T is created having a web length preferably in the range from 20 to 80 mm and a flange width from 10 to 70 mm. As already known in the prior art to date, it is also preferred in the ceiling substructure in accordance with an embodiment of the 25 invention that the web-side end of the T beam has a hollow section, preferably in rectangular form. Provision can also be made in the ceiling substructure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that the double sheet is connected to the flange-side end of the T beam via an additional metal terminal metal sheet. This terminal metal sheet, which can then have a visual effect at the room side, can 30 be configured in accordance with the desired design. In addition to the optical effects, this terminal metal sheet can also have the advantage that it can provide an additional stabilization of the flange-side end of the T section. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 8 The T beam used in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for the main beams and the crossbeams can in this respect further still can be formed in that at least one linear reinforcement section is present preferably over the total length of 5 the web region. This reinforcement section can be pressed into the metal e.g. in the form of a rectangle. The invention in this respect also comprises embodiments in which more than one reinforcement section, e.g. two or three reinforcement sections, are worked in parallel form in the web region. O For the further improvement of the stiffness of the beam system, reinforcement ribs can additionally be pressed in in the web region of the main beams and crossbeams in the region of the flange-side end. These reinforcement ribs can be worked in the web region in the region of the flange-side end in spot form or in the form of short lines. These reinforcement ribs are usually likewise formed in linear shape and 5 extend in parallel to the flange. The reinforcement ribs can be in this respect preferably introduced into the web by a two-stage process. In the first process step, a lug can be cut free from the material in this process. In the second process step, a pressing can then take place by a stamp so that a flowing of the material of the lug takes place. It can then be ensured by this pressing that the lug cannot again be O pressed back into the cut-out. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, such a design of the reinforcement ribs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is preferred since a great improvement in the torsional stiffness can in particular be achieved with such a design of the reinforcement ribs. 25 A pressing from one side of the side surface of the web region in the direction of the other can thus be produced using the above-described method for pressing the reinforcement ribs. It has now been found that it is further preferred if these reinforcement ribs can not only be pressed in from one side in the direction of the other side of the side surface, but rather if some of the reinforcement ribs can be 30 pressed in from the oppositely disposed side. It is preferred in this respect if the reinforcement ribs, which are preferably arranged in linear form, are pressed in alternately from one respective side in the direction of the other. It has been found 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 9 that a further improvement of the stiffening and of the securing against twisting of the metal beams, which can reach up to a length of 2 m, is in particular realized by this embodiment. This embodiment can then naturally be combined with the further possibility that a linear reinforcement such as described above is additionally 5 present. Furthermore, an embodiment is preferred in which the reinforcement ribs are each alternately pressed in from one direction into the other at the flange-side end and that then further reinforcement ribs, which are in turn worked in alternately from one direction into the other, are additionally pressed in parallel thereto at the web-side end in the direction of the hollow section. The reinforcement ribs arranged 0 at the web-side end can in this respect have a larger distance from one another. An embodiment of the invention naturally also comprises embodiments in which e.g. two reinforcement ribs are arranged in linear form in parallel with the flange and the above-described reinforcement sections are then additionally also present in linear 5 form as described above. Provision can be made in embodiments of the invention, as also known in the prior art, for the connection of the main beams to one another that this takes place via so called bayonet couplings. The connection of the main beams to one another can 0 thus take place differently than with those at the previously named points of intersection, i.e. at the points at which the grid is formed by the main beam and two crossbeams or from one crossbeam and two main beams. These points of intersection can be only realized, as described above, by means of the special connectors. 25 The material of the metal beams is a steel sheet from a cold-rolled band. The types of steel comprise integrated C steels can have parts by weight of carbon of up to 1%; a preferred steel sheet is DX 51 Z 100. 30 The material for the connectors is a stainless steel such as chromium-nickel alloyed steels such as X10 CrNi1 8-8 (AISI 301). 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 10 It must be particularly emphasized in the invention that an exceptional mechanical stability can be achieved by the material selection of stainless steel in combination with the omega shape. 5 The invention will be described in more detail, by way of example only, in the following with reference to Figures 1 to 9 without limiting the protective scope to these specific embodiments and other embodiments. Figure 1 shows in a plan view the shape of the opening in the web region of the 0 metal beams; Figure 2 shows in section the design of the metal beams, i.e. both of the main beams and of the crossbeams; 5 Figure 3 shows a hook connector and its fastening at the end-side region of the crossbeams; Figure 4 shows a click connector and its fastening at the end-side region of the crossbeams; 0 Figure 5 shows in Figure 4a and in Figure 4b in two different views the configuration of the point of intersection of the latching between the main beams and the crossbeams with the connectors; 25 Figure 6 shows in a further section how the connectors cooperated in the opening; Figure 7 shows in a further representation a bayonet coupling for connecting the main beams to one another; 30 Figure 8 shows the omega shape of a hook connector; 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 11 Figure 9 shows the omega shape of a click connector; Figure 10 shows a hook connector in five different perspectives a), b), c), d) and e). 5 Figure 11 shows in section the design of a metal beam in the embodiment with two linear reinforcement ribs; Figure 12 shows the metal beam of Fig. 11 in a side view; and 0 Figures show a further embodiment of the metal layer with 13 and 14 reinforcement ribs. Figure 1 shows in a plan view the configuration of the opening 1 such as is provided 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in the metal beams, i.e. both in the main beam and in the crossbeam. The opening 1 is in this respect formed in rectangular shape and has two projections 2, 3 at the two short sides and two projections 4 and 5 at the long sides. The projections are in this respect worked out of the material of the metal beam itself and are thus an integral part of the metal 0 beams. A simple and inexpensive manufacture is thereby made possible since the projections 2, 3, 4, 5 comprise the same material as the metal beams and can thus be produced in one workstep. What is important for the solution in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is the specific configuration of the opening 1 in the metal beams. The positioning of the projections 4 and 5 at the long sides is selected 25 in this respect such that they are arranged in the upper third, preferably in the upper fourth, of the opening 1 and that they are shaped so that the specific shape of the connector is supported by the projections. In Figure 2, the design of the metal beams, i.e. of both the main beams and of the 30 crossbeams, is now shown in section. The metal beam in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in this respect comprises a double sheet which is correspondingly formed by shaping. At the end opposite the flange 31, the web 32 is 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 12 formed in the shape of a rectangular hollow section 9. The example shown in the embodiment of Figure 2 additionally has a reinforcement section 7 in the web 32. This reinforcement section 7 is likewise formed on the shaping of the double sheet and provides an additional stiffening of the T beam in the web 32. This reinforcement 5 section 7 is in this respect preferably formed over the total length of the web 32. In this respect, the invention also comprises embodiments in which two or three parallel, linear reinforcement sections 7 are introduced in the web 32. The metal beam in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can in this respect additionally have reinforcement ribs 8. These reinforcement ribs 8 can either likewise 0 be worked out of the material of the double sheet of the metal beams or they can be applied separately in a workstep. These reinforcement ribs, which are e.g. likewise arranged in linear form in the region of the web 32 close to the flange, again increase the stiffness in order then to provide sufficient stability for the ceiling substructure when the corresponding ceiling elements are hung in. The invention in this respect 5 naturally comprises embodiments in which only reinforcement ribs in linear form are arranged or that only reinforcement sections in linear form are provided. As can be seen from the embodiment of Figure 2, the metal beam shown there additionally has a metal terminal sheet 10 which is folded over the ends of the flange 0 31 of the metal beams. A desired visual effect at the room side can be established by means of this terminal sheet. The terminal sheet furthermore also provides a flush termination at the room side. Figure 3 now sectionally shows the configuration of a hook connector 11 in 25 accordance with an embodiment of the invention and its fastening to a crossbeam 12. The connector 11, as can be seen from Figure 3, is fastened via two pressed portions 13, 14 at the end-face end of the crossbeam 12. The connector 11 is characterized in that it has a hook 15 at its free end. As will be explained in more detail in the following in Figure 4, this hook 15 serves for latching to the main beam 30 or to the crossbeam. The embodiment of the connector such as is shown in Figure 3 moreover has two openings 16 and 17. As can be seen from the Figure, the first opening 17 in this respect, i.e. that opening facing the end-face end of the web, is 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 13 formed in rectangular shape and has outwardly arched long sides. The second opening 16 is now of planar design and is designed so that when the connectors 11 engage into one another at the points of intersection, the arching of the other connector 17 can engage into the opening 16. A reliable and unmovable stabilization 5 of the two crossbeams with respect to one another is thereby achieved. The connector 11, as is shown in Figure 3, is furthermore characterized in that it has two splays 18, 19 so that an omega shape arises. These splays 18, 19 are designed in their shape such that they cooperate with the projections 4 and 5 as shown in Figure 1. 0 A further important element of the hook connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is that it has an arcuate recess 41 with a nose 40 in the splayed region, and indeed on the side which is remote from the flange side. It is ensured by this design in arcuate form 41 with a nose 40 that the hook connector 5 also abuts the upper short side of the rectangular opening remote from the flange side in the latched state in the opening, that this abutment can be released by rotating the latching connection and that the crossbeam can be pulled out again via the arcuate recess. 0 The embodiment shown in Figure 3 is still further characterized in that the crossbeam 12 is provided with a projection 20. This projection 20, which is an integral component of the crossbeam 12, is worked from the same material as the crossbeam 12 and serves the stabilizing of the operative connection of the two crossbeams 12 to be connected with a main beam or with another crossbeam. The 25 design and shape of the projection 20 is in this respect selected so that it engages over the flange of the main beam or of the crossbeam in the latched state and thus contributes to a stabilization (see Figure 4 inter alia). The embodiment in accordance with Figure 3 likewise shows the reinforcement ribs 30 8 introduced in the crossbeam 12 in linear form. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 14 Figure 4 now shows the design in accordance with an embodiment of the invention of a click connector. The click connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention likewise has two splays 18, 19, which is considered essential for the invention, so that an omega shape also again arises here. The click connector in 5 accordance with an embodiment of the invention then has a resilient element 50, as is known per se from the prior art. The design of this resilient element 50 is known per se in comparable click connectors in the prior art. In Figure 5, it is now shown in two different section a) and b) how the two 0 crossbeams 12 are latched via the hook connectors and the main beam 21. In the section in Figure 5a, the crossbeam 12 is shown section-wise in the left hand part with a hook connector 11 such as has been described in detail in Fig. 3. An identical crossbeam 12 with an identical connector 11 is shown in the right hand part 5 of Figure 5a. The main beam 21, which can here now be seen in section, has an analog design to Figure 2 and comprises a web having a rectangular reinforcement 9 and a flange. The opening is marked by 1. As can now be seen from the section in Figure 5a, the hook 15 engages through the opening 1. The two connectors 11 are then latched to one another via the openings 16 and 17. Since the opening 17 has 0 an outward arching, this arching of the opening 17 of the one connector 11 can engage into the planar opening 16 of the other connector 11 in order thus to effect a secure latching. The latching is shown in a plan view in Figure 5b. The main beam 21 is in this 25 respect, as described above in Figure 5a, latched to the two crossbeams 12 and the identical connectors 11. The latching is achieved via the connectors 11 of the respective crossbeams 12 which are fastened to the end-face end of the crossbeams by means of rivets 13, 14 (point of intersection). 30 In Figure 6, the latching of the two hook connectors in the opening 1 is now shown in a third section in a magnified illustration. Figure 6 in this respect shows the 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 15 cooperation of the opening 1 with the specifically designed connectors 11. The omega shape (dashed lines) of the connectors 11 can be seen in Figure 6. As is illustrated in Figure 6, the projections 2, 3, 4 and 5 serve the guidance of the 5 connector 11. The connector 11 has splays 18, 19 which are formed so that they engage around the projections 2, 3, 4 and 5. For this purpose, the connector 11 is configured provided with splays 18, 19 which run through the named long sides, wherein these splays 18, 19 are shaped such that they cooperate precisely with the projections 2, 3, 4 and 5 and thus ensure a secure hold of the latched connection. 0 Finally, Figure 7 shows the main beam 21 with the opening 1 and a bayonet coupling 30. To connect the main beams to one another, not a connector as described above is proposed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, but this connection is rather ensured by bayonet couplings known per se from the prior art. 5 Figure 8 now shows the hook connector 11 already described in detail in Figure 3 in three different views. The hook connector 11 is shown in a plan view in Figure 8a and fully corresponds to the hook connector as has already been described in detail in Figure 3. The hook connector 11 is now shown in section in Figure 8b. As can be o seen from the cross-section b), the hook connector 11 has an omega shape with two splays 18 and 19. Finally, Figure 8 then shows the hook connector 11 in a side view. Figure 9 now shows in an analog manner in three views in Figures 9a, 9b and 9c the configuration of the click connector already described in Figure 4. The click 25 connector 60 in the representation a), i.e. in the plan view, has already been described in more detail in Figure 4. As can now be seen from Figure 9b, the click connector 60 also has an omega shape with splays 18 and 19 in cross-section. The decisive advantage of the connectors in accordance with an embodiment of the 30 invention is that both the hook connector 11, as described above in Figure 8, and the click connector 60 have an omega shape in cross-section, said omega shape being of the same kind so that this omega shape cooperates with the projections in the 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 16 opening 1. The depth of the splay is in this respect exactly coordinated with the projections. Finally, the click connector 60 is also again shown in a side view in Figure 9. 5 Figure 10 now shows in different perspective representations a further embodiment of a hook connector 11. The hook connector 11, as is shown in a plan view in Figure 1 0a), substantially 0 corresponds to the embodiment of the hook connector such as has already been described in detail in Figure 8. Unlike the embodiment of the hook connector in accordance with Figure 8, the hook connector of this embodiment has a further splay 70 starting from the nose 40 in the splayed region 18 in the direction of the end-face end of the connector 11, and indeed here in the non-splayed region. This further 5 splay 70 is now, as can be seen from the perspective representations b), c), d) and e), configured in the direction of the splay 18 but only in the region which is not splayed in comparison with the embodiment in accordance with Figure 8. This can also be seen from the sectional representations f) and g). Further sections through the connector are shown by i) and h). 0 The embodiment in accordance with Figure 10 brings along the advantage that an even simpler and clearer latching and release results with a simultaneously secure hold of the latch connection. 25 Figure 11 now shows in a cross-section a further embodiment of the metal beams, i.e. both the main beams and the crossbeams. The embodiment substantially corresponds to that such as has already been described in detail in Figure 2. What is different to the embodiment in accordance with Figure 2 is now that additionally further reinforcement ribs 8' are provided beside the reinforcement ribs 8 which are 30 formed in the region close to the flange and beside the linear reinforcement section. These additional reinforcement ribs 8' are like the reinforcement ribs 8 worked, e.g. pressed, into the metal beams, but preferably have a greater distance from one 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 17 another than the reinforcement ribs 8 in the region close to the flange. The invention in this respect naturally also comprises embodiments in which more reinforcement ribs 8' as shown in Figure 12 are introduced. What is important, however, is that these reinforcement ribs 8' are formed in the web region between the linear 5 reinforcement 7 and the rectangular hollow section 9. Figures 13 and 14 now show embodiments of the metal beam in which reinforcement ribs 40, 41 and 40', 41' respectively have each been alternately additionally introduced from one side in the direction of the other. In the embodiment 0 in accordance with Figure 13, reinforcement ribs 40, 41 are linearly introduced at the flange-side end. In this embodiment, the respective reinforcement ribs are alternately worked in from one side in the direction of the other. The reinforcement ribs which are marked by 40 have been pressed into the web region from the non-visible side. Those which are shown as dark (reference numeral 41) have been pressed in from 5 the visible side in the direction of the other side. The same applies to the pressings illustrated by 40' and 41'. In this embodiment, on the one hand, reinforcement ribs 40, 41 are thus pressed in alternately at equal intervals in parallel to the flange in linear form from one side in the direction of the other and furthermore reinforcement ribs 40' and 41' are pressed again alternately in parallel to the web-side end in the 0 proximity of the hollow section 9, but the reinforcement ribs arranged in the direction of the web-side end are provided at a larger interval. It has been found that in particular this embodiment realizes an excellent resistance to torsion and stability of the metal beam. In the representation in Figure 13, the opening which has previously been shown in other embodiments has not been drawn in. 25 In the embodiment in accordance with Figure 14, in this respect, reinforcement ribs 40, 41 are in each case only introduced alternately in the metal beam 21 at the flange-side end of the web 32 alternately from one direction into the other. 30 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 18 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is 5 used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET

Claims

1. A metal ceiling substructure for ceiling elements which comprise intersecting 5 metal beams which are spaced apart from the ceiling and form a grid, wherein the metal beams are configured as main beams and crossbeams and have an inverted T section whose flange (31) faces in the direction of the room interior, and wherein the respective points of intersection of the grid are formed by connectors (11, 60) which are arranged at the end-face ends of the 0 crossbeams (12) and which are latched to one another via openings (1) in the web region of the metal beams, wherein the metal beams have an opening (1) having a rectangular base shape, with projections (2, 3) and (4, 5) respectively arranged centrally at the short sides 5 of the rectangle and respectively at the long sides of the rectangle at the same level in the direction of the interior of the opening (1); wherein the connectors (11, 60) each have splays (18, 19) at their long sides which cooperate with the projections (2, 3, 4, 5), wherein the projections (4, 5) are configured at the long side in the upper third portion of the rectangle remote 0 from the flange side (31) and wherein the metal material of the beams is a steel sheet from a cold-rolled band and the metal material of the connectors is a stainless steel.

2. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the 25 projections (2, 3, 4, 5) of the openings (1) are worked out of the material of the metal beams.

3. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the projections (2, 3, 4, 5) of the rectangular openings (1) are dimensioned such 30 that they serve the guidance of the connectors (11, 60) led through the opening (1). 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 20

4. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connectors (11, 60) have an omega shape due to the splays (18, 19).

5 5. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connectors (11, 60) are fastened to the end-face ends of the crossbeams (12) via at least one pressed section (13, 14).

6. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5, 0 wherein the connectors (11) have two openings (16, 17), with the first opening (17) which faces the end-face end of the web having a rectangular shape with outwardly arched long sides; wherein the second opening (16) is configured so that the respective arched opening (17) of the connector (11) of the other crossbeam (12) can engage into the second opening (16) of the connector 5 (11); and wherein a hook(1 5) is arranged at the free ends of the connectors (11).

7. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 6, wherein the connectors (11) have a nose (40) and an arcuate indentation (41) at the side 0 remote from the flange side in the splayed region.

8. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 7, wherein the connector (11) has a further splay (70), starting from the nose (40) in the splayed region (18), in the direction of the end-face end of the connector (11) 25 in the non-splayed region.

9. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connectors (60) have a resilient element (50) between the two splays (18, 19). 30 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 21

10. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with at any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the web-side end of the T beam has a hollow section (9), formed from a double sheet. 5

11. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 10, wherein the hollow section is in rectangular form.

12. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 10 or 11, wherein the double sheet is connected to the flange-side end of the T beam via an 0 additional metal terminal sheet (10).

13. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one linear reinforcement section (7) is present in the web (32) of the metal beams. 5

14. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 13, wherein at least one linear reinforcement section is present in the web over the total length of the metal beams. 0

15. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein reinforcement ribs (8, 40, 41, 8', 40', 41') are pressed in the web (32) of the metal beams from at least one side surface of the web in the direction of the oppositely disposed side surface of the web. 25

16. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 15, wherein the reinforcement ribs (8, 40, 41) are configured in parallel with the flange (31) in linear form.

17. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 13 to 16, 30 wherein the linear reinforcement section (7) is formed in the web (32), and reinforcement ribs (8, 40, 41) are formed in the region of the flange-side end 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET 22 and further reinforcement ribs (8', 40', 41') are formed in the region of the web-side end.

18. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with claim 17, wherein the further 5 reinforcement ribs (8', 40', 41') have a greater spacing from one another than the reinforcement ribs (8, 40, 41).

19. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the main beams (21) have a length from 3 m to 4 m and the cross 0 beams (12) have a length of 0.5 m or 2 m.

20. A metal ceiling substructure in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the T section of the metal beams has a web length from 20 to 80 mm and a flange width from 10 to 70 mm. 7071297_1 (GHMatters) P92881.AU DENISET