Wall and/or ceiling structure, wall modules and fastening arrangements therefor and use therof

Abstract

The invention relates to a wall and/or ceiling structure, in particular for a heat treatment installation, wherein the wall structure ( 1 ) contains individual wall modules ( 2, 12 ) and a fastening arrangement ( 3 ) for at least a portion of the modules ( 2 ) is provided, wherein the fastening arrangement ( 3 ) includes first retaining elements ( 15, 16 ) which, together with second retaining or fastening devices ( 17 ) of a support structure ( 4 ) of the heat treatment installation, maintain the module ( 2 ) on the support structure, wherein the first and second retaining devices ( 15, 16, 17 ) have corresponding locking devices ( 28, 35, 50 ) for a locking connection, as well as wall modules ( 2, 12 ) and fastening arrangements ( 3 ) therefor.

1 . A wall and/or ceiling structure for a heat treatment installation, wherein the wall structure comprises: 
 a plurality of individual wall modules; and    a fastening arrangement for at least a portion of the modules, the fastening arrangement including retaining elements which, together with fastening devices of a support structure of the heat treatment installation, maintain the wall modules on the support structure;    wherein the retaining elements and the fastening devices have corresponding locking devices for a locking connection.    
   
   
       2 . The wall structure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein in a horizontal projection the wall modules have a cross-section permitting a nip-free arrangement with each other.  
   
   
       3 . The wall structure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the wall structure is formed from two different types of wall modules, wherein a first module type is embodied as a retaining module and a second module type is embodied as a filler module, which are alternatingly arranged in the total structure.  
   
   
       4 . The wall structure in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the filler modules, which are arranged alternatingly with the retaining modules, have a shape corresponding to that of the retaining modules, so that a positively connected arrangement of the filler modules and the retaining modules is provided in the wall structure.  
   
   
       5 . The wall structure in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein a joint is formed between the retaining modules and the filler modules, which is filled with fed-in or poured-in material.  
   
   
       6 . A wall module for a wall and/or ceiling structure in a heat treatment installation, the wall module comprising multiple layers; 
 wherein a plurality of the wall modules are combined with a fastening arrangement to form the wall and/or ceiling structure, and the fastening arrangement includes retaining elements which, together with fastening devices of a support structure of the heat treatment installation, maintain the plurality of wall modules on the support structure, and the retaining elements and the fastening devices have corresponding locking devices for a locking connection.    
   
   
       7 . The module in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the wall module has a first layer on the side of a furnace interior or heat side, and at least one second layer adjoining the first layer and facing away from the furnace interior, and additional insulating layers can be arranged following the second layer.  
   
   
       8 . The module in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the first layer comprises a layer made of a solid rigid material that is at least heat-resistant or fire-proof.  
   
   
       9 . The module in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the heat-resistant or fire-proof material has a chemical-mineralogical composition, a temperature resistance, and a thickness, each of which is a function of such requirements as temperature and furnace atmosphere.  
   
   
       10 . The module in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the first layer is a so-called light refractory material, or is designed as light refractory brick; 
 the at least one second layer is an insulating layer, wherein the at least one second layer is formed of at least one of the group consisting of a calcium silicate plate, a microporous insulating plate, and a fiber material which is customary and suitable for furnace or fire box construction;    an insulating layer following the at least one second layer and any further insulating layers following the at least one second layer comprise one or several plates selected from the group consisting of calcium silicate plates, microporous insulating plates, a fiber material, a compressed solid fiber material in the form of nonwoven material, and a rigid fiber plate; and    the porosity of the layers can increase from the at least one second layer to the insulating layer in order to increase the insulating output.    
   
   
       11 . The module in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein, in a horizontal projection, the wall modules have a cross-section that permits a nip-free arrangement of the wall modules with respect to each other.  
   
   
       12 . The module in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the wall module comprises: 
 a front wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a rear wall of the first layer;    a front wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a rear wall of the second layer; and    any additional insulating layers comprise a front wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a rear wall;    wherein the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are arranged to be aligned with each other and in sequence with each other, so that the wall module has a cube-like or cuboid shape.    
   
   
       13 . The module in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are designed with a stair- or step-shaped offset with respect to each other; 
 the first sidewalls of each of the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are aligned;    each of the layers has a step-shaped offset in such a way that the second sidewalls of each of the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are arranged offset with respect to each other;    when arranging these wall modules next to each other, first joints extending straight along the wall thickness and second joints extending in steps result; and    the wall modules mesh with each other.    
   
   
       14 . The module in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein of the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers, two of the layers are aligned and one of the layers has an offset with respect to the remaining layers.  
   
   
       15 . The module in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers have a step-like offset in such a way that the offset extends diagonally over a corner of adjoining sidewalls, so that all joints extend stepped in the same way.  
   
   
       16 . The module in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein each wall module is embodied as a retaining module or as a filler module, and a module embodied as a retaining module is designed in a first cross-section in such a way that it widens in steps from a layer remotest from the furnace to a layer closest to the furnace.  
   
   
       17 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 ,wherein the layer closest to the furnace includes an additional step, such that the layer closest to the furnace widens in a stepped manner at least toward one side.  
   
   
       18 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein the wall module is embodied in such a way with respect to a second cross-section, which extends perpendicular in relation to the first cross-section, that it widens in steps from the layer remotest from the furnace to the layer closest to the furnace, and the wall module widens in steps symmetrically or asymmetrically in relation to the first or second cross-section.  
   
   
       19 . The module in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein, in its second cross-section transverse to the first cross-section, the wall module is laterally offset with a step-shaped offset from layer to layer, or in a layer itself.  
   
   
       20 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein the filler module has a shape corresponding to the retaining module, so that a positively connected arrangement of the filler modules and the retaining modules is formed in the wall structure.  
   
   
       21 . The module in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein the filler module tapers in steps in the first cross-section corresponding to the retaining modules, and, in a second cross-section perpendicular to the first cross-section, the filler module has the same cross-section as the retaining module, such that the filler module either tapers in steps corresponding to the retaining module, or has a step-like offset corresponding to the retaining module.  
   
   
       22 . The module in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein individual layers of the filler module are maintained against each other and the step-shaped offsets and/or widenings include an oblique path which, in particular in the area of the layer closest to the furnace, avoids sharp delicate step edges.  
   
   
       23 . The module in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the layer closest to the furnace is divided in the center in such a way that oppositely located layer half walls are formed, wherein a semicircular groove that extends away from the layer and penetrates a rear wall of the layer is provided in each one of the layer half walls.  
   
   
       24 . A fastening arrangement for a wall and/or ceiling structure in a heat treatment installation, the fastening arrangement comprising: 
 at least one retaining element which, together with at least one fastening device of a support structure of the heat treatment installation, maintains at least one wall module on the support structure, and the at least one retaining element and the at least one fastening device have corresponding locking devices for a locking connection;    wherein the fastening arrangement is combined with a plurality of wall modules to form the wall and/or ceiling structure.    
   
   
       25 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 24 , wherein the at least one retaining element is used for maintaining the at least one wall module on a retaining plate and holding layers of the at least one wall module together.  
   
   
       26 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 25 , wherein the at least one retaining element comprises an anchor element and a shaft element; 
 the anchor element is designed with two or more arms extending away from a center;    the shaft element is arranged to act on the center, and the shaft element is a rod shape and has a screw thread on a free end.    
   
   
       27 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 26 , wherein the arms extend away vertically or angled with respect to the shaft element, and form an acute angle with the shaft element.  
   
   
       28 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 24 , wherein the at least one retaining element is formed from a shaft element, which is a spiral or corrugated rod.  
   
   
       29 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 24 , wherein the at least one retaining element comprises a ceramic material and/or a heat-resistant metal.  
   
   
       30 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 26 , wherein the retaining plate is a flat level component, which is a punched sheet metal element made of steel and/or a heat-resistant metal, wherein the retaining plate contains a centered trough, and at least one receiving opening is provided adjacent to the trough in the retaining plate, wherein the number of receiving openings is a function of the number of retaining elements.  
   
   
       31 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 30 , wherein the trough is laterally bordered by a step-shaped wall or a shoulder; 
 the trough forms a level trough bottom and at least one first locking device is provided on the trough bottom, and the first locking device is a locking opening;    a circumferential flange extends upward in a direction out of the trough bottom and laterally borders the locking opening, and the locking opening is rectangular;    at narrow side edges of the locking opening the flange protrudes at approximately right angles from the trough bottom or forms an obtuse angle with the trough bottom;    at long side edges of the locking opening the flange forms an obtuse angle with the trough bottom and narrows the locking opening away from the trough bottom;    the locking opening is round or polygonal; and    the flange is a circumferential conical collar.    
   
   
       32 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 25 , wherein the at least one fastening device is embodied for cooperating in a fastening manner with the retaining plate, and the at least one fastening device comprises a locking device.  
   
   
       33 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 31 , wherein the at least one fastening device has a flat base plate, which is designed to be approximately rectangular, polygonal or round, and spring shackles are connected in one piece with a long side of the base plate.  
   
   
       34 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 33 , wherein in cross-section, the spring shackles extend from the long side of the base plate in an approximate S-shape with a first bow converging toward each other and, following a straight portion, which forms an obliquely extending spring shackle wall, the spring shackles extend away from each other toward the outside and form an undercut protrusion by way of a second bow; and 
 a height of the spring shackles from the base plate to the underside of the undercut protrusion substantially corresponds to the height of the flange, and the spring shackles form an angle with the base plate which is slightly greater than the angle between the trough bottom and the flange at the long side edges of the locking opening.    
   
   
       35 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 33 , wherein the base plate has a fastening opening through which a screw bolt or clinch bolt can be pushed and can be secured by a nut.  
   
   
       36 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 31 , wherein the first locking device comprises two punched-out locking tongues that are located on the level of the trough bottom and point toward each other; 
 the locking tongues are fastened along a longitudinal edge of the trough bottom, and taper in a direction toward a free longitudinal edge and to this extent form a trapezoid, with the free longitudinal edges defining a locking joint between each other;    a corresponding second locking device for acting together with the first locking device is a locking protrusion in the form of a locking plate arranged on the fastening device or the support structure;    the locking plate has a thickness which is greater than the locking joint, and is approximately of the length of the locking joint;    the anchor element of the retaining device with the outward extending arms is seated in a first layer, and the outward extending arms can be inserted into corresponding bores in each of the layer halves or layer half walls;    the shaft element is seated in a semicircular groove extending away from the first layer and penetrating a rear wall in each one of the layer half walls; and    the shaft element passes through additional layers and projects out of a rear wall of a last layer sufficiently far so that a free end of the shaft element can be inserted into a receiving opening of the retaining plate and fastened.    
   
   
       37 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 36 , wherein in a final assembled state, the retaining plate rests against the rear wall of the last layer.  
   
   
       38 . The fastening arrangement in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein for arranging a wall module on the support structure, the fastening devices are placed on the support structure at prearranged locations; 
 the fastening devices are secured on the support structure and, if filler modules are provided between the wall modules, the distance between the fastening devices approximately corresponds to the distance between two wall modules and a filler module located between them;    the fastening devices are embodied as a rail or grid of rails, wherein the spring shackles are formed out of or on the rail at the predetermined distances;    the locking opening is designed in such a way that for assembly it can be placed on the spring shackles;    the undercut protrusions are supported on the oblique walls of the flange and can glide by way of the application of pressure to the modules along the flanges, and the undercut protrusions can extend past the free end edges of the flange and thereafter spring outward, so that the protrusions extend behind the flange, and the module is fixedly locked against the support structure by way of the fastening device.    
   
   
       39 . The wall and/or ceiling structure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the wall and/or ceiling structure is use as a furnace wall or furnace ceiling, in at least one of the group consisting of cracking installations, thermal exhaust air cleaning, strip annealing, chamber furnaces, roller hearth furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, annealing hoods, pusher furnaces, pusher furnace bogies, roller furnaces, bogie hearth furnaces, hood-type furnaces, and other heat treatment units.