MODULAR FLOOR COVERING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to floor coverings, particularly modular floor coverings intended for temporary use and particularly preferably accessible by motor vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to mobile construction roads. For the purposes of the present invention, mobile construction roads are understood to mean floor coverings that are preferably accessible by motor vehicles, in particular trucks and construction vehicles, and that are mobile in that they can be laid—for example, to set up a construction site—and subsequently dismantled and reused.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates in this context to a connection system for the reversible connection of floor covering segments to form a floor covering, in particular a construction road, a floor covering segment for forming the floor covering, in particular the construction road, a floor covering comprising a plurality of floor covering segments and a method for producing a floor covering, in particular a construction road.

[0003] A floor covering within the meaning of the present invention can be used in particular as a soil protection system or forms a soil protection system. This is in particular a system for preventing or reducing soil compaction or other soil damage such as the formation of tracks by vehicles. For this purpose, the proposed floor covering can form an at least essentially uniform, level surface for load distribution. The proposed floor covering is therefore particularly suitable as a transport route, for forming construction site access roads, for widening paths, but also as an assembly platform, storage area and / or for stage construction or soil protection at events. Alternatively or additionally, the floor covering can be used to protect sensitive surfaces such as cobblestones, lawns or the like, directly or in combination with an underlay that is placed between the floor covering and the ground orthe earth's surface or other supporting surface or can also be part of the ground.

[0004] Floor coverings of the type in question are typically formed from several floor covering segments by connecting them together. To enable reuse and / or dismantling, the floor covering segments are preferably reversibly connected to one another.

[0005] In this context, EP 1 950 349 B1 relates to a connecting element for floor covering segments, in which a connector protrudes laterally from the connecting element and can be inserted into a connecting channel of an adjacent connecting element and screwed there.

[0006] EP 3 401 441 B1 relates to a floor covering formed from floor covering segments which are hooked together by hooks at the ends.

[0007] US 2007 / 0079569 A1 (US 7 607 265 B2) concerns a surface covering for the protection of

[0008] Surfaces such as ice in an ice hockey stadium, artificial turf in a stadium, or grass. The surface covering is formed by identically designed panels that are connected to each other by a form-fitting connection system.

[0009] It has been shown that the use of lateral connectors, particularly due to the necessary screw connections, results in considerable installation effort and can lead to difficulties in frequently encountered adverse conditions such as muddy, sandy, or fractured ground. This also applies to hook systems, where even the ingress of small amounts of foreign material into the hook connection running the full length of the respective flooring segments requires cleaning measures during installation so that the flooring segments can be hooked into each other. This makes both the installation of the flooring segments, i.e. the formation of the flooring, complex and also complicates the reuse of the flooring segments.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a connection system for the reversible connection of floor covering segments to form a floor covering, in particular a construction road, a floor covering segment, a floor covering, or a method for producing a floor covering, in particular a temporary construction road, thereby enabling a more reliable, efficient and / or faster production and / or reuse of the floor covering.

[0011] The present object is achieved by a connection system according to claim 1, a floor covering segment according to claim 12, a floor covering according to claim 13, or a method for producing a floor covering according to claim 14. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a proposed connection system which is suitable for the reversible connection of floor covering segments to form the floor covering.

[0013] The connection system comprises two connecting elements. The connecting elements are suitable for connecting floor covering segments. For this purpose, a floor covering segment can have at least one connecting element, preferably along one edge, and preferably two corresponding or complementary connecting elements on, preferably opposite, edges.

[0014] A first connecting element has a tongue for creating a tongue and groove connection or a tongue and groove connection.

[0015] The proposed connection system further comprises a second connection element which has a groove for at least partially receiving the tongue to create the connection, i.e. the tongue-and-groove connection or tongue and groove connection.

[0016] A tongue and groove connection is a connection in which a groove, preferably on the end face of a flat structure, and a web-like structure corresponding to the groove are provided on the one hand, which can be inserted into one another to create a connection. The tongue in the form of the web-like structure can therefore be inserted into the groove, whereby the connection can be created. The same is the case with a sheet piling connection, wherein the tongue is otherwise connected to the structure to be connected, in this case the floor covering segment, or is formed in one piece, whereas in a tongue and groove connection, adjacent floor covering segments can each have a groove, and the tongue engages in the respective groove to create the connection. The invention is explained in more detail below primarily with reference to a sheet piling connection.Even if not explicitly discussed, the present invention is also applicable in a corresponding manner to a tongue and groove connection.

[0017] According to the proposal, the first connecting element comprises a first form-locking element, and the second connecting element comprises, outside the groove, at least one second form-locking element corresponding to the first form-locking element. The form-locking elements are designed to form a form-locking connection with one another. The connection system is configured such that, when the spring is at least partially inserted into the groove, the form-locking elements form a form-locking connection by inclining the connecting elements relative to one another. This form-locking connection blocks any translational movement of the spring out of the groove.

[0018] In other words, the proposed connection system combines a connection of a groove and corresponding tongue on the one hand with form-locking elements by which the connection formed with the groove and tongue is or is secured against loosening (preferably reversibly).

[0019] The use of a connection technique in which a tongue is inserted into a groove has proven particularly advantageous in the context of the preferred application. This means that the connecting elements do not become clogged with foreign material, or do so less quickly. Should this happen, the proposed connection system has proven to be easy and quick to clean. The positive connection with the positive locking elements can be formed without screws—especially as a locking mechanism—which advantageously helps avoid problems with clogged threads.

[0020] The connection is preferably secured with the connecting elements tilted relative to each other, which may be fundamentally similar to a connection using a hook system in terms of movement. This advantageously enables quick, simple, and secure assembly, while using the proposed connection system avoids the disadvantages of a hook connection, in particular the tendency for even slight contamination to settle in the undercuts of the hook geometry, and the associated difficulties during assembly and cleaning requirements, especially if, as is preferred, the tongue and / or groove are completely undercut-free.

[0021] The form-locking elements preferably form a lock of the connection formed by the groove and the tongue. In this case, it can be provided that one of the form-locking elements is a bolt and another of the form-locking elements is or has a receptacle corresponding to the bolt, in particular an opening corresponding to the bolt. The form-lock can be formed by receiving the bolt in the receptacle or in the opening. For this purpose, the bolt can be pushed into the receptacle, in particular the opening, with the connecting elements inclined towards one another, which form a form-locking connection in such a way that a translational removal of the tongue from the groove is thereby blocked.

[0022] For disassembly or dismantling, the form-locking connection can preferably be reversed by inclining the connecting elements relative to one another in such a way that the form-locking elements are released from their engagement, in particular by removing the bolt from the receptacle or opening (due to the inclination or pivoting movement), whereupon the spring is moved out of the groove again and thus the connection can be separated as a whole.

[0023] When partially inserted into the groove, the spring preferably has enough play in the groove for the connecting elements to pivot relative to one another between a first position, in which the form-locking elements are separated from one another, and a second position, in which the form-locking elements form the form-locking connection. It is therefore possible and preferably provided that the spring is first at least partially inserted into the groove before the form-locking elements form the form-locking connection by pivoting the connecting elements relative to one another, thus blocking the removal of the spring from the groove.

[0024] For this purpose, the spring can have sufficient play in the groove so that the spring can initially be inserted slightly obliquely or tilted (partially) into an opening of the groove and with progressive inclination of the connecting elements towards each other, on the one hand the form fit can be formed by the form fit elements and on the other hand the spring can be pushed further into the groove.

[0025] As a result, the connection is preferably made by a pivoting movement in which the inclination of the connecting elements to one another is combined with a translational movement of the tongue into the groove in order to create the connection and to secure it by means of the form-locking elements; or the connection system is designed for this purpose.

[0026] In other words, the tongue is designed to have so little play in the groove that, starting from a position of the connecting elements relative to each other in which the positive locking elements are in positive engagement, the connecting elements must be rotated relative to each other to release the positive engagement so that the connecting elements can be separated from each other again. However, when the positive engagement is established, separation of the connecting elements by translational movement is blocked. The positive engagement thus prevents the tongue from being pulled out of the groove.

[0027] The form-locking elements and preferably also the groove together with the tongue preferably still have a certain amount of play after the form-locking has been formed in order to allow the connecting elements to move in order to compensate for unevenness of the floor or other supporting surface provided beneath the floor covering when laying and / or to allow a certain amount of radii to be formed.

[0028] It is preferred that the form-locking elements, after formation of the form-locking connection, have a play of preferably more than two millimeters, in particular more than five or ten millimeters and / or more than 0.2%, preferably more than 0.4%, of the length of the groove, the tongue or a longitudinal extension of the respective connecting element.

[0029] A longitudinal extension of one of the connecting elements is preferably an extension longitudinal or parallel to the groove or tongue. In practice, the connecting elements are elongated profiles that, after installation of the floor covering segments or after formation of the floor, run transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a longitudinal extension of the floor. Using the example of a construction road, the grooves, tongues, and / or connecting elements run at least substantially perpendicular to a main extension direction of the floor covering or the construction road. Certain deviations due to twisting and / or radius formation due to play are possible.

[0030] The play between the interlocking elements is preferably such that, in any position of the interlocking elements when the interlocking elements are in a positive connection, the tongue cannot leave the groove. However, the tongue can be moved within the groove as long as the play of the interlocking elements allows. This has surprisingly led to several advantages. On the one hand, a certain degree of torsion of the connecting elements relative to each other remains, and / or, within certain limits, a radius can be created by arranging several connecting systems or flooring elements equipped with them one behind the other.

[0031] On the other hand, the clearance allows the connection to be established using the connecting elements even if certain contaminants are present in the area of ​​the form-locking elements. These can be displaced due to the clearance. This is particularly true for the preferred embodiment of the form-locking elements, formed by a bolt and an opening. When the bolt is pushed into the opening to create a form-locking connection, any contaminants can be ejected through the opening by the bolt. In this respect, the connection system is self-cleaning and therefore particularly robust and less prone to failure.

[0032] The tongue and / or groove is / are preferably free of undercuts. In particular, they are not hook-shaped or have hook-like sections. In the case of the tongue, this applies at least to the section that can be inserted into the groove, even if the tongue continues beyond it. In the case of the groove, the same applies to the section that the tongue can occupy in the groove while the form-fitting connection is formed with the form-fitting elements. By avoiding undercuts, the accumulation of contaminants and the resulting blockage of the connection mechanism is unlikely compared to hook-based systems. Even if contaminants have accumulated, they can be easily removed or will come loose on their own thanks to the structures that are at least essentially free of undercuts.

[0033] The groove has walls that delimit the groove, which are preferably opposite one another and can run at least partially and essentially parallel.

[0034] A first of the groove-defining walls of the proposed connection system has a free edge that terminates at a groove mouth. In other words, this wall ends at the level of the groove mouth. On the other side, i.e., on the side of the groove facing away from the free edge, a second wall can be provided that delimits the groove and lies opposite the first wall. This second wall preferably has a first section that delimits the groove and a second section that continues outside the groove or is provided on the side of the groove mouth facing away from the groove. The second section carries the second form-locking element. Conversely, the form-locking element is therefore arranged or provided outside the groove.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that a plurality of first positive-locking elements and corresponding second positive-locking elements are provided along the extension of the groove or tongue. In particular, several bolts are provided on one of the connecting elements, and several receptacles or openings are provided on the other of the connecting elements, specifically at mutually corresponding positions such that the connection can be formed as described above. However, it is also possible for the same connecting element to have bolts and receptacles / openings, for example, alternating, and preferably a further connecting element is designed to complement this.

[0036] The arrangement of the form-locking elements outside the groove mouth or, accordingly, also outside the area which is arranged in the groove when the form-lock is formed by the tongue, in other words generally the spatial separation of the connection between the tongue and groove on the one hand and the form-lock for blocking or locking this connection on the other hand, advantageously enables the particularly simple, quick and robust connection of the connecting elements or a corresponding formation of the floor from floor covering segments by means of the connecting elements of the connecting system.

[0037] The clear width of the groove can be widened in the mouth direction on at least the side of the free edge, for example by a rounded widening of the groove in the mouth direction, in order to simplify a pivoting movement of the connecting elements while forming the connection of the connecting elements.

[0038] The second section of the second connecting element of the proposed connecting system forms a support, in particular a stepped or raised support surface (projecting in relief from the adjacent surface), for the first connecting element. This support is formed by a projection opposite a line of the surface of the second wall of the groove in the first section. In other words, a support is provided diagonally opposite the free edge outside the groove, which means that the tongue, when laying several floor covering elements, can be supported on a flat surface.

[0039] The surface has or has clearance with the second wall within the groove. Accordingly, the floor covering produced with the proposed connection system can advantageously follow certain slopes of the floor in different directions.

[0040] The groove can be provided with a depth that exceeds the maximum insertion depth of the spring (when the positive locking elements are in a positive fit). In other words, when the spring is inserted into the groove to its maximum depth, a clearance can be provided between one end face of the spring and the opposite groove base. This clearance, or the space created when the spring is inserted into the groove, can function as a dirt trap, i.e., absorb any contaminants. Accordingly, the proposed connection system can create a fully functional and reliable connection even in the presence of certain contaminants.

[0041] The combination of the clearance between the tongue face and the groove base on the one hand, and between the positive locking elements on the other, is particularly advantageous, as a proposed connection system with a combination of these measures has proven to be particularly robust and reliable, even under adverse conditions. Both the connection formed by the tongue and groove and the positive locking securing it have proven to be fully functional even under severe contamination, which also applies to the connection system as a whole.

[0042] The connecting elements are preferably extruded profiles. The connecting elements can be made of aluminum. In particular, they are aluminum extruded profiles. They can have one or more (continuous) hollow chambers. The connecting elements are therefore, in particular, hollow-chamber extruded profiles. In this case, the hollow chamber can be separated or supported by one or more webs. The connecting elements are preferably multi-wall sheets or have multi-wall sheets in the corresponding sections. In principle, however, other manufacturing processes or technologies for forming the connecting elements are also conceivable.

[0043] The connecting elements preferably have a profile for attaching one or more planks on the side facing away from the tongue or groove. In particular, this is a hook profile for inserting a plank. One or more planks can be arranged between a first connecting element having the tongue and the second connecting element having the groove to form a floor covering segment. In principle, however, a floor covering segment can also be formed from a rigid or other panel on which the first and second connecting elements are arranged, attached, or formed, preferably on opposite sides.

[0044] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a floor covering segment formed from a first connecting element of the connecting system and a second connecting element of the connecting system, preferably on opposite sides of the floor covering segment. Particularly preferably, one or more planks are arranged between the connecting elements. In this way, the proposed connecting elements of the connecting system can form edges of the floor covering segment, while one or more planks are provided between the connecting elements, which are connected to one another and to the connecting elements, so that overall a plate-shaped floor covering segment is formed which carries the first connecting element on the one hand and the second connecting element on the other hand on opposite sides, each with an outward-facing tongue or groove for the purpose of connecting floor covering segments to one another.First and second connecting elements of adjacent floor covering segments therefore form a proposed connecting system.

[0045] A further aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, relates to a floor covering which has a plurality of proposed floor covering segments which are each connected to one another by a first connecting element and a second connecting element of the proposed connecting system.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, a method for producing the floor covering, in particular in the form of a temporary construction road, on a ground. In this case, at least one first floor covering segment located on the ground (i.e. aligned substantially parallel to the ground and supported on the ground) is connected to a further floor covering segment in that the tongue of the second floor covering segment, which is initially inclined relative to the floor covering segment lying on the ground, is (partially) inserted or pushed into the groove of the first floor covering segment (lying on the ground) and (subsequently) pivoted towards the first floor covering segment orto the ground / earth surface), the form-locking elements of the connecting elements, of which the tongue is partially inserted into the groove, are brought into form-lock, whereby the separation of the floor covering segments is blocked with a translational relative movement (i.e. by pulling apart).

[0047] Once the connection has been established, the floor covering segments are at least substantially aligned with one another or follow an at least substantially level floor underneath, thereby forming surface floor protection. By connecting several floor covering segments, a construction road can be created. The floor covering segments can be separated from one another and transported particularly efficiently after use, as both assembly and disassembly can be carried out without tools. For disassembly, the floor covering segments simply need to be tilted towards one another again, whereby the form-locking elements are disengaged and the tongue is pulled out of the groove. The floor covering segment that has been detached in this way can be removed individually or together with other floor covering segments.

[0048] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of proposed floor covering elements using the proposed connection system; Fig. 2 a plan view of the proposed floor covering; Fig. 3 a section of the proposed floor covering along the section line III-III of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4A a section of the flooring elements on level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separated position; Fig. 4 Legs section of the flooring elements on level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separated position in a second, unlocked connection between tongue and groove; Fig. 4C a section of the flooring elements at level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separated position with the tongue locked in the groove; Fig. 4A section of the flooring elements on level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separated position in a first position of use; and Fig. 4E a section of the floor covering elements on level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separate position in a second position of use.

[0049] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, whereby the same or corresponding or similar advantages and properties can be achieved, even if a repeated description of certain aspects is omitted.

[0050] Fig. 1 shows in a schematic side view a proposed connection system 1 for connecting floor covering segments 2 to a floor 3. In Fig.1 The floor 3 is schematically represented by connecting the floor covering segments 2 on an earth surface 4. It is understood that the floor 3 can also be created on other surfaces.

[0051] The flooring segments 2 can comprise one or more planks 5 that can be interconnected using the connecting system 1. However, these are not mandatory, although preferred. Alternatively or additionally, planks or other flooring elements 2 can be connected to the flooring 3 using the connecting system 1.

[0052] The proposed connection system 1 comprises, on the one hand, a first connecting element 7. The first connecting element 7 has a tongue for creating a tongue-and-groove connection or a tongue-and-groove connection. In the illustrated example and as preferred, this is a web that runs at least substantially continuously or uninterruptedly along the first connecting element 7, more preferably a straight web.

[0053] Furthermore, the proposed connection system 1 comprises a second connecting element 9. The second connecting element 9 preferably corresponds to the first connecting element 7. The second connecting element 9 preferably has a groove 10 to enable a tongue-and-groove connection or a tongue-and-groove connection with the tongue 8. According to the proposal, the connecting elements 7, 9 connect the floor covering elements 2 or are designed to create the floor 3. For this purpose, several floor covering elements 2, preferably at least 3, in particular at least 10 floor covering elements 2, are connected to one another.

[0054] Furthermore, it is preferred that the connection that can be established with the connecting elements 7, 9 is securable, particularly preferably lockable. The securing or locking is preferably effected in a form-fitting manner, or the connecting elements 7, 9 are designed for this purpose. In the illustrated example, the first connecting element 7 has a first form-fitting element 11, and the second connecting element 9 has a second form-fitting element 12. The form-fitting elements 11, 12 are preferably formed to correspond or complement one another, such that during or after the connection is established by the connecting elements 7, 9, the connection created here is secured, in particular locked, by the form-fitting elements 11, 12.

[0055] In the specific embodiment, this is particularly preferably achieved by a positive connection between the connecting elements 7, 9, which is generated at least substantially automatically by the positive locking elements 11, 12 during assembly, i.e. production of the connection between the groove 10 and the tongue 8.

[0056] Most preferably, one of the form-locking elements 11, 12 is designed as a bolt, while the other form-locking element 11, 12 corresponds to it or is complementary, in particular a receptacle for the bolt, in particular an opening, which in Fig. 1 is only hinted at and will be explained in more detail below.

[0057] The connecting system 1 is preferably designed such that, upon establishment of the connection, the connecting elements 7, 9 initially have an inclination 13 relative to one another, at which the tongue 8 is at least partially inserted into the groove 10. The floor covering segments 2 are preferably sheet-like structures or at least partially rigid panels. These sheet-like structures or panels can be connected to one another by means of the connecting system 1 at an edge, each of which supports one of the connecting elements 7, 9. This is preferably achieved by tilting or pivoting, i.e., by changing, preferably reducing, the inclination 13 between the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9.

[0058] In this context, inclination 13 is to be understood as an angle not equal to, preferably less than, 180°, which is enclosed between the main direction of extension or center planes of the floor covering segments 2 formed as flat structures and / or panels and / or between imaginary planes connecting the respective connecting elements 7, 9 of the same floor covering segment 2, and / or between center planes of the groove 9 and tongue 8, as in Fig. 1 indicated.

[0059] The inclination 13 can be reduced or increased by a rotating or pivoting movement 14.

[0060] At an inclination 13 of more than 35°, preferably more than 40° or 45°, the connecting elements 7, 9 are always unlocked, since the form-locking elements 11, 12 do not engage with each other.

[0061] The inclination 13 can be reduced during the connection via the pivoting movement 14, whereby the form-locking elements 11, 12 engage with each other or otherwise form the form-locking connection, which, depending on the inclination, is preferably the case at inclinations 13 below 30°, preferably below 25° or 20°.

[0062] In a normal position of use of the floor covering segments 2 or the connecting elements 7, 9 relative to one another, the inclination 13 is preferably less than 10°, in particular less than 5°. In other words, the normal position of use is achieved when the center plane of the tongue 8 and the center plane of the groove 10 or the center planes of adjacent floor covering segments 2 are at least substantially identical or parallel. Certain deviations in the sense of play are possible, however, and are preferred for the purpose of flexibility in adapting the floor covering 3 to the topography of a base such as the earth's surface 4 or other supporting surface.

[0063] The floor covering elements 2 can have a surface structure 15 that provides anti-slip properties. In particular, these can be studs, ridges, or the like.

[0064] The floor covering segments 2 can have hollow chambers 16. They can be designed as open channels on the sides. This applies in particular to the first connecting element 9 and / or the plank(s) 5. In principle, however, the second connecting element 9 can also have one or more hollow chambers, even if this is not provided for in the illustrated example.

[0065] The hollow chambers 16 can be produced by manufacturing processes such as extrusion, in particular by aluminum extrusion. For this purpose, the connecting elements 7, 9 can each be extruded profiles, and preferably also the planks 5 arranged between the connecting elements 7, 9, preferably connected to them. In principle, however, it is also possible for no hollow chambers 16 to be present or for them to be formed in another way, for example, by the flooring segments 2 or planks 5 being entirely or partially aluminum Dibond panels.

[0066] It is preferred that webs separate the hollow chambers 16 from one another. This preferably creates a supporting structure. These webs 6 can be formed during an extrusion process or, when producing a Dibond structure, by connecting, in particular welding or gluing, the webs or a wave forming the webs to surface-forming panels.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the proposed floor covering 3. In the illustrated example, this is in the position of use. In this position, the form-locking elements 11, 12 form the positive connection that secures the connection between the first connecting element 7 of a first floor segment 2, shown here on the left, and the second connecting element 9 of an adjacent floor covering segment 2, shown here on the right. Also visible are surface structures 15 in the form of ridges or grooves as anti-slip features of the floor covering segments 2.

[0068] A cross-section of the interconnected floor covering segments 2, i.e. in the position of use, as floor covering 3 according to the section line III-III from Fig. 2 is in Fig. 3 shown.

[0069] The floor covering segments 2 are formed from end-side connecting elements 7, 9 and planks 5 arranged between them, connected to them and to each other.

[0070] Preferably, each floor covering segment 2 has at least three, preferably at least four or five, and / or less than 15, preferably less than 10, in particular between five and 15, in the illustrated example eight planks 5.

[0071] The Fig. 4A bis 4E show a section of the floor covering 3 according to the section line IV-IV from Fig. 2 in different inclinations 13.

[0072] Floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 are used for connection, starting from a Fig. 4A shown state in which the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 are separated from each other and are inclined to each other in such a way that the tongue 8 can be inserted into the groove 10, inclined or pivoted to each other, in which, as in the following Fig. 4B and 4C shown, the inclination 13 suggestive is reduced or is, until in Fig. 4D and 4E no inclination 13 is present anymore, whereby in the Fig. 4D and 4E mutually translationally shifted positions of the adjacent floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 are shown, which is or is made possible by the play of the form-locking elements 11, 12 relative to one another.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 4A In addition to the preferred structure of the proposed floor covering segments 2, it should first be mentioned that the respective planks 5 and connecting elements 7, 9 have mutually corresponding or complementary connecting profiles or hook profiles which can be inserted into one another to create a hook connection 17.

[0074] Connecting profiles or the hook connections 17 that are pushed into one another are or will preferably be secured by a fastening means 18. This ensures that the hook connection 17 is not accidentally separated. The fastening means 18 is very preferably one or more screws. Alternatively or additionally, rivets and split pins can also be provided to secure the hook connection, preferably preventing the connecting profiles from being pushed apart. In principle, it is possible for completely different connecting means to be provided between planks 5 and / or for connecting the connecting elements 7, 9, or for the floor covering segments 2 to be formed completely or partially in one piece with one or both of the connecting elements 7, 9.

[0075] As in Fig. 4A As shown, the second form-locking element 12 is formed by a sleeve 12B equipped with an internal thread, which is fastened to the second connecting element 9 by means of a screw 12A, in the illustrated example a countersunk screw, which is countersunk into the second section 26 of the second connecting element 9 on the side facing away from the sleeve 12B. However, other fastening options are also conceivable here in order to bind or fasten the bolt as the second form-locking element 12.

[0076] Starting from the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 inclined towards each other as shown in Fig. 4A As shown, the tongue 8 can be partially inserted into the groove opening 22 and thereby partially enters the groove 10, possibly involving a rotary or pivoting movement 14, initially without the form-locking elements 11, 12 engaging with each other. In this position, it is still possible to separate the connecting elements 7 and with them the floor covering segments 2 from each other by a purely translational relative movement 20. For this purpose, the Fig. 4B The floor covering segment 2 shown on the right or its first connecting element 7 are moved in the direction of the main extension plane of the first connecting element 7 or the right floor covering segment 2.

[0077] Starting from this position, a further rotational or pivoting movement 14 can achieve a positive connection between the form-locking elements 11, 12, as shown in Fig. 4C This intermediate position already allows a locked connection of the connecting elements 7, 9 by the form-locking elements 11, 12, without, however, the position of use being reached, since in this position an inclination 13 of the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 remains relative to one another.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, Fig. 4C a position of the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 relative to each other is shown, which could also result when compensating for unevenness of the ground surface 4.

[0079] Preferably, the spring 8 comes to bear against the support formed by the projection 27, against which the spring 8 or a section 26 of the first connecting element 7 adjoining the spring 8 is supported, while the connection between the connecting elements 7, 9 exists.

[0080] The projection 27 or the support is preferably spaced from the second form-locking element 12 of the second connecting element 9 and / or formed separately therefrom.

[0081] Finally, as in Fig. 4D As shown, the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 are aligned with one another by at least substantially eliminating the inclination 13. In this case, the clearance 19 between the form-locking elements 11, 12 preferably remains, thereby enabling a certain translational relative movement 20.

[0082] Fig. 4E also shows the position of use of the floor covering 3 or the floor covering segments 2 connected to one another via the connecting elements 7, 9 in a translationally moved position relative to one another. Due to the translational relative movement 20, it is possible that in the position of use or with an existing connection of the connecting elements 7, 9 and secured by the form-locking elements 11, 12, the tongue 8 protrudes slightly further or slightly less far into the groove 10, without the tongue 8 being able to leave the groove 10.

[0083] In the position of use, as shown in Fig. 4D and 4EAs shown, a further support point for the first connecting element 7 can be provided on the second connecting element 9, or vice versa. The support points, which can be partially formed by the projection 27, are preferably provided on different sides of the second form-locking element 12. However, other solutions are also possible here, for example those in which the projection 27 is continuous or wider than in the illustrated example or is / are formed entirely or partially on the first connecting element 7 instead of on the second connecting element 9. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0084] 1Connection system 2Flooring segment 3Flooring 4Ground surface 5Plank 6Web 7First connecting element 8Tone 9Second connecting element 10Groove 11First form-locking element 12Second form-locking element 12AScrew 12BSleeve 13Inclination 14Pivoting movement 15Surface structure 16Hollow chamber 17Hook connection 17AConnecting profile 17BConnecting profile 18Fasteners 19Play 20Translatory relative movement 21First wall 22Groove mouth 23Free edge 24Second wall 25First section 26Second section 27Protrusion 28Alignment 29Dirt collection space 30End face 31Groove bottom

Claims

1. Connecting system (1) for reversibly connecting floor covering segments (2) for forming a floor covering (3), in particular a construction road, wherein the connecting system (1) has a first connecting element (7) which has a tongue (8) for producing a tongue-and-groove connection or bung connection, wherein the connecting system (1) has a second connecting element (9) which has a groove (10) for at least partially receiving the tongue (8) for producing the tongue-and-groove connection or bung connection, wherein the first connecting element (7) has at least one first form-fitting element (11) and the second connecting element (9) has, outside the groove (10), at least one second form-fitting element (12) corresponding to the first form-fitting element (11), and wherein the connecting system (1) is configured such that, when the tongue (8) is at least partially inserted into the groove (10), the form-fitting elements (11, 12) form a form fit by inclining (13) the connecting elements (7, 9) with respect to one another, which form fit positively blocks a translational movement of the tongue (8) out of the groove (10), wherein a first wall (21) delimiting the groove (10) has a free edge (23) terminating with a groove mouth (22) of the groove (10), while a second wall (24) which is opposite the first wall (21) and delimits the groove (10) is provided on that side of the groove (10) which faces away from the free edge (23), which second wall (24) has a first section (25) which delimits the groove (10), and a second section (26) which is provided on that side of the groove mouth (22) which faces away from the groove (10) and which has the second form-fitting element (12), characterized in that the second section (26) has a projection (27) with respect to an alignment (28) of the surface of the second wall in the first section (25), wherein the projection (27) forms a support for the first connecting element (7).

2. Connecting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (10) has a depth which exceeds the maximum insertion depth of the tongue (8), such that, when the tongue (8) is inserted into the groove (10), a dirt receiving space (29) is formed between a front face (30) of the tongue (8) and a groove base (31) of the groove (10).

3. Connecting system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projection (27) is spaced apart from the second form-fitting element (12) and / or is formed separately therefrom.

4. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the form-fitting elements form a lock.

5. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second form-fitting element (12) is a bolt and / or the first form-fitting element (11) is a receptacle, in particular an aperture, preferably for receiving the bolt, wherein the bolt is insertable into the receptacle to form the form fit.

6. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the state in which it is partially inserted into the groove (10), the tongue (8) has so much play (19) in the groove (10) that the connecting elements (7, 9) are pivotable with respect to one another between a first position, in which the form-fitting elements (11, 12) are separated from one another, and a second position, in which the form-fitting elements (11, 12) form the form fit.

7. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the form-fitting elements (11, 12) are designed to have play (19) after the form fit has been formed, preferably more than 2 mm, in particular more than 5 mm or 10 mm, and / or more than 0.2%, preferably more than 0.4%, of the length of the groove (10) and / or tongue (8).

8. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (8) has so little play (19) in the groove (10) that, starting from a position of the connecting elements (7, 9) with respect to one another, in which the form-fitting elements (11, 12) form the form fit, the connecting elements (7, 9) have to be rotated with respect to one another in order to release the form fit, as a result of which the connecting elements (7, 9) are releasable from one another, and / or in that, when the form fit has been formed, a separation of the connecting elements (7, 9) by a translational movement is blocked.

9. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (8) is free of undercuts in the section which is insertable into the groove (10), and / or in that the groove (10) is free of undercuts.

10. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting elements (7, 9) are or have floor covering segments (2) or planks (5), extruded profiles, preferably aluminium extruded profiles, hollowchamber extruded profiles, and / or web plates forming a part of the floor covering segments (2).

11. Connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or both of the connecting elements (7, 9) has / have, on a side facing away from the groove (10) and / or tongue (8), a connecting profile (17A, 17B), preferably a hook profile, for fastening to one another and / or to a plank (5), preferably with the formation of a hook connection (17).

12. Floor covering segment (2) formed from a first connecting element (7) of the connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a second connecting element (9) of the connecting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one plank (5) connected to the first connecting element (7) on the side of the first connecting element (7) facing away from the tongue (8) and / or at least one plank (5) connected to the second connecting element (9) on the side of the second connecting element (9) facing away from the groove (10).

13. Floor covering (3) having a plurality of floor covering segments (2) according to claim 12, which are connected to one another in each case by a first connecting element (7) and a second connecting element (9) of adjacent floor covering segments (2).

14. Method for producing a floor covering (3), in particular a temporary construction road, wherein at least one first floor covering segment (2) according to claim 12 located on the earth's surface (4) and a second floor covering segment (2) according to claim 12 are connected to one another by the tongue (8) of the second floor covering segment (2), which is initially inclined with respect to the first floor covering segment (2), being partially introduced into the groove (10) of the first floor covering segment (2) and form-fitting elements (11, 12) of the floor covering segments (2) being brought into form fit by a pivoting movement (14) of the second floor covering segment (2) with respect to the first floor covering segment (2), as a result of which a separation of the floor covering segments (2) by a translational relative movement (20) of the floor covering segments (2) is blocked.