Heated floor covering

Abstract

The invention relates to a heated surface covering (1) comprising several surface covering elements (2, 2'') assembled to form the surface covering (1), wherein the surface covering elements (2, 2'') are at least partially equipped with at least one electrical resistance element (3) and are thereby electrically heatable, and wherein the heated surface covering elements (2, 2'') are at least partially equipped with at least one electrical contact element (4) that enables electrical connection of the resistance element (3) with at least one resistance element (3) of an adjacent surface covering element (2, 2'') and thereby the formation of at least one electrical heating circuit (100, 100') formed by the surface covering (1). According to the invention, the electrical contact element (4) of a surface covering element (2, 2'') is inserted into a pocket-shaped recess (14) arranged below the usable surface (200) of this surface covering element (2, 2'').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heated surface covering, in particular a floor covering, with - several surface covering elements joined together to form a surface covering, - wherein the surface covering elements are at least partially designed with at least one electrical resistance element and are therefore electrically heatable, and - wherein the heated surface covering elements are at least partially equipped with at least one electrical contact element, which enables an electrical connection of the resistance element with at least one resistance element of an adjacent surface covering element and thereby the construction of at least one electrical heating circuit formed by the surface covering.

[0002] Hydraulic underfloor heating systems are known in the art, in which, for example, flexible pipe coils are laid in the floor and heated fluid flows through them during heating operation. After installation, the pipe coils are usually embedded in the screed of the floor. The floor covering, e.g., tiles or parquet, is then applied over this underfloor heating system. Electric heating mats or heating films, which are laid under the floor covering, are also known. To secure the heating mats / films against slippage, they are usually glued to the substrate. A disadvantage of the constructions described above is that the entire floor covering above the heating elements must first be heated before the heat can be effectively transferred to the room to be heated.This makes the heating system sluggish, and the floor covering also presents thermal resistance, leading to energy losses. Furthermore, the described installation of pipe coils is very complex and should be carried out during the initial construction of the building, as retrofitting is extremely expensive. Laying the aforementioned electric heating mats / films under the floor covering also represents an additional step and is limited in its flexibility, as these heating mats / films are sold as prefabricated products, usually as rolls or sheets, with a defined width and often also length.

[0003] A surface covering with the features described above is known from EP 2 184 809 A1. In this prior art, the surface covering elements are connected to one another by tongue-and-groove joints. The contact elements for establishing an electrical connection between the surface covering elements each have a claw-shaped opening and a claw arm. The prior art design is comparatively complex, and its integration into the corresponding surface covering elements is also relatively complicated and involves limitations in the surface covering's appearance.

[0004] Against this background, the invention aims to provide a simple and elegant method for the electrical connection of the surface covering elements, which at the same time ensures a flawless appearance of the laid covering.

[0005] Starting with a surface covering with the features described above, this problem is solved according to the invention by inserting the electrical contact element of a surface covering element into a pocket-shaped recess arranged below the usable surface of this surface covering element, preferably in the connection area of ​​two surface covering elements. This design enables, on the one hand, uncomplicated mounting of a contact element on the corresponding surface covering element and, on the other hand, also an automatic, simple electrical connection when joining two adjacent covering elements. By receiving the contact element in a pocket-shaped recess of the surface covering element, the contact element can also be advantageously arranged in such a way that it is not, or practically not, visible on the finished, assembled surface covering made up of the elements.Advantageously, each electrically heated surface covering element is provided with at least one such recess and a contact element inserted therein. The recess can, for example, be milled into the surface covering element.

[0006] Preferably, the recess extends parallel to the surface of the flooring element below its usable area and advantageously has an opening at at least one lateral connecting surface of the flooring element. In particular, the contact element can be inserted into the pocket-shaped recess by a sliding motion parallel to the usable surface. The usable surface of a flooring element can be formed by a decorative layer that determines the external appearance of the flooring, which can be, for example, a laminate or real wood parquet. The decorative layer can consist, for example, of continuous pressure laminate (CPL) or high pressure laminate (HPL) and / or contain or be composed of vinyl. The decorative layer can also be printed paper impregnated with melamine. In principle, the decorative layer can be laminated on.The decorative element can be applied as a print onto the decorative layer and, for example, be provided with a final protective layer, which in turn can be laminated onto the decorative layer. An intermediate layer can be provided between the decorative layer and the resistance element, for example in the form of melamine-impregnated kraft paper, e.g. with a basis weight of 100 to 120 g / m². 2The electrically conductive resistance element is advantageously arranged below this, and can be, for example, in the form of a fabric, knit, or braid, a wire, or a paste. Electrically conductive materials such as metals, graphite, carbon nanotubes, etc., can be used for the resistance element; furthermore, the material of the resistance element can also contain electrically conductive particles, such as carbon black, to achieve electrical conductivity. Particularly when designed as an electrically conductive paste, the resistance element can also be applied as a print or a coating.

[0007] Preferably, the flooring elements are connected to one another by click-lock elements, in particular in the form of tongue and groove elements. Advantageously, the at least one electrical contact element can be provided in the area of ​​the click-lock elements. The grooves can be produced, for example, by a milling process. This connection technology is very common in practice, especially in flooring installation, and is described, for example, in DE 20 2019 101 807 U1 and DE 201 22 778 U1. When the individual, mostly panel-shaped, flooring elements are connected, a locking action occurs in the tongue and groove area, which is noticeable by an audible click and thus indicates to the person installing the flooring that two panels are correctly connected.The invention also includes the fact that the tongue-and-groove connection is manufactured using the so-called UNILIN® click system according to the connection concept of the company Unilin®.

[0008] The surface covering elements can each have a cut-to-length polymer extrusion profile as a base element, and the resistance element can preferably be connected to the base element by over-extrusion or inset extrusion. For example, PP or another polyolefin, possibly talc-based, can be used as the polymer material. Alternatively, the base element can be an MDF board (MDF = medium-density fiberboard, particularly with a density of 600 to 800 kg / m³). 3 ) or as an HDF board (HDF = high-density wood fiber, especially with a density above 800 kg / m³) 3The design of the base element as a hollow chamber profile is also within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the surface covering elements can have a support layer beneath the base element, which, for example, allows the surface covering element to rest on the corresponding substrate. This support layer is advantageously elastic and can thus function as impact sound insulation and / or as a leveling layer, for example, on uneven substrates. The support layer can also serve as thermal insulation against the substrate. It is also within the scope of the invention that the surface covering element has a counter-tension layer, which prevents warping of the surface covering element that can occur, for example, due to a comparatively thick decorative layer. This counter-tension layer can, for example, be arranged between the base element and the support layer, or it can be formed by the support layer itself.Especially with a thin decorative layer, the backing layer may be unnecessary. Overall, the surface covering elements can also have a shape that deviates from the usual cuboid geometry and, for example, be curved or arched, or possess a freeform shape.

[0009] Adjacent surface covering elements can be electrically connected to each other, particularly by contacting their two contact elements, which are preferably made of identical components. Advantageously, each contact element has at least one spring-like contact area for electrical contact. The structurally identical shape of both contact elements allows for simplified manufacturing using identical production steps.

[0010] Preferably, an electrical contact element comprises a contact module that establishes the electrical connection with the resistance element and a connection module, for example inserted into the contact module, that establishes the electrical connection with the adjacent surface covering element. The contact module is expediently electrically connected to the resistance element of the surface covering element, for example to its connecting cable, via a planar contact connection element extending in the plane of the surface covering element. To improve the electrical contact with the connecting cable, the contact connection element can have interlocking elements into which the connecting cable is pressed during the manufacturing process of the surface covering element.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, to provide the electrical connection between two adjacent surface covering elements, the two, preferably identical, connection modules are rotated 180° relative to each other about the intersection axis formed by the connection plane and the covering plane, and are in electrical contact with each other after these two elements are mounted. This means, for example, that the contact modules of two adjacent surface covering elements are arranged as mirror images of this intersection axis. The contact modules can be designed in a cassette-like form to accommodate the connection modules. One connection module is inserted into each contact module, with one of them being mounted "upside down".The contact modules can thus be advantageously designed to be structurally identical, but their different mounting on the respective connecting module results in two adjacent contact elements with different connection geometries, namely rotated 180° relative to each other around the aforementioned cutting axis. The contact modules are expediently designed in such a way that, when two surface covering elements are joined, the respective contact modules can also be electrically connected to each other automatically.

[0012] Within the scope of the invention, electrical contact between a contact module and the corresponding connection module can be achieved by means of contact tongues arranged on one module, which can be inserted into contact terminals of the other module. The contact tongues and contact terminals can be designed as components of separate connection parts, wherein, for example, the connection parts can be inserted or slid into the contact module or connection module, respectively. It is also within the scope of the invention that the contact module and / or the connection module is / are designed as a plastic injection-molded part. In this case, the connection parts are preferably overmolded by the contact module and / or connection module. Advantageously, the contact tongues and contact terminals are designed as stamped sheet metal parts, which simplifies their manufacture.As an alternative to the described plastic design, it may also be advantageous to design the contact module and / or the connection module as a stamped bent sheet metal part.

[0013] Preferably, the contact module is fixedly connected to the surface covering element, whereas the connecting module is arranged to be displaceable relative to the contact module. This displaceability exists in particular along the aforementioned cutting axis, i.e., in the case of a floor covering, horizontally along the dividing plane of two adjacent surface covering elements. This displaceability makes it possible, for example, to compensate for manufacturing tolerances with regard to the pocket-shaped recess. It is understood that this displaceability does not impair the electrical connection of the modules.

[0014] The electrical heating output of the surface covering can be controlled or regulated, for example, by means of temperature and / or humidity sensors, with the integration of the aforementioned sensors into the surface covering elements also being within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, sensors, in particular temperature sensors and / or pressure sensors and / or force sensors and / or humidity sensors and / or capacitive sensors, are preferably connected to the surface covering elements. Capacitive sensors can, for example, detect the presence of people in the respective room and adjust the heating output accordingly. The humidity sensors can also be used, in particular, for early warning of water damage, such as burst water pipes.In principle, it is within the scope of the invention that at least one electrical control and / or regulating device, in particular for controlling and / or regulating the heating power emitted by the surface covering, is connected, at least partially, to the surface covering elements. In this context, the contact element of a surface covering element, in particular its connection module, can contain at least one electrical control and / or regulating device for controlling or regulating the resistance element. Advantageously, at least one surface covering element has a connection element for the electrical connection of the surface covering to a socket. The surface covering elements can be panel-shaped and have a length of, for example, 50 to 200 cm, in particular 70 to 150 cm, and / or a width of 50 to 250 mm, in particular 100 to 200 mm.A tile-shaped, particularly square, form, for example with a length and / or width of 20 to 100 cm, e.g., 30 to 70 cm, is also within the scope of the invention. The total thickness of the surface covering elements can be 8 to 20 mm, e.g., 10 to 15 mm. The aforementioned dimensions do not, of course, preclude other geometries of the surface covering elements. Advantageously, the control and / or regulating device is integrated into the respective surface covering element. In particular, the at least one electrical contact element of the respective surface covering element can form part of the control and / or regulating device. Advantageously, the control and / or regulating device is arranged on the underside of the respective surface covering element. This allows easy access to the device without impairing the appearance of the surface covering element.

[0015] Preferably, the surface covering elements assembled to form the surface covering constitute several electrical heating circuits that can be controlled and / or regulated independently of one another. Advantageously, the surface area of ​​each heating circuit is at least partially limited by the surface covering elements. In this context, a method for electrically heating a surface covering is also part of the invention, wherein the heating circuits are supplied with varying currents, so that the surface covering has several zones with different heating intensities. The aforementioned control and regulation can be carried out, for example, via an app; optionally, the control and regulation can be integrated into a smart home system. The invention allows the heating circuits to be controlled and regulated according to the current requirements.For example, if the living situation changes, the floor covering elements can be dismantled and reinstalled to allow for optimal adaptation of the floor covering's heating properties to the new living situation (e.g., by creating new heating circuits that, for instance, establish new zones with particularly intensive and / or low heating). Advantageously, the floor covering elements are each equipped with electrical bus lines that enable data communication between them. Preferably, for example, via the aforementioned bus lines, the control and / or regulation devices of the individual floor covering elements can exchange data with each other and / or with external systems and communicate accordingly.The invention particularly includes the ability of the control and / or regulating devices to exchange data with each other and / or with external parties via radio-based communication, for example, to communicate with a central control and / or regulating device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, wall controller, etc.). For this purpose, the control and / or regulating devices expediently each contain at least one radio chip. Data exchange via signals modulated onto the supply line (e.g., Powerline) is also within the scope of the invention.

[0016] The surface covering according to the invention can be used in particular as a floor covering for interior spaces (including basements, e.g., for dehumidification, or garages and underground parking garages), but applications in the exterior of buildings, such as on terraces, balconies, walkways, entrance areas, etc., are also within the scope of the invention. Other applications, such as wall and / or ceiling coverings, flooring for raised beds and / or cold frames, flooring for animal enclosures, on benches, on truck roofs, or flooring in vehicles, for example, electrically powered vehicles such as buses, are not excluded.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment. The drawing schematically shows: Fig. 1 partial view of a surface covering element of a surface covering according to the invention equipped with an electrical contact element according to the invention (without decorative layer), Fig. 2, Fig. 3 that in Fig. 1. Surface covering element shown in further partial views (with decorative layer partially opened), Fig. 4 two interconnected surface covering elements according to Fig. 1 to 3, Fig. 5 the representation according to Fig. 4 without surface covering elements, Fig. 5a,b the representation according to Fig. 5, each with only one contact element, Fig. 6 to 12 detailed illustrations of a contact element according to the invention, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 further illustrations showing a contact element according to the invention (in particular with contacts for power supply) and Fig. 15a, b a surface covering according to the invention, each in a top view.

[0018] The invention relates to a heated surface covering 1, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a floor covering for an interior space, for example a living room. The floor covering 1 comprises several surface covering elements 2, 2" joined together to form the surface covering 1 (see figure). Fig. 15a, b). The in the Fig. The surface covering elements 2 shown in detail in sections 1 to 5 are each equipped with an electrical resistance element 3 and are therefore electrically heated. The elements shown in Fig. The four adjacent surface covering elements 2 shown, partially depicted in the connection area, are identically designed and thus each equipped with at least two electrical contact elements 4 (where in Fig. (4, where only one contact element 4 of the corresponding surface covering element 2 is shown). The electrical contact elements 4 enable an electrical connection of the resistance element 3 of one surface covering element 2 with the resistance element 3 of the adjacent surface covering element 2, thereby forming at least one heating circuit 100, 100' formed by the surface covering 1. Such a heating circuit 100, 100' is shown by way of example in Fig. Figure 15b illustrates this. The figures clearly show that, according to the invention, to provide heating capability for the floor covering 1, electrical heating elements 3 are integrated into the floor covering 1 itself. This allows the emission of electrical heating energy very close to the surface of the floor covering 1.

[0019] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show, in perspective views, a partial view of a surface covering element 2 according to the invention. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 For illustrative purposes, the decorative layer 16 forming the usable surface 200 of the surface covering element 2 is opened in the area of ​​the electrical contact element 4 and in Fig. For illustrative purposes, the decorative layer 16 is completely omitted in Figure 1, and the directly underlying, planar resistive element 3 is therefore clearly visible. This resistive element is arranged on a support layer 20 of the element 2. It can be seen that the electrical contact element 4 of the surface covering element 2 is inserted into a pocket-shaped recess 14 located below the usable surface 200 of this element 2. This recess can, for example, be milled into the element 2. In the exemplary embodiment, each electrically heated surface covering element 2, 2'' is provided with at least two such recesses 14, each containing a contact element 4. Fig. Figures 1 to 3 further show that the recess 14 extends parallel to the usable surface 200 below it. The contact elements 4 are each inserted by a movement parallel to the usable surface 200 (see arrow P in Figure 1). Fig. 3) can be inserted into the pocket-shaped recess 14. Based on a comparative analysis of the Fig. 1 to 3 with the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4 and the following explanations, adjacent surface covering elements 2 are electrically connected to each other by contacting their two contact elements 4, which are made up of identical components 12, 13, 6'', 7'', 8'', 9''.

[0020] Each electrical contact element 4 consists of a contact module 12, which establishes the electrical connection with the resistance element 3, and a connection module 13, which is inserted into the contact module 12 and establishes the electrical connection with the adjacent surface covering element 2, 2''. Fig. Figure 2 shows the cassette-like contact module 12 without the connecting module 13, while in Fig. 3 and also in Fig. 1. The connecting module 13 is inserted into the contact module 12. In particular, the Fig. 1 can be seen that the contact elements 4 are for electrical contacting each other (see. Fig. 4) each have two spring-like contact areas 6', 8'. A (in the Fig. 1 to 4 (not shown in detail) electrical control and / or regulating device for controlling or regulating the resistance element 3 shall be integrated.

[0021] The Fig. 4 and the Fig. Figure 5 (which shows the interconnected electrical contact elements 4 separately for illustrative purposes) reveals that, to provide the electrical connection between two adjacent surface covering elements 2, 2'', the two identically designed connection modules 13 are in contact rotated 180° relative to each other about an intersection axis X formed by the covering plane and the (perpendicular to the covering plane) connection plane. A comparative analysis of the Fig. 5a and Fig. Figure 5b makes it clear that the connecting module 13 is inserted into the cassette-like contact module 12 in a way that allows it to slide relative to the contact module 12. This sliding motion is along the prescribed cutting axis X – i.e., in the exemplary embodiment, horizontally along the dividing plane of two adjacent surface covering elements (see double arrow P'). This allows manufacturing tolerances regarding the lateral insertion of the pocket-shaped recess 14 into the corresponding surface covering element 2, 2'' to be compensated for. It is understood that this sliding motion is limited in such a way that it does not impair the electrical contact between two adjacent contact modules 4. The contact module 12, on the other hand, is fixedly connected to the surface covering element 2, 2'' to which it is assigned.

[0022] The Fig. 6 shows one of the two in Fig. 5 connection modules 13 shown and the Fig. 8 or 9, one of the two in Fig. 5 contact modules shown, 12 each separately, as well as Fig. 10 the side view B perpendicular to the surface plane in Fig. 2. The electrical contact between the connection module 13 and the respective contact module 12 can be established by means of contact tongues 7, 9 arranged on the contact module 12, which can be inserted into contact terminals 6, 8 of the connection module 13. This can be seen in particular by reference to the Fig. Figure 12 shows the contact tongues 7, 9 and the contact terminals 6, 8 separately. This is particularly evident from the Fig. 7 can further be seen that a spring-like contact area 6' and a contact clamp 6 on the one hand, and a spring-like contact area 8' and a contact clamp 8 on the other hand, are arranged at opposite ends of connecting components 6'' and 8'' respectively, each designed as a sheet metal component, wherein the connecting components 6'' and 8'' can be inserted into the connecting module 13 ( Fig. 7) or inserted ( Fig. 6) are. The contact tongues 7, 9 are also each formed as part of a connecting component 7'', 9'' designed as a sheet metal component, wherein the connecting components 7'', 9'' can be inserted or are inserted into slot-like recesses 12' in the cassette-shaped contact component 12 ( Fig. 8 to 10). The Fig. Figure 11 shows the four connecting components 6'', 8'', 7'' and 9'' separately in the paired contacted state, wherein the connecting components 6'', 8'' establish electrical contact via the spring-like contact areas 6', 8' to the spring-like contact areas 6', 8' of adjacent connecting components 6'', 8'' of an adjacent surface covering element 2, 2'' and the connecting components 7'', 9'' each establish electrical contact via a surface contact connecting element 7', 9' to the resistance element 3 of the respective surface covering element 2, 2'' (see Figure 11). Fig. 1) To improve the electrical contact with a connecting lead 3' of the resistance element 3, interlocking elements 90 are provided on the contact connecting element 9', into which the connecting lead 3' is pressed during the manufacturing process of a surface covering element 2, 2''. Due to the previously described mirrored assembly of adjacent connection modules 13, the spring-like contact areas 6', 8' each come into contact at the apex S of the spring's upper surface (see figure). Fig. 7) to lie on top of each other (see above). Fig. 4, Fig. 5). Fig. 12 shows view A in Fig. 11 with connector 23 attached to the connecting components 6'' and 8'', which serves, for example, for electrical power supply. Also in Fig. This plug is shown in section 13, while in Fig. 14 the surface covering element 2 with inserted contact element 4 according to Fig. Figure 13 is shown without a plug.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, the contact module 12 and the connecting module 13 are also designed as stamped sheet metal parts, although this does not preclude their design as injection-molded plastic parts. The surface covering elements 2, 2'' are connected by click-connection elements in the form of groove elements 5 and spring elements 6 (see figure). Fig. 4) connected to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the electrically conductive resistance element 3 is designed as a fabric, schematically represented by individual, electrically conductive threads 30 of this fabric (see figure). Fig. 1). In Fig. Figure 3 indicates that if the connection module 13 is displaced relative to the contact module 12 along the double arrow P', the spring-like contact areas 6', 8' may move within the groove 5 of the surface covering element 2.

[0024] The usable surface 200 of the flooring elements 2, 2'' is formed by a decorative layer that determines the external appearance of the elements 2, 2'', and which consists of a laminate or real wood parquet. The electrically conductive resistance element 3, designed as a fabric, is arranged directly beneath the decorative layer 16 to ensure the most unimpeded heat dissipation possible from the resistance element. Below the resistance element 3 is the support layer 20 of a flooring element 2, 2'', which is produced, for example, from plastic by an extrusion process.

[0025] Fig.Figures 15a and 15b show a preferred embodiment of a floor covering 1 according to the invention. It is evident that an electrical control and / or regulating device 40 is connected to each of the surface covering elements 2'', while the surface covering elements 2 are designed without such a device. The surface covering elements 2, 2'' are each equipped with electrical bus lines 300 (shown with dashed lines), which enable data communication between the individual surface covering elements 2, 2''. It is evident that a single heating circuit 100, 100' is limited by the surface covering elements 2'' equipped with a control and / or regulating device 40. The control and / or regulating device 40 is integrated into the respective surface covering element 2''.The control and / or regulating devices 40 can also exchange data externally via radio-based communication in order to communicate with a central control and / or regulating device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, wall controller, etc.). For this purpose, the control and / or regulating devices 40 each contain a radio chip (not shown in detail). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 184 809 A1

[0003] DE 20 2019 101 807 U1

[0007] DE 201 22 778 U1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Heated surface covering (1), in particular floor covering, with - several surface covering elements (2, 2'') joined together to form the surface covering (1), - wherein the surface covering elements (2, 2'') are at least partially equipped with at least one electrical resistance element (3) and are thereby electrically heatable, and - wherein the heated surface covering elements (2, 2'') are at least partially equipped with at least one electrical contact element (4) which enables an electrical connection of the resistance element (3) with at least one resistance element (3) of an adjacent surface covering element (2, 2'') and thereby enables the construction of at least one electrical heating circuit (100, 100') formed by the surface covering (1), characterized by, that the electrical contact element (4) of a surface covering element (2, 2'') is inserted into a pocket-shaped recess (14) arranged below the usable surface (200) of this surface covering element (2, 2''). [2] Surface covering (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that each electrically heated surface covering element (2, 2'') is provided with at least one such recess (14) and a contact element (4) inserted therein. [3] Surface covering (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the recess (14) extends below the usable surface (200) parallel to it. [4] Surface covering (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the contact element (4) can be inserted into the pocket-shaped recess (14) by means of an insertion movement aligned parallel to the usable surface (200). [5] Surface covering according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that adjacent surface covering elements (2, 2'') are electrically connected to each other by contacting their two contact elements (4), which are preferably made up of identical components (12, 13, 6'', 7'', 8'', 9''). [6] Surface covering (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the contact elements (4) each have at least one spring-like contact area (6', 8') for electrical contacting with each other. [7] Surface covering (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that an electrical contact element (4) is each composed of a contact module (12) establishing the electrical connection with the resistance element (3) and a connection module (13), preferably inserted into the contact module (12), establishing the electrical connection with the adjacent surface covering element (2, 2''). [8] Surface covering (1) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the contact element (4), in particular its connection module (13), contains at least one electrical control and / or regulating device for controlling or regulating the resistance element (3). [9] Surface covering (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that to provide the electrical connection of two adjacent surface covering elements (2, 2'') the two, preferably identically designed, connection modules (13) are in contact rotated 180° to each other about an intersection axis formed by the connection plane and the covering plane. [10] Surface covering (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that the electrical contacting of the contact module (12) with the connection module (13) can be achieved by means of contact tongues (7, 9) arranged on one module (12, 13) which can be inserted into contact terminals (6, 8) of the other module (12, 13). [11] Surface covering (1) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the contact tongues (7, 9) and contact terminals (6, 8) are designed as components of a separate connecting component (6'', 8'', 7'', 9''), wherein the connecting components (6'', 8'', 7'', 9'') can each be inserted, inserted or overmolded into the contact module (12) or connecting module (13). [12] Surface covering (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized by , that the connecting components (6'', 8'', 7'', 9'') are designed as stamped sheet metal forming parts. [13] Surface covering (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized by , that the contact module (12) is fixedly connected to the surface covering element (2, 2''), whereas the connecting module (13) is arranged to be displaceable relative to the contact module (12).

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