Modular floor covering

Abstract

A connection system for the reversible joining of floor covering segments to form a floor covering, in particular a construction road, wherein the connection system has a first connecting element having a tongue for generating a tongue-and-groove connection or tongue-and-groove connection, wherein the connection system has a second connecting element having a groove for at least partially receiving the tongue for generating the tongue-and-groove connection or tongue-and-groove connection, wherein the first connecting element has at least one first positive locking element and the second connecting element has at least one second positive locking element corresponding to the first positive locking element outside the groove, and wherein the connection system is designed such that the positive locking elements form a positive lock by inclining the connecting elements towards each other when the tongue is at least partially inserted into the groove.which positively blocks a translational movement of the spring out of the groove.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to floor coverings, in particular modular floor coverings designed for temporary use and preferably suitable for use by motor vehicles. The present invention specifically relates to mobile construction roads. For the purposes of the present invention, mobile construction roads are preferably understood to be floor coverings suitable for use by motor vehicles, especially trucks and construction vehicles, which are mobile in that they can be laid – for example, to set up a construction site – and subsequently dismantled and reused.

[0002] In this context, the present invention particularly relates 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 several floor covering segments and a method for producing a floor covering, in particular a construction road.

[0003] A floor covering according to the present invention can be used, or constitutes, a floor protection system. This is particularly relevant as a system for preventing or reducing soil compaction or other soil damage, such as rutting caused by vehicles. For this purpose, the proposed floor covering can form an at least substantially uniform, level surface for load distribution. The proposed floor covering is therefore particularly suitable as a transport route, for creating construction site access roads, for widening paths, but also as an assembly platform, storage area, and / or for stage construction or floor protection at events. Alternatively or additionally, the floor covering can be used to protect sensitive surfaces such as cobblestones, lawns, or the like, either directly or in combination with an underlayment placed between the floor covering and the ground.It can be arranged on the Earth's surface or other load-bearing surface, or it can also be part of the ground.

[0004] Floor coverings of the type in question are typically formed from several floor covering segments joined together. To allow for reuse and / or dismantling, the floor covering segments are preferably joined together in a reversible manner.

[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 in there.

[0006] EP 3 401 441 B1 relates to a floor covering formed from floor covering segments that are hooked together by end hooks.

[0007] US Patent 2007 / 0079569 A1 and US Patent 7,607,265 B2 relate to a surface covering for the protection of 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 positively connected to each other by an interlocking system.

[0008] It has been shown that the use of lateral connectors, particularly due to the necessary screwing, leads to considerable installation effort and, under often encountered adverse conditions such as muddy, sandy, or uneven ground, causes installation difficulties. This also applies to hook systems, where even the ingress of small amounts of foreign material into the hook connection, which runs the full length of the respective flooring segments, necessitates cleaning measures during installation so that the flooring segments can be hooked together. This makes laying the flooring segments, i.e., creating the floor covering, both time-consuming and difficult to reuse.

[0009] 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.

[0010] The present problem is solved by a connection system according to claim 1, a floor covering segment according to claim 11, a floor covering according to claim 12, or a method for producing a floor covering according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a proposed connection system suitable for the reversible connection of floor covering segments to form the floor covering.

[0012] The connection system comprises two connecting elements. These connecting elements are suitable for joining 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.

[0013] The first connecting element here has a spring for creating a tongue-and-groove connection or tongue and groove connection.

[0014] The proposed connection system further includes a second connecting element which has a groove for at least partially receiving the spring to create the connection, i.e. the tongue-and-groove connection or tongue-and-groove connection.

[0015] A tongue-and-groove joint is a connection in which a preferably end-face groove of a planar structure is provided on the one hand, and a corresponding rib-like structure on the other, which can be inserted into one another to create a connection. The tongue in the form of the rib-like structure can thus be inserted into the groove, thereby creating the connection. A similar principle applies to a tongue-and-groove joint, whereby the tongue is connected to or integrally formed with the structure to be joined, in this case, the flooring segment, whereas in a tongue-and-groove joint, adjacent flooring segments can each have a groove, and the tongue engages in the respective grooves to create the connection. The invention will be explained in more detail below primarily with reference to a tongue-and-groove joint.Although not explicitly discussed, the present invention is also applicable to a tongue-and-groove joint in a corresponding manner.

[0016] The first connecting element, as proposed, has a first positive locking element, and the second connecting element, outside the groove, has at least one second positive locking element corresponding to the first positive locking element. The positive locking elements are designed to form a positive connection with each other. The connecting system is designed such that, when the spring is at least partially inserted into the groove, the positive locking elements form a positive connection by tilting the connecting elements relative to each other, thus positively blocking any translational movement of the spring out of the groove.

[0017] In other words, the proposed connection system combines a connection of a groove and corresponding tongue on the one hand with positive locking elements by which the connection formed with the groove and tongue is secured against loosening (preferably reversibly).

[0018] The use of a connection technique in which a spring is inserted into a groove has proven particularly advantageous in the preferred application. This prevents the connecting elements from becoming clogged with foreign material, or at least not as quickly. Should this nevertheless occur, the proposed connection system has proven to be easy and quick to clean. The positive locking mechanism can be created without screws – especially as a locking device – which advantageously helps to avoid problems with clogged threads.

[0019] The connection is preferably secured by tilting the connecting elements relative to each other, which in principle resembles a connection using a hook system. This advantageously enables quick, simple, and secure assembly, while avoiding the disadvantages of a hook connection by using the proposed connection system, in particular the tendency for even slight contamination to accumulate in undercuts of the hook geometry, and the associated difficulties during assembly or cleaning, especially if, as is preferred, the tongue and / or groove is / are completely free of undercuts.

[0020] The positive locking elements preferably form a locking mechanism for the connection created by the groove and the spring. It can be provided that one of the positive locking elements is a bolt and another of the positive locking elements is or has a corresponding receptacle, in particular a corresponding opening. The positive locking mechanism is formed by receiving the bolt in the receptacle or opening. For this purpose, the bolt can be inserted into the receptacle, in particular the opening, when the connecting elements are inclined relative to each other, thus forming a positive locking mechanism that prevents the spring from being translationally removed from the groove.

[0021] For disassembly or removal, the positive locking mechanism can preferably be reversed by tilting the connecting elements relative to each other so that the positive locking elements are released from their engagement, in particular by removing the bolt from the receptacle or opening (through the tilting or pivoting movement), whereupon the spring is moved out of the groove and the connection can be separated.

[0022] When partially inserted into the groove, the spring preferably has sufficient play within the groove to allow the connecting elements to pivot between a first position, in which the positive locking elements are separated, and a second position, in which the positive locking elements form a positive connection. It is therefore possible, and preferably intended, that the spring is first at least partially inserted into the groove before the positive locking elements form a positive connection by pivoting the connecting elements relative to each other, thus preventing the spring from being removed from the groove.

[0023] For this purpose, the spring can have sufficient play in the groove, so that the spring can initially be inserted slightly diagonally or inclined (partially) into an opening of the groove, and as the connecting elements are tilted towards each other, the positive locking can be formed by the positive locking elements and the spring can be pushed further into the groove.

[0024] As a result, the connection is preferably made by a pivoting movement in which the inclination of the connecting elements to each other is combined with a translational movement of the spring into the groove to create the connection and secure it by means of the positive locking elements; or the connection system is designed accordingly.

[0025] In other words, the design is such that the spring has so little play in the groove that, starting from a position where the positive locking elements are engaged, the connecting elements must be rotated relative to each other to release the positive lock and allow them to be separated. When the positive lock is engaged, separation of the connecting elements by translational movement is blocked. Thus, the positive lock prevents the spring from being pulled out of the groove.

[0026] The positive locking elements and preferably also the groove together with the tongue preferably have a certain amount of play after the positive locking has been formed, in order to compensate for unevenness of the floor or other supporting surface provided when laying below the floor covering and / or to allow for the formation of certain radii.

[0027] It is preferred that the positive locking elements, after the positive locking has been formed, have a clearance 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 extent of the respective connecting element.

[0028] A longitudinal extension of one of the connecting elements is preferably longitudinal or parallel to the tongue or groove. In practice, the connecting elements are elongated profiles that, after the flooring segments have been laid or the floor has been formed, run transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to a longitudinal extension of the floor. Using the example of a construction road, the grooves, tongues, and / or connecting elements thus run at least substantially perpendicular to a main direction of extension of the flooring or the construction road. Certain deviations due to twisting and / or the formation of radii through play are possible.

[0029] The interlocking play of the positive locking elements is preferably such that, in any position of the positive locking elements when the positive locking is formed, the spring cannot leave the groove. However, the spring can move within the groove to the extent that the interlocking play allows. This has surprisingly led to several advantages. On the one hand, a certain degree of twisting of the connecting elements relative to each other is retained, and / or, within certain limits, a radius can be created by several connecting systems arranged one behind the other or by floor covering elements equipped with them.

[0030] 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 positive locking elements. These can be displaced due to the clearance. This applies particularly to the preferred embodiment of the positive locking elements formed by a bolt and an opening. When the bolt is inserted into the opening to form the positive lock, any contaminants can be ejected through the opening by means of the bolt. In this respect, the connection system is self-cleaning and therefore particularly robust and less prone to defects.

[0031] The tongue and / or groove is / are preferably free of undercuts. In particular, they are not hook-shaped or have hook-like sections. This applies to the section of the tongue that can be inserted into the groove, even if the tongue continues beyond this point. The same applies to the section of the groove that the tongue can occupy while the positive locking mechanism is formed. By avoiding undercuts, the accumulation of contaminants and the resulting blockage of the connection mechanism are unlikely compared to hook-based systems. Even if contaminants should accumulate, they can be easily removed from the largely undercut-free structures or will dislodge themselves.

[0032] The groove preferably has walls defining the groove, which are preferably opposite each other and can run at least partially, at least substantially, parallel to each other.

[0033] A first of the groove-bounding walls can have a free edge that terminates at the groove opening. In other words, this wall ends at the level of the groove opening. On the other side, i.e., on the side of the groove facing away from the free edge, a second wall can be provided opposite the first wall, also defining the groove. This second wall preferably has a first section that defines the groove and a second section that continues outside the groove or is provided on the side of the groove opening facing away from the groove. The second section preferably carries the (first) positive locking element. Conversely, the positive locking element is therefore located or provided outside the groove.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that several 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 connecting element, in corresponding positions such that the connection can be formed as described above. However, it is also possible that the same connecting element has bolts and receptacles / openings, for example, alternating, and preferably a further connecting element is designed to complement this.

[0035] The arrangement of the positive locking elements outside the groove opening, or correspondingly outside the area where the tongue is located in the groove when the positive locking is formed—in other words, generally the spatial separation of the connection between tongue and groove on the one hand and the positive locking for blocking or locking this connection on the other—advantageously enables the particularly simple, quick, and robust connection of the connecting elements, or a corresponding formation of the floor from floor covering segments using the connecting elements of the connection system.

[0036] The clear width of the groove can be widened in the direction of the opening on at least the side of the free edge, for example by a rounded widening of the groove in the direction of the opening, in order to simplify a pivoting movement of the connecting elements while forming the connection of the connecting elements.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the second section (of the connecting element, which has the groove) can form a support, in particular a recessed or raised (projecting in relief compared to the adjacent surface) bearing surface, for the first connecting element. This support can be formed by a projection opposite a plane of the surface of the second wall of the groove in the first section. In other words, a support can be provided diagonally opposite the free edge outside the groove, which causes the tongue to have play with the second wall inside the groove when several flooring elements are laid on a flat surface. Accordingly, the flooring produced with the proposed connection system can advantageously follow certain slopes of the floor in different directions.

[0038] It is possible for the groove to have a depth that exceeds the maximum insertion depth of the spring (when the positive locking elements are engaged). In other words, when the spring is inserted to its maximum depth in the groove, a gap may be provided between one end of the spring and the opposite end of the groove. This gap, or the space formed when the spring is inserted into the groove, can act as a dirt-collecting space, thus trapping any contaminants. Accordingly, the proposed connection system can create a fully functional and reliable connection even with certain levels of contamination.

[0039] The combination of the play between the tongue end 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 combining these measures has proven to be exceptionally robust and reliable, even under adverse conditions. Both the connection formed by the tongue and groove, and the positive locking mechanism securing it, have proven fully functional even in heavily contaminated environments, which applies equally to the connection system as a whole.

[0040] The connecting elements are preferably extruded profiles. The connecting elements can be made of aluminum. In particular, they are aluminum extrusions. They can have one or more (continuous) hollow chambers. The connecting elements are therefore, in particular, hollow chamber extrusions. 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 corresponding sections. However, other manufacturing processes or technologies for forming the connecting elements are also conceivable.

[0041] The connecting elements preferably have a profile on the side opposite the tongue or groove for fastening one or more planks. 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 a second connecting element having the groove to form a flooring segment. However, a flooring segment can also be formed from a rigid or other panel to which the first and second connecting elements are arranged, fastened, or formed, preferably on opposite sides.

[0042] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a floor covering segment formed from a first connecting element of the connection system and a second connecting element of the connection 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 connection system can form edges of the floor covering segment, while one or more planks are provided between the connecting elements, which are connected to each other and to the connecting elements, so that a plate-shaped floor covering segment is formed overall, which carries the first connecting element on one side and the second connecting element on the other, each with an outwardly facing tongue or groove for connecting floor covering segments to each other.The first and second connecting elements of adjacent floor covering segments therefore form a proposed connection system.

[0043] Another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, relates to a floor covering comprising several proposed floor covering segments, each of which is connected to the other by a first connecting element and a second connecting element of the proposed connection system.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention relates to another aspect, which can also be implemented independently, namely a method for producing the floor covering, in particular in the form of a temporary construction road, on a floor. Here, at least one first floor covering segment located on the floor (i.e., essentially parallel to the floor and supported on the floor) is connected to another floor covering segment by inserting or pushing the spring of the second floor covering segment, which is initially inclined relative to the floor covering segment lying on the floor, into the groove of the first floor covering segment (partially) and (subsequently) pivoting the second floor covering segment towards the first floor covering segment.(towards the ground / earth's surface) the form-locking elements of the connecting elements, of which the spring is partially inserted into the groove, are brought into a form-locking position, thereby blocking the separation of the floor covering segments by a translational relative movement (i.e. by pulling apart).

[0045] Once connected, the flooring segments are aligned, at least substantially, with each other or follow a subsurface that is at least substantially level, thus forming a surface layer of floor protection. By connecting several flooring segments, a construction access road can be created. After use, the flooring segments can be separated and removed very efficiently, as both assembly and disassembly require no tools. To disassemble, the flooring segments simply need to be tilted towards each other, which releases the interlocking elements and pulls the tongue out of the groove. The detached flooring segment can then be transported individually or together with other flooring segments.

[0046] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of the proposed floor covering elements using the proposed connection system; Fig. 2 a top view of the proposed floor covering; Fig. 3 a section of the proposed floor covering along section line III-III from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4A a section of the floor covering elements on level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separate position; Fig. 4 Legs Section of the floor covering elements on level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separate position in a second, unlocked connection between tongue and groove; Fig. 4C shows a section of the floor covering elements on level IV-IV. Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separate position with the spring locked in the groove; Fig. 4 Your section of the floor covering elements on level IV-IV on Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separate position in a first operating position; and Fig. 4 shows a section of the floor covering elements on level IV-IV. Fig. 2 with connecting elements in a first, separate position in a second operating position.

[0047] The figures use the same reference symbols for identical 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.

[0048] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a proposed connection system 1 for joining floor covering segments 2 to form a floor 3. 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.

[0049] The floor covering segments 2 can have one or more planks 5 that can be connected to each other using the connection system 1. However, these are not mandatory, although preferred. Alternatively or additionally, planks or other floor covering elements 2 can be connected to form the floor covering 3 using the connection system 1.

[0050] The proposed connection system 1 comprises a first connecting element 7. The first connecting element 7 has a tongue for producing a tongue-and-groove connection or tongue-and-groove connection. In the illustrated example, and preferably, this is a web extending at least substantially continuously or without interruption along the first connecting element 7, and more preferably in a straight line.

[0051] Furthermore, the proposed connection system 1 has 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 tongue-and-groove connection with the tongue 8. The proposed connection elements 7 and 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, and in particular at least 10, are connected to one another.

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferred that the connection produced with the connecting elements 7, 9 be secureable, and particularly preferably lockable. The securing or locking is preferably achieved by positive locking, or the connecting elements 7, 9 are designed accordingly. In the illustrated example, the first connecting element 7 has a first positive locking element 11, and the second connecting element 9 has a second positive locking element 12. The positive locking elements 11, 12 are preferably designed to correspond to or complement each other, such that during or after the connection is produced by the connecting elements 7, 9, the connection created here is secured, and in particular locked, by the positive locking elements 11, 12.

[0053] In the specific embodiment, this is particularly preferably achieved by a positive locking connection between the connecting elements 7, 9, which is generated at least essentially automatically by the positive locking elements 11, 12 during assembly, i.e., when the connection between groove 10 and tongue 8 is made.

[0054] Particularly preferably, one of the positive locking elements 11, 12 is designed as a bolt, while the other positive locking element 11, 12 corresponds to or is complementary to it, in particular a receptacle for the bolt, in particular an opening which is in Fig. 1 This is only hinted at and will be explained in more detail below.

[0055] The connection system 1 is preferably designed such that the connecting elements 7, 9 initially have an inclination 13 towards each other when the connection is made, under which the spring 8 is at least partially inserted into the groove 10. The floor covering segments 2 are preferably flat structures or at least partially rigid panels. These flat structures or panels can be connected to each other by means of the connection system 1 at each edge, which in turn carries one of the connecting elements 7, 9. This is preferably done by tilting or pivoting, i.e., by changing, preferably decreasing, the inclination 13 between the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9.

[0056] In this context, inclination 13 is to be understood as an angle other than, preferably less than, 180°, which is enclosed between the main extension direction or median planes of the floor covering segments 2 designed as planar 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 median planes of the groove 9 and tongue 8, as shown in Fig. 1 hinted at.

[0057] The inclination 13 can be reduced or increased by a rotational or swiveling movement 14.

[0058] At an inclination 13 of more than 35°, preferably more than 40° or 45°, the connecting elements 7, 9 are always unlocked, since the positive locking elements 11, 12 do not engage with each other.

[0059] The inclination 13 can be reduced during the connection via the pivoting movement 14, whereby the positive locking elements 11, 12 engage with each other or otherwise form the positive locking, which is preferably the case, depending on the inclination, at least at inclinations 13 below 30°, preferably below 25° or 20°.

[0060] In a typical operating position of the floor covering segments 2 or the connecting elements 7, 9 relative to each other, the inclination 13 is preferably less than 10°, and particularly less than 5°. In other words, the typical operating position is reached 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 at least substantially coincide or are parallel. However, certain deviations in the sense of play are possible and preferably used for flexibility to adapt the floor covering 3 to the topography of a substrate such as a ground surface 4 or other load-bearing surface.

[0061] The floor covering elements 2 can have a surface structure 15 that provides slip resistance. In particular, this can include studs, ridges or the like.

[0062] The floor covering segments 2 can have hollow chambers 16. These can be designed as laterally open channels. 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 shown in the illustration.

[0063] 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. However, it is also possible that no hollow chambers 16 are present or that they are formed in another way, for example, by the floor covering segments 2 or planks 5 being wholly or partially made of aluminum composite panels.

[0064] 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 by an extrusion process or, when producing a Dibond structure, by connecting, in particular welding or bonding, the webs or a web-forming shaft to surface-forming panels.

[0065] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a top view of the proposed floor covering 3. In this illustration, it is in its operating position. In this position, the interlocking elements 11 and 12 form the interlock 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 second floor covering segment 2 (shown here on the right). Also visible are surface structures 15 in the form of ridges or grooves, providing slip resistance to the floor covering segments 2.

[0066] A cross-section of the interconnected floor covering segments 2, i.e., in their service position, as floor covering 3 according to section line III-III from Fig. 2 is in Fig. 3 depicted.

[0067] The floor covering segments 2 are formed from end connecting elements 7, 9 and planks 5 arranged between them, connected to these and to each other.

[0068] 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, eight planks 5 in the illustrative example.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 are used for connection, starting from one in Fig. 4A the depicted state in which the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 are separated from each other and inclined to each other in such a way that the spring 8 can be inserted into the groove 10, inclined or pivoted to each other, as shown in the following Fig. 4B and 4C shown, the tendency 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 The positions of the adjacent floor covering segments 2 and connecting elements 7, 9 are shown in a translational manner, which is made possible by the interlocking of the form-fitting elements 11, 12.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 4A In addition to the preferred construction of the proposed floor covering segments 2, it should first be mentioned that the respective planks 5 and connecting elements 7, 9 have corresponding or complementary connecting profiles or hook profiles which can be inserted into one another to create a hook connection 17.

[0072] Interlocking connecting profiles or hook connections 17 are preferably secured by a fastening element 18. This prevents the hook connection 17 from being unintentionally separated. The fastening element 18 is most preferably one or more screws. Alternatively or additionally, rivets and cotter pins can also be provided to secure the hook connection, preferably blocking the connecting profiles from sliding apart. It is also possible that completely different fastening elements are provided between the planks 5 and / or for connecting the connecting elements 7, 9, or that the flooring segments 2 are formed completely or partially in one piece with one or both of the connecting elements 7, 9.

[0073] As in Fig. 4A As shown, the second positive 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 this example a countersunk screw, which is countersunk in 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 for binding or fastening the bolt as the second positive locking element 12.

[0074] Starting from the mutually inclined floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 as they are shown in Fig. 4A As shown, the spring 8 can be partially inserted into the groove opening 22 and thereby partially enters the groove 10, possibly involving a rotational or pivoting movement 14, initially without the positive 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, is moved in the direction of the main extension plane of the first connecting element 7, or of the right floor covering segment 2.

[0075] Starting from this position, a positive locking connection between the positive locking elements 11, 12 can be achieved by a further rotational or pivoting movement 14, as shown in Fig. 4C This intermediate position already allows for a connection of the connecting elements 7, 9 locked by the form-locking elements 11, 12, without, however, reaching the service position, since in this position an inclination 13 of the floor covering segments 2 or connecting elements 7, 9 to each other remains.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, in 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 from compensating for unevenness of the earth surface 4.

[0077] Preferably, the spring 8 comes into contact with the support formed by the projection 27, on 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.

[0078] The projection 27 or the support is preferably spaced apart from the second positive locking element 12 of the second connecting element 9 and / or formed separately from it.

[0079] Finally, as in Fig. 4D As shown, the floor covering segments 2 and connecting elements 7, 9 are brought into alignment with each other by at least substantially eliminating the inclination 13. Preferably, the clearance 19 between the positive locking elements 11, 12 remains, thereby allowing a certain degree of translational relative movement 20.

[0080] Fig. 4E The figure also shows the operating position of the floor covering 3 or of the floor covering segments 2 connected to each other via the connecting elements 7, 9 in a translationally relative position. Due to the translational relative movement 20, it is possible that in the operating position, or with the connection of the connecting elements 7, 9 and secured by the positive locking elements 11, 12, the spring 8 projects slightly further or slightly less far into the groove 10, without the spring 8 being able to leave the groove 10.

[0081] In the position of use, as described 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 positive-locking element 12. However, other solutions are also possible, for example, those in which the projection 27 is continuous or wider than in the illustration, or is formed wholly or partially on the first connecting element 7 instead of on the second connecting element 9.

[0082] Individual aspects of the present invention can be combined with one another, even if this is not explicitly explained.

[0083] Further aspects of the present invention, which can also be combined with the aspects explained above, are in particular: 1. Connection system 1 for the reversible connection of floor covering segments 2 to form a floor covering 3, in particular a construction road, wherein the connection system 1 has a first connection element 7 which has a tongue 8 for producing a tongue-and-groove connection or tongue-and-groove connection, wherein the connection system 1 has a second connection element 9 which has a groove 10 for at least partially receiving the tongue 8 for producing the tongue-and-groove connection or tongue-and-groove connection, wherein the first connection element 7 has at least one first positive locking element 11 and the second connection element 9 has at least one second positive locking element 12 corresponding to the first positive locking element 11 outside the groove 10, and wherein the connection system 1 is designed such that the positive locking elements 11, 12 form a positive locking connection by inclination 13 of the connection elements 7, 9 to each other when the tongue 8 is at least partially inserted into the groove 10.which positively blocks a translational movement of the spring 8 out of the groove 10. 2. Connection system 1 according to aspect 1, characterized in that the positive locking elements form a locking mechanism. 3. Connection system 1 according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the first positive locking element 11 is a bolt and / or the second positive locking element 12 is a receptacle, in particular an opening, preferably for receiving the bolt, wherein the bolt can be inserted into the receptacle to form the positive locking mechanism. 4. Connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects, spring 8, in the partially inserted state in the groove 10, has sufficient clearance 19 in the groove 10 such that the connection elements 7, 9 are pivotable relative to each other between a first position in which the positive locking elements 11, 12 are separated from each other, and a second position in which the positive locking elements 11, 12 form the positive locking mechanism. 5. Connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects,characterized in that the positive locking elements 11, 12 are designed to have a clearance 19 after the positive locking 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 spring 8. 6. Connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the spring 8 has so little clearance 19 in the groove 10 that the connecting elements 7, 9 must be rotated relative to each other from a position of the connecting elements 7, 9 relative to each other in which the positive locking elements 11, 12 form the positive locking, in order to release the positive locking, whereby the connecting elements 7, 9 can be separated from each other, and / or that, when the positive locking has been formed, separation of the connecting elements 7, 9 by a translational movement is blocked. 7. Connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in thatthat the spring 8 is in the section that can be inserted into the groove 10 and / or that the groove 10 is / are free of undercuts. 8. Connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that a first wall 21 bounding the groove 10 has a free edge 23 terminating with a groove opening 22 of the groove 10, while on the side of the groove 10 facing away from the free edge 23 a second wall 24 opposite the first wall 21, bounding the groove 10, is provided, which has a first section 25 that bounds the groove 10, and a second section 26 provided on the side of the groove opening 22 facing away from the groove 10, which has the second positive locking element 12. 9. Connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the second section 26 has a projection 27 opposite 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. 10. Connecting system 1 according to aspect 8, characterized in that the groove 10 has a depth that exceeds the maximum insertion depth of the spring 8, so that when the spring 8 is inserted into the groove 10, a dirt-collecting space 29 is formed between an end face 30 of the spring 8 and a groove bottom 31 of the groove 10. 11. Connecting system 1 according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the connecting elements 7, 9 are or comprise floor covering segments 2 or a part thereof forming planks 5, extruded profiles, preferably aluminum extruded profiles, hollow chamber extruded profiles, and / or multi-wall sheets. 12. Connecting system 1 according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that one or both of the connecting elements 7, 9 have a connecting profile 17A, 17B, preferably a hook profile, on a side facing away from the groove 10 or spring 8.for fastening to one another and / or to a plank 5, preferably forming a hook connection 17. 13. Floor covering segment 2 formed from a first connecting element 7 of the connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects and a second connecting element 9 of the connection system 1 according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising 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. 14. Floor covering 3 comprising several floor covering segments 2 according to aspect 13, each connected to one another by a first connecting element 7 and a second connecting element 9 of adjacent floor covering segments 2. 15. Method for producing a floor covering 3, in particular a temporary construction road, wherein at least one first,A floor covering segment 2 located on the earth surface 4 according to aspect 13 and a second floor covering segment 2 according to aspect 13 are connected to each other by partially inserting the spring 8 of the second floor covering segment 2, which is initially inclined relative to the first floor covering segment 2, into the groove 10 of the first floor covering segment 2 and by a pivoting movement 14 of the second floor covering segment 2 towards the first floor covering segment 2, bringing the positive locking elements 11, 12 of the floor covering segments 2 into a positive locking position, thereby blocking separation of the floor covering segments 2 by a translational relative movement 20 of the floor covering segments 2. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0084] 1 Connection system 2 Flooring segment 3 Flooring 4 Ground surface 5 Plank 6 Web 7 First connecting element 8 Spring 9 Second connecting element 10 Groove 11 First positive locking element 12 Second positive locking element 12A Screw 12B Sleeve 13 Inclination 14 Swivel movement 15 Surface structure 16 Hollow chamber 17 Hook connection 17A Connecting profile 17B Connecting profile 18 Fastener 19 Play 20 Translational relative movement 21 First wall 22 Groove opening 23 Free edge 24 Second wall 25 First section 26 Second section 27 Projection 28 Flush 29 Dirt collection space 30 End face 31 Groove bottom

Claims

1. A connection system (1) for the reversible connection of floor covering segments (2) to form a floor covering (3), in particular a construction road, wherein the connection system (1) has a first connection element (7) which has a tongue (8) for producing a tongue and groove connection or a sheet piling connection, wherein the connection system (1) has a second connection element (9) which has a groove (10) for at least partially receiving the tongue (8) for producing the tongue and groove connection or a sheet piling connection, wherein the first connection element (7) has at least one first form-locking element (11) and the second connection element (9) has at least one second form-locking element (12) corresponding to the first form-locking element (11) outside the groove (10), and wherein the connection system (1) is designed such that the form-locking elements (11, 12) can be inclined by inclination (13) of the connection elements (7,9) to form a positive connection to one another, which positively blocks a translational movement of the spring (8) out of the groove (10), wherein a first wall (21) delimiting the groove (10) has a free edge (23) ending with a groove mouth (22) of the groove (10), while on the side of the groove (10) facing away from the free edge (23) there is provided a second wall (24) opposite the first wall (21) and delimiting the groove (10), which second wall has a first section (25) delimiting the groove (10), and a second section (26) provided on the side of the groove mouth (22) facing away from the groove (10), which section has the second positive connection element (12), , characterized by that the groove (10) has a depth which exceeds the maximum insertion depth of the spring (8), so that when the spring (8) is inserted into the groove (10), a dirt-receiving space (29) is formed between an end face (30) of the spring (8) and a groove bottom (31) of the groove (10).

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

3. Connection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the form-locking elements form a locking mechanism.

4. Connection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second form-locking element (12) is a bolt and / or the first form-locking element (11) is a receptacle, in particular an opening, preferably for receiving the bolt, wherein the bolt can be inserted into the receptacle to form the form-locking connection.

5. Connection system according to one of the preceding claims, spring (8) in the partially inserted state in the groove (10) has so much play (19) in the groove (10) that the connecting elements (7, 9) can be pivoted relative to one another between a first position in which the form-locking elements (11, 12) are separated from one another and a second position in which the form-locking elements (11, 12) form the form fit.

6. Connection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the form-locking elements (11, 12) are designed to have play (19) after formation of the form-lock, 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).

7. Connection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe spring (8) in the groove (10) has so little play (19) that the connecting elements (7, 9), starting from a position of the connecting elements (7, 9) relative to one another in which the form-locking elements (11, 12) form the form-locking connection, have to be rotated relative to one another in order to release the form-locking connection, whereby the connecting elements (7, 9) can be detached from one another, and / or that when the form-locking connection is formed, separation of the connecting elements (7, 9) is blocked by a translational movement.

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

9. Connection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe connecting elements (7, 9), floor covering segments (2) or planks (5) forming part of these, extruded profiles, preferably aluminum extruded profiles, hollow chamber extruded profiles, and / or web panels.

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

11. 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, comprising 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).

12. Floor covering (3) comprising a plurality of floor covering segments (2) according to claim 11, which are each connected to one another by a first connecting element (7) and a second connecting element (9) of adjacent floor covering segments (2).

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

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